In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Lauren Carpenter speaks with Joshua Yirkovsky, 21-year Navy veteran and founder of Angel Force Foundation, about how families and schools can better prepare for emergencies involving neurodivergent children. From practical safety tools like wearable GPS devices and visual cues to individualized safety plans (ISPs) and modified emergency drills, Joshua shares expert strategies for reducing elopement risks and building collaborative, trauma-informed communities. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this conversation is packed with actionable tips to help you create a safer, more responsive environment for children with developmental or sensory needs. Tune in to learn how you can take proactive steps to protect the ones you love.

Angel Force Foundation Website: https://angelforcefoundation.org/

Streetlight Angels Podcast: https://www.angelfp.com/streetlight-angels-podcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) School updates and introducing our guest, Joshua Yirkovsky Angel Force Foundation

(04:20) What is Angel Force Foundation?

(06:30) How has your experience in the military influenced the programs at Angel Force Foundation?

(08:00) What accommodations can schools make for students with additional needs?

(12:05) Emergencies at home and developing an emergency plan

(14:30) ISP - Individual safety plan

(15:40) Technology and tools

(19:25) Advice for students prone to elopement

(22:40) How can you design your environment to prevent elopement

(26:10) Creating a village of shared safety

(28:00) Success stories

(29:45) Learn more about Angel Force Foundation

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Planning a family trip with a neurodivergent child can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, we talk with Alan Day, co-founder of Autism Double Checked, about how families can prepare for travel with autistic children, what service providers need to understand about sensory processing and individual needs, and why patience and problem-solving are key. From real-life travel tips to compassionate advice for parents and professionals, this conversation offers practical tools and hope for making travel more accessible and enjoyable. Tune in to feel more confident and supported on your next adventure.

TSA Cares Number: 855-787-2227, Option 2

Autism Double Checked Website

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates

(02:30) Introducing Alan Day, Co-Founder and CEO of Autism Double Checked

(03:45) The start of Autism Double Checked

(05:45) How did your special needs parent experience influence this decision?

(07:50) The power of the Autism Flies Program

(12:30) TSA Cares

(16:20) Where to sit on the plane - Tips

(18:45) Advice for working through the airport

(21:50) Autism Stays Program - How to stay at a hotel

(27:30) Autism Passport Program

(31:30) Trends towards neurodivergent children travel

(38:45) How can families advocate in the meantime?

(40:15) Messages for parents preparing for travel

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.

Discover how gamification, emotional literacy, and AI are transforming education for neurodiverse learners in this insightful episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Educator Ariana McDaniels shares real-life classroom experiences and expert tips on using technology safely and effectively to support students with autism and other neurodiverse needs.

Learn how tools like AI can boost engagement, build community, and empower students to communicate and thrive—both in school and beyond. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator looking for practical strategies and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen. Timestamps:

(00:00) School updates and Summer Literacy Camp

(02:15) Introducing Ariana McDaniels from our Advanced Learning Center

(04:30) Ariana’s research at Georgia Tech

(05:40) Helping students navigate emotions

(06:45) Applying her research to her classroom

(07:50) Using AI in the classroom

(10:35) AI tools

(11:50) How will AI change special education?

(12:30) How families can use AI at home

(13:20) Using gamification to help students and eye tracking software

(14:50) Research with Horizons

(17:00) Success stories

(18:00) AI safety

(22:00) Final thoughts

(23:25) Adult programs