In this episode, we dive into one of the most important routines in Alec’s daily life: sitting down at the start of each shift with his team member to plan out their time together. This isn’t just a schedule—it’s a thoughtful, intentional way to make sure Alec is engaging both his body and his mind in meaningful ways.

We talk about the parameters we’ve set to help guide those daily plans and create a well-rounded routine. From going to the gym and moving his body in new ways, to doing chores at home, visiting a museum, going to the movies, or bowling—each activity serves a purpose. It’s about building structure, variety, and joy into Alec’s day while supporting his independence and personal growth.

We hope this gives you ideas for how to shape daily routines for your own child or loved one—routines that honor their interests, challenge their abilities, and support both their physical and emotional well-being.

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In this episode, we talk about one of our most practical tools for daily life with Alec—the backpack. Whether you’re running errands, heading to a therapy appointment, or spending the day out and about, being prepared can make all the difference when caring for a child with autism.

We share what we always keep packed and ready to go—from sensory supports and snacks to communication tools and cleanup supplies. Our favorite? The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack—but the most important thing is finding a bag that fits your child’s specific needs and routines.

We’ll walk through our must-haves, a "thank goodness we had that” stories, and tips for building your own go-bag to reduce stress and stay one step ahead of the unexpected.

Click here for Under Armour Hustle 6.0 backpack

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In this episode, we share what Alec’s life looks like today—from the home he lives in to the systems we’ve put in place to support his independence and well-being. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to tailor his living environment to meet his unique needs, and we’re excited to give you a glimpse into the thoughtful setup that helps him thrive.

We walk through the amenities in Alec’s home, how we designed the space to reduce stress and increase comfort, and how his daily life is organized. We also break down the five core categories that guide how Alec and his team structure his time: community access, self-care, independent living skills, communication and downtime.

Whether you’re planning for the future or just curious about adult autism supports, this episode offers a real-life look at how we’ve built a framework that helps Alec live with purpose and support.

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In this episode, we—Angie and Christi—look back on Alec’s early years and the start of our autism journey. We share what it was like when Alec was diagnosed at just 2 years old, some of the behaviors he struggled with, and how we navigated those early, uncertain days as parents and caregivers.

We talk about the professionals who came into our lives and played a huge role in shaping Alec’s progress, as well as the lessons we learned along the way. It’s a personal, emotional, and sometimes funny reflection on those formative years. If you're just beginning this path or have already walked it, we hope our stories bring comfort, hope, and maybe even a few laughs.

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In our very first episode of Piece by Piece: An Autism Podcast, we—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—introduce ourselves and share the heart behind this podcast. We're two women with a shared passion for helping others navigate the world of autism, and we’re here to build a supportive, honest, and empowering community.

We’ll talk about our experiences working with Alec and how we use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help him get the most out of life. Through real stories, practical insights, and open conversations, our goal is to connect with families, professionals, and anyone walking this path. Let’s grow and learn together—one piece at a time.

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Join us—Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen—for a candid Q&A-style conversation where Christi opens up about what she wishes she could have told her younger self when Alec was first diagnosed.

We talk about the shifting priorities that come with raising a child on the spectrum, the pressure to "do everything right," and the importance of giving yourself grace. Whether you're just starting out or years into your journey, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that you're not alone.

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