At some point in your child’s—or adult child’s—journey, you’ll likely find yourself assembling what we call a “team.” These are the people who support, care for, and help your loved one thrive—and you're the one managing it all.

In this episode, we (Angie Matheney and Christi Jensen) share what we’ve learned from 25 years of building teams for Alec across three states and two countries. From in-home programming during early childhood to now relying on a team for Alec’s 24/7 care as an adult.

This is Part One of a two-part conversation, where we’ll dive into the core elements of building a reliable, supportive care team. Be sure to tune in for Part Two.

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In this episode, we open up about one of the biggest—and hardest—decisions we’ve made for Alec: moving him to Utah.

We share what led up to that choice, what we learned during his time in Colorado, and how those experiences helped shape the path forward. This wasn’t a decision made lightly. It came with a lot of reflection, careful planning, and most importantly, Alec’s own input.

Now that he’s settled in, we can honestly say—it was the right move. Utah has become the place where Alec feels most at home, and we’ve seen firsthand how the right environment and a supportive team can make all the difference.

Whether you’re facing a similar decision or just curious about what goes into a major transition like this, we hope our story encourages you to trust your instincts, include your loved one in the process, and stay open to what’s possible.

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In this episode, we’re diving into the sometimes overwhelming—but incredibly important—world of data collection. We talk about why we take data, how it helps us support Alec, and how we use it not just for his progress, but also to guide and support our team.

We share how we decide what to track, when too much is too much, and how we’ve learned to strike a balance between meaningful data and practical, sustainable routines. We also touch on celeration charts—a tool with a solid place in the ABA world, but if we’re being totally honest, they were our least favorite. And that’s okay! The goal is finding a method that works for your child and your team.

We discuss some of our favorite skills tracking tools such as:

Dr James Partington's ABLLS: the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills

AND

Steve Ward's: Teaching Good Learner Repertoires

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to simplify your approach, this episode is packed with real-life examples, lessons learned, and encouragement to make data work for you—not overwhelm you.

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In this episode, we’re talking chores—how we got Alec started, how we create chore chains with just the right level of support, and why these daily tasks are so much more than household responsibilities.

Chores have been a huge part of Alec’s journey toward independence. We share how we taught him to complete tasks step by step, how we adjusted support as his skills grew, and why we believe every child—regardless of ability—can take pride in contributing at home.

Chores also lay a solid foundation for real-world job skills. These early routines can turn into resume-worthy experience, and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful that can be.

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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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