Episode 33: Redefining Expectations in Autism

Chris chats with Kellyn Smythe, Director of Admissions at Pacific Quest and a father navigating autism in his own family. Kellyn shares his personal journey of his
son’s early feeding struggles and eventual autism diagnosis. This conversation offers an honest look at the realities many families face. However, this episode offers hope with Kellyn reflecting on how perspective shifts over time explaining how what once felt devastating can become a source of joy.

Links:
Autism Learning Lab: https://www.autismlearninglab.com/
Email: chris@autismlearninglab.com

Pacific Quest: https://pacificquest.org/

Quotes:
[7:50-8:00] Kellyn “All that suffering and all that distress and worry and
sleepless nights and all those things that made a big old hole that we get to
fill up with everything he does now it's just so rewarding.”

[10:45-10:55] Chris “I like the fact that you're other people are putting up
boundaries, and you're saying ‘no I'm gonna take that away and let's at least try.’ If you're not going to do that for your kid, who's going to?”

[15:21-15:24] Kellyn “Our healthy relationships involve attuned expectations.”