What happens when autism support moves beyond four walls and into nature? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with Dr. Dana Spett, founder of Pony Power Therapies, to explore autism, sensory regulation, equine-assisted services, and why connection, movement, and nature can create powerful opportunities for growth.

Dana’s journey began as a mother searching for support for her own daughter. What started with one horse and four riders has grown into Pony Power Therapies, a community-centered organization helping children and adults with disabilities connect with horses, farming, nature, and themselves.

Together, Sarah and Dana discuss autism parenting, sensory regulation, maternal intuition, nature-based learning, disability inclusion, and the importance of creating environments where autistic individuals can thrive without pressure to conform. Dana shares why traditional approaches are not always enough and how horses offer a unique opportunity for regulation, confidence, connection, and belonging.

The conversation explores:

* autism and sensory regulation
* equine-assisted services
* nature-based support for autistic children
* maternal intuition and advocacy
* disability inclusion and community belonging
* farming, purpose, and meaningful work
* autism and nervous system regulation
* creating supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals

Dana also shares how Pony Power supports families across the lifespan, from young children with autism to adults navigating life after age 21, when many formal support systems begin to disappear.

This episode is for autism moms, caregivers, educators, therapists, and anyone interested in nature-based approaches to autism support, sensory regulation, disability advocacy, and helping neurodivergent individuals build meaningful lives and connections.

In This Episode

00:00 – The mission behind Pony Power Therapies
01:00 – Dana’s journey as a social worker and autism mom
02:30 – Following maternal intuition instead of rushing to medication
04:00 – Why trusting your gut matters in autism parenting
05:30 – Equine-assisted services and empowering families
06:30 – How autistic children respond to horses and nature
08:00 – Sensory regulation through movement and rhythm
09:30 – Why horses provide unique nervous system support
11:00 – Nature, regulation, and the family system
13:00 – Beyond traditional talk therapy approaches
14:30 – The role of nature in mental health and autism support
16:00 – Nonverbal communication and connection beyond words
17:30 – Why leaving the house feels impossible for some families
19:00 – Supporting dysregulated autistic children without judgment
21:00 – Creating safe spaces for neurodivergent families
23:30 – The autism service cliff after age 21
25:00 – Farming, employment, and meaningful purpose for autistic adults
27:00 – Disability inclusion and reimagining community support

Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, profound autism perspectives, neurodivergent parenting, and conversations that challenge us to build more inclusive communities.

Click here to discover more about Pony Power Therapies

• (00:00:00) - Inch Sentence Podcast: Dana Spett
• (00:00:55) - Pony Power Therapies: The Origins Story
• (00:05:18) - Pony Power: Autism and the Horse
• (00:11:46) - The Future of Social Work: Nature and Communication
• (00:18:37) - Autistic People on the Farm
• (00:20:30) - Pony Power on Autism and Farming

Many parents of non-speaking autistic children carry a quiet certainty: my child understands more than they can show. In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with occupational therapist, researcher, and Spellers Method co-creator Dr. Dana Johnson to explore whole body apraxia, motor planning, communication, and why behavior may not tell the whole story.

For years, families have been told to trust observable behaviors as the primary measure of understanding. Dr. Johnson challenges that assumption by explaining how motor planning differences can prevent autistic individuals from reliably demonstrating what they know, understand, or intend to communicate.

Together, Sarah and Dr. Johnson discuss whole body apraxia, non-speaking autism, presuming competence, sensory regulation, motor coaching, and the ways parents are often dismissed when their observations don’t align with traditional clinical models.

The conversation explores:

* whole body apraxia and autism
* non-speaking autism and communication
* motor planning challenges
* presuming competence
* autism and regulation
* maternal intuition and clinical observation
* supporting autistic children beyond behavior-based assumptions
* co-regulation and caregiver support

Dr. Johnson also shares how her work evolved after listening to parents whose experiences challenged what she had been taught professionally. Her message is both practical and hopeful: understanding motor differences can fundamentally change how families, therapists, and educators support autistic children.

This episode is for parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, and anyone interested in communication, autism advocacy, profound autism, and understanding what may exist beneath observable behavior.

In This Episode

00:00 – Maternal intuition, autism, and the limits of observation
02:00 – Why parents are often dismissed by professionals
04:15 – The story that led Dr. Johnson to rethink autism therapy
05:45 – What whole body apraxia actually means
07:15 – Understanding motor planning and communication barriers
08:00 – Why behavior does not always reflect understanding
09:30 – The backpack example: motor planning in daily life
11:00 – Typical childhood behavior versus apraxia
12:30 – Why presuming competence matters
14:00 – How professionals unintentionally limit autistic children
16:00 – Reading ability, communication, and hidden competence
17:00 – Regulation, sensory overwhelm, and motor control
19:00 – Why parents must regulate themselves first
21:00 – The invisible pressure placed on mothers
23:00 – Co-regulation and caregiver support
25:00 – Building confidence through small wins and inchstones
28:00 – Supporting parents, not just children
30:00 – The fear every autism parent carries about the future

Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion explores autism advocacy, caregiver stories, profound autism, communication, neurodivergent parenting, and the small inchstones that shape meaningful lives.

About Dr. Dana Johnson:

For more than 20 years, Dr. Johnson has worked alongside incredible families who have taught her what true resilience, patience, and hope look like. Through this work, she has learned that two things can be true at once: your child can struggle and make incredible progress at the same time.

Recognizing that too many professionals didn't know how to truly help these families, Dr. Johnson created her YouTube channel, “The Autism + Apraxia Doctor,” and expanded her reach across multiple platforms to educate professionals in the autism field. She specializes in helping individuals with complex autism, whole-body apraxia, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities develop intentional motor skills and improve their overall health.

Her mission is...

• (00:00:01) - Maternal intuition about autism on The Inchstones Podcast
• (00:01:41) - Speech therapists on autism
• (00:06:59) - What does that whole body apraxia actually look like?
• (00:14:28) - Caution about presuming competence in children with disabilities
• (00:15:36) - Motor and regulation in children's brains
• (00:16:55) - What It's Like to Be Maxed Out in Motherhood
• (00:25:38) - Dr. Johnson: Reflection is a life luxury

What does autistic adulthood actually look like? In this episode of Inchstones, Sarah Kernion sits down with autistic young adult Zach Ennis and his mother, Stacy Ennis, for a powerful conversation about independence, self-advocacy, friendship, community, and building a meaningful life with autism.

Too often, conversations about autism stop in childhood. Zach’s story offers something many families are searching for: a glimpse into adulthood, possibility, and the supports that help autistic adults thrive.

Zach shares what he enjoys most about his life, from community dinners, theater classes, movies, friendships, and independent living skills to advocating for adults with disabilities. He speaks candidly about communication, relationships, self-confidence, and his hopes for the future. His message is simple but powerful: work hard, be kind, support others, and believe in your potential.

Sarah and Stacy also explore the evolution of motherhood, autism advocacy, acceptance, and the unexpected gifts that come from raising and supporting a neurodivergent child into adulthood. Together they discuss communication beyond speech, independence, dignity, self-determination, and why autistic adults deserve opportunities to build full and meaningful lives.

This episode explores:

* autistic adulthood and independence
* autism advocacy and self-advocacy
* neurodivergent parenting across the lifespan
* community living and social connection
* autism and communication differences
* supporting autistic adults
* friendship, purpose, and belonging
* motherhood and lifelong caregiving

This conversation is a reminder that autism is not the end of a story. For many families, it is the beginning of a different story filled with growth, connection, community, and possibility.

In This Episode

00:00 – Introducing Zach and Stacey Ennis
01:15 – Zach shares what he enjoys most about life
02:10 – Building independence through community and daily living skills
03:00 – Friendship, communication, and social connection
03:45 – What Zach wishes people understood about him
05:00 – Accomplishments and learning independent living skills
06:10 – Feeling seen through autism self-advocacy
07:20 – Challenges that people may not notice
08:15 – Living your best life and future goals
09:00 – Zach’s message about autism and kindness
10:15 – What Zach has taught his mother about life
12:30 – Friendship, family, and growing into adulthood
15:15 – Daily connection between mother and son
16:20 – Acceptance, advocacy, and finding joy
18:00 – Communication beyond speech and traditional expectations
20:00 – Seeing the person beyond the diagnosis

Listen to more episodes of the Inchstones Podcast, where Sarah Kernion shares caregiver stories, autism advocacy, neurodivergent parenting, profound autism experiences, and conversations that illuminate the humanity behind every diagnosis.

• (00:00:01) - Autism on Inchstones: Zach Ennis
• (00:00:54) - Living On An Independent Plan
• (00:03:03) - Zach's Life Story
• (00:04:51) - DustB House Community Member Zachary's Special Needs Moments
• (00:06:16) - Zachary on the Future
• (00:06:47) - Zachary Ennis on Autism
• (00:07:40) - What Has Zach Learned From His Life?
• (00:08:46) - The Reorientation of Having a Neurodiverse Child
• (00:09:51) - One Mother's Friendship With Her Autistic Son
• (00:12:31) - One Parent's Love Letter For His Mother
• (00:13:48) - Stacy's story of autism and the support of the community