In this heartfelt webinar replay from Resilience Coaching Collective, host Belle Stikeleather (BCBA & resilience coach) welcomes Sunny & Johnny Tran from San Diego to share their inspiring story of raising their autistic daughter Kyla (now 15), alongside her two siblings.

From early red flags at age 2 (limited eye contact, pointing, and response to name) to diagnosis, intensive early intervention, and years of collaboration with Belle’s team, Sunny & Johnny reflect on:

• Embracing neurodiversity: viewing autism as part of Kyla’s unique personality (“icing on the cake”) rather than something to “fix.”
• Practical strategies: visual cues, timers, choice boards, role-playing, board games, and community adventures (kayaking, surfing, art classes) to build communication, emotional regulation, and independence.
• Family resilience: navigating sibling dynamics, public perceptions, self-care, and celebrating small victories with positivity, patience, and never giving up.
• Thriving as a family: turning challenges into growth through teamwork, love, adventure, and consistent support.

This session highlights the power of early intervention, parent-professional collaboration, and affirming Kyla’s abilities, proving that with the right tools and mindset, families can thrive together.

Perfect for parents, educators, therapists, and allies seeking real-life hope, strategies, and encouragement for neurodivergent journeys.

Timestamps for easy navigation:

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introductions
• 01:16 – Kyla’s Early Red Flags & Diagnosis
• 05:49 – Embracing Neurodiversity & Redefining Thriving
• 09:02 – Importance of Early Intervention & Team Collaboration
• 13:43 – Communication Tools (Visual Cues, Schedules, Choice Boards)
• 19:20 – Emotional Regulation & Coping Strategies (Board Games, Role-Play)
• 24:04 – Handling Public Perceptions & Educating Others
• 29:58 – Sibling Dynamics & Family Bonding Through Adventure
• 35:09 – Self-Care & Parent Resilience (Date Days, Celebrating Wins)
• 40:00 – Community Activities & Applying Skills (Swimming, Art, Fishing)
• 46:52 – Q&A & Closing Reflections (Sarah’s Affirmation, Audience Thanks)

Subscribe for more affirming, constructional conversations on resilience, belonging, and neurodiversity. Watch the replay and join the collective!

#ResilienceCoachingCollective #AutismParentin

Thanks for joining Resilience Coaching Collective!

We explore neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based strategies inspired by Israel Goldiamond’s constructional approach (expanded by T.V. Joe Layng and rooted in B.F. Skinner’s science) that build strengths and repertoires rather than simply eliminate problem behaviors.

This episode is part of our ongoing inclusion initiative, Spectrum Speaks, a Behavioral Teaching Solutions project dedicated to amplifying neurodivergent voices and creating safe spaces for growth.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to our weekly conversations that turn challenges into lasting capabilities.

Earn Affordable CEUs

Many episodes offer 1 Learning CEU (BACB / QABA-eligible) for just $9.99 USD.

[Purchase here]

(Quiz link and certificate sent via email after payment.)

Connect with us:

www.rccpodcast.com

@belleStike on Instagram | X | Threads

Share feedback or topic ideas: reply anywhere or email belle@maribelcastillo.co

Backlog gems from 2025 + fresh episodes in 2026 — see you next time!

#ResilienceCoachingCollective #ConstructionalApproach #Neurodiversity #ActuallyAutis...