169 - Supporting Grandchildren with Autism: Inclusion Starts at Home with Jennifer Kaufman скачать в хорошем качестве

169 - Supporting Grandchildren with Autism: Inclusion Starts at Home with Jennifer Kaufman

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with educator, school principal, author, and autism advocate Jennifer Kaufman to explore inclusion through the lens of grandparenting. Jennifer shares how her professional expertise was deeply reshaped by becoming a grandmother to an autistic grandson. Together, they unpack misconceptions about autism, the importance of shifting expectations, and how grandparents can support families without overstepping. From creating welcoming home environments to offering unconditional acceptance, this conversation offers practical, heartfelt guidance for families, educators, and anyone committed to building more inclusive communities. Key Takeaways: Shift Expectations - Grandparents must let go of preconceived ideas and adapt to what their autistic grandchild truly needs. Unconditional Acceptance - Acceptance—not fixing or curing—is the foundation of meaningful inclusion. Listen First - Supporting parents starts with listening, not advising or correcting. Consistent Environments - Consistency between home, school, and grandparents’ homes helps autistic children thrive. Support, Not Control - Grandparents can advocate effectively by asking permission and respecting parental boundaries. Jennifer Kaufman’s definition of inclusion: Inclusion is creating a world where people who are neurodiverse are part of the conversation and we find ways to create environments that are comfortable for them. Jennifer Kaufman’s Bio: My name is Jen Kaufman. As an educational leader and school principal at a specialized school for learners with autism in Paramus, NJ, where I've dedicated my career to supporting students on the spectrum and their families. I'm also proudly Ben's grandma—Ben has autism and is the light of my life. This unique dual perspective has given me invaluable insights that textbooks alone could never provide. Through my professional expertise and experience in autism education and the profound personal journey of being Sam's grandmother, I've discovered strategies and approaches that bridge understanding and create meaningful connections. My passion for helping children with special needs who learn differently has now led me to expand my reach beyond my immediate circle. I'm committed to sharing both my professional knowledge and heartfelt personal experiences to help other grandparents navigate their own journeys with their autistic grandchildren. By standing at this intersection of professional and personal understanding, I offer a unique perspective that resonates with both families and educators, transforming potential challenges into opportunities for deeper connection and joy. Connect with Jennifer Kaufman: Website: https://grandparentingonthespectrum.com/ Facebook:   / grandparentingonthespectrum   Instagram:   / grandparentingonthespectrum   LinkedIn:   / genmkaufman   SPAM© Count: Host: Yes Current Guest: Yes Cumulative Guest Stats: Yes - 75 No - 92 ☕ Buy me a Coffee: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/theinclusive... Subscribe to Podcast Newsletter: ⁠https://www.theinclusivedad.com/podca... Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpr...