Moments of Joy

A Conversation on Challenges, Growth, and Community with Irisa Leverette

In this episode of the Moments of Joy podcast, Camille Joy interviews Irisa Leverette, who shares her journey of raising her son Darius, who is on the autism spectrum. They discuss the importance of autism awareness and acceptance, the challenges of navigating the education system, and the need for advocacy. The conversation also touches on planning for the future, employment opportunities for individuals with autism, and the impact of social media on their lives. The episode emphasizes the uniqueness of each child on the spectrum and the importance of community support. In this conversation, Irisa shares her experiences and insights on raising an autistic child, discussing the challenges, the importance of advocacy, and the need for awareness and acceptance in society. She emphasizes the significance of mental health for caregivers and offers practical advice for new parents navigating the autism journey. The discussion highlights the importance of kindness and understanding towards individuals with autism and their families, encouraging a supportive community.

R&B Singer Faith Evans Opens Up About Raising Her Autistic Child

In this episode of the Moments of Joy podcast, host Camille Joy sits down with R&B singer Faith Evans to discuss her journey as a mother raising an autistic son, Ryder. Faith shares her experiences from the initial concerns about Ryder's development to navigating the complexities of autism diagnosis, early intervention, and the challenges faced within the school system. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of the diagnosis, the importance of community support, and the advocacy needed to ensure that children with autism receive the education and care they deserve. Faith emphasizes the significance of sharing knowledge and experiences to help other parents in similar situations. In this conversation, Faith shares her experiences as a mother of a child with autism, discussing the challenges of balancing her career and family life, the importance of community awareness, and the progress her son Ryder has made. She emphasizes the need for safety and understanding in interactions with law enforcement, the significance of family support, and the mission of her organization, Ryders Room, to provide resources and support for families affected by autism. Faith also offers advice to new parents navigating similar journeys and highlights the importance of kindness and empathy towards individuals with autism.

What I Wish I Knew.... Parenting a Child with Special Needs #177

In this heartfelt episode of the Moments of Joy Podcast, I open up about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with receiving a diagnosis for your child—whether it's autism, ADHD, developmental delays, or another special need. As a special needs parent, I share the top lessons I wish I knew from day one. 💛 If you're a parent, caregiver, or family member navigating the world of special needs parenting, this episode will bring you comfort, clarity, and connection. You're not alone!

Autism, Advocacy & Law Enforcement: How Police & Parents Can Work Together for Autism Safety Episode #176

In this episode of Moments of Joy, I sit down with the Houston Area;  Katy, Texas Police Department to discuss Project Guardian, a program designed to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with special needs. We dive into how this initiative helps keep our loved ones safe and how you can advocate for similar programs in your own community. Every child deserves to be understood, and as parents, we have the power to push for change. Tune in and learn how to make a difference!

If youre interested in having a project guardian in your local polica department you can email these two officers at 

ckoenig@katypd.com, mgarsee@katypd.com

Be sure to stay connected with us on social media. Take a screen shot and let me know what you think of this episode!

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To the parent in need of encouragement... This one is for YOU! Episode #175

"To the Parent Who Needs Encouragement—This is for You"

Welcome back to Moments of Joy! If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just in need of a little encouragement, this episode is for you. As parents raising children with special needs, we carry so much on our shoulders—but you are not alone. In this episode, I share words of hope, strength, and joy to remind you that you are doing an incredible job. Take a deep breath, press play, and let’s walk this journey together. 💛

 

Be sure to stay connected with us on social media. Take a screen shot and let me know what you think of this episode. 

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New Podcast Trailer!

Welcome back! Whew! It's been a awhile but we are gearing up to come back and spread encouragement for the community we love most! New episodes coming 3/26/2025. Im so excited.

Be sure to connect with us on social media and spread the word.

Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month 2023

During this weeks episode I'm sending a special shout out to all of the parents raising children with special needs. 

Autism has been something that over the years has gained a lot of attention.  Its gotten awareness but its time for more acceptance. 

This episode has been brought to you by Big Heart  Toys! 

This weekend Maison received a pretty cool set of toys from @bighearttoys. They are great for all special needs children. At the push of a button the book begins to talk. It not only reads the story but shares feelings and solutions as well. 

The books have both educational and enjoyable benefits. Such as building language skills, increasing behavioral and emotional regulation. The books are meant to be fun and informational for children. 

They are easy to use and a great tool to use with you while you are on the go. 

Visit their website to learn more and check out their books! www.bighearttoys.com

WHY parents prioritizing their own wellbeing is so important with Nadia Fiorita.

On this weeks episode Im sitting down with Licensed Therapist Nadia Fiorita. We talked about why parents prioritizing their own wellbeing is so important and  Nadia shared simple things they can start to do when we feel overwhelmed and stressed out. 

She gave tips on identifying anxiety in our children and ourselves and how to manage.

Autism Sibling with Jose Rodriguez Jr. of Tasium Worldwide

It was such a pleasure to sit down and chat with founder of Tasium Worldwide an apparel line dedicated to autistic people. Jose's passion came from being the older sibling to someone with autism. You've gotta hear this....Listen in

 

Follow him on social media @Tasium.worldwide

The truth about speech, language, and hearing science withTeresa Girolamo, Ph.D

Today Im sitting down with Teresa Girolamo, Ph.D., she is an autistic language in autism researcher and assistant professor in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University. As director of the Brain, Environment, and Language Lab, she works with racially and ethnically minoritized autistic individuals with language impairment. This population is underserved in research, hindering our ability to develop supports to meet their needs. Current projects include how social determinants of health plus language ability shape life outcomes and how to better understand strengths in language ability in this population. The long-term goal of this work is to translate this knowledge into community-based supports for individuals to meet their self-identified goals.