Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How can a military family find stability while constantly moving when they have a child with autism? Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Jaime B. Parent and his wife, educator and autism specialist, Elizabeth "Tracy" Parent, spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" hosts Geoff "DeafGeoff" Herbert and Kurt Hower about their experiences raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, resources for military families with special needs, and tips for others when major changes can disrupt their school and home lives.
"Parents, the very first thing they need to do is let the child know as soon as possible that you're going to be moving," Tracy said. "Get a calendar ready, and have visual supports there to let them know how many days until you get to the new school."
Other tips include contacting the schools about an IEP, getting pictures of their child's new teachers, learning about available resources, and driving around the area to get them familiar with their new surroundings. "You really want to make sure the child feels comfortable and know what to expect. That's where their anxiety gets high," she added.
They also shared advice and experiences from their book, "The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum," available on Amazon:
amazon.com/Mission-Home-Navigating-Assignments-Education-ebook/dp/B0GHZV5SDC
“Enable: The Disability Podcast,” which highlights amazing people with disabilities and different abilities, releases new episodes weekly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Follow facebook.com/enablepodcast or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for more.
Note: Views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of Advance Local.
How can a military family find stability while constantly moving when they have a child with autism? Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Jaime B. Parent and his wife, educator and autism specialist, Elizabeth "Tracy" Parent, spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" hosts Geoff "DeafGeoff" Herbert and Kurt Hower about their experiences raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, resources for military families with special needs, and tips for others when major changes can disrupt their school and home lives.
"Parents, the very first thing they need to do is let the child know as soon as possible that you're going to be moving," Tracy said. "Get a calendar ready, and have visual supports there to let them know how many days until you get to the new school."
Other tips include contacting the schools about an IEP, getting pictures of their child's new teachers, learning about available resources, and driving around the area to get them familiar with their new surroundings. "You really want to make sure the child feels comfortable and know what to expect. That's where their anxiety gets high," she added.
They also shared advice and experiences from their book, "The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits, and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum," available on Amazon:
amazon.com/Mission-Home-Navigating-Assignments-Education-ebook/dp/B0GHZV5SDC
“Enable: The Disability Podcast,” which highlights amazing people with disabilities and different abilities, releases new episodes weekly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Follow facebook.com/enablepodcast or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for more.
Note: Views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of Advance Local.
