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For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.
Episodes

Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Spellers Series:
“Finding Their Voice: A Family’s Journey with Spelling” with J Brad and Paulette Britton

Today we continue our Spellers Series and are joined by Paulette and J Brad Britton. Paulette and J Brad have a 24-year-old autistic son with apraxia, named Sam. For years, his intelligence and humor were missed. That changed when he began using spelled communication to share his thoughts.
Paulette has spent years connecting cutting-edge autism research with the families who need it. J Brad, a leadership mentor and business executive, brings a father’s honest reflection to the conversation. He talks openly about what it means to lead, learn, and show up when your child’s needs don’t follow the rulebook.
Together, Paulette and J Brad have become thoughtful voices on “presuming competence”, advocating with compassion, and holding on to hope on the hard road.
Their story is featured in the upcoming book Real Words with Sam, which includes Sam’s own writing—his ideas, his humor, his voice. Let’s Listen in as we hear Paulette and J Brad’s Story
Bio:
Paulette and J Brad Britton are the parents of Sam, a 24-year-old autistic man with apraxia. For years, his intelligence and humor were missed. That changed when he began using spelled communication to share his thoughts.
Paulette has spent years connecting cutting-edge autism research with the families who need it. J Brad, a leadership mentor and business executive, brings a father’s honest reflection to the conversation. He talks openly about what it means to lead, learn, and show up when your child’s needs don’t follow the rulebook.
Together, Paulette and J Brad have become thoughtful voices on presuming competence, advocating with compassion, and holding on to hope on the hard road.
Their story is featured in the upcoming book Real Words with Sam, which includes Sam’s own writing—his ideas, his humor, his voice. The book invites readers to see through a different lens and reconsider communication, connection, and belief.
Insta and Facebook: RealWordsWithSam
www.realwordswithsam.com
jbradbritt[email protected]
For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice.

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