Home Sweet Home: Realtor Dad's Blueprint for Autism-Friendly Moves | LAYC80

In this episode, host Isabel introduces Victor Antunez, a remarkable realtor from Florida with a heartwarming story. Victor, a former merchant mariner, has transitioned into a role that's close to his heart – helping families, especially those with special needs, find the perfect home.Victor's journey from the high seas to the real estate market took an unexpected turn when he and his wife realized that their daughter had autism. Their search for the right resources and support prompted Victor to write a book, "The Autism and Special Needs Family Relocation Blueprint," aimed at helping families relocate successfully while considering the needs of their autistic members.
Isabel and Victor dive into some practical tips for families facing relocation challenges. One crucial piece of advice is to acclimate autistic children to new environments in advance. Whether flying or driving, familiarizing them with the unfamiliar can greatly reduce anxiety and meltdowns during the actual journey.Victor's personal experience has also led him to prioritize schooling and social connections when helping families find homes. He recommends finding a school first and building connections with other parents to ensure a strong support network. Victor emphasizes that the success of his journey was rooted in his own support system, making him a strong advocate for the value of building a reliable network.As a proponent of neurodiversity, Victor's mission goes beyond helping his clients find homes. He passionately supports the Dan Marino Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in various aspects of life, including workforce preparation.Isabel applauds Victor's dedication to this cause and the uniqueness he brings to his role. His personal experience allows him to provide a relatable and specialized service to families in need. Victor reminds us that autism awareness and support are essential for enriching lives and communities.The conversation concludes with a discussion about family dynamics. Victor shares his experiences of raising both his autistic and non-autistic children, underscoring the importance of nurturing connections and understanding individual needs.Listeners are encouraged to connect with Victor through his website, victorantunez.com, and to explore his book to gain valuable insights into the world of relocating families with special needs.In this episode, listeners gain profound insights into the challenges and triumphs of families navigating the intricate landscape of autism and special needs. Victor's journey of empowerment, passion, and transformation serves as an inspiring reminder of the positive impact we can create when we lift each other as we climb toward a brighter future.Learn more about Victor and how he helps families and communities at Miami Autism Dad About the Host: Isabel AlexanderYour Next Business Strategist and Transformation Catalyst Dynamic, a self-made entrepreneur who overcame obstacles with an unrelenting positive nature, a farm girl work ethic, and a conscious choice to thrive rather than survive, Isabel Alexander (Banerjee) cultivated an award-winning, $10+ million global chemical business and grew it from dining room table to international boardrooms.Isabel’s strengths include the ability to initiate