This week we’re discussing "The Power of Listening and Mentorship Programs" through the Making Mentors program. This initiative pairs autistic college students with high school students to foster connection, growth, and empowerment. Joining us are Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, Taylor (T) Abbatemarco, Louis Rotondo, and Rita Strickland to share how mentorship and peer support are transforming the autistic community. Download episode to learn more! Resources College Autism Network: https://collegeautis...
Jul 21, 2025•53 min•Ep. 208
This week, we are joined by Rachelle Vartanian, founder of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center . Inspired by her own parenting journey, Rachelle has dedicated her work to empowering individuals with autism. Today, we’ll discuss autism advocacy, job training, clinical services, social programs, housing solutions, and much more. Download the latest episode now to learn more! Resources Social handles and website listed below. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingandlearningcenter/ Instagr...
Jul 11, 2025•36 min•Ep. 207
This week, we are joined by Dr. Scott Price, a renowned professor of music and pioneer in inclusive piano education. Dr. Price has dedicated his career to teaching students with autism and empowering families through the power of music. Today, we will discuss how music can unlock potential, foster growth, and bring joy to children with special needs. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources "Autism and Piano Study: A Basic Teaching Vocabulary" by Scott Price TOMGEROUMUSIC.COM My Youtube ...
Jun 06, 2025•40 min•Ep. 206
This week, we are joined by Amy Kelly, the National Director of Family Engagement at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and her son, Danny Kelly. Amy brings her professional expertise and heartfelt insights from raising three children, including her daughter Annie, who has profound autism. Danny joins us to share his perspective as a sibling, his role in the Devereux Sibling Engagement Committee, and the lessons he’s learned supporting Annie and navigating family life. Download latest episode ...
May 30, 2025•44 min•Ep. 205
This week, we are joined by Dr. Giacomo Vivanti, a leading expert in early autism detection and intervention. With a personal connection to autism through his two brothers and a career dedicated to understanding how children with autism learn, Dr. Vivanti offers invaluable insights. Today we will be discussing practical advice for recognizing early signs, understanding your child’s unique learning style, and creating supportive environments to foster their development. Download episode to learn ...
May 23, 2025•39 min•Ep. 204
This week, we are joined by Clain Udy, a passionate advocate, father, and author who is on a mission to rebrand autism and reshape how society perceives it. As the father of an adult son with high-functioning autism, Clain’s journey has taken him from wanting to “fix” his son to wholeheartedly embracing his son’s unique strengths. With over 30 years of professional experience in human performance improvement and learning development, Clain combines his expertise and personal insights to empower ...
May 16, 2025•47 min•Ep. 203
This week, we welcome Dr. Joseph Buxbaum, a leading neuroscientist, autism expert, and Director of the Seaver Autism Center. With his vast expertise in genetics, neuroscience, and clinical applications, Dr. Buxbaum will shed light on the latest advances in autism research and share practical advice to help families make informed decisions about their child’s care. Download latest episode to learn more now! Resources Instagram: @SeaverAutismCenter Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/icahnmo...
May 09, 2025•52 min•Ep. 202
This week, we welcome Cheryl Poe to the podcast to discuss the critical topic of advocating for Black autistic children in education systems. Cheryl is an accomplished advocate, trainer, speaker, and parent with a wealth of experience. She’s the founder of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., where she empowers families and educators with the tools, they need to support Black and Brown children with disabilities. Cheryl brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to this conversation, and her insi...
Apr 25, 2025•54 min•Ep. 201
This week, we are joined by Kadin McElwain, an autistic college student and advocate from Ohio who has dedicated his life to proving doubters wrong and helping others on the autism spectrum thrive. Despite being told he wouldn’t be able to live a ‘normal’ life, he has continuously broken barriers, from excelling in academics and athletics to leading impactful autism awareness initiatives in his community. Today, we will be discussing Kadin’s personal journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and th...
Apr 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 199
This week, we are joined by Dr. Leslie Carver, a leading researcher studying brain development and social cognition in both typically developing children and those with autism. Dr. Carver’s work offers groundbreaking insights into how autistic children anticipate and process events, and how this can shape their social interactions. Dr. Carver will share how her research can help us better understand and support autistic children. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources We invite you to ...
Mar 28, 2025•35 min•Ep. 198
This week, we are joined by Dr. Ashley de Marchena, an Associate Research Professor at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and a licensed psychologist specializing in autism communication. Dr. de Marchena’s work explores everything from literal and non-literal language to nonverbal communication, AAC, and the Double Empathy Problem—offering real-world knowledge for families and caregivers. She also leads an NIH-funded study on communication in autistic adults, making her the perfect expert to help ...
Mar 21, 2025•43 min•Ep. 197
This week, we are joined by Dr. Rebecca Landa, a leading expert in early autism detection and intervention. Dr. Landa is the founder of the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™) at Kennedy Krieger Institute and has dedicated her career to identifying early signs of autism and developing effective interventions. Today, we’ll discuss what early autism indicators look like, why early intervention is critical, and how parents, educators, and professionals can support children i...
Mar 14, 2025•27 min•Ep. 196
This week, we are joined by Dr. James B. Adams, a President’s Professor at Arizona State University and leader of the Autism/Asperger's Research Group. As a father to an adult daughter with autism, Dr. Adams has dedicated much of his research to uncovering biological causes and innovative treatments for autism. Today, we’ll explore groundbreaking work on the gut-brain connection, including a new diagnostic urine test and Microbiota Transplant Therapy (MTT), which has shown promise in improving g...
Mar 07, 2025•39 min•Ep. 195
This week, we are joined by Dr. Alycia Halladay, Chief Science Officer at the Autism Science Foundation and a leading voice in autism research. We'll discuss key advancements from 2024, resources for families, profound autism, and how siblings are impacted. Dr. Halladay will also share practical tips and insights to help families raising autistic children. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources Autismsciencefd on IG and Twitter Autism Science Foundation on FB and LinkedIn Check out Aut...
Feb 14, 2025•45 min•Ep. 194
This week, we are joined by Dr. Fred Volkmar, renowned autism researcher and Irving B. Harris Professor at Yale University. Dr. Volkmar discusses key issues facing adults with autism, including vocational challenges, driving, legal considerations, and the importance of accessible services. We’ll also discuss the second edition of his book, Adolescents and Adults with Autism. Download the latest episode to learn more! Resources Decoding dating - john miller Susan white book on CBT Jed Baker book ...
Feb 07, 2025•49 min•Ep. 193
This week, we are joined by Dr. Mary Barbera, a BCBA-D, author, and autism advocate with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Barbera developed the Turn Autism Around® approach, offering practical strategies to improve language, self-care, and social skills for children with autism or early signs of autism. She’s also the creator of a free 10-minute assessment tool designed to guide families in taking action. Join us as we discuss her proven four-step method, parenting strategies, and her passion fo...
Jan 31, 2025•42 min•Ep. 192
This week on Autism Weekly, we’re honored to welcome Stacey Hoaglund, advocate, disability consultant, and President of the Autism Society of Florida! With over 25 years of experience in education, inclusion, and legislative change, Stacey has been a leading voice in the autism community. As editor of The Autism Notebook Magazine and author of Go for the Goal: A Parent’s Guide to Creating Meaningful IEP Goals , Stacey is passionate about empowering families and driving impactful change. In this ...
Jan 17, 2025•40 min•Ep. 191
We’re thrilled to welcome Ashley Penney and Yev Veverka, authors of "Compassion: The Eighth Dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis," to the podcast! With extensive backgrounds in research, education, and clinical practice, Ashley and Yev are at the forefront of reshaping ABA by championing compassionate care. Their groundbreaking work is paving the way for a more empathetic and person-centered future in Applied Behavior Analysis. Join us as we dive into their insights, experiences, and vision fo...
Jan 10, 2025•44 min•Ep. 190
This week, we are joined by Anila D'Mello, an assistant professor at UT Southwestern, whose groundbreaking research uses neuroimaging to explore the brain circuits that support language and cognition in autism. Dr. D'Mello will share insights from her work on cerebro-cerebellar circuits and how they differ in neurodevelopmental disorders. Join us as we discuss how these findings can transform our understanding of autism and inform future interventions. Download episode to learn more! Resources A...
Dec 27, 2024•30 min•Ep. 189
This week, we are joined by Dr. Ami Klin, the Director of the Marcus Autism Center and a leading expert in autism research. We will be discussing his groundbreaking work with Dr. Warren Jones, utilizing eye-tracking technology to visualize and measure social engagement in individuals with autism. Ami Klin, Ph.D. is the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Professor and Chief of the Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Emory University School of Medicine, and Director of the ...
Dec 13, 2024•58 min•Ep. 188
Join us as we welcome Dr. Robert Melillo, a renowned specialist in childhood neurological disorders, to discuss groundbreaking approaches to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Creator of The Melillo Method™ and best-selling author of Disconnected Kids , Dr. Melillo shares insights on brain imbalances, functional disconnection, and how nutrition and lifestyle changes can transform lives. Discover how his innovative methods are empowering families worldwide and shaping the future of neurodevelopmen...
Dec 06, 2024•45 min•Ep. 187
This week, we are joined by Dr. Brett Ranon Nachman and Brad Cox to discuss Project PEACES, a nationwide study on autistic college student success. Dr. Nachman, an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and Brad Cox, an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and founder of the College Autism Network, share insights on supporting autistic students in higher education and fostering inclusive learning environments. Today we will be discussing their groundbreaking research an...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 186
This week, we are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Clinical Professor at UCLA and founder of the UCLA PEERS Clinic, one of the world’s leading programs for social skills training for adolescents and adults with autism. Dr. Laugeson is an internationally recognized expert in the field, having developed evidence-based programs now used in over 150 countries. Today, we’ll be discussing how PEERS is transforming lives by teaching essential social skills. Download episode to learn more! Resources PE...
Nov 15, 2024•40 min•Ep. 185
This week, we are joined by Dr. Wendy J. Ross, the inaugural director of Jefferson’s Center for Autism and Neurodiversity. Dr. Ross shares her insights on making medical care more inclusive for autistic individuals, focusing on enhancing access and support through innovative programs. We will be discussing her pioneering initiatives, including the Autism Airport Inclusion Program and the importance of coordinating health, design, and community engagement. Download to listen to latest episode. Re...
Nov 08, 2024•36 min•Ep. 184
This week, we are joined by Jessica Moore, Executive Director of AutismTN. Jessica shares her inspiring journey from interior design to becoming a Gentle Sleep Coach, and now leading AutismTN in supporting families and advocating for autism awareness. We’ll also discuss how AutismTN amplifies the voices of the local autistic community and the impact of their Drive to Thrive collaboration with Vanderbilt and San Diego State University. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources My LinkedIn:...
Nov 01, 2024•40 min•Ep. 183
This week, we are joined by Dr. Patricia Wright and Katie Curran from Proof Positive, a national nonprofit focused on advancing positive psychology and wellbeing for autistic individuals. Dr. Wright, a global leader in autism advocacy, and Katie, an expert in resilience training and positive psychology, share how their organization integrates happiness science with autism services to promote more meaningful, joyful lives for autistic individuals and their communities. Download latest episode to ...
Oct 25, 2024•44 min•Ep. 182
This week, we are joined by Robyn Steward, who is an autism trainer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in practical strategies for supporting autistic individuals. She has worked globally, delivering training and consultancy to organizations, media, and local authorities. As a mentor to autistic people and a published author with Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Robyn focuses on safety and social challenges, particularly for autistic women. Her work aims to improve understanding and crea...
Oct 18, 2024•33 min•Ep. 181
This week, we are joined by Amy Gravino, a Certified Autism Specialist, autism consultant, and founder of A.S.C.O.T Consulting. Diagnosed with autism at a time when little was understood about it, Amy has overcome many personal and social challenges. She’s dedicated her career to advocating for autism acceptance and education, with a special focus on relationships and sexuality. Amy recently developed the Adult Autism and Sexuality Kit (AASK), and she’s here to share insights into this important...
Oct 04, 2024•48 min•Ep. 180
This week, we are joined by Jessica Wilbur and her lawyer, Tessa Muir, to discuss a personal experience that highlights the challenges families of autistic children can face in school settings. Together, we’ll talk about how schools, parents, and legal systems can work better to understand and support neurodiverse students. Download to learn more! Tessa Muir is a partner at SBBL Law, where she leads the firm's nationwide Title IX law practice. Title IX governs how almost all schools in the Unite...
Sep 27, 2024•55 min•Ep. 179
This week, we are joined by Ruchi Kapila, a Punjabi-American, non-binary speech-language pathologist, vocologist, and voice teacher who specializes in gender-affirming care in voice for trans and autistic individuals. Through their work at Kapila Voice and Speech Services and their involvement with the Bay Area Autism Collective, Ruchi is paving the way for more inclusive and supportive voice therapy. Today we will be discussing the challenges, successes, and the profound impact of gender-affirm...
Sep 13, 2024•42 min•Ep. 178
