Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide, characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing recognition, there remains a lack of understanding and awareness about the condition.
Mental health encompasses a range of conditions impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting millions globally. It includes disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Schizophrenia is marked by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, while psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often presenting with similar symptoms.
Despite growing awareness, stigma and misconceptions about mental health, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis, persist, underscoring the need for greater understanding and support.
From celebrating neurodiversity to breaking down stigma, we create a safe space for listeners to learn, grow, and feel seen.
Whether you're on the spectrum, a caregiver, or an advocate, join our global community for inspiring conversations and empowering resources that uplift and unite.
Tune in to embrace understanding, healing, and hope worldwide!
Together, we can create a more informed and compassionate society for individuals with Autism and Mental Illness.
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Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Connecticut State Senator Christine Cohen and advocate Denise Paley to unpack how mental health legislation gets built, watered down, and sometimes rescued through strategy and coalition work. We focus on crisis intervention training, prison mental health care, and the hard questions around rights, re-entry, and what real accountability looks like. • Senator Cohen’s personal path into mental health advocacy • why mental health bills stall between chambers and co...
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Massachusetts Senator Cindy Friedman to talk about how mental health laws change real access to care, and why families still hit walls even when “parity” exists. We dig into AOT, crisis diversion, insurance limits, and the practical fixes that keep people out of ERs and jails. • her personal path into serious mental illness advocacy and why systems matter • what changed after the Mental Health ABC Act 2.0 and why outpatient demand rises • why reimbursement rates...
Send us Fan Mail We talk with Washington State Senator Manka Dhingra about why mental health care so often lands in the justice system and what it takes to change that through smart legislation and real implementation. We dig into funding, workforce, 988 crisis response, diversion programs, and how communities can push practical mental health reform that actually reaches people. • her path from prosecutor work to mental health court and forensic mental health • why jails and prisons function as ...
Send us Fan Mail We sit down with former Congressman and psychologist Tim Murphy to show how mental health laws really get made and why “good ideas” often get changed or stripped before they ever help families. We dig into Medicaid rules, treatment access, psychosis risks, and the hard truth that silence is how broken systems stay in place. • the real path of a bill from idea to compromise to final vote • why mental health policy creates intense conflict between groups • assisted outpatient trea...
Send us Fan Mail We bring together seven voices to face the hardest question families live with: when severe mental illness and psychosis take over, what does “choice” really mean. We share what it looks like when schools, hospitals, and law enforcement treat brain illness like behavior, and we lay out concrete steps that can shorten the gap to real care. • capacity and consent when someone refuses help during psychosis • power of attorney and psychiatric advance directives plus where they fall ...
Send us Fan Mail We sit with seven voices to name what happens when psychosis and serious mental illness are misunderstood, under-treated, and pushed into jails, courts, and the streets. We challenge the quiet standard of neglect and outline what it takes to turn awareness into policy, funding, and care that actually saves lives. • failures in jail-based competency restoration and medication continuity • why anosognosia is under-taught and widely misunderstood • the life expectancy gap for schiz...
Send us Fan Mail We bring together seven voices to talk honestly about serious mental illness and why families are pushed to wait for crisis before help is allowed. We challenge outdated laws, uneven state systems, and stigma while naming practical fixes that can make outpatient care real and measurable. • mental health codes built for inpatient care in an outpatient world • step-up assisted outpatient treatment and why earlier petitions matter • accountability gaps when AOT lacks judge involvem...
Send us Fan Mail Dr. Rachel Moseley on Autistic Suicide Prevention, Masking, Misdiagnosis, and Autistic Menopause Host Tony Mantor in Nashville welcomes returning guest Dr. Rachel Mosley to discuss her UK-based research on autistic suicidality, self-injury, masking/burnout, misdiagnosis, and menopause. Mosley explains that changes in autistic suicide rates are hard to track due to delayed and incomplete reporting, and cites data indicating suicide as the leading cause of death in autistic childr...
Send us Fan Mail Transforming Trauma into Purpose: John King's Journey on Why Not Me In this episode of Why Not Me, embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide, host Tony Mantor interviews John King, a trauma recovery advocate, author, speaker, and survivor. John shares his compelling journey from being trafficked and abused as a child to becoming a prominent advocate for trauma recovery, neurodiversity, and anti-human trafficking. He discusses his recent autism diagnosis, the challenges of mas...
Send us Fan Mail Steph West on Building Starfish Social Club: Social Skills, Neurodivergent Friendship, and Helpful Social Feedback Host Tony Mantor in Nashville introduces “Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide” and interviews Steph West, founder and director of Starfish Social Club in San Antonio, Texas, which runs small-group social skills programs for neurodivergent kids and teens (autism, ADHD, learning disabilities) in person and via Zoom. West describes her path from sp...
Send us Fan Mail Embracing Autism and Mental Health: A Conversation with Anne Grady In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' hosted by Tony Mantor in Nashville, Tennessee, guest Anne Grady shares her profound journey navigating autism and mental health. Anne, an author, speaker, and advocate, discusses her experiences raising her son Evan, who has multiple diagnoses including autism, severe mental illness, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder. The conversation delves into challenges around diagnosis,...
Send us Fan Mail Danny Combs on Buildable, TACT, and Expanding Trade-Based Careers for Autistic and Neurodivergent People Host Tony Mantor welcomes Danny Combs to discuss progress since their last conversation on creating meaningful employment pathways for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Combs shares receiving a Congressional Mentor of Honor Society Citizen Honor Award and being appointed by Colorado’s governor to the new Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, funded through reissued h...
Send us Fan Mail Late Autism Diagnoses, Music, and Seeing Family Through a New Lens with Liam Edward Golder Host Tony Mantor welcomes listeners to Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide and interviews Liam Edward Golder, a London-born music PR professional and songwriter now living in New York. Liam shares discovering his own autism later in life after his father was diagnosed around age 70, and describes how late clarity brought relief, acceptance, and a new understanding of h...
Send us Fan Mail Embracing Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Autistic Educator and Author Rebecca Engle In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' hosted by Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, Rebecca Engle, an autistic educator and author, shares her journey and insights into neurodiversity in education. Rebecca discusses her experiences as a nonverbal child, the challenges she faced in academia, and the strategies she uses to support neurodivergent students. She highlights the importance of creatin...
Send us Fan Mail Tyler Barnett on Late Autism Self-Diagnosis, Masking, and Creating “Gap Music” for Regulation Host Tony Mantor welcomes Tyler Barnett, founder of Tyler Barnett PR and an artistic music creator focused on empowering the autism community through intentional sound design and storytelling. Tyler shares that he is autistic and was diagnosed six months ago through self-diagnosis supported by years of personal data and extensive testing, after his 10-year-old daughter repeatedly told h...
Send us Fan Mail Making Air Travel More Accessible for Autistic Travelers: Cheryl Bischoff of Here I Go Travel Host Tony Mantor introduces the podcast “Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide” and interviews Cheryl Bischoff, owner of Here I Go Travel Company. Cheryl explains how she became a Certified Autism Travel Professional through training offered by Sandals/Beaches Resorts and how she applies that knowledge by organizing airport practice events that walk participants throu...
Send us Fan Mail Belqui Ortiz Millili on Parenting a Nonverbal Autistic Teen, Advocacy, and Building Support Host Tony Mantor welcomes Belqui Ortiz Millili to Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide. She shares that she is the mother of a nearly 17-year-old nonverbal autistic son with high support needs, born extremely premature at six months gestation, and describes early concerns when milestones lagged compared to her older child. She recounts pushing for answers despite being...
Send us Fan Mail Faria Ash on Building the Autism Foundation, Training, Advocacy, and Safer Care in the UK Host Tony Mantor welcomes back autism advocate Faria Ash, who returns to share her progress since discussing her book on toilet training for autistic and SEND children and adults, based on her nonverbal daughter Aia’s real-life story. Faria explains that the book’s success led her to form the Autism Foundation in the UK (officially launched October 2023), expanding from workshops into autis...
Send us Fan Mail Lois Brady on Autism Digest, Real Stories, and Raising Expectations in Autism Support Host Tony Mantor welcomes Lois Brady, publisher of Autism Digest and a speech-language pathologist, to discuss how the magazine blends expert guidance with lived experience using multimedia features like QR-linked videos. Brady shares how writing Apps for Autism and contributing to Autism, Asperger’s Digest led to her acquiring the publication nearly two years ago. As the mother of an autistic ...
Send us Fan Mail n this episode of Why Not Me, host Tony Mantor, broadcasting from Nashville, Tennessee, delves into the mental health challenges faced by first responders and veterans. Featuring Dr. Jean Cillo, a clinical and forensic psychologist, and retired Lieutenant Tom Antonette from the NYPD, the discussion explores the PTP (Post Tour Processing) program, a pioneering mental health support initiative designed by law enforcement for law enforcement, now expanded to all first responders. T...
Send us Fan Mail Embracing Autism and Mental Health: Psychiatrist David Hager's Journey In this episode of 'Why Not Me, Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' host Tony Mantor speaks with psychiatrist David Hager about his unplanned journey into psychiatry, his work in correctional facilities, and his unique perspectives on mental health and serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Hager shares his experiences from various jobs, discusses the challenges and strategies of treating inc...
Send us Fan Mail Empowering Lives: Autism, Mental Health, and Healing with Dr. Cochrane In this episode Dr. Cochrane, a renowned psychologist with over three decades of experience. Together, they explore the challenges and strategies for addressing issues faced by neurodivergent individuals and those suffering from trauma. Dr. Cochrane shares her compassionate approach to cognitive behavioral therapy, the importance of self-regulation, and the power of gratitude practice. Through vivid examples,...
Dr. Robert Laitman, an internal medicine specialist, recounts his deeply personal and professional quest to effectively treat his son's schizophrenia after encountering widespread nihilism in the psychiatric community. He discusses the critical benefits of clozapine therapy, detailing how to manage its side effects, and emphasizes a comprehensive "Ease" approach that includes diet, exercise, cognitive enhancement, and family engagement. Laitman also highlights systemic barriers to care and the proven long-term cost savings and improved outcomes associated with assertive clozapine use, urging listeners to demand the best treatment options.
Send us Fan Mail Embracing Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Sarah Hartley In this episode of 'Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide, Sarah Hartley, founder of SLH Creative Group and an advocate for the neurodivergent community. Sarah shares her journey as the mother of two neurodivergent boys and details her work as an ADHD and neurodiversity certified coach. She discusses her 'Purposefully Me' series, a collection of children's books addressing topics like anxiety, ADHD, d...
Send us Fan Mail Navigating Burnout and Embracing Wellbeing with Garrett Wood Join host Tony Mantor on this episode of Why Not Me as he engages with Garrett Wood, a national board certified health and wellness coach. The show delves into Garrett's innovative and compassionate approach to battling burnout and enhancing wellbeing. Listen as Garrett shares his expertise on managing the pressures of professional success and personal joy, particularly for individuals with autism and ADHD. From his un...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we hear from Jennifer McGee, a visual artist and advocate for autism. Jennifer shares her transformative journey of adopting her non-verbal autistic nephew, Isaiah, and becoming his devoted guardian and advocate. She discusses her transition from art to advocacy and how Isaiah's presence inspired her to write children's books like 'Izzy Can't Talk' and its upcoming sequel 'Izzy Can't Talk, But He Can Make Friends.' Jennifer describes the challenges they faced, th...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Why Not Me, Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' host Tony Mantor welcomes Steven Seidel, founder of the Del Agency and a TEDx speaker. Steven shares his powerful journey from California to Kentucky, dealing with personal loss, and launching the Gents Journey to address men's mental health. He discusses the creation of his online men's group, the challenges and successes encountered along the way, and the development of the Journey Deck, a tool to a...
Send us Fan Mail This episode of Why Not Me, host Tony Mantor discusses with special guest Salima Adelstein, a renowned Sufi mystic and master healer, about her lifelong dedication to spiritual healing and education. Salima shares her journey from teaching special needs children to becoming a spiritual guide, highlighting the transformative power of Sufi practices. The episode explores the challenges and successes of alternative education systems, integrating spirituality with healing, and the p...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Why Not Me?', hosted by Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, special guest Dr. Diana Driscoll shares her powerful journey of overcoming Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). An accomplished optometrist and patient advocate, Dr. Driscoll discusses her decade-long battle with chronic illness, the evolution of her research, and her groundbreaking insights into the systemic nature of POTS and related conditions. She delves into the impact of inflamm...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Why Not Me, hosted by Tony Mantor and broadcast from Nashville, Tennessee, Theresa Lyons, a Yale University-trained scientist and autism parent, shares her journey following her daughter's autism diagnosis over ten years ago. T heresa discusses the extensive obstacles she faced and the critical steps she took to make informed decisions based on scientific research. She emphasizes the importance of parental intuition and the significant role of functional medic...
