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Rebecca Meuschke joins Shannon today to discuss all things SIBLINGS.  What do parents need to know to support siblings?  Rebecca, who has first-hand experience with this topic, shares insights, resources and tips to make sure siblings don't get left behind. 00:00 Disclaimer & Show Opening 00:30 Welcome to Autism Live & April Autism Month 01:31 April Focus on Education 01:51 Today's Topic: Siblings in Autism Families 02:57 Audience Question: Hormones, Perimenopause & Autism 05:01 Why Siblings Grow Into Remarkable People 05:46 Live Show Context & Visiting CARD Centers 06:51 Autism Live Mission: Information & Inspiration 08:13 Jargon of the Day: Pairing (Intro) 09:02 What Is Pairing in ABA? 10:15 Pairing, Joint Attention & Learning 13:13 Pairing in Everyday Life (Thanksgiving Example) 14:48 Real-Life Pairing Example: Homework & Kool-Aid 17:04 Stimulus–Stimulus Pairing Explained 18:23 Pairing for Speech & Vocalization (Bubbles Example) 20:23 Why Rapport & Pairing Really Matter 20:49 Introducing Guest: Rebecca Meuschke 22:28 Rebecca's Family & Sister's Diagnosis 24:37 Growing Up as a Sibling Caregiver 28:19 Losing a Parent & Taking on Responsibility 32:16 The Cycle of Success and Failure in Therapy 36:28 Isolation & Family Strain 40:37 What Support Siblings Need 43:43 How Lived Experience Shapes Rebecca's Work 44:59 Balancing Attention Between Siblings 49:19 Creating One-on-One Time with Siblings 52:27 Learning & Setting Healthy Boundaries 55:42 Media Representation & "The Pitt" 57:44 Advocacy, Gratitude & What's Next 59:31 April Programming Notes & AI for IEP Advocacy 01:01:20 Final Goodbye & Where to Find More Content

On Today's show Shannon Penrod gives ten tips for working with teachers when your child is on an IEP or 504 plan.  Setting up a collaborative environment with your child's teacher is almost as important as the IEP itself. Tune in to hear Shannon's easy tips to foster trust and teamwork so your child can have the best possible educational experience.

Dr. James Adams returns to the show to discuss new products that can diagnose bacterial and yeast infection issues and help restore gut health issues, which has been shown to improve autism symptoms.  The jargon of the day is Neurotransmitters.  

On today's show Shannon talks with Ebony Turner-Bailey, M.S. CCC – SLP, the Founder and Executive Director of Prime Speech Solutions, about building language and accessing quality speech services even in underserved communities. For more information visit: Online Speech Therapy | Prime Speech Solutions  The Jargon of the day is SLP.  

Shannon welcomes Dr. Megan Anna Neff back to the program to discuss her newest version of Self-Care Activities for Autistic People, a beautifully boxed set of card designed to address all aspects of self-care. Each card provides a simple, approachable activity that requires minimal time and no special equipment, making it ideal for those navigating executive-function challenges or overstimulation. Created by Dr. Megan A. Neff, the deck blends professional insight with personal understanding—an approach that has resonated widely with her engaged online community. The cards are currently available from all major book sellers. The jargon of the day is CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  

It's the Oscar episode 2026!  Join Moira and Shannon as the chat about all the noms for these year's ceremony and what role autism played in some of the movies.

In this episode, Shannon discusses why it is so important to making ABA a priority for your child. 

On today's show Shannon welcomes back Dr. Mary Barbera to talk about  the 3 common mistakes parents and autism professionals make and what to do Instead!  Dr. Barbara is the author of Turn Autism Around and the host of the popular podcast of the same name,  For more information visit: marybarbera.com

 Wouldn't it be great if you could make every waking hour a fun educational environment for your child on the spectrum?  Research shows that doing so leads to your child's best life. On today's show Shannon gives tips and tricks to achieve this goal without breaking the bank or driving yourself into exhaustion!  Who needs that?  Follow this steps to get to a happy learner!

Are you having IEP issues?  Being asked to move your child to a 504 Plan OR being told your child, who has a diagnosis of autism doesn't qualify for an IEP because there is no educational need?  This is the show for you.  Join Shannon as she talks through some of the current issues happening in schools and how a parent can best support their child through the mess. 

On today's show Shannon welcomes Anthony Vaquez back to the show, to provide an update on his life, work, and musical experiences with Spec Labs.  The jargon of the day is Autism.

In this episode, Shannon will guide through some of the award winning toys form this year's toy guides and their importance in your child's development. 

On today's show Shannon welcomes Matt Asner from The Ed Asner Family Center to discuss this year's It's a Wonderful Life table read.  This event will be held on December 14th and benefits the programs at TEAFC, including their renowned day program.  This year's cast features Ben Stiller, Michael Shannon, Martin Short and several of the cast members of Love on the Spectrum.  Virtual tickets for the event can be purchased at https://teafc.org/events/wonderful-life/#stream-tickets-anchor Later in the show Shannon welcomes Lauren DeVillier, CEO of Exceptional Minds.  Exceptional Minds is getting ready to celebrate its 15th year in 2026.  Lauren shares some of the exciting updates including their new partnership with Cartoon Network Studios and how you can participate in their end-of-year giving drive. For more information on Exceptional Minds visit: https://exceptional-minds.org

On Today's show Shannon welcomes Chelsea Darnell 2025 recipient of the Lending Your Voice Award to talk about Epic Players' December 10th performance of "Once Upon a Cabaret" – A Disney Themed Celebration of Inclusion and Talent at Barnsdall Art Theatre, featuring the Epic Players and special guests Kristen Bell and Josh Gad.  To purchase tickets for the event visit https://givebutter.com/epiclacabaret. 

Join us at 10 am as Shannon presents more award winning toys in this year's Festival of Toys!