Advertise on podcast: Autism Live

Friendship. Community. Connection. Romance. How can neurodivergent adults build meaningful friendships and relationships without the pressure to fit into traditional social expectations? This week on Autism Live, Shannon Penrod talks with Trishta Villati, BCBA and founder of Capable Hearts, a specialized platform creating sensory-friendly, low-pressure spaces for neurodivergent adults to connect, build friendships, find community, and explore relationships.   Jargon of the Day: Perspective Taking — What does it really mean, and how can it help us better understand one another? Join Shannon and Trishta for an important conversation about connection without pressure and community without judgment. #AutismLive #CapableHearts #NeurodivergentAdults #Autism #AutisticAdults #Friendship #Relationships #Community #PerspectiveTaking #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #DisabilityInclusion #SocialSkills

When EVERYTHING becomes a battle… what do you do? Getting dressed. Brushing teeth. Turning off the tablet. Leaving the house. Eating dinner. Going to bed. Sometimes it feels like you're spending your entire day saying, "Come on!" "No!" "You have to!" But does every challenge need to become a battle? On this week's Parent to Parent, Shannon Penrod talks about how to pick your battles—how to decide what really needs to be addressed, what can wait, and how we can teach important skills without turning every moment into a power struggle. ✨ Are you fighting battles that don't really need to be fought? ✨ How do you know when to hold a boundary—and when to let something go? ✨ Could changing how we ask make a difference? ✨ And how do we protect our own energy along the way? Because sometimes parenting isn't about winning the battle… it's about deciding which battles are worth having. Join us for a conversation every parent needs to hear.   #AutismLive #ParentToParent #AutismParents #ParentingAutism #AutismSupport #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismParenting #ParentLife

Back to School? Don't Do It Alone! On Wednesday's Autism Live, Shannon is  joined by Lorri Unumb, one of the most respected and widely admired parent voices in the autism community. We're talking about back-to-school resources, what families can find at TheSpectrum.org, and the work of CASP to support autistic individuals and their families. As a parent and longtime advocate, Lorri brings a unique perspective to the questions families are asking right now: Where can I find reliable information? What resources are available? And how can I help set my child up for a successful school year? If you're a parent, educator, or professional supporting an autistic student, this is a conversation you won't want to miss! Join us Wed at 10am!  #AutismLive #BackToSchool #AutismParenting #AutismResources #TheSpectrum #CASP #AutismSupport #AutismCommunity #SpecialEducation

Is September throwing your child's routine completely off? New schedules, school demands, homework and bedtime battles can leave everyone feeling overwhelmed. This week on Parent to Parent, we're talking about how to reset when routines fall apart—without blame, guilt, or turning every day into a battle. You haven't failed. Sometimes, you just need a new plan. 00:00 – Welcome to Autism Live & 16 Years of the Show 03:22 – All Ghouls Gala & ACT Today Grant Applications 09:32 – ACT Today Grant Program Video 12:09 – When Your Child's Routine Falls Apart 14:39 – Morning Routine Reset Strategies 18:20 – Why Visual Schedules Matter 23:10 – Preparing the Night Before 27:12 – Making Mornings Fun and Motivating 32:06 – Rebuilding Sleep and Bedtime Routines 41:31 – Overcoming Homework Resistance 49:14 – Using Technology to Support Homework 52:00 – Managing Unexpected Schedule Changes 56:17 – Helping Children Transition Between Activities 59:09 – When to Hold the Line and When to Adapt 1:03:14 – Building Independence and Giving Yourself a Reset 1:07:37 – Next Week's Show & Closing Remarks   #AutismParenting #Autism #ParentToParent #AutismSupport #AutismLive #Neurodiversity #SpecialNeedsParenting

The Emmys are here—and we're talking about the shows, stars, surprises, snubs, and autism representation that have everyone talking! Join Moira Giammatteo and Shannon Penrod on Autism Live for a fun, fast-paced conversation about what's happening in Hollywood—and why representation on screen matters. Grab your popcorn. We're talking TV! Join us live on Wed. 10am PST! #LetsTalkMovies #MoiraAndShannon #AutismLive #Emmys #Emmys2026 #LoveOnTheSpectrum #AutismRepresentation #RepresentationMatters #Autism #Neurodiversity #Television

On today's show, Shannon is joined by Diane Strand, founder and executive producer of JDS Creative Academy, for an inspiring conversation about the power of creating meaningful career pathways for marginalized groups and adults with special needs. Can for-profit companies and nonprofits work together to create REAL opportunities and lasting outcomes for foster youth and special needs adults? Diane is here to show us how—and why it matters! Plus, today's Autism Jargon: Accommodations. What does it mean, and how can accommodations help create greater access and opportunity?

Be honest: How often do you go to bed thinking you didn't do enough for your child? Am I Doing Enough? If you're the parent of a child with autism, you may know that feeling all too well: "Should I be doing more?" "Am I missing something?" "Am I giving my child enough opportunities to learn?" "Am I doing this right?" Today on Autism Live's Parent to Parent, we're talking about the incredible pressure parents put on themselves—and why sometimes, you are doing far more than you realize. We'll talk about the difference between being an engaged parent and feeling like you have to be your child's therapist 24/7, how everyday moments can become opportunities for connection and learning, and why taking care of yourself isn't selfish.   00:00:30 Welcome to Autism Live & Building an Inclusive Autism Community 00:03:48 How to Connect With Autism Live & Support the Network 00:05:36 All Ghouls Gala Update and Community Announcements 00:07:34 Today's Topic: Am I Doing Enough as a Parent? 00:10:59 The Questions Parents Ask Themselves at Night 00:12:56 Negative Self-Talk, Guilt, and Unrealistic Expectations 00:14:47 Survival Mode: Parenting Through Stress and Overwhelm 00:18:12 What Advice Would You Give Another Parent? 00:20:24 The Most Important Truth: You Are Enough 00:24:34 Connection Over Perfection: Loving Your Child First 00:27:07 Recognizing the Extraordinary Work Parents Already Do 00:31:14 Daily Opportunities for Meaningful Connection 00:39:46 Creating Bedtime Rituals and Building Strong Bonds 00:45:46 Positive Assumptive Questions and Changing Your Mindset 00:57:35 Letting Go of Blame, Embracing Self-Care, and Final Takeaways

On today's show Shannon takes on the things we can do to set our kids up for Back to School Success!  What do you have control over?  It turns out there is a great deal!  So let's set the stage for a great year by kicking it off right! 00:00 Back-to-School Success for Autism Families Begins Here 02:58 Autism Toy Guide 2026 & Community Updates 05:16 All Ghouls Gala and Autism Care Today 07:32 Celebrating Autistic Voices in Film and Media 11:11 Autism Rocks Concert and the Mission of Autism Live 12:47 What Parents Can Actually Control This School Year 14:25 Fixing Summer Sleep Schedules Before School Starts 21:58 Creating a Stress-Free Morning Routine for School 25:41 Why Rehearsing School Routines Reduces Anxiety 27:53 First-Day Outfits, Self-Esteem and Making Friends 31:25 School Supplies, Backpacks and Comfort Items That Matter 33:37 How to Build a Great Relationship with Your Child's Teacher 40:23 The First-Day-of-School Reward Strategy 43:36 IEPs, School Services and Parent Advocacy Tips 53:26 School Placement Options, Parent Rights and Final Advice 59:47 Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected

Alex Lin is back to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Autism Rocks and advocate for Autistic people around the world.     00:00 Opening: Shannon's Moving Adventure & Show Preview 01:28 Meet Alex Linn & Autism Rocks 10th Anniversary Preview 02:07 How to Watch, Interact & Access Premium Content 03:57 All Ghouls Gala 2026 Announcement & Autism Care Today Grants 05:32 Autism Live's Mission and Supporting the Autism Community 08:05 Parenting Stress, Special Needs, and Finding Support 09:49 Shannon Reflects on Her Autism Parenting Journey 13:07 Revisiting IEPs, Assessments & Parental PTSD 16:45 A Message to Autistic Individuals: You Are Not the Stress 18:27 Introducing Alex Linn and the Autism Rocks Legacy 21:02 Autism Rocks 10th Anniversary Concert Details & Featured Performers 29:10 Alex Shares His Bullying Experience and Autism Advocacy Journey 35:45 Expanding Autism Rocks to Taiwan and Changing Autism Stigma 46:08 Universal CityWalk Concert Guide, Logistics & What to Expect 53:15 Performer Lineup, Special Songs & Final Event Information

Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC, joins Shannon to talk about some of the challenges facing today's families, including burnout, barriers to healthcare and much more.  Today's jargon term is Respite!  00:00 Intro & Today's Guest Preview 00:35 Welcome to Autism Live & Community Mission 03:19 How to Participate, Podcasts & Viewer Support 06:20 Autism Care Today Gala & Family Grants 08:54 Jargon of the Day: What Is Respite Care? 11:53 Why Caregivers Need Respite Support 14:49 Finding Safe, Trusted Respite Providers 18:47 The Oxygen Mask Principle for Parents 19:50 Meet Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC 22:22 The TLC Story: From Three Families to Thousands Served 26:01 Parent Burnout, Caregiver Stress & Finding Support 32:31 How Disability Impacts the Entire Family 37:15 First Steps After an Autism Diagnosis 44:04 Medicaid, Waitlists & Fixing Broken Systems 50:37 Hope, Advocacy & Building Better Support Networks

Dr. John Gaitanis, a pediatric neurologist, joins Shannon to discuss common misconceptions about ASD and Motor disorders.  Leucovorin and metabolic interventions are discussed.  The jargon of the day is Methylation Cycle. 00:00 Introduction & Guest Preview 02:27 Autism Live Updates, Podcast & Community Resources 06:31 The Mission of Autism Live & Supporting the Autism Community 09:52 Jargon of the Day: What Is the Methylation Cycle? 13:54 Methylation, Detoxification & Autism Explained 16:22 Meet Pediatric Neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis 18:18 Is Autism Really One Condition? Rethinking the Spectrum 22:04 Autism Phenotypes, Brain Regions & Personalized Care 27:46 Medical Bias, Diagnostic Labels & Presuming Intelligence 32:21 Autism, Healthcare Discrimination & Advocacy for Non-Speakers 36:33 What Is MEDMAPS? Root Cause Medicine Explained 37:43 Developmental Regression, Inflammation & Methylation Dysfunction 46:20 Leucovorin, Folate Deficiency & Autism Treatment Options 53:50 Glutathione, B12, Gut Health & Systems Biology Approaches 57:15 Whole-Body Medicine, Brain Health & Final Takeaways

Dr. John Gaitanis, a pediatric neurologist, joins Shannon to discuss common misconceptions about ASD and Motor disorders.  Leucovorin and metabolic interventions are discussed.  The jargon of the day is Methylation Cycle. 00:00 Introduction & Guest Preview 02:27 Autism Live Updates, Podcast & Community Resources 06:31 The Mission of Autism Live & Supporting the Autism Community 09:52 Jargon of the Day: What Is the Methylation Cycle? 13:54 Methylation, Detoxification & Autism Explained 16:22 Meet Pediatric Neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis 18:18 Is Autism Really One Condition? Rethinking the Spectrum 22:04 Autism Phenotypes, Brain Regions & Personalized Care 27:46 Medical Bias, Diagnostic Labels & Presuming Intelligence 32:21 Autism, Healthcare Discrimination & Advocacy for Non-Speakers 36:33 What Is MEDMAPS? Root Cause Medicine Explained 37:43 Developmental Regression, Inflammation & Methylation Dysfunction 46:20 Leucovorin, Folate Deficiency & Autism Treatment Options 53:50 Glutathione, B12, Gut Health & Systems Biology Approaches 57:15 Whole-Body Medicine, Brain Health & Final Takeaways

Jennifer Kaufman, author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey From Both Sides of the Desk joins Shannon to talk about training for first responders and the role of Grandparents in supporting Autism families.  The jargon of the day is: Perspective Taking. 00:00 Introduction & Welcome Back to Autism Live 00:32 Meet Guest Jennifer Kaufman: Principal, Advocate & Grandmother 01:26 Autism Live Mission: Information, Inspiration & Community 03:53 How to Connect, Watch & Support Autism Live 06:34 ACT Today Fundraiser, Advocacy & Autism Policy Updates 09:39 Jargon of the Day: What Is Perspective Taking? 11:21 Theory of Mind, Simon Baron-Cohen & the Sally-Anne Test 15:31 Can Perspective Taking Be Taught? Why It Matters in Everyday Life 19:30 Real-World Examples of Perspective Taking & Relationships 22:59 Jennifer Kaufman Joins the Conversation 26:20 Grandparenting a Child with Autism: Expectations, Mistakes & Growth 33:46 The Greatest Gift Grandparents Can Give Families 37:04 First Response Autism: Training Police & First Responders 45:15 Creating Neurodiversity-Friendly Workplaces & HR Practices 52:56 Resources, Community Awareness & Final Takeaways

On today's show Shannon welcomes Brady Huggett, a features editor for the neuroscience publication The Transmitter.  Topics covered include the lack of funding dollars to research the lives of Autistic Adults.  A new five part podcast called "When Autistic Kids Grow Up"  looks at the lack of funding for research into the lives of autistic adults, told through the story of an autistic researcher who called attention to this problem. The jargon is Neuroscience. Join us at 10am!   00:00 Welcome, Disclaimer & Show Overview  08:15 What Is Neuroscience? Definitions & Why It Matters 16:00 Podcast Introduction: "When Autistic Kids Grow Up" 24:00 Autism Research Funding Gap Explained 32:00 Adult Autism Outcomes & Life Expectancy Concerns 40:30 Challenges in Research Funding & System Barriers 48:30 Interview Wrap-Up & How to Listen to the Podcast  50:00 Policy Discussion: ADA, IDEA & Disability Rights 55:00 Call to Action: Advocacy, Funding & Community Response

On today's show Shannon gives the rundown on 22 things you can teach in the summer months to catch your child up and prepare them for success in the new school year. 00:00 Intro & Autism Live Mission 02:59 Summer Learning Opportunities for Kids 03:24 25 Skills to Teach Over the Summer 08:06 Overview of All 25 Life Skills 12:19 Skill #1: Building Reading Habits 18:01 Skill #2: Potty Training & Generalization 19:46 Skill #3: Making Math Fun 23:13 Skill #4: Swimming Safety & Skills 25:23 Skill #5: Teaching History Creatively 27:30 Skill #6: Exercise & Self-Regulation 29:28 Skill #7: Speech Practice with Tongue Twisters 32:21 Skill #8: Enjoying Museums with Sensory Needs 36:05 Skill #9: Live Music & Theater Skills 40:28 Skill #10–15: Cooking, Help, Social & Travel Skills 51:18 Skill #16–25: Daily Living, Independence & Confidence 1:05:58 Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts