This week, we’re joined by Clara Garcia, Director of Programs, and Melissa Cardona, Senior Resource Specialist at the Autism Society of Inland Empire. Clara brings decades of experience in inclusion and program development, while Melissa, a parent of two children on the spectrum, is passionate about supporting families and building connections.  Together, they’ll share insights on fostering inclusion, creating sensory-friendly programs, and meeting the needs of the autism community. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources Home - Autism Society Inland Empire ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Matthew Lerner, a leading researcher and advocate for neurodivergence-affirming practices. Dr. Lerner is the Director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at Drexel University, where his work focuses on improving social development and creating inclusive, participatory interventions for neurodiverse individuals. Today, we’ll explore how these practices can empower autistic individuals and their families while fostering meaningful social connections. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources A.J. Drexel Autism Institute | A.J. Drexel Autism Institute | Drexel University Home | Autism Outcomes | Drexel University Social Connections & Treatment Lab (SCTL) - Home Affiliate, Alan Alda Center for Communicating SciencePast-Treasurer, International Society for Autism Research ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Rose Griffin, a speech-language pathologist and board-certified behavior analyst with over 20 years of experience. In her last visit, we explored how speech and ABA therapy work together; be sure to check out that episode, which we’ll link to this one. Today, Rose will share practical speech therapy strategies for autistic children, the importance of joint attention, and how families can support communication growth. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaspeechbyrose/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abaspeech/   ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Jenna Kokoski, a BCBA with over 20 years of experience in the ABA field. Jenna is the COO of Jade Health and a leader in the ABA community, known for her advocacy, expertise, and dedication to creating ethical and sustainable business models. She’s here to talk about the importance of accreditation in ensuring quality care in ABA, what families should look for in a provider, and how accreditation benefits both families and individuals with autism. Download to learn more!  Resources  Jade Health’s Suite of Offerings Include: BHCOE Accreditation |National Autism Data Registry | Credentialing and Contracting | Jade Health Learning Hub | Quickstart ABA   Schedule a Meeting  Connect on Social Media ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.  

This week, we’re joined by Ron Souers; an ADHD advocate, podcast host, and author who’s dedicated his life to empowering adults with ADHD to embrace their differences and unlock their true potential. Ron is the voice behind the podcast “Don’t Mind Me, I’m Different!”, where he shares raw and relatable stories about living with ADHD and depression, and he’s also the author of The Self Discovery Journal for Adults with ADHD.  In this episode, Ron will share his journey, offer practical advice for families raising neurodiverse kids, and show us how ADHD can be a superpower when we learn to harness it. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources Sensory Framework Dr. Luke Beardon To apply for the Post Graduate Certificate in Autism click here For an up to date publications list click here   For a profile summary click here Follow @sheffieldluke on Twitter SIOE Blog - https://blogs.shu.ac.uk/sioe/ ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Dr. Amy Keefer, a board-certified psychologist at Kennedy Krieger’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Keefer is a leading expert in autism and anxiety research, and she’s here to discuss an exciting clinical trial called DINOSAUR, which focuses on a novel anxiety treatment for 4-6-year-old autistic children. Download latest episode now to learn more! Resources DINO Trail: https://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/centers-and-programs/center-for-autism-services-science-and-innovation/research-innovation/research-studies/participate-in-research  They are about to begin screening children virtually which means that anyone on the eastern seaboard could participate in the trial. ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Erin Kang, an Assistant Professor at Montclair State University whose groundbreaking research bridges science and practice to improve autism interventions. We’re also thrilled to welcome Dr. Sadaf Khawar, a postdoctoral researcher whose award-winning work focuses on the barriers South Asian and MENA families face in accessing autism services.  Together, we’ll discuss how cultural and structural factors shape access to care and share practical advice for families navigating these challenges. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources NEURO LAB ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Colleen Katzenmoyer, the newly appointed vice president of education services at Devereux, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of behavioral healthcare. Dr. Katzenmoyer brings nearly 20 years of experience in education and behavioral health, and she’s here to share how her new role will enhance services for families, schools, and communities nationwide. Download episode to learn more! Resources  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/devereux Handle: @devereux Instagram: www.Instagram.com/DevereuxNational Handle: @devereuxnational Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevereuxNational Handle: @DevereuxNational YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@devereuxnational ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Vijay Ravindran, founder of Floreo and an inspiring innovator in the world of autism technology. Vijay’s journey as an autism father, combined with his impressive career at companies like Amazon and The Washington Post, led him to create groundbreaking virtual reality tools that are transforming how individuals with autism learn and grow. Today, we’ll discuss how AI and VR are shaping the future of autism support. Download latest episode to learn more!  Resources  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayravindran/ https://x.com/vijayravindran https://www.instagram.com/vijayravindran/ Research-based Virtual Reality Information: https://floreovr.com/ctp3 ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.  

This week, we are joined by David Geslak, also known as Coach Dave, a pioneer in using exercise to support individuals with autism. He’s the founder of a fitness program taught in nine universities and has partnered with the American College of Sports Medicine to create the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate. David has dedicated his career to empowering the autism community through movement.   Today, we’ll discuss how exercise supports development, share strategies for daily routines, and highlight the global impact of his work. Download latest episode to learn more! Resources  Facebook - @ExerciseConnection   Twitter/X - @ExerciseConnect & @davidgeslak   Instagram - @exerciseconnection & @davidgeslak   YouTube - @exerciseconnection   ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Dr. Dena L. Gassner, Senior Research Scientist at AJ Drexel, autism advocate, and member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). Dena is rewriting the narrative around autistic identity, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for gender diversity and inclusivity in autism research and policy.  Her personal journey as a proud autistic mother adds a deeply relatable perspective to her work, and she teaches through storytelling to inspire and inform. Download episode now to learn more! Resources dg3242@drexel.edu facebook-https://www.facebook.com/CenterforUnderstanding https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dena-gassner-35532b78/ ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we welcome Dr. Diana Robins, professor and director at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute. Renowned for her work on early autism detection and the development of the M-CHAT, Dr. Robins has helped countless families access earlier diagnoses and crucial interventions. Join us as we explore early detection, strategies to support development, and exciting advancements in autism research. Watch now to learn more! Resources   Facebook: AJDrexelAutismInstitute LI: aj-drexel-autism-institute X: Drexelautism   Check out AJ Drexel Autism Institute website for latest news and resources.   ...............................................................   Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

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://collegeautismnetwork.org/ College Autism Summit: https://collegeautismnetwork.org/event/college-autism-summit-2025/ Project REACH: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/student-affairs/programs-services/disability/projectreach/ Communication First: https://communicationfirst.org/ STEM For All: https://multiplex.videohall.com/presentations/1193/2468.html Specialist Autism Mentoring in UK: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/mentoring-university Autism and Universal Design Training for University Staff: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349832158_Autism_UD_Training_for_FacultyTeachers_and_other_University_Staff Presentation about Making Mentors at CUNY Neurodiversity Conference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393178315_Improving_Making_Mentors_How_Can_We_Use_Data_to_Improve_an_Autistic-Led_Maker-_Focused_Mentorship_Program Participatory Research Guidelines from AASPIRE: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30939892/ Co-design resources:  https://doingresearchtogether.com.au/ https://www.beyondstickynotes.com/toolsforcoproduction Employment Resources: https://sites.google.com/view/nsfworkshop23/employment-resources Open-access curriculum and training for neurodiversity-affirmative STEM workshops: https://sites.google.com/view/gamedesignemploymentresources/workshop-resources-2023/training-2023 Employment Resources Autism: https://autism.org/employment-resources-for-individuals-with-autism/ https://iacc.hhs.gov/resources/employment/websites/ https://autismspectrumnews.org/empowering-autistic-job-seekers-through-mentorship/ ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.  

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/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingandlearningcenter/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-and-learning-center/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellevartanian/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livingandlearningmi Website: https://livingandlearningcenter.org/   ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

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 Channel that has workshops on Inclusive Teaching:   Thomas Price youtube.com   Music Teachers National Association Inclusive Teaching Resources:   DEI_Inclusive mtna.org   Inclusive Piano Teaching Course - Francis Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy:   The Inclusive Teaching Course: Teaching Piano to Students Who are Special Learners pianoinspires.com   Inclusive Teaching Blog:   Publications - Piano Education Press pianoinspires.com   ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

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 to learn more! Resources  Contact Amy at: Amy.Kelly@devereux.org or 610-585-9250.  For inquiries about joining the Sibling Engagement Committee, please contact amy.kelly@devereux.org and I will get the messages to the right people. For more information about Devereux and our services and mission, visit our website at www.devereux.org  For more information about SibShops, please visit SIBSHOPS – Sibling Support Project ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

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 more! Resources  These are my linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/giacomo-vivanti-8145b941  and facebook  https://www.facebook.com/giacomo.vivanti profiles Publications https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Giacomo-Vivanti/research The Drexel Autism Institute website https://drexel.edu/autisminstitute/ and (c) the Early Start Denver Model website https://www.esdm.co/ ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

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 individuals with autism to achieve fulfilling, sustainable careers. Download episode to learn more! Resources  Amazon.com: Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum: 9798218629403: Udy, Clain: Books Autism Elevated Website: https://autismelevated.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clainudy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismelevated/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559009841770 ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

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/icahnmountsinai/ Facebook: @SeaverAutismCenter  Twitter: @SeaverAutism URL: https://www.seaverautismcenter.org/ ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.  

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 insights are invaluable for anyone looking to better support autistic individuals. Download latest episode now! Resources  - Facebook: www.facebook.com/advocating4kids - Instagram: @adv4kidsinc - Website: http://www.adv4kidsinc.org/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-poe-08190b10/   ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.