Autism Live

PARENT TO PARENT ON AUTISM LIVE: GUARDIANSHIP & CONSERVATORSHIP — WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW   What happens when your autistic child turns 18? Does your family need to consider guardianship or conservatorship? What alternatives are available, and how can you protect your young adult while preserving their independence and right to make choices?   Join us on Autism Live for an important Parent to Parent conversation about navigating the transition to adulthood. We'll explore the basics of guardianship and conservatorship, supported decision-making, powers of attorney, financial planning options, and the questions every family should ask before making these important decisions.   Laws vary by state and country, but every family deserves access to information that helps them plan for the future with confidence.   Knowledge is power. Planning starts with a conversation! 0:00 Welcome to Autism Live 4:12 How to Watch and Listen 7:19 All Ghouls Gala 12:27 Understanding Conservatorship 14:19 What Happens at Age 18

Your child holds it together all day at school… and then comes home and falls apart. Meltdowns, shutdowns, refusal, tears, irritability—or suddenly needing to be completely alone.   Sound familiar?   On this week's Parent to Parent, Shannon Penrod takes a closer look at what may be happening underneath the behavior.

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 #Sp

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 Indepen

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 Pa

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

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 Per

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 Gl

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 Fir

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

On today's show Shannon welcomes Dr. Molly O'Shea to talk about water safety and the terrible statistics surrounding drowning and children on the spectrum.  Goldfish Swim School has a new program to help swimmers be safe in and around the water. The jargon is Antecedent Modification.  00:00 Disclaimer 00:00:46 Show Intro + What's Ahead 00:01:39 California Medi-Cal Advocacy Update 00:05:15 Personal Reflection + Gratitude 00:07:16 Autism Community & Show Mission 00:07:35 How to Watch + Follow the Show 00:09:52 Jargon of the Day: Antecedent Basics 00:18:45 Guest Intro: Dr. Molly O'Shea 00:21:07 Autism & Attraction to Water Risks  00:23:30 Why Swim Skills Are Critical 00:24:00 Goldfish Swim Schools Overview 00:25:05 Sensory-Friendly Swim Programs 00:29:08 How Swim Lessons Work by Age 00:33:04 Big Life Journal & Goal Setting 00:37:58 Autism & Drowning Risk Statistics 00:39:10 Water Safety Basics (Life Jackets & Supervision) 00:40:35 Layers of Protection (Fences, Locks, Alarms) 00:43:48 "Water W

Kelley Jensen, host of the Refrigerator Moms Podcast joins Shannon today to talk about TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), a noninvasive brain stimulation therapy.  Today's jargon is Elopement. 00:00 Intro & Disclaimer 00:33 Show Overview & Guest Preview (TMS + Refrigerator Moms) 01:29 How to Watch & Engage (Live + YouTube + Podcast) 03:15 Ad-Free Subscription Option Explained 04:23 All Ghouls Gala Announcement (Autism Care Today Fundraiser) 05:01 Call to Action: Contact Governor Newsom 06:15 Proposed Medi-Cal Changes Impact Autism Care 08:23 Transportation Limits & Access to Treatment 10:05 Diagnosis Requirements & Waitlist Concerns 11:33 Personal Story: Early Intervention Success 13:39 Kevin Hart Roast Controversy & Autism Representation 16:05 Identity & Autism Community Discussion 17:23 "Patience" TV Show Recommendation (Autistic Representation) 19:54 Transition to TMS Interview 20:47 Guest Introduction: Kelly Jensen 21:22 What is TMS? (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Ex

Childcare expert Antoinette Elliott joins Shannon to share important information parents and caregivers need to know to appropriately support children on the autism spectrum.  Today's jargon is Adaptive Skills. 00:00 Disclaimer 00:31 Show Intro & Welcome 00:55 Today's Topic: Child Care Support 01:16 About Shannon & Neurodiversity 02:05 Autism Live Mission & Community 02:58 Why Child Care Matters for Parents 04:33 Finding & Trusting Caregivers 05:18 Halloween Fundraiser Announcement 06:22 Where to Watch & Listen (Podcast Info) 07:54 Ad-Free Subscription Option 08:41 How to Support the Show (Like, Share, Subscribe) 11:07 Jargon of the Day: Adaptive Skills 12:38 What Are Adaptive Skills? 13:44 Examples: Toileting, Hygiene, Independence 15:00 Why Adaptive Skills Matter for Families 17:09 Potty Training: What Parents Should Know 20:06 Guest Introduction: Antoinette Elliott 21:09 Why Child Care Feels Out of Reach for Parents  21:55 Importance of Caregiver Training 23:44 Understanding Child Behav

On today's show Shannon welcomes Vanessa and Tory Ridgeway to tell one of the most shocking and inspirational stories.  Years ago, Autism Live covered Tory Ridgeway's story was his full NRROTC scholarship was revoked because of his autism diagnosis.  Tory and his mother are back with an update that will knock your socks off! The jargon in Self Disclosure.