For the first time, Shannon welcomes Christine and Abbey Romeo form Netflix's "Love on the Spectrum". Shannon discusses the jargon Masking.

Autism expert, Jennifer Yakos joins Shannon to talk about education and training those with individuals on the spectrum. How can people get more training? Shannon presents the jargon term "Celeration" for the first time.

Autism expert Marcy Fibrow joins the program to talk about supporting autism in the classroom.  What is the evaluation you can ask for to qualify for a 1:1 aide and much more.  Shannon shares the Jargon of the Day: Premack Prinicple

Lillian Carrier joins Shannon to talk about Ourtism, the non-profit started by Lillian and sister Chloe to support neurodivergent individuals. For more information visit: https://www.ourtism.org/.

Lisa Ackerman, founder of The Autism Community in Action, (TACA) joins Shannon to talk about new trends and TACA updates including their conferences.  For more information visit: www.tacanow.org

Shannon is joined by autism expert Jennifer Barreto. The very serious topic of self-injurious behavior is discussed. What is self injurious behavior and what can be done to stop it? This is an important show, you don't want to miss it.

Temple Grandin talks with Shannon about her new book: Different Kinds of Minds: A guide to Your Brain. Dr. Grandin also answers questions from viewers around the world! For more information visit: https://www.templegrandin.com/ #templegrandin

Spencer Harte and Naomi Rubin from the Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge nominee CARPS join to talk about their film. Watch CARPS here: https://youtu.be/k2Mgk688Jv4 Author and Advocate Thomas McKean joins Shannon to talk about IDENTITY and why this is such a "hot button topic" in the autism community.

On this episode Shannon welcomes Katelyn Giboney to talk about treatment and supports for teens and adults on the autism spectrum. Can ABA still help teens and adults? Is there a difference in the treatment plan for adults? How can parents support teens and adults who do not work on things like anxiety? How can parents help their teen and adult children while listening and honoring the individual’s wishes. Jargon of the Day: DRA.

Ed Couture and Shane Campfield share information about HURDLE and how they are supporting those on the spectrum. Jargon: Sensory Processing

Amanda Ralston from NOnBinary Solutions visits to to give update on the software that she hopes will revolutionize autism treatment. For more information visit: https://www.nonbinarysolutions.com/ Jargon of the day: Joint Attention

Sara Bradford aka SJ Childs joins Shannon to talk about the SJ Childs Global Network and the upcoming International Autism Summit. For more information about the summit visit: https://sjchilds.org/ SJ Childs LLC is committed to bringing value to the community through education, resources, and building a community of inclusion, and understanding for Autism. sjchilds.org Shannon also shares the jargon of the day: Prosody.

New CEO of Autism Digest shares information about the new 25 Year Anniversary Edition that is FREE during the month of April! Jargon of the Day: Receptive Language.

Author, Researcher, Nutritionist Julie Matthews shares critical information about the impact of diet on Autism.

Actor Coby Bird (Locke and Key/The Good Doctor) joins for this special hour talking about identity, passions and influences.

Author, Advocate and Speaker Thomas Iland talk about mental health for adults on the spectrum and his new book. Jargon of the day: Chaining

On this episode Dr. Stephen Shore joins Shannon to talk about his life and work in the autism community. Dr. Stephen Shore is famous for many things, including the sayings, “When you meet one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.”  And “The potential of autism people is unlimited – just like everyone else.”  Dr. Shore is a Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University. He has written the books that include: College for Students with Disabilities, Understanding Autism for Dummies, Ask and Tell, and Beyond  the Wall.  Currently, he serves on the board of Autism Speaks,  and is one of the first two autistic board members in its history,   looking to improve the potential of those on the autism spectrum. He  once headed the Asperger's Association of New England and was on the  board of the Autism Society of America.

On today’s show Chrisa Sadd, LMFT joins Shannon to talk about the importance of mental health for the whole family.  Chrisa has been working with the special needs community since 2003.  She has extensive experience working with families, siblings, caregivers, children, and young adults.  For many years she worked as a behavior analyst, social skills teacher, including working at VISTA DEL MAR. Providing psychotherapy services for the special needs community and others.  “I love the work that I do.  Helping others is a part of my heart and soul.  It is truly rewarding when you can see another person's life change for the better."  Chrisa now runs the mental health program at the Ed Asner Family Center, where she teaches and co-teaches classes on Sex Ed and Dating on the Spectrum.  For more information visit: Mental-Health - The Ed Asner Family Center Thomas Iland is an award winning author and an internationally recognized public speaker and personal coach.  Thomas excels at coaching individuals to be their best selves in life, love, career and all aspects of their lives.  Thomas was diagnosed with autism at the age of 13, today he is a Certified Human Potential Coach, a Toastmasters International Accredited Speaker, Award Winning Author, TEDx Speaker, Ironman finisher, Guinness World Record Holder and TOYA Award Recipient. For more information on Thomas Iland visit: https://www.cometolifecoaching.com/

On this episode Shannon welcomed Harrie James O’Kelley, from The O’Kelley Lab, and Rabbi Jackie Redner, from the Vista Del Mar “Nes ga dol” program, to talk about  The Neurodiversity of Kindness event happening on April 7th as part of the Vista Del Mar’s “House of Lovingkindness” program.  This free event will feature a choir made up of individuals on the spectrum as well as residence that live at Vista, as well as performances and presentations by Spec Labs, Dani Bowman, Ballet For All Kids, USC Glorya Kaufman Dance, Straight Up Abilities, and much more. There will also be a virtual art show highlighting and promoting neurodiverse artists. For more information about the event visit www.vistadelmar.org. Shannon covers the jargon term Expressive Language.

In this special viewer requested episode, Shannon Penrod gives the Parent to Parent talk on what to do when the school says your child with ASD doesn’t qualify for an IEP and what to do when the school says they want to declassify your child with ASD, so they are no longer receiving Special Education Services.  What do you do?  Do you celebrate or fight?  What argument do you make to get your child services and how do you know when to let the services go?  These are difficult waters to navigate, but Shannon gives tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your child’s time at school.