Autism Live

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 dec...

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...

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 Y...

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 #MoiraAndShann...

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...

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 press...

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 Celeb...

Alex Lin is back to celebrate the 10 th 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 Suppor...

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...

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...

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...

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 M...

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 wh...

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 & Gene...

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...

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 Ghoul...

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 f...

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. 

Alex Lin joins Shannon on today's show to talk about the 10 year anniversary of Autism Rocks and what is next.  Alex also shares his opinions on the current focus to find the cause of autism. The jargon of the day is Self Advocate! 00:00 Introduction & Autism Live Disclaimer 00:31 Welcome to Autism Live with Shannon Penrod 01:12 Celebrating 10 Years of Autism Rocks 02:18 Choosing Words: Identity,...

On today's show, Shannon welcomes Sharon Newhardt from Morgan's Wonderland the first and only theme park designed for neurodivergent guests! Sharon will share the mission of this truly magical place and give updates on what is coming next!  You won't want to miss it! The jargon is inclusion. 

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...

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....