Amplifying Autism Podcast: Sharing Autistic Stories

In this episode Wendy speaks with author Marian Schembari about late autism diagnosis, self-understanding, and the journey from feeling broken to feeling whole. Marian shares insights from her memoir, A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole , and reflects on the impact of discovering she was autistic later in life. Through humor, honesty, and lived experience, she discu...

In this solo episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy explores the challenges, fears, and possibilities of dating while autistic. Dating can feel overwhelming for anyone, but for autistic adults, navigating social communication and uncertainty can be especially exhausting. Wendy reminds listeners that while dating may be difficult, being autistic does not mean love and connection are out of reach. Wen...

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Suzanne Plumley about late autism diagnosis, self-discovery, and supporting autistic adults as they navigate life after diagnosis. Suzanne was diagnosed autistic in her fifties and now helps newly diagnosed autistic adults find love, clarity, and connection. Through her podcast, The Aspie Bridge , and her coaching work, she supports people who may feel overwhelme...

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Janeen Herskovitz about supporting neurodivergent families, building healthier relationships, and creating peace at home. Janeen is a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Puzzle Peace Counseling in Jacksonville, Florida. As the parent of two autistic adult children, she brings both professional experience and lived experience to her work helping neurod...

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Susan Kayler about late autism discovery, self-understanding, and finding new purpose after diagnosis. After successful careers as both an attorney and a judge, Susan still struggled with being misunderstood and having her facial expressions misread. Even practicing expressions in the mirror did not help her communicate emotions the way people expected. Yet when...

In this episode, Wendy speaks with author Brendan Corbett about late autism diagnosis, self-discovery, and returning to creativity through writing. Brendan was diagnosed in his 30s, and the realization became a turning point in understanding his life. He found it cathartic and helped him on his journey of self-discovery. He reminds us how “coming of age” can happen at any age, especially when disc...

In this episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy speaks with John Burke about how autistic thinking can thrive in the world of AI. John shares insights from his work with AI, as well as his experience as a late-diagnosed autistic adult. The conversation explores how AI can be a powerful tool when used thoughtfully. John encourages listeners not to give up after a frustrating first experience, but inst...

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Kay Burnham about late diagnosis, unmasking, and the unique experience of being both autistic and ADHD (AuDHD). Diagnosed with autism and ADHD in her 50s, Kay shares how they changed her life and perspective. After years of advocating for others, including her own children, she is now learning to advocate for herself. Our conversation explores identity-first lang...

In this solo episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy explores social approach and avoidance through a simple but powerful question: Are you more like a butterfly or a bear? Some people are like butterflies, drawn to connection, moving from conversation to conversation, energized by social interaction (even if it eventually leads to exhaustion). Others are more like bears, preferring smaller, quieter...

In this episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy speaks with April Ratchford about self-acceptance, late autism diagnosis, and what it means to truly “lean into” being autistic. April is the host of the top-ranking podcast Adulting with Autism , a resource for neurodivergent adults seeking validation and practical tools for navigating adulthood. She originally created the podcast for her autistic son...

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Lynn C. Davison about problem-solving, family relationships, and autistic young adults entering adulthood. Lynn hosts the podcast When Autism Grows Up and is the parent of an autistic adult child. Later in life, in her 60s, she realized she is autistic herself. Like many late-identified autistic adults, Lynn developed systems that helped her navigate the world so...

In this episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy speaks with social psychologist and author Dr. Devon Price about autistic masking and what it means to live authentically.  Devon shares its journey of realization about autism and masking. We also discuss the myth of laziness, something many autistic folk feel guilty about. Needing help to get things done is common, yet so many people are labeled, or l...

Summary:  In this episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy speaks with Jenny Smith about trauma-informed healing, nervous system regulation, and why healing for autistic and ADHD adults must be gentle, embodied, and compassionate.  Jenny draws from somatic experiencing, nervous system attunement, inner child work, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and a spacious, progressive Christian spirituality. She s...

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Krista West about being formally diagnosed with autism at age 50, building a successful global business as an autistic entrepreneur, and traveling without burnout. Krista long suspected she was autistic but assumed her quirks came from growing up with an autistic parent. When her father was identified as being on the spectrum in hospice, she realized she had spen...

In this solo, Wendy explores the language, labels, and experiences that shape the autistic community. Whether you are late-diagnosed, self-identified, or just beginning to question if you might be autistic, this episode offers a supportive introduction to understanding autism beyond stereotypes and clinical definitions. Wendy discusses the limitations of the medical model, which often focuses on d...

Summary: In this episode of Amplifying Autism , Wendy speaks with Dr. Temple Grandin about autism and employment, from early job skills to navigating workplace challenges as a late-diagnosed autistic adult. Temple emphasizes the importance of structured work experience for autistic youth and encourages autistic adults who struggle with employment to look at why a job was lost to find practical sol...

  Episode Summary: In this episode of the Amplifying Autism Podcast, Jennifer talked about her journey of learning about herself as a late-diagnosed autistic woman. As a doctoral-level social worker, she was aware of the lack of research available to help professionals working with children, teens, and adults with high support needs. Jennifer believes that everyone who struggles with anxiety and o...