Autism Weekly Podcast

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 deep...

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...

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 autist...

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...

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! Resource...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 disabili...

This week, we are joined by Kadin McElwain, an autistic college student and advocate from Ohio who has dedicated his life to proving doubters wrong and helping others on the autism spectrum thrive. Despite being told he wouldn’t be able to live a ‘normal’ life, he has continuously broken barriers, from excelling in academics and athletics to leading impactful autism awareness initiatives in his co...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Leslie Carver, a leading researcher studying brain development and social cognition in both typically developing children and those with autism. Dr. Carver’s work offers groundbreaking insights into how autistic children anticipate and process events, and how this can shape their social interactions. Dr. Carver will share how her research can help us better understa...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Ashley de Marchena, an Associate Research Professor at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and a licensed psychologist specializing in autism communication. Dr. de Marchena’s work explores everything from literal and non-literal language to nonverbal communication, AAC, and the Double Empathy Problem—offering real-world knowledge for families and caregivers. She also l...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Rebecca Landa, a leading expert in early autism detection and intervention. Dr. Landa is the founder of the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™) at Kennedy Krieger Institute and has dedicated her career to identifying early signs of autism and developing effective interventions. Today, we’ll discuss what early autism indicators look like, why...

This week, we are joined by Dr. James B. Adams, a President’s Professor at Arizona State University and leader of the Autism/Asperger's Research Group. As a father to an adult daughter with autism, Dr. Adams has dedicated much of his research to uncovering biological causes and innovative treatments for autism. Today, we’ll explore groundbreaking work on the gut-brain connection, including a new d...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Alycia Halladay, Chief Science Officer at the Autism Science Foundation and a leading voice in autism research. We'll discuss key advancements from 2024, resources for families, profound autism, and how siblings are impacted. Dr. Halladay will also share practical tips and insights to help families raising autistic children. Download latest episode to learn more!   ...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Fred Volkmar, renowned autism researcher and Irving B. Harris Professor at Yale University. Dr. Volkmar discusses key issues facing adults with autism, including vocational challenges, driving, legal considerations, and the importance of accessible services. We’ll also discuss the second edition of his book, Adolescents and Adults with Autism. Download the latest ep...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Mary Barbera, a BCBA-D, author, and autism advocate with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Barbera developed the Turn Autism Around® approach, offering practical strategies to improve language, self-care, and social skills for children with autism or early signs of autism. She’s also the creator of a free 10-minute assessment tool designed to guide families in taking...

This week on Autism Weekly, we’re honored to welcome Stacey Hoaglund, advocate, disability consultant, and President of the Autism Society of Florida! With over 25 years of experience in education, inclusion, and legislative change, Stacey has been a leading voice in the autism community. As editor of The Autism Notebook Magazine and author of Go for the Goal: A Parent’s Guide to Creating Meaningf...

We’re thrilled to welcome Ashley Penney and Yev Veverka, authors of "Compassion: The Eighth Dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis," to the podcast! With extensive backgrounds in research, education, and clinical practice, Ashley and Yev are at the forefront of reshaping ABA by championing compassionate care. Their groundbreaking work is paving the way for a more empathetic and person-centered fut...

This week, we are joined by Anila D'Mello, an assistant professor at UT Southwestern, whose groundbreaking research uses neuroimaging to explore the brain circuits that support language and cognition in autism. Dr. D'Mello will share insights from her work on cerebro-cerebellar circuits and how they differ in neurodevelopmental disorders. Join us as we discuss how these findings can transform our...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Ami Klin, the Director of the Marcus Autism Center and a leading expert in autism research. We will be discussing his groundbreaking work with Dr. Warren Jones, utilizing eye-tracking technology to visualize and measure social engagement in individuals with autism. Ami Klin, Ph. D. is the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Professor and Chief of the Division...

Join us as we welcome Dr. Robert Melillo, a renowned specialist in childhood neurological disorders, to discuss groundbreaking approaches to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Creator of The Melillo Method™ and best-selling author of Disconnected Kids, Dr. Melillo shares insights on brain imbalances, functional disconnection, and how nutrition and lifestyle changes can transform lives. Discover how...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Brett Ranon Nachman and Brad Cox to discuss Project PEACES, a nationwide study on autistic college student success. Dr. Nachman, an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and Brad Cox, an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and founder of the College Autism Network, share insights on supporting autistic students in higher education and fos...

This week, we are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Clinical Professor at UCLA and founder of the UCLA PEERS Clinic, one of the world’s leading programs for social skills training for adolescents and adults with autism. Dr. Laugeson is an internationally recognized expert in the field, having developed evidence-based programs now used in over 150 countries. Today, we’ll be discussing how PEERS is...