Embracing Autism

What if the key to understanding autism isn’t in behavior… but in the brain itself? In this enlightening conversation, Dr. David Amaral of the UC Davis MIND Institute reveals the one topic that could change everything: brain donation. It’s sensitive. It’s rarely discussed. But it could unlock answers we’ve been searching for. Discover what brain donation actually looks like, how it honors the auti...

We’re answering your real-life parenting questions—from potty struggles to public stares—and announcing April’s Embracing Autism Grant winner, chosen from our Patreon members. Plus, important updates about how the grant and newsletter is changing starting in June 2025. Support our mission and unlock 5 bonus entries today, Become A Member: patreon.com/autismwish

Is your child really speaking through someone else—or are you being misled? Today, we tackle the hot-button issue of facilitated communication (FC) and the explosion of pseudoscience in the autism world, especially after the viral success of The Telepathy Tapes podcast. Joining us is Dr. Katharine Beals—autism expert, linguist, and mother to an autistic child—who helps us cut through the noise. Le...

Ever feel like your social life disappeared the moment you became an autism parent? You’re not alone — and you’re not a bad friend. In this episode, we get real about the hidden struggles no one talks about: canceled plans, isolation, misunderstood boundaries, and the guilt that tags along. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so hard to “just hang out” anymore, this one’s for you. Listen now to feel...

Ever feel like your brain is in a constant tug-of-war between hyper-focus and forgetfulness, social burnout and impulsivity? You’re not alone! As a family with three AuDHD-ers ourselves, this conversation with renowned AuDHD author Sarah Hendrickx hits close to home. We define 'AuDHD' and dive into the daily challenges, unexpected strengths, and the unique ways we navigate a world that wasn’t buil...

It’s Autism Acceptance Month! While we’re celebrating our kids’ progress, we’re also facing new uncertainties—our newest member of the family is showing some early signs of autism, but is it too soon to tell? In this episode, we share our journey of balancing optimism with caution, the emotional side of watching for signs, and what autism acceptance means beyond critical awareness. Support the pod...

Struggling to co-parent an autistic child? Family law expert Sara Donohue shares powerful tips on managing custody schedules, handling sensory needs, and improving communication – even in high-conflict situations. Learn how to create a stable, low-stress co-parenting dynamic that works for your child. Don’t miss these expert-backed strategies! Find Sara at Stein Sperling: Facebook @steinsperling I...

Teaching self-advocacy to autistic kids can feel impossible—but it doesn’t have to be! We’re breaking down why it’s so hard and sharing practical tips to help your child express their needs, no matter how they communicate. You don’t want to miss this! Support our mission and unlock exclusive perks, Become A Member today: patreon.com/autismwish

What if you had a secret weapon  to protect your autistic child—both online and in the real world? This cutting-edge device  is helping families stop wandering, detect online threats, and provide real-time safety like never before . In this exclusive early-access episode  of Embracing Autism IRL , I sit down with Katey McPherson from Bark Technologies  to uncover how this break...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring a game-changing topic—Artificial Intelligence. Could AI be the next big breakthrough for the autism community, or does it come with hidden risks? We’re diving into how AI could revolutionize communication, learning, and daily living, while also uncovering potential concerns about privacy, bias, and dependency. You won’t want to miss this balanced look at the pro...

What if virtual reality (VR) could help neurodivergent individuals build real-world social skills? In this episode of Embracing Autism IRL, I sit down with Jenifer Shahin, a behavioral therapist and former film producer who has spent over 20 years helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. Having overcome her own learning differences, Jenifer has discovered the power of creativity and technology i...

Parenting an autistic child brings so much love and joy, but let’s be real—it can also put a strain on a marriage. In this special Valentine’s Day episode, we’re sitting down to have an open and honest conversation about how we’ve worked to keep our connection strong while navigating the unique challenges of parenting autistic children. If you’ve ever felt like your marriage is running on fumes, t...

We’re thrilled to have Jerry Kolber join us today. Jerry is the Emmy-nominated co-creator of Brain Games on National Geographic, co-creator of Netflix’s Brainchild with Pharrell Williams, and host of the hit kids’ podcast Who Smarted with over 15 million downloads. In this episode, we’ll explore how Jerry’s innovative approach to edutainment creates accessible, engaging content for neurodiverse le...

On today’s episode we’re diving into how autism is portrayed in media and how these representations influence public understanding. We’ll explore different storytelling approaches, from metaphorical to direct portrayals, and discuss their strengths and limitations. Support our mission, unlock members only perks, Become A Member today: patreon.com/autismwish

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Kaelynn Partlow, an autistic therapist, author, advocate, and speaker who’s passionate about educating others and breaking down barriers for the autistic community. You may recognize Kaelynn from Love on the Spectrum, where she shared her journey with authenticity. In addition to her advocacy work, Kaelynn uses her expertise to support and empower other autistic in...

In this episode we dive into our personal experiences as neurodivergent parents of newly diagnosed ADHD children. We explore the similarities and differences between ADHD and autism, shedding light on how they often overlap in our family but are distinctly different in their challenges and needs. 

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Matt Sloan, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a unique and impactful approach to helping individuals with sensory challenges. Matt is the founder of Sensory Fitness, where he blends sensory integration therapy with integrative fitness principles to support those with sensory processing difficulties, autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodiversity. Wit...

In today’s episode, we explore how society continues to marginalize the disability community through harmful perceptions and practices.  Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish

Today, we're thrilled to have Lee Burdette Williams, the Executive Director of the College Autism Network, as our guest. Lee brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent years as a student affairs professional before stepping into her current role in 2019. She previously served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, as well as De...

In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up 2024 by reflecting on some changes ahead for both our family and AutismWish. We’ll also talk about living in the present and cherishing every moment with our youngest, as we keep a close eye on her development. Plus, we’ll share how having two older kids diagnosed with autism has shaped our approach this time around. Support our mission, Become a Member today:...

Did you know that autistic individuals are 5 to 7 times more likely to attempt suicide than their neurotypical peers? As we approach the holidays, a time where depression and suicide rates spike, we would like to shed light on this important topic as we welcome Mitch Leppicello, to discuss the difficult yet necessary topic. Mitch is a clinical social worker with 35 years of experience working with...

In this heartfelt Christmas episode, we reflect on the bittersweet emotions of the holidays as we honor the memory of our children’s late grandfather, whose birthday was on Christmas Day. We share how we balance grief and joy by teaching our kids about his legacy, creating meaningful traditions, and embracing moments of self-care. Join us as we explore ways to navigate the season while making spac...

Tune in as we sit down with Dr. Matt on the topic of 2e/twice exceptional kiddos. Dr. Matt Zakreski, PsyD., is a dynamic speaker and clinical psychologist specializing in gifted and neurodivergent individuals. With over 400 presentations worldwide on stages and podcasts, he shares insights on supporting neurodivergent individuals in every aspect of life—from school to college to the workplace. He...

Today we explore how to celebrate gratitude in ways that resonate with autistic children. From sensory-friendly activities to simple, meaningful routines, we’ll share how we create unique ways to teach and experience gratitude with our children. Support our mission, become a member today: patreon.com/autismwish

Today we have the honor of introducing Dr. Alex Klein, PsyD on the topic of pathological demand avoidance (PDA) in autism. Dr. Alex is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in parenting as well as assessing neurodivergent adults and children. He currently runs a private practice in Oakland, California where he does counseling with individual adults, couples, and parents, as well as eval...