Just Another Autism Podcast

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb is joined by Autism Speaks Champions of Change Makayla and Lauren for a candid conversation about caregiver burnout, mental health, sibling impacts, and the realities of raising children with significant support needs. From navigating diagnoses and therapies to managing anxiety, isolation, and the daily mental load of caregiving, this epi...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb hosts a special conversation with Leland Vittert—veteran journalist, host of On Balance on NewsNation, and author of Born Lucky. Leland shares his personal journey of growing up with an autism diagnosis and how it shaped his path to becoming a national news anchor. Together, they explore what autism looked like in his early life, the chal...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb has a special conversation with Brandon Oakes, an autistic self-advocate and one of our Champions of Change, and Dr. Kerri Rodriguez, an advisory board member with Fetch Pet Insurance. As today is International Pet Day, we learn more about service dogs and their role in supporting people with autism through Brandon’s own story with his se...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb has a meaningful conversation with Dr. Muhsinah Morris, an autism mom, sibling of a special needs individual, author, chemist, and educator, about her journey advocating for her family and supporting Black families with neurodivergent children. She is a mother of five children, two of whom are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Through her...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Tanner Smith from Love on the Spectrum, his sister Midge, and Holly Fowler, creator of Wable. As we know, making connections these days isn't easy. That's why Wable was created — an app designed to promote meaningful social connections among autistic and neurodivergent individuals. During this special conversation, we learn mor...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb hosts a special conversation with golf legend Billy Mayfair and his wife, Tami Mayfair. During this interview, Billy and Tami share their relationship, how they met, and how they built their bond. They also discuss the journey and process that led to Billy receiving a late autism diagnosis at age 53, as well as how they view autism in the...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with John Wells, a father, fitness influencer, actor, and autism advocate, about his experience raising his son with profound autism. John shares his story of raising both of his children and how his perspective on parenting changed when supporting his child with high support needs. Additionally, we learn about John’s latest film, L...

In this episode, Eileen Lamb speaks with Santa Wade, a longtime Cherry Hill Programs Santa who is specially trained to support and engage autistic children during their holiday photo experience. Autism Speaks partners with Cherry Hill to help prepare Santas and staff to create calm, welcoming, sensory-aware environments so every child can enjoy a moment with Santa in their own way. Join us as we e...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Manish Arora, co-founder of LinusBio, the company behind ClearStrand-ASD — a new test that uses hair samples to help detect autism risk earlier in life. Together, they discuss the science behind early detection, recent advances in research, and what the future could look like for early autism screening.

In this new episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, guest host Kadin McElwain sits down with Hispanic guitarist Ashton Almengor Fontanez. Diagnosed with autism at two, Ashton has used music to change people’s perceptions on what autistic individuals are capable of and as a way to express himself. We sat down to discuss what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him, his story, and Autism Speaks’ Hispan...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, two-time Emmy-nominated journalist, mother, and autism advocate Sofia Lachapelle joins guest host Tony Hernandez Pumarejo for an inspiring conversation about the Hispanic community. From her career in journalism to advocating for the autism community at the United Nations, Sofia has become a voice for many Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families with...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Tyler White from Love on the Spectrum joins Eileen Lamb for an inspiring and lighthearted conversation about love, music, and life on the spectrum. Tyler shares what it was really like filming the show, how he found his perfect match in Madison. From his journey as a self-taught musician to performing at the Grand Ole Opry and launching his own DJ bu...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb sits down with Chris Redding, father, musician, and autism advocate, and his wife Serena to talk about their journey raising Christian, their son who is autistic and nonverbal. Chris and Serena open up about the daily realities of parenting a child with high support needs, from elopement and self-injury to the quiet moments of connection...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Amy Tiffany from Love Is Blind joins Eileen Lamb for a down-to-earth conversation about life in the pods, the reality behind reality TV, and what the experience taught her about connection and vulnerability. Amy also opens up about her relationship with her autistic brother, sharing how growing up alongside him shaped her outlook on communication, em...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb sits down with the team behind The Plight — Matthew Boda (director), Ronald Sandoval (writer), and Jacob Waltuck (autistic actor). They talk about the personal stories that inspired the film, what it was like collaborating on such an emotionally intense project, and why authentic representation in media matters now more than ever.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb chats with Landon Ashworth, an autistic filmmaker, actor, and creative powerhouse. Landon talks about how being autistic influences the way he tells stories, what it’s like working in entertainment, and why real representation matters. He also shares the inspiration behind his new movie, which was made in honor of his young autistic cousi...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb chats with golf legend Billy Mayfair. Billy recently joined Autism Speaks’ Team 20. In this episode, he opens up about getting diagnosed with autism later in life and how it helped him make sense of so many things, on and off the course. They talk about his journey through pro golf, and how his perspective on life and the game has shifted...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Scott LeRette—author of The Unbreakable Boy and father to Austin, who is autistic and lives with a rare connective tissue disorder. Scott opens up about the highs, lows, and unexpected beauty of raising a child with profound disabilities. From raw honesty about the hardest days to the joy Austin brings into every room, Scott sh...

In this episode of Just Another Podcast with Eileen Lamb, Eileen sits down with Survivor contestant Eva Erickson to discuss her incredible journey with autism and how it shaped her experience on the show. Eva shares her personal story, from her early diagnosis to the therapies that helped her thrive, and opens up about what it was like representing the autism community on such a huge platform. The...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb is joined by award-winning chef, author, and television personality Maneet Chauhan. Best known as a judge on Chopped and the first-ever two-time champion of Tournament of Champions, Maneet is also a mother to a 10-year-old autistic son. She shares how autism has shaped her perspective both in the kitchen and at home, discussing sensory se...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb sits down with 12-year-old Austin, an autistic aspiring stand-up comedian. Austin opens about his diagnosis, the challenges of growing up feeling different, and how comedy has become his way of navigating the world. With humor and honesty, he shares how laughter has helped him connect with others and embrace his unique perspective.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Jackie Ceonzo, founder of SNACK*, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of children, teens, and young adults with autism through inclusive programs and activities. Jackie shares what inspired her to create SNACK*, how the organization has grown from a small after-school program to serving over 250 individuals, and her vi...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Dr. Arthur Westover, a psychiatrist specializing in adult autism and developmental disabilities, and a dad to a 20-year-old autistic son with intellectual disability. Dr. Westover shares his dual perspective as a professional and parent, highlighting the challenges families face in finding psychiatric care for autistic adults....

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, special host GW joins us for Black History Month as we talk with Josh King, who shares his journey as a single parent of an autistic daughter diagnosed at 18 months in 2005 while serving in Iraq. He faced challenges in childcare and medical services due to lack of awareness and training. King advocated for better funding and training for special need...

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, host Eileen Lamb sits down with Justin Moehn, a passionate autism self-advocate and educator. Justin shares his journey from being diagnosed with autism in 1985 at Texas Children’s Hospital to becoming an award-winning advocate. He opens up about his experiences growing up, his work with organizations and businesses, and his mission to help others by...