Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism

What if the struggles you're seeing aren't about motivation, effort, or behavior—but executive functioning? In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler welcomes Nichole O'Donnell, BCBA and Director of Clinical Operations at Empower Behavioral Health and a longtime autism professional, to explore the critical role executive functioning plays in everyday l...

In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Sophia Schlecht for a thoughtful conversation about ADHD, anxiety, self-advocacy, and the often-overlooked experiences of women with neurodiversity. What began as a high school thesis on women with autism eventually led Sophia to her own ADHD diagnosis and a passion for advocacy. Together, Jennif...

In this important episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with swim instructor, water safety advocate, and owner of All Things Swim , Emily Hansen, to discuss one of the most critical topics facing autism families — water safety. Emily shares her personal journey into swim instruction after her own daughter experienced a near-drowning accident and...

In this inspiring Season 4 episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with John Watson , founder of Bloom Fitness, to discuss how one idea grew into a nationwide movement helping individuals with IDD and autism experience connection, confidence, movement, and belonging. What started as a search for meaningful opportunities for his daughter after aging...

In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Transition Specialist and parent Cynthia Singleton to share a powerful, real-life perspective on navigating autism—from early diagnosis to adulthood. Cynthia shares her son Karl’s 27-year journey, offering honest insight into early intervention, the challenges of the school system, and the ongoin...

In this special episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , we’re flipping the script. In honor of Autism Awareness Month and Jennifer Dantzler Day , Inspire ND’s Executive Director and Founder, Jennifer Dantzler, takes a seat on the other side of the mic—answering honest, unfiltered questions from a student advocate impacted by inclusion. From how autism understanding has evolved ove...

In this insightful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Amelia to explore what it means to receive an autism diagnosis later in life—and how that diagnosis can bring clarity, relief, and a path forward. Diagnosed at 16, Amelia shares how she began recognizing herself in others’ stories and realizing there was a deeper explanation for the ch...

In this powerful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with someone who has been part of her journey for over two decades—Cade. Diagnosed with autism at just 3 years old, Cade shares what it was like to grow up navigating communication challenges, social connections, and the world around him—and how early support helped shape his path forward. Fr...

In this special episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , released in honor of Profound Autism Day (March 17) , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Judith Ursitti , cofounder and president of the Profound Autism Alliance . Judith shares the deeply personal story that led her into national advocacy after her son Jack was diagnosed with autism at age two. What began as a mother’s se...

Our Executive Director, Jennifer Dantzler, sat down for an interview on Community Beats with Kim McKee from KSBJ this morning! She shared about our mission to create truly inclusive communities for individuals with neurodiversity — and highlighted some important upcoming events, including our Sign Up: Free Autism Safety Kit Giveaway Event in honor of Profound Autism Day. This conversation is all a...

In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Jake and his parents for a powerful and honest conversation about navigating life, purpose, and advocacy within the neurodiversity community. Together, they explore what it really means to support individuals with autism beyond labels and limitations. From personal experiences to practical insigh...

Advocating for your child at school shouldn’t feel overwhelming — but for many families, it does. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with education advocate and consultant Dr. Kaci Sheridan to break down what parents need to know about IEPs, ARDs, and school advocacy — and the mistakes that can unintentionally harm a child’s progress....

In this powerful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with longtime colleague and speech-language pathologist Melanie Johnston to explore one foundational truth: everyone deserves a voice. Melanie shares nearly three decades of experience supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across the lifespan—from early childhood t...

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Christine Biddle—a mom, BCBA, and fierce advocate—to explore what it truly means to go beyond the label. Christine shares her daughter Madilyn’s early diagnosis story, the challenges and breakthroughs of navigating ABA therapy, and the small victories that became stepping stones toward independence. From learning tin...

Sleep challenges are one of the most common—and exhausting—concerns for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler welcomes back Armando Bernal, BCBA , CEO of Autism International Consulting , to discuss why sleep is so difficult for so many autistic individuals—and what can actually help. Armando s...

In this inspiring episode, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with authors Jeffrey and Laura May , creators of the children’s book Our Amazing Minds —a beautifully written, inclusive story that helps kids understand autism through the eyes of four autistic friends. The Mays share how their son experiences inspired them to create a resource they couldn’t find anywhere else: a book that explains autis...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with former intern Michael Rickli , a young adult on the spectrum who is now thriving as an employee at Disney. Michael opens up about his early years—being diagnosed at age five, not speaking consistently until elementary school, navigating changes, and overcoming academic challenges. He shares his path from special educati...

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to ensuring long-term security for a loved one with a developmental disability. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Catherine Byers from Rosenblatt Law Firm to break down the essentials of Special Needs Trusts — what they are, how they work, and why they’re an...

In this heartwarming episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Erica and Mason Johnston , a mother-and-son duo with a powerful story about what real inclusion looks like inside the classroom. Mason, now a high school student, reflects on his early years growing up alongside peers with autism in an inclusive learning environment—and how that expe...

In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Dana Harris, BCBA and owner of Spectacular Kids , for a candid discussion about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Together, they break down what ABA is —and what it is not —while tackling common myths, concerns, and misconceptions. Listeners will gain insight into: ✔️ How to recognize the hallmark...

Getting a haircut is something many of us take for granted—but for neurodivergent individuals, it can be overwhelming and stressful. In this episode, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Henry Tribes , a Dallas-based barber and the inventor of The Weighted Cape , to explore how one simple idea is transforming the haircutting experience. Henry shares how his role as a father inspired his patience and c...

In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Brennan, a 32-year-old adult on the autism spectrum and a registered behavior technician. Brennan shares his journey from early diagnosis and intervention to living independently, working in the ABA field, and mentoring others. With honesty and humor, Brennan reflects on the challenges he faced in school, the supports that helped him...

In this powerful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism , host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with three remarkable women— Kate Swenson (Finding Cooper’s Voice), Carrie Cariello ( What Color Is Monday? ), and Adrienne Wood (Tales of an Educated Debutante) —the authors of the New York Times Best Seller , Autism Out Loud . Together, these moms share raw, unfiltered stories from their jo...

In this powerful two-part conversation , we’re joined by Dr. Amy Wood , a respected local and statewide speaker who advocates for families and children with autism. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal journey, Dr. Wood shares about her son, James, who is on the profound end of the autism spectrum. With honesty and heart, she reflects on 22 years of navigating life, school, an...

In the conclusion of our conversation with Dr. Amy Wood offers wisdom on vocational opportunities, inclusion in the community, and the crucial role of parent involvement in treatment. She also reflects on safety, independence, and planning for adulthood long before it arrives. Her “dotted line” approach to goal-setting and her passion for meaningful inclusion will leave you inspired, empowered, an...