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Autism Live

Autism Network ®

The #1 rated autism podcast worldwide. Autism Live's mission is to provide information and inspiration to the larger autism community, that starts with individuals on the spectrum but includes everyone who loves and cares for those individuals. Host Shannon Penrod shares the Jargon of the Day, interviews with experts, community events and much more. Viewers are invited to interact live to address questions, concerns and topics of interests.

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21 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 4 min
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August 19 · 59 min
Autism Live: Diane Strand
On today's show, Shannon is joined by Diane Strand, founder and executive producer of JDS Creative Academy, for an inspiring conversation about the power of creating meaningful career pathways for marginalized groups and adults with special needs. Can for-profit companies and nonprofits work together to create REAL opportunities and lasting outcomes for foster youth and special needs adults? Diane is here to show us how—and why it matters! Plus, today's Autism Jargon: Accommodations. What does it mean, and how can accommodations help create greater access and opportunity?
August 12 · 1 hr 4 min
Autism Live: Am I Doing enough?
Be honest: How often do you go to bed thinking you didn't do enough for your child? Am I Doing Enough? If you're the parent of a child with autism, you may know that feeling all too well: "Should I be doing more?" "Am I missing something?" "Am I giving my child enough opportunities to learn?" "Am I doing this right?" Today on Autism Live's Parent to Parent, we're talking about the incredible pressure parents put on themselves—and why sometimes, you are doing far more than you realize. We'll talk about the difference between being an engaged parent and feeling like you have to be your child's therapist 24/7, how everyday moments can become opportunities for connection and learning, and why taking care of yourself isn't selfish. 00:00:30 Welcome to Autism Live & Building an Inclusive Autism Community 00:03:48 How to Connect With Autism Live & Support the Network 00:05:36 All Ghouls Gala Update and Community Announcements 00:07:34 Today's Topic: Am I Doing Enough as a Parent? 00:10:59 The Questions Parents Ask Themselves at Night 00:12:56 Negative Self-Talk, Guilt, and Unrealistic Expectations 00:14:47 Survival Mode: Parenting Through Stress and Overwhelm 00:18:12 What Advice Would You Give Another Parent? 00:20:24 The Most Important Truth: You Are Enough 00:24:34 Connection Over Perfection: Loving Your Child First 00:27:07 Recognizing the Extraordinary Work Parents Already Do 00:31:14 Daily Opportunities for Meaningful Connection 00:39:46 Creating Bedtime Rituals and Building Strong Bonds 00:45:46 Positive Assumptive Questions and Changing Your Mindset 00:57:35 Letting Go of Blame, Embracing Self-Care, and Final Takeaways
August 5 · 1 hr
Autism Live: Back to School Success
On today's show Shannon takes on the things we can do to set our kids up for Back to School Success! What do you have control over? It turns out there is a great deal! So let's set the stage for a great year by kicking it off right! 00:00 Back-to-School Success for Autism Families Begins Here 02:58 Autism Toy Guide 2026 & Community Updates 05:16 All Ghouls Gala and Autism Care Today 07:32 Celebrating Autistic Voices in Film and Media 11:11 Autism Rocks Concert and the Mission of Autism Live 12:47 What Parents Can Actually Control This School Year 14:25 Fixing Summer Sleep Schedules Before School Starts 21:58 Creating a Stress-Free Morning Routine for School 25:41 Why Rehearsing School Routines Reduces Anxiety 27:53 First-Day Outfits, Self-Esteem and Making Friends 31:25 School Supplies, Backpacks and Comfort Items That Matter 33:37 How to Build a Great Relationship with Your Child's Teacher 40:23 The First-Day-of-School Reward Strategy 43:36 IEPs, School Services and Parent Advocacy Tips 53:26 School Placement Options, Parent Rights and Final Advice 59:47 Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected
July 29 · 1 hr 3 min
Autism Live: Alex Lin
Alex Lin is back to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Autism Rocks and advocate for Autistic people around the world. 00:00 Opening: Shannon's Moving Adventure & Show Preview 01:28 Meet Alex Linn & Autism Rocks 10th Anniversary Preview 02:07 How to Watch, Interact & Access Premium Content 03:57 All Ghouls Gala 2026 Announcement & Autism Care Today Grants 05:32 Autism Live's Mission and Supporting the Autism Community 08:05 Parenting Stress, Special Needs, and Finding Support 09:49 Shannon Reflects on Her Autism Parenting Journey 13:07 Revisiting IEPs, Assessments & Parental PTSD 16:45 A Message to Autistic Individuals: You Are Not the Stress 18:27 Introducing Alex Linn and the Autism Rocks Legacy 21:02 Autism Rocks 10th Anniversary Concert Details & Featured Performers 29:10 Alex Shares His Bullying Experience and Autism Advocacy Journey 35:45 Expanding Autism Rocks to Taiwan and Changing Autism Stigma 46:08 Universal CityWalk Concert Guide, Logistics & What to Expect 53:15 Performer Lineup, Special Songs & Final Event Information
July 22 · 1 hr
Autism Live: Sarah Crawford
Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC, joins Shannon to talk about some of the challenges facing today's families, including burnout, barriers to healthcare and much more. Today's jargon term is Respite! 00:00 Intro & Today's Guest Preview 00:35 Welcome to Autism Live & Community Mission 03:19 How to Participate, Podcasts & Viewer Support 06:20 Autism Care Today Gala & Family Grants 08:54 Jargon of the Day: What Is Respite Care? 11:53 Why Caregivers Need Respite Support 14:49 Finding Safe, Trusted Respite Providers 18:47 The Oxygen Mask Principle for Parents 19:50 Meet Sarah Crawford, CEO of TLC 22:22 The TLC Story: From Three Families to Thousands Served 26:01 Parent Burnout, Caregiver Stress & Finding Support 32:31 How Disability Impacts the Entire Family 37:15 First Steps After an Autism Diagnosis 44:04 Medicaid, Waitlists & Fixing Broken Systems 50:37 Hope, Advocacy & Building Better Support Networks
July 15 · 1 hr 3 min
Autism Live: Dr. John Gaitanis
Dr. John Gaitanis, a pediatric neurologist, joins Shannon to discuss common misconceptions about ASD and Motor disorders. Leucovorin and metabolic interventions are discussed. The jargon of the day is Methylation Cycle. 00:00 Introduction & Guest Preview 02:27 Autism Live Updates, Podcast & Community Resources 06:31 The Mission of Autism Live & Supporting the Autism Community 09:52 Jargon of the Day: What Is the Methylation Cycle? 13:54 Methylation, Detoxification & Autism Explained 16:22 Meet Pediatric Neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis 18:18 Is Autism Really One Condition? Rethinking the Spectrum 22:04 Autism Phenotypes, Brain Regions & Personalized Care 27:46 Medical Bias, Diagnostic Labels & Presuming Intelligence 32:21 Autism, Healthcare Discrimination & Advocacy for Non-Speakers 36:33 What Is MEDMAPS? Root Cause Medicine Explained 37:43 Developmental Regression, Inflammation & Methylation Dysfunction 46:20 Leucovorin, Folate Deficiency & Autism Treatment Options 53:50 Glutathione, B12, Gut Health & Systems Biology Approaches 57:15 Whole-Body Medicine, Brain Health & Final Takeaways
July 15 · 1 hr 3 min
Autism Live: Dr. John Gaitanis
Dr. John Gaitanis, a pediatric neurologist, joins Shannon to discuss common misconceptions about ASD and Motor disorders. Leucovorin and metabolic interventions are discussed. The jargon of the day is Methylation Cycle. 00:00 Introduction & Guest Preview 02:27 Autism Live Updates, Podcast & Community Resources 06:31 The Mission of Autism Live & Supporting the Autism Community 09:52 Jargon of the Day: What Is the Methylation Cycle? 13:54 Methylation, Detoxification & Autism Explained 16:22 Meet Pediatric Neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis 18:18 Is Autism Really One Condition? Rethinking the Spectrum 22:04 Autism Phenotypes, Brain Regions & Personalized Care 27:46 Medical Bias, Diagnostic Labels & Presuming Intelligence 32:21 Autism, Healthcare Discrimination & Advocacy for Non-Speakers 36:33 What Is MEDMAPS? Root Cause Medicine Explained 37:43 Developmental Regression, Inflammation & Methylation Dysfunction 46:20 Leucovorin, Folate Deficiency & Autism Treatment Options 53:50 Glutathione, B12, Gut Health & Systems Biology Approaches 57:15 Whole-Body Medicine, Brain Health & Final Takeaways
July 8 · 1 hr 5 min
Autism Live: Jennifer Kaufman
Jennifer Kaufman, author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey From Both Sides of the Desk joins Shannon to talk about training for first responders and the role of Grandparents in supporting Autism families. The jargon of the day is: Perspective Taking. 00:00 Introduction & Welcome Back to Autism Live 00:32 Meet Guest Jennifer Kaufman: Principal, Advocate & Grandmother 01:26 Autism Live Mission: Information, Inspiration & Community 03:53 How to Connect, Watch & Support Autism Live 06:34 ACT Today Fundraiser, Advocacy & Autism Policy Updates 09:39 Jargon of the Day: What Is Perspective Taking? 11:21 Theory of Mind, Simon Baron-Cohen & the Sally-Anne Test 15:31 Can Perspective Taking Be Taught? Why It Matters in Everyday Life 19:30 Real-World Examples of Perspective Taking & Relationships 22:59 Jennifer Kaufman Joins the Conversation 26:20 Grandparenting a Child with Autism: Expectations, Mistakes & Growth 33:46 The Greatest Gift Grandparents Can Give Families 37:04 First Response Autism: Training Police & First Responders 45:15 Creating Neurodiversity-Friendly Workplaces & HR Practices 52:56 Resources, Community Awareness & Final Takeaways
June 24 · 1 hr
Autism Live: Brady Huggett
On today's show Shannon welcomes Brady Huggett, a features editor for the neuroscience publication The Transmitter. Topics covered include the lack of funding dollars to research the lives of Autistic Adults. A new five part podcast called "When Autistic Kids Grow Up" looks at the lack of funding for research into the lives of autistic adults, told through the story of an autistic researcher who called attention to this problem. The jargon is Neuroscience. Join us at 10am! 00:00 Welcome, Disclaimer & Show Overview 08:15 What Is Neuroscience? Definitions & Why It Matters 16:00 Podcast Introduction: "When Autistic Kids Grow Up" 24:00 Autism Research Funding Gap Explained 32:00 Adult Autism Outcomes & Life Expectancy Concerns 40:30 Challenges in Research Funding & System Barriers 48:30 Interview Wrap-Up & How to Listen to the Podcast 50:00 Policy Discussion: ADA, IDEA & Disability Rights 55:00 Call to Action: Advocacy, Funding & Community Response
June 17 · 1 hr 7 min
Autism Live: 25 Things to Teach Your Child During the Summer!
On today's show Shannon gives the rundown on 22 things you can teach in the summer months to catch your child up and prepare them for success in the new school year. 00:00 Intro & Autism Live Mission 02:59 Summer Learning Opportunities for Kids 03:24 25 Skills to Teach Over the Summer 08:06 Overview of All 25 Life Skills 12:19 Skill #1: Building Reading Habits 18:01 Skill #2: Potty Training & Generalization 19:46 Skill #3: Making Math Fun 23:13 Skill #4: Swimming Safety & Skills 25:23 Skill #5: Teaching History Creatively 27:30 Skill #6: Exercise & Self-Regulation 29:28 Skill #7: Speech Practice with Tongue Twisters 32:21 Skill #8: Enjoying Museums with Sensory Needs 36:05 Skill #9: Live Music & Theater Skills 40:28 Skill #10–15: Cooking, Help, Social & Travel Skills 51:18 Skill #16–25: Daily Living, Independence & Confidence 1:05:58 Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts
June 3 · 1 hr 7 min
Autism Live: Dr. Molly O'Shea
On today's show Shannon welcomes Dr. Molly O'Shea to talk about water safety and the terrible statistics surrounding drowning and children on the spectrum. Goldfish Swim School has a new program to help swimmers be safe in and around the water. The jargon is Antecedent Modification. 00:00 Disclaimer 00:00:46 Show Intro + What's Ahead 00:01:39 California Medi-Cal Advocacy Update 00:05:15 Personal Reflection + Gratitude 00:07:16 Autism Community & Show Mission 00:07:35 How to Watch + Follow the Show 00:09:52 Jargon of the Day: Antecedent Basics 00:18:45 Guest Intro: Dr. Molly O'Shea 00:21:07 Autism & Attraction to Water Risks 00:23:30 Why Swim Skills Are Critical 00:24:00 Goldfish Swim Schools Overview 00:25:05 Sensory-Friendly Swim Programs 00:29:08 How Swim Lessons Work by Age 00:33:04 Big Life Journal & Goal Setting 00:37:58 Autism & Drowning Risk Statistics 00:39:10 Water Safety Basics (Life Jackets & Supervision) 00:40:35 Layers of Protection (Fences, Locks, Alarms) 00:43:48 "Water Watcher" Safety Strategy 00:44:18 Real-Life Drowning Story (Impact) 00:47:15 CPR & Emergency Preparedness 00:48:43 Why Swim Skills Must Be Repeated 00:50:39 Why Swim Lessons Are Prevention 00:51:21 Pediatric Practice for Neurodivergent Kids 00:54:05 ABA + Real-World Social Skills Discussion 01:01:16 Practicing Skills Beyond the Home 01:05:05 Final Thoughts + Takeaways 01:06:56 Closing + Outro
May 27 · 1 hr 13 min
Autism Live: Kelley Jensen
Kelley Jensen, host of the Refrigerator Moms Podcast joins Shannon today to talk about TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), a noninvasive brain stimulation therapy. Today's jargon is Elopement. 00:00 Intro & Disclaimer 00:33 Show Overview & Guest Preview (TMS + Refrigerator Moms) 01:29 How to Watch & Engage (Live + YouTube + Podcast) 03:15 Ad-Free Subscription Option Explained 04:23 All Ghouls Gala Announcement (Autism Care Today Fundraiser) 05:01 Call to Action: Contact Governor Newsom 06:15 Proposed Medi-Cal Changes Impact Autism Care 08:23 Transportation Limits & Access to Treatment 10:05 Diagnosis Requirements & Waitlist Concerns 11:33 Personal Story: Early Intervention Success 13:39 Kevin Hart Roast Controversy & Autism Representation 16:05 Identity & Autism Community Discussion 17:23 "Patience" TV Show Recommendation (Autistic Representation) 19:54 Transition to TMS Interview 20:47 Guest Introduction: Kelly Jensen 21:22 What is TMS? (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Explained) 23:08 TMS Treatment Process & Safety 25:15 FDA Approval, Insurance, and Use Cases 27:12 What TMS Feels Like (Patient Experience) 28:44 Early Results & Behavioral Changes 30:18 Major Improvements in OCD & Anxiety 31:18 Continued Progress After Treatment 34:20 How TMS Impacts Brain Function 35:28 TMS + Therapy + Medication Benefits 37:13 Reduced Medication Use & Outcomes 38:00 Brain Performance Technologies Overview 40:12 FDA-Approved Conditions for TMS 42:10 Side Effects & Considerations 42:36 Why TMS Isn't Widely Used in Autism 43:58 Discussion: John Elder Robison & TMS Experience 47:15 How to Learn More About TMS 49:37 Refrigerator Moms Podcast Origin Story 52:29 What the Podcast Covers (Research + Parent Guidance) 58:31 Where to Listen & Watch 59:52 Jargon of the Day: Elopement Defined 01:01:24 Why Elopement Is a Major Safety Risk 01:02:25 STOP Method for Preventing Elopement 01:11:24 Closing Remarks & Resources
May 20 · 1 hr 5 min
Autism Live: Antoinette Elliott
Childcare expert Antoinette Elliott joins Shannon to share important information parents and caregivers need to know to appropriately support children on the autism spectrum. Today's jargon is Adaptive Skills. 00:00 Disclaimer 00:31 Show Intro & Welcome 00:55 Today's Topic: Child Care Support 01:16 About Shannon & Neurodiversity 02:05 Autism Live Mission & Community 02:58 Why Child Care Matters for Parents 04:33 Finding & Trusting Caregivers 05:18 Halloween Fundraiser Announcement 06:22 Where to Watch & Listen (Podcast Info) 07:54 Ad-Free Subscription Option 08:41 How to Support the Show (Like, Share, Subscribe) 11:07 Jargon of the Day: Adaptive Skills 12:38 What Are Adaptive Skills? 13:44 Examples: Toileting, Hygiene, Independence 15:00 Why Adaptive Skills Matter for Families 17:09 Potty Training: What Parents Should Know 20:06 Guest Introduction: Antoinette Elliott 21:09 Why Child Care Feels Out of Reach for Parents 21:55 Importance of Caregiver Training 23:44 Understanding Child Behavior & Crisis 24:14 Supporting Children Without Burnout 25:36 How to Evaluate Therapists & RBTs 26:50 About All Our Children Elite Child Care Academy 29:33 Marcus Autism Crisis Prevention Training 32:02 Problems with Untrained Staff 33:47 Why Training Improves Outcomes 36:01 Concerns About RBT Training Quality 40:04 Success Story: Rapid Potty Training 41:54 Why the Right Therapist Matters 42:18 Expanding Training Beyond One School 46:26 How Parents Can Choose the Right Caregiver 49:48 Group Settings & Social Development 51:02 Impact of COVID on Child Behavior 56:10 How to Find the School Online 58:05 Why Parents Need Breaks Too 59:02 Child Care Costs & Funding Options 01:01:29 Flexible Scheduling & Drop-Ins 01:02:19 Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts 01:03:04 Outro & Next Episode 01:04:29 Subscribe & Follow Reminder
May 13 · 1 hr
Autism Live: Tory and Vanessa Ridgeway
On today's show Shannon welcomes Vanessa and Tory Ridgeway to tell one of the most shocking and inspirational stories. Years ago, Autism Live covered Tory Ridgeway's story was his full NRROTC scholarship was revoked because of his autism diagnosis. Tory and his mother are back with an update that will knock your socks off! The jargon in Self Disclosure.
May 6 · 1 hr 2 min
Autism Live: Alex Lin
Alex Lin joins Shannon on today's show to talk about the 10 year anniversary of Autism Rocks and what is next. Alex also shares his opinions on the current focus to find the cause of autism. The jargon of the day is Self Advocate! 00:00 Introduction & Autism Live Disclaimer 00:31 Welcome to Autism Live with Shannon Penrod 01:12 Celebrating 10 Years of Autism Rocks 02:18 Choosing Words: Identity, Language & Respect 03:18 Where to Watch & Listen to Autism Live 04:02 Podcasts, YouTube Channels & Ad-Free Options 05:29 Save the Date: All Goals Gala on Halloween 05:54 Jargon of the Day: What Is Self-Advocacy? 07:07 Who Gets to Speak About Autism? 09:22 Defining Self-Advocacy (Autistic Self-Advocacy Network) 11:14 Communication as a Civil Rights Issue 13:21 Supporting Communication for Non-Speakers 15:04 Introducing Alex Lynn 16:15 Alex Joins Live from Taiwan 17:48 The Origin Story of Autism Rocks 19:27 Grandmother's Influence & Finding Purpose 21:40 10th Anniversary of Autism Rocks 23:02 Expanding Autism Rocks Internationally 24:47 Autism Rocks Performers Over the Years 26:03 2026 Autism Rocks Lineup Preview 28:31 Role Models, Music & Representation 31:19 Alex's Podcast "Issues at Hand" 33:12 Podcast Topics & Autism Advocacy 35:46 Self-Advocacy vs Advocacy – Alex's Perspective 37:55 Parents Speaking for Autistic Children 40:14 Autism Culture & Language in Taiwan 41:58 Disability Rights & Workplace Accommodations 44:07 U.S. Disability Laws & Current Challenges 44:57 Autism, Politics & Public Perception 48:32 Trauma, Bullying & Mental Health 49:51 Why Acceptance Matters More Than a "Cure" 51:18 Identity, Growth & Personal Evolution 53:01 Learning Self-Worth & Letting Go of Pleasing Others 56:07 Family Relationships & Independence 58:03 Managing Anxiety & Panic Attacks 59:33 Autism Rocks 2026 Event Details 01:00:47 Next Week on Autism Live 01:02:05 Like, Subscribe & Final Sign-Off
April 29 · 1 hr 3 min
Autism Live: Sharon Newhardt
On today's show, Shannon welcomes Sharon Newhardt from Morgan's Wonderland the first and only theme park designed for neurodivergent guests! Sharon will share the mission of this truly magical place and give updates on what is coming next! You won't want to miss it! The jargon is inclusion.
April 22 · 1 hr 1 min
Autism Live: Rebecca Meuschke
Rebecca Meuschke joins Shannon today to discuss all things SIBLINGS. What do parents need to know to support siblings? Rebecca, who has first-hand experience with this topic, shares insights, resources and tips to make sure siblings don't get left behind. 00:00 Disclaimer & Show Opening 00:30 Welcome to Autism Live & April Autism Month 01:31 April Focus on Education 01:51 Today's Topic: Siblings in Autism Families 02:57 Audience Question: Hormones, Perimenopause & Autism 05:01 Why Siblings Grow Into Remarkable People 05:46 Live Show Context & Visiting CARD Centers 06:51 Autism Live Mission: Information & Inspiration 08:13 Jargon of the Day: Pairing (Intro) 09:02 What Is Pairing in ABA? 10:15 Pairing, Joint Attention & Learning 13:13 Pairing in Everyday Life (Thanksgiving Example) 14:48 Real-Life Pairing Example: Homework & Kool-Aid 17:04 Stimulus–Stimulus Pairing Explained 18:23 Pairing for Speech & Vocalization (Bubbles Example) 20:23 Why Rapport & Pairing Really Matter 20:49 Introducing Guest: Rebecca Meuschke 22:28 Rebecca's Family & Sister's Diagnosis 24:37 Growing Up as a Sibling Caregiver 28:19 Losing a Parent & Taking on Responsibility 32:16 The Cycle of Success and Failure in Therapy 36:28 Isolation & Family Strain 40:37 What Support Siblings Need 43:43 How Lived Experience Shapes Rebecca's Work 44:59 Balancing Attention Between Siblings 49:19 Creating One-on-One Time with Siblings 52:27 Learning & Setting Healthy Boundaries 55:42 Media Representation & "The Pitt" 57:44 Advocacy, Gratitude & What's Next 59:31 April Programming Notes & AI for IEP Advocacy 01:01:20 Final Goodbye & Where to Find More Content
April 15 · 1 hr 10 min
Autism Live: Ten Tips for Working with Teachers & IEP or 504!
On Today's show Shannon Penrod gives ten tips for working with teachers when your child is on an IEP or 504 plan. Setting up a collaborative environment with your child's teacher is almost as important as the IEP itself. Tune in to hear Shannon's easy tips to foster trust and teamwork so your child can have the best possible educational experience.
April 1 · 1 hr 5 min
Autism Live 4.1.26: James B. Adams, Ph.D.
Dr. James Adams returns to the show to discuss new products that can diagnose bacterial and yeast infection issues and help restore gut health issues, which has been shown to improve autism symptoms. The jargon of the day is Neurotransmitters.
March 25 · 1 hr 8 min
Autism Live 3.25.26: Ebony Turner-Bailey, M.S. CCC-SLP
On today's show Shannon talks with Ebony Turner-Bailey, M.S. CCC – SLP, the Founder and Executive Director of Prime Speech Solutions, about building language and accessing quality speech services even in underserved communities. For more information visit: Online Speech Therapy | Prime Speech Solutions The Jargon of the day is SLP.

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