Autisable Dads: Life With Autism From A Parents Perspective

In this episode, I chat with Christine Weiss, and her husband Dr. Eric Weiss.  They are the parents of Marston, who is autistic. What we discuss can be viewed as controversial in some circles: Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy. We explore what Stem Cell Therapy is, what it involves and the steps they take, and how they offer Stem Cell Therapy as part of their own practice.    They wrote a book titled "Educating Marston", which discusses this part of their journey with Autism, and more. Listen in, as we chat about this topic - and more - on the latest edition of Autisable Dad's. Here are the links for the organizations and information mentioned in the podcast: Duke Study: Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Blood to Improve Outcomes for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder https://www.educatingmarston.com/ A Mother and Son's Journey Through Autism: Educating Marston This episode was made possible due to our Sponsors and Patreon Supporters. If you’d like to

In this episode, I chat again with Danny Combs of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades).  The last time I talked with Danny was in December 2019, and we discussed what TACT is doing to help the Autism community.   Since then, he and the team at TACT have been highlighted on the popular Facebook Watch program "Returning the Favor" with Mike Rowe. Listen in as we chat about all that has happened since our last time recording Autisable.  From all of the Grants he received, to several of the non-profits and companies that hire from TACT, as well as his experience on Returning the Favor. For more details, visit the blog post on Autisable for all of the links mentioned in this episode. Link for blog post: https://autisable.com/2021/03/02/season-3-episode-5-danny-combs-and-tact-after-returning-the-favor/

In this episode of the Autisable Dads, I chat with the Empowered Sports & Fitness Founder - Michael Shipper. Coach Mike has been serving autistic clients for many years, and draws from his own personal experience, as he himself has a learning disability that was both retrieval and language-based.   We dive into his work with Empowered Sports and Fitness, introducing this alternative to Physical Education for the Special Needs community. Coach Mike is also going to be a regular guest on Autisable Dad’s, so listen in… and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, or reach out to us on Autisable.com or via our social media accounts.  We will make every effort to answer your questions the next time Coach Mike is on the program. … and now, let’s listen in...

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and millions being told to stay at -home, having something that helps parents to teach their special needs has become even more important. In today's episode, we chat with Zafer, the Co-Founder of Otsimo. Zafer's younger brother is Autistic and inspired him to create apps that can both educate and entertain.  Zafer's experience with his brother is not unlike my own, the need to communicate with a loved one. Listen in, and we hope you enjoy this episode...

Today we're revisiting the life of Avonte Oquendo, a nonverbal 14-year-old boy with autism who left his Queens public school undetected in 2013 and tragically drowned in the East River. Elopement is a major cause of concern with many autism families, with  50% of individuals diagnosed with autism having the propensity to wander without notice. Our guest today is David Perecman , who was the Lead Trial Lawyer in representing Avonte’s mother, Vanessa Fontaine, in a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of her son and assisted in efforts to pass Kevin and Avonte’s Law, legislation aimed to make schools safer for special needs students. Listen in as we discuss Avonte's legacy, the law itself, and more...

Today we welcome Adam Cole, who is a Jazz Musician who writes books.  We dive into his experience teaching autistic individuals, with examples from their behavior in the classroom to his own interest in Jazz.

It's the end of 2019, so it seems fitting that Rob and I actually do one final Autisable Dad's episode for Season 2 - together. In this episode, we recap a bit of this past year and do some discussion on several topics - with the big one as to why you primarily have been hearing me host, what Rob has been up to - and what we're both looking to do in 2020. You can read more of Rob's blog at https://www.theautismdad.com/ Listen in, and I hope you enjoy this episode… This episode was made possible due to our Patreon Supporters. If you’d like to help support this podcast and our efforts with Autisable, please consider becoming a patron. Become a Patron! A Special Thank you to the following top supports for this weeks episode: John A. Darryl M. Linda P. We're already scheduling interviews for Season 3, starting next year! Have a Happy New Year!

In this episode, I chat with Grammy-award-winning guitarist and fellow Autism Dad and founder of Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) - Danny Combs. As a guitarist, Danny performed with such artists as Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Tommy Emmanuel as well as many other top country and Christian artists. When his son was diagnosed with ASD, he set aside his music career and started TACT... teaching autistic individuals skilled trades.  The organization has about 500 students and an over 83% job placement rate and is the first and only autism training program recognized by SkillsUSA, the nation's career and technical education standards organization. Listen in, and I hope you enjoy this episode… This episode was made possible due to our Patreon Supporters. If you’d like to help support this podcast and our efforts with Autisable, please consider becoming a patron. Become a Patron! A Special Thank you to the following top supports for this weeks episode: John A. Darryl M. Linda P.

In this episode of Autisable Dad's, I chat with Founder & Executive Director of Jazz Hands for Autism, Ifunanya Nweke. Ifunanya's story inspires me.  Her passion for music and her heart for the autism community is captivating... Inspired by Ruben, a young musician on the autism spectrum, Ifunanya founded this organization that helps autistic individuals enter into the music industry. From hosting concerts to finding employment, Jazz Hands for Autism's programs has grown into a talent advocacy group and provider of individualized music-based training... helping over 150 musicians with autism. Listen in, and I hope you enjoy this episode… This episode was made possible due to our Patreon Supporters. If you’d like to help support this podcast and our efforts with Autisable, please consider becoming a patron. Become a Patron! A Special Thank you to the following top supports for this weeks episode: John A. Darryl M. Linda P.

In this episode, I chat again with Hilary Scharton. Hilary Scharton is VP of K-12 Product Strategy for Canvas by Instructure. Her focus is on leveraging technology to support improved instruction and equitable access for all students. Prior to joining Instructure in 2012, Hilary worked as a psychologist in Utah school districts, spending her time focused on RtI and PBIS as well as Special Education assessment. In our previous episode with Hilary we talked about Classroom design and such things as IEP's.  In this episode we talk about SELs. Listen in, and I hope you enjoy this episode… This episode was made possible due to our Patreon Supporters. If you’d like to help support this podcast and our efforts with Autisable, please consider becoming a patron. Become a Patron! A Special Thank you to the following top supports for this weeks episode: John A. Darryl M. Linda P.

In this episode, I chat with comedian, writer, producer and fellow Autism Dad - Mike Guido. I met Mike years ago when we both attended an Autism Society Conference in San Diego California.  Over the years we have shared our mutual stories and understandings about being autism parents. His one-person stage show, "The Maria Effect" is available for conferences, fundraisers and theaters is heralded as "Moving, incredibly uplifting, and truly an inspiration" by FOX TV. Mike has been on SHOWTIME, MTV, VH1, and A&E.  His comedy CD, "Who Needs Sanity?!" can be heard regularly on Sirius XM Satellite Radio.  He's shared the stage with such comedy legends as Jay Leno, Robin Williams, Ellen Degeneres and Dana Carvey and more. Listen in, and I hope you enjoy this episode… For more information about Mike, or to reach out to him to perform for your organization or group: Website: http://guidoentertainment.com/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GuidoEntertainment/ Twitter: https://twitter

In this episode, I chat with Donny Gruendler, who is the Vice President of Music Education at Guitar Center.   Donny Gruendler is also the President of Musicians Institue in Hollywood California and is a member of the Modern Drummer education team and frequent columnist for Drummerworld Magazine.  Over the years I've seen the importance of music as it relates to a person's ability to socialize and communicate.  In fact, there are several non-profits whose focus on music and theater has helped countless autistic individuals find their voice. Donny and I chat about this and more, including his own son who has his own challenges with selective mutism. Guitar Center was recently commissioned a study that dove into music education and it's importance, and they are doing all they can to bring this to light, and are encouraging autism and special needs families to check to see if their kids are interested in music at all, and if so - see if taking some lessons at their local Guitar Center may

Here Joel shares some insight as an Autism Parent from his 2010 post:  https://autisable.com/2010/07/08/this-makes-it-all-worthwhile/ For more information, visit Autisable.com. Thank you to our Patron's!   To become a Patreon, visit: https://patreon.com/autisable  

In this episode, Joel shares some insight based on an article I wrote on Autisable called, "Stress, Tantrums, and Breakdowns" For more information, visit: https://autisable.com/2010/06/07/stress-tantrums-and-breakdowns/ Thank you for your support!

In this special episode, I share a personal note about parenting a child with Autism. The blog post referenced and read in this podcast can be found here: https://autisable.com/2019/10/06/the-grief-is-real/ Thank you for your support and interest in the subject of Autism.

If you've played first-player video games, or watch a lot of TV, you've probably seen Michael Broderick. He's been in various TV shows, including: The Unit (CBS), Extant (CBS), Jane the Virgin (CW), Justified (FX), Criminal Minds (CBS), The Mentalist (CBS), Jericho (CBS), 24 (Fox), Knocked (Ind.), and Touch (Fox)...as well as HBO's series True Detective as Special Agent John Bowen. He also provides the voice for various characters in several video games such as Medal of Honor as well as Need for Speed: Run... among others. Today Michael joins us in talking about what it's like being an Autism Dad as a working actor in  Hollywood.  From learning about his son's diagnosis to promoting autism acceptance and understanding, and more... We hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed chatting with a fellow Autism Dad. You can connect with Michael on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/m_broderick or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/actormichaelbroderick/ This week's podcast was made possible d

In this episode of Autisable Dad’s I chat with the Executive Director of Generation Rescue, Zack Peter. I remember chatting with Zack nearly a decade ago when he was still learning about Autism due to his brother diagnosis.  He’s come a long way since, by writing 4 books, producing 2 podcasts and of course his recent efforts with Generation Rescue. Now let’s listen in as Zack and I catch up on all the latest of his efforts… For more information about Zack Peter and all of his efforts, visit: http://www.justplainzack.com

Joel speaks with Mark Llobell, who spearheaded efforts to get Autism Insurance reform legislation passed in the state of Virginia.

In this episode, I chat with Hilary Scharton while I'm on the road. Hilary Scharton is VP of K-12 Product Strategy for Canvas by Instructure. Her focus is on leveraging technology to support improved instruction and equitable access for all students. Prior to joining Instructure in 2012, Hilary worked as a psychologist in Utah school districts, spending her time focused on RtI and PBIS as well as Special Education assessment.

In this episode, Joel Manzer dives into the latest CDC Autism Prevalence Report with Walter Zahorodny, Ph.D, who lead the New Jersey Portion of the report. What does 1in59 really mean, anyway?