Autism Live

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Shannon welcomes Dr. Megan Anna Neff back to the program to discuss her newest version of Self-Care Activities for Autistic People, a beautifully boxed set of card designed to address all aspects of self-care. Each card provides a simple, approachable activity that requires minimal time and no special equipment, making it ideal for those navigating executive-function challenges or overstimulation. Created by Dr. Megan A. Neff, the deck blends professional insight with personal understanding—an approach that has resonated widely with her engaged online community. The cards are currently available from all major book sellers. The jargon of the day is CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

It's the Oscar episode 2026!  Join Moira and Shannon as the chat about all the noms for these year's ceremony and what role autism played in some of the movies.

In this episode, Shannon discusses why it is so important to making ABA a priority for your child.

On today's show Shannon welcomes back Dr. Mary Barbera to talk about  the 3 common mistakes parents and autism professionals make and what to do Instead!  Dr. Barbara is the author of Turn Autism Around and the host of the popular podcast of the same name,  For more information visit: marybarbera.com

Wouldn't it be great if you could make every waking hour a fun educational environment for your child on the spectrum?  Research shows that doing so leads to your child's best life. On today's show Shannon gives tips and tricks to achieve this goal without breaking the bank or driving yourself into exhaustion!  Who needs that?  Follow this steps to get to a happy learner!

Are you having IEP issues?  Being asked to move your child to a 504 Plan OR being told your child, who has a diagnosis of autism doesn't qualify for an IEP because there is no educational need?  This is the show for you.  Join Shannon as she talks through some of the current issues happening in schools and how a parent can best support their child through the mess.

On today's show Shannon welcomes Anthony Vaquez back to the show, to provide an update on his life, work, and musical experiences with Spec Labs.  The jargon of the day is Autism.

In this episode, Shannon will guide through some of the award winning toys form this year's toy guides and their importance in your child's development.

On today's show Shannon welcomes Matt Asner from The Ed Asner Family Center to discuss this year's It's a Wonderful Life table read.  This event will be held on December 14th and benefits the programs at TEAFC, including their renowned day program.  This year's cast features Ben Stiller, Michael Shannon, Martin Short and several of the cast members of Love on the Spectrum.  Virtual tickets for the event can be purchased at https://teafc.org/events/wonderful-life/#stream-tickets-anchor Later in the show Shannon welcomes Lauren DeVillier, CEO of Exceptional Minds.  Exceptional Minds is getting ready to celebrate its 15th year in 2026.  Lauren shares some of the exciting updates including their new partnership with Cartoon Network Studios and how you can participate in their end-of-year giving drive. For more information on Exceptional Minds visit: https://exceptional-minds.org

On Today's show Shannon welcomes Chelsea Darnell 2025 recipient of the Lending Your Voice Award to talk about Epic Players' December 10th performance of "Once Upon a Cabaret" – A Disney Themed Celebration of Inclusion and Talent at Barnsdall Art Theatre, featuring the Epic Players and special guests Kristen Bell and Josh Gad.  To purchase tickets for the event visit https://givebutter.com/epiclacabaret.

Join us at 10 am as Shannon presents more award winning toys in this year's Festival of Toys!

Join Shannon as she shows off some of this year's award winning toys!

Take a look at Shannon's tips for a gluten free and casing free Thanksgiving!

Tune in today as Shannon gives last minute tips for Halloween success!

On Today's show Shannon dissects the steps to make your child's diet as healthy as possible. Spoiler alert!  It doesn't start with a GFCF diet anymore!

On Today's show Shannon dissects the steps to make your child's diet as healthy as possible. Spoiler alert!  It doesn't start with a GFCF diet anymore!

On Today's show Shannon talks with Megan Dolan about her one-woman show and trajectory and rebranding of the show from Lemur Mom to Not the Right Mom. After a  3 year hiatus the show now has new and deeper relevance at this current moment in time. Find out about upcoming shows and ticket info.  Today's jargon is LRE!

On Today' show Shannon welcomes actor and father Fred Melamed for a frank discussion about raising children to become adults and the world they have now inherited.  How are current policies impacting the autism community and the adults on the spectrum we love.  Fred is known for speaking his mind and calling it like he sees it, so this is a show not to be missed.

On Today's show Shannon welcomes Sam Mitchell, an entrepreneur, podcast host, and motivational speaker who lives with autism, using his platform, Autism Rocks and Rolls to challenge the stigma surrounding autism by promoting self-acceptance and celebrating neurodiversity.  Sam talks with Shannon about Autism in the Workplace, Mental Health, and much more.  Today's jargon is stimming.

On Today's show Shannon discusses what our children lost during the COVID lockdown and how to help them to be caught up!  Let's face it, all of our kids lost different things, but they all have one thing is common – They LOST OPPORTUNITIES.  We can choose to ignore this or we can help to catch them up by giving them more FUN opportunities.

Autism in Entertainment has been moving and shaking since they were last on the show.  Judith Uttal and Marlen Sharpe join Shannon to talk about all of the amazing work they have been able to do in the last few months.  Plus there is a new Fun Raiser you may want to be involved in!  The jargon of the day is Functional Communication.

On today's show Shannon welcomes the fabulous Soo Cho to talk about her new venture Committed Actions.  Soo is an amazing autism expert who has helped children, teens, and adults around the globe to communicate in modalities that work for them.  Soo shares critical information about Augmentative and Alternative Communication as well as the keys to meeting individuals where they are and connecting with them on their terms. Soo shares everything from yoga to baking.  It's not a show to miss!

Have you ever been frustrated that "early intervention" is considered the best course of action when treating autism, but the waiting list to get a diagnosis is sometimes 1-2 years?  On today's show Manish Arora, founder and CEO of Linus Biotechnology, joins Shannon to talk about the future of diagnosing autism.  Spoiler Alert: The future is sooner than you think and this science is going to dramatically going to change access to early intervention!

On today's show Shannon is going to ROCK THE BOAT!  Do you have a 3, 4, or 5 year old child with an Autism Diagnosis?  Shannon is going to tell you the bold truth about what she wishes you knew.  Because if you knew these things, you would make it a priority to do them right now, to ensure your child's best future.  If you are worried that you don't know what you should be focusing on, you will not want to miss this show.

Today on Autism Live Shannon gives Back to School tips that focus on the a roadmap to success.  What has to happen at home, what needs to happen at school, and how do we best prepare our child for success?

Grant Harris of GTH Consulting, LLC, 3x published autistic author, and Hall of Fame athlete, joins Shannon to discuss: Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Redesigning Systems for Inclusion from the Boardroom to the Mailroom and Maximizing Manhood as a Black Neurodivergent Professional as well as The Role of Leadership in Promoting Neurodiversity.  The Jargon of the day is neurodiversity.

If you haven't been watching PATIENCE on PBS, you owe it to yourself to subscribe to PBS Masterpiece and catch up.  On today's show Shannon interviews Ella Maisy Purvis, the star of Patience to discuss the hit show, making season 2, and the ins and outs of authentically representing autism.  Today's jargon is Hyperlexia.

On today's show Shannon welcomes Kashif Khan, author of The DNA Way.  Here what Khan has to say about inflammation, autism, and RFK's promise to deliver the cause of autism within the year.  The jargon of the day is Social Reciprocity.

On today's show Shannon shares 10 Essential Things to Do when you have Teens on the Spectrum.  The teen years go fast, but they are a wonderful time to catch up, shore up, and set our teens up for success.  Supporting teens is especially specific depending on their needs and interests.

On this episode, Shannon welcomes Alex K Lin, co-founder of Autism Rocks.

Rachelle Vartarian, President and Founder of Living and Learning Enrichment Center, joins Shannon to about quality of life supports for adults on the autism spectrum, including housing, support groups, extracurricular activities, job training and much more.

Today on the show Shannon welcomes Jessica Lee to talk about  Neurotalent Works and how they are helping to address the more than 80% unemployment rate for adults on the spectrum.  The jargon of the day is DEI.

Join Shannon and Moira as they discusses some of the hottest show that are currently available.

On Today's show Shannon is joined by filmmaker Austin Wolff to discuss his new film, Wally Jackson and the Probability of Love and Car Accidents.  Today's jargon is Authentic Representation.

On today's show Shannon gives tips on how to handle your child's special diet restrictions at school.  Get the 411 on how to get is written in to your child's IEP and how to deal with birthdays, holidays and more!

TACA founder Lisa Ackerman joins Shannon to shed light on the new Autism Prevalence numbers released by the CDC in April.

On today's show Shannon Penrod, author of Autism: Parent to Parent, gives tips for making the summer a success for everyone.  It has to be fun, but it can also be a great time to learn and grow while having fun!

On today's show Shannon offers 10 small changes you can make today to lower the toxic load on your body and your children's bodies.

On Today's special episode Shannon talks with Dr. Temple Grandin about her biggest concerns for the autism community today.  Dr. Grandin also answers questions from viewers around the world.

Janet Elliot, author of The Alien Savant; the history of special education,/before the diagnosis of autism-neurodivergent family inclusion joins Shannon to discuss her book and the state of special education today.  Today's jargon term is FAPE.