Autism Live

On today's show Chrisa Sadd, LMFT joins Shannon to talk about the importance of mental health for the whole family. Chrisa has been working with the special needs community since 2003. She has extensive experience working with families, siblings, caregivers, children, and young adults. For many years she worked as a behavior analyst, social skills teacher, including working at VISTA DEL MAR. Providing psychotherapy services for the special needs community and others. "I love the work that I do. Helping others is a part of my heart and soul. It is truly rewarding when you can see another person's life change for the better." Chrisa now runs the mental health program at the Ed Asner Family Center, where she teaches and co-teaches classes on Sex Ed and Dating on the Spectrum. For more information visit: Mental-Health - The Ed Asner Family Center Thomas Iland is an award winning author and an internationally recognized public speaker and personal coach. Thomas excels at coaching individuals to be their best selves in life, love, career and all aspects of their lives. Thomas was diagnosed with autism at the age of 13, today he is a Certified Human Potential Coach, a Toastmasters International Accredited Speaker, Award Winning Author, TEDx Speaker, Ironman finisher, Guinness World Record Holder and TOYA Award Recipient. For more information on Thomas Iland visit: https://www.cometolifecoaching.com/

On this episode Shannon welcomed Harrie James O'Kelley, from The O'Kelley Lab, and Rabbi Jackie Redner, from the Vista Del Mar "Nes ga dol" program, to talk about The Neurodiversity of Kindness event happening on April 7th as part of the Vista Del Mar's "House of Lovingkindness" program. This free event will feature a choir made up of individuals on the spectrum as well as residence that live at Vista, as well as performances and presentations by Spec Labs, Dani Bowman, Ballet For All Kids, USC Glorya Kaufman Dance, Straight Up Abilities, and much more. There will also be a virtual art show highlighting and promoting neurodiverse artists. For more information about the event visit www.vistadelmar.org. Shannon covers the jargon term Expressive Language.

In this special viewer requested episode, Shannon Penrod gives the Parent to Parent talk on what to do when the school says your child with ASD doesn't qualify for an IEP and what to do when the school says they want to declassify your child with ASD, so they are no longer receiving Special Education Services. What do you do? Do you celebrate or fight? What argument do you make to get your child services and how do you know when to let the services go? These are difficult waters to navigate, but Shannon gives tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your child's time at school.

On Wednesday's show, Shannon welcomes Judi Uttal from the Autism in Entertainment Conference. This first of what we hope will be many conferences will showcase the many ways in which individuals on the spectrum can and do work in the field of entertainment. Employers will be present sharing and learning along side those who hope to work/or work more in the entertainment field. For more information and to register for the conference visit: https://autisminentertainment.org/. Shannon also shares the Jargon of the Day: Theory of Mind.

Moira and Shannon discuss their Oscar hopes, snubs and long shots.

Shannon is joined by Dr. Megan Anna Neff to discuss her new book, Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-stress, and Unmask. Self-care is an essential component of a well-rounded life. Self-Care for Autistic People offers practical strategies for regulating emotions, identifying signs of burnout, forming healthy boundaries, and so much more. With more than 100 activities speaking to common challenges faced by autistic people, such as executive functioning difficulties and sensory sensitivities, Dr. Neff brings individuals on the spectrum and their loved ones this one-of-a-kind guide to help readers engage in neurodivergent self-care. Preorder Promotion: https://newsletter.neurodivergentinsights.com/self-care Book Link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Self-Care-for-Autistic-People/Megan-Anna-Neff/9781507221938 The jargon of the day is: Adaptive Skills.

Shannon Penrod, author of Autism: Parent to Parent, gives a basic, but thorough talk about what ABA is, especially when used to treat autism. This is a talk that is geared toward parents but is also ideal for individuals who are on the spectrum and have heard negative things about ABA, to decern what is the intent and practice of ABA. When armed with this knowledge people can easily spot situations in which people are claiming to do ABA, but instead are doing something that is harmful or potentially harmful. We can all agree that individuals on the spectrum have a right to be considered and heard, their sensory issues have to be taken into consideration when teaching them, but they are entitled to learn, like all other people on the planet.

Shannon welcomes guests Katrina Aguilar and Brad Ellis who will both be performing at the Concert for Autism Care Today on Sunday February 25 at 5pm!

Moira and Shannon discuss their thoughts and feelings about the films, Poor Things, Anatomy of a Fall, Zone of Interest, Killers of the Flower Moon, Nyad, The Holdovers, and more. You won't want to miss hearing about what they LOVED and what they HATED. Spoiler Alert: We may have to hose Shannon down, she has some pretty incendiary things to say about at least one of the movies!

Shannon talks with Cabaret performer, director and producer Clifford Bell about a new show he has coming up to benefit Autism Care Today! Clifford is joined by one of the performers featured in the Concert to Benefit Autism Care Today. George Steeves, well known for his one man shows discusses what he will be performing in the show and the other performances on the bill, including Christopher Tenney and Katrina Aguilar. The concert will be held on February 25th at 5pm. At the Hollywood Club LA at The Women's Club of Hollywood. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/a-concert-for-autism-care-today-tickets