In this episode of the Autism Blueprint podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Britton Payne, a longtime friend and advocate for autism awareness. We explored Brit’s journey as a parent of an autistic child, discussing the pivotal moment when his son was assessed for autism and the subsequent therapies they pursued. Brit shared his insights on the importance of representation in media, particularly in comic books and animated series, and how these portrayals can foster empathy among neurotypical audiences.

We also delved into Brit’s nonprofit initiative, the Autism Scene, which aims to increase the presence of autistic characters in children’s pop culture through the AweSpec Awards, a spec script competition for writers. This initiative encourages the creation of scripts featuring meaningful interactions with autistic characters, ultimately promoting inclusivity in storytelling.

Join us for this engaging conversation that highlights the significance of understanding autism and the power of representation in shaping a more empathetic world.

Britton Payne is an entertainment attorney, recently of Warner Bros. Animation and Nickelodeon. On the side, Brit regularly presents at comic cons and elsewhere about autism and pop culture, including “Authentically Creating Autistic Characters,” “Autism in Comic Books,” and “After 50 Years, Why do Spidey Super Stories Comics Still Matter to Autistic Kids and Everybody Else?.” This year, Brit started The Autism Scene, a nonprofit advocating for the inclusion of explicitly autistic characters in kids pop culture. This winter, The Autism Scene is running the AuSPEC AWARDS, a kids animated series spec script competition, which requires a series regular meaningfully interacting with an explicitly autistic character. Brit and his wife Alice are active community members of The Frostig School in Pasadena, which is dedicated to helping children, teens and young adults with learning differences live and learn to their full potential.

Enter the AuSPEC Awards here: TheAutismScene.org

Authentically Creating Autistic Characters

After 50 Years, Why do Spidey Super Stories Comics Still Matter to Autistic Kids and Everybody Else?

Autism in Comic Books

The post Autism In Comic Books | Advocating for Authentic Representation in Kids’ Media | A conversation with Britton Payne appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rebekah Wright, the Chief Operating Officer at Springbrook, a psychiatric residential treatment facility specializing in autism. We explored the critical topic of when parents should consider residential treatment for their children, particularly those on the autism spectrum.

Rebekah Wright is Chief Operating Officer at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from North Greenville University and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Louisiana State University at Shreveport. She began her career at Springbrook as a direct care staff member and has since advanced to the role of Chief Operating Officer. In 2025, Rebekah was recognized as one of Greenville Business Magazine’s Best and Brightest. Rebekah’s passion lies in developing others by empowering individuals to reach their long-term goals and potential. She believes that investing in people not only drives organizational success but also fosters meaningful, lasting growth. A firm advocate for continuous improvement, Rebekah values the connection between personal and professional development and is committed to never becoming complacent.

The post When Outpatient Isn’t Enough | Recognizing the Need for Residential Care in Autism appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, we’re in the classroom with Marriage and Family Therapist, Katherine Scott to discuss the challenges and strategies for parents as their children head back to school. We explore the sensory difficulties many neurodivergent children face in school environments, the importance of advocating for accommodations, and how to foster effective communication between parents and educators. Katherine shares her insights on managing emotional transitions, the role of homework, and practical tips for creating a supportive home environment.

Thank you for tuning in to this enlightening conversation! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more families and create a more peaceful home for those living with autistic and neurodivergent loved ones.

The post Back to School | Essential Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, we’re in the therapy room today! My guest is Cindy Mrotek, a highly experienced ABA therapist with over 25 years in the field. Together, we challenge common misconceptions about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and explore how it can be a powerful tool for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with autism.

Cindy shares her journey from special education teacher to the founder of her own ABA company, a.c.e. Therapies, emphasizing the importance of presuming confidence, effective communication, and emotional regulation in therapy. We also discuss the significance of supporting individuals beyond their early years and the need for a multidisciplinary approach in therapy.

Thank you for tuning in to this enlightening conversation! If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more families and create a more peaceful home for those living with autistic and neurodivergent loved ones.

The post Beyond Compliance | Understanding the Holistic Approach of Behavioral Therapy appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We’re in the bathroom today! In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Noelle Patno, a PhD in molecular metabolism and nutrition and the Chief Science Officer of Bened Life. We dive deep into the gut-brain connection, discussing how our gut microbiome influences both physical and mental health. Dr. Patno shares her personal journey from facing colon cancer to becoming an advocate for dietary management and gut health, particularly in relation to autism.

Chief Science Officer of Bened Life

Noelle Patno, Ph.D. is Chief Science Officer at Bened Life, makers of Neuralli MP. She received a BS in chemical engineering, with honors and distinction, from Stanford University, a Masters in Translational Science and doctorate in Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition from the University of Chicago. She has launched products targeting digestive health, the microbiome, and immune health. She has designed and monitored clinical trials resulting in publications on probiotics and prebiotics. As a scientific educator, Dr. Patno has written and spoken on the microbiome, probiotics, prebiotics and psychobiotics.

The post Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection: Insights from Dr. Noelle Patno appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, host Janeen Herskovitz welcomes mindset coach Dawn Mariotti. They explore the transformative power of mindset, discussing how our beliefs shape our actions and the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs.

Dawn shares her personal journey and insights on creating a vision for the future, as well as practical tips for parents and caregivers of autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

Dawn Mariotti: Mindset Coach

Dawn Mariotti is a mindset coach, speaker, and author of The Mindset Shift. She helps people reconnect with who they really are so they can show up with confidence, speak with clarity, and build lives that feel aligned and fulfilling. Her work centers around identity, self-trust, and creating momentum through small, meaningful shifts. With warmth, humor, and real-life tools, Dawn makes personal growth feel empowering—and even a little fun.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast! We hope you find the insights shared by Dawn Mariotti helpful in your journey of personal growth and parenting.

The post Mindset Shifts | How Small Changes Can Transform Your Parenting Journey | A conversation with Dawn Mariotti appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

Welcome to the art room today! In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, host Janeen Herskovitz welcomes Kelly DeSousa, a skilled art therapist from Jacksonville, Florida. Together, they explore the transformative power of art therapy, its methodologies, and its unique support for the neurodivergent population.

This heartfelt episode is a celebration of art’s healing potential and its role in fostering connection and self-expression, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their creativity and explore the transformative power of art in their lives.

Kelly has been practicing art therapy for over a decade and has been in the field of arts and medicine since 2006. Kelly specializes in working with individuals with anxiety, chronic illness, disabilities, rare diseases, agoraphobia, and trauma. Kelly provides specialized care for LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals of all ages and genders. Kelly’s approach is rooted in mindfulness and somatic psychotherapy. Her support focuses on accessing the body and the senses through intuitive art-making, intentional movement, breath work, and guided visualization.

Indigo Arts and Wellness program launches in August 2025! 

Save 10% off when you use the code BLUEPRINT

Watch this episode on our YouTube channel! Be sure to hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss an episode.

https://www.youtube.com/@autismblueprint

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The post Art Therapy | Exploring the Benefits for Neurodivergent Individuals | A conversation with Kelly DeSousa appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We’re in the doctor’s office today with Dr. Kristin Sohl! In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sohl, the founder of Echo Autism. We delved into the innovative program she developed in 2015, which connects general practitioners with autism specialists through video conferencing. This initiative aims to enhance access to best practices, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Dr. Sohl shared her insights on the importance of tailoring approaches to meet the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum and emphasized the value of presuming competence. We also discussed the challenges faced by educators and healthcare professionals in understanding autism and how Echo Autism fosters a collaborative learning environment for professionals to share experiences and strategies.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in autism advocacy and the importance of community support.

Link to the website: https://echoautism.org/

Facebook: @ECHO Autism Communities

Instagram: @echoautism

YouTube: @echoautism2548

X: @ECHOAutism

LinkedIn: @ECHO Autism

Dr. Kristin Sohl is a distinguished pediatrician and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri. As the Founder and Executive Director of ECHO Autism Communities, she spearheads efforts to improve access to high-quality screening, evaluation, and longitudinal support for individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in underserved and rural populations. Under her leadership, ECHO Autism Communities has established partnerships with over 50 children’s hospitals and autism centers across the U.S. and 30 international locations, creating a vast network of professionals committed to enhancing autism and disability services and research.

An influential advocate for children’s health, Dr. Sohl serves organizations at the local, state and national level. She also serves as the Medical Director for the Missouri Telehealth Network and the MU Office of Continuing Education for Health Professions. Dr. Sohl earned her medical degree and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Missouri. She is passionate about engaging other healthcare professionals to elevate the discourse on children’s health and well-being.

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The post Empowering Professionals | Best Practices in Autism Care & Collaboration | A conversation with Dr. Kristen Sohl of Echo Autism appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

We are in the therapy room today, and I’m thrilled to welcome Erica Whitfield to the Autism Blueprint Podcast. As a specialist in working with gifted and neurodivergent children and teens, Erica brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion.

Did you know that a study from the Carver College of Medicine found that kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and an IQ higher than 120 are six times more likely to have suicidal thoughts? This alarming statistic underscores the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by gifted and neurodivergent children.

In this episode, we’ll explore the complexities of giftedness, the emotional and social struggles these children encounter, and the critical role that parents and educators play in supporting their well-being. Erica will share her insights on executive functioning, perfectionism, and the importance of empathy in helping these exceptional kids thrive.

Be sure to listen until the end of the episode, where Erica discusses her upcoming Happiness and Confidence Summit, a fantastic opportunity for parents and educators to gain valuable tools and strategies for supporting children emotionally. 

Join us for a conversation that is both enlightening and essential for anyone involved in the lives of gifted and neurodivergent children!

Erica Whitfield, LMHC

Erica has over 15 years of therapy experience working with children and adolescents and is the Founder of Positive Development, a therapy practice in Jacksonville, Florida. Erica helps kids manage stress and anxiety and improve their executive functioning skills. She is also the creator of the Happiness and Confidence Summit which is an online event that brings expert speakers together to educate parents, teachers and therapists about how to help kids thrive.

Click here to sign up for the Happiness and Confidence Summit. It’s FREE!

Are you a visual learner? Watch this episode on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe!

The post The Intersection of Giftedness and Neurodivergence: Insights from Erica Whitfield appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.

In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, we’re on retreat with Brigitte Shipman and Maureen Brice, two inspiring autism moms and life coaches. Together, we explore the challenges and triumphs of parenting children on the autism spectrum, emphasizing the critical importance of self-care for mothers.

Brigitte and Maureen share their personal journeys, discussing the struggles they faced and the valuable lessons learned along the way. We delve into common misconceptions about autism and the need for moms to prioritize their own well-being.

A highlight of the episode is the announcement of a transformative retreat for autism moms, taking place from July 11th to 13th, 2025 in Blue Eye, Missouri. This retreat offers a unique opportunity for moms to recharge, connect with others, and focus on their own health and happiness.

Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, hope, and practical advice, as we celebrate the strength of autism moms everywhere!

https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/retreat

Brigitte is a mom to two beautiful adult sons, an author, speaker, and certified Martha Beck Life Coach with a Master’s Degree in Education.

She helps moms of autistic kids move through challenging emotions and areas of difficulty so that they can feel more joy and at peace and fully present with their kids on the spectrum.

She started her autism parenting journey 32 years ago just like you—heartbroken and feeling lost and REALLY REALLY scared for her son’s future.

And although she fumbled and stumbled, she let her love for her son Joseph carry her through any challenges and obstacles that they faced.

Joseph is now 32 years old and thriving. They published their book, A Mother’s Guide Through Autism in 2022 and recently released an audio version of the book.

She has 20 years of experience as an educator in the public school system and holds a Master’s Degree in Education.

Maureen is an Author, Autism Expert, Advocate, Certified Health Coach, Biofeedback Practitioner, Inspirational Speaker, Blogger & Single Parent of 3, with her youngest son living with Special “extra needs” and Autism.

Her bedrock of operation is WELLNESS and sharing what she has learned about navigating the world of Autism and rebooting our body’s immune system to live a healthy lifestyle.

Her credentials consist of over 22 years of experience in the trenches of Neurodiversity, Autism, nutrition, advocacy, alternative therapies, holistic health, mainstream therapies, quantum physics-frequency healing…using all of these methods to create a pathway of healing.

Maureen wrote her first book My Autism HatRack – The Life Flip, in 2013 to help other parents navigate the Autism Journey with Hope & Healing and bring awareness to the world.

She has been a blogger for Dallas Morning News, been featured two times, with her son Jonathan in Thrive Magazine, been instrumental in organizing national Wellness Events for Autism Parents and hosts her own PMS (Positive Mind-Set) Autism Mama Workshops.

Most recently, Maureen had to rebuild her own immune system, after being exposed to toxic mold, formaldehyde, and other environmental hazards, that almost took her life in March 2019. Today, she is healthy again, and armed with strategies and answers, became a certified Health Coach and has a mission to help others stay well in our world.

www.HopeDreamBelieve.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeDreamBelieve

IG: @HopeDreamBelieve.Today

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MaureenHopeDreamBelieve/

Watch this episode on our Youtube channel!

The post Empowered Parenting | Insights and Strategies from Experienced Moms | A conversation with Brigitte Shipman & Maureen Brice appeared first on Puzzle Peace Counseling.