Back to School? Don't Do It Alone!

On Wednesday's Autism Live, Shannon is joined by Lorri Unumb, one of the most respected and widely admired parent voices in the autism community. We're talking about back-to-school resources, what families can find at TheSpectrum.org, and the work of CASP to support autistic individuals and their families.

As a parent and longtime advocate, Lorri brings a unique perspective to the questions families are asking right now: Where can I find reliable information? What resources are available? And how can I help set my child up for a successful school year?

If you're a parent, educator, or professional supporting an autistic student, this is a conversation you won't want to miss! Join us Wed at 10am!

#AutismLive #BackToSchool #AutismParenting #AutismResources #TheSpectrum #CASP #AutismSupport #AutismCommunity #SpecialEducation

Is September throwing your child's routine completely off? New schedules, school demands, homework and bedtime battles can leave everyone feeling overwhelmed.

This week on Parent to Parent, we're talking about how to reset when routines fall apart—without blame, guilt, or turning every day into a battle.

You haven't failed. Sometimes, you just need a new plan.

00:00 – Welcome to Autism Live & 16 Years of the Show

03:22 – All Ghouls Gala & ACT Today Grant Applications

09:32 – ACT Today Grant Program Video

12:09 – When Your Child's Routine Falls Apart

14:39 – Morning Routine Reset Strategies

18:20 – Why Visual Schedules Matter

23:10 – Preparing the Night Before

27:12 – Making Mornings Fun and Motivating

32:06 – Rebuilding Sleep and Bedtime Routines

41:31 – Overcoming Homework Resistance

49:14 – Using Technology to Support Homework

52:00 – Managing Unexpected Schedule Changes

56:17 – Helping Children Transition Between Activities

59:09 – When to Hold the Line and When to Adapt

1:03:14 – Building Independence and Giving Yourself a Reset

1:07:37 – Next Week's Show & Closing Remarks

#AutismParenting #Autism #ParentToParent #AutismSupport #AutismLive #Neurodiversity #SpecialNeedsParenting

The Emmys are here—and we're talking about the shows, stars, surprises, snubs, and autism representation that have everyone talking!

Join Moira Giammatteo and Shannon Penrod on Autism Live for a fun, fast-paced conversation about what's happening in Hollywood—and why representation on screen matters.

Grab your popcorn. We're talking TV! Join us live on Wed. 10am PST!

#LetsTalkMovies #MoiraAndShannon #AutismLive #Emmys #Emmys2026 #LoveOnTheSpectrum #AutismRepresentation #RepresentationMatters #Autism #Neurodiversity #Television

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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