This week, we are joined by Dr. Dena L. Gassner, Senior Research Scientist at AJ Drexel, autism advocate, and member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). Dena is rewriting the narrative around autistic identity, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for gender diversity and inclusivity in autism research and policy. 

Her personal journey as a proud autistic mother adds a deeply relatable perspective to her work, and she teaches through storytelling to inspire and inform. Download episode now to learn more!

Resources

[email protected]

facebook-https://www.facebook.com/CenterforUnderstanding

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dena-gassner-35532b78/

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week we’re discussing "The Power of Listening and Mentorship Programs" through the Making Mentors program. This initiative pairs autistic college students with high school students to foster connection, growth, and empowerment. Joining us are Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, Taylor (T) Abbatemarco, Louis Rotondo, and Rita Strickland to share how mentorship and peer support are transforming the autistic community. Download episode to learn more!

Resources

College Autism Network: https://collegeautismnetwork.org/

College Autism Summit: https://collegeautismnetwork.org/event/college-autism-summit-2025/

Project REACH: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/student-affairs/programs-services/disability/projectreach/

Communication First: https://communicationfirst.org/

STEM For All: https://multiplex.videohall.com/presentations/1193/2468.html

Specialist Autism Mentoring in UK: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/mentoring-university

Autism and Universal Design Training for University Staff: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349832158_Autism_UD_Training_for_FacultyTeachers_and_other_University_Staff

Presentation about Making Mentors at CUNY Neurodiversity Conference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393178315_Improving_Making_Mentors_How_Can_We_Use_Data_to_Improve_an_Autistic-Led_Maker-_Focused_Mentorship_Program

Participatory Research Guidelines from AASPIRE: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30939892/

Co-design resources:

 https://doingresearchtogether.com.au/

https://www.beyondstickynotes.com/toolsforcoproduction

Employment Resources: https://sites.google.com/view/nsfworkshop23/employment-resources

Open-access curriculum and training for neurodiversity-affirmative STEM workshops: https://sites.google.com/view/gamedesignemploymentresources/workshop-resources-2023/training-2023

Employment Resources Autism: https://autism.org/employment-resources-for-individuals-with-autism/

https://iacc.hhs.gov/resources/employment/websites/

https://autismspectrumnews.org/empowering-autistic-job-seekers-through-mentorship/

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Rachelle Vartanian, founder of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center. Inspired by her own parenting journey, Rachelle has dedicated her work to empowering individuals with autism. Today, we’ll discuss autism advocacy, job training, clinical services, social programs, housing solutions, and much more. Download the latest episode now to learn more!

Resources 

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Dr. Scott Price, a renowned professor of music and pioneer in inclusive piano education. Dr. Price has dedicated his career to teaching students with autism and empowering families through the power of music. Today, we will discuss how music can unlock potential, foster growth, and bring joy to children with special needs. Download latest episode to learn more!

Resources 

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Amy Kelly, the National Director of Family Engagement at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and her son, Danny Kelly. Amy brings her professional expertise and heartfelt insights from raising three children, including her daughter Annie, who has profound autism. Danny joins us to share his perspective as a sibling, his role in the Devereux Sibling Engagement Committee, and the lessons he’s learned supporting Annie and navigating family life. Download latest episode to learn more!

Resources 

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Dr. Giacomo Vivanti, a leading expert in early autism detection and intervention. With a personal connection to autism through his two brothers and a career dedicated to understanding how children with autism learn, Dr. Vivanti offers invaluable insights. Today we will be discussing practical advice for recognizing early signs, understanding your child’s unique learning style, and creating supportive environments to foster their development. Download episode to learn more!

Resources 

These are my linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/giacomo-vivanti-8145b941  and facebook  https://www.facebook.com/giacomo.vivanti profiles

Publications https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Giacomo-Vivanti/research

The Drexel Autism Institute website https://drexel.edu/autisminstitute/ and (c) the Early Start Denver Model website https://www.esdm.co/

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Clain Udy, a passionate advocate, father, and author who is on a mission to rebrand autism and reshape how society perceives it. As the father of an adult son with high-functioning autism, Clain’s journey has taken him from wanting to “fix” his son to wholeheartedly embracing his son’s unique strengths. With over 30 years of professional experience in human performance improvement and learning development, Clain combines his expertise and personal insights to empower individuals with autism to achieve fulfilling, sustainable careers. Download episode to learn more!

Resources 

Amazon.com: Rebranding Autism: A Guide to Seeing Strength on the Spectrum: 9798218629403: Udy, Clain: Books

Autism Elevated Website: https://autismelevated.com/

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we welcome Dr. Joseph Buxbaum, a leading neuroscientist, autism expert, and Director of the Seaver Autism Center. With his vast expertise in genetics, neuroscience, and clinical applications, Dr. Buxbaum will shed light on the latest advances in autism research and share practical advice to help families make informed decisions about their child’s care. Download latest episode to learn more now!

Resources

Instagram: @SeaverAutismCenter 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/icahnmountsinai/

Facebook: @SeaverAutismCenter 

Twitter: @SeaverAutism

URL: https://www.seaverautismcenter.org/

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we welcome Cheryl Poe to the podcast to discuss the critical topic of advocating for Black autistic children in education systems.  Cheryl is an accomplished advocate, trainer, speaker, and parent with a wealth of experience. She’s the founder of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., where she empowers families and educators with the tools, they need to support Black and Brown children with disabilities. Cheryl brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to this conversation, and her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to better support autistic individuals. Download latest episode now!

Resources 

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Kadin McElwain, an autistic college student and advocate from Ohio who has dedicated his life to proving doubters wrong and helping others on the autism spectrum thrive. Despite being told he wouldn’t be able to live a ‘normal’ life, he has continuously broken barriers, from excelling in academics and athletics to leading impactful autism awareness initiatives in his community. Today, we will be discussing Kadin’s personal journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and the incredible work he’s doing to support autistic individuals. Download to listen to latest episode!

Resources 

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.