In this episode of Brilliantly Wired, we sit down with Nicole Clark, co-founder and CEO of the Adult and Pediatric Institute for Health and Wellness, to discuss her journey through military medicine, psychiatric care, and healthcare leadership, and her passion for creating more patient-centered care. Nicole shares her perspective on supporting neurodivergent children, adults, and families, the importance of listening to and respecting children's autonomy, and the role of caregivers in supporting emotional regulation. We also explore trauma-informed care, the mind-body connection, and the importance of approaching every individual with empathy, flexibility, and an understanding that we never truly know what someone else may be experiencing.

What does life after an autism diagnosis really look like? In this episode of Brilliantly Wired, author, producer, and autism advocate Nancy Burrows shares her family's journey raising her autistic son, James, offering heartfelt advice for parents, insights on advocacy and inclusion, and the importance of meeting children where they are. Through stories of resilience, music, community, and hope, Nancy reminds us that every child's path is unique and that joy can be found in even the most unexpected places.

Preparing your autistic child for adulthood starts long before graduation. In this episode, Beth Felsen shares practical insights on helping teens build independence, develop executive functioning skills, and confidently transition to college and adult life. Discover how small changes today can set your child up for long-term success.

Learn more about Spectrum Transition Coaching here: https://spectrumtransitioncoaching.com/ 

In this episode of Brilliantly Wired, we sit down with Dr. Alexander Morris-Wood to discuss family systems, neurodivergent college transitions, and the emotional process of fostering independence. We explore topics including parent anxiety, distress tolerance, self-advocacy, experiential learning, and how schools and families can better support neurodivergent students as they prepare for higher education and adulthood.

This episode explores what life planning really means for individuals with disabilities, moving beyond finances to include housing, healthcare, support systems, and long-term decision-making. We discuss critical transition points like turning 18, navigating complex benefit systems such as Medicaid and Social Security, and how families can plan amid uncertainty about future independence. This conversation highlights both the practical realities and emotional challenges of preparing for lifelong support, while offering a clearer framework for building sustainable, person-centered plans.

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In this episode of Brilliantly Wired, we sit down with college planning expert Judy Bass to unpack what true readiness for college looks like for neurodivergent students. Moving beyond the narrow focus on admissions, this conversation explores the critical role of self-advocacy, executive functioning, and the often-overlooked social and emotional dimensions of the transition to higher education. Judy shares practical insights on common misconceptions families hold, how to identify the right-fit school, and when alternatives such as gap years or transition programs may be developmentally appropriate. The discussion also addresses the evolving role of technology, including AI, as both a tool and a potential barrier to independence. Grounded in decades of experience, this episode emphasizes that long-term success is not defined by where a student gets in, but by where they are able to persist, grow, and ultimately thrive.

Show notes here

On this episode of Brilliantly Wired, we speak with Sorrah Edwards-Thro and Dr. Shevaun Lewis from the University of Maryland about the Autistic Conversation Analysis Tool (ACAT), an emerging project that uses artificial intelligence to support autistic adults in speech-language therapy. The conversation explores how pragmatics, context, and conversational mismatch shape autistic and non-autistic communication, and why depth, compatibility, and person-centered goals matter more than conformity to neurotypical norms. We discuss info dumping, masking, ethical AI use, real-world data collection, and how clinicians can use technology as a reflective tool rather than a corrective one. This episode centers autistic voices, neurodiversity-affirming practice, and the messy, human realities of connection.

Show notes here

Join us for a lively and insightful conversation with Ann Phelan from Perkins School for the Blind, as we dive into the critical transition young adults with disabilities face after aging out of school services. Learn about self-determination, supported decision-making, and real-world strategies to build independence, community, and meaningful futures.

View our show notes including resources, a transcript, & more at: https://www.campontour.com/brilliantly-wired-podcast/transitions

We welcome Dr. Jon Thomas to share his insights on using a strengths-based approach to understanding the characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

This episode highlights ways to harness the strengths of ADHD. Our discussion dives into topics such as desire motivation, positive vs. negative chaining, rejection sensitivity, and more.

Show notes and more at: https://www.campontour.com/brilliantly-wired-podcast

Welcome toBrilliantly Wired! Tune in to this short intro to discover what we're all about.

We can’t wait to explore the very things that make us brilliant!