Springbrook's Converge Autism Radio

Reid Miles is joined by Tony Mantor and Katie Griswold, two individuals dedicated to raising autism awareness through personal stories. Tony, a renowned producer, delves into his unexpected journey into advocating for autism awareness, sparked by a video for first responders and a subsequent collaboration with a speech therapist for autistic children. Katie's introduction to the cause came through her mother reaching out to Tony, leading to her inspiring involvement in music and pageantry. Both guests share their unique experiences, shedding light on the diverse spectrum of autism. Through this captivating narrative, Reid aims to foster understanding and empathy, ultimately driving increased support for individuals with autism.,In this episode, Reid Miles engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tony Mantor and Katie Griswold, who bring their personal experiences to the forefront in advocating for autism awareness. Tony's unexpected journey into raising awareness began with a video for first responders and led to collaborations with individuals in the autism community. On the other hand, Katie's involvement was sparked by her mother's connection with Tony, igniting her passion for music and making a difference. Through their touching stories, Reid aims to deepen understanding and compassion for the autism community, fostering a supportive environment for individuals on the spectrum.

• Check out Tony Mantor's podcast Why Not Me? The World to listen to more inspiring stories and interviews about autism awareness and acceptance.
• Explore resources and support for autism acceptance and understanding through organizations like Autism Speaks and other autism advocacy groups.
• Discover Katie Griswold's music and support her passion for spreading a positive message through her songs by following her on social media and staying updated on her upcoming releases.
• Educate yourself and others about autism spectrum disorder to promote understanding and acceptance within your community and social circles.
• Consider supporting initiatives and events that promote autism awareness and inclusion, such as pageants and dance studios for individuals with special needs.

Today Stephanie talks with Brittany Browne about her recent diagnosis. Many topics are covered but a key point is on the vulnerability that can occur for undiagnosed women on the spectrum.

Brittany Browne is licensed massage therapist and contestant in the 2024 Mrs. Georgia America Pageant. Brittany’s mission on this platform is to elevate the conversation around neurodiversity, with a particular emphasis on understanding and advocating for women with autism. Her journey from acquiring a Master’s degree in International Affairs at Georgia Tech to embracing holistic healing practices, including somatic and psychedelic therapy, offers a unique lens through which she views and addresses the complexities of the human mind and body. As a late-diagnosed autistic woman, Brittany leverages her personal experiences to foster deep connections and offer empathy in her therapeutic work, making her an invaluable asset to the neurodiverse community. Outside of her professional and advocacy work, she indulges in hobbies like sand volleyball, creative arts, and violin, reflecting her commitment to a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Heather Parks has been in a neurodiverse relationship for over 25 years, and lives in Devon, UK with her husband and four children. Neurodiversity was unknown until 2012 when it exploded into their lives in the midst of a mental health crisis which affected every family member. Ill from the persistent stress of trying to keep everyone afloat, desperate to find solutions and losing hope that things would ever get better, Heather embarked on a journey in which she recovered herself and rebuilt connection firstly with herself and then in her relationship, family and beyond. After 8 years supporting families discovering and navigating neurodiversity, Heather certified with MasterCoach in 2020 before becoming a Positive Intelligence ® Coach. In 2021 she gained the ICF Accredited Certificate in Body-Oriented Coaching with The Somatic School in London, UK.

Heather coaches individuals struggling in their neurodiverse relationships using a nervous system approach of safety and curiosity so that they can reconnect with themselves and create conscious, loving connection with others... so they can be themselves too!
Natalie Roberts lives in the UK with her husband Pete. She’s been married for 25 years and known about neurodiversity joining in with it for 10 of those, when her husband discovered he’s autistic.

Frustrated and depressed by toxic online groups, a lack of hope and virtually no solutions that actually worked in real life, Natalie took a different path. Led by her social sciences background and inspired by her incessant curiosity to find a way where there is seemingly no way, she busted neurodiversity relationship myths, reversed symptoms of Cassandra Syndrome and began to thrive in her relationship again!

Professionally, as an accredited and award-winning Relationship Coach, Natalie coaches individuals who are struggling in their neurodiverse relationship to reverse the individual and relationship impact of unknown neurodiversity so that they can be true to themselves and feel empowered to make decisions about their present and future that are positive and hopeful.

In 2020 Heather and Natalie co-founded Loving Difference to bring hope and a way forward for neurodiverse relationships to more people. Loving Difference has an online home which combines empowering coaching and a friendly community with step by step guidance to be you again and flourish, with the company and encouragement of others navigating the same challenges. Heather and Natalie also co-host the Myth Busting Neurodiverse Relationships podcast.

www.lovingdifference.net [email protected]
www.natalieroberts.com [email protected]

Join the host of NeuroFM, Jeremy Rochford, and his wife Charity as they talk about their family and relationships.

Jeremy Rochford is a later in life diagnosed Autistic/ADHD’r who is raising two Neurodivergent Children with his “NT” wife Charity. Through guest interviews and “Team Rochford,” you’ll hear firsthand the challenges and benefits of being on the spectrum as well as practical advice for those who are Neurodivergent or love someone who is. Join us and experience why “NeuroFm” is called the least depressing Neurodivergent podcast in the world.

https://www.ourneurofam.com/

Dr. Stephanie and Carrie talk about Carrie's journey in marriage and family navigating Autism. We speak about the limited opportunities that exist for those on the spectrum beyond highschool and steps to consider to help you teen and young adult become more independent and life after high school.

https://carriecariello.com/

Join Dr. Mary Jones, host of the Dr. Mary Show,speaks with Reid Miles, Inside the Aspergers Studio, about his journey with Autism and why doing a podcast about the topic is part of his and her advocacy.

Dr. Holmes and Jeanetta talk about uniting resources for families through accessibility to resources!

Jeanetta Bryant is the Founder and Executive Director of Abilities Workshop, Inc. She is dedicated to helping special needs families find answers and children impacted by a special needs diagnosis be their best. Jeanetta is an author, developer, and advocate. As a mom of two children, one with ASD, she finds no greater joy than watching them develop and achieve their dreams. Her interests include family time at home or at a theme park, college football, and making memories.

Website: https://www.abilitiesworkshop.com/

Check out her podcast at

https://www.abilitiesworkshop.com/podcast

Join us for another "Just the Guys" episode. Dan and the guys (Clay, Greg, Jeremy, & Mark) discuss their views of neurodiversity. What is it? Is this movement a good thing or not? How do you define it? Is the term useful? The guys discuss is the term helpful or harmful? Is it watered down or over used?


Dr. Holmes adds she prefers the Harvard Medical School definition of neurodiversity: describes those with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, learning differences and delays and other developmental differences.

Join Kristin from Mental Health News Radio and Jeremy from Nuero FM as they discuss how difficult unpacking an autism diagnosis can be. This first step, especially for adults, takes time to figure out. We find others trying narrate and judge our experiences offering what can feel like hurtful commentary. For those of us diagnosed later in life, we have an entire experience with many years to unpack. We will say things "incorrectly".  So why not let everyone enjoy and speak about their journey with Autism in their own words? 

Once you find your peeps, life gets even more hopeful, helpful, and fabulous!

Jeremy Rochford is a later-in-life diagnosed Autistic/ADHD’r who is raising two Neurodivergent Children with his “NT” wife, Charity. Through guest interviews and “Team Rochford,” you’ll hear firsthand the challenges and benefits of being on the spectrum and practical advice for those who are Neurodivergent or love someone who is. Join us and experience why “NeuroFm” is called the least depressing Neurodivergent podcast in the world.

https://www.jeremyrochford.com/

You have heard on Converge Autism Radio, Dan Holmes and "Just the Guys!" but listeners asked for more stories about girls and women on the autism Spectrum.

Join Dr. Stephanie Holmes, her daughter Sydney, Molly, Sarah, and Julie as they discuss autism and women!  Sydney shares her journey as identified early in life and entering a marriage relationship knowing about her identification to the other ladies sharing later identification in life and later in marriage. The entire discussion is autism in women across different ages and some moms shares about their daughter's diagnosis journey.