In this episode of Converge Autism Radio, guest host Reid Miles speaks with Dr. Alice Ackerman and Rebecca Erwin, two experienced clinicians and educators working at the intersection of autism, behavioral health, and school crisis response.

Together they explore:

• The critical role schools play in supporting autistic students
• Why behavior is communication — not defiance
• How schools can respond to crisis without escalation
• What teachers and parents actually need during high-stress moments
• The importance of training, collaboration, and early intervention
• Real-world examples from clinical and educational settings
• How professionals can shift from fear and reactivity to understanding and partnership

This is a grounded, compassionate conversation for parents, teachers, clinicians, and advocates seeking deeper insight into trauma-informed, neurodiversity-aware crisis support.

Guest Websites:

Dr. Alice Ackerman
https://adackerman.com

Rebecca Erwin
www.thelarkcenter.com

This episode is part of the Converge Autism Podcastathon and includes a mid-show spotlight for Springbrook Behavioral Health's newest program, All Abilities & No Filter.

www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

Guest host Reed Miles welcomes writer, photographer, and educator Michelle Steiner for an honest conversation about breaking barriers and redefining what it means to live—and thrive—with a learning disability.

Michelle shares her journey with dyscalculia, her experiences in education, and how she turned stigma into strength through writing and photography. She now inspires others through her blog and online shop at michellesmission.com.

Together, Reed and Michelle explore advocacy, sensitivity in support systems, and the importance of seeing ability beyond diagnosis.


www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

In this inspiring episode of Converge Autism Radio, host Reid Miles sits down with artist, author, and creative business coach Mandy Nicholson to explore the deep connections between creativity and neurodivergence. Mandy—founder of The Creative Genius Consultant—shares her journey of self-diagnosed autism, raising two autistic children, and guiding other neurodivergent women to build thriving, passion-led businesses.
They discuss her bestselling book Beyond the Ordinary: Discover the Power of Creative and Neurodiverse Women, the challenges of late diagnosis, and how creativity can become a bridge to self-acceptance and empowerment. Learn more about Mandy’s work at https://linktr.ee/violetauraart. 

www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

In this heartfelt episode, Jeremy Rochford reflects on his evolution as both an autistic adult and a parent. He shares candidly about past struggles with anger and communication, and how learning to shift from control to connection transformed his relationship with his son, Jonathan. Together, father and son bring humor, honesty, and perspective—closing with a lighthearted segment about their first comedy gig as a duo. It’s an authentic look at growth, forgiveness, and the joy that comes from embracing both the serious and the silly sides of parenting.

ourneurofam.com

www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

In this episode, Charity Rochford of NeuroFam hosts an open and heartfelt conversation with her daughter, Corinne, about life as a teenage girl on the spectrum. From navigating friendships and social pressures to embracing strengths in theater and creativity, Corinne shares the challenges and gifts of her journey with autism. Their dialogue highlights how autism can present differently in girls, the impact of masking and people-pleasing, and what it means to find authenticity in relationships. This episode offers validation, hope, and practical insight for families, educators, and professionals seeking to better understand autistic girls’ experiences.

https://www.ourneurofam.com/

www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

In this episode of Converge Autism Radio, hosts Stephanie Holmes and Jeremy Rochford welcome internationally renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Tony Attwood. Together they discuss his groundbreaking new book, Relationship Counseling with Autistic Neurodiverse Couples: A Guide for Professionals (co-authored with Maxine Aston). Dr. Attwood shares insights from decades of work in autism, exploring unique challenges in mixed neurotype relationships, autistic women in partnerships, and practical strategies for communication. Stephanie and Jeremy also reflect on their personal and professional experiences, offering hope and resources for couples navigating neurodiverse relationships.

Learn more and order the book: https://tonyattwood.com.au/ and  https://www.amazon.com/Relationship-Counselling-Autistic-Neurodiverse-Couples/dp/1805013025?utm_source=chatgpt.com

www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

In this episode of Converge Autism Radio, host Reid Miles sits down with Debbie Crouch, a creative wellness and therapeutic arts tutor, to explore the transformative power of art and neurodivergence. Debbie shares her story of being discouraged from pursuing art as a child, only to reclaim creativity later in life as a tool for healing and connection. She discusses how neurodivergence can be reframed as a gift, the role of imagination in resilience, and the importance of telling our stories to remind others they are not alone. Debbie is also a co-author of Beyond the Ordinary, a collection of stories from neurodiverse and creative women. Learn more about her work at www.creativewellnessjourney.co.uk.

www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

In this inspiring episode of Converge Autism Radio, we sit down with Jonathan, a 10-year-old navigating life with both autism and ADHD. Together with his family, he shares honest reflections on medication, school testing, sports, and the importance of making his own choices. From learning how to balance focus and independence to discovering the life-changing role of a positive mindset, Jonathan reminds us that empowerment starts early—and that children thrive when they’re trusted with agency. This episode offers parents, educators, and clinicians practical insight into supporting kids with accommodations while also celebrating their strengths.

A shout out to NeuroFM for sharing this amazing story with us! J

www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

In this episode of Converge Autism, illustrator and surface pattern designer Jo Phillips shares her extraordinary journey from medical retirement to a flourishing creative career. Battling chronic health challenges, Jo’s late diagnoses of autism (2020) and ADHD illuminated the roots of her lifelong struggles and unlocked a wave of self-compassion and clarity.

Jo candidly discusses how medication has helped ease her ADHD symptoms, offering focus and calm that transformed her daily life and creative process. She also reveals how embracing her neurodivergence has empowered her art—fueling not only her own resurgence as a surface pattern designer but also inspiring her advocacy work within autism support circles. 

This is a compelling conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and creative rebirth. It’s ideal for neurodivergent artists, mental health advocates, and anyone seeking hope in the power of identity and artistry.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Jo is an advocate for neurodivergent individuals, sharing her experiences to inspire others. For a closer look at Jo Phillips' work and to connect with her, you can visit her Infinity Designer website www.centcreativebyjophillips.com.


“Own your own identity. Learn about autism, learn about how it affects you and how great it is, but also the challenges that it brings. And learn to embrace it all.” Jo Phillips

www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com

What does intimacy look like when you’re autistic, ADHD, and healing from trauma? In this powerful episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristin Sunanta Walker sits down with Candice Christiansen (she/they)—licensed clinical mental health counselor, autistic ADHD adult, and founder of the Namasté Center for Healing—to explore the complex terrain of neurodivergent intimacy, betrayal trauma, sensory sex, and emotional reclamation. Candice shares her late-diagnosis journey, her healing partnership with a neurodivergent spouse, and the sacred truth of what it takes to cultivate safe, embodied, and attuned connection—emotionally, sexually, and spiritually. Together, they unpack common struggles faced by autistic adults: hypersensitivity, shutdown during sex, fawning, energetic overload, and the grief of misdiagnosis. This is not your typical conversation about relationships—this is soul-deep, nuance-rich, and paradigm-shifting. If you've ever wondered why sex feels overwhelming or how to reclaim it on your own terms...

If you’ve been told you’re “too sensitive” or “too much”...
If you're healing from betrayal and trying to rebuild trust inside your body...

This episode is for you.

Disclaimer: This episode contains candid discussions about sex, intimacy, and trauma—particularly in the context of neurodivergent experiences and sexual abuse recovery. Listener discretion is advised.

About the Guest: Candice Christiansen (she/they) is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center for Healing based in Millcreek, Utah. A licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist-Supervisor (CSAT‑S), and psychedelic-assisted therapist (PAT), Candice specializes in working with autistic, ADHD, and trauma-impacted individuals and couples around betrayal recovery, sensory intimacy, and sacred sexuality. Diagnosed as autistic and ADHD at age 44, Candice brings both lived and clinical expertise to her work. She has over 25 years of experience, is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, IFIO couples therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. She’s the host of “Fabulously Candice: The Sexiest Podcast About Neurodivergence”, and a co-developer of one of the first neuro-affirmative autism screening tools. Candice is passionate about creating sacred, trauma-informed spaces where neurodivergent people can reclaim body autonomy, intimacy, and relational sovereignty.

Website: https://www.namasteadvice.com

For a free copy of her ebook on Autism and Sensory Sex, visit the website and use the contact form to request it.

www.springbrookbehavioral.com

www.convergeautism.com

www.allabilitiesnofilter.com