Today, Dr. Holmes talks to Heidi and Robin about AVA: Autistic Voiceover Artists.
What if there was a place- a program- a community for autistic adults who want to use their voice talents in the voiceover industry? THERE IS! 

About our Guests:
Heidi S. Hackney MS, PCC, Co-FounderCertified Autism Coach, ICF Accredited Life Coach, Masters in Human Development
Robin Brooke SAG-AFTRA, AEA, Co-FounderProfessional Voiceover Talent of 20+ Years. Established VO Instructor and Coach. AVA Program Director.



How to contact:
https://autisticvoiceoverartists.org/
About the Program
Autism-Friendly CoursesUnlock Your Voiceover Artist Within



At AVA, we are dedicated to empowering autistic adults in the world of voiceover. Our programs are designed to identify and nurture your unique voice talents, providing you with the skills and confidence to succeed.We celebrate the vivid imaginations, the unmatched attention to detail, and the deep emotional connections that enrich every voice.As you navigate the challenges that arise, AVA stands as a beacon of support and understanding.We embrace differences and turn obstacles into steppingstones. Every hurdle is a chance to grow, to be inspired, to succeed.

Today, Dr. Stephanie talks to Dan of the Aspie World! Are we still allowed to say Aspie? Dan talks us through his autism identification and how that led him to build one of the first platforms on social media about adult autism.

Hello friends,

I want to share something deeply personal—something that completely shifted the trajectory of my life.

At 26, I received a formal diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (now Autism Spectrum Disorder), along with ADHD, OCD, and Dyslexia. That moment wasn't about becoming someone new; it was about finally understanding who I always was.

For years, I silently battled confusion, overwhelm, and social exhaustion. Masking my discomfort to "fit in" affected my mental and emotional health deeply.

A Diagnosis Isn’t a Label—It's a Lens.It provided clarity, showing me that I'm not broken; I'm wired differently. Discovering neurodiversity helped me celebrate my differences and recognize my strengths—creativity, hyperfocus, analytical thinking—as true assets.

This revelation inspired me to start The Aspie World, supporting thousands globally in navigating neurodivergent journeys. Our differences drive innovation, empathy, and inclusion, making humanity richer.

Remember, your diagnosis is just the beginning of a beautiful, empowered chapter. You are capable, valuable, and not alone.

Thank you for joining this journey.

With gratitude,

Daniel M. Jones Founder of The Aspie World

Dan can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKKRcJey93Ms-dL630UNIQ
Dan's Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Autism-Adults-author/dp/1837822336
About when I discovered Dan on YT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwXqGjohGg
Dan defends the term Asperger's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB-cH9Os_J8

Today, Dr. Holmes talks with Occupational Therapist, Kelly Mahler. The topic is interoception! Every neurotype can struggle with it but we find neurodivergent folks can have a few more challenges with interoception.

Defined by Kelly's website: Many people notice these feelings in their body with the help of an important sense… a sense called (drum roll please)… interoception.
Don’t let the name fool you. The word interoception might not sound very sexy or important. But this sense is a really big deal. Interoception has a huge influence on many areas of our lives like self-regulation, mental health and social connection.

About our Guest:
Kelly Mahler OTD, OTR/L, earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. She has been an occupational therapist for 20 years, serving school-aged children and adults. Kelly is the winner of multiple awards, including the 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging and Innovative Practice Award & a Mom’s Choice Gold Medal. She is an adjunct faculty member at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA as well as at Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. Kelly is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma & autism.

www.kelly-mahler.com

Dr. Stephanie discusses ABA and Autism with Converge Autism Summit speaker Courtney Lasky, PHD candidate. 

About the speaker: Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA 
Courtney Lasky is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) amd PhD candidate with over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As the Director of Clinical Operations for ABS Kids, she leads clinical teams in providing high-quality, compassionate care to children and families.

Recognized as a subject matter expert, Courtney has been featured on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and the Dr. Drew Podcast, where she shares her insights on behavior analysis and its broader applications. She is passionate about leadership, staff training, and fostering psychological safety within clinical teams.

Beyond her professional work, Courtney is a dedicated wife and mother of six, living in Irmo, South Carolina. Balancing a thriving career with a full and adventurous family life, she brings both expertise and heart to everything she does.

In this episode, I’m joined by the dynamic duo behind the Spark Launch Podcast—Chaya Mallavaram and Mike Cornell. Chaya is a tech entrepreneur, professional artist, and founder of Spark Launch, where she helps create transformative spaces for neurodivergent learners. Mike is a peer support specialist and lifelong creative who brings a raw, honest voice to mental health advocacy. Together, they’ve launched Spark Launch—a podcast that dives deep into the lived realities of neurodivergent life. From parenting and executive dysfunction to emotional regulation, identity, and creativity, their conversations are as real as they are healing. We talk about why they created this show, how they balance vulnerability with humor, and their shared mission to help others feel less alone. Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that imperfection holds power—and every brain carries a spark worth launching. 🌀 Learn more at sparklaunchpodcast.com

Join Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Saulnier as they discuss her presentation at the Converge Autism Summit on broadening the autism spectrum.

https://nacsatl.com/

They will discuss:

• The key features of autism

• How Autism symptoms are expressed differently in male and female
• The role of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in misdiagnosis of autism
• Common overlaps and differential diagnosis

Dr. Saulnier obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She trained and worked at the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade before relocating to Emory University School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, where she directed a large-scale clinical research program. In 2018, she opened her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, where she specializes in diagnostic assessment, as well as teaching and training for autism spectrum and related disorders. Dr. Saulnier has published over 50 articles, written two books, and she is an author on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition.
Looking for Assessment in GA? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/neurodevelopmental-assessment-consulting-svc-decatur-ga/409874

Converge Autism Summit and Converge Autism Radio are sponsored by Springbrook Behavioral Health. Have you ever wondered what exactly Springbrook does? Join Dr. Stephanie as she talks with Scott Compton about Springbrook to discuss the unique approach to care for kids and teens on the spectrum who are in crisis.

Scott Compton serves as the Regional Director of Business Development at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health. In this role, he is instrumental in organizing the annual National Converge Autism Summit, a prominent event that brings together professionals, educators, clinicians, and families to discuss various aspects of autism, including diagnosis, therapy, education, and advocacy. The 2025 summit was held on March 4–5 in Greenville, South Carolina, featuring keynote speakers such as Dani Bowman and Dr. Robert Naseef.

www.convergeautism.com

Panelists from all over the world who work with neurodivergent relationships including Dr. Stephanie Holmes. Can neurodiverse relationships work? Does autism "ruin families" (spoiler alert- no). Does neurodiversity training matter when looking for a coach or counselor to help your neurodiverse marriage or relationship? YES!
Listen in with our host, Dr. Stephanie Holmes is part of a panel of neurodiverse relationship experts across the globe!

Today Dr. Stephanie interviews Dani Bowman from Love on the Spectrum. We will talk about her involvement with the show and how she built her company DaniMation.

More about our Guest: Dani Bowman, BFA, MBAPresident, DaniMation Entertainment. Dani Bowman, an individual on the autism spectrum, established her company, DaniMation Entertainment, in 2009. Over the years, she has spearheaded summer animation camps and conducted personalized online 1:1 sessions, diligently educating, elevating, and empowering her students on the autism spectrum. With her guidance, she has successfully helped more than 2,500 students explore the transformation of their passions into viable careers.In her own educational journey, Dani obtained a BFA in Animation in 2018 and further pursued her ambitions with an MBA in Global Strategy and Leadership in 2020. Beyond her academic achievements, she also became a valued cast member on the Netflix series "Love on the Spectrum." Dani's remarkable story showcases how dedication, talent, and resilience can lead to fulfilling accomplishments regardless of individual challenges.

Embracing Neurodiversity and Creativity: Dani Bowman's Journey from Animation Aficionado to Social Entrepreneur

In her keynote speech at Converge Autism Summit, Dani Bowman, animator, educator, and entrepreneur, takes us on the remarkable journey that began at age three and led her to become the CEO of DaniMation. From her beginnings as a passionate animator at age of 14 to her present role as an industry leader in diversity-led employment, Dani shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs and reflects on her responsibility as a leader to inspire and mentor others on the autism spectrum. She sheds light on the company's commitment to social impact, emphasizing the positive influence that creative expression can have on the lives of neurodiverse individuals regardless of how they've been affected by their condition.

Join Kristin, Toni and Melinda for a deep dive into the world of Autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence within Buddhist communities. 

Toni Boucher started working with individuals on the spectrum over 35 years ago as a foster care and emergency respite provider.  As the director of the CARE Clinic where she provided autism evaluations and determined eligibility for The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs- Autism Division, she discovered the need for further research and information about females on the spectrum and began training professionals how to identify and support neurodivergent women. Her book Autism Translated is the result of the wisdom and insights her clients have shared with her throughout these years. Today Toni is a speaker, writer and consultant. She runs numerous social groups and programs for teens and adults on the spectrum and coaches high-achieving adults. She is the founder of The Creative Community and Career Center for Autism, where members help each other thrive in a safe, sensory friendly environment. 

www.toniboucher.net and www.neurodiverse.com 

MELINDA EDWARDS, MD is a mother, writer and physician in Charleston, South Carolina. She attended medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency in psychiatry at Stanford Medical Center. She has studied complementary and alternative medicine with Andrew Weil, MD, researched the effects of MDMA on PTSD with Michael Mithoefer, MD, and is a columnist for Autism Parenting Magazine. Dr. Edwards is the author of the amazon best-seller Psyche & Spirit: How a Psychiatrist Found Divinity Through Her Lifelong Quest for Truth and Her Daughter’s Autism.As a child of medical missionaries, Dr. Edwards grew up in a Mayan Indian village in Guatemala, Central America. Early in life she experienced an inner pull to a deeper truth. Her journey has taken her through various spiritual practices, including meditation retreats, guidance from spiritual teachers, travel to India, and living in spiritual communities. Her quest led to the ongoing discovery of the sacred in all. Inspired by her journey with her daughter Saachi, Dr. Edwards founded the 501c3 nonprofit organization Living Darshan to foster a deeper understanding of autism in the world.

www.melindaedwardsmd.comwww.livingdarshan.org