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What does authentic autism advocacy look like when powered by faith? Ron Sandison offers a compelling answer in this thought-provoking conversation from the International Autism Summit. As a mental health professional speaking to over 30,000 people annually across 70 events worldwide, Ron brings a unique perspective shaped by his extraordinary gift—15,000 scriptures memorized word-perfect—and his journey as one of only two openly autistic licensed ministers in the Assemblies of God's 114-year history.

Ron takes us behind the pages of his new book, "Adulting on the Spectrum," revealing the critical connection challenges autistic individuals face. "Most of us are like old, 30-year-old Velcro shoes—we don't connect well," he explains, before outlining his three-part framework for building meaningful relationships through mentoring, marketing, and the ability to delight others. Through powerful stories and accessible metaphors, Ron demonstrates how identifying personal strengths while accommodating limitations can transform an autistic person's relationship with both the world and themselves.

The conversation tackles persistent misconceptions head-on, particularly the damaging assertion that autism can be "outgrown." Ron eloquently describes how autism's manifestation evolves from childhood meltdowns to adult "neuro-crashes," emphasizing that sensory challenges persist regardless of outward appearance or public speaking abilities. His vision for truly inclusive faith communities goes beyond token participation, advocating for autistic voices in leadership positions where they can influence institutional change. Most powerfully, Ron introduces his concept of developing a "hope complex" through spiritual connection, offering neurodivergent individuals an antidote to the "hopeless complex" that often accompanies autism's social and employment challenges. Whether you're autistic, support someone who is, or simply want to understand neurodiversity through a spiritual lens, Ron's insights will transform your perspective on advocacy, faith, and human potential.

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What happens when a simple strep throat infection triggers a devastating autoimmune response that attacks your brain? At age 13, Ethan Pompeo's life changed overnight when mysterious motor tics, compulsive behaviors, and overwhelming anxiety suddenly appeared, beginning a two-decade journey toward answers and healing.

Ethan takes us through the frustrating reality of living with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neurological Disorders Associated with Strep) – a condition where strep antibodies cross the blood-brain barrier and create inflammation in the basal ganglia. His vivid descriptions of trying to complete simple tasks while battling uncontrollable tics paint a stark picture of the daily challenges faced by those with neurological autoimmune disorders.

The path to diagnosis wasn't straightforward. Misdiagnosed with Tourette syndrome, Ethan became what he calls a "pill guinea pig," cycling through over 40 different medications by age 17, with side effects often worse than his symptoms. This experience fostered a deep skepticism of conventional medicine and pushed him toward finding his own solutions.

What makes Ethan's story particularly compelling is his holistic approach to recovery. Moving to Colorado to work on an organic farm became a turning point, introducing him to lifestyle changes that would transform his health. His discovery that CBD's anti-inflammatory properties – not the psychoactive effects of cannabis – were addressing the root cause of his brain inflammation led to a comprehensive healing protocol combining anti-inflammatory diet, strategic supplementation, strength training, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Today, Ethan is 95% symptom-free and dedicated to helping others through PANDAS advocacy. His powerful message about accepting his condition rather than hiding it resonates beyond just those with autoimmune disorders: "The day I decided to be open about what I'm dealing with, it's like I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders."

Whether you're battling chronic illness or supporting someone who is, Ethan's journey offers practical insights, scientific understanding, and above all, hope. Follow his continued advocacy work on Instagram @ethan_pandas or visit greenvalleynutrition.com to learn more.

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Craig Parks transforms our understanding of connection with autistic children through the profound language of music. Drawing from his dual expertise as both a professional musician and father to an autistic son, Craig reveals how music became the bridge that helped his non-verbal toddler communicate and eventually thrive as a drummer with perfect pitch.

The conversation takes us through Craig's personal journey of receiving his son's autism diagnosis at just 16 months old, facing the uncertainty of whether he'd ever hear his child say "Daddy," and discovering how melody and rhythm created pathways of connection where words couldn't reach. "When he is playing music with other musicians," Craig shares, "in that moment there is no neurotypical, there is no autistic—there's just humans creating energy together."

This revelation led Craig to develop his groundbreaking "Parenting A to E" course, teaching parents to master their "affect"—the physical manifestations of emotions through facial expressions, body positioning, and vocal tone—to better connect with children across neurological differences. Through specially crafted songs that transform daily routines like bedtime and hand-washing into meaningful moments of connection, Craig demonstrates how parents can create lasting memories and stronger bonds with their children.

Beyond parenting techniques, our conversation explores the creation of truly inclusive spaces where neurodivergent children can be celebrated for exactly who they are. Drawing from his 27 years directing summer camps, Craig shares how compassionate communities can be built where differences aren't just accommodated but embraced. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who values human connection across differences, this episode offers practical wisdom for using music to bridge neurological divides and foster relationships built on acceptance and joy.

Ready to transform your connection with the children in your life? Email Craig at [email protected] for special access to his Parenting A to E course.

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Dr. Gilly Kahn brings a refreshing perspective to our understanding of ADHD, particularly in women, through her dual expertise as both a clinical psychologist and someone with lived experience. Her powerful reframing of ADHD not as an attention deficit but as an "overabundance of attention" challenges conventional thinking about neurodiversity in ways that will resonate deeply with listeners.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how Dr. Kahn bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and authentic human experience. She vividly describes the ADHD mind as having "a 1920s Great Gatsby party in your brain while trying to do homework" – an image that perfectly captures the overwhelming sensory and cognitive experience many with ADHD navigate daily. This isn't just theoretical understanding; it's rooted in compassion and lived reality.

The discussion takes us through several critical topics: misconceptions about ADHD (particularly how hyperfocus on interesting activities doesn't disprove ADHD), the science behind medication options (including fascinating research on neuropromotion), and how neurodivergent brains process information differently as "field-dependent learners." Throughout, Dr. Kahn maintains a balanced approach, acknowledging that while research strongly supports certain interventions, treatment choices remain deeply personal.

Perhaps most powerfully, Dr. Kahn shares insights from her upcoming book "Allow Me to Interrupt," which launches September 9th. The Shakespeare-inspired work promises to illuminate the emotional realities of women with ADHD in ways that both validate their experiences and educate others. Her parting advice resonates as both scientific conclusion and profound wisdom: "They don't know you as well as you know yourself." For anyone navigating neurodiversity – whether personally or supporting others – this conversation offers both practical understanding and the courage to trust your own experience despite external judgment or misunderstanding.

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Bryson Tarbet, founder of That Music Teacher, takes us on a captivating journey through the world of accessible music education. Drawing from his personal experience with ADHD and sensory processing disorder, Bryson reveals how his quest to make the classroom more comfortable for himself evolved into a mission to ensure music is truly accessible for all students.

What begins as a conversation about simple seating arrangements quickly expands into a masterclass on creating fully inclusive music environments. Bryson shares practical approaches like offering flexible seating options, adapting instruments with occupational therapists, and color-coding sheet music to help students make visual connections between notation and instrument fingerings. His ingenious solutions range from simple rubber bands that help students grasp mallets to sophisticated one-handed recorders for students with physical disabilities.

Beyond the technical aspects of accessibility, Bryson offers a profound perspective on the psychological importance of inclusive music education. He explains how introducing instruments like recorders can create a level playing field where students who typically struggle academically can shine, as everyone starts at the same point regardless of past performance. This insight challenges us to rethink how we structure music education to ensure all students have opportunities to succeed.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Bryson reveals how COVID-19 forced him to explore alternatives to traditional performance-based music education. This led to the discovery that many seemingly disengaged students were actually deeply musical—they simply resonated with production or technology rather than performance. This revelation has powerful implications for expanding our conception of what music education can and should be.

Ready to make your music classroom more inclusive? Follow @thatmusicteacher on Instagram and visit thatmusicteacher.com to access free resources and join the waitlist for the upcoming Elementary Music Summit, where educators worldwide connect to share ideas for creating truly accessible music education.

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Angela Fowler, a totally blind accessibility consultant from California, transforms our understanding of digital inclusion in this compelling conversation that challenges common misconceptions while offering practical solutions.

The eye-opening discussion begins with Angela sharing her evolution from passionate disability rights advocate to dedicated educator. This transition occurred when she realized that most designers, developers, and business leaders aren't deliberately creating inaccessible experiences—they simply lack awareness about accessibility needs and benefits. Her realization highlights a critical messaging problem in society: we're not educating people effectively about why accessibility matters and how to implement it properly.

Angela brilliantly dismantles two harmful myths about accessibility. First, she explains that accessibility isn't just for "those disabled people over there" but creates better experiences for everyone. From clearly labeled buttons that help all users navigate websites to wider store aisles and quieter restaurants that enhance everyone's experience, accessibility features have universal benefits. Second, she challenges the notion that accessibility is prohibitively expensive, advocating instead for a harm reduction approach that prioritizes fixing critical barriers first while gradually implementing other improvements.

For businesses and website owners, Angela offers invaluable practical advice: WordPress provides more accessible options than drag-and-drop builders; hiring developers who prioritize accessible user experiences saves money in the long run; and taking small, consistent steps toward accessibility demonstrates good faith efforts that can provide both practical and legal benefits. She also shares thoughtful guidance on interacting respectfully with disabled people—ask if help is needed rather than assuming, respect autonomy, and remember that disability is just one aspect of a person's identity.

Looking toward the future, Angela envisions a cultural shift away from models that emphasize dependency toward an approach that celebrates unique capabilities and contributions. Ready to make your digital presence more accessible? Visit RealLifeAccess.com to connect with Angela and start your accessibility journey today.

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Welcome to a sneak peek into The International Autism Summit 2024 with special guest speaker Devin Morrisey

When doctors told three-year-old Devin Morrissey he would never graduate high school, attend college, or live independently, they couldn't have imagined he would one day help transform how the world sees autism. In his powerful presentation "Bringing Autism to the Center Stage," Devin takes us on a journey from his childhood diagnosis to becoming a Netflix personality, podcast host, and fierce advocate who consistently defies expectations.

Growing up in Danville, California in the 1990s when autism was often viewed as a "death sentence," Devin didn't learn about his own diagnosis until age twelve. This revelation explained why he had been pulled from recess for various therapies and why certain aspects of social interaction felt challenging. Though initially struggling with this identity, Devin eventually embraced that "being normal is completely overrated" and that his differences were strengths to be celebrated.

Devin's accomplishments speak volumes: bachelor's degrees in liberal arts and music from Whittier College, a master's degree from USC completed during the pandemic, experience as an elementary school teacher, and now working as a recruitment coordinator at Sabacon, a neurodiverse recruiting firm. Perhaps most recognizably, he appears as Dani Bowman's best friend on Netflix's Emmy Award-winning "Love on the Spectrum US," offering dating advice and support while helping bring authentic autism representation to mainstream media.

Beyond the screen, Devin amplifies autistic voices through his blog "Autistic Superpower" and podcast "Autistically Unapologetic," where he interviews other autistic trailblazers about their experiences. Most recently, he's returned to his performing roots by joining Epic Players LA, a neurodiversity theater company, combining his passion for performance with autism advocacy.

Ready to embrace your own authentic story? Follow Devin's journey at www.autisticsuperpower.com or on Instagram @DevinMorrissey and discover how one voice can help break stigmas, defy limitations, and inspire a movement of acceptance.

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How do you navigate the complex landscape of parenting adult children while fostering their independence? In this enlightening episode, we delve into the essential principles of navigating this transition with love, support, and a focus on boundaries. Our expert guest, a seasoned psychologist, offers invaluable strategies that help parents understand the dual roles of love and discipline when guiding their children into adulthood. 

From discussing the varying challenges young adults face, especially those with developmental disabilities, to practical tips on creating a five-year plan together, each segment is designed to empower parents to foster emotional and social growth while allowing for independence. Discover how focusing on intentional parenting and recognizing cultural biases surrounding independence can significantly impact both your relationship and your child’s trajectory. 

Join us on this journey of understanding how to let go while reinforcing the bond that sustains a nurturing family dynamic. We encourage you to reflect on your experiences and engage with our community—subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review to help us support families embarking on their parenting journey.

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What does it mean to truly support special needs families, and how can we as a community come together to offer that support? In our latest episode, we bring you a heartfelt conversation with John Fela, a dedicated advocate who has turned his personal journey as a parent of a nonverbal autistic son into a powerful mission working with Joni and Friends, a global Christian disability ministry. John's inspiring story of creating a support group for special needs dads not only highlights the importance of community but also reveals the transformative power of shared experiences. Join us as we promise to open your eyes to the resilience and hope that emerge when families navigate the complexities of autism together.

Navigating the world of special needs parenting comes with its unique set of challenges and victories, especially for single parents. Drawing from real-life experiences, we share stories of overcoming fears and breaking through isolation by building connections with other parents and community organizations. Schools, churches, and local groups all play pivotal roles in this journey, offering vital support from early childhood into adolescence and beyond. We explore how preparing for guardianship and continuously adapting to the needs of the autistic community requires a deep understanding and unwavering commitment to inclusion.

Churches have a unique opportunity to foster genuine acceptance for families and individuals with disabilities, moving beyond surface-level inclusion. John Fela shares invaluable insights into how religious communities can create environments that truly celebrate all abilities, encouraging meaningful participation. We touch on the future concerns many parents face, urging church leadership to develop sustainable programs that address these anxieties. As we wrap up, we express gratitude for the stories of courage and resilience shared, reminding us all of the enduring impact these narratives hold. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and a promise of community support that shines brightly.

www.johnfela.com

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Leroy Slanzi, an educator whose journey ranges from principal roles worldwide to his fulfilling work at an Indigenous school in British Columbia. This episode sheds light on the nuances of global educational systems, highlighting Canada’s impressive standing in education. Leroy offers insights into how the digital age and environmental factors are reshaping student behavior, and why emotional intelligence and holistic learning are critical in today's classrooms.

We dive deep into the urgent need for emotional education in schools, where traditional subjects often overshadow social-emotional learning. Facing a looming mental health crisis, we discuss equipping educators and students alike with the tools necessary for emotional intelligence. I also introduce my books as resources, offering pathways through these challenges and advocating for the integration of play to combat the decline in children's perseverance and grit. Together, we strive to fill the missing piece in the education system, championing a holistic approach for nurturing well-rounded children.

The episode doesn't just stop at theory—it explores practical implementation through emotional audits in schools, which help boost emotional intelligence and well-being. Imagine schools where a common emotional language and mindfulness practices are part of everyday life, aiding not just students but teachers as well. We also touch on the unique needs of children with autism, advocating for environments that allow their emotional growth. By fostering empathy and compassion, we aim to inspire a transformation in how education meets the emotional needs of all its students.

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