Podcast
Autism Live
Hosted by Autism Network ® · EN
The #1 rated autism podcast worldwide. Autism Live's mission is to provide information and inspiration to the larger autism community, that starts with individuals on the spectrum but includes everyone who loves and cares for those individuals. Host Shannon Penrod shares the Jargon of the Day, interviews with experts, community events and much more. Viewers are invited to interact live to address questions, concerns and topics of interests.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Autism Live: Tory and Vanessa Ridgeway
2d ago01:00:05Tap to summarizeOn today's show Shannon welcomes Vanessa and Tory Ridgeway to tell one of the most shocking and inspirational stories. Years ago, Autism Live covered Tory Ridgeway's story was his full NRROTC scholarship was revoked because of his autism diagnosis. Tory and his mother are back with an update that will knock your socks off! The jargon in Self Disclosure.
Transcribe →Autism Live: Alex Lin
1w ago01:02:41Tap to summarizeAlex Lin joins Shannon on today's show to talk about the 10 year anniversary of Autism Rocks and what is next. Alex also shares his opinions on the current focus to find the cause of autism. The jargon of the day is Self Advocate! 00:00 Introduction & Autism Live Disclaimer 00:31 Welcome to Autism Live with Shannon Penrod 01:12 Celebrating 10 Years of Autism Rocks 02:18 Choosing Words: Identity, Language & Respect 03:18 Where to Watch & Listen to Autism Live 04:02 Podcasts, YouTube Channels & Ad-Free Options 05:29 Save the Date: All Goals Gala on Halloween 05:54 Jargon of the Day: What Is Self-Advocacy? 07:07 Who Gets to Speak About Autism? 09:22 Defining Self-Advocacy (Autistic Self-Advocacy Network) 11:14 Communication as a Civil Rights Issue 13:21 Supporting Communication for Non-Speakers 15:04 Introducing Alex Lynn 16:15 Alex Joins Live from Taiwan 17:48 The Origin Story of Autism Rocks 19:27 Grandmother's Influence & Finding Purpose 21:40 10th Anniversary of Autism Rocks 23:02 Expanding Autism Rocks Internationally 24:47 Autism Rocks Performers Over the Years 26:03 2026 Autism Rocks Lineup Preview 28:31 Role Models, Music & Representation 31:19 Alex's Podcast "Issues at Hand" 33:12 Podcast Topics & Autism Advocacy 35:46 Self-Advocacy vs Advocacy – Alex's Perspective 37:55 Parents Speaking for Autistic Children 40:14 Autism Culture & Language in Taiwan 41:58 Disability Rights & Workplace Accommodations 44:07 U.S. Disability Laws & Current Challenges 44:57 Autism, Politics & Public Perception 48:32 Trauma, Bullying & Mental Health 49:51 Why Acceptance Matters More Than a "Cure" 51:18 Identity, Growth & Personal Evolution 53:01 Learning Self-Worth & Letting Go of Pleasing Others 56:07 Family Relationships & Independence 58:03 Managing Anxiety & Panic Attacks 59:33 Autism Rocks 2026 Event Details 01:00:47 Next Week on Autism Live 01:02:05 Like, Subscribe & Final Sign-Off
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Autism Live: Sharon Newhardt
2w ago01:03:57Tap to summarizeOn today's show, Shannon welcomes Sharon Newhardt from Morgan's Wonderland the first and only theme park designed for neurodivergent guests! Sharon will share the mission of this truly magical place and give updates on what is coming next! You won't want to miss it! The jargon is inclusion.
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Autism Live: Rebecca Meuschke
3w ago01:01:31Tap to summarizeRebecca Meuschke joins Shannon today to discuss all things SIBLINGS. What do parents need to know to support siblings? Rebecca, who has first-hand experience with this topic, shares insights, resources and tips to make sure siblings don't get left behind. 00:00 Disclaimer & Show Opening 00:30 Welcome to Autism Live & April Autism Month 01:31 April Focus on Education 01:51 Today's Topic: Siblings in Autism Families 02:57 Audience Question: Hormones, Perimenopause & Autism 05:01 Why Siblings Grow Into Remarkable People 05:46 Live Show Context & Visiting CARD Centers 06:51 Autism Live Mission: Information & Inspiration 08:13 Jargon of the Day: Pairing (Intro) 09:02 What Is Pairing in ABA? 10:15 Pairing, Joint Attention & Learning 13:13 Pairing in Everyday Life (Thanksgiving Example) 14:48 Real-Life Pairing Example: Homework & Kool-Aid 17:04 Stimulus–Stimulus Pairing Explained 18:23 Pairing for Speech & Vocalization (Bubbles Example) 20:23 Why Rapport & Pairing Really Matter 20:49 Introducing Guest: Rebecca Meuschke 22:28 Rebecca's Family & Sister's Diagnosis 24:37 Growing Up as a Sibling Caregiver 28:19 Losing a Parent & Taking on Responsibility 32:16 The Cycle of Success and Failure in Therapy 36:28 Isolation & Family Strain 40:37 What Support Siblings Need 43:43 How Lived Experience Shapes Rebecca's Work 44:59 Balancing Attention Between Siblings 49:19 Creating One-on-One Time with Siblings 52:27 Learning & Setting Healthy Boundaries 55:42 Media Representation & "The Pitt" 57:44 Advocacy, Gratitude & What's Next 59:31 April Programming Notes & AI for IEP Advocacy 01:01:20 Final Goodbye & Where to Find More Content
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Autism Live: Ten Tips for Working with Teachers & IEP or 504!
Apr 1501:10:02Tap to summarizeOn Today's show Shannon Penrod gives ten tips for working with teachers when your child is on an IEP or 504 plan. Setting up a collaborative environment with your child's teacher is almost as important as the IEP itself. Tune in to hear Shannon's easy tips to foster trust and teamwork so your child can have the best possible educational experience.
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Autism Live 4.1.26: James B. Adams, Ph.D.
Apr 101:05:29Tap to summarizeDr. James Adams returns to the show to discuss new products that can diagnose bacterial and yeast infection issues and help restore gut health issues, which has been shown to improve autism symptoms. The jargon of the day is Neurotransmitters.
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Autism Live 3.25.26: Ebony Turner-Bailey, M.S. CCC-SLP
Mar 2501:08:39Tap to summarizeOn today's show Shannon talks with Ebony Turner-Bailey, M.S. CCC – SLP, the Founder and Executive Director of Prime Speech Solutions, about building language and accessing quality speech services even in underserved communities. For more information visit: Online Speech Therapy | Prime Speech Solutions The Jargon of the day is SLP.
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Autism Live 3.18.26: Dr. Megan Anna Neff
Mar 1801:07:31Tap to summarizeShannon welcomes Dr. Megan Anna Neff back to the program to discuss her newest version of Self-Care Activities for Autistic People, a beautifully boxed set of card designed to address all aspects of self-care. Each card provides a simple, approachable activity that requires minimal time and no special equipment, making it ideal for those navigating executive-function challenges or overstimulation. Created by Dr. Megan A. Neff, the deck blends professional insight with personal understanding—an approach that has resonated widely with her engaged online community. The cards are currently available from all major book sellers. The jargon of the day is CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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Autism Live 3.11.26: The Oscar Show!
Mar 1101:18:00Tap to summarizeIt's the Oscar episode 2026! Join Moira and Shannon as the chat about all the noms for these year's ceremony and what role autism played in some of the movies.
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Autism Live 2.18.26: Making ABA a Priority
Feb 1800:59:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Shannon discusses why it is so important to making ABA a priority for your child.
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