Autism Resource Podcast

Filmmaking and Inclusion with Alex Astrella

Alex Astrella is a visual artist based out of Orange County, California. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 2, Alex was told that he’d never be able to hold a job as an adult. 25 years later, Alex has won numerous awards and has garnered nationwide praise for his documentary films and screenplays.

Animation & Cyber Security Training with Jimmy Lifton

Jimmy is an award-winning Film and Television Producer, Educator, and Supervising Sound Editor. He is credited on more than 500 productions and has won 2 Emmys and 5 Golden Reel awards. Jimmy is the founder of award-winning training operations for Autistic adults and disabled Veterans.

Natural Supports for Autism with Steve McConnell

Steve McConnell has a background in biology and is a practicing lipidimiologist. His research and advice are sought out by physicians in many areas including cardiology, kidney disease and, most recently, various neurodiverse conditions. He joins us today to discuss managing challenges often presented for those navigating the autism spectrum and more.

Your True Self Is Enough with Susanna Peace Lovell

On her journey of navigating through the worry and heartbreak of raising a special needs child Susanna Peace Lovell found her true life calling: to help other parents find and realize joy and passion in their own lives. She provides one-on-one coaching, workshops, and support groups for special needs families. Her book Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism was released in January 2024.

Parenting and Mindfulness with Celia Landman

Celia Landman is a mindfulness educator offering support to teens and adults. She draws from experiences working with those impacted by trauma, addiction, and anxiety, and creates customized meditation, visualizations, and trainings to reconnect them to what she refers to as their wholeness and show parents how to find balance while navigating seemingly impossible parenting situations.

Finding Hope with Jeff Pearson

Jeff Pearson is a speaker, author, business owner and TV host. When Jeff was two weeks old, it was confirmed that he had hydrocephalus and he underwent his first brain and abdominal surgery. Despite those challenges, he traveled the world, got married, raised three children, and is now the owner of Hydro with Hope, and the host of the TV show “Invisible Condition” on e360tv. It’s a show that brings awareness to all the medical conditions millions of people deal with that aren’t visible from the outside. Through Hydro with Hope and his TV show, Jeff spreads the message that First: you are not alone. Second: there is hope, and Third: there is a community of help and resources out there for you.

Finding Community with Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh

I welcome Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh back for an encore guest spot! Jeremy and Ilana are friendship and dating coaches who teach the strategies and skills that empower autistic and neurodivergent adults to find community, make friends, start dating, and build relationships.  Ilana has over 16 years of experience as a special education teacher in New York City and Jeremy has over 13 years of experience as a social coach for autistic and neurodivergent adults.  

Nonprofit Fundraising with Norman Wasserman

Norman Wasserman is the founder of Friend Entertainment USA, and has been fundraising for nonprofits for over 35 years. He started Friend Entertainment to provide high-quality entertainment for nonprofit fundraising concerts. Norman says he understands the great need to make a difference in this world and is driven by the belief that we are here to help one another and have great fun along the way.

Spectrum Laboratory with Jason Weissbrod

Jason Weissbrod has a Bachelor’s degree in Directing and Acting for Film and Theatre and has directed, produced, written, edited and starred in many films, television shows, web series, commercials and theatre productions. Jason became involved with the neurodiverse and autism community over 15 years ago. Many neurodivergent and autistic artists told Jason they wanted to work in the entertainment industry and this inspired Jason and his colleague, Garth Herberg, to create Spectrum Laboratory.

Massage and CFT with Jojo Williams

Jojo Williams is a certified massage therapist who began working in the field in 2011 and in 2015, left her previous career of 24 years, supporting individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, to focus solely on massage. She opened her own business during the pandemic of 2020 and now serves many individuals & families with wellness support.