Spectrum Perspectives

Kirk Smith- Comedian, Autism Dad, "Autastic" Podcast host- Part 1

Kirk is a professional comedian, Autism dad, and co-host of the Podcast “Autastic”. He talks about being a young Dad to his son JJ who has Severe Autism. They moved from California to the UK, to Connecticut, to Texas where they tried swim therapy and horse therapy to try to help him. When they hear of a state of the art school for Autism in New York they moved there to get him help. Kirk’s wife and son had dual citizenship in the Us and Sweden, so when his wife became ill they put JJ in a group home in Sweden. She passed away in 2017 and JJ is still in Sweden where he is very happy. We talk about the difference between care in Sweden verses the US.

Ron Sandison- Autistic Author & Christian Speaker

Diagnosed with Autism at 7 years old. In high school he was a fast runner and competed in track. But when he turned 19 they said he was too old to compete, so they went to court and won the case, blazing the trail for other athletes in Special Ed. Now married with a young daughter, He holds a Master’s Degree and works in the field of mental health. He is also a Public Speaker and the author of several books giving parents practical advice on raising a child with Autism. His non-profit organization “Spectrum Inclusion” helps adults with Autism to find employment.

James Scott-Autism Dad from Scotland, Across the Pond Podcaster- Part 2

James runs “Across The Pond Sports Network”, a sports podcast from Scotland. In our interview he talks about the differences between his two Autistic sons. One talks a lot, the other, not so much. One is picky about food textures, the other will eat pretty much anything. His younger son Carter began having seizures a few months ago, one lasting for over an hour and 20 minutes, so now they have cameras and monitors all over the house.

James Scott-Autism Dad from Scotland, Across the Pond Podcaster- Part 2

James is a podcaster from Scotland who has 3 boys. Logan, 12 and Carter, 6, are both on the Autism Spectrum. They found out that Logan was diagnosed with Autism by accident at meeting. Once Logan started school he began to speak in full sentences by the end of his first year. But Carter only speaks 5 words at 6 years old. We talk about the system in Ediburgh and how they expect Autistic students to attend their first year of school with all of the other children rather than be in a Special Ed setting.

Jessica Weaver- Pink Fix Money- Financial Advisor for Women

Jessica is a Financial Advisor, author and public speaker. Her “Pink Fix Money” blog says she is “not your father’s advisor”. She specializes in helping women to plan for their future and take control of their finances. Since there is an 80% divorce rate among Autism families it’s very important for women to understand the finances in their home and know how to pay the mortgage and bills and to know what’s in their bank account.

Mike Ringel-Financial Advisor for Special Needs Families

Mike is a CPA and financial advisor specializing in helping families with a child with Special Needs. He talks about helping families plan financially for their child’s future, including the do’s and don’ts of what to do.

Jane Tiboni-Special Needs Wills and Trusts, Special Needs Attorney

Jane is an attorney specializing in Special Needs wills and trusts. She walks listeners through the process of declaring legal guardianship of your Special Needs child when they turn 18 to protect them, and potential things that could go wrong if you do NOT declare guardianship.

Jen Slaton-Therapist, Autism 360 Support

Jen is a therapist who has been working with the Autistic community since the ‘80’s. She worked as a Behavior Consultant who went into the home to work with the whole family, combining her skills as a psycho-therapist and behavior therapist. Currently she helps families and autistic adults through virtual coaching through her business "Autism 360 Support". She talks about ways to handle melt downs, angry outbursts and when the child goes into crisis mode.

Hester Wagner- Hollywood Film School for Special Needs

Hester Wagner helps people with Special Needs learn how to make film. She is the Director of Film and Media Services for the Futures Explored Practical Film and Media Studio in California. They do hands on and vocational training for people with developmental disabilities and run Summer film camps They are partnered with John Travolta’s brother Joey Travolta, who was originally a Special Ed teacher and now runs Inclusion Films. They do a red carpet premier of the films that the campers have created in the Fall. The adults who attend the school learn job skills to actually get a job working in the film industry. Check out the website at Futures-Explored.org

Eliza Silver-East Coast vs. West Coast services for Special Needs

Eliza is the mom of four, and her oldest son is Autistic. She is from New Jersey and her husband is from California, so they moved back and forth from the West Coast to the East Coast several times. She compares services in both states and says she had more things covered there and was even getting paid to stay home and care for her son in California, but it’s not available in New Jersey. Now she works virtually helping California families to navigate the system and get the support and services they need.