Shows
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismS 3: Ep 23-What Parents Need to Know About Speech Therapy, AAC, and Collaboration with Speech Pathologist and Brite Success Owner Melanie Johnston, M.A., SLP, CAS.In this powerful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with longtime colleague and speech-language pathologist Melanie Johnston to explore one foundational truth: everyone deserves a voice.
Melanie shares nearly three decades of experience supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across the lifespan—from early childhood through adulthood. Together, they unpack why communication is about far more than spoken words, how augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can reduce anxiety and increase language, and why there is no “too late” when it comes to finding a voice.
This conversation dives...
2026-02-0439 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismS3-Ep 22: Beyond the Label: Christine & Madilyn’s Story of Growth and DeterminationIn this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Christine Biddle—a mom, BCBA, and fierce advocate—to explore what it truly means to go beyond the label. Christine shares her daughter Madilyn’s early diagnosis story, the challenges and breakthroughs of navigating ABA therapy, and the small victories that became stepping stones toward independence.
From learning tiny receptive instructions to developing self-advocacy skills as a teenager, Christine gives listeners an honest look at the real work, real emotions, and real joys of raising a child on the spectrum. She also discusses how becoming a BCBA...
2026-01-2120 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismS3-Ep 21: How to Help People With Autism Get a Night’s Sleep: Tips From Armando Bernal, BCBA, Certified Behavioral Sleep SpecialistSleep challenges are one of the most common—and exhausting—concerns for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler welcomes back Armando Bernal, BCBA, CEO of Autism International Consulting, to discuss why sleep is so difficult for so many autistic individuals—and what can actually help.
Armando shares insights from his new credential as a Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist, breaking down how routine, structure, environment, and behavior all play a role in healthy sleep. Together, they explore common contributors to sleep struggles, including incons...
2026-01-0736 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismS2-Ep 20: Our Amazing Minds: Teaching Kids About Autism with Jeffrey & Laura MayIn this inspiring episode, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with authors Jeffrey and Laura May, creators of the children’s book Our Amazing Minds—a beautifully written, inclusive story that helps kids understand autism through the eyes of four autistic friends.
The Mays share how their son experiences inspired them to create a resource they couldn’t find anywhere else: a book that explains autism to children in a positive, honest, and developmentally appropriate way. Together, we explore why representation matters, how early conversations reduce stigma, and how this book is helping both neurodiverse and neurotypical kids feel s...
2025-12-1025 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismS2-Ep 19: Shining Through at Disney: Michael’s Story of Growth, Determination & InclusionIn this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with former intern Michael Rickli, a young adult on the spectrum who is now thriving as an employee at Disney.
Michael opens up about his early years—being diagnosed at age five, not speaking consistently until elementary school, navigating changes, and overcoming academic challenges. He shares his path from special education supports to graduating early from high school, earning a double major from the University of Houston, and following his dream all the way to Disney.
Michael’s story is a beautiful reminder that with...
2025-11-1920 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp: 18 Prepare for the Future: Special Needs Trust ExplainedPlanning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to ensuring long-term security for a loved one with a developmental disability. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Catherine Byers from Rosenblatt Law Firm to break down the essentials of Special Needs Trusts — what they are, how they work, and why they’re an important part of future planning.
Catherine offers clear, practical guidance for families seeking peace of mind — from protecting eligibility for government benefits to ensuring that funds are managed responsibly and compassionately.
This...
2025-11-1232 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 17: A Student & Parent’s Perspective on Neurodiverse ClassroomsIn this heartwarming episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Erica and Mason Johnston, a mother-and-son duo with a powerful story about what real inclusion looks like inside the classroom.
Mason, now a high school student, reflects on his early years growing up alongside peers with autism in an inclusive learning environment—and how that experience shaped his understanding of empathy, acceptance, and community. Erica shares a parent’s perspective on how communication, collaboration, and intentional planning helped inclusion thrive in their school culture.
Together, they remind us that...
2025-10-2936 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 16: What does good ABA look like: A conversation with Dana Harris about what parents should knowIn this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Dana Harris, BCBA and owner of Spectacular Kids, for a candid discussion about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Together, they break down what ABA is—and what it is not—while tackling common myths, concerns, and misconceptions.
Listeners will gain insight into: ✔️ How to recognize the hallmarks of a quality ABA program ✔️ The importance of parent training and individualized treatment planning ✔️ Questions every parent should ask when evaluating an ABA provider ✔️ Why trust, compassion, and fun must be at the core of effec...
2025-10-1543 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 15: The Weighted Cape and Sensory Friendly Haircuts: Success in the Barbers ChairGetting a haircut is something many of us take for granted—but for neurodivergent individuals, it can be overwhelming and stressful. In this episode, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Henry Tribes, a Dallas-based barber and the inventor of The Weighted Cape, to explore how one simple idea is transforming the haircutting experience.
Henry shares how his role as a father inspired his patience and compassion, why he created a sensory-friendly cape modeled after a weighted blanket, and how his barbershop has become a safe space for families seeking inclusive care. From bubble parties to fidget tools, his ap...
2025-10-0122 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 14: What I Wish You Knew: An Adult on the Spectrum SpeaksIn this powerful conversation, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Brennan, a 32-year-old adult on the autism spectrum and a registered behavior technician. Brennan shares his journey from early diagnosis and intervention to living independently, working in the ABA field, and mentoring others.
With honesty and humor, Brennan reflects on the challenges he faced in school, the supports that helped him succeed, and why early intervention and lifelong learning matter. He also opens up about misconceptions around autism and ABA, the importance of independence, and what he wishes the world truly understood about people on the spectrum.
2025-09-1729 minShining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 13: Parenting Through Every Phase: Lessons from "NY Times Best Seller" Autism Out LoudIn this powerful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with three remarkable women—Kate Swenson (Finding Cooper’s Voice), Carrie Cariello (What Color Is Monday?), and Adrienne Wood (Tales of an Educated Debutante)—the authors of the New York Times Best Seller, Autism Out Loud.
Together, these moms share raw, unfiltered stories from their journeys parenting children with autism—stories of resilience, joy, heartbreak, and growth. From pushing their kids gently toward independence, to navigating crisis moments, tackling anxiety and medication stigma, and balancing the needs of siblings, their voices shed lig...
2025-09-0344 minShining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 12-Part 2: Amy Wood: Insights from 22 years of Lessons Learned on the Autism JourneyIn the conclusion of our conversation with Dr. Amy Wood offers wisdom on vocational opportunities, inclusion in the community, and the crucial role of parent involvement in treatment. She also reflects on safety, independence, and planning for adulthood long before it arrives. Her “dotted line” approach to goal-setting and her passion for meaningful inclusion will leave you inspired, empowered, and equipped with ideas to better support individuals across the spectrum.
2025-08-2026 minShining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp12-Part 1: Amy Wood: Insights from 22 years of Lessons Learned on the Autism JourneyIn this powerful two-part conversation, we’re joined by Dr. Amy Wood, a respected local and statewide speaker who advocates for families and children with autism. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal journey, Dr. Wood shares about her son, James, who is on the profound end of the autism spectrum. With honesty and heart, she reflects on 22 years of navigating life, school, and services—offering candid stories of building the right supports, advocating in the classroom and community, and finding joy and purpose along the way. Across these two episodes, her insights bring hope, practical strategies, and a re...
2025-08-2043 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 11: From Family Roots to Policy Boots: Brianna’s Advocacy in ActionIn this inspiring episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, we sit down with Brianna Tenbrink, Leadership Training Program Manager at the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. As the eldest sibling to two sisters on the autism spectrum, Brianna shares how her personal experiences laid the foundation for a professional life devoted to advocacy, equity, and systems change.
From navigating family dynamics to leading statewide leadership programs like Texas Partners in Policymaking, Brianna reflects on the intersection of identity, passion, and purpose—and how her lived experience drives everything she does.
This is more th...
2025-08-0636 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 10: When Autism Doesn’t Define You: A Real Talk with Matthew HannahIn this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Matthew Hannah — a thoughtful self-advocate, public speaker, and virtual reality game master — to talk about life on the autism spectrum from a perspective not often heard.
Diagnosed with autism in the early 2000s, Matthew shares how early interventions and strong family support helped shape his journey — but he also opens up about the challenges of being "high-functioning" in a world that still struggles with understanding what that really means.
This is not just a story about autism — it’s a story ab...
2025-07-1634 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 9: More Than a Sister: From Family to Fieldwork in Autism Advocacy
In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Dantzler, BCBA, LBA, M.S. Ed., sits down with Jenna Muscat — board-certified behavior analyst, sibling to a young man with autism, and daughter of Elgene Muscat, our guest from Episode 2: A Mother’s Reflection on Her Child’s Growth.
Jenna shares what it was like growing up as the sister of Brennan, how her family navigated the challenges of autism, and what ultimately led her to pursue a career in the field — not just because of her personal experience, but because she recognized that her brother was one of the lucky ones...
2025-07-0229 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 8: From Autism Diagnosis to CEO: A Story of Perseverance and PurposeIn this powerful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, we sit down with Armando Bernal—a board-certified behavior analyst, father, and founder of the only autistic-owned ABA company in Houston.
Diagnosed with autism at age three and told he would likely never speak, Armando’s story is one of unwavering determination, family support, and challenging expectations. He opens up about the obstacles he faced growing up, the social struggles he still navigates, and the purpose behind launching Autism International Consulting to reshape what compassionate, effective ABA can look like.
Armando also shares personal refl...
2025-06-1830 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 7: Adjusting to your New Normal: One Parents Perspective on the last 30 years of her son’s journey with autism.In this moving episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler is joined by Lynn, a mother who shares the raw, honest, and uplifting story of raising her son, Bill, who was diagnosed with autism as a young child.
From navigating an overwhelming diagnosis in the 1990's to fighting for early intervention and educational placement, Lynn opens up about the challenges, hard-earned victories, and moments of transformation. Through compassion, consistency, and community, Bill went from hundreds of aggressive episodes a day to living a vibrant, engaged adult life filled with activities, friendships, and joy.
2025-06-0434 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 6: You Are Not Broken. You Just Have Different Gears: How One Family Learned, Adapted, and ThrivedIn this deeply personal episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Emily, a 21-year-old young adult on the autism spectrum, and her father Greg, to share their family’s remarkable journey. From early diagnosis and challenges with fitting in, to Emily’s triumphs in theater, education, and personal growth, this episode offers a raw and inspiring look at what it truly means to support and believe in a neurodiverse child.
You’ll hear Emily reflect on the moment she discovered her autism diagnosis, how she found confidence in her differences, and he...
2025-05-2122 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 5: One Mom's Perspective: From Early Intervention to CollegeIn this heartfelt episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, Sarah opens up about her son Ben’s journey from a non-verbal toddler to a thriving 20-year-old college student living independently. Diagnosed with autism between the ages of two and three, Ben’s early years were filled with questions, therapies, and determination. Sarah reflects on the tough decisions, the power of a "mommy gut," and how interventions like ABA and speech therapy transformed not only Ben’s life but their entire family dynamic. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will leave you encouraged and reminded that the...
2025-05-0721 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 4: New Rates of Autism; Beyond the Numbers.
The CDC has released updated data: are now identified as autistic. But what does this really mean? Our Executive Director, Jennifer Dantzler, was in the studio first thing this morning to record this powerful episode. In this special podcast she shares her perspective on why these numbers are just the beginning of the conversation. It’s not just about statistics—it’s about understanding, inclusion, and action. Tune in to hear why it's time to look beyond the numbers and focus on building inclusive communities. Listen now!
2025-04-1723 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 3: Building Inclusive Workplaces: A Business Owner's PerspectiveIn this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, we sit down with local Chick-fil-A owner, Duane Johnston, who is not only serving up great food—but also creating inclusive work environments. Hear how this business leader has embraced inclusion by employing neurodiverse young adults, sought training for his team to promote understanding, and partnered with a local nonprofit to offer an in-house vocational opportunity. From hiring practices to workplace culture, we explore what it really takes to build a supportive, inclusive environment—and why it’s good for business and the community. Whether you're a business owner, advoca...
2025-04-0915 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 2: A Mother’s Reflection on her Child’s GrowthIn this heartfelt episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, we sit down with a dedicated mother who shares her journey raising a neurodiverse child. From the early days of navigating ABA therapy to witnessing her child’s incredible progress, she reflects on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Join us as we explore the impact of support, advocacy, and the full-circle moments that make the journey worthwhile.
2025-03-2024 min
Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of AutismEp 1: The Mission Behind the MicIn this mini-episode, host Jennifer Dantzler shares the heart and purpose behind Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism. Discover why this podcast was created, the mission to amplify neurodiverse voices, and what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes. Whether you're a parent, educator, self-advocate, or ally, this episode sets the stage for meaningful conversations, insights, and inspiration.
2025-03-2008 min
Wake Up Happy Sis912 Meet the Gumbo Anthology AuthorsJoin LeAnne Dolce at 10am EST today as she introduces some of the amazing authors in her new anthology, Gumbo for the Black Woman's Soul, available NOW at https://TheGumboAnthology.com!You are also cordially invited to our online Gumbo Launch Party on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 8pm EST. Join us at https:/wuhszoom.com for the party!
Our Contributing Authors for the Anthology are:
Aviella Aloha, Jennifer Dukes, Elaine Tatum, Sheran Duncan, Melissa Andrewin, Roberta Bell, Nannette Palmore, Samantha Dantzler, Tamara Sidney, Stephanie Walker
The Foreward was written by: Dr. Evelyn Bethune
2024-08-261h 15
Serving the CommunityJennifer Dantzler - Including Kids Autism Center - Serving the CommunityAs the Founder & Executive Director of Including Kids Autism Center, Jennifer Dantzler, is an influential expert in her field. She founded Including Kids Autism Center in 2003 at a time when autism was reaching epidemic levels, and there were very few services offered for early intervention. Its mission is to provide evidence-based, behavior analytic interventions for persons with autism and related disabilities to maximize individual potential and to facilitate their meaningful inclusion in the community. More ways to connect with Jennifer & Including Kidshttps://www.includingkids.org/Including Kids Autism Center18401 Timber Forest Dr.
2021-04-0821 min
MCHD Paramedic PodcastEpisode 97 - Autism And EMSAnytime we arrive on scene with blaring sirens and flashing lights, this can be exceedingly stressful on patients and families. This is especially true for our patients with autism. We're lucky to have Jennifer Dantzler on the podcast today to discuss autism basics along with some tools that we can use in the prehospital setting to better care for and communicate with our autistic patients. Jennifer is the director of the Including Kids Autism Center and a true expert in the field of autism spectrum disorder.
REFERENCES
1. https://www.includingkids.org/our-story/helpful-resources/
2. https://www.autismspeaks.org
2021-01-1841 min
ClubFiles RadioClubFiles Radio #156Welcome to this week new adventure of ClubFiles Radio. In this dose we play brand new music from Josh Butler, Erick Morillo, Lane 8, Todd Terry, Sonny Fodera, Illyus & Barrientos and very exclusive files from Mike Mago, White N3rd, Alaia & Gallo and loads more. Also we chose MK for this week classic club file of the week. In the second hour you can expect to hear one hour resident DJ mix by Nikec, including fresh tracks from Tough Love, Kevin McKay, Harry Romero, Greco NYC, Kryder & Eddie Thoneick and many more. Tune! Playlist:
THE GUIDE:
01. White N3rd - Freaky...
2016-07-052h 00
ultrawizardswordfrank glazer aka dj count zer0 - coaster
symbiosis - spiritual technology (stanis ambient mix) - domestic
four tet - all the chimers - domino
rhythm & sound - aerial - rhythm & sound
korg er-1 beats + montell jordan - this is how we do it (a capella) - rush associated labels
3 chairs - all over - three chairs
korg er-1 beats
2deepsoul - harmony - altered moods
louis haiman - lo ride sci fi - abstract forms
dj yoav b - higher love - delsin
new order - 5-8-6 (peel sessions mix) - strange fruit
chicago skyway - d2 - eargasmic recordings
terrence dixon - minimalism ii a2...
2012-07-066h 18