Shows
Taking Authority Over AutismLearn how to communicate with your kids in crisisOn Taking Authority, Over Autism Podcast with host Sheletta Brundidge, she's talking about transformation. This episode explores how families can use collaborative communication between parents and children to build healthier relationships and families.
2025-07-2920 minTaking Authority Over AutismA new autism daycare...Sheletta chats with the owner of a new daycare in Mankato, Minnesota that specializes in caring for children on the spectrum on the latest episode of her podcast.
2025-07-2208 minTaking Authority Over AutismA new documentary highlights caregiversSheletta talks to the people behind a new documentary that highlights critical role of disability caretakers on the latest episode of her autism podcast.
2025-07-1412 minTaking Authority Over AutismSummer camp teaches kids about dollars and centsSheletta talks to the organizer of a teen summer camp that hopes to teach kids about dollars and cents on the latest episode of her podcast.
2025-07-0511 minTaking Authority Over AutismPacer Center prepares parents to battle restrictionsSheletta talks to her friends at Pacer Center who are warning parents about possible legislation that wants to use restriction in the classroom to manage the behaviors of kids with autism on the latest episode of her podcast.
2025-06-2622 minTaking Authority Over AutismA new program wants to make a way for those in needThis week on her podcast, Sheletta tells her listeners about WayMakers, a new recovery community in Forest Lake that hopes to a strong community of support for people recovering from substance misuse. This show has been brought to you in partnership with Washington County Public Health and Environment.
2025-06-1715 minTaking Authority Over AutismGetting more people to become teachers...On the latest episode of her autism podcast, Sheletta chats with Mikisha Nation with Teach for America about her efforts to get more people to become teachers, which is important because there is a lack of special education teachers across the country.
2025-06-0354 minTaking Authority Over AutismMusic makes a difference...Sheletta shares the story about her son Daniel was non-verbal for the first five years of his life until he started singing. The mom of three autistic kids learned that the child could be taught through music. This week she chats with Shana Moses who directs a choir of dementia patients and says music motivates them to remember things that doctors, and family members think they've long forgotten.
2025-05-2812 minTaking Authority Over AutismTwins have Autism Day at the ballparkSheletta chats with her friends from the Minnesota Twins to let everyone know about the Autism Awareness Day at the ballpark coming up on May 28th.
2025-05-2015 minTaking Authority Over AutismProgram hopes to help wandering autistic kidsSheletta chats with her pals at the Stearns County Sheriff's Office about a new program they've implemented that hopes to make it easier to find kids on the spectrum who wander away on the latest episode of her podcast Taking Authority over Autism.
2025-05-1308 minTaking Authority Over AutismBanyan helps people in the Phillips NeighborhoodSheletta chats with her friends at Banyan Community Center about how they help children in the Phillips Neighborhood with after school and mentoring programs and how they've got an event coming up that allows people to help them keep doing the good work.
2025-05-0710 minTaking Authority Over AutismWellshare Has a Wealth of InformationSheletta chats with Roxana Segura about Project Salud, a program through Wellshare that aims to provide information and make connections within the Hispanic community to battle opioid misuse on the latest episode of her podcast.
2025-04-2924 minTaking Authority Over AutismMinnesota is #1 for youth voting!Sheletta talks with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon about how Minnesota was able to take the top spot for youth voter turnout and more on the latest episode of her autism podcast.
2025-04-2320 minTaking Authority Over AutismAre libraries safe?Sheletta chats with Dr. Artika Tyner about how drug abusers are seeking refuge in library bathrooms, putting families and children at risk.
2025-04-1525 minTaking Authority Over AutismSheletta Goes to Philly to Spread AwarenessSheletta joins a North Philly organization to host a special day on April 12th for kids on the spectrum and their families for Autism Awareness Month.
2025-04-0818 minTaking Authority Over AutismThe Basics of BullyingThere is a free workshop for parents who have special needs kids experiencing bullying in school. It'll teach you how to get help through your support team so that your child can have a successful and safe school year.
2025-04-0115 minTaking Authority Over AutismWhat happens if budget cuts happen?What happens to your special needs child if budget cuts happen or the Department of Education is shut down? Sheletta chats with an expert who can help you develop a plan for your neurodivergent child.
2025-03-2514 minTaking Authority Over AutismSleep Better: Getting Healthy for SpringOftentimes, parents who have kids with autism don't get much sleep because the only time they can get work done and complete chores is after their kids go to bed. Dr. Abigail Miller, Chief Medical Officer from UnitedHealthcare of Minnesota offers tips for how to sleep better and get healthy for spring.
2025-03-1815 minTaking Authority Over AutismA college for kids with autism?Sheletta tells you all about a college for kids with autism and how their annual fundraiser coming up this weekend makes it possible for more adults on the spectrum to learn to live independently successfully.
2025-03-1317 minTaking Authority Over AutismCelebrating trailblazers for Women's History MonthIn honor of Women's History Month, Dr. Alta DeRoo, the Chief Medical Officer at Hazleden Betty Ford talks about the challenges of being a trailblazer. She also shares how Former First Lady Betty Ford's journey continues to inspire and empower women today.
2025-03-0416 minTaking Authority Over AutismOpioid Deaths Are on the DeclineMinnesota's drug overdose deaths dropped nearly 5% from 2022 to 2023, according to new CDC data thanks in part to education and awareness provided by organizations like Steve Rummler Hope Network.
2025-02-2620 minTaking Authority Over AutismActing Like a MentorSheletta is blown away by the performance of Nisi Collins as "Adrienne" in MIlo Imagines The World at Children's Theater Company in Minneapolis. So much so, that she asks the actress to mentor her autistic daughter who wants to be in a school play.
2025-02-1817 minTaking Authority Over AutismPacer Has Info on HousingSheletta chats with her friends from Pacer about housing options once adults with autism age out of school based programs and services.
2025-02-1216 minTaking Authority Over AutismHow Yoga and Medication Can Make Your House More PeacefulSheletta chats with her friend Shontel Booker of Dream in Color Yoga studios about how we can use yoga and medication to make our autistic children and ourselves more calm and at peace during times of stress.
2025-01-3008 minTaking Authority Over AutismTeaching Your Autistic Child About Black HistorySheletta's friend Shannon Gibney recently wrote a book that will help teach your child about the modern day civil rights struggles and the legacy of George Floyd.
2025-01-2214 minTaking Authority Over AutismHelping Autistic Children Who Have School AvoidanceStudents with autism sometimes struggle with school avoidance. Sheletta chats with her friends at Pacer about a free workshop that offers parents some positive intervention to help their children.
2025-01-1409 minTaking Authority Over AutismTransitioning Out of School Based Services with a TradeSheletta talks to the folks at Dunwoody College about the programs they have available for autistic adults who age out of school based services.
2025-01-0908 minTaking Authority Over AutismKeeping Your Family Healthy for the HolidaysSheletta chats with her friends at Washington County to help families stay healthy for the holidays.
2024-12-3120 minTaking Authority Over AutismManaging the Mobile Device of Your Autistic ChildSheletta was shocked when Karen Tolkkinen took her 12 year old son's cell phone, but safety was an issue. The ladies talk about how to manage your child's mobile device so they can have fun without falling prey on the internet.
2024-12-1717 minTaking Authority Over AutismNew Indoor Playground for Kids with AutismSheletta chats with Josephine Martinez, the owner of a new indoor playground in Woodbury especially designed for kids with special needs.
2024-12-1021 minTaking Authority Over AutismXfinity Customers Get Wicked Perks!Sheletta chats with Rachel Johnson from Comcast about how you and your family can help spread holiday cheer for those less fortunate for Christmas and how signing up to being an Xfinity Rewards customer has some Wicked perks!
2024-12-0313 minTaking Authority Over AutismSanta Can Bring His Sleigh to Your HouseAfter years of struggling to get her autistic kids to the mall to get pictures with Santa, Sheletta met Santa Clarence. He's a Minnesota based Santa who is more than happy to visit homes and has training in how to bring a season of joy in a sensory friendly way.
2024-11-2610 minTaking Authority Over AutismMake Sure Signatures Match on that Absentee BallotIf your autistic child is old enough to vote and chooses to the absentee option, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says it's important to make sure their signature on the ballot matches the signature on their identification, otherwise, it might get rejected.
2024-11-1912 minTaking Authority Over AutismFinding Calm: How Yoga Helps Sheletta Cope with Raising Kids on the SpectrumNeed help finding a way to relax from the stress of raising a child with special needs? Sheletta shows you how yoga is helping her stay calm and cope with the challenges of having three kids on the spectrum on the latest episode of her podcast.
2024-11-1220 minTaking Authority Over AutismYou Are Not AloneSheletta says you don't have to feel isolated when caring for your autistic child and introduces parents to Family Voices of Minnesota, a place where they can find not just support, but friends.
2024-11-0516 minTaking Authority Over AutismSafe Halloween Fun for Special Needs KidsSheletta shows you how you can have a safe and fun Halloween with your special needs children.
2024-10-2919 minTaking Authority Over AutismFrasier Finds Ways to Help Others
Sheletta chats with Diane Cross from Fraser about their upcoming gala and how folks can make a difference in the lives of young people and adults with special needs.
2024-10-2226 minTaking Authority Over AutismHelping Parents of Kids with Disabilities Find SupportSheletta chats with Carolyn Allshouse about how Family Voices of Minnesota helps parents of kids with disabilities find their voice, and a few friends along the way.
2024-10-1513 minTaking Authority Over AutismYour Child's Healthcare Debt Won't Go on Your Credit ReportKids with special needs like autism often have other health challenges which can result in increased medical costs. Sheletta talks to Senator Liz Boldon about a new Minnesota law that helps families.
2024-10-0821 minTaking Authority Over AutismThe Importance of Culturally Similar Foster HomesIn this week's episode, Sheletta interviews Michelle McIntosh, the Senior Social Worker for foster care in Washington County, MN to discuss the importance of culturally similar foster homes. Listen in to learn more.
2024-10-0124 minTaking Authority Over AutismIntroducing Ojibwe Culture to More Eyes and MindsNew children's books celebrate the Ojibwe culture and introduce early readers with the culture and language of the people.
2024-09-2418 minTaking Authority Over AutismHow to Fight the Flu and WinFlu season is just around the corner. In this week's episode, Sheletta talks with Dr. Daniel Fick, CMO or Hy-Vee's heath and medical initiatives, who shares what you can do to help keep yourself more safe from the flu. Listen in to learn more.
2024-09-1721 minTaking Authority Over AutismAutistic Adults Can Vote, TooSheletta chats with her friends from Hennepin County to educate caregivers how they can help the autistic adults in their lives vote in the upcoming presidential election.
2024-09-1021 minTaking Authority Over AutismYour Adult Child with Autism Can Learn a TradeSheletta chats with her friends from Summit Academy OIC about educational opportunities for adults to learn trades like construction, financial services and medical assistants.
2024-09-0323 minTaking Authority Over AutismA Different Name, but The Same Service: Live from the MN State FairLive from the MN State Fair, Sheletta chats with her friends from Accra all the help they've provided for her special needs kids and the transition from PCA program to CFSS that will start happening in October and how that will impact families on the latest episode of autism her podcast.
2024-08-2716 minTaking Authority Over AutismTeaching kids with autism through artSheletta chats with the curator of Black Grit, an art exhibit in Minneapolis, about how kids with autism can harness the power of art to learn and to express themselves.
2024-08-2118 minTaking Authority Over AutismHelp getting your kids ready to go back to school...Washington County is helping parents get their kids ready to go back to school with a free backpack giveaway event that includes haircuts.
2024-08-1413 minTaking Authority Over AutismOvercoming the fear factor to get help...The 988 Minnesota Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Sheletta chats with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy professional Lambers Fisher about how Black people can get over the "fear factor" and get help when they need it.
2024-07-3021 minTaking Authority Over AutismMaking sure you have a safe home...Duzong Yang with the Minnesota Department of Health tells Sheletta and her listeners how to make sure you have a safe home for your children.
2024-07-2319 minTaking Authority Over AutismTap into the Metro Transit TAP program...Sheletta chats with her friends at Metro Transit to talk about their TAP program that allows riders to get $1 rides on buses and light rail lines if they qualify.
2024-07-1424 minTaking Authority Over AutismLow income housing units get internet accessLow income housing units in St Paul will now have access to internet services thanks to a new program from Comcast. Stacy Kumar-Nelson explains to Sheletta how that will help families in underserved communities and create digital equity.
2024-06-2225 minTaking Authority Over AutismFree preschool opens in September...This September, a new Lutheran Social Service early learning center will provide high quality preschool for families in St. Paul. Sheletta makes sure all the parents on the East Side know about the center, the childcare options and the jobs that are available.
2024-06-0826 minTaking Authority Over AutismSheletta chats with star from the movie EzraSheletta chats with William Fitzgerald, one of the stars from the movie Ezra. It's the story about a dad whose son has autism and the challenges he faces raising his special needs child. William plays the son in the film.
2024-05-2718 minTaking Authority Over AutismTaking steps for autismSheletta chats with her friends from the Autism Society of Minnesota about their annual fundraiser and the fun things they have planned for kids on the spectrum this summer.
2024-05-2126 minTaking Authority Over AutismKinship support services...Sheletta shares information about kinship support resources and services available through Lutheran Social Service so that family members and friends who take in and house folks in need can get the help they need.
2024-05-0530 minTaking Authority Over AutismFinding success with self directed careNobody knows how to take care of your special needs child better than you do. Which is many parents find success with self directed care.
2024-04-2525 minTaking Authority Over AutismThe Saints go sensory friendly...In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the Saint Paul Saints host a sensory friendly day at the ballpark for neurodiverse fans.
2024-04-1423 minTaking Authority Over AutismHanging with Bill HalterSheletta reconnects with her friend Bill Halter about a special day he's planned for special needs kids and adults at US Bank Stadium.
2024-04-0823 minTaking Authority Over AutismGet the lead out...Sheletta chats with her friends from Hennepin County about a grant program that gives families who qualify up to $15,000 to remove lead paint from their homes.
2024-03-2823 minTaking Authority Over AutismTubman celebrates young people at March event...Sheletta chats with Jen Polzin, the executive director of Tubman, about an event they have coming up March 21st to celebrate young people called EXPRESS GOOD.
2024-03-2020 minTaking Authority Over AutismColette keeps climbing the corporate ladder...Sheletta chats with her friend Colette Campbell about her new promotion at Bremer Bank and how the financial institution partnered with Sheletta to create job opportunities for adults with autism.
2024-02-2923 minTaking Authority Over AutismMaking sure we're all well...The Power of People Leadership Institute creates a wellness village where all people, including children with autism, can come and get vaccines and health screenings including teeth cleaning and eye exams.
2024-02-2015 minTaking Authority Over AutismJamecia's show is for everyone...Grammy award winning singer Jamecia Bennett's new show at the Ordway on Feb 23rd is for everyone, including kids with special needs.
2024-02-0615 minTaking Authority Over AutismSo excited about Joe Mauer's new bookSheletta talks to her friend, Emmy award winning sportscaster Joe Schmit about his new children's book that reminds people to be kind to kids who have special needs.
2024-01-3124 minTaking Authority Over AutismExplaining the new JN-1 COVID variant...Sheletta chats with Dr Brooke Cunningham, who is the Commissioner of the
Minnesota Department of Health, about the new JN-1 COVID variant...
2024-01-2016 minTaking Authority Over AutismHonor Martin Luther King, Jr on MLK DayMany parents who have kids on the spectrum are looking for ways to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sheletta shows them some fun family friendly activities happening in Minnesota on the latest episode of her autism podcast for parents who have kids with special needs.
2024-01-0918 minTaking Authority Over AutismA Broadway show about autismSheletta is heading to New York City with her kids in their Camping World RV so they can check out a new Broadway musical featuring seven cast members who have autism.
2024-01-0117 minTaking Authority Over AutismSensory friendly vaccine clinics...Sheletta chats with her friends from Children's Minnesota about a sensory friendly vaccine clinic they're hosting for kids with autism just in time for the holidays.
2023-12-2124 minTaking Authority Over AutismCurtural barries keep vaccine numbers down...Sheletta chats with Inari Mohammed from University of Minnesota about how cultural barriers keep vaccination rates low in the Black community.
2023-12-1224 minTaking Authority Over AutismSheletta announces new book, coming soon...Sheletta refuses to allow the "book-banning-crowd" to stop her from being creative. She announces on the latest episode of her autism podcast that she's working on a book to help normal developing kids who have siblings on the spectrum.
2023-12-0121 minTaking Authority Over AutismHelp for the holiday blues...Sheletta chats with Jocelyn McQuirter at See Mental Health to help autism moms and dads deal with the holiday blues.
2023-11-2024 minTaking Authority Over AutismYou can get vaccinated AND get a free turkey!Just in time for Thanksgiving, Sheletta tells parents where they can get a free turkey and free vaccines for their kids on the latest episode of her autism podcast.
2023-11-1117 minTaking Authority Over AutismSheletta puts on historic job fair for autistic adults...For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Sheletta hosts a job fair for autistic adults. Two of the parents join her show to express their gratitude and appreciation for helping their speical needs children find work.
2023-11-0224 minTaking Authority Over AutismGetting healthy with HealtheMedSheletta chats with the Steve Pontius from HealtheMed about how their system helps parents who have kids with autism get access to doctors and therapists in their home.
2023-10-2538 minTaking Authority Over AutismYour autistic kid CAN go to college...Your autistic kid can go to college! Sheletta chats with Dr. Buffy Smith at Dougherty Family College about how small class sizes and the individual attention they offer allows students with special needs to have success.
2023-10-1622 minTaking Authority Over AutismStep Afrika! comes to Northrop AuditoriumStep Afrika! comes to Northrop Auditorium this Friday. The performance celebrates African culture while educating people about the history of stepping in America.
2023-10-1020 minTaking Authority Over AutismFirst of its kind conference in Mankato...A first of its kind conference is coming to Mankato on October 27 at the Harry Meyering Center to help parents, caregivers and individuals who use self-direction services.
2023-10-0222 minTaking Authority Over AutismTalking about the next COVID-19 vaccine...The FDA has approved the next COVID-19 vaccine. These new shots are now arriving in our community, at your clinic or your doctor's office or your neighborhood pharmacy. These shots are updated to target new strains of the virus. I bet you have questions about this! I know I do. That’s why I’m glad to welcome Dr. Nathan T. Chomilo to the podcast.
2023-09-2525 minTaking Authority Over AutismPartnerships with a purposeSheletta talks to her friends from the Lacek Group about how their organization partners with Hammer & NER to help provide meals for adults with autism and other special needs.
2023-09-1722 minTaking Authority Over AutismFraser makes it fun at The Fair...Sheletta chats with her friends from Fraser live at the Minnesota State Fair about their sensory friendly house that allows kids with special needs to have fun at the Great Minnesota Get Together.
2023-09-0328 minTaking Authority Over AutismHelp for people who need special access at The FairThis week Sheletta chats with her friends from Accra Homecare about what services and resources are available at The Minnesota State Fair for people with disabilities.
2023-08-2818 minTaking Authority Over AutismThe Fair’s new sensory friendly daySheletta chats with her friends at the Minnesota State Fair about their new sensory friendly day for kids and adults with special needs.
2023-08-1921 minTaking Authority Over AutismThe treetop trail is for all...Sheletta chat with her friends from The Minnesota Zoo about their new treetop trail and what safety precautions they've taken to keep kids with autism safe.
2023-08-0723 minTaking Authority Over AutismComcast has rewards for your whole family...Sheletta was exhausted trying to fill the last month of summer with fun things to do for her kids, until she found out about Comcast Xfinity's rewards program that offers fun for the entire family including free movies.
2023-08-0221 minTaking Authority Over AutismAutistic artwork on display...While driving through St. Paul, Sheletta noticed a gallery that had artwork on display created by people with autism, so she invited them to talk about it on her latest podcast.
2023-07-2618 minTaking Authority Over AutismCocktails and conversations about autism...Sheletta chats with her friends at the Autism Society of Minnesota about their upcoming fundraiser involving her favorite thing: cocktails!
2023-07-1825 minTaking Authority Over AutismConsider RV travel for your kids with autism...When Sheletta got urgent messages from dozens of parents who have kids with autism whose flights were canceled while on vacation, she advised them to do one thing: get a Camping World RV.
2023-07-0421 minTaking Authority Over AutismBack to school is about more than backpacks...Sheletta chats with Adriene Thornton from Children's Minnesota about getting kids ready to go back to school by making sure they have all their vaccinations including the shot to protect them from the COVID-19 virus.
2023-06-2624 minTaking Authority Over AutismYou down with GOV? Yeah, you know me!Sheletta sits down with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz about his efforts to make it easier for parents who have kids with special needs to find, access and take advantage of state services on the latest episode of her autism podcast.
2023-06-2014 minTaking Authority Over AutismFrom nonverbal autistic to motivational speaker...Sheletta talks to Jesse Lee Horn who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 and was nonverbal. Now he is a motivational speaker. He tells his inspirational story.
2023-06-1113 minTaking Authority Over AutismFinancial help for families with autism...Sheletta talks to autism advocate and Minnesota lawmaker Kim Hicks about the new budget and how families with special needs children benefit from funding and new legislation.
2023-06-0617 minTaking Authority Over AutismA new leader, new lessons...Sheletta was excited to learn that Tonia Teasley has been selected as the head of PACER Center. Sheletta is excited that the longtime organization that helps families who have children with special needs can learn new lessons from new leadership.
2023-05-2916 minTaking Authority Over AutismLearning the signs...Sheletta chats with Katie Green about the CDC's "Learn the signs. Act early." program that helps parents track their child's development and act early if there is a concern.
2023-05-171h 06Taking Authority Over AutismLooking for a college for your high functioning ASD kid?Sheletta's found the college she'll send her children to when it's time: Dougherty Family College. With small class sizes, a reasonable price point and the personal attention the faculty gives each student, the autism mom of three thinks she's found what she's been looking for in a college for her special needs kiddos.
2023-05-0925 minTaking Authority Over AutismSheletta celebrates kids with autismTo close out Autism Awareness Month, Sheletta partnered with the Minnesota Autism Center to host a festival celebrating kids on the spectrum.
2023-05-0309 minTaking Authority Over AutismFrom special ed to Dartmouth grad...Marcus Berg tells the remarkable story of how he was once a student in the special education program and how he went on to become a graduate of Dartmouth College and an alumna of Teach for America.
2023-04-1715 minTaking Authority Over AutismComcast makes their services accessible...For Autism Awareness Month, Sheletta wanted to make sure her fellow autism parents knew how Xfinity works to make their products and services accessible for people with disabilities and special needs.
2023-04-0929 minTaking Authority Over AutismLetta talks about the Lifeworks celebrationSheletta talks with her friends from Lifeworks about their annual celebration coming up April 20th in honor of Autism Awareness Month.
2023-04-0222 minTaking Authority Over AutismDisabilities Services Day...Sheletta chats with her friends at Hammer & NER about an opportunity for caregivers and parents of special needs children and adults to lobby legislators. Disability Services Day is Tuesday, March 28th at the Minnesota State Capitol.
2023-03-2615 minTaking Authority Over AutismSheletta gives hero bus driver $1,000When Sheletta found out about a bus driver who rescued an autistic boy wandering around in Minneapolis on one of the coldest days this winter, she gifted the operator $1,000 to say thank you for his dedication.
2023-03-1915 min