Everyday Autism Miracles with Shannon Penrod

Surviving and Thriving with Children on the Spectrum

Life after an Autism Spectrum diagnosis doesn't have to be difficult; it can be joyful, happy and filled with hope. Join Shannon Penrod, author, speaker, coach and mom of a six year old recovering from Autism for this inspirational hour of hope.  Hear stories from real parents whose children have made miraculous strides.  Get the inside dish on therapies, treatments, supplements and how to get funding to help you afford them.  Miracles abound in the autism community.  Tune into Everyday Autism Miracles to listen, share, laugh and surround yourself with hope.

Shannon Penrod is a mother, author, speaker, coach, educator, film maker and Autism advocate.  Her greatest joy in life is her six year old son Jem, who is in the process of recovering from Autism.  Shannon is the co-author of Motherhood Incorporated with Sandra Beck and Brette Sember.  She has also authored a series of Autism Children's Books with her son which will be out in 2010.

Born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Shannon spent most of her childhood years growing up in suburban upstate New York.  She holds a B.A. from the State University of New York at Oswego and an M.F.A. from The National Theatre Conservatory in Denver, Colorado.  She is an award winning writer, stand-up comedian and director.  Shannon lives in sunny southern California with her husband and son.

The month of August we have been talking about the benefits of animals for children with Autism Spectrum
Disorders.  This week on Everyday Autism Miracles we are going to close out the month with Nancy Pitchford from Heads Up Therapy, talking about the benefits of horse therapy for kids with Autism.

There is something unique and wonderful about the relationship between animals and children.  Studies have shown us that animals have great benefits for children with ASD.  Nancy is going to share with us her vast experience of working with children on the spectrum through horse therapy. 

Your child with Autism Spectrum Diagnosis has been asking for a pet, or maybe you're considering getting them one because you've heard of the benefits for kids with ASD, you may already have a pet but you're concerned about how your child interacts with the pet.  Have no fears! Dr. Jonathan Tarbox joins Everyday Autism Miracles today to talk about his most recently published research on effective behavioral intervention for children with ASD and appropriate behavior towards a pet.

Dr. Tarbox is the Director of Research and Development for The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, he is a respected speaker at conferences around the world and is the driving force behind studies that greatly enrich the lives of children and families dealing with ASD. 

Tune in today to hear Dr. Tarbox share this new research and intervention that can mean a healthy, happy and safe relationship between your child and their pet.  Call in with questions or comments at 877-864-4869.

This week on Everday Autism Miracles we are fortunate to have Monica Holloway joining the broadcast.  She is the talented writer of Cowboy and Wills; A Love Story  which is  memoir of her son and his dog Cowboy.  Of course this isn't just any boy/dog story, this is the story of a young man with autism and his journey back to the world through the simple love and respect of his canine companion.  And frankly, it's beautiful.  Watch and try not to weep...go ahead I dare you!  

Holloway is a wonderful, accomplished writer.  Her memoir Driving with Dead People was dubbed"unforgettable," by Newsweek and "irresistible" by the Washington Post.  She aptly delivers these same writing skills to this wonderful book which any member of our community will find moving.

Join us as we talk to Monica about the real life Wills and how his journey through Autism continues.  We will also be talking about the amazing healing properties of animals in the lives of children on the spectrum because in two weeks we will be talking to Jonathan Tarbox about his most recent study on how to best prepare children on the spectrum to successfully have a loving and safe relationship with a pet. 

Tune in on Friday at 2pm EST, 11am Pacific - we're going to the Dogs with Monica Holloway!

Did you ever wonder what kinds of services are available for Autism in other parts of the country?  On a special "Live on Location" episode of Everyday Autism Miracles we are going to find out what's happening in Oswego, NY.  Our special guest co-host for the day is Karen Delaney and we will be joined by Autism Activist Tammy Ackerman Thompson.  Tune in to find out what these Moms and others are making happen in this upstate New York community.

This week we are featuring a great event that will benefit Autism treatment and research!  It is the first annual Ride 'n Style sponsored by The Allen Edwards Salon and Spa in Woodland Hills, California.  Allen Edwards in the world renowned celebrity hair stylist who created Farrah Fawcett's iconic hairdo - the Charlie's Angel's look that created a craze and led to every teen age male having a life size poster of the actress on the their walls in the '80's.  Allen is not only a genius with hair he is also a wonderful and giving humanitarian.  The Ride 'n Style for Autism is completely his brain child - pairing custom cars and motorbikes with superlative hair styling.  We'll be talking with Allen about how he came up with the idea and what else his salon will be doing during the even to raise money for Autism. 

Also joining us on the show is international autism expert Dr. Dorreen Granpeesheh. 20 years ago Dr. Granpeesheh founded The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, she will talk about what's next for CARD and how this momentous fund raiser will benefit families with Autism. Tune in to hear all of the exciting news.