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 seven year old son Jem, who is in the process of recovering from Autism. Shannon is the co-author of Motherhood Incorporated with Sandra Breck and Brette Sember. She has also authored a series of Autism Children's Books with her son which will be out in 2011.

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.

By Shannon Penrod

I'm very fond of saying "I've never met an Autism parent that I didn't like."  It's true.  I don't know why we were chosen to be members of the "Autism Parent Club", but I do know that I count myself lucky to be surrounded by truly amazing people in that club.  Karen Delaney is one of those people.  I don't know how many times our paths must have crossed in life but if it weren't for Autism I probably never would have met her - and that would have been a loss.

I went to college in the small port city of Oswego, N.Y. and years later I returned to my Alma mater to teach.  All together I have spent close to a decade of my life in Oswego, and I never met Karen Delaney until she called in to the first ever Everyday Autism Miracles radio show.  I was thrilled to have a caller and I thought it was crazy kismet that she was from Oswego.  It was like getting a call from home.  Except she wasn't a happy caller, she was mad.  We talked and then when the break came we continued to talk.  Somewhere in the break we became friends and we have stayed friends every since. When I came back to Oswego 2 years ago to teach in a two week summer program Karen and I tried to work out a time to meet face to face. Our schedules didn't mesh, and it just wasn't meant to be.  Instead, we hosted a radio show together! And we kept in touch.

2 Days ago I got to meet Karen face-to-face for the first time.  I was in Oswego for less than 48 hours but a few of those hours happened to mesh with the set-up for Oswego's annual Autism Walk and Family Fun Event.  It wasn't a long visit, but it didn't matter.  I got to hug one of my close friends on this journey through Autism, a Mom I'd never actually met, but someone who had made a difference in my life.  There are blessings on this journey and Karen Delaney is one of them.  

Join us this week as Karen Delaney makes a return trip to Everyday Autism Miracles, co-hosting the show.  This is chat that has room for everyone.  If you're feeling left out, don't! There's a seat at the table for you too! Call in to the show at 877.864.4869

Matt Asner was no stranger to Autism even before his son was diagnosed. His half brother had already been living with a diagnosis for more than a decade.  Still, it was a shock when his own son was given a diagnosis as well. Matt's career as an entertainment producer, writer and actor couldn't possibly prepare him for hearing the word Autism in conjunction with his own child. He became an outspoken advocate and began to host his own radio show, Autism America Radio which can be heard on Sirius/Xm Family Radio.

Recently, Matt was dubbed the Executive Director of the Southern California division of Autism Speaks.  Matt joins Everyday Autism Miracles today to talk about this week's mega event, the 10th annual Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism.  Tune in to hear the details of this amazing event and to find out how you can participate even if you don't live in the Los Angeles area.  

Participate in the conversation by calling 877.864.4869.

Keri Bowers is a speaker, filmmaker, advocate and mother of talented young man with Autism. She is the founder of Normal Films which has produced three films about Autism : NORMAL PEOPLE SCARE ME, THE SANDWICH KID and ARTS.  She is also the co-founder of  The Art of Autism and the editor of a book by the same name.  The Art of Autism by Debra Hosseini,  features 215 full-color illustrations by 77 artists and poets of all ages, from all parts of the world. Included in the book are four pieces of art which have been selected for United Nations’ World Autism Day Autism Awareness stamps. Over one million of these stamps will be offered for sale in this month. 

Keri's work as an advocate, key note presenter, workshop leader, and social skills facilitator has touched the lives of thousands of people over the past two decades. The core of Keri's work began when her son, Taylor, was diagnosed with autism. Taylor, now 23, and Keri have made 3 films together and have travelled all over the world to present their talks and workshops. Past clients include The Army, Marines, Autism Society of America, The ARC, United Cerebral Palsy, Centers for Disease Control, numerous universities and colleges, and more. Keri’s highly charged and inspirational talks get participants up on their feet with highly interactive and innovative approaches to utilizing the arts as key “power tools” for interventions. 

This week on Everyday Autism Miracles, Keri shares her story and how you can be involved to help celebrate Autism and the Arts.

If you haven't been watching The A Word, you should.  This is a really important, ongoing, documentary being made by The Center for Autism and Related Disorders following a little boy and his family on their journey through Autism and ABA therapy.  The weekly episodes clearly show the progress, the frustration, the heart ache and oh, yes...did I mention...the progress.

If you ever longed for a way to watch quality ABA therapy across a span of time, The A Word is your answer.  If you've ever longed to be able to show a family member or colleague the progress that can be made doing ABA, but the toll it takes on a family...The A Word is your answer.  If you've ever longed to peek into someone else's house to see if you are the only one who is feeling how ever you are feeling...you guessed it...The A Word is your answer.

Join us this week on Everyday Autism Miracles as we talk with filmmaker Suzanne Oshinsky about this important film and it's onging impact on the Autism community and the world at large.  Catch episodes of The A Word on YouTube www.youtube.com/theawordautism 

by Shannon Penrod

What do you do when life gives you lemons?  You make lemonade, of course!  Well, if you're Cindi DeWet you make lemonade and find out how to use that lemonade to help yourself, your child and a wide range of other children.  Cindi DeWet is a Naturopath, and Autism Mom, a Tourette's survivor and the driving force behind one of the largest organizations looking to help children with Autism, in the state of Texas.  Go Cindi!

Tune in to today's show to hear how Cindi cured herself from Tourettes, how she helped her son and the amazing progress he is making.  Cindi will also share her mission in starting The Assist Autism Foundation and how you can be a part of their Family Fun Day on April 7th in Tyler, Texas. This is a perfect opportunity to have some fun, raise awareness about Autism and enjoy a day of fun and sun!

Have questions for Cindi?  Give us a call during the live show...877.864.4869.