Autism Weekly is a podcast that discusses Autism news, current events, and inclusion. Each week we welcome a guest to the program to share their unique perspective and expertise as it relates to the fascinating world of Autism. We welcome all feedback. Please email podcast@abskids.com.
Episodes
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
This week, we are joined by Vijay Ravindran, founder of Floreo and an inspiring innovator in the world of autism technology. Vijay’s journey as an autism father, combined with his impressive career at companies like Amazon and The Washington Post, led him to create groundbreaking virtual reality tools that are transforming how individuals with autism learn and grow. Today, we’ll discuss how AI and VR are shaping the future of autism support. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayravindran/
https://www.instagram.com/vijayravindran/
Research-based Virtual Reality Information: https://floreovr.com/ctp3
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
This week, we are joined by David Geslak, also known as Coach Dave, a pioneer in using exercise to support individuals with autism. He’s the founder of a fitness program taught in nine universities and has partnered with the American College of Sports Medicine to create the Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate. David has dedicated his career to empowering the autism community through movement.
Today, we’ll discuss how exercise supports development, share strategies for daily routines, and highlight the global impact of his work. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
This week, we are joined by Dr. Dena L. Gassner, Senior Research Scientist at AJ Drexel, autism advocate, and member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). Dena is rewriting the narrative around autistic identity, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for gender diversity and inclusivity in autism research and policy.
Her personal journey as a proud autistic mother adds a deeply relatable perspective to her work, and she teaches through storytelling to inspire and inform. Download episode now to learn more!
Resources
facebook-https://www.facebook.com/CenterforUnderstanding
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dena-gassner-35532b78/
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
This week, we welcome Dr. Diana Robins, professor and director at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute. Renowned for her work on early autism detection and the development of the M-CHAT, Dr. Robins has helped countless families access earlier diagnoses and crucial interventions. Join us as we explore early detection, strategies to support development, and exciting advancements in autism research. Watch now to learn more!
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
This week we’re discussing "The Power of Listening and Mentorship Programs" through the Making Mentors program. This initiative pairs autistic college students with high school students to foster connection, growth, and empowerment. Joining us are Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, Taylor (T) Abbatemarco, Louis Rotondo, and Rita Strickland to share how mentorship and peer support are transforming the autistic community. Download episode to learn more!
Resources
College Autism Network: https://collegeautismnetwork.org/
College Autism Summit: https://collegeautismnetwork.org/event/college-autism-summit-2025/
Project REACH: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/student-affairs/programs-services/disability/projectreach/
Communication First: https://communicationfirst.org/
STEM For All: https://multiplex.videohall.com/presentations/1193/2468.html
Specialist Autism Mentoring in UK: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/mentoring-university
Autism and Universal Design Training for University Staff: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349832158_Autism_UD_Training_for_FacultyTeachers_and_other_University_Staff
Presentation about Making Mentors at CUNY Neurodiversity Conference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393178315_Improving_Making_Mentors_How_Can_We_Use_Data_to_Improve_an_Autistic-Led_Maker-_Focused_Mentorship_Program
Participatory Research Guidelines from AASPIRE: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30939892/
Co-design resources:
https://doingresearchtogether.com.au/
https://www.beyondstickynotes.com/toolsforcoproduction
Employment Resources: https://sites.google.com/view/nsfworkshop23/employment-resources
Open-access curriculum and training for neurodiversity-affirmative STEM workshops: https://sites.google.com/view/gamedesignemploymentresources/workshop-resources-2023/training-2023
Employment Resources Autism: https://autism.org/employment-resources-for-individuals-with-autism/
https://iacc.hhs.gov/resources/employment/websites/
https://autismspectrumnews.org/empowering-autistic-job-seekers-through-mentorship/
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
This week, we are joined by Rachelle Vartanian, founder of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center. Inspired by her own parenting journey, Rachelle has dedicated her work to empowering individuals with autism. Today, we’ll discuss autism advocacy, job training, clinical services, social programs, housing solutions, and much more. Download the latest episode now to learn more!
Resources
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Jun 06, 2025
Friday Jun 06, 2025
This week, we are joined by Dr. Scott Price, a renowned professor of music and pioneer in inclusive piano education. Dr. Price has dedicated his career to teaching students with autism and empowering families through the power of music. Today, we will discuss how music can unlock potential, foster growth, and bring joy to children with special needs. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
This week, we are joined by Amy Kelly, the National Director of Family Engagement at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, and her son, Danny Kelly. Amy brings her professional expertise and heartfelt insights from raising three children, including her daughter Annie, who has profound autism. Danny joins us to share his perspective as a sibling, his role in the Devereux Sibling Engagement Committee, and the lessons he’s learned supporting Annie and navigating family life. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
- Contact Amy at: Amy.Kelly@devereux.org or 610-585-9250.
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For inquiries about joining the Sibling Engagement Committee, please contact amy.kelly@devereux.org and I will get the messages to the right people.
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For more information about Devereux and our services and mission, visit our website at www.devereux.org
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For more information about SibShops, please visit SIBSHOPS – Sibling Support Project
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
This week, we are joined by Dr. Giacomo Vivanti, a leading expert in early autism detection and intervention. With a personal connection to autism through his two brothers and a career dedicated to understanding how children with autism learn, Dr. Vivanti offers invaluable insights. Today we will be discussing practical advice for recognizing early signs, understanding your child’s unique learning style, and creating supportive environments to foster their development. Download episode to learn more!
Resources
These are my linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/giacomo-vivanti-8145b941 and facebook https://www.facebook.com/giacomo.vivanti profiles
Publications https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Giacomo-Vivanti/research
The Drexel Autism Institute website https://drexel.edu/autisminstitute/ and (c) the Early Start Denver Model website https://www.esdm.co/
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
This week, we are joined by Clain Udy, a passionate advocate, father, and author who is on a mission to rebrand autism and reshape how society perceives it. As the father of an adult son with high-functioning autism, Clain’s journey has taken him from wanting to “fix” his son to wholeheartedly embracing his son’s unique strengths. With over 30 years of professional experience in human performance improvement and learning development, Clain combines his expertise and personal insights to empower individuals with autism to achieve fulfilling, sustainable careers. Download episode to learn more!
Resources
Autism Elevated Website: https://autismelevated.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clainudy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismelevated/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559009841770
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.