Autism Live

Is September throwing your child's routine completely off?
New schedules, school demands, homework and bedtime battles can leave everyone feeling overwhelmed.
This week on Parent to Parent, we're talking about how to reset when routines fall apart—without blame, guilt, or turning every day into a battle.
You haven't failed. Sometimes, you just need a new plan.
00:00 – Welcome to Autism Live & 16 Years of the Show
03:22 – All Ghouls Gala & ACT Today Grant Applications
09:32 – ACT Today Grant Program Video
12:09 – When Your Child's Routine Falls Apart
14:39 – Morning Routine Reset Strategies
18:20 – Why Visual Schedules Matter
23:10 – Preparing the Night Before
27:12 – Making Mornings Fun and Motivating
32:06 – Rebuilding Sleep and Bedtime Routines
41:31 – Overcoming Homework Resistance
49:14 – Using Technology to Support Homework
52:00 – Managing Unexpected Schedule Changes
56:17 – Helping Children Transition Between Activities
59:09 – When to Hold the Line and When to Adapt
1:03:14 – Building Independence and Giving Yourself a Reset
1:07:37 – Next Week's Show & Closing Remarks

 
#AutismParenting #Autism #ParentToParent #AutismSupport #AutismLive #Neurodiversity #SpecialNeedsParenting

The Emmys are here—and we're talking about the shows, stars, surprises, snubs, and autism representation that have everyone talking!
Join Moira Giammatteo and Shannon Penrod on Autism Live for a fun, fast-paced conversation about what's happening in Hollywood—and why representation on screen matters.
Grab your popcorn. We're talking TV! Join us live on Wed. 10am PST!
#LetsTalkMovies #MoiraAndShannon #AutismLive #Emmys #Emmys2026 #LoveOnTheSpectrum #AutismRepresentation #RepresentationMatters #Autism #Neurodiversity #Television

On today's show, Shannon is joined by Diane Strand, founder and executive producer of JDS Creative Academy, for an inspiring conversation about the power of creating meaningful career pathways for marginalized groups and adults with special needs.
Can for-profit companies and nonprofits work together to create REAL opportunities and lasting outcomes for foster youth and special needs adults? Diane is here to show us how—and why it matters!
Plus, today's Autism Jargon: Accommodations. What does it mean, and how can accommodations help create greater access and opportunity?

Be honest: How often do you go to bed thinking you didn't do enough for your child? Am I Doing Enough?
If you're the parent of a child with autism, you may know that feeling all too well:
"Should I be doing more?"
"Am I missing something?"
"Am I giving my child enough opportunities to learn?"
"Am I doing this right?"
Today on Autism Live's Parent to Parent, we're talking about the incredible pressure parents put on themselves—and why sometimes, you are doing far more than you realize.
We'll talk about the difference between being an engaged parent and feeling like you have to be your child's therapist 24/7, how everyday moments can become opportunities for connection and learning, and why taking care of yourself isn't selfish.
 
00:00:30 Welcome to Autism Live & Building an Inclusive Autism Community
00:03:48 How to Connect With Autism Live & Support the Network
00:05:36 All Ghouls Gala Update and Community Announcements
00:07:34 Today's Topic: Am I Doing Enough as a Parent?
00:10:59 The Questions Parents Ask Themselves at Night
00:12:56 Negative Self-Talk, Guilt, and Unrealistic Expectations
00:14:47 Survival Mode: Parenting Through Stress and Overwhelm
00:18:12 What Advice Would You Give Another Parent?
00:20:24 The Most Important Truth: You Are Enough
00:24:34 Connection Over Perfection: Loving Your Child First
00:27:07 Recognizing the Extraordinary Work Parents Already Do
00:31:14 Daily Opportunities for Meaningful Connection
00:39:46 Creating Bedtime Rituals and Building Strong Bonds
00:45:46 Positive Assumptive Questions and Changing Your Mindset
00:57:35 Letting Go of Blame, Embracing Self-Care, and Final Takeaways

On today's show Shannon takes on the things we can do to set our kids up for Back to School Success!  What do you have control over?  It turns out there is a great deal!  So let's set the stage for a great year by kicking it off right!
00:00 Back-to-School Success for Autism Families Begins Here
02:58 Autism Toy Guide 2026 & Community Updates
05:16 All Ghouls Gala and Autism Care Today
07:32 Celebrating Autistic Voices in Film and Media
11:11 Autism Rocks Concert and the Mission of Autism Live
12:47 What Parents Can Actually Control This School Year
14:25 Fixing Summer Sleep Schedules Before School Starts
21:58 Creating a Stress-Free Morning Routine for School
25:41 Why Rehearsing School Routines Reduces Anxiety
27:53 First-Day Outfits, Self-Esteem and Making Friends
31:25 School Supplies, Backpacks and Comfort Items That Matter
33:37 How to Build a Great Relationship with Your Child's Teacher
40:23 The First-Day-of-School Reward Strategy
43:36 IEPs, School Services and Parent Advocacy Tips
53:26 School Placement Options, Parent Rights and Final Advice
59:47 Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected