Autism Rocks and Rolls

I have two guests for you. Starting off is Sourena Vassenghi, the incredible individual  who finds joy in life despite having cerebral palsy and being wheelchair-bound. Mr. Vassenghi is a parent and husband in addition to his duties as a writer and company entrepreneur. I also bring his closest companion, Chris Stevenson, who performs on stage with Sourena and speaks all over the world about customer service and the field of fitness. They are also closest friends because they have similar views on what it means to be remarkable. Please help me welcome these two incredible people to Autism Rocks And Rolls. https://www.sourenav.com/ 

Join me as I speak with former WWE and WCW wrestler Bill DeMott. He is well-known for his roles as Hugh Morris in WCW and his work in the WWE under his real name. While the promotion was in decline, he achieved title glory by holding the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship twice at the end of 2000 and the beginning of 2001. He usually worked as a jobber to the WCW stars. Mr. DeMott has been a coach for the business's Tough Enough program since he left the ring, where he gained notoriety for his rigorous and contentious training regimens. He is here to talk about his inspirational non-profit, The Keri Ann DeMott Foundation. Let's welcome Bill DeMott to Autism Rocks and Rolls, everyone. He is an athletic and motivational man. https://thekeriannedemottfoundation.com/

Marc Copani, a former professional wrestler who goes as Muhammad Hassan, is my following guest. Mr. Copani introduced Muhammad Hassan, one of the most ferocious antagonists in WWE history, in 2004. He was an American of Arabic descent who would praise Allah and condemn the United States for the 9/11 tragedy. Copani's controversial reputation led to him working with superstars like The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan. He's on my show because, after being released in 2005, he went into teaching, became an assistant principal, and is currently working as an HR specialist for Fulton's School District in New York. This is inspiring, in my opinion. In order to welcome Marc Copani, also known as Muhammad Hassan, to Autism Rocks and Rolls, I would want your help.

For the past 15 years, Jake Edgar, my guest, has enjoyed working with children and adolescents with disabilities in a variety of settings, including managing and supervising self-contained classrooms and currently serving as the Director of Education at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health. He also started the Carolina Special Education Advocacy Group, where he helps families with the IEP process and advocates for individuals with disabilities. The All Abilities, No Filter Podcast, which Jake hosts, is a laid-back, open platform where people with autism and other disabilities, like me, are encouraged and supported. Jake enjoys spending time with his significant other and their therapy pet dog, Cooper, who helps him work with children, while he is not working. He likes to cook, travel, be outside, and experience life to the fullest. Please help me welcome Jake! https://springbrookbehavioral.com/ https://www.allabilitiesnofilter.com/

In this episode I speak about regression in those with autism. The first topic I speak on is what autism regression is and the hard times should the person with autism regress. I also speak about how the parents' reaction to autism regression is wrong while at the same time telling the parents how to address autism regression correctly. Additionally, I talk about the types of autism regression and how autism regression could lead to burnout. Furthermore, I tell what causes the person with autism to regress. Lastly, despite autism regression being negative, I do try to add some positivity because I do tell parents what to do if you see your child with autism regressing. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8SMOybWXTN8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpP6VEoI2ao https://www.divinestepstherapy.com/blog/regressive-autism-signs

Today, I will have Nick Yerhart, a disability advocate. In addition to hosting The Infinite Abilities Podcast, where he interviews leaders to motivate others and offers resilience-boosting stories, Nick is a qualified 10X business coach under Grant Cardone's program. He founded Infinite Pod Studio, a centralized location that assists customers in producing high-caliber, viral content. Among the numerous struggles Nick has faced throughout his life is having cerebral palsy. Nick wants to be a well-known speaker and community leader who is committed to assisting people in overcoming their perceived limitations and realizing their full potential. Welcome to Autism Rocks and Rolls, my friend and fellow podcast host Nick Yerhart. https://nickyerhart.com/

An extra buddy from Autism Rocks and Rolls is my guest today. This is Radine Smith, a 2024 PhenomeMom Award winner and fellow Hoosier. The city of Indianapolis, Indiana, is where she was born and raised. Since parenting a child with autism, she has been devoted to her family and faith because those are the things she cherishes most. She holds two bachelor's degrees one in architecture and one in interior design.Radine is also a proud graduate of North Central High School. Radine even became the CEO of Rae's Designs by using her degrees. In addition to her passion for cars, she sincerely cares about improving her community. She likes to travel, watch sports, do hairstyles, and spend time together with her children when she has time to herself. Welcome to my show, Radine Smith, a truly remarkable mother.

This episode focuses on the pushiness of people with autism. I discuss why people with autism may be demanding and why it runs in their family.  I also discuss how people with autism may become forceful due to their anxiety and anger management problems. I also explain to the audience the specific behaviors that people with autism may exhibit. I  additionally clarify how people without autism misinterpret pushiness in those with autism. I conclude by sharing my experiences of being overbearing and my thoughts on how to help people with autism become less demanding.

Since I discuss broadcasting in this episode, I take a different turn. I also explains to my audience why a person with autism could succeed in the media industry. I will additionally address whether filming and broadcasting are in two different countries or if both are the same thing. I additionally go over the things that broadcasters need to know before embarking on a project. I will additionally discuss the kinds of content that broadcasters want to air on radio or television since they attract people. Lastly, I link autism to basic broadcasting vocabulary words like segment and cues, to broadcasting instruments used by broadcasters like a video camera and audio mixer, and even to broadcasting project types like vlogs and music videos.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvqkVFCGmiU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAd3LYIZMjs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2I0ulTZWXA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKnX4-vCqQ0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2CHSvCoAaA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbxTZougGfc      

I discuss being aware of and paying attention to your environment in this episode. I also discuss why it is difficult for those with autism to focus on their surroundings. I also describe the elements that increase and decrease awareness in people with autism. Additionally, I indicate when people with autism need to be less alert and more attentive. In addition, I explain to my audience the significance of awareness. I do assist, though, because I provide additional dos and advice on how to help people with autism be alert without being combative, even though I only mention one thing not to do.

Today's guest is Allyson Bowers, an acquaintance of Autism Rocks and Rolls and a Vincennes PBS star. As Vincennes PBS's Education & Community Outreach Coordinator, she loves talking to children about PBS Kids programs, particularly Carl the Collector. In addition, she is the mom of a wonderful 6-year-old with autism who is non-speaking. Mrs. Bowers likes to spend her free time with those she knows at the Vincennes PBS station, her family, and her pets. Welcome to Autism Rocks and Rolls, Mrs. Bowers. allysonbowers@vinu.edu-Mrs. Bowers Email 

My next guest hails from Georgia. He is Avery Dixon, a golden buzzer contestant on Season 17 (2022) of America's Got Talent and a spokesperson against bullying. Saxophonist phenom Avery Dixon rose to fame as a finalist on America's Got Talent and as the show's All-Star runner-up. Among the well-known performers he has been honored to perform with are Grammy Award-winning trombonist Troy Andrews, often known as "Trombone Shorty," and 12-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, and composer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. Despite measuring under a pound, 8 ounces at birth, Avery has surmounted several health obstacles. He has shown himself to be quite resilient and has refused to let his health problems define who he is. Unfortunately, because of his distinctive voice, which set him apart from his friends, he became the target of bullying. Mr. Dixon claims that the bullying was so bad that he once "considered suicide." Avery nevertheless urges anyone who feels depressed or upset to seek therapy. He has also proven his bullies wrong by receiving numerous accolades for his efforts, including a letter of gratitude from former President Obama. Let's welcome my new friend and talented saxophonist, Avery Dixon, to Autism Rocks And Rolls.  https://www.averydixon.com/

Don Morse with Autism Anglers, my next guest, is calling from Orlando. Don has been employed in the outdoor industry since 1994. Don didn't know what autism was until he found out that his child, Landon, had it. Don's friends and relatives were very receptive to hearing it. He knew that fishing may be a very effective therapy for persons of various abilities. Don established his charity, Autism Anglers, in 2018, intending to increase awareness and foster understanding on a larger scale. Since then, more donors have joined, giving additional equipment to fishermen with autism in North America. Autism Anglers also plans to expand its offerings to include charter and guided fishing trips. Let’s welcome Mr. Morse to Autism Rocks And Rolls.  https://autismanglers.org/

I discuss grocery shopping along with what it's like for people with autism in this episode. I also talk about how grocery shopping might make people with autism impatient. I also talk about how people with autism like consistency in supermarkets, where products remain in identical aisles for a long time. I also explain what can divert customers with autism and what triggers an auditory overload attack in people with autism at a grocery store. However, I do try to be helpful since I provide strategies for successful and proactive behavior for people with autism when they are in a grocery store. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdowSxss1J4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0UJBqX_fy8&t=30s https://blog.difflearn.com/2014/05/08/teaching-functional-living-skills-to-children-with-autism-at-the-grocery-store/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e40kFH4z65w&t=30s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JowQhIqvz3w

Today, my guest comes from Missouri. At the age of 58, Chris Mitchell, also known as the confident autistic, received a diagnosis of autism l. Instead of allowing autism to define him negatively, Chris chooses to let it define him positively. Despite his lifelong struggle with self-understanding (which began to make sense following his diagnosis), he has succeeded in numerous triumphs. Chris holds several life coaching credentials, with confidence coaching being his favorite. As part of his goal to empower people with autism and others to embrace autism with confidence, Chris, a digital developer, shares films about autism and confidence-building strategies for adults with autism on his YouTube channel, The Confident Autistic. Be sure to give it a listen!  https://thechrismitchell.com/

In this episode, I'm joined by FINancial Sharktress Galit Tsadik, an authentic shark. Taking charge of your finances and offering financial assistance is where Galit's greatest strength lies. She is a reputable financial analyst and the creator of Tsadik G Management, the organization that bears her name. She assists individuals and passion-driven enterprises in overcoming their concerns in order to achieve financial independence as a licensed financial education instructor. Given that Galit is a survivor of domestic abuse, she also resembles a shark. Many people today gain from Galit's identification as a FINancial Sharktress and her spiritual connection! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZRsvbBpBr0G_U2eb-2UGUg https://www.countontgm.com/    

Zak Clayton is the guest for this episode. Zak has a link to autism because he was once a foster parent to a child with autism. But he has a story of his own as the CEO and owner of Clayton Consulting & Event Planning LLC. He also founded Community Pay It Forward after recovering from a motorcycle accident in 2015 that revealed gaps in assistance for those in need. Zak created this service to help NGOs, charitable organizations, veterans, and needy families by converting purchases into acts of kindness through a shop, click, and pick process. Under his leadership, Dare To Care, Zak's second community, provides free access to essential services for neighbors. As he often states, "If you are not helping someone, you are hurting everyone," Zak's actions reflect his belief in the power of community. Let’s welcome the powerful and helpful Zak to Autism Rocks And Rolls.  https://www.communitypayitforward.us/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Zio5yGvsTBjB1axYVzXKw

I want to start by wishing you a Merry Christmas, and this episode of Autism Rocks and Rolls is my gift to you. I talk about fishing in this episode and why people with autism spectrum disorders might enjoy it. I also liken autism to the components on a fishing pole and the equipment in a fisherman's tacklebox. I even talk about the different kinds of fishing and how they represent autism. Lastly, I explain the reasons why people with autism spectrum disorders may quit fishing in the middle of a fishing expedition. https://omegaquant.com/new-research-on-the-connection-between-fish-consumption-and-autism/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1-aAdGSsr8 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ccex2U7LL1Y https://castforkids.org/ https://autismanglers.org/

Today, I'm joined by the amazing Jimmy Clare. In addition to being a professional conference speaker, podcaster, and on-demand streaming host, Jimmy Clare is also an autism advocate because he falls into the autism spectrum. In 2025, he has an event planned out. Welcome to Autism Rocks and Rolls, Jimmy Clare. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazyfitnessguy-healthy-living-podcast/id1507800194 https://www.crazyfitnessguy.com/  

Sara Bradford, an avid advocate of autism, will be spending the day with me. She is the originator of SJ Childs Global Network, a nonprofit that positively impacts the lives of numerous families. Sara is also the chief executive officer of SJ Childs LLC, a consulting organization that supports families with autism. As a representative of The Autism Council of Utah, Sara remains involved in the autism community. Because her spouse and two children are also autistic, Sara has a unique perspective and a greater understanding of the challenges faced by families with autism. She provides families with useful tools and information as the voice of The SJ Childs Show Podcast and a well-known speaker on autism. Sara continues to improve her area by working with local colleges and hospitals on autism services, police education, and corporate organizations. Finally, Sara is the published author of SJ Childs, a pen name that addresses a range of subjects, such as dyslexia, anxiety, physical differences, and autism. By helping children discover their own identities and supporting those with neurodiverse needs, these books promote love and acceptance in all situations. She now understands autism better after being recently diagnosed with ASD. https://sjchilds.org/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1559173761