Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism

Who supports the dads? For fathers raising a child on the autism spectrum, finding people who understand their experiences can make a meaningful difference. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler welcomes John Fela—father of a young adult with autism, former educator, disability advocate, speaker, and author of Faith Like My Father: A Special Needs Dad’s Journey of Faith and Redemption. John shares candidly about loneliness, changing expectations, and his journey toward building a supportive community. He offers practical ideas for connecting with other dads and explores how churches can move beyond simply welcoming families to creating opportunities for belonging, participation, and contribution. Through personal stories of faith, fatherhood, and unexpected life changes, John offers an encouraging reminder: you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you’re a parent, faith leader, or community member, this conversation highlights the difference we can make by walking alongside one another. Book: Faith like my Father Johnny & Friends-training for churches johnfela.com for podcast, books, presentations John Special Needs Blog

How can grandparents offer meaningful support when a grandchild is on the autism spectrum? Sometimes, the greatest gift is listening, respecting boundaries, and simply showing up. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler welcomes educator, advocate, and grandmother Jennifer Kaufman, author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk. Drawing on her professional experience and personal journey, Jennifer shares honest stories and practical guidance for supporting both grandchildren and their parents. They explore navigating sensitive conversations, offering help without taking over, encouraging inclusion among cousins, and adapting holiday traditions to meet a child’s needs. Jennifer also highlights her work in first responder training and workplace inclusion, along with the importance of water safety. Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or extended family member, this conversation offers a heartfelt reminder: you don’t have to have every answer to make a meaningful difference. Jen Kaufman Website

Preparing for college is about much more than academics. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Dr. Tara Williams, professor and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, to talk about what neurodivergent students—and their families—can do to prepare for the transition from high school to college. From executive functioning, time management and accommodations to independent living, social connection and self-advocacy, Dr. Williams shares practical ways families can begin building these skills long before move-in day. She also discusses the importance of connecting with campus accessibility services, considering community college and bridge programs, and looking beyond academics when deciding whether a college environment is the right fit. One of the biggest takeaways? Independence doesn't happen overnight. Giving students opportunities to make decisions, solve problems, ask for help and even experience small failures can help them develop skills they'll need in college, the workplace and beyond. Whether college is right around the corner or still years away, this conversation offers plenty to think about when preparing neurodivergent young people for greater independence. Tune in for a conversation about preparing not just for college—but for what comes next. Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Instagram

Special Olympics is about so much more than sports—it's about belonging, friendship, confidence, leadership, and having the opportunity to shine. In this special two-part episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Dr. Jerome Davis, Head of Delegation for Special Olympics at Lone Star College, to talk about the growth of the program across the college system, the power of Unified Sports, and his unforgettable experience coaching Team Texas basketball to gold at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Then, Jennifer welcomes Special Olympics golfer Peyton Mattingly and his dad and caddy, Chad Mattingly. Peyton shares his love of golf, competing for Team Texas at the USA Games, finishing fourth, the friendships he's made along the way, and his goal of making it to the podium in 2030. Chad also reflects on Peyton's journey—from an early autism diagnosis and predictions about what he might not be able to do, to college, competitive golf, and a future filled with possibilities.  Through both conversations, one message comes through loud and clear: inclusion isn't simply being invited—it's being given the opportunity to participate, contribute, compete, build friendships, and be part of the team.

When a vulnerable loved one goes missing, every second matters. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler talks with Angelina Farris, Founder and Executive Director of Blue SAR, a nonprofit dedicated to the search, recovery, and rescue of missing persons, with a special focus on vulnerable individuals. Angelina introduces listeners to Skye, Blue SAR's black-and-tan bloodhound trained specifically in scent-discriminating trailing. Unlike a tracking dog following impressions on the ground, Skye is trained to follow the scent of one specific person—providing search teams with another resource that may help narrow a search more quickly. Skye is also trained to give a quiet sit alert when she finds someone, an intentional choice when searching for individuals who may be autistic, have dementia, or otherwise become overwhelmed or frightened. Jennifer and Angelina also discuss something families may never have considered: preparing a scent kit before an emergency occurs. Angelina explains how an uncontaminated scent can help Skye begin a search and why families traveling with a vulnerable loved one may want to bring their prepared scent kit with them. The conversation is filled with practical steps families and caregivers can take now—from keeping current photos and medication information readily available to checking home-camera placement and recording settings. Angelina also addresses an important misconception: families do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. It's an important conversation about prevention, preparation, and having additional resources in place before they're ever needed. Because in a search for a missing loved one, saving time can make all the difference. Email: [email protected] Phone: 713.256.2445 call or text Scent Kits Facebook Messenger