In this episode of Pam and the Purple Couch Podcast, Pamela Furr, joined by co-hosts Dr. Manny Rodriguez, Missy Owen, and Loki DePristo, welcomes Matt Susin, a school board district representative, to discuss the intersection of education, neurodiversity, and job placement for neurodivergent students in Brevard County.

The conversation highlights Matt's passion for workforce readiness programs, including a groundbreaking job placement initiative for students with disabilities. Matt shares his journey from teacher to school board representative, emphasizing the need for community support in advocating for neurodivergent learners and ensuring they have meaningful employment opportunities after graduation.

Tune in for this inspiring conversation, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes!

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/L2Mu5oyexG8

0:00 - Start of Episode and Introduction

1:46 - Introduction to Matt Susin

4:15 - Job Placement for Neurodivergent Students in Brevard County

9:50 - Go to the ballot box and make your voices heard!
11:29 - Families in personal crisis, where do they go?
14:13 - Employers and Disabled Students and how do they work together?

17:00 - Autistic Children and unique abilities

19:26 - A hard student but a great student
20:55 - Parents beaten up by the system

22:10 - Love and Hate in School

23:55 - Matt gives a farewell

25:27 - End of Episode

#Education #Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #WorkforceDevelopment #BrevardCounty #JobPlacement #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAdvocacy #communitysupport

The Pam and the Purple Couch Podcast: A Raw, Essential Parent-Provider Perspective, Breaking Down Science into Everyday Language.”


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In every episode of "Pam and the Purple Couch Podcast,” we bridge the gap between the scientific community and everyday people, demystifying the world of autism through the unique dual lens of parents and providers.

Discover a space where scientific knowledge meets heartfelt experience, bringing you closer to understanding the multifaceted reality of autism spectrum disorder. Whether you're a parent navigating the nuanced pathways of raising a child on the spectrum, a provider keen to connect more deeply with those you serve, or an individual eager to broaden your understanding of autism, this podcast invites you into a community rooted in empathy, clarity, and inclusivity.

Join us as we delve into relevant topics, untangle complex terminologies, and present ground-breaking research in a language everyone can understand. From personal narratives to expert interviews, “The Pame and the Purple Couch Podcast” brings raw and essential conversations to the forefront, encouraging dialogue that is both meaningful and accessible.

Subscribe now and become a part of a journey where we foster a deeper understanding and develop a shared language, embracing the beautiful spectrum of autism with open hearts and open minds.

Host Bio:

Pamela Furr, affectionately known as Puzzle Box Pam, is the founder/CEO of Puzzle Box Academy and Kaleidoscope Interventions. She is a seasoned educator, holding a degree in early childhood education. She is well-versed in regulations regarding reimbursement of insurance plans regarding child therapy services, having worked as a licensed insurance agent and adjuster for over two decades. In 2007, Furr left behind the finance and insurance industry when her son was diagnosed with Autism.