Just Another Autism Podcast

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb has a special conversation with Brandon Oakes, an autistic self-advocate and one of our Champions of Change, and Dr. Kerri Rodriguez, an advisory board member with Fetch Pet Insurance. As today is International Pet Day, we learn more about service dogs and their role in supporting people with autism through Brandon’s own story with his service dog, Manci. Dr. Rodriguez also shares research-based insights on how important and essential service dogs are in the life of an autistic individual. It is important to learn more about their role, as well as the need to protect and support them so they can continue providing critical, everyday assistance to their owners.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb has a meaningful conversation with Dr. Muhsinah Morris, an autism mom, sibling of a special needs individual, author, chemist, and educator, about her journey advocating for her family and supporting Black families with neurodivergent children. She is a mother of five children, two of whom are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Through her story, we learn about the challenges and struggles Black families with autistic and neurodivergent children face in obtaining the support they need. Additionally, Dr. Morris discusses her work at Morehouse College, using AI and related technologies to innovate and create a more inclusive educational environment for autistic and neurodivergent students.   

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Tanner Smith from Love on the Spectrum, his sister Midge, and Holly Fowler, creator of Wable. As we know, making connections these days isn't easy. That's why Wable was created — an app designed to promote meaningful social connections among autistic and neurodivergent individuals. During this special conversation, we learn more about this app and how it can help you, whether you’re looking for love or to make new friends.   

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb hosts a special conversation with golf legend Billy Mayfair and his wife, Tami Mayfair. During this interview, Billy and Tami share their relationship, how they met, and how they built their bond. They also discuss the journey and process that led to Billy receiving a late autism diagnosis at age 53, as well as how they view autism in their daily lives and support each other in their marriage. It’s a genuine, heartfelt exploration of love, trust, and learning together.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with John Wells, a father, fitness influencer, actor, and autism advocate, about his experience raising his son with profound autism. John shares his story of raising both of his children and how his perspective on parenting changed when supporting his child with high support needs. Additionally, we learn about John’s latest film, Learning You, which follows a father taking his autistic son on a road trip. For him, this wasn’t just another film; it was a meaningful opportunity to share his real-life experience as an autism dad.  John recently served as an advisor on the set of Autism Fit, Autism Speaks’ newly launched fitness series hosted by autistic television personalities, Eva Erickson (Survivor) and Tanner Smith (Love on the Spectrum).

In this episode, Eileen Lamb speaks with Santa Wade, a longtime Cherry Hill Programs Santa who is specially trained to support and engage autistic children during their holiday photo experience. Autism Speaks partners with Cherry Hill to help prepare Santas and staff to create calm, welcoming, sensory-aware environments so every child can enjoy a moment with Santa in their own way. Join us as we explore what an inclusive Santa visit really looks like, the small adjustments that make a big difference, and the joy of creating meaningful holiday memories for families of children with autism. The Cherry Hill Programs Santa Cares program provides a sensory-safe environment for autistic individuals to get their one-on-one time with Santa! Reserve your spot: https://santacares.whereissanta.com/

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Manish Arora, co-founder of LinusBio, the company behind ClearStrand-ASD — a new test that uses hair samples to help detect autism risk earlier in life. Together, they discuss the science behind early detection, recent advances in research, and what the future could look like for early autism screening.

In this new episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, guest host Kadin McElwain sits down with Hispanic guitarist Ashton Almengor Fontanez. Diagnosed with autism at two, Ashton has used music to change people’s perceptions on what autistic individuals are capable of and as a way to express himself. We sat down to discuss what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him, his story, and Autism Speaks’ Hispanic resources.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, two-time Emmy-nominated journalist, mother, and autism advocate Sofia Lachapelle joins guest host Tony Hernandez Pumarejo for an inspiring conversation about the Hispanic community. From her career in journalism to advocating for the autism community at the United Nations, Sofia has become a voice for many Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. Born in the Dominican Republic, Sofía Lachapelle earned her degree from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in Puerto Rico in 1995. She began her television career reporting for WAPA TV in Puerto Rico and later joined Univision in Miami and New York. During 9/11, she reported live from the World Trade Center, enduring the dust and chaos, and helped victims by gathering information about their loved ones—a testament to her courage and empathy.  In 2002, she returned to the Dominican Republic, where she anchored news for Canal 27. By 2004, she had her own show, “Controversia,” on Canal 13. In 2005, after relocating back to the U.S., she welcomed her first son, Jayson, and later a second son, Maximus, both diagnosed with autism. Motivated by her children’s diagnoses, Sofía founded “Un Paso a la Vez” (“One Step at a Time”), an organization committed to empowering parents of children with special needs.  Sofia has played a key role in advocating for and drafting legal projects in Austin and across Latin America and the Caribbean. She has been recognized multiple times for her journalism work, including twice as a National Emmy winner. Finally, Sofia served as a Board Member for Autism Speaks Miami Chapter and for Best Buddies International.   

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Tyler White from Love on the Spectrum joins Eileen Lamb for an inspiring and lighthearted conversation about love, music, and life on the spectrum. Tyler shares what it was really like filming the show, how he found his perfect match in Madison. From his journey as a self-taught musician to performing at the Grand Ole Opry and launching his own DJ business, Tyler’s story is full of energy, heart, and unforgettable moments. Diagnosed with autism at age 3, Tyler White has turned his passions into a platform to inspire. Raised in Shirley, Arkansas, he found joy in music, fishing, and NASCAR—and taught himself to play drums by ear. In 2017, Tyler launched DJ TyWy, his wedding and event DJ business. Since then, he’s emceed Autism Speaks events, introduced stars like Reba McEntire and The Beach Boys, and even performed at the Grand Ole Opry and for the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2024, Tyler found love with Madison on Love on the Spectrum. Now based in Plant City, FL, he continues to pursue country music and host his podcast, while collaborating with brands like Publix, Cracker Barrel, and Coca-Cola. Tyler’s motto: Never give up. Use your autism to inspire.