Autism Resource Podcast

Tamala Takahashi is currently the Mayor in Burbank, California. Tamala is the first openly AuDHD mayor in the country, and the first openly female autistic city councilmember. Tamala is an associate MFT and PCC in the state of California, and specializes in working with neurodivergent adults, relationship trauma, and high conflict in couples. #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #disabilities #podcast #podcasts #diagnosis #pathology #ASD #ADHD #AuDHD #latediagnosis #relationships #trauma #couples www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

Founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy and mother of a 21-year-old with global developmental delays who proudly wears blue glasses, Vicki Christensen empowers parents with the knowledge and tools to navigate disability rights and is passionate about advocating for families through the Individualized Education Program, or IEP, process.Vicki supports parents and guardians of students in special education by providing effective advocacy strategies to foster positive, collaborative relationships at school. Her work, both in advocacy and in parenting, combines expertise, empathy, and firsthand insight, making her uniquely qualified to guide and inspire families navigating the challenges and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child. #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #disabilities #podcast #podcasts #IEP #IndividualizedEducationProgram #advocacy #disabilityrights #specialeducation www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

Jim Festante is a former executive turned digital safety architect. For over 20 years, he built content for media corporations, social media companies, and video game studios, mastering the engagement loops and attention mechanics that keep audiences hooked. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to help families break the spell. As the Executive Director of Health-e-Habits, Jim moves beyond generic “screen time” advice to provide tactical digital defense strategies. He pulls back the curtain on the Black Box of technology, teaching parents, students, and educators how to distinguish between creative tools and predatory design, and how to navigate the social minefield of algorithmic feeds. #neurodiversity #neurodivergent #autism #disabilities #podcast #podcasts #techsafety #technologyaddiction #digitalsafety #medialiteracy #digitalwellness www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

Whitney Fallon is a holistic wellness expert, neurodivergent advocate, and self-proclaimed wellness detective who helps individuals uncover the missing pieces to their energy, focus, and emotional well-being. With a background in sleep medicine, psychology, and functional wellness, she specializes in supporting neurodivergent minds and bodies through a blend of science, soul, and strategy. As the founder of Wooded Lake Wellness and creator of the Neuro Blueprint™, Whitney is on a mission to help people embrace their unique neurostyles and optimize their health, habits, and happiness—without burnout or overwhelm. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast

Priscilla Leto is a dedicated advocate for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Her commitment to aiding children to reach their highest potential is rooted in personal experience, as the mother of a son on the autism spectrum. Priscilla’s work extends beyond administrative duties; she is a vocal proponent for addressing the underlying causes of neurodevelopmental conditions, advocating for comprehensive support that transcends surface-level therapies. https://autismresourceproject.org/podcast/