Just Another Autism Podcast

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, Eileen Lamb sits down with Chris Redding, father, musician, and autism advocate, and his wife Serena to talk about their journey raising Christian, their son who is autistic and nonverbal. Chris and Serena open up about the daily realities of parenting a child with high support needs, from elopement and self-injury to the quiet moments of connection that make it all worth it. They share how their relationship has been tested and strengthened, and how Chris uses music and social media to tell stories that often go unheard. It’s an honest, moving conversation about love, advocacy, and showing up even on the hardest days. Chris Redding is a GRAMMY-nominated artist and producer whose fusion of hip-hop, chant, and R&B amplifies voices often unheard. Inspired by his nonverbal autistic son, Christian, Chris creates music that fosters connection and inclusion, especially for those with autism, ADHD, and synesthesia. A mental health and neurodiversity advocate, Chris has received the University of Florida’s Music Meets Medicine Impact Award and was honored by the National Congress of Argentina. His work helped secure a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month in Florida.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb sits down with the team behind The Plight — Matthew Boda (director), Ronald Sandoval (writer), and Jacob Waltuck (autistic actor). They talk about the personal stories that inspired the film, what it was like collaborating on such an emotionally intense project, and why authentic representation in media matters now more than ever.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb chats with golf legend Billy Mayfair. Billy recently joined Autism Speaks’ Team 20. In this episode, he opens up about getting diagnosed with autism later in life and how it helped him make sense of so many things, on and off the course. They talk about his journey through pro golf, and how his perspective on life and the game has shifted since his diagnosis. It’s an honest, down-to-earth conversation about identity, pressure, and learning to understand yourself. Billy Mayfair is one of the top professional golfers in the U.S., with five PGA Tour wins and the distinction of being the only player to ever beat Tiger Woods in a PGA Tour playoff. A regular on the PGA Tour since 1989, he now competes on the PGA Tour Champions. His career wins include the Nissan Open, Buick Open, Motorola Western Open, Tour Championship, and Greater Milwaukee Open. As an amateur, he won the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Public Links. He’s earned over $22 million in career prize money and has ranked as high as 26th in the Official World Golf Rankings. Mayfair was diagnosed with autism in 2019 after experiencing Autism-like symptoms throughout his life.

In this episode of Just Another Podcast with Eileen Lamb, Eileen sits down with Survivor contestant Eva Erickson to discuss her incredible journey with autism and how it shaped her experience on the show. Eva shares her personal story, from her early diagnosis to the therapies that helped her thrive, and opens up about what it was like representing the autism community on such a huge platform. They dive into the challenges, victories, and unique strengths Eva brought to the Survivor game, offering a fresh perspective on resilience, social dynamics, and overcoming obstacles. Don't miss this empowering conversation with one of Survivor's most inspiring contestants!

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb sits down with 12-year-old Austin, an autistic aspiring stand-up comedian. Austin opens about his diagnosis, the challenges of growing up feeling different, and how comedy has become his way of navigating the world. With humor and honesty, he shares how laughter has helped him connect with others and embrace his unique perspective.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, Eileen Lamb talks with Dr. Arthur Westover, a psychiatrist specializing in adult autism and developmental disabilities, and a dad to a 20-year-old autistic son with intellectual disability. Dr. Westover shares his dual perspective as a professional and parent, highlighting the challenges families face in finding psychiatric care for autistic adults. He also discusses the need for improved education and training in psychiatry to serve this community better.

In this episode of Just Another Autism Podcast, host Eileen Lamb sits down with Justin Moehn, a passionate autism self-advocate and educator. Justin shares his journey from being diagnosed with autism in 1985 at Texas Children’s Hospital to becoming an award-winning advocate. He opens up about his experiences growing up, his work with organizations and businesses, and his mission to help others by teaching essential job skills. Justin also dives into his efforts to train first responders about autism, sharing the impact this work has had on his community and himself. Justin Moehn was diagnosed with autism in 1985 at Texas Children's Hospital. He’s a passionate self-advocate who’s been sharing his insights at events, organizations, and businesses for years. Justin covers everything from general resources to job skills and was recognized for his advocacy work with an award from The Arc of Fort Bend in 2019. A 2001 graduate of Austin High School, he earned certifications in PC technical support and office administration at Wharton County Jr. College. These days, Justin also trains first responders about autism, helping them better understand and support the community.