Autism Rocks and Rolls

Today's guest is Allyson Bowers, an acquaintance of Autism Rocks and Rolls and a Vincennes PBS star. As Vincennes PBS's Education & Community Outreach Coordinator, she loves talking to children about PBS Kids programs, particularly Carl the Collector. In addition, she is the mom of a wonderful 6-year-old with autism who is non-speaking. Mrs. Bowers likes to spend her free time with those she knows at the Vincennes PBS station, her family, and her pets. Welcome to Autism Rocks and Rolls, Mrs. Bowers.

allysonbowers@vinu.edu-Mrs. Bowers Email 

My next guest hails from Georgia. He is Avery Dixon, a golden buzzer contestant on Season 17 (2022) of America's Got Talent and a spokesperson against bullying. Saxophonist phenom Avery Dixon rose to fame as a finalist on America's Got Talent and as the show's All-Star runner-up. Among the well-known performers he has been honored to perform with are Grammy Award-winning trombonist Troy Andrews, often known as "Trombone Shorty," and 12-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, and composer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. Despite measuring under a pound, 8 ounces at birth, Avery has surmounted several health obstacles. He has shown himself to be quite resilient and has refused to let his health problems define who he is. Unfortunately, because of his distinctive voice, which set him apart from his friends, he became the target of bullying. Mr. Dixon claims that the bullying was so bad that he once "considered suicide." Avery nevertheless urges anyone who feels depressed or upset to seek therapy. He has also proven his bullies wrong by receiving numerous accolades for his efforts, including a letter of gratitude from former President Obama. Let's welcome my new friend and talented saxophonist, Avery Dixon, to Autism Rocks And Rolls. 

https://www.averydixon.com/

Don Morse with Autism Anglers, my next guest, is calling from Orlando. Don has been employed in the outdoor industry since 1994. Don didn't know what autism was until he found out that his child, Landon, had it. Don's friends and relatives were very receptive to hearing it. He knew that fishing may be a very effective therapy for persons of various abilities. Don established his charity, Autism Anglers, in 2018, intending to increase awareness and foster understanding on a larger scale. Since then, more donors have joined, giving additional equipment to fishermen with autism in North America. Autism Anglers also plans to expand its offerings to include charter and guided fishing trips. Let’s welcome Mr. Morse to Autism Rocks And Rolls. 

https://autismanglers.org/

I discuss grocery shopping along with what it's like for people with autism in this episode. I also talk about how grocery shopping might make people with autism impatient. I also talk about how people with autism like consistency in supermarkets, where products remain in identical aisles for a long time. I also explain what can divert customers with autism and what triggers an auditory overload attack in people with autism at a grocery store. However, I do try to be helpful since I provide strategies for successful and proactive behavior for people with autism when they are in a grocery store.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdowSxss1J4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0UJBqX_fy8&t=30s

https://blog.difflearn.com/2014/05/08/teaching-functional-living-skills-to-children-with-autism-at-the-grocery-store/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e40kFH4z65w&t=30s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JowQhIqvz3w

Today, my guest comes from Missouri. At the age of 58, Chris Mitchell, also known as the confident autistic, received a diagnosis of autism l. Instead of allowing autism to define him negatively, Chris chooses to let it define him positively. Despite his lifelong struggle with self-understanding (which began to make sense following his diagnosis), he has succeeded in numerous triumphs. Chris holds several life coaching credentials, with confidence coaching being his favorite. As part of his goal to empower people with autism and others to embrace autism with confidence, Chris, a digital developer, shares films about autism and confidence-building strategies for adults with autism on his YouTube channel, The Confident Autistic. Be sure to give it a listen! 

https://thechrismitchell.com/

In this episode, I'm joined by FINancial Sharktress Galit Tsadik, an authentic shark. Taking charge of your finances and offering financial assistance is where Galit's greatest strength lies. She is a reputable financial analyst and the creator of Tsadik G Management, the organization that bears her name. She assists individuals and passion-driven enterprises in overcoming their concerns in order to achieve financial independence as a licensed financial education instructor. Given that Galit is a survivor of domestic abuse, she also resembles a shark. Many people today gain from Galit's identification as a FINancial Sharktress and her spiritual connection!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZRsvbBpBr0G_U2eb-2UGUg

https://www.countontgm.com/

 

 

Zak Clayton is the guest for this episode. Zak has a link to autism because he was once a foster parent to a child with autism. But he has a story of his own as the CEO and owner of Clayton Consulting & Event Planning LLC. He also founded Community Pay It Forward after recovering from a motorcycle accident in 2015 that revealed gaps in assistance for those in need. Zak created this service to help NGOs, charitable organizations, veterans, and needy families by converting purchases into acts of kindness through a shop, click, and pick process. Under his leadership, Dare To Care, Zak's second community, provides free access to essential services for neighbors. As he often states, "If you are not helping someone, you are hurting everyone," Zak's actions reflect his belief in the power of community. Let’s welcome the powerful and helpful Zak to Autism Rocks And Rolls. 

https://www.communitypayitforward.us/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Zio5yGvsTBjB1axYVzXKw

I want to start by wishing you a Merry Christmas, and this episode of Autism Rocks and Rolls is my gift to you. I talk about fishing in this episode and why people with autism spectrum disorders might enjoy it. I also liken autism to the components on a fishing pole and the equipment in a fisherman's tacklebox. I even talk about the different kinds of fishing and how they represent autism. Lastly, I explain the reasons why people with autism spectrum disorders may quit fishing in the middle of a fishing expedition.

https://omegaquant.com/new-research-on-the-connection-between-fish-consumption-and-autism/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1-aAdGSsr8

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ccex2U7LL1Y

https://castforkids.org/

https://autismanglers.org/

Today, I'm joined by the amazing Jimmy Clare. In addition to being a professional conference speaker, podcaster, and on-demand streaming host, Jimmy Clare is also an autism advocate because he falls into the autism spectrum. In 2025, he has an event planned out. Welcome to Autism Rocks and Rolls, Jimmy Clare.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crazyfitnessguy-healthy-living-podcast/id1507800194

https://www.crazyfitnessguy.com/

 

Sara Bradford, an avid advocate of autism, will be spending the day with me. She is the originator of SJ Childs Global Network, a nonprofit that positively impacts the lives of numerous families. Sara is also the chief executive officer of SJ Childs LLC, a consulting organization that supports families with autism. As a representative of The Autism Council of Utah, Sara remains involved in the autism community. Because her spouse and two children are also autistic, Sara has a unique perspective and a greater understanding of the challenges faced by families with autism. She provides families with useful tools and information as the voice of The SJ Childs Show Podcast and a well-known speaker on autism. Sara continues to improve her area by working with local colleges and hospitals on autism services, police education, and corporate organizations. Finally, Sara is the published author of SJ Childs, a pen name that addresses a range of subjects, such as dyslexia, anxiety, physical differences, and autism. By helping children discover their own identities and supporting those with neurodiverse needs, these books promote love and acceptance in all situations. She now understands autism better after being recently diagnosed with ASD.

https://sjchilds.org/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1559173761