In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with former intern Michael Rickli, a young adult on the spectrum who is now thriving as an employee at Disney.

Michael opens up about his early years—being diagnosed at age five, not speaking consistently until elementary school, navigating changes, and overcoming academic challenges. He shares his path from special education supports to graduating early from high school, earning a double major from the University of Houston, and following his dream all the way to Disney.

Michael’s story is a beautiful reminder that with support, opportunity, and encouragement, autistic individuals can shine in countless ways. His journey is full of resilience, growth, and magic—Disney magic included.

Whether you're a parent, educator, employer, or autistic individual yourself, this episode will leave you inspired, hopeful, and reminded of the power of believing in someone’s potential.

✨ Listen now and keep shining!

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to ensuring long-term security for a loved one with a developmental disability. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Catherine Byers from Rosenblatt Law Firm to break down the essentials of Special Needs Trusts — what they are, how they work, and why they’re an important part of future planning.

Catherine offers clear, practical guidance for families seeking peace of mind — from protecting eligibility for government benefits to ensuring that funds are managed responsibly and compassionately.

This episode is proudly sponsored by FEAT Houston, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for those affected by developmental disabilities by increasing resources and providing information about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

✨ Tune in to learn:

• The difference between first-party and third-party trusts

• How to choose the right trustee

• When and how to start the planning process

• Common mistakes to avoid when setting up a trust

Listen now and take one step closer to securing your loved one’s future.

In this heartwarming episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Erica and Mason Johnston, a mother-and-son duo with a powerful story about what real inclusion looks like inside the classroom.

Mason, now a high school student, reflects on his early years growing up alongside peers with autism in an inclusive learning environment—and how that experience shaped his understanding of empathy, acceptance, and community. Erica shares a parent’s perspective on how communication, collaboration, and intentional planning helped inclusion thrive in their school culture.

Together, they remind us that when inclusion is done right, everyone grows.

✨ Tune in to hear:

• How early exposure to inclusion shapes lifelong compassion

• What schools can do to truly embrace “different, not less”

• A teen’s firsthand insight into how inclusion changes the way we see the world

Listen now and be inspired to “just do it”—make inclusion a natural part of everyday life.

In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Dana Harris, BCBA and owner of Spectacular Kids, for a candid discussion about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Together, they break down what ABA is—and what it is not—while tackling common myths, concerns, and misconceptions.

Listeners will gain insight into:
✔️ How to recognize the hallmarks of a quality ABA program
✔️ The importance of parent training and individualized treatment planning
✔️ Questions every parent should ask when evaluating an ABA provider
✔️ Why trust, compassion, and fun must be at the core of effective services

Whether you’re a parent considering ABA for the first time or already navigating services, this conversation will empower you with knowledge, practical tips, and encouragement to advocate for your child’s needs.

Tune in and discover what good ABA really looks like—and how it can support your child’s growth, independence, and quality of life.

Getting a haircut is something many of us take for granted—but for neurodivergent individuals, it can be overwhelming and stressful. In this episode, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Henry Tribes, a Dallas-based barber and the inventor of The Weighted Cape, to explore how one simple idea is transforming the haircutting experience.

Henry shares how his role as a father inspired his patience and compassion, why he created a sensory-friendly cape modeled after a weighted blanket, and how his barbershop has become a safe space for families seeking inclusive care. From bubble parties to fidget tools, his approach is about building trust, easing anxiety, and creating long-term comfort in the chair.

You’ll also hear Henry’s vision for the future—including providing free sensory-friendly haircuts in 2026 and his hopes to expand this inclusive model nationwide.

Tune in to discover how innovation, empathy, and community can change something as simple as a haircut into an act of inclusion.

In this powerful conversation, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Brennan, a 32-year-old adult on the autism spectrum and a registered behavior technician. Brennan shares his journey from early diagnosis and intervention to living independently, working in the ABA field, and mentoring others.

With honesty and humor, Brennan reflects on the challenges he faced in school, the supports that helped him succeed, and why early intervention and lifelong learning matter. He also opens up about misconceptions around autism and ABA, the importance of independence, and what he wishes the world truly understood about people on the spectrum.

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or simply someone who wants to better understand autism, Brennan’s insights will leave you inspired and encouraged to keep building inclusive communities.

In this powerful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with three remarkable women—Kate Swenson (Finding Cooper’s Voice), Carrie Cariello (What Color Is Monday?), and Adrienne Wood (Tales of an Educated Debutante)—the authors of the New York Times Best Seller, Autism Out Loud.

Together, these moms share raw, unfiltered stories from their journeys parenting children with autism—stories of resilience, joy, heartbreak, and growth. From pushing their kids gently toward independence, to navigating crisis moments, tackling anxiety and medication stigma, and balancing the needs of siblings, their voices shed light on the realities often left unspoken.

In the conclusion of our conversation with Dr. Amy Wood offers wisdom on vocational opportunities, inclusion in the community, and the crucial role of parent involvement in treatment. She also reflects on safety, independence, and planning for adulthood long before it arrives. Her “dotted line” approach to goal-setting and her passion for meaningful inclusion will leave you inspired, empowered, and equipped with ideas to better support individuals across the spectrum.