This week, we are joined by Dr. Dena L. Gassner, Senior Research Scientist at AJ Drexel, autism advocate, and member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC). Dena is rewriting the narrative around autistic identity, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for gender diversity and inclusivity in autism research and policy.

Her personal journey as a proud autistic mother adds a deeply relatable perspective to her work, and she teaches through storytelling to inspire and inform. Download episode now to learn more!

Resources

dg3242@drexel.edu

facebook-https://www.facebook.com/CenterforUnderstanding

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dena-gassner-35532b78/

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week we’re discussing "The Power of Listening and Mentorship Programs" through the Making Mentors program. This initiative pairs autistic college students with high school students to foster connection, growth, and empowerment. Joining us are Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, Taylor (T) Abbatemarco, Louis Rotondo, and Rita Strickland to share how mentorship and peer support are transforming the autistic community. Download episode to learn more!

Resources

College Autism Network: https://collegeautismnetwork.org/

College Autism Summit: https://collegeautismnetwork.org/event/college-autism-summit-2025/

Project REACH: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/student-affairs/programs-services/disability/projectreach/

Communication First: https://communicationfirst.org/

STEM For All: https://multiplex.videohall.com/presentations/1193/2468.html

Specialist Autism Mentoring in UK: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/mentoring-university

Autism and Universal Design Training for University Staff: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349832158_Autism_UD_Training_for_FacultyTeachers_and_other_University_Staff

Presentation about Making Mentors at CUNY Neurodiversity Conference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393178315_Improving_Making_Mentors_How_Can_We_Use_Data_to_Improve_an_Autistic-Led_Maker-_Focused_Mentorship_Program

Participatory Research Guidelines from AASPIRE: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30939892/

Co-design resources:

https://doingresearchtogether.com.au/

https://www.beyondstickynotes.com/toolsforcoproduction

Employment Resources: https://sites.google.com/view/nsfworkshop23/employment-resources

Open-access curriculum and training for neurodiversity-affirmative STEM workshops: https://sites.google.com/view/gamedesignemploymentresources/workshop-resources-2023/training-2023

Employment Resources Autism: https://autism.org/employment-resources-for-individuals-with-autism/

https://iacc.hhs.gov/resources/employment/websites/

https://autismspectrumnews.org/empowering-autistic-job-seekers-through-mentorship/

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we are joined by Rachelle Vartanian, founder of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center. Inspired by her own parenting journey, Rachelle has dedicated her work to empowering individuals with autism. Today, we’ll discuss autism advocacy, job training, clinical services, social programs, housing solutions, and much more. Download the latest episode now to learn more!

Resources

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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.