Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism

Jennifer Dantzler
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Non-Profit

Every voice deserves to be heard, and every story has the power to inspire. Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism is a podcast dedicated to amplifying the neurodiverse community. Hosted by Jennifer Dantzler, a passionate advocate and educator, this show brings together autistic individuals, parents, educators, and community members to share real experiences, expert insights, and practical strategies. From navigating daily life to advocating for inclusion, each episode offers heartfelt conversations, powerful stories, and valuable resources to help us all better understand and support neurodiversity. The podcast where neurodiverse voices take center stage.

  1. 6d ago

    S4-Ep 42: Her Voice Matters: Autism, Justice & Bee’s Law with Courtni Bridges

    What happens when an autistic victim's communication differences become a barrier to justice? In this powerful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler welcomes Courtni Bridges, a mother, healthcare professional, and advocate whose daughter's experience with sexual assault exposed troubling gaps in how the justice system understands and supports autistic individuals. Determined to turn her family's painful experience into meaningful change, Courtni began advocating for Bee's Law, a Texas legislative initiative seeking to establish autism-specific training throughout the judicial system. Together, Jennifer and Courtni discuss the challenges autistic victims can face when reporting abuse, how communication differences and trauma responses can be misunderstood, and why greater awareness, appropriate accommodations, and professional training are essential to ensuring every individual has an opportunity to be heard. Courtni's story is one of resilience, determination, and a mother's commitment to creating a safer, more informed justice system—not only for her daughter, but for other autistic individuals and families. Content Advisory: This episode includes discussions of sexual assault and trauma involving an autistic individual. Listener discretion is advised. Bee's Law petition -Sign & Share Bark — Online Safety and Parental Controls — The app Courtni recommends for monitoring online safety concerns. Follow Courtni Bridges on Facebook

    S4-Ep 42: Her Voice Matters: Autism, Justice & Bee’s Law with Courtni Bridges

  2. Oct 21

    S4-Ep 41: Faith, Fatherhood, and Belonging with John Fela

    Who supports the dads? For fathers raising a child on the autism spectrum, finding people who understand their experiences can make a meaningful difference. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler welcomes John Fela—father of a young adult with autism, former educator, disability advocate, speaker, and author of Faith Like My Father: A Special Needs Dad’s Journey of Faith and Redemption. John shares candidly about loneliness, changing expectations, and his journey toward building a supportive community. He offers practical ideas for connecting with other dads and explores how churches can move beyond simply welcoming families to creating opportunities for belonging, participation, and contribution. Through personal stories of faith, fatherhood, and unexpected life changes, John offers an encouraging reminder: you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you’re a parent, faith leader, or community member, this conversation highlights the difference we can make by walking alongside one another. Book: Faith like my Father Johnny & Friends-training for churches johnfela.com for podcast, books, presentations John Special Needs Blog

    S4-Ep 41: Faith, Fatherhood, and Belonging with John Fela

  3. Oct 7

    S4-Ep 40: How Grandparents Can Make a Difference with Jennifer Kaufman

    How can grandparents offer meaningful support when a grandchild is on the autism spectrum? Sometimes, the greatest gift is listening, respecting boundaries, and simply showing up. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler welcomes educator, advocate, and grandmother Jennifer Kaufman, author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk. Drawing on her professional experience and personal journey, Jennifer shares honest stories and practical guidance for supporting both grandchildren and their parents. They explore navigating sensitive conversations, offering help without taking over, encouraging inclusion among cousins, and adapting holiday traditions to meet a child’s needs. Jennifer also highlights her work in first responder training and workplace inclusion, along with the importance of water safety. Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or extended family member, this conversation offers a heartfelt reminder: you don’t have to have every answer to make a meaningful difference. Jen Kaufman Website

    S4-Ep 40: How Grandparents Can Make a Difference with Jennifer Kaufman

  4. Sep 23

    S4-Ep 39: The College Transition: Helping Neurodivergent Students Thrive with Dr. Tara Williams

    Preparing for college is about much more than academics. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Dr. Tara Williams, professor and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, to talk about what neurodivergent students—and their families—can do to prepare for the transition from high school to college. From executive functioning, time management and accommodations to independent living, social connection and self-advocacy, Dr. Williams shares practical ways families can begin building these skills long before move-in day. She also discusses the importance of connecting with campus accessibility services, considering community college and bridge programs, and looking beyond academics when deciding whether a college environment is the right fit. One of the biggest takeaways? Independence doesn't happen overnight. Giving students opportunities to make decisions, solve problems, ask for help and even experience small failures can help them develop skills they'll need in college, the workplace and beyond. Whether college is right around the corner or still years away, this conversation offers plenty to think about when preparing neurodivergent young people for greater independence. Tune in for a conversation about preparing not just for college—but for what comes next. Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Instagram

  5. Sep 9

    S4-Ep 38: The Power of Being Included: Lessons from Special Olympics Coach, Jarome Davis and Golfer Peyton Mattingly with his Father/Caddy Chad Mattingly

    Special Olympics is about so much more than sports—it's about belonging, friendship, confidence, leadership, and having the opportunity to shine. In this special two-part episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Dr. Jerome Davis, Head of Delegation for Special Olympics at Lone Star College, to talk about the growth of the program across the college system, the power of Unified Sports, and his unforgettable experience coaching Team Texas basketball to gold at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Then, Jennifer welcomes Special Olympics golfer Peyton Mattingly and his dad and caddy, Chad Mattingly. Peyton shares his love of golf, competing for Team Texas at the USA Games, finishing fourth, the friendships he's made along the way, and his goal of making it to the podium in 2030. Chad also reflects on Peyton's journey—from an early autism diagnosis and predictions about what he might not be able to do, to college, competitive golf, and a future filled with possibilities.  Through both conversations, one message comes through loud and clear: inclusion isn't simply being invited—it's being given the opportunity to participate, contribute, compete, build friendships, and be part of the team.

    S4-Ep 38: The Power of Being Included: Lessons from Special Olympics Coach, Jarome Davis and Golfer Peyton Mattingly with his Father/Caddy Chad Mattingly

  6. Aug 19

    S4-Ep 37: When Every Second Counts: Autism, Elopement & Search and Rescue with Blue SAR

    When a vulnerable loved one goes missing, every second matters. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler talks with Angelina Farris, Founder and Executive Director of Blue SAR, a nonprofit dedicated to the search, recovery, and rescue of missing persons, with a special focus on vulnerable individuals. Angelina introduces listeners to Skye, Blue SAR's black-and-tan bloodhound trained specifically in scent-discriminating trailing. Unlike a tracking dog following impressions on the ground, Skye is trained to follow the scent of one specific person—providing search teams with another resource that may help narrow a search more quickly. Skye is also trained to give a quiet sit alert when she finds someone, an intentional choice when searching for individuals who may be autistic, have dementia, or otherwise become overwhelmed or frightened. Jennifer and Angelina also discuss something families may never have considered: preparing a scent kit before an emergency occurs. Angelina explains how an uncontaminated scent can help Skye begin a search and why families traveling with a vulnerable loved one may want to bring their prepared scent kit with them. The conversation is filled with practical steps families and caregivers can take now—from keeping current photos and medication information readily available to checking home-camera placement and recording settings. Angelina also addresses an important misconception: families do not have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. It's an important conversation about prevention, preparation, and having additional resources in place before they're ever needed. Because in a search for a missing loved one, saving time can make all the difference. Email: Blue@BlueSAR.org Phone: 713.256.2445 call or text Scent Kits Facebook Messenger

    S4-Ep 37: When Every Second Counts: Autism, Elopement & Search and Rescue with Blue SAR

  7. Aug 5

    S4-Ep 36: More Than Swim Lessons: Practical Water Safety Solutions for Families of Autism with Swim AngelFish

    Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for autistic individuals—but there are practical steps families can take to reduce the risk. In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Cindy Freedman OT, co-founder of Swim Angelfish, occupational therapist, and recreational therapist, to discuss adaptive swim instruction, water safety, and the free resources available to help families, caregivers, educators, and aquatic professionals. You'll learn: The difference between water safety and swim lessons Simple strategies families can begin using today How adaptive swim instruction can help children of all abilities Free downloadable resources available through Swim Angelfish website Whether your child loves the water or avoids it, this episode is packed with practical information that could make a life-saving difference. Show Notes: Adaptive Resources Mini-Course Adaptive Water Safety Tool Kit Inclusive Water Safety Activity Book Waterproof Visual Schedule  YouTube: https://youtu.be/2GADgf6egcY

    S4-Ep 36: More Than Swim Lessons: Practical Water Safety Solutions for Families of Autism with Swim AngelFish

  8. Jul 15

    S4-Ep 35: Building Employment Success for Autistic Adults with Dr. Dorothea Lerman

    In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Dr. Dorothea Lerman, Professor of Behavior Analysis at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and Director of the UHCL Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, to explore the skills that truly lead to workplace success. While many vocational programs focus on teaching job-specific tasks, Dr. Lerman explains why social communication, problem-solving, accepting feedback, self-advocacy, and understanding the "hidden curriculum" of the workplace are often the keys to obtaining and maintaining employment. Jennifer and Dr. Lerman also discuss: Why employment preparation should begin years before a first job The importance of realistic career expectations and early work experiences How parents can build workplace readiness at home Common barriers autistic individuals face in employment Practical ways employers can create more inclusive workplaces The role of mentors, accommodations, and clear communication in supporting neurodiverse employees Dr. Lerman also shares insights from her new book, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Helping Learners Prepare for Social Demands in the Workplace, a practical resource designed to help professionals teach the social and communication skills that support long-term workplace success. Learn more or purchase Dr. Lerman's book here: https://a.co/d/0i4CIt9U Contact Dr. Lerman: Lerman@uhcl.edu or caddvoc@uhcl.edu  Whether you're a parent, educator, employer, behavior analyst, or self-advocate, this conversation offers practical strategies and valuable insights to help autistic individuals build confidence, develop meaningful employment skills, and thrive in the workplace. Because preparing for employment isn't just about finding a job—it's about creating opportunities for lifelong success.

    S4-Ep 35: Building Employment Success for Autistic Adults with Dr. Dorothea Lerman
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About

Every voice deserves to be heard, and every story has the power to inspire. Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism is a podcast dedicated to amplifying the neurodiverse community. Hosted by Jennifer Dantzler, a passionate advocate and educator, this show brings together autistic individuals, parents, educators, and community members to share real experiences, expert insights, and practical strategies. From navigating daily life to advocating for inclusion, each episode offers heartfelt conversations, powerful stories, and valuable resources to help us all better understand and support neurodiversity. The podcast where neurodiverse voices take center stage.

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