In this deeply personal episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, host Jennifer Dantzler sits down with Emily, a 21-year-old young adult on the autism spectrum, and her father Greg, to share their family’s remarkable journey. From early diagnosis and challenges with fitting in, to Emily’s triumphs in theater, education, and personal growth, this episode offers a raw and inspiring look at what it truly means to support and believe in a neurodiverse child.

You’ll hear Emily reflect on the moment she discovered her autism diagnosis, how she found confidence in her differences, and her passion for acting and inspiring others. Greg opens up about the early fears, the importance of parenting through partnership, and the powerful moment he realized how much he was learning from his daughter.

In this heartfelt episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, Sarah opens up about her son Ben’s journey from a non-verbal toddler to a thriving 20-year-old college student living independently. Diagnosed with autism between the ages of two and three, Ben’s early years were filled with questions, therapies, and determination. Sarah reflects on the tough decisions, the power of a "mommy gut," and how interventions like ABA and speech therapy transformed not only Ben’s life but their entire family dynamic. Whether you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will leave you encouraged and reminded that the path may be tough—but it’s absolutely possible.

In this episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, we sit down with local Chick-fil-A owner, Duane Johnston, who is not only serving up great food—but also creating inclusive work environments. Hear how this business leader has embraced inclusion by employing neurodiverse young adults, sought training for his team to promote understanding, and partnered with a local nonprofit to offer an in-house vocational opportunity. From hiring practices to workplace culture, we explore what it really takes to build a supportive, inclusive environment—and why it’s good for business and the community. Whether you're a business owner, advocate, or simply curious about how to make the workplace more inclusive, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas.

In this heartfelt episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, we sit down with a dedicated mother who shares her journey raising a neurodiverse child. From the early days of navigating ABA therapy to witnessing her child’s incredible progress, she reflects on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Join us as we explore the impact of support, advocacy, and the full-circle moments that make the journey worthwhile.

In this mini-episode, host Jennifer Dantzler shares the heart and purpose behind Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism. Discover why this podcast was created, the mission to amplify neurodiverse voices, and what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes. Whether you're a parent, educator, self-advocate, or ally, this episode sets the stage for meaningful conversations, insights, and inspiration.