Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism
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.
You Are Not Broken. You Just Have Different Gears: How One Family Learned, Adapted, and Thrived

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 he...
One Mom's Perspective: From Early Intervention to College

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...
New Rates of Autism; Beyond the Numbers.

The CDC has released updated data: are now identified as autistic. But what does this really mean? Our Executive Director, Jennifer Dantzler, was in the studio first thing this morning to record this powerful episode. In this special podcast she shares her perspective on why these numbers are just the beginning of the conversation. It’s not just about statistics—it’s about understanding, inclusion, and action. Tune in to hear why it's time to look beyond the numbers and focus on building inclusive communities. Listen now!
Building Inclusive Workplaces: A Business Owner's Perspective

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, advoca...
A Mother’s Reflection on her Child’s Growth

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.
The Mission Behind the Mic

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.