Staring Down the Storm: Autism Advocacy in America

Did you know that Tabitha, our dear host and guide, grew up in rural Indiana, attended both University of Southern Indiana and Indiana State, learned French, considered the military, and then stumbled into the field she would end up working in for 17 years: a flight attendant in the airline industry?

Today we present an "episode swap" - where a conversation appears on two podcasts: The MultiPod, which explores the lives and experiences of multipotentialites, and here, on Staring Down the Storm, Autism Advocacy in America.

Why? Well, we often don't realize...

The word gratitude gets thrown around a lot. But gratitude without action is just a performance. In this episode, I sat down with KT White and Brenda Killeen of Allies for Humanity to have an honest, necessary conversation about what real service actually looks like — especially when it comes to our unhoused neighbors. This isn’t a feel-good discussion. It’s a reality check.

We talk about trust, trauma, and the exhausting truth of showing up every day while watching institutions offer words instead of solutions. Why are grassroots organizations doing the deepest work constantly in cri...

I grew up on a homestead, so I’ve always understood the value of growing your own food — not as a trend, but as a way of life. That’s why this conversation with Tad Streepey of Gypsy Rain Organics hit such a nerve for me. At its core, this episode isn’t just about organic farming. It’s about power, control, and who gets to decide what’s “safe” enough for our families.

Tad is doing everything right — growing nutrient-dense food, using careful processes, serving his community — and still found himself shut down by vague, inconsistentl...

Growing up in a neurodivergent family doesn’t come with a manual — it comes with chaos, humor, grief, resilience, and a crash course in empathy. In this conversation, Charlie Biluck and I get honest about what it really means to live inside a “neurospicy” family system, where love is fierce, advocacy is non-negotiable, and emotional regulation is a daily practice, not a buzzword.

We talk about why society is so quick to romanticize autism while refusing to sit with the hard parts. What happens when disability isn’t visible? Why are parents judged instead of supported...

In this episode of Staring Down the Storm, I sit down with the incredible team from JD Angel’s Family Care to talk about what it really means to support individuals with intellectual disabilities—and why so many systems keep failing them. We dig into the origin of the organization, which started simply to meet a pressing housing need, but quickly grew into something much bigger: a place where clients gain life skills, confidence, and dignity.

We talk about the daily realities—how structured programs, luxury living, and genuine care transform lives. But it’s not just...

I’ll be honest: the conversation we should be having about financial literacy is so much bigger than budgets and bank accounts.

It’s about values, agency, and the courage to question systems we treat as inevitable. That’s why I wanted to talk with David Delisle — because he’s not just teaching kids about money, he’s trying to reshape how families think about consumption, curiosity, and what actually makes a life meaningful.

And here’s what keeps nagging me: why do we act like our choices don’t shape markets and cult...

I’m struck by how much of Caleb Banks and Amy Betzold’s journey began with one radical choice: taking Caleb’s ideas seriously. A single painted horse sparked The Gypsy King, and together they built an entire world from it. Why do we treat kids’ creative instincts as optional instead of worthy of real investment?

What moves me most is how committed they are to doing this right. Historical fiction demands honesty, even when the truth is uncomfortable. They refuse to sanitize the 1840s or gloss over culture, race, or power. Instead, they’re seeking pe...

In this episode, I sit down with Erin Geddes to explore the emotional and often overlooked experience of growing up neurodivergent without a diagnosis. She shares what it feels like to move through childhood and adulthood believing you’re “not trying hard enough,” when the real issue is that the world isn’t built to recognize or support different ways of thinking. And I have to ask—how many kids are still silently living that reality today?

For Erin, writing her book wasn’t just a creative outlet—it was a process of self-understanding. She has lived...

We continue our conversation with TK & KT of Allies for Humanity, focusing on the importance of advocacy for autism and the need for community engagement to create meaningful change.

We explore the impact of foster care on children, particularly those with autism, and emphasize the collective responsibility of humanity to support vulnerable populations.

We also look at the role of music and community in healing and fostering hope, as well as the challenges posed by political systems in effecting change, especially in this day and age. We know that...

In the first of a two-part episode, I am so pleased to welcome my friends TK and KT to the podcast. They are the co-founders of Allies For Humanity in Indianapolis, an organization dedicated not just to housing those in need but to building strong, healthy communities.

In part one, we explore the themes of autism advocacy, humanity, and the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals, particularly those who are unhoused. We discuss the significance of sovereignty, how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact, and how community support is essential...

Kari Sheward of the Tangram organization in Indianapolis joins me today to talk about their coaching and support work for people with disabilities, but also her perspective on advocacy and choosing the battles that are necessary.

We get pulled in many directions, but this is what brings us back to the collective responsibility to defend rights and advocate for those less able to do so themselves.

We talk about how advocacy requires courage and a willingness to take risks, and how people are watching our actions and responses. Speaking...

In this week's episode, I travel to Oklahoma to meet N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas, candidate for US Senate, who shares her journey as an autism mom, nurse, and military spouse.

Jasmine and I discuss the importance of indigenous rights, environmental stewardship, and the role of matriarchy in her culture. She also opens up about her personal experiences with motherhood, navigating healthcare systems, and the challenges of being a single mother.

Jasmine's advocacy for autism awareness and the need for resources highlights the struggles faced by families in similar situations.

Jennifer Wiese joins me to talk about the importance of including people with disabilities in the workforce, addressing the stigma and barriers that still exist.

Jen is well placed to have a keen perspective on this, as she is the owner with her husband of BeeFree, producers of gluten-free snacks and a true Indiana success story.

Through their non-profit arm, BeeFree Bakes, they provide jobs and resources for adults with autism and other disabilities, empowering them to thrive in a supportive environment. Their oldest son was diagnosed with autism...

My friend Phoenyx Powell joins me to share her journey as an advocate for accessible travel, discussing her personal experiences with chronic illness, neurodivergence, and the impact of a traumatic brain injury.

Phoenyx emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself while traveling, the need for disability awareness, and the significance of educating children about acceptance and differences. Through her story, Phoenix highlights the challenges but also the triumphs of living with a disability, the role of humor in coping, and the importance of open-mindedness in parenting.

We both feel that...

I have a bonus episode for you this week (in addition to my upcoming conversation with my friend Phoenyx), which features my friend Moulay Hicham Aamalki and his wife Kenia, who lead wellness retreats to Morocco.

In fact, they have an upcoming trip that runs from October 26-31 and there is one spot left! If you think you can jump on it, visit the site here and let them know! https://easehealingretreats.com/

Our chat today not just goes over their trip and back story running retreats, but why...

With the unfortunate and completely unnecessary "announcements" over the past couple weeks, trying to link Tylenol with autism, scaring mothers and pregnant women, and perhaps worst of all, dragging the stigma of shame and doubt back into families with autism - we need to talk.

And that's what this podcast is for, to be able to respond and react to these kinds of events, and encourage our community to speak out. You are not alone, we do not each live in an island unto ourselves.

I invited Sarah McCorkle...

My friend Christina McGairk joins me to share her the multifaceted journey of autism advocacy, and we focus focusing on our personal experiences as single mothers of autistic children.

As always, there's so much to think about, things that people often forget, and the scale of it is immense. Hair care, dietary preferences, potty training, communication devices, educational experiences and school dynamics, navigating the challenges of autism and bullying, and that just scratches the surface.

But we're here to highlight the significance of community support, mentorship, and advocacy in...

In Part 2 with Ellerie, we address the importance of multiculturalism and diversity in the United States, reflecting on her personal experiences from military service to higher education.

Ellerie is a deep believer in the power of curiosity. She puts a passionate emphasis on the value of being curious about others' lived experiences, and the need to address unconscious biases.

We also share our thoughts on having difficult conversations, the obligation to stand against what is wrong, and the significance of a person's individual contributions in creating a positive impact...

My friend Ellerie Rollins joins me for a conversation about autism, the neurodiverse community, diversity, empathy, and curiosity, all from a lens of a recently retired United States Air Force Reservist. Ellerie spent years in the reserve as an airplane mechanic, and so can speak to the experience of being a different or unique person within a larger group or community.

We chat about the historical and social aspects of American military service, including multi-generational service, the diversity of the military, and its impact on civilian life. Ellerie discusses the overlap between the military...

In the final part of my conversation with College Internship Program (CIP) Program Director Ed Roe, we look at different practical situations where our children with autism can function and thrive, and Ed shares his experience observing the "autistic burnout" - when newly-arrived college students face too many life tasks all at once, and after about six weeks start to shut down.

CIP's focus goes beyond just the concept of independence, but to recognizing "interdependence," how people of all backgrounds need to live and work together, and how neurodivergent students fit in to our...

Ed and I talk in part 3 about the emotional release of parents and caregivers arriving at CIP, and realizing that there are indeed others who care about their kid just as much as they do, and in the same way.

Because they get it, the understand. You are no longer on an island unto yourself, support is here.

We chat about understanding the "rules and norms" of society and how most of the CIP students are either rule followers or rule breakers.

But what...

Ed Roe and I continue our conversation about the College Internship Program (CIP), and in part two talk about life in Bloomington, Indiana.

Bloomington thus far remains an island of safety and acceptance for people of all different backgrounds and situations. But as we know, that status quo is constantly under threat, particularly in a red state such as ours.

We've seen the University of Indiana be targeted just like so many other universities, and we have to be prepared for impacts to programs and support systems such as...

Do you feel that autism in your family is a burden?

I didn't think so.

We need to get the real stories out there of the joy and wonder that neurodiversity brings to us all. In this week's episode, I'm joined by Ed Roe, the Program Director of the College Internship Program (CIP) in Bloomington, Indiana.

Ed shares his journey from working in K-12 education to his current role at CIP, which supports neurodivergent students transitioning to adulthood by focusing on life skills, social...

My friend David Delisle is here to share his journey of promoting financial literacy through engaging and educational mediums, like his graphic novel, 'The Golden Quest.' David discusses his approach to making financial education engaging for both children and parents by focusing on money mindfulness and values.

We also delve into David's recent trip to India with his sons, and how the challenging experience has strengthened their family bond and taught them resilience.

It's a conversation that covers two grounds: financial literacy, and travel - two topics that...

Today we welcome John Dickerson and Kathy Davis for a conversation about the history, current state, and future of disability rights and services in Indiana.

John shares his long tenure in advocacy starting in 1973 with the Arc of Indiana, recounting the evolution from institutionalization to more inclusive community-based services.

Kathy, the Lieutenant Governor of Indiana from 2003-2005, reflects on her earlier pivotal role as Secretary of the FSSA during a crisis at Newcastle State Developmental Center and the subsequent reforms.

We talk about the...

I continue my important discussion with lawyer Jeff Stinson this week in part two, where we dig deeper into the complexities of guardianship issues, particularly concerning individuals with autism, ADHD, and other disabilities, and the unsettling national conversations around these topics.

We discuss the historical and contemporary aspects of guardianship, the importance of alternatives to family guardians, and the resources available in Indiana. Jeff and I talk about special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and the critical need for early and proactive planning for the futures of special needs individuals.

...

My conversation this week is with lawyer Jeff Stinson of Stinson Law Firm, in Carmel, Indiana. Jeff specializes in Elder Law, and has a particular interest in how it applies to parents and caregivers of children with autism, and the broader disability community.

Jeff emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, especially when a child with disabilities approaches the age of 18. He shares insights into Medicaid waivers, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the new supportive decision-making framework, while also highlighting the challenges and solutions related to transitioning to adulthood.

Jeff...

Noble is a landmark organization and support system in central and eastern Indiana, dedicated to expanding opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families through individualized services.

Molly Lang is Director of Therapy Services, and joins me today to talk about how Noble has grown and evolved over the past 70 years. Originally started as a school, they now have several branches that provide services for adults with IDD. Some of their branches offer services to children, and Noble also provide autism services like ABA.

For Part Three of our conversation with Sarah McCorkle, our discussion centers on autism, genetic testing, and the emotions and ethical considerations faced by parents.

We look at the fear of misuse of genetic data, distrust in political figures like RFK, government involvement in medical decisions, and the balance between scientific advancement and privacy concerns.

The importance of community support, parental advocacy, and the need for society to become more inclusive of autistic individuals is paramount. Our conversation also touches on broader social and political issues, emphasizing the importance...

Activist and organizer Sarah McCorkle joins me for this series of conversations on autism and community. We had lots to cover, and are ever-conscious of the time of busy parents so we've split it into three parts!

Sarah, with her mother, runs the 'We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym' in Carmel, Indiana, a place for sensory-seekers, but moreover, a space for any and all children to interact with one another. It's so important for both neurodivergent and neurotypical children to play together and learn from each other.

Sarah emphasizes...

Activist and organizer Sarah McCorkle joins me for this series of conversations on autism and community. We had lots to cover, and are ever-conscious of the time of busy parents so we've split it into three parts!

Sarah, with her mother, runs the 'We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym' in Carmel, Indiana, a place for sensory-seekers, but moreover, a space for any and all children to interact with one another. It's so important for both neurodivergent and neurotypical children to play together and learn from each other.

Sarah emphasizes...

Mira and I pick up from where we left off in part one, after a break for a coffee refresh and to stretch our legs. Remember to look after yourself and take the time you need to be productive and effective activists.

Mira shares some more of her personal story with chronic illness. We talk about military veterans, disability rights and complex medical conditions. Gay rights, advocacy and stepping up to the fight.

Like in part one, where we explored the question of rights and respect, in part two...

I'm joined by fellow activist Mira Hall for a wide-ranging discussion on identity, respect, recognition, neurodiversity, activism, and most importantly: the nature of human rights.

From religion to education, behavioral health, mental health, HIV/AIDS, the political climate, gender identity, school bullying, American values, patriotism, genetic testing, chronic illness - we cover a lot.

And yet underpinning it all is the question of, "What it means to be a good human." How we treat each other, especially the most vulnerable. What do we want this country to stand for?<...

Jamie Olson of Uniquely You Indiana joins us today for a conversation about navigating medical changes and complexities with autism, and the role that Medicaid plays in getting the support and resources your family needs.

Uniquely You is a monthly magazine written by families, caregivers and individuals with special needs. Filled with resources and great information to celebrate, impact and connect the community together.

Jamie shares her deeply personal journey of raising a child with severe autism and epilepsy, her path to launching Uniquely You magazine, and her mission...

Tabitha and Marya continue their conversation from Part 1 in this heartfelt discussion on autism and neurodiversity.

Drawing from personal experiences, they cover the challenges and misconceptions surrounding autism, emphasizing the importance of individuality in understanding and managing it.

They highlight the significance of asking questions without fear and fostering genuine connections. Marya shares insights from her book, "What If My Pieces Don't Fit", and their joint efforts toward creating safer, more inclusive community spaces.

This episode encourages viewers to seek community, share their stories...

Join host Tabitha Zeigler and special guest Marya Sherron as they discuss the challenges, triumphs, and advocacy work within the autism and neurodivergent community.

Marya shares her personal journey of parenting her two sons, exploring the gaps in resources, the importance of early intervention, and the critical need for better support systems for families.

Learn about the significance of accurate diagnosis, supportive legislation, and the mission to create not just spaces but places where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.

This episode emphasizes the power of...

Parent and autism caregiver Tabitha Zeigler hosts this fiery, truth-packed podcast filled with people doing the work in the trenches for autism and neurodiversity advocacy.

These everyday heroes are leading the way for the next generation. At a time when so much is at stake, ordinary individuals rise up to fill the inequalities in our society.

Join us in our struggles and triumphs while trying to provide resources, access, and programs for all. We welcome you to the fight.

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