Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

Faria Ash on Building the Autism Foundation, Training, Advocacy, and Safer Care in the UK Host Tony Mantor welcomes back autism advocate Faria Ash, who returns to share her progress since discussing her book on toilet training for autistic and SEND children and adults, based on her nonverbal daughter Aia’s real-life story. Faria explains that the book’s success led her to form the Autism Foundation in the UK (officially launched October 2023), expanding from workshops into autism training for communities, professionals, schools, and care homes, with a focus on communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviors, sensory impairments, and reducing challenging behaviors to improve quality of life. She describes launching an advocacy service to help parents navigate UK processes such as EHCP reports and school documentation so children receive appropriate support. The conversation addresses misconceptions about autism—especially the idea that “autism is a superpower”—and outlines autism “levels” (1–3) through the core assessment areas of communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Faria also discusses the overlap between autism and anxiety, emphasizing routines and structure as key supports, and shares challenges including resistance from authorities and difficulties fundraising to create a safe care facility amid reports of abuse in care settings. For Autism Awareness Month, she emphasizes that true inclusion requires asking autistic people and families what practical accommodations would help them participate in schools, workplaces, and communities, and she shares how to find her online via autismfoundation.co.uk and her social media profiles. Welcome to 'Why Not Me' — Autism & Mental Health Worldwide Meet Your Host Tony Mantor + Why Following Helps Introducing Guest Faria Ash & Her Growing Autism Foundation (UK) What’s Changed Since Last Time: Book Launch, Foundation, and Care Facility Vision How the Autism Foundation Started: Aia’s Story & Toilet Training Breakthrough Training the Community: Sensory Needs, Communication, and Challenging Behavior Foundation Growth: Care Homes, Professional Training, and Parent Advocacy (EHCPs) Fixing Misconceptions: Social Media, ‘Autism as a Superpower,’ and Nonverbal Reality Where to Start When Learning Autism: The 3 Core Areas (Communication, Social, Repetitive) Explaining Autism Levels 1–3 (and What They Look Like Day-to-Day) Autism & Anxiety Overlap: Why Routine Helps and How to Support It Hard Lessons Building a Foundation: Authorities, Funding, and Safe Care for Vulnerable Adults The Parents’ Resilience: Stories That Keep the Mission Going Beyond Awareness Month: What Real Inclusion Looks Like in Communities One Misconception to End: ‘Autism Is a Superpower’ How to Connect with Faria + What’s Next for the Foundation Final Thanks & How to Share Your Story with the Show INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lois Brady on Autism Digest, Real Stories, and Raising Expectations in Autism Support Host Tony Mantor welcomes Lois Brady, publisher of Autism Digest and a speech-language pathologist, to discuss how the magazine blends expert guidance with lived experience using multimedia features like QR-linked videos. Brady shares how writing Apps for Autism and contributing to Autism, Asperger’s Digest led to her acquiring the publication nearly two years ago. As the mother of an autistic son, she describes early signs, being brushed off by providers, choosing not to label him in school, and the long-term effort that helped him become independent and employed, though social challenges remain. Brady emphasizes early identification, practical parent strategies, and avoiding the Rosenthal Effect of low expectations, including teaching non-speaking individuals to type. She describes a breakthrough with a non-speaking child using text-to-speech, addresses public misconceptions, contrasts meltdowns with tantrums, discusses Asperger’s being folded into autism, highlights Temple Grandin’s practical advice, and explores how AI can support early intervention and diagnostic cues. 00:00 Show Intro and Mission 01:21 Meet Lois Brady 02:18 How Autism Digest Began 04:28 Early Career and Inspiration 05:14 A Mom’s Diagnosis Journey 07:39 Early Signs and Adulthood Today 09:16 How Autism Understanding Evolved 10:33 Raising Expectations and Communication 12:16 Typing Breakthrough Story 14:24 Lessons from Autistic Voices 16:06 Media Myths and Public Understanding 17:43 Aspergers vs Autism 18:17 AI for Early Support 21:10 From Cure to Support 22:51 Temple Grandin Wisdom 24:25 Meltdowns vs Tantrums 25:41 Stories and Rising Rates 28:52 Success and High Expectations 29:57 Transitions and Exposure 31:06 Ask Learn Connect INTRO/OUTRO Music: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

n this episode of Why Not Me, host Tony Mantor, broadcasting from Nashville, Tennessee, delves into the mental health challenges faced by first responders and veterans. Featuring Dr. Jean Cillo, a clinical and forensic psychologist, and retired Lieutenant Tom Antonette from the NYPD, the discussion explores the PTP (Post Tour Processing) program, a pioneering mental health support initiative designed by law enforcement for law enforcement, now expanded to all first responders. The episode emphasizes the importance of providing a safe space for first responders to process trauma, the critical role of peer support, and the continuous efforts to ensure mental well-being in highly stressful jobs. Both guests shed light on the nuanced experiences of police officers, EMTs, and other first responders, underscoring the necessity for accessible mental health resources and the shift in cultural attitudes towards seeking help. First Responders and Mental Health Introducing Dr. Jean Cillo and Lt. Tom Antonette Understanding Trauma in First Responders Coping Mechanisms and Dark Humor The Role of Post-Tour Processing Tom Antonetti's Background and Insights Challenges and Support for Retired Officers Final Thoughts and Resources Closing Remarks and Call to Action INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.