Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

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Imagine walking in Faria Arsh's shoes for a moment. A devoted mother to a non-verbal, severely autistic daughter, Faria has not only navigated through the labyrinth of special needs parenting but also found innovative methods to simplify their life.
In our engaging conversation, Faria opens her heart about her journey with her daughter, Afia, from finding a specialized school, embracing technology for communication to preparing for the changes that puberty brings to a child with autism.
The second part of our heart-to-heart with Faria takes you through Afia's life transitions. The shift from picture cards to an iPad to assist in communication, the importance of establishing a strong support network, and meticulously planning even the simplest of daily tasks.
But the highlight of our conversation is Faria's ingenious toilet training method, a game-changer for many parents in the special needs community.
It’s a blend of her personal and professional experiences that formed the foundation of her successful approach, now encapsulated in her book 'Toilet Training for Autistic and Send Children and Adults.'
Navigating through life with Afia, Faria has discovered joy in simple things. Despite the challenges of parenting an autistic child, they find happiness in their unique ways.
It's a journey that can inspire, educate and offer a fresh perspective on living with autism.
So, tune in as we unravel the resilience, dedication, and hope that propels Faria in this journey of love and acceptance.
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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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What if music could be the bridge to understanding and acceptance for individuals with autism?
On a heartwarming episode of Why Not Me the World, I'm honored to sit down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter, Brei Carter. Brei is not only known for her melodies but is a passionate advocate for mental health, specifically for those living in the spectrum of autism.
We delve into the transformative power of rhythm and lyrics, and how it can bring comfort, joy, and a unique form of communication to those whose world is often misunderstood.
Brei takes us on her personal journey, pivoting from the medical field to use her voice to uplift and advocate for mental health. We delve into her inspiring blog, Music is Medicine, and the healing collective she founded, offering a beacon of hope and understanding.
We explore how Brei's music and her unwavering dedication to her cause have brought about change, bridged communication gaps, and fostered a sense of belonging in the autism community.
Our conversation explores an important statistic - one in seven people worldwide either know someone or have someone with autism in their family. Brei, with her lyrical advocacy, underlines the critical role of education, acceptance, and community involvement in supporting those affected by autism.
We wrap up this episode looking forward, discussing Brei's future plans to continue her mission, and our shared hope to inspire everyone to lend their voices to this cause. Remember, it's not just about spreading the word about autism, it’s also about embracing the unique tunes everyone brings to this world symphony.

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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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Can you imagine navigating life through pictures?
Our guest today, Samuel Huber, does just that! Diagnosed with autism at age 14, Samuel has a unique perspective on life and shares how his mind processes the world around him.
We take a deep dive into his journey, from his late diagnosis and how it changed his life to the transformative role music plays in enhancing his social skills and brain function.
Ever wondered how someone with autism navigates their world?
Samuel shares his strategies, from overcoming anxiety to finding a haven in music. His insights extend to the nuances of adult life on the spectrum, from the workplace to romantic relationships.
Samuel's journey with public speaking has also helped him connect with other people on the spectrum, and he generously imparts his techniques for navigating social situations.
Finally, we challenge stereotypes, viewing autism as a culture rather than a disorder. Samuel emphasizes the importance of advocating for passions, especially in a college party setting, and the need for open communication between autistic and non-autistic people.
He wraps up by highlighting the need for planning, preparation, and self-care.
We hope this enlightening discussion changes your perspective on autism, offering a look into a mind that sees the world in a way that many of us can't imagine.

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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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Ever wondered about the hidden crisis of suicide among the autistic community?
We shine a light on this critical but often overlooked topic with our guest, Dr. Rachel Moesley, an autistic researcher who was diagnosed at the age of 28.
Her personal journey towards self-discovery and acceptance, after years of battling self-criticism and conforming to societal norms, is both enlightening and inspiring.
In our engaging conversation, we venture into the emotional landscape that can lead to suicidal thoughts, particularly amongst late-diagnosed autistic females. Dr. Moseley's in-depth understanding and perspective on how societal pressures can heighten the challenges faced by autistic individuals is eye-opening.
She further stresses on the importance of recognizing the unique distress signs in autistic people and the critical role of connectedness to help them cope with their struggles.
In the concluding segment of our conversation, we turn our focus towards the societal factors contributing to the high suicide rates among autistic individuals.
Dr. Moseley shares how a rigid mindset, lack of acceptance, and exclusion can have a negative impact on their mental well-being.
We also uncover the alarming correlation between late diagnosis and increased mental illness, underlining the urgency of this issue.
This episode is not just an exploration, it's a call to action - advocating for a society that is more understanding and inclusive.

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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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What if your curiosity led you to an unexpected career path that changes lives every day?
Lisa Kuntz, the inspiring director of the Pierce Autism Center at Touro University, shares her remarkable journey into autism support and education with us.
Starting with a chance role at the university, Lisa's commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals has helped pave the way for improved insurance coverage and advocacy efforts. Y
et, despite these strides, she unveils the persistent barriers families encounter in securing timely assistance and highlights the critical gaps for those who age out of existing support systems.
Join us as we navigate through essential conversations on enhancing autism awareness across various sectors.
We stress the importance of equipping first responders with the knowledge to handle high-pressure situations involving autistic individuals and share real-life examples of potential misunderstandings.
The discussion also covers community initiatives, tackling sensitive topics like bullying and mental health, including suicide and the role of compassionate therapy in providing support.
Finally, we expand our focus globally, examining shared experiences and unique challenges faced by families worldwide, and encourage listeners to participate in this ongoing dialogue to support the global autistic community.

https://tonymantor.com
https://Facebook.com/tonymantor
https://instagram.com/tonymantor
https://twitter.com/tonymantor
https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic
intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)