Lisa Kuntz: Transforming Autism Support – From University Role to Global Advocacy and Awareness Efforts

02/19/25 • 28 min

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.

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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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BONUS EPISODE: Mike Ghesser: A Father's Mission to Transform the World for Neurodiverse Individuals

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Imagine meeting a neurologist who changes not only your perspective but the entire trajectory of your family's journey.
That's precisely what happened to Mike Ghesser, co-founder of CleanLogic, when his daughter Rosie was diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition at just three months old.
In this heartfelt episode, we explore how that pivotal moment led Mike and his wife to become devoted, therapy-focused parents, ultimately inspiring the creation of CleanLogic—a company that champions inclusivity by offering meaningful employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
Our conversation continues with a deep dive into the world of inclusive education.
Mike shares his family's experiences moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia to find the best resources for Rosie, highlighting the power of an educational environment where students with disabilities learn alongside their neurotypical peers.
Through these stories, we emphasize the importance of focusing on abilities rather than differences and the broader societal changes needed to foster true inclusivity and accessibility in everyday life.
Finally, we explore how Mike's personal journey has translated into groundbreaking employment initiatives at CleanLogic.
Driven by a partnership with Isaac Shapiro and inspired by Rosie's progress, Mike discusses how the company has adapted roles to leverage the unique skills of individuals with disabilities.
From sewing to manufacturing, we showcase the potential unlocked when people are given the right opportunities and support.
This episode is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of shared experiences and the stories that inspire us to believe in our capacity to change the world, one inclusive action at a time.

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Dr. Tina J. Ramsey: Transforming Challenges into Advocacy – Navigating Autism with Resilience and Community Support

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Dr. Tina J Ramsey shares her profound journey of navigating autism with her son, emphasizing the essential role of empathy, advocacy, and communication. Her insights encourage parents to support their children with understanding, while providing valuable resources for navigating adulthood.
• Discusses personal experiences and emotions surrounding autism diagnosis
• Emphasizes the importance of communication for children on the spectrum
• Shares challenges faced in traditional schooling and the decision to homeschool
• Explores bullying and the impact on emotional well-being
• Highlights the significance of understanding during puberty and teenage years
• Advocates for community support for parents of autistic children
• Provides insights into resources available for young adults transitioning to independence
• Encourages self-advocacy and asking questions about available services