Autism Rocks and Rolls

We are back with the final segment of the Total Drama Specials. The final part  focuses on Total Drama Pahkitew Island, its fifth branch. In this episode, I talk about what happened during Total Drama All Stars, which resulted in Total Drama Pahkitew Island. I also talk about the new aspects and characters included in Total Drama Pahkitew Island, in addition to how they relate to autism and other impairments. Finally, I discus...

We're back with the fifth part of the Total Drama Specials. The fifth chapter centers around Total Drama All Stars, the fourth spinoff. In this episode, I discuss what transpired in Total Drama Revenge Of The Island, which created Total Drama All Stars. I also speak about the elements and returning characters on Total Drama All Stars, in addition to their connection to autism. Finally, I describes the challenges the returning cast ...

We are back with the fourth part of the Total Drama Specials. The fourth segment focuses on Total Drama Revenge Of The Island, Total Drama's third spinoff. In this episode, I explain what transpired throughout Total Drama World Tour to enable Total Drama Revenge Of The Island. I also discuss the nuances and new characters that appear only in Total Drama Revenge Of The Island, along with how they connect to autism. Finally, I detail...

With our third season, we will continue to broadcast Total Drama specials. The third part addresses Total Drama World Tour, Total Drama's second spinoff. In this episode, I recount what happened in Total Drama Action that made Total Drama World Tour possible. I also explain the factors and one of the three characters who only appear in Total Drama World Tour, as well as their relationship to autism. Finally, I outline the challenge...

The second part of the Total Drama specials is continuing. The second section discusses Total Drama Action, the first Total Drama offshoot. I will discuss what transpired on Total Drama Island to bring about Total Drama Action in this episode. Additionally, I explain the components unique to Total Drama Action and their connection to autism. Finally, I address the challenges inspired by movies and how each one represents autism or ...

We're going on a different path because I've chosen to produce a six-part special about Total Drama, one of my childhood favorite television programs. I begin the episode by outlining Total Drama Island's concepts and comparing it to reality competition shows like Fear Factor and Survivor. I also discuss the series "outsider energy." I also discuss the conflict and how it connects to the chaos we face in real life. Lastly, I wrap u...

Matthew Williams, a Canadian Special Olympic athlete, will be my guest on this episode of Autism Rocks and Rolls. After hearing about his address to my mother's eighth graders, I was certain he would show up. For twenty years, Mr. Williams participated in the figure skating division of the Canadian Special Olympics. His notoriety grew to the point where he competed for Canada in the 2015 and 2017 Special Olympic World Games. He has...

Today's guest is Michael Pereira, the owner of The Autism Voyage. After 10 years at a company in America, high-stakes negotiations, and climbing the corporate ladder, Michael Pereira had everything figured out. Everything abruptly altered in 2022 when his son was diagnosed with autism. "What happens to my son when I'm not here?" became the most crucial question for him. Michael started The Autism Voyage after pursuing an occupation...

Betsy Wurzel, an acquaintance of Autism Rocks and Rolls, is my guest today. Betsy is a qualified practical nurse and a former teacher's assistant. Her child, Josh, is on the autism spectrum and has a cognitive impairment. She also looked after her mother-in-law, who had Alzheimer's. That custom continued after her spouse, Matt, was also given an early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2010. She has transformed her anger into positivit...

My new friend Missy Brown will be here with me for this episode. Her experience working with both child and senior populations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, allows her to work simultaneously with clients and behind the scenes in creating programs and support. Her true interest is helping those with unique needs, especially those who have autism and Alzheimer's. She discusses her efforts in her book, Soaring Over Skepticism. Outside ...

I'll talk about how people with autism behave in big places in this episode. I start by discussing what constitutes a space and what locations qualify as large spaces. I also discuss how families should never tell their children, "You'll get used to it." In addition, I share with my audience the positive and negative aspects of large environments for people with autism. Lastly, if a person with autism becomes overwhelmed in a large...

Today, I'm going to have Terry Bursey as my guest on Autism Rocks and Rolls. Terry (T.C.) Bursey, a full-time single father in Dover, Newfoundland and Labrador, is an educated journalist, culinary writer, public speaker, autism educator, advocate for himself, and writer. Mr. Bursey has always placed a high value on writing. He urges other authors to see being an author as a reward in and of itself and not as a way to achieve a goal...

Today's episode focuses on Leila Farschian. Leila Farschian is at the intersection of education, technology, and social impact with over 25 years of knowledge of behavioral therapy and autism education. holding a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Columbia University's Teachers College in addition to being a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Special Educator. Her early professional achievement was th...

In this episode, I dive into the topics of autism looping and echolalia. I start by explaining what both of these are and how they’re similar yet different from one another. I also share a personal daily experience that inspired me to discuss this topic. Throughout the episode, I talk about how looping and echolalia can actually help people with autism build social skills. I also speak directly to parents, explaining why it&r...

Gab Eato, a supporter of individuals with autism and ADHD, will be the guest on this episode. Ms. Eato, a 26-year-old neurodiversity advocate, philanthropist, and digital visionary, is transforming the way people think about inclusivity on the internet. Eleable, the world's first Digital Design Psychology firm, was founded by her. It combines mental health, imagination, and accessibility to develop ADA/WCAG-compliant websites that ...

I have two guests for you. Starting off is Sourena Vassenghi, the incredible individual  who finds joy in life despite having cerebral palsy and being wheelchair-bound. Mr. Vassenghi is a parent and husband in addition to his duties as a writer and company entrepreneur. I also bring his closest companion, Chris Stevenson, who performs on stage with Sourena and speaks all over the world about customer service and the field of f...

Join me as I speak with former WWE and WCW wrestler Bill DeMott. He is well-known for his roles as Hugh Morris in WCW and his work in the WWE under his real name. While the promotion was in decline, he achieved title glory by holding the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship twice at the end of 2000 and the beginning of 2001. He usually worked as a jobber to the WCW stars. Mr. DeMott has been a coach for the business's Tough E...

Marc Copani, a former professional wrestler who goes as Muhammad Hassan, is my following guest. Mr. Copani introduced Muhammad Hassan, one of the most ferocious antagonists in WWE history, in 2004. He was an American of Arabic descent who would praise Allah and condemn the United States for the 9/11 tragedy. Copani's controversial reputation led to him working with superstars like The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan. He's on my show beca...

For the past 15 years, Jake Edgar, my guest, has enjoyed working with children and adolescents with disabilities in a variety of settings, including managing and supervising self-contained classrooms and currently serving as the Director of Education at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health. He also started the Carolina Special Education Advocacy Group, where he helps families with the IEP process and advocates for individuals with ...