National Council on Severe Autism: Driving Change with Jackie Kancir and Tammy Snyder

In this powerful episode, Heather and Steve sit down with Jackie Kancir, Executive Director of the National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA), and Tammy Snyder, New York State Chair for NCSA—two incredible women who live the reality of severe autism every single day and fight to make a difference far beyond their own families.

 “We didn’t choose this path—but we’re choosing to walk it with purpose, for every family who feels unseen.” – Tammy Snyder
 “There’s a whole population of individuals being left out of the conversation. We’re here to change that.” – Jackie Kancir

NCSA traveled to Washington, D.C. last week to bring these urgent concerns to national policymakers—and Steve was there, standing alongside them in solidarity. This conversation dives into why this kind of targeted approach matters and how you can be part of the growing advocacy network.

Together, we cover:

• Why the voices of those with severe autism are drowned out in mainstream conversations

• The emotional cost of navigating broken systems How policy fails families—and what must change

• What’s happening in New York State that most people aren’t talking about

• How you can connect and take action through NCSA’s national and state-level networks

This episode doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable. It’s a raw, honest, and necessary conversation that lays the groundwork for real advocacy. If you’ve ever felt like no one gets it, this one’s for you. These women do. And they’re not backing down.

🎧 Listen now and join a growing movement of people finding strength in shared stories—and taking action that matters.

🌐 Learn more and connect with NCSA:
👉 National Network Map – Find your state!
👉 New York State Page

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