1 in 31: Autism Today

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guests are Ian Hockley and Amanda Storer. Ian serves as Program Director for Autism on the Seas Foundation. Amanda Storer is a Group Leader and Senior Staff Member at Autism on the Seas (AotS). AotS is the leading developmental disability service supplier to the cruise industry. Their foundation works to provide fully funded, professionally supported respite breaks to families facing the extraordinary demands of autism and complex developmental disabilities.

Amanda and Ian join us to discuss the AotS Resorts Program, their staff assisted cruises, and the resources they provide to families including Respite Grants. 

Tune in to learn more or visit:

https://autismontheseas.com/

https://www.aotsf.org/ 

 

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guests are Ben and Dan Hartranft.

Ben was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 2. Now, 20 years later he is a fierce advocate for autism with his own nonprofit - Benergy1 Foundation. This foundation helps to support independent living for adults with autism. Ben also shares his story via public speaking at schools, businesses, and organizations. He wants everyone to know that 'one king person can change the world', sharing that inclusion and kindness has shaped his life with autism, positively. Ben is joined by his brother Dan, who is also an advocate for siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum. Tune in or learn more at: https://www.benergy1.com/ 

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Chef Pearl. Currently based in Rockland County NY, Chef Pearl is a native of North-Eastern Thailand. She was trained in classic French Cooking at Le Cordon Bleu, London and French Culinary Institute in LA and NYC. Chef Pearl teaches Thai, Asian, European, American, Polynesian, and Fusion cooking at Sur La Table in Nanuet, NY. She also offers hands-on, private and group sessions as well as Taste of the Spectrum. This is an inclusive culinary program that provides hands-on cooking classes designed specifically for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. Chef Pearl helps to build life skills, independence, and confidence for her students. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://www.pearlcookingstudio.com/

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Amy Gravino. Amy is an author, international speaker, autism sexuality advocate, consultant and relationship coach. She is the founder and operator of A.S.C.O.T Consulting LLC, which provides consulting and college coaching services for individuals with autism, to help them thrive and succeed both academically and socially in a higher education setting. Amy also serves on the board of directors for multiple organizations including Yes She Can Inc, and Specialisterne USA. Her work has been featured in Spectrum, the leading online news source for autism research, Reader’s Digest, special education textbooks, and other outlets. Tune in to learn more about Amy or visit: www.AmyGravino.com

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Ashley Wool. Ashley is known for originating the role of Jessica in the groundbreaking Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio. She has established herself as a uniquely vibrant and dynamic storyteller, and one of the entertainment industry's leading voices in autistic advocacy. Ashley made her Broadway debut in 2023 in the musical 'How to Dance in Ohio', in which she played one of seven autistic characters that were cast with autistic actors. This was a historical first for autistic and disability representation in the media, and behind the scenes, Ashley helped to craft a work environment that prioritized accessibility and inclusion in ways that no commercial theatre production ever had before. Ashley joins us to discuss authenticity in casting, creating an accessible work environment, modifying existing practices to be more inclusive to neurodivergence and other disabilities, and more. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://www.ashleywool.com/ 

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Kimberly Popolizio. Kimberly is the owner of and instructor at i2Evolve LLLC. She is also a NYS K-12 Certified Art Educator, and holds Trauma-informed Creative Art & Sand Play Therapy Certificates from SUNY Albany. i2Evolve is an art studio located in the Hudson Valley region of New York. They partner with schools and organizations who want to bring art into their everyday lives. They provide studio classes, private sessions, summer camps and workshops, parties, paint and sip events, and more! The i2Evolve Art Studio team was recently trained by Anderson Center for Autism to become an Autism Supportive Environment as well!
Tune in or learn more or visit: https://i2evolve.com/

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Jan Schlueter. Jan is the CEO and Founder of Neurodiverse Technologies, an innovation-led company creating assistive tools for neurodivergent individuals, with a focus on meaningful independence, confidence, and opportunity. From learning to drive to navigating the workforce, they design technology that adapts to each mind, not the other way around. Rooted in inclusion and real-life impact, they believe that with the right support, every individual can thrive. Tune in to learn more about Jan and SANDI - their interactive desktop simulator, or visit: https://neurodiversetechnologies.com/

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Alex Astrella. Alex is a visual artist based out of Orange County California. He is the founder and CEO of Blu Star Productions, a company founded by an artist with a disability for artists with disabilities. Alex was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 2. He joins us to discuss Blu Star and their inaugural film festival (May 2, 2026) which will showcase the work of neurodivergent filmmakers. Their goal is to empower disabled artists and creators across the globe with the resources needed to showcase their groundbreaking talents. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://www.blustarproductions.com/

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Mariel Piña. Mariel is the Coordinator of Planning and Adult Services for the Rockland County Department of Mental Health (RCDMH). Mariel joins us to discuss the All-Abilities training RCDMH underwent and subsequent partnership with Anderson Center Consulting and Training. RCDMH is now offering a series of free trainings to organizations and businesses in Rockland County to build autism-friendly environments across all sectors of the community. Mariel also discusses the Rockland Works Career Center - Rockland’s one-stop employment and training resource, supporting both the employment and training needs of job seekers and the staffing needs of local employers. 

Tune in to learn more or visit: https://www.rocklandcountyny.gov/departments/mental-health/mental-health-training

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Brigitte Shipman. Brigitte is a speaker, author, certified life coach, and host of the Mother's Guide Through Autism podcast. She is also mom to two adult sons, one on the autism spectrum. Her mission is to help parents—and anyone navigating life’s “tsunamis”—move from heartbreak to healing, from overwhelm to empowerment. Briggite shares real stories and practical insights that inspire healing, connection, and hope for families—and for anyone navigating life’s unexpected challenges.

Tune in to learn more or visit: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/