1 in 31: Autism Today

Jeremy Buzzell - National Parks System PAVE Program

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Jeremy Buzzell. Jeremy is the Manager of Park Accessibility for Visitors and Employees (PAVE) program within the National Park Service. He joins us to discuss the National Park Service's growing inclusivity and accessibility initiatives, aimed at removing barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities and physical impairments. New supports now include social stories and sensory guides for neurodiverse visitors, and additional training for NPS staff that can better respond to families' needs. Individuals with a disability can attain an America the Beautiful Access Pass for free entry to most Federal Recreation Sites.
Tune in to learn more or visit: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/accessibility.htm

Dr. Blake Warner - UCLA PEERS Clinic

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Dr. Blake Warner. Dr. Warner is a Chief Clinical Fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Warner works within the Tarjan Center at UCLA, which is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). He received his PhD with a dual specialization in Clinical and Disaster Psychology from the University of South Dakota. Dr. Warner joins us to discuss the PEERS (Program for Education Enrichment of Relational Skills) for Dating Clinic. This new 20-week program aims to demystify the often complex social rules surrounding dating and help participants gain a deeper understanding of relationship dynamics. The PEERS Clinic is currently recruiting participants for the free, 20-week study, set to begin in late January. To learn more, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers

You can also contact the clinic directly: 310-26-PEERS or peersclinic@ucla.edu.

Ashley Quitoni - Adaptive Crossfit 845

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Ashley Quitoni. Ashley is a coach with Crossfit 845. The organization recently created a new program - fitness for all - called Adaptive 845. The 8-week program meets twice a week and helps individuals build strength, confidence, and community! Individuals leave this program feeling empowered, included, and a part of the fitness community. Personalized fitness sessions include tailored workouts for ALL ability levels. 

Interested in signing up for their next session? Learn more: https://adaptive.crossfit845.com/

 

Jennifer McGee - Inclusive Art House

Jennifer is the founder of Inclusive Art House, a nonprofit located in Georgia. Jennifer has been a visual artist for over 25 years. She founded Inclusive Art House to empower and uplift disabled and special needs persons. She was inspired by her nephew Isahiah (now 20 years old) who came to live with her and her family in 2020. Isahiah is the focus of Jennifer's book series "Izzy Can't Talk", and has the title Chief of Inspiration within the organization. Jennifer has a new book coming out October 20th, 2025. Books can be purchased at the link below!

Learn more: https://inclusivearthouse.com/

Heather Edwards - AhHa! Broadway

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Heather Edwards. Heather is the co-founder and CEO of AhHa! Broadway, a New York City based nonprofit. Heather has trained as a classical pianist and graduated from Berklee College of Music. AhHa! Broadway enables opportunities for performing arts education and programming to under-resourced kids, veterans, seniors, and neurodivergent adults. They recently partnered with Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) on an inclusive theater program resulting in the QCP's inaugural production of Willy Wonka. The partnership provided opportunities for individuals to participate in various aspects of theater, including acting, backstage crew, and artistry.
Heather wants all individuals to believe in themselves, if you want to be a Broadway star, go after your dreams. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://ahhabroadway.org/

Referenced inspirational works: How to Dance in Ohio (Broadway show) all castmembers had a diagnosis of ASD

"Super Avery and the Day of the big Race” by Avery Thomas.

 

Dr. Alex Kolevzon - Seaver Autism Center

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Dr. Alex Kolevzon. Dr. Kolevzon is the Clinical Director of the Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai Health System. He joins us today to talk about the CDC's latest estimate that 1 in 31 children in the United States are identified as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Kolevzon suggests a number of possible reasons why this statistic has been on the rise. He also discusses various research challenges and approaches for studying individuals on the autism spectrum. Dr. Kolevzon suggests the prevalence rate may stabilize around 1 in 100 individuals, rather than the current 1 in 31 figure, suggesting some correction in diagnostic practices may occur in the future.

If you are interested in reading further into the study mentioned by Dr. Kolevzon, it can be found here: https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.162.6.1133

Tune in to learn more!

 

Max Muscato & Alea Conte - Rock Autism

This weekend's 1 in 31 guests are Max Muscato and Alea Conte. Max is the Founder, President, and CEO of Rock Autism. Alea is the organization's Executive Director. Max is a recording artist himself, and was inspired to start Rock Autism as his brother Sonny is on the Autism Spectrum. The non-profit is located in Buffalo, NY. Their mission is to support individuals on the autism spectrum to develop a craft in music, film, and the multimedia arts that leads to employment in their given field of interest. Through Rock Autism Multimedia Vocational Programs, they are able to empower individuals with autism with the skills needed to "build a craft in the creative arts and carve out a career path". Their programs also help to keep individuals "free from depression, crime, drug abuse and suicide; all elements of Sonny's (Max's brother) struggles with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://rockautism.org/

 

 

 

training and employing young adults with Autism in the entertainment industries, keeping them free from depression, crime, drug abuse and suicide; all elements of his own brother’s struggles with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ALEA CONTE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Alea Conte is a marketing specialist and licensed event planner who generates community outreach for Autism through Rock Autism benefit events. Alea serves as Volunteer Executive Director of Rock Autism. She oversees the development of Rock Autism Multimedia Vocational Programs and expands Rock Autism’s partnerships with both local and national foundations, Autism non-profits and initiatives to generate new ideas, stronger relationships and a broader network to maximize Rock Autism’s impact in Western New York and beyond.

Alex K. Lin - 8th Annual Autism Rocks Concert

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Alex K. Lin. Through his organization Autism Rocks, Alex will host the 8th annual Autism Rocks Concert at Universal City Walk in Hollywood on June 28th. He joined us before the concert to discuss all the details! Performers include: The Miracle Project, Laura K. Jane, Gemma Brooke Allen, Nico Vargas, Ethan Mathias, Lucas Metge, Dakota Lotus and more! The event will be co-hosted by Alex and Dani Bowman, and is sponsored by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.  Tune in to learn more, or watch the live stream: https://www.autismrocksevents.org and https://www.instagram.com/autismrocksevents/

Richard Rakesh & Dr. Selvanayaki Venkatesan - Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (VMRF)

This weekend's 1 in 31 guests are Richard Rakesh and Dr. Selvanayaki Venkatesan. Richard Rakesh is the Chief Consultant for Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (VMRF), located in India. Dr. Selvanayaki Venkatesan is a Professor at the Annapoorna College of Nursing (A unit of VMRF). Richard and Dr. Venkatesan are visiting with us this month at Anderson Center for Autism, and we are excited to host them! Richard first learned about Anderson Center for Autism as an international scholar in the Anderson Center International program, he is back now as a consultant. 

Tune in to learn more or visit: https://vmrfdu.edu.in/

 

Rick Soshensky MA, LCAT, MT-BC, NRMT - Music Therapy Studio

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Rick Soshensky. Rick is the founder and director of the Music Therapy Studio in Kingston, NY. He has been a Music Therapist for 30+ years and has lived his entire professional life in the world of music. The Music Therapy Studio was founded in 2012, and is open to people of all abilities. They offer in-studio, online/zoom, and home/school/facility visits. Each Friday, they host a FREE pilot program, The Community Music Therapy Project from 1PM to 3PM. "Make Music, Meet Friends, Have Fun"! Tune in to learn more or visit: https://themusictherapystudio.com/