Springbrook's Converge Autism Radio

Creating Safe Pathways: How Schools Can Support Autistic Students Through Crisis

In this episode of Converge Autism Radio, guest host Reid Miles speaks with Dr. Alice Ackerman and Rebecca Erwin, two experienced clinicians and educators working at the intersection of autism, behavioral health, and school crisis response. Together they explore: * The critical role schools play in supporting autistic students * Why behavior is communication — not defiance * How schools can respond to crisis without escalation * What teachers and parents actually need during high-stress moments * The importance of training, collaboration, and early intervention * Real-world examples from clinical and educational settings * How professionals can shift from fear and reactivity to understanding and partnership This is a grounded, compassionate conversation for parents, teachers, clinicians, and advocates seeking deeper insight into trauma-informed, neurodiversity-aware crisis support. Guest Websites: Dr. Alice Ackerman https://adackerman.com Rebecca Erwin www.thelarkcenter.com This episode is part of the Converge Autism Podcastathon and includes a mid-show spotlight for Springbrook Behavioral Health's newest program, All Abilities & No Filter [https://www.allabilitiesnofilter.com/]. www.springbrookbehavioral.com [https://www.springbrookbehavioral.com] www.convergeautism.com [https://www.convergeautism.com] www.allabilitiesnofilter.com [https://www.allabilitiesnofilter.com]

Living Beyond the Numbers: Dyscalculia, Advocacy, and Hope

Guest host Reed Miles welcomes writer, photographer, and educator Michelle Steiner for an honest conversation about breaking barriers and redefining what it means to live—and thrive—with a learning disability. Michelle shares her journey with dyscalculia, her experiences in education, and how she turned stigma into strength through writing and photography. She now inspires others through her blog and online shop at michellesmission.com [https://www.michellesmission.com/]. Together, Reed and Michelle explore advocacy, sensitivity in support systems, and the importance of seeing ability beyond diagnosis. www.springbrookbehavioral.com [https://www.springbrookbehavioral.com] www.convergeautism.com [https://www.convergeautism.com] www.allabilitiesnofilter.com [https://www.allabilitiesnofilter.com]

Creative Brilliance and Neurodivergent Empowerment

In this inspiring episode of Converge Autism Radio, host Reid Miles sits down with artist, author, and creative business coach Mandy Nicholson to explore the deep connections between creativity and neurodivergence. Mandy—founder of The Creative Genius Consultant—shares her journey of self-diagnosed autism, raising two autistic children, and guiding other neurodivergent women to build thriving, passion-led businesses. They discuss her bestselling book Beyond the Ordinary: Discover the Power of Creative and Neurodiverse Women, the challenges of late diagnosis, and how creativity can become a bridge to self-acceptance and empowerment. Learn more about Mandy’s work at https://linktr.ee/violetauraart.  www.springbrookbehavioral.com [https://www.springbrookbehavioral.com] www.convergeautism.com [https://www.convergeautism.com] www.allabilitiesnofilter.com [https://www.allabilitiesnofilter.com]

Father and Son Edition: Becoming a Better Parent

In this heartfelt episode, Jeremy Rochford reflects on his evolution as both an autistic adult and a parent. He shares candidly about past struggles with anger and communication, and how learning to shift from control to connection transformed his relationship with his son, Jonathan. Together, father and son bring humor, honesty, and perspective—closing with a lighthearted segment about their first comedy gig as a duo. It’s an authentic look at growth, forgiveness, and the joy that comes from embracing both the serious and the silly sides of parenting. ourneurofam.com [https://www.ourneurofam.com] www.springbrookbehavioral.com [https://www.springbrookbehavioral.com] www.convergeautism.com [https://www.convergeautism.com] www.allabilitiesnofilter.com [https://www.allabilitiesnofilter.com]

Autism Through a Teen Girl’s Eyes

In this episode, Charity Rochford of NeuroFam hosts an open and heartfelt conversation with her daughter, Corinne, about life as a teenage girl on the spectrum. From navigating friendships and social pressures to embracing strengths in theater and creativity, Corinne shares the challenges and gifts of her journey with autism. Their dialogue highlights how autism can present differently in girls, the impact of masking and people-pleasing, and what it means to find authenticity in relationships. This episode offers validation, hope, and practical insight for families, educators, and professionals seeking to better understand autistic girls’ experiences. https://www.ourneurofam.com/ www.springbrookbehavioral.com [https://www.springbrookbehavioral.com] www.convergeautism.com [https://www.convergeautism.com] www.allabilitiesnofilter.com [https://www.allabilitiesnofilter.com]