Everyday Autism Miracles with Shannon Penrod

Surviving and Thriving with Children on the Spectrum

Life after an Autism Spectrum diagnosis doesn't have to be difficult; it can be joyful, happy and filled with hope. Join Shannon Penrod, author, speaker, coach and mom of a six year old recovering from Autism for this inspirational hour of hope. Hear stories from real parents whose children have made miraculous strides. Get the inside dish on therapies, treatments, supplements and how to get funding to help you afford them. Miracles abound in the autism community. Tune into Everyday Autism Miracles to listen, share, laugh and surround yourself with hope.

Shannon Penrod is a mother, author, speaker, coach, educator, film maker and Autism advocate. Her greatest joy in life is her seven year old son Jem, who is in the process of recovering from Autism. Shannon is the co-author of Motherhood Incorporated with Sandra Breck and Brette Sember. She has also authored a series of Autism Children's Books with her son which will be out in 2011.

Born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Shannon spent most of her childhood years growing up in suburban upstate New York. She holds a B.A. from the State University of New York at Oswego and an M.F.A. from The National Theatre Conservatory in Denver, Colorado. She is an award winning writer, stand-up comedian and director. Shannon lives in sunny southern California with her husband and son.

Author and advocate Sueson Vess knows first hand what it's like to have dietary restrictions.  An accomplished chef herself, Sueson has multiple food sensitivities and a Celiac diagnosis, which have led her to devote her time and talents to creating healthy recipes that provide clean nutrition to those with dietary limitations.  A regular contributor to magazines, Living Without and The Autism File, Sueson's book Special Eats: Simple Delicious Solutions for Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cooking is an absolute must for anyone cooking with restrictions.

By Shannon Penrod

50 years ago it was not uncommon for parents of child with Autism symptoms to be told to institutionalize the

ir children and not look back.  The were told it was hopeless.  To save the rest of their family there was only one thing they could do...walk away.  Today we shudder at the idea.  What happened to those children and to the families who let go.  It is a story that is not being told.  Sheila Appleby-Williams is one of the first family members to speak out.

Her older brother was instituionalized when he was 5.  Sheila was only two at the time and had no memory of a brother whose name was never spoken in her home.  When she was 8 years old the family journeyed to see her brother.  The visit was an a tragic failure and they never returned.  A shattered family, they shouldered the shame and secrecy and attempted to go on.  It left a whole that could not be mended.  More than 50 years later Sheila felt compelled to find her long lost brother.  It was a bittersweet journey, and now Sheila is speaking out, telling a story that has needed to be told.  Where is Autism's lost generation?

Tune in to this week's Everyday Autism Miracles to hear Sheila's tale of forgiveness and healing.

by Shannon Penrod

Every once in a while a hero steps forward and challenges what everyone knows but one no one can seem to overcome.  Jesse Saperstein is on of those heroes.  A young man in his twenties, living with an Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosis, Jesse has taken to jumping out of airplanes to draw attention to bullying.

Today on Everyday Autism Miracles Jesse will join us to talk about his book ATYPICAL and how you can help him to end bullying in 2012.

By Shannon Penrod

The skin is the largest organ of the body, as such it is greatly effected by chemicals, medicines and immune issues.  Children with Autism will often have strong sensitivities that are reflected in the skin.  Eczema, rashes, hives, blisters and discolored areas are not uncommon in our kids.  As a parent choosing what to put on your child's sensitive skin can be a frightening minefield.  What's safe?

Shelly Maguire of Ice Elements Skin Care joins us this week on Everyday Autism Miracles to tell the story of how her own battle with Cystic Fibrosis led to the creation of a skin care line that is not only pure and natural but also restorative.

This is a story of inspiration, hope and triumph.  Tune in on Monday at 4pm PST.  Join the conversation by calling 877.864.4869