Creating Communities for Neurodivergent People: Debunking the Myths of Autism

Debunking the Myths of Autism: Dr. Shari Corbitt on Creating Communities for Neurodivergent People Podcast

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To listen to the full podcast, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIiSmyA0cPU

Debunking the Myths of Autism w/John McFadden, Parents & Professionals

In this episode of Creating Communities for Neurodivergent People, you will learn from mothers of autistic children, professionals who work with autistic people, and those who are autistic, and that autism doesn’t have to destroy families and render autistic people house-bound with no life. This is intended to be a positive, reality-based response to the Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. press conference on Autism on April 16, 2025.

We have a phenomenal group of people here today who will provide their stories about Autism based on their realities:

Introduction :01 – 6:10

  1. 6:11 – 12:23 John McFadden, neurodivergent, my nephew and Co-Host of this show.  John is 40 years old, is now living in his own apartment as of this year, has had employment for the past 20 years, and can speak from experience in his journey to create a social community, a residential opportunity, and employment. ”We just want to be given a chance.”
  2. 12:24 – 23:47 Dr. Rick Silver, MD, MPH, Director and Founder of Thrive Emerge in Columbia, Maryland, a peer-based, outdoor treatment program for neurodivergent teens and young adults (Primarily ASD and ADHD) who are struggling to launch after high school. Rick is a father of two children with ADHD. www.ThriveEmerge.com  
    23:48 – 26:05 John responds to Dr. Rick Silver
  3. 26:06 –  35:18 Jennifer Navarro, mother of Noah, an 8-year old non-verbal autist; and works with special needs trusts and conservatorships. Jennifer has found a way to communicate with Noah through song, and has watched his talent is animation grow through early intervention therapy and strong family support. Noah now edits videos at 8 years old.
  4. 35:19 – 43:20 Jen Wilger, a mother of an autistic son with Asperger’s Syndrome and Executive Director and Co-Founder of Temple Grandin School, Boulder, CO providing a socio-academic curriculum for neurodivergent children to achieve workplace success after high school. www.TempleGrandinSchool.org
  5. 43:21 – 59:32 Vivian Shudde, sister of an autist and Executive Director of Brookwood Community; and Janet Lewis, mother of an autist, and Director for Center for Learning at Brookwood Community, outside Houston, TX. Brookwood Community is a 485-acre all-inclusive property with housing, a social network, and employment for life for all individuals with neurological and developmental disabilities. Vivian’s sister and Janet’s son are neurodivergent. www.BrookwoodCommunity.org.   June 10th, 11th and 12th Learning Center Outreach Seminar, and Brookwood Way Conference in September.
  6. 59:33 – 1:21:21Dr. Shari Corbitt, a mom of an autistic adult child who is successfully going to college and preparing for a career; and a Clinical Psychologist and Neurofeedback Specialist, Complex Mental Health Provider, Founder and Director of Awakenings Treatment Center, Los Angeles, CA www.AwakeningsTreatment.com
    1:21:22 – 1:27:10 John McFadden shares what it is like living alone, and how he learned to ask for what he needs. John now cooks and entertains.
  7. 1:27:11 – 1:43:20 Bri Gallagher, is a 33 year old autistic woman who speaks from her own personal experience trying to navigate the world, as well as a professional with experience working in supported employment within camps that cater to neurodivergent people, an aid in the classroom, and is starting her own non-profit for neurodivergent people called The Connection Hub.

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About Shari Corbitt

Dr. Shari Corbitt is a distinguished clinical psychologist with an enduring commitment to enhancing the mental well-being of individuals and communities. Holding a Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D), she has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise, making her a trusted authority in the field of mental health. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Corbitt has provided compassionate and evidence-based therapy to countless clients. Her areas of specialization range from cannabis-induced psychosis and mood disorders to anxiety, and chronic pain, as it relates to PTSD and trauma, as well as stress-related conditions. She is widely recognized for her empathetic approach, creating a safe and supportive space for clients to embark on their healing journeys. Dr. Corbitt founded Awakenings Treatment Center to provide cutting-edge treatment for individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders, as well as related emotional difficulties. Optimal wellness is the goal for every client. She lives in gratitude each day for her own recovery, which she enjoys one day at a time.