In this episode of Autistic FM, we are thrilled to welcome Martin Slyngstad, an inspiring advocate and public speaker from San Jose, California. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Martin has turned his life experiences into a mission to foster understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals. His journey is marked by resilience and the transformative power of embracing one's identity, as captured in his book "Chatterbox," co-authored with his mother.

Throughout our conversation, Martin candidly shares the ups and downs of living with autism. We discuss his advocacy work, including training first responders and his participation in the Special Olympics, highlighting the importance of visibility and inclusion. Martin emphasizes the need for societal change to create environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive, both in education and employment settings.

Join us as Martin shares heartfelt stories of personal triumphs, the importance of family support, and the unique perspective that autism provides. He offers valuable insights into how embracing neurodiversity can lead to a richer, more inclusive world. Martin's dedication to advocacy and his courageous story are sure to inspire and motivate listeners from all walks of life.

Topics covered in Episode 40

• Embracing Autism: Martin's journey to self-acceptance and how his book "Chatterbox" has impacted his perspective.

• Advocacy and Inclusion: Insights into Martin’s work with first responders and his efforts to increase understanding and acceptance of autism in various communities.

• Life Beyond Challenges: How participating in the Special Olympics and pursuing a career in speech pathology have enriched Martin's experience and opened new opportunities.

About Martin Slyngstad

Martin Slyngstad is an autistic self-advocate, author, and founder of Spire Autism. Diagnosed at age five, he now uses his voice and lived experience to educate others, build inclusion, and empower the autism community. Martin works with schools, first responders, and policymakers to create real change from local training programs to advocating for statewide legislation. He’s the co-author of Chatter Box: My Life with Autism and is passionate about making the world more accepting, one conversation at a time. Martin also works with sports teams on promoting autism acceptance

Resources for this episode

• You can find Martin’s Book - Chatterbox - here.

• We also discussed ABA in Epsiode 13 and Episode 37

Content warnings

This episode includes discussions about autism and neurodivergence, self-injurious behavior, medication experiences with Ritalin, and potential distress with first responders. Please look after yourself and listen with care.

In this episode of Autistic FM, I’m joined by Nick—co-host of the On the Spectrum podcast and all-around thoughtful human. We get into some real talk about his path to understanding his own neurodivergence, starting with what it was like growing up surrounded by neurodiverse folks at a time when the language around all of this was… well, kind of a mess.

Nick opens up about parenting a child diagnosed with autism and how that experience cracked open a whole new layer of self-awareness for him. There’s a lot of heart here—stories about figuring things out late, learning to connect the dots backward, and finding clarity in places he didn’t expect.

We also laugh a lot, and dig into what it means to live in a world that’s just starting to “get” neurodivergence. This one’s for anyone who’s ever looked around and thought, “Wait… am I the weird one?” (Spoiler: it’s not a bad thing.)

Topics Covered in Episode 39

• Understanding Neurodiversity: Nick shares his experiences growing up within a neurodiverse environment and how societal views have changed.

• Parenting a Neurodivergent Child: Insights into navigating and supporting the journey of raising a child diagnosed with autism.

• Self-Discovery and Acceptance: The importance of accepting one's identity and the challenges of societal perceptions and personal growth.

About Nick

Nick is the enthusiastic co-host of the On the Spectrum Podcast, where he brings his perspectives and personal experiences to discussions about neurodivergence. With a background rich in encountering various aspects of autism, Nick advocates for understanding and acceptance, encouraging open conversations to help bridge gaps in knowledge and empathy within society.

Content Warnings

Please note that this episode contains discussions of neurodivergence, mental health, and the use of potentially distressing language or coping mechanisms. Listener discretion is advised as you take care of your own mental health.

In this episode of Autistic FM, we welcome Conner Herman, an inspiring advocate for better sleep health within the neurodivergent community. As the founder of Percy, a pioneering company focused on improving sleep quality through innovative technology, Conner shares her journey from personal struggles with postpartum depression to professional success in behavioral psychology. Her passion for understanding the crucial role of sleep in mental health shines through as she delves into the transformative power of sleep and its impact on neurodivergent individuals.

Conner's story is one of resilience and curiosity, driven by her own experiences and a desire to fill the gaps in our healthcare system. She reflects on the challenges of postpartum depression, the disconnect she felt within traditional medical practices, and her eventual realization of sleep's life-saving potential. Through candid discussions, we explore how Conner's unique perspective has guided her mission to address the critical sleep issues faced by autistic individuals.

Join us as we discuss the science behind sleep, the impact of environmental factors on rest, and the exciting developments Conner is leading with Percy. With empathy and insight, she articulates the profound necessity for tailored sleep solutions, offering a glimpse into a future where every person has access to the sleep health they deserve.

Topics covered in Episode 38

• Impact of Sleep on Mental Health: Explores how sleep deprivation interlinks with mental health issues like depression, using personal anecdotes and expert analysis.

• Behavioral Sleep Solutions: Discusses innovative approaches to improving sleep without medication, focusing on behavior modification and environmental adjustments.

• Neurodivergence and Sleep: Highlights the critical need for tailored sleep solutions within the neurodivergent community, addressing both the personal and broader systemic challenges
  

About Conner Herman

Conner is the founder of Percy, a startup based in Washington, DC that’s shaking up how we think about sleep—especially for neurodivergent folks. She’s a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) with a background in behavioral psychology, an MBA from Kellogg, and a past life as a Major and Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Air Force. Oh, and she’s also a mom of four. Basically, she knows what it means to operate on no sleep—and why that has to change.

Before Percy, Conner spent almost 20 years running Dream Team Baby, the sleep consultancy she co-founded with her business partner, Kira Ryan. They launched the first overnight sleep consulting service in Manhattan, which helped kickstart what’s now a $40M industry. Their work was featured everywhere from The Today Show to Good Morning America and Nightline, and their book The Dream Sleeper has helped countless parents get their kids (and themselves) some much-needed rest.

Now she’s taking all that experience—clinical, personal, and entrepreneurial—and pouring it into Percy. The team just wrapped up their fourth working prototype and is gearing up for pilot programs with research partners in winter 2025. Conner’s goal? To give families and healthcare providers better tools to understand and improve sleep, and to help people feel good about going to bed again.

Trigger warnings

Please note that this episode includes discussions of postpartum depression, maternal suicide, and the use of sleep aids or medication. Listen with care and consider your own needs.