Leland shares his personal journey of growing up with an autism diagnosis and how it shaped his path to becoming a national news anchor. Together, they explore what autism looked like in his early life, the challenges he faced, and the broader conversations that matter to autistic individuals and their families today.

This is an honest and insightful discussion about identity, resilience, and redefining what’s possible.

As today is International Pet Day, we learn more about service dogs and their role in supporting people with autism through Brandon’s own story with his service dog, Manci. Dr. Rodriguez also shares research-based insights on how important and essential service dogs are in the life of an autistic individual.

It is important to learn more about their role, as well as the need to protect and support them so they can continue providing critical, everyday assistance to their owners.

John recently served as an advisor on the set of Autism Fit, Autism Speaks’ newly launched fitness series hosted by autistic television personalities, Eva Erickson (Survivor) and Tanner Smith (Love on the Spectrum).

The Cherry Hill Programs Santa Cares program provides a sensory-safe environment for autistic individuals to get their one-on-one time with Santa!

Reserve your spot: https://santacares.whereissanta.com/

Born in the Dominican Republic, Sofía Lachapelle earned her degree from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in Puerto Rico in 1995. She began her television career reporting for WAPA TV in Puerto Rico and later joined Univision in Miami and New York. During 9/11, she reported live from the World Trade Center, enduring the dust and chaos, and helped victims by gathering information about their loved ones—a testament to her courage and empathy. 

In 2002, she returned to the Dominican Republic, where she anchored news for Canal 27. By 2004, she had her own show, “Controversia,” on Canal 13. In 2005, after relocating back to the U.S., she welcomed her first son, Jayson, and later a second son, Maximus, both diagnosed with autism. Motivated by her children’s diagnoses, Sofía founded “Un Paso a la Vez” (“One Step at a Time”), an organization committed to empowering parents of children with special needs. 

Sofia has played a key role in advocating for and drafting legal projects in Austin and across Latin America and the Caribbean. She has been recognized multiple times for her journalism work, including twice as a National Emmy winner. Finally, Sofia served as a Board Member for Autism Speaks Miami Chapter and for Best Buddies International. 

Diagnosed with autism at age 3, Tyler White has turned his passions into a platform to inspire. Raised in Shirley, Arkansas, he found joy in music, fishing, and NASCAR—and taught himself to play drums by ear.

In 2017, Tyler launched DJ TyWy, his wedding and event DJ business. Since then, he’s emceed Autism Speaks events, introduced stars like Reba McEntire and The Beach Boys, and even performed at the Grand Ole Opry and for the Tampa Bay Rays.

In 2024, Tyler found love with Madison on Love on the Spectrum. Now based in Plant City, FL, he continues to pursue country music and host his podcast, while collaborating with brands like Publix, Cracker Barrel, and Coca-Cola.

Tyler’s motto: Never give up. Use your autism to inspire.

Chris Redding is a GRAMMY-nominated artist and producer whose fusion of hip-hop, chant, and R&B amplifies voices often unheard. Inspired by his nonverbal autistic son, Christian, Chris creates music that fosters connection and inclusion, 

especially for those with autism, ADHD, and synesthesia.

A mental health and neurodiversity advocate, Chris has received the University of Florida’s Music Meets Medicine Impact Award and was honored by the National Congress of Argentina. His work helped secure a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month in Florida.

Amy Tiffany is a travel content creator, entrepreneur, and former Love is Blind cast member, where she met her husband and shared her family’s story with millions. Amy has been a vocal advocate for autism awareness due to her close relationship with her brother who is on the spectrum. She also serves on the board of directors for Aventura Consciente, a new Charlotte local bilingual autism organization dedicated to inclusive education and support. Amy is proud to join the Team of 20 for Autism Speaks, using her platform to champion inclusivity, compassion, and greater understanding of the autism community.

Landon Ashworth is an 2E gifted autistic filmmaker, test pilot, and social media content creator who spent his entire adult life studying to becoming an astronaut, and his entire childhood in the theater. Landon won over a dozen filmmaking awards including best short at Oscar qualifying film festivals, best pilot script at Atlanta Film Fest and Raindance, and just competed directing and producing his first feature in honor of his autistic cousin who died by suicide last year.

Billy Mayfair is one of the top professional golfers in the U.S., with five PGA Tour wins and the distinction of being the only player to ever beat Tiger Woods in a PGA Tour playoff. A regular on the PGA Tour since 1989, he now competes on the PGA Tour Champions.

His career wins include the Nissan Open, Buick Open, Motorola Western Open, Tour Championship, and Greater Milwaukee Open. As an amateur, he won the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Public Links. He’s earned over $22 million in career prize money and has ranked as high as 26th in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Mayfair was diagnosed with autism in 2019 after experiencing Autism-like symptoms throughout his life.

She shares how autism has shaped her perspective both in the kitchen and at home, discussing sensory sensitivities with food, inclusive dining experiences, and tips for parents navigating picky eating. Maneet also gives a preview of the upcoming Autism Speaks Chef Gala, where she’ll be using her talents to support the autism community.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of food, family, and advocacy.

Justin Moehn was diagnosed with autism in 1985 at Texas Children's Hospital. He’s a passionate self-advocate who’s been sharing his insights at events, organizations, and businesses for years. Justin covers everything from general resources to job skills and was recognized for his advocacy work with an award from The Arc of Fort Bend in 2019. A 2001 graduate of Austin High School, he earned certifications in PC technical support and office administration at Wharton County Jr. College. These days, Justin also trains first responders about autism, helping them better understand and support the community.

Bryan Russell is the Emergency Management Coordinator with Disability Rights Florida where he works to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities are included in emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts across the state. Prior to this role, Bryan was the Program Manager for the Florida Department of Health’s Disability and Health Program where he focused on adapting and implementing public health interventions for persons with disabilities. During emergencies and disasters, Bryan serves as the State Access Coordinator with the Florida State Emergency Response Team providing guidance and recommendations to ensure the needs of persons with access and functional needs are met during all phases of disasters.

Christine joins the conversation with her own perspective, discussing her online advocacy work within the autism community. She shares her thoughts on ABA therapy, reflecting on its impact and her hopes for how it can evolve to better serve autistic individuals. Christine also speaks from the heart about her vision for the autism community. Together, Abbey and Christine offer a touching and inspiring look into their lives.

HMMA Award-winning composer John Frizzell, born in New York City, began his music career early, singing in the chorus of the Paris Opera Company and the Metropolitan Opera Company. As a teenager, he played guitar in rock bands and later became focused on jazz - a passion that led him to pursue a formal musical education at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music as well as the Manhattan School of Music. It was during his college years that Frizzell met his mentor, guitar legend Joe Pass. Through Pass, Frizzell discovered his calling as a composer.

Early in John Frizzell’s career, he collaborated with renowned composers as an orchestrator or co-composer including Ryuichi Sakamoto (Wild Palms), and James Newton Howard (Dante’s Peak). His composing career would flourish, and he would score for leading filmmakers on iconic films including Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Alien: Resurrection), Joel Silver (Thirt13en Ghosts and Ghost Ship), Danny Cannon(I Still Know What You Did Last Summer), and Mark Rydell (James Dean and Crime of the Century). However, Frizzell would begin a collaboration that would last for decades when he sent in a demo to Mike Judge for a film the director was shooting. The demo included musical suites sporadic dialogue of Beavis and Butt-head saying, “this sucks.” As a result, John Frizzell became the composer of the first full-length Beavis & Butt-Head film, Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, followed by Office Space and numerous projects including, King of the Hill, Tales from the Tour Bus, and the new film, Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe which received the 2022 Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Score - Streamed Animated Film (Streamed).

In addition to scoring films, John Frizzell’s television credits include King of The Hill, The Following, Tell Me a Story, and Season 2 of the Neftlix Original Series, Space Force.

A proponent for film music and film music issues, Frizzell has served on the Executive Board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, lectured to graduate students at USC Thornton School of Music and the Sundance Film Music Lab. He has also served as the Honorary President of the International Film Music Conference in Ubeda, Spain.

John Frizzell is autistic. He was diagnosed as an adult and revealed this in 2023 on the podcast ‘Adulting on The Spectrum’.