Driving can be freedom, fear, or both, and for many autistic teens and adults it comes with extra layers like sensory overload, anxiety, and the pressure of “being on time” for milestones. We sit down with autistic self advocate Andrew Arboe and Jan Schlueter, co-founder and CEO of Neurodiverse Technologies and Entrepreneur in Residence at Vanderbilt’s Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, to talk about what real driver readiness support can look like when independence is the mission.

We dig into the mindset shift that changes everything: there is no magic age for learning to drive. Andrew shares why routines matter, how interest based destinations can make practice feel purposeful, and why reducing anxiety often means removing deadlines rather than piling on pressure. We also talk about practical prep for the written test, including simple tools like online practice tests and flashcards that help learners feel steady instead of overwhelmed.

Jan walks us through SANDI an autism-centered driving simulator built to prepare learners before they step into a real car. With instructor controls, changing weather, adjustable traffic density, surprise scenarios, and eye gaze tracking that shows where a learner is actually looking, SANDI makes it possible to coach skills like visual scanning in a way traditional in-car practice cannot. We also explore why driving anxiety appears to be rising more broadly, and how supportive technology can help both neurodivergent and neurotypical drivers build confidence.

If you care about autism driving resources, driver education, assistive technology, and real pathways to independence, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a parent or driving instructor, and leave a review so more families can find these tools and conversations.

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A teen finally says it out loud: “What’s wrong with me?” And as a parent, you realize you don’t have an answer yet. That moment sits at the heart of our conversation with Jan Schlueter, a tech entrepreneur who moved from Germany to Tennessee and found himself pulled into autism and neurodiversity work through Vanderbilt’s Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, only to later recognize that his own daughter is autistic. We talk about what a late autism diagnosis changes, why it can bring real relief, and how it helps a young person rewrite the last decade with more compassion and clarity.

We also dig into a problem families feel every day: supports often fade right when life gets bigger. The transition to adulthood brings driving, jobs, money, travel, and independence, but resources for ages 16+ can be painfully limited. Jan shares how the Sandy driver readiness platform helps neurodivergent teens and young adults build confidence behind the wheel, plus a practical parenting approach that reduces pressure while increasing autonomy one route at a time.

Finally, we zoom out to the bigger vision: an autism-friendly ecosystem built through Neurodiverse Technologies, the Neurotech Frontiers incubation platform and conference, and new partnerships designed to connect research, products, and real-world support. If you care about autism support for adolescents, assistive technology, universal design, and building independence that lasts, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a parent or educator, and leave a review so more families can find these tools and ideas.

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He jokes about coffee and Pokémon, but Andrew Arboe’s story lands because it’s grounded in real life: special education records, speech therapy, anxiety, and the slow work of building skills over time. We talk with Andrew, one of our advisory board members, about growing up non-speaking and later becoming verbal, and why early guidance like “don’t underestimate him” still matters for families and educators supporting non-speaking and minimally speaking autistic kids today.

From there, we follow the turning point many neurodivergent people know too well: leaving high school and realizing adult services can feel scattered or hard to find. Andrew describes that transition like being dropped into an open-world game with no map, and we explore what helps, including realistic planning, community connection, and pathways like employment services, vocational rehabilitation, and transition services. He also shares why he’s careful to say he’s only one voice in a massive autism community, and how he navigates online discourse without losing sight of what’s actually useful.

We also dig into Andrew’s advocacy work: public speaking, contracting, and building a personal brand that stays flexible and welcoming. A standout topic is autistic driving readiness, including why driving can be a meaningful goal for some people and not the right choice for others. Andrew explains his connection to Neurodiverse Technologies and a driver simulator program designed to help people practice safely and make informed decisions.

If you care about autism acceptance, special education, adult transition planning, and practical resources that increase independence, this conversation offers both perspective and next steps. Subscribe, share this with someone navigating a transition, and leave a review with the question you want us to tackle next.

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A lot of programs say they’re inclusive, then quietly push autistic kids to the margins. We wanted something more practical than slogans, so we sat down with Rachel, a parent volunteer in Scouting America and a trained disability specialist, to talk about what inclusion looks like when it actually works and why it can feel life changing for a neurodivergent family.

We start with the real story: a child who wanted to be a Scout while he was still juggling feeding therapy, speech therapy, OT, and PT. Over time, scouting becomes a place to practice social skills without the pressure of “fixing” who he is. Rachel shares the confidence wins that add up fast: learning to pitch a tent, using a compass, leading parts of a cookout, and going on campouts without a parent right beside him. We also talk honestly about masking at school, burnout at the end of the day, and why having a safe place can make everything else more manageable.

Then we get specific about disability accommodations and how leaders can support scouts with different needs, including low muscle tone, mobility challenges, dyslexia, and nonverbal communication. We talk AAC, sign language, and the simple but rare ingredient that makes support possible in the first place: leaders who listen. Rachel also explains how she helped build a disability and special needs committee at the council level in Connecticut, and why parent led advocacy so often drives lasting change.

If you’re searching for autism friendly activities, ADHD supportive youth programs, or a better model for community inclusion, this conversation points you to resources you can use right now, including scouting.org/resources/disabilities-awareness. Subscribe for more autism talks, share this with a parent or leader who needs it, and leave a review with one program you wish felt safer for neurodivergent kids.

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A late autism diagnosis can feel like someone finally hands you the owner’s manual for your brain and then asks, “Now what?” I sit down with Dr. Michael McManmon, a psychologist, author, and longtime builder of real-world supports for autistic teens and adults, to get specific about what changes after the label and what doesn’t. We talk about the difference between generic advice and a truly comprehensive autism support model that includes social thinking, sensory integration, wellness planning, executive functioning, academics, and vocational skills designed for the transition to adulthood.

We also zoom out to the bigger picture of accessibility and services across communities. Michael shares what he’s seen living part-time in Mexico and traveling internationally, including how disability laws and infrastructure can lag behind family needs. We dig into why parent support groups matter, why so many autistic adults remain undiagnosed, and how families can move from denial and confusion to practical action. Along the way, we trade stories about social learning, communication at home, and the small “rules” we set to stretch our comfort without burning out.

Creativity gets a spotlight too: writing, art, and even upcycling thrift-store finds into fashion become tools for regulation, identity, and joy. We also explore animal connection and equine experiences as a powerful way to practice calm presence and trust, especially when words are hard. If you care about neurodiversity, autism resources, late-diagnosed autistic adults, or better services for young adults, you’ll leave with fresh perspective and doable next steps. Subscribe, share this with a parent or provider who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

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A lot of people say they support neurodiversity, but the real test is whether our schools, platforms, and communities are designed so people can actually participate. I’m joined by Amy Kreidwalt as part the International Neurodiversity Resource Center introduction, for an honest, practical conversation about what inclusion looks like when it’s not performative, and why universal design and accessibility help everyone thrive, not only people with a diagnosis.

We dig into the details that make social media more accessible: writing thoughtful image descriptions (alt text) instead of relying on sloppy AI guesses, and using captions not just for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, but also for ADHD and auditory processing disorder support. We also zoom out to education accessibility, where “teach the whole room like accommodations are normal” can reduce barriers and make learning feel less like an assembly line.

Then we get personal about late identification, masking, and mental health. Amy shares how burnout can sneak in when advocacy becomes your whole identity, and how one simple shift, protecting an hour a day for yourself, can help you reclaim your voice. We talk sensory sensitivity, self-accommodation, and the surprisingly relatable story of being terrified of garbage trucks well into adulthood. If you’re building a neurodivergent-friendly life, parenting neurodivergent kids, or trying to make your work more inclusive, you’ll leave with concrete ideas and a little more hope.

Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with someone who cares about accessibility, and leave a review so more neurodivergent listeners can find us.

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If you’ve ever felt like neurodiverse support is too clinical, too generic, or missing the human side, this conversation is for you.

We’re kicking off The Neurodivergent Resource Podcast with Dr. Jeanne Eichler, President of the International Neurodiversity Resource Center—occupational therapist, educator, and clinical innovator with more than 30 years of experience supporting the neurodivergent community.

Jeanne shares her journey from early work as a music therapist in a Son-Rise playroom to becoming a leader in occupational therapy, where she developed a more holistic, person-centered approach to support. We explore how her work bridges the gap between clinical research and real-world application—focusing on what individuals want and need to do, and how to build meaningful supports that actually work.

Together, we dive into sensory processing, motivation, and the concept of “everyday readiness”—practical strategies that help individuals navigate environments, build self-regulation, and move through transitions with greater confidence. Jeanne also shares insight into her work supporting students transitioning into college and career, and the systems and partnerships needed to create lasting success.

We also unpack what true inclusion looks like. Through real examples, Jeanne highlights the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and recognizing strengths—not just as supports, but as powerful drivers of growth and contribution.

This conversation sets the tone for the podcast: real stories, practical tools, and a deep respect for neurodiversity as lived experience.

We close by sharing the mission of the International Neurodiversity Resource Center and inviting you to be part of a growing community—connecting individuals, families, and professionals through education, resources, and support.

If this resonates, be sure to subscribe, share with someone who could benefit, and help us expand access to these conversations.

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Welcome to The Neurodivergent Resource Podcast, presented by the International Neurodiversity Resource Center. This podcast brings together real conversations, lived experiences, and meaningful resources to support individuals, families, and professionals in the neurodivergent community. Each episode is designed to inform, empower, and create connection—moving beyond awareness and into true understanding. Whether you’re navigating your own journey, supporting someone you love, or working in the field, you’ll find authentic voices, practical insights, and a community that gets it.

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