Awe and Wonder Podcast Series 9
S9 E4: Emily Kircher Morris
Sarah and Brenda are thrilled to be joined by Emily Kircher-Morris, a clinical mental health professional, host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, and co-author of Neurodiversity Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported. Drawing on her unique background as a neurodivergent parent, educator, and counselor, Emily explores how to build truly neurodiversity-affirming environments. We unpack the nuances of Autism levels, the importance of a “both/and” approach to support, and the vital shift from teaching rigid “social skills” to fostering flexible “social navigation.” Finally, Emily breaks down the purpose of stimming and how to scaffold authentic self-advocacy beyond simply asking for help.
S9 E3: Mateo Moreno
In this episode of the Awe and Wonder Podcast’s “Stories of Neurodiversity” series, Brenda and Sarah are thrilled to welcome Mateo Moreno, a passionate advocate who has used AAC since the age of four. Mateo shares his powerful journey navigating the world with his Saltillo NovaChat 8, offering unique insights into disability, inclusion, and the realities of being the only AAC user in the room. From presenting internationally to mentoring young communicators at Camp ALEC and even appearing on Disney+, his dedication to fostering confidence and kindness is truly unmatched. Join us for an insightful conversation as Mateo shares his invaluable recommendations for communication partners and his vision for a more inclusive world.
S9 E2: Lauren Enders Gonzales
What does the future of neurodiversity look like? In this episode, Brenda and Sarah sit down with Lauren Enders Gonzales to explore this idea and tackle the hard questions about how we support neurodivergent AAC users. Lauren unpacks how educators and therapists often project their own agendas onto device customization and implementation and shares how we can reintroduce authentic curiosity into our sessions. Featuring real-world examples from her own therapy practice, Lauren also breaks down how to write measurable goals that reflect what matters most to the student—leaving compliance-based metrics behind.
S9 E1: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Sara Ayars
In episode S9E1 of the Awe and Wonder Podcast, we sit down with fellow Speech-Language Pathologist Sara Ayars. Sara brings a beautifully unique perspective to the conversation, blending her professional clinical expertise with her personal journey as a parent to a neurodiverse child. She shares actionable, neurodiversity-affirming strategies—like the power of co-regulation and the shift toward declarative language—that are designed to support and empower both the child and the parent. Whether you are a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode is packed with deeply relatable and practical insights.
S9 E5: Elizabeth Freund
In this episode, Elizabeth Freund joins us to explore the profound impact of neurodiversity-affirming processes in education and therapy. We dive into the beauty of child-led, exploratory therapy and practical approaches like “strewing,” which leverages a student’s natural pattern-seeking strengths to gently introduce new toys and activities. The conversation also highlights how to best support Gestalt Language Processors, exploring how recorded speech can encourage language growth while maintaining essential flexibility for the child. Beyond everyday strategies, we examine how our therapeutic approaches and relationships shift when we actively change the language and narratives we hold. As Elizabeth notes, “Use this [neurodiversity] movement as an invitation to reflect and think about …the narratives we have held and maybe the ones we want to foster instead.” Be sure to check out the handouts Elizabeth provides!
S9 E6: Ivanova Smith
Lauren Enders Gonzales, M.A., CCC-SLP, is an internationally recognized Speech-Language Pathologist, Assistive Technology Consultant, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist. With decades of experience, including 29 years as a school-based consultant, she currently serves as the President of Engaging AAC Solutions, LLC, and as an Adjunct Professor at Delaware Valley University. A passionate advocate for the global AAC community, Lauren is celebrated for her creative, “outside-the-box” thinking and commitment to neurodiversity-affirming, client-led practices. She is a highly influential public speaker, an engaging social media presence with tens of thousands of followers, and the proud recipient of the 2023 ATIA Joy Zabala Spirit Award.
S9 E7: Lexi Ayars & Timothy Leslie
Lexi is a 12-year-old sixth-grade student with a wide range of interests and talents, including singing, caring for dogs, multimedia art, crochet, coding, film, and reading. She is actively involved in school, helping to found the Franklin Force Helping Hands leadership club and participating in multiple choirs. Known for her intelligence, creativity, and empathy, Lexi is a thoughtful leader and a strong advocate for others.
lesliegtimothy3000@gmail.com Timothy is a Mental Health Case Manager and a graduate student studying Clinical Mental Health Counselling. His work centres on supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges, with a focus on connection and practical strategies for growth.
As the older brother of a neurodiverse sibling, Timothy experienced firsthand the complexities of family dynamics, including taking on the pressure of being a “third parent” at times. Over time, as both he and his sibling developed, so did his perspective shift toward greater understanding and patience. These experiences continue to shape his belief in individualised, relationship-centred approaches to support.
S9 E8: Staci Neustadt
Staci is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience providing individual and group therapy, training, mentorship, and leadership. She discovered her life’s purpose at a young age while volunteering at The Arc in her home state of Wisconsin, supporting people with disabilities. Staci is an entrepreneur with creative, innovative solutions for supporting individuals by understanding and connecting with them.
In 2019, Staci joined Susan in developing the Neuro Strengths-Based Support for Autism framework. The NSBSA framework helps bridge the gap in how non-autistics view autism and how autistics view themselves, as well as understand the non-autistic way of thinking. Staci is passionate about NSBSA and believes this framework provides not only a positive experience for the person receiving therapy or support but also a sense of connectedness for the person providing support.