JenniferSchwenker:Who Will Care for Them When We’re Gone? A Mother’s Life Raising Twin Autistic Sons

Author Louise Barnett shares her powerful journey through bipolar disorder, addiction, suicide recovery, and healing after years of living without answers. An inspiring conversation about hope, resilience, and finding purpose beyond mental illness.

Show Notes: What happens when a parent refuses to accept that "this is just the way it is"? In this inspiring episode of Why Not Me? Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide, host Tony Mantor welcomes autism advocate Colleen Lamar, whose personal journey as the mother of two autistic sons led to the creation of opportunities that continue to impact countless families. Colleen shares the emotional story of her sons' diagnoses, the challenges of navigating therapy, education, insurance battles, and public schools, and how a year living in Germany completely changed her perspective on autism. She explains how that experience inspired her determination to advocate for her children and eventually help establish the Jeremiah Center, an innovative educational program that provides neurodivergent students with the opportunity to thrive in a supportive private school environment. The conversation also explores sibling relationships, faith, advocacy, independent living, the importance of community, and the remarkable success of Vanderbilt University's Next Steps program in helping autistic young adults prepare for meaningful employment and independent lives. Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, advocate, or someone seeking a better understanding of autism, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and a powerful reminder that one family's determination can create lasting change for many others. In this episode you'll hear: The emotional reality of receiving an autism diagnosis Why perspective can completely change the autism journey Lessons learned from living in Germany Navigating therapies, insurance, and special education The story behind the Jeremiah Center Why advocacy begins with parents Supporting neurotypical siblings The importance of inclusive education Vanderbilt's nationally recognized Next Steps program Building independence in autistic young adults Faith, resilience, and finding hope through community Encouragement for parents just beginning their autism journey See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Julianna Scott’s son was diagnosed autistic at two, doctors predicted he would never be mainstreamed in school, drive, or live independently. Today, at 25, he has accomplished all three. Julianna joins Tony Mantor to share her family’s journey through autism, anxiety, depression, OCD, behavioral challenges, and advocacy—and why parents should focus less on predictions and more on progress, possibility, and the child in front of them.

Author Sonia Hebden shares her family's powerful journey through autism, severe mental illness, trauma, and hope, offering encouragement and practical wisdom for families facing extraordinary challenges.

Award-winning filmmaker and advocate Susie Singer Carter joins Tony Mantor to share the deeply personal story behind her mission to reform America's long-term care system. After losing her mother to complications caused by nursing home neglect during a 16-year battle with Alzheimer's disease, Susie turned her grief into action through her documentary and nonprofit organization, ROAR (Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, and Reform for Long-Term Care). She discusses the challenges facing families, the need for greater accountability and transparency in elder care, and how individuals can help drive meaningful change for future generations