Taking Authority Over Autism

New merger means more services for neurodiverse college students

Sheletta chats with her friends at Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills about the two college communities and their upcoming merger and how it's a win-win situation for neurodivergent students on the latest episode of her autism podcast.

Put down that cigarette, pick up the telephone

Start the new year right by breaking some bad habits that you picked up during COVID like smoking. On this week's episode of Taking Authority over Autism, Sheletta shows you how to put down the cigarette and pick up the phone to call  Quit Partner at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. They have programs, medication and one-on-one coaching to help you break free from your nicotine addiction.  https://www.quitpartnermn.com/

Reliable supplemental transportation for your special needs student

Sheletta is trying to figure out how to get her 7th grader to theater camp and her 8th grader to debate practice while picking up her 5th grader from school all at the same time. Being a divorced parent of three kids with autism, she's got to be careful about how they get to their appointments and after-school activities. She was excited to find out about HopSkipDrive, a supplemental student transportation service that uses vetted CareDrivers to provide rides with just six hours notice.

In the midst of all the autism fraud happening in Minnesota

Sheletta introduces her listeners to the Minnesota Autism Center Midwest, a trusted autism therapy center that serves children on the spectrum. She chats with MAC Midwest's CEO Christine Bent who has been a leader in healthcare for three decades.

How to COPE with stress

 Holiday stress is hard, but you don't have to struggle alone. Sheletta chats with Jihan Ali from Hennepin County who shares information about a vital resource that offers help for you to COPE if you're in crisis mode so you can get back to living your best and healthiest life.

Black mommas battle for service

Black moms share their experience of fighting for fairness for their autistic children both inside and outside of their homes. Sheletta chats with Vinyarie, a fellow African American autism mom who says a library story time with her son crushed her spirit then made her a crusader for equity for neurodiverse children. 

Finding the right provider for your Black autistic child

Sheletta chats with Andrea Lawson Founder and Chief Principal Consultant of HealthEQ Solutions, where she partners with organizations to design inclusive systems, about what it looks like to provide culturally competent care to Black neurodiverse children. 

The 2026 Special Olympics is coming to Minnesota. What can you expect?

Sheletta sits down and chats with the CEO, Christy Sovereign, to get all the details. Visit https://2026specialolympicsusagames.org/ 

Keep your family members safe: VACCINATE!

Sheletta chats with Dr. Ruth Lynfield with the Minnesota Department of Health about the importance of getting children vaccinated as we begin to visit family and friends for the holiday season.

November is National Adoption Month

Sheletta is chatting with Rita Soronen, President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, about how the organization is working to erase disparities for neurodiverse children waiting to find forever homes.