When people find out that Gina Mitchell’s son, Sam, is autistic, they often say, ‘I’m so sorry about that.’   And that bothers Gina. Yes, having a neurodivergent child is challenging. But Sam is not broken, and his differences are nothing to be ‘sorry’ about. So, when Sam’s podcast started to gain attention, Gina saw an opportunity to help people understand what autism is—and what it isn’t. Gina is a career educator and President of Autism Rocks and Rolls, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to breaking the stigma around people with autism. She does autism advocacy work and speaking engagements with Sam, who serves as Executive Director of ARAR. On this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, Gina joins Anjel to explain how Sam was diagnosed with autism and why she knew he could succeed, given the right accommodations. Gina challenges parents to advocate for their neurodivergent children at school—and teach their kids to advocate for themselves. Listen in to understand how Sam’s podcast evolved from hobby to advocacy organization and learn how Gina is changing the negative connotations around the fixations of neurodivergent kids. What You Will Learn  The traumatic birth of Gina’s son Sam and how he was diagnosed with autism Why it’s crucial to be an advocate for your neurodivergent child at school How Gina knew Sam could be successful given the right accommodations The laws around following a student’s IEP in the public school system Why Gina suggests teaching your neurodivergent child to advocate for themselves What inspired Gina to start a nonprofit with Sam as Executive Director How Autism Rocks and Rolls helps people understand what autism is (and what it isn’t) The evolution of Sam’s podcast from hobby to advocacy organization How to change the negative connotations re: the fixations of neurodivergent kids Connect with Gina Mitchell Autism Rocks and Rolls Autism Rocks and Rolls Podcast  Resources Flutie Foundation Dr. Temple Grandin Family and Social Services Administration Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell   Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women on Clubhouse The Wealthy Life Mentor The Wealthy Life Mentor on Facebook Anjel on Twitter Anjel on Instagram Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343  Email [email protected]