https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sparc-out--6150285SPARC Out is a safe haven in the podcast world to talk about all things autism. By sharing news, stories, and viewpoints from autistic individuals, family members, and professionals alike, we explore the autism experience and look to increase autism awareness and acceptance across backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. We are especially focused on empowering minority communities to better understand and advocate for and with their autistic loved ones. We don't do time out...we do SPARC Out! ]]>enMental HealthAngel Wilsonhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/87f3643f9441d2cb1d569ade8d8690e2.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sparc-out--6150285Sat, 02 May 2026 00:58:02 +0000Angel WilsonAngel Wilsonangelw@sparcguidance.comSPARC Out is a safe haven in the podcast world to talk about all things autism. By sharing news, stories, and viewpoints from autistic individuals, family members, and professionals alike, we explore the autism experience and look to increase autism...SPARC Out is a safe haven in the podcast world to talk about all things autism. By sharing news, stories, and viewpoints from autistic individuals, family members, and professionals alike, we explore the autism experience and look to increase autism awareness and acceptance across backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. We are especially focused on empowering minority communities to better understand and advocate for and with their autistic loved ones. We don't do time out...we do SPARC Out! ]]>false6ec8e56a-20d6-5bc6-ae30-a4ac832372c2episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/talking-with-a-supportive-homesafe-preventing-protecting-and-preparing--67373252Today, we talk with Fernanda Martinez Gonzalez, an Outreach Educator with HomeSafe. We went over the various programs the nonprofit offers, the outreach it does (through staff like Fernanda) in all areas of Palm Beach County, and how collaboration between agencies leads to positive outcomes for families and organizations alike. 
If you are in Palm Beach County and need assistance (or know a family that needs assistance) regarding situations such as: pregnancy to early intervention; recently turned 18 and aged out of foster care; you're looking for a safe place from DV, or are simply looking for family resources, HomeSafe can be reached at this number: 561-383-9871.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67373252Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:00:07 +0000Angel WilsonIt can be tough to find organizations that are able to support families from pregnancy through adulthood, but HomeSafe is one of those organizations. Today, we talk with Fernanda Martinez Gonzalez, an Outreach Educator with HomeSafe. We went over the...Today, we talk with Fernanda Martinez Gonzalez, an Outreach Educator with HomeSafe. We went over the various programs the nonprofit offers, the outreach it does (through staff like Fernanda) in all areas of Palm Beach County, and how collaboration between agencies leads to positive outcomes for families and organizations alike. 
If you are in Palm Beach County and need assistance (or know a family that needs assistance) regarding situations such as: pregnancy to early intervention; recently turned 18 and aged out of foster care; you're looking for a safe place from DV, or are simply looking for family resources, HomeSafe can be reached at this number: 561-383-9871.]]>1979communityoutreach,earlyintervention,familysupport,fostercare,homesafe,nonprofits,palmbeachcounty,socialservices,sparcoutfalse46fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/water-safety-autism-lifesaving-lessons-with-anna-stewart--66210035https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66210035Fri, 23 May 2025 13:00:07 +0000Angel WilsonDrowning is one of the leading causes of death for autistic children—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Anna Stewart from the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County to talk about water safety strategies that save...2641autism,autismacceptance,autismawareness,autismsafety,drowningprevention,swimming,swimmingsafety,watersafetyfalse45fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-united-states-of-autism-an-epidemic-of-fear--65644088The past two weeks have been a brutal wake up call for anyone thinking that maybe, just maybe, progress was being made in autism awareness and acceptance. I myself am included in this. We do not have time to rant and rage, however. We must work to counter the one emotion that is at the heart of not just this enhanced campaign against neurodivergence and autism, but in every campaign against everyone seen as the "other."

Fear.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65644088Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:00:08 +0000Angel WilsonIn light of recent events that have shaken the autism and autistic communities, along with an onslaught of false information regarding autism, I decided to record this episode. I had no outline, no real plan, only real emotions, thoughts, and data....The past two weeks have been a brutal wake up call for anyone thinking that maybe, just maybe, progress was being made in autism awareness and acceptance. I myself am included in this. We do not have time to rant and rage, however. We must work to counter the one emotion that is at the heart of not just this enhanced campaign against neurodivergence and autism, but in every campaign against everyone seen as the "other."

Fear.]]>1741autism,autismacceptance,autismawareness,autismresearch,autismspectrum,autismspectrumdisorder,autistic,calltoaction,differentnotlessfalse44fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/talking-medicaid-part-2-meichico-aldridge-huggins--65289831https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65289831Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:00:07 +0000Angel WilsonAs we kick off World Autism Acceptance Month, we have Part 2 of my mini series covering the Medicaid updates that have affected countless families in Florida this year. In this episode, I speak with Meichico, a mom of autistic twins who has become...2894autism,autismflorida,autismmedicaid,autismservices,autismspectrum,autismspectrumdisorder,disability,disabilityservices,florida,floridamedicaid,medicaidfalse43fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/talking-medicaid-part-1-christian-sanon-look-up-therapy--64487484This is the first of a two part series. Next month's episode will take a closer look at the impact this restructuring has had on Medicaid families, along with advice on how families can prepare for similar changes in the future. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64487484Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:00:08 +0000Angel WilsonIn light of the recent restructuring of Florida Medicaid that has left hundreds of families and providers scrambling to acquire or provide autism-related services, I sat down and chatted with BCBA and Owner of Look Up Therapy, Christian Sanon. We...This is the first of a two part series. Next month's episode will take a closer look at the impact this restructuring has had on Medicaid families, along with advice on how families can prepare for similar changes in the future. ]]>2266aba,autism,autismacceptance,autismawareness,autismfamilies,autismtreatment,earlyintervention,family,florida,floridamedicaid,lookuptherapy,medicaid,serviceprovidersfalse42fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/talking-with-a-pediatrician-dr-mary-jones--63539826
To kick off the new year, I spoke to Dr. Mary Jones, a pediatrician with personal ties to autism. Get insight into the pediatric side of autism as Dr. Jones talks about her own personal experiences with autism, how she's shaping her practice to adjust to the growing autism rates, and what both parents and the medical field can do to advocate for autistic individuals. We also talked about how race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affects the autism field, and how providers like her plan to build more equity in diagnosis and treatment. Links to both her website and Glow Pediatrics (another team reshaping the autism field) are below.
On a technical note, this is the first episode that I have edited completely on my own (new year, new roles!). I'm on a learning curve with audio editing, so I apologize if anything sounds a bit off. I promise it will get better as I get the hang of things!

Dr. Mary Jones website: https://drmarycoaches.com/

Glow Pediatrics: https://www.glowpediatrics.com/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63539826Thu, 02 Jan 2025 03:44:50 +0000Angel WilsonHappy 2025! We are back with season 4! To kick off the new year, I spoke to Dr. Mary Jones, a pediatrician with personal ties to autism. Get insight into the pediatric side of autism as Dr. Jones talks about her own personal experiences with autism,...
To kick off the new year, I spoke to Dr. Mary Jones, a pediatrician with personal ties to autism. Get insight into the pediatric side of autism as Dr. Jones talks about her own personal experiences with autism, how she's shaping her practice to adjust to the growing autism rates, and what both parents and the medical field can do to advocate for autistic individuals. We also talked about how race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affects the autism field, and how providers like her plan to build more equity in diagnosis and treatment. Links to both her website and Glow Pediatrics (another team reshaping the autism field) are below.
On a technical note, this is the first episode that I have edited completely on my own (new year, new roles!). I'm on a learning curve with audio editing, so I apologize if anything sounds a bit off. I promise it will get better as I get the hang of things!

Dr. Mary Jones website: https://drmarycoaches.com/

Glow Pediatrics: https://www.glowpediatrics.com/]]>2561autism,autismacceptance,autismawareness,autismpodcast,childdevelopment,drmaryjones,pediatrician,sparcoutfalse41fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/podcast-update-what-s-coming--62159560https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62159560Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:54:23 +0000Angel WilsonYes, I'm still alive! Here is a quick update on where I have been and what's coming for the podcast. Just a heads up: this is a raw recording, so no music or edits. Just me.357autism,autismacceptance,autismawareness,autismresearch,autismupdates,sparcoutfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/interview-jasen-autism-sensory-environment--60492850https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60492850Mon, 24 Jun 2024 17:08:44 +0000Angel WilsonI sit down with the parents behind the Jasen Autism Sensory Environment, a sensory learning center in Palm Beach County for autistic and sensory need children and teens. We talk about what inspired the center, what they offer (and have coming up!),...2897autism,autismacceptance,autismandschool,autismandsensory,autismawareness,florida,interview,jasenautismsensoryenvironment,palmbeachcounty,sensory,sensorycenter,sensoryprocessing,sparcguidance,sparcoutfalse32fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/autism-and-mental-health--60193155https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60193155Tue, 28 May 2024 01:13:29 +0000Angel WilsonThe subject of mental health with regards to autism spectrum disorder is a relatively new subject, though it shouldn't be. Looking through the lens of both a provider and a former therapist, Angel examines why it is so difficult for autistic people to...1791autism,autismandmentalhealth,autismpodcast,autismspectrum,mentalhealth,mentalhealththerapy,podcast,therapyfalse31fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/season-3-trailer--59710792SPARC Out is ready for season 3, and we are going beyond South Florida to talk to people from all over about autism. We hope you will join us!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59710792Mon, 29 Apr 2024 22:37:53 +0000Angel WilsonNew name, new home, new season! SPARC Out is ready for season 3, and we are going beyond South Florida to talk to people from all over about autism. We hope you will join us!SPARC Out is ready for season 3, and we are going beyond South Florida to talk to people from all over about autism. We hope you will join us!]]>73autism,autismacceptance,autismawareness,autismspectrumdisorder,mentalhealth,trailerfalse31trailerhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/follow-the-money-part-ii--59491051295cc845-bef7-4a80-a77f-54c4d2a78d75Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this Mini SPARC episode, we follow up on a previous Mini SPARC, Follow the Money, to continue to discuss the trend of multiple private equity firms' effects on the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) community.1791false27bonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/interview-with-drowning-prevention-coalition-of-palm-beach-county--5949106509b5bbcb-762e-4a35-9c79-e0ebf7cd666cThu, 27 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this week's episode, we welcome Anna Stewart, Manager at Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County. Her background as a Crime Scene Investigator and a non fatal drowning survivor also has given her a unique perspective in her current line...2757false215fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/interview-with-quatiba-davis--59491075967ba5ac-8ce7-4671-907c-9b86a9f6d0a6Sat, 03 Jun 2023 19:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this week’s episode, we welcome Quaitba Davis, The Corporate Director of ABA (Applied behavior analysis) Assessments and the Regional Director of diagnostics. We discuss understanding how culture factors into creating a treatment program, positive...3788false214fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/wake-up-call-about-autism--59491059f690c6d2-6d3c-463c-a72a-4000a2fab808Thu, 04 May 2023 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this mini SPARC episode, we discuss the updated Centers for Disease Control recent findings that 1 in 36 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The increase of the diagnosis of ASD should not be an alarm, but a wake up...1134false26bonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/interview-with-early-steps-easterseals-florida--59491062c858d772-a45a-4da0-a622-0d819ec43673Thu, 20 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this week's episode, we welcome Natalie Eno, Family Resource Specialist at Treasure Coast Early Steps/Easterseals Florida. Natalie is a mother of three daughters, the oldest diagnosed with autism. We discussed the resources she found that helped...3183false213fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/interview-with-best-buddies-international--59491055https://www.bestbuddies.org/Best Buddies Florida Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestbuddiesfl/Best Buddies Palm Beach Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestbuddiespbBest Buddies International Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestbuddiesBest Buddies International Twitter: https://twitter.com/bestbuddies Best Buddies International YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bestbuddies]]>432eb3cc-6ca5-42ea-8eac-52ea33f34eb4Thu, 06 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this week's episode, we welcome Tricia Williams, the Area Director of Best Buddies in Palm Beach. We discuss her journey as a mother of a neurodivergent child and as a provider, the fight for inclusivity, and the history of Best Buddies.Best...https://www.bestbuddies.org/Best Buddies Florida Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestbuddiesfl/Best Buddies Palm Beach Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestbuddiespbBest Buddies International Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestbuddiesBest Buddies International Twitter: https://twitter.com/bestbuddies Best Buddies International YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bestbuddies]]>3702false212fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/interview-with-fau-card-fau-s-best-kept-secret--59491060Link)FAU CARD Facebook: (Link)FAU CARD Instagram: (Link)FAU CARD Twitter: (Link)FAU CARD YouTube: (Link)FAU CARD LinkedIn: (Link)]]>76ef1092-8714-4a38-99cc-d22b29ab7c80Thu, 23 Mar 2023 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this week's episode, we welcome Chandra McKinney- Clarke, MS and Jeffrey Lucas of FAU CARD (Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities). FAU CARD provides expert consulting, training, and support, at no charge, for all...Link)FAU CARD Facebook: (Link)FAU CARD Instagram: (Link)FAU CARD Twitter: (Link)FAU CARD YouTube: (Link)FAU CARD LinkedIn: (Link)]]>2482false211fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lack-of-empathy--594910690d0c23cf-3fa4-4b8a-88b3-7fdbb5a71f56Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:00:00 +0000Angel Wilson In this episode, we will discuss the myth that autistic individuals lack empathy. Angel will also share examples of how autistic people are misunderstood and are mistreated by neurotypical people.1350false25bonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-new-perspective-a-focus-on-autism-in-the-black-community--59491082dea48c9e-2490-4a57-bec2-2312ff32d7a3Thu, 19 Jan 2023 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonSPARC UP is back! In this episode, our host Angel Wilson provides insight into the shift of focus for season two of SPARC UP! There is a vast disparity in the research and awareness of autism in the black community, which will be explored in season two.1385false210fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stop-the-shock-jr-center-and-abai-part-2--5949108943d80886-47b9-4092-af4d-e481f0168cb0Sun, 04 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonA recent task force investigated the controversial Judge Rotenberg Center and its use of electric shock on patients. We will discuss the leaked report and the updated position statement that was triggered by the backlash of the original report.2315false14bonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/interview-with-look-up-therapy--594910585dc7c33f-6e8a-4f91-83c4-6f22c2776e01Fri, 18 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this episode, we are joined by Christian E. Sanon II M.ed, BCBA, the co-founder of Look Up Therapy. Christian shares his experience as a provider, his journey into the therapeutic care industry, and his overcoming challenges to assist families in...3837false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beyond-aba-part-2--59491092947c0d7f-46cf-4b53-9c8d-70f5b4fdce39Thu, 03 Nov 2022 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this episode, we continue the discussion of Angel's experience with ABA, alternativetechniques, and studies that support the use of alternative methods of care2617false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/beyond-aba-part-1--5949109892d7c058-d777-4caf-8528-38494fe908f3Tue, 25 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIt's story time! In this episode, Angel shares her initial experience with Applied BehaviorAnalysis (ABA) and what led her to the Naturalistic Therapy techniques to provide care for her patients.3427false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-message-to-the-providers--59491072ecb00346-9c46-4e1a-a995-155ce0ea9f8eThu, 06 Oct 2022 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this Mini SPARC episode, we discuss issues providers face when starting the conversation of telling a family that their child may have developmental delays or Autism and suggestions on how to best communicate with the family. 1156false13bonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/autism-and-safety--594910618bdfdfda-fefe-4d88-8b70-3587703d2f70Thu, 22 Sep 2022 22:00:00 +0000Angel Wilson In lieu of recent tragic drownings and accidents in the local autism community, this episode focuses on why autistic kids are lured by water, the reasons they elope, and what adults in their lives can do to keep them safe.2476false6fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/follow-the-money--59491079712a980b-e61a-4f51-98a5-a503661324fdMon, 12 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this Mini SPARC episode, we discuss the growing trend of multiple private equity firms' effects on the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) community.1034false12bonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/inside-the-house--59491091a97e73dc-8a48-47f5-96e2-5d51d9fb8f62Thu, 25 Aug 2022 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this episode, Inside The House, we will talk about the warning calls coming from inside the house which is the autism community. These issues have been raised by autistic individuals, their families, and observant providers for years, but have...2674false5fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stop-the-shock-jr-center-and-abai--5949107665c213ba-8e77-4154-a62f-7f9e5cf404bfThu, 11 Aug 2022 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonA quick take on the controversial Judge Rotenberg Center and its use of electric shock on patients.945false11bonushttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/race-and-autism-diving-into-the-disparities--59491094d7d926e1-f5a8-4047-a70e-bb4d805c4f6bThu, 28 Jul 2022 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonEven before her twins were formally diagnosed with autism, their mother Meici knew that they would need support and her advocacy. In this episode, Meici and I talk about the journey to diagnosis and services, what it means to be an advocate for your...2922false4fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/listen-a-look-at-autistic-voices-online-and-in-print--5949110857a1586a-bd1a-4930-a3d0-bf0315f4d9cfThu, 14 Jul 2022 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this episode, we are introduced to Ryan and his story of navigating the world while being neurodivergent. As an adult who works to help others with neurodivergent conditions, Ryan talks with me about the importance of support systems, giving back...2530false3fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sensory-speaking-sensory-needs-and-autism--594911397b9a7498-6e79-4d10-88eb-1fa038871461Thu, 23 Jun 2022 22:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonIn this episode, we discuss one of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of autism: sensory. While all of us use our senses to understand the world around us, autistic and other neurodivergent people process things very differently. Let's...3775false2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/autism-myths-and-reality-a-look-at-the-prevailing-myths-surrounding-autism--59491100e884268d-97c8-4eca-8d7b-f558c8db1893Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonAn introduction to the podcast, the voice behind it, and the myths and misconceptions that will shape the episodes to come. From vaccines to the "look" of autism, nothing is off limits! Are you ready to redefine what autism means to you?3815false1fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/welcome-to-sparc-up--594910565a3ec404-71b7-4448-8017-d859d30d2e43Wed, 08 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000Angel WilsonThe idea for SPARC Up grew from a steady increase of voices in the minority community wishing for more information and acceptance of autistic children. This increase came to include professionals in the childcare, education, and mental health...90false1trailer