Rocking and Rolling with Autism

·37 min·3 clips

Sam Mitchell explains why he sees honesty and bluntness as the same thing, navigating autism as a teenager.

The episode begins with host Kristen Sonanta Walker introducing Mental Health News Radio and its mission to normalize mental health discussions. She welcomes guests Sam Mitchell and his mother Gina. Sam introduces himself as the host of Autism Rocks and Rolls, a podcast about autism, and shares his interests in writing, video games, and public speaking. Gina describes herself as Sam's number one fan and a teacher who handles the behind-the-scenes work for his podcast. Kristen asks about Sam's autism diagnosis at age four. Gina recounts Sam's early childhood, noting missed milestones, delayed speech, and behaviors like organizing toys and lining up items. She explains how these signs led to a diagnosis, her initial emotional reaction, and their approach to raising Sam with autism while emphasizing functionality. Sam discusses his perspective on honesty and bluntness, viewing them as similar traits that can be challenging in social settings. Gina adds that Sam studies social situations, like at a funeral, to understand expected behaviors. The conversation touches on Dr. Temple Grandin, whom both admire for her direct communication style. Gina acknowledges the need for Sam to balance bluntness with social norms for employment. Sam shares how he started his podcast through his school's media club in October 2019. They discuss the pandemic's impact, with Sam struggling due to uncertainty and Gina helping him cope. Sam advises that people should talk to those with autism like everyone else, learning from their quirks. Gina describes their similar personalities and occasional conflicts as business partners. Sam lists his podcast sponsors, including Wellspring Pain Solutions, and Gina highlights their support. The episode concludes with Sam expressing his love for dogs, noting their non-judgmental nature, and Kristen promoting related networks and resources.

As heard by us

A candid conversation about autism, social rules, and who gets treated as the problem.

Autism becomes a question of who gets to define disability in this candid conversation with Sam and Gina. Kristen Sonanta Walker begins with an everyday booger-check story, then follows it into the social calculations that gather around behavior.

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Why you'd press play

You want a warm conversation about social rules, identity, and the awkward work of apologizing.

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