In this episode, Brian sits down again with autistic advocate Mandy Pinkley to explore one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of parenting a neurodivergent child: community.

Together they talk about:

• Why parents often feel isolated even when surrounded by people

• How finding the right community can change everything for both parents AND kids

• The role of digital connections and why online spaces can be incredibly supportive

• How families in small or rural towns can create their own support systems

• What it means to raise your hand first — and be the person who helps others feel less alone

Mandy also shares her own journey of embracing her identity, finding acceptance through media and storytelling, and discovering strength by connecting with other autistic peers.

• Community reduces isolation. Many families feel alone simply because no one is speaking up — often everyone is waiting for someone else to say, "Me too."

• Digital spaces matter. Online groups, forums, and social platforms can be powerful places to find belonging and support.

• Parents often see their own traits in their children. Many adults discover their own neurodivergence through their child's diagnosis.

• Support takes many forms. Large groups, small groups, online communities, in-person meetups — all are valid.

• You can create the space you wish existed. If there isn't a group in your area, you can be the person who starts one.

• CARD – Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

• Family Inclusion Networks (e.g., "FIN")

• Local autism organizations

• Facebook and online support groups

• Community events and family-friendly meetups
  
  

If you're looking for support, resources, or therapy services for your child, Pure Hearts Therapy is here for you.
Visit us at www.pureheartstherapy.com or schedule a call with our team today.

Host: Brian Keene, Pure Hearts Therapy
Guest: Mandy — Autistic Advocate, Peer Mentor, Neurodiversity Educator

In today's episode, Brian welcomes back Mandy—an autistic advocate whose insight, honesty, and lived experiences help bridge understanding between neurodivergent individuals and the communities around them.

This conversation explores:

• What true inclusion looks like
  
  

• How peers can become better allies
  
  

• The power of online communities
  
  

• Healthy boundaries and safety for autistic adolescents
  
  

• Why children should be believed, supported, and included intentionally
  
  

• Real-life stories from Penguin Project musical theatre
  
  

• How parents and teachers can advocate with—not for—their children
  
  

• What friendship means through a neurodivergent lens
  
  

• How resources and gentle assistance can reduce stress and build empowerment
  
  

This is an honest, insightful, heartfelt conversation that helps families, educators, and peers understand ways to foster acceptance, belonging, and meaningful relationships.

Mandy explains that inclusion goes beyond the "right thing to do."
It's about recognizing that a person's presence matters and enriches the group.

Digital communities remove physical judgments and bring people together based on interests and strengths—not labels.

• Modeling respectful communication
  
  

• Directing conversation to the neurodivergent individual rather than around them
  
  

• Recognizing and celebrating strengths
  
  

• Meeting people where they are
  
  

Brian and Mandy discuss examples of parents who:

• Observe classrooms firsthand
  
  

• Ask specific questions
  
  

• Identify mismatches between learning environments and student needs
  
  

• Advocate beyond the "check-the-box" approach
  
  

For many autistic individuals:

• The line between acquaintance and friend may feel unclear
  
  

• Empathy is expressed through shared experiences, not always through typical responses
  
  

• Volume, pacing, or intensity may fluctuate with comfort or excitement
  Gentle, respectful cues from friends can be extremely helpful.
  
  

Mandy shares personal experiences illustrating how:

• Autistic youth often aren't taught what harassment or unhealthy dynamics look like
  
  

• Early boundary education (middle school age) can prevent exploitation
  
  

• Families and educators should prioritize these conversations
  
  

Sharing resources is important, but offering help with applications, forms, or steps shows real advocacy.

• "Inclusion isn't just letting someone sit at the table—it's wanting them to be there." – Mandy
  
  

• "Meeting people where they're at is huge." – Brian
  
  

• "Some of us don't even know what a friend is—and that's okay." – Mandy
  
  

• "Teaching healthy boundaries early can change lives." – Mandy
  
  

• Penguin Project – Inclusive musical theatre program pairing neurodivergent actors with peer mentors
  
  

• CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) – State-supported resources (varies by location)
  
  

• Local/state autism agencies or community groups
  
  

• Online peer support communities for autistic youth and adults
  
  

Pure Hearts Therapy
Website: pureheartstherapy.com

In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian sits down with autism advocate Mandy Pinckley, who shares her lived experiences growing up autistic, navigating deep emotions, overcoming isolation, and finding her voice as a speaker and advocate. Mandy opens up about the challenges she faced in childhood, the bullying she endured, and the obstacles that come with being a late-diagnosed autistic girl.

She also discusses digital safety, online vulnerabilities for autistic teens, and how her painful experiences led her to advocacy work—including speaking at the CARD Conference about protecting autistic adolescents online.

Parents and caregivers will learn how to:
• Better understand the emotional depth many autistic children experience
• Foster open, judgment-free communication
• Support their child's self-identity and autonomy
• Build safety, connection, and community

Key Topics:

• Mandy's late diagnosis and how it changed her life
  
  

• Emotional intensity & misunderstood behavior
  
  

• Bullying, isolation & digital-age vulnerability
  
  

• How parents can create safer online environments
  
  

• Supporting identity development in a neurodiversity-affirming way
  
  

• Why community and connection reduce shame and fear
  
  

Resources Mentioned:
• CARD – Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (Florida)
• PureHearts Therapy resources & parent support services

Connect / Work With Us:
👉 Learn more or book a consultation: www.pureheartstherapy.com
👉 Follow us on social media for daily support & tips

Thank you for listening — and remember, you are not alone on this journey.