A warm-hearted host with warm hearted guests, a great recipe for a good podcast. Mark entertains Brie Seward and Eric Stark Executive Director and Board member from Autism Society of Southern Arizona.

Bio ~ Brie Seward

Brie is the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona. She started as a volunteer on the marketing committee lending her publishing experience (Harper’s Bazaar and Gourmet magazines), e-commerce (Bond No. 9 Fragrances and Louis Vuitton), and digital marketing (Perry Ellis brands) in New York City and Miami to support ASSA.

Brie is a graduate of The U of A Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program and received her MA in communications from ASU.

The Autism Society of Southern Arizona provides unbiased information and referral services at no cost. We are typically the “first call” parents or individuals with autism make when learning about the diagnosis. We provide information on therapy options, legal considerations, transition resources, schooling, and much more.

Our website features a comprehensive listing of Southern Arizona providers and resources. We also provide customized autism training to schools, organizations, and businesses about our ever-evolving understanding of autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. 1 in 40 Or 2.5% of 8-year-old children in an area of Arizona were identified with ASD by ADDSP (Arizona Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program) in 2018.

This April, the Autism Society celebrates Autism Acceptance Month. Every day, we work to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community to live fully. Be the connection this April to spreading awareness for early diagnosis, promoting inclusion in the greater community, and practicing acceptance in everyday life.

Be the connection this April to spreading awareness for early diagnosis, promoting inclusion in the greater community, and practicing acceptance in everyday life. Together with the Pima County Superintendent's Office, we have created a proclamation to designate April as Autism Acceptance Month for Pima County.

While there is currently no known single cause of Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities needed to live fully.

Company / Organization Website URL: www.as-az.org

Company or Guest LinkedIn URL:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/autism-society-of-southern-arizona-inc

Company / Org Facebook Page URL:
https://www.facebook.com/Autismsocietyofsouthernarizona

Bio ~ Eric Stark

Eric Stark is a Marketing Coordinator for Banner – University Health Plans and is a board member of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona.

He is a graduate of ASU’s Tucson MSW program and is a passionate advocate for the rights of individuals dealing with disabilities. He is an accomplished motivational speaker who honestly shares his own mental Health struggles and his experiences not just surviving but thriving while living with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis.

My goal is to help others to better learn how to find more meaning and purpose in life and how to feel more in control of their lives:

I want to help people become the landlords or their brains instead of just renting space in their heads.

I am comfortable discussing just about any aspect of my life and believe the best interviews are organic so no one question above is a must ask.

(520) 425-4574 Eric.Stark@bannerhealth.com

Company / Org Facebook Page URL:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/OutreachOutlook/