Tony Mantor: Why Not Me ?

Embracing Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Autistic Educator and Author Rebecca Engle

In this episode of 'Why Not Me,' hosted by Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, Rebecca Engle, an autistic educator and author, shares her journey and insights into neurodiversity in education.

Rebecca discusses her experiences as a nonverbal child, the challenges she faced in academia, and the strategies she uses to support neurodivergent students.

She highlights the importance of creating inclusive educational environments and challenges outdated behavioral systems.

Rebecca also dives into her work as an author, particularly focusing on her children's books that address autism and stemming, and speaks about her efforts to foster understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity worldwide.

Introduction to Why Not Me

Meet Rebecca Engle: Autistic Educator and Advocate

Rebecca's Early Life and Challenges

Navigating Education and Professional Life

Teaching Strategies and Classroom Experiences

Rebecca's Writing Journey

Future Goals and Expanding Impact

Closing Remarks and Contact Information

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild

Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.
Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.
Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.
Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.
Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tyler Barnett on Late Autism Self-Diagnosis, Masking, and Creating “Gap Music” for Regulation

Host Tony Mantor welcomes Tyler Barnett, founder of Tyler Barnett PR and an artistic music creator focused on empowering the autism community through intentional sound design and storytelling.

Tyler shares that he is autistic and was diagnosed six months ago through self-diagnosis supported by years of personal data and extensive testing, after his 10-year-old daughter repeatedly told him he was autistic and he explored the topic through ChatGPT.

He describes lifelong differences including deep special interests, pattern recognition, challenges in educational environments, learned eye contact, and complex masking as a professional communicator, as well as past misdiagnoses such as bipolar disorder and being medicated incorrectly. T

yler discusses mixed reactions when disclosing autism, including denial from some family members and acceptance from others, and explains how masking involved mirroring facial expressions and behavior to make others comfortable. T

yler also talks about his daughter Lucy’s official autism diagnosis, her strengths (friends, eye contact, dance talent) alongside daily school distress, meltdowns, and limited understanding from her school team about autism in girls.

He explains how the diagnosis has improved family dynamics, increased empathy, and helped Lucy feel less isolated, while also describing how he can help regulate her during meltdowns. The conversation shifts to Tyler’s music: electronic, lyric-driven work combining traditional production with AI vocals and emergent elements.

He explains his “gap music” concept—music designed for emotional regulation using structures like 3-6-9 tension/expansion/release loops and pattern shifts across genres (classical, choir/mantra, dubstep, hip hop) to create soothing but unpredictable listening experiences.

Tyler says he has not formally released the project widely but has received strong feedback from neurodivergent listeners and notes that his daughter, wife, and dog fell asleep when hearing it. He shares where to find his work: YouTube channel “Gap Music for beautiful Brains” (@GapMusicforRegulation), Instagram @enzo, tylerbarnettpr.com, and TikTok @MillennialDad, and says he plans to release tracks over the next month from a catalog of about 80.

Welcome to ‘Why Not Me’ — Autism & Mental Health Worldwide

Meet Tyler Barnett: PR Strategist, Artist & Sound Designer

Realizing He’s Autistic: ‘I’ve Always Been Different’

ChatGPT, Self-Testing & the Emotional Breakthrough

Telling Others: Family Pushback vs. Community Support

Masking 101: Mirroring, Eye Contact & ‘Dog and Pony Show’

Lucy’s Diagnosis: School Struggles, Meltdowns & Support Gaps

A Stronger Bond: Co-Regulation and Parenting Shifts at Home

To Disclose or Not: Labels, Stigma, and Protecting Your Peace

Finding the Flow: How Autism Changed His PR Work & Creativity

Inside ‘Gap Music’: 3-6-9 Patterns, AI Emergence & Regulation

Where to Listen + Final Thanks and Sign-Off

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild

Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.
Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.
Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.
Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.
Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Making Air Travel More Accessible for Autistic Travelers: Cheryl Bischoff of Here I Go Travel

Host Tony Mantor introduces the podcast “Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide” and interviews Cheryl Bischoff, owner of Here I Go Travel Company. Cheryl explains how she became a Certified Autism Travel Professional through training offered by Sandals/Beaches Resorts and how she applies that knowledge by organizing airport practice events that walk participants through the full airport process—terminal check-in, TSA screening, gate procedures, jet bridge, and boarding—so travelers can desensitize and build confidence.

She discusses autistic-inclusive travel needs beyond basic accessibility, including managing sound, lighting, smells, and access to reset spaces like sensory-friendly rooms, as well as tools like TSA Cares (pre-registration for guided assistance and alternative screening options) and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for voluntary identification. C

heryl shares that the certification landscape has expanded to include certified airports, airlines, destinations, and entire cities, noting Dubai as the first certified airport.

She describes serving all ages, providing preparation materials, recommending nonstop flights for first-time flyers when possible, and offering door-to-door travel planning while balancing the need for extra time with avoiding long gate waits.

Cheryl highlights growth of the events to include other needs (blind/low vision, mobility issues, wheelchairs, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy) and shares an example of a child successfully riding an escalator for the first time during an event.

She promotes her new site and social channels (navigateevents.org; Navigate Events on Facebook and Instagram) for event registration updates, and says expanding to new communities requires sponsorship to keep events free and enough participants to demonstrate demand, citing interest in Kansas City ahead of FIFA 2026.

She closes by emphasizing travel as vital for family connection, jobs, medical care, and life experiences, and invites communities to contact her to bring events locally.

Welcome to ‘Why Not Me’ — Autism & Mental Health Worldwide

Meet Cheryl Bischoff & Here I Go Travel: Making Travel Accessible

Becoming a Certified Autism Travel Professional + The Airport Practice Event

Dubai, Certified Airports & the Rise of Autism-Friendly Travel Systems

What Truly Makes Travel Autism-Inclusive: Sensory Needs & Reset Spaces

Building Trust with Families: TSA Cares and Other Hidden Supports

Beyond Autism: Practice Events for Many Disabilities & Mobility Needs

Supporting Autistic Adults & Hidden Disabilities: The Sunflower Program

From Practice to Real Travel Days: Preparation, Timing, and Nonstop Tips

What the Industry Still Needs: Sensory Rooms, Training, and Keeping Families Together

Wins That Matter: Escalators, Confidence, and First-Time Flyers

How to Find Navigate Events + Expanding Nationwide (Sponsors & Participants Needed)

Final Takeaway & Closing: Travel as Connection, Opportunity, and Inclusion

https://NavigateEvents.org

https://youtu.be/Jcr2avKrep4

https://youtu.be/mfsP40HNNH4

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild

Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.
Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.
Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.
Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.
Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of 'Why Not Me, Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide,' host Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, interviews Dan Franklin, a passionate autism advocate with 31 years of lived experience.

Dan shares his insights on autistic wiring, trauma responses, masking, scripting, burnout, and sensory processing.

He discusses the challenges faced by autistic individuals navigating a world built for neurotypicals and emphasizes the need for mandatory autism education across society.

Dan also touches on the importance of approaching autistic individuals with understanding and compassion, and how proper autism training can facilitate a more inclusive world.

Meet Dan Franklin: Autism Advocate

Dan's Advocacy Journey

Challenges and Misunderstandings

Learning and Overcoming

Advocacy and Education Efforts

Addressing Misconceptions

Final Thoughts and Contact Information

INTRO/OUTRO: T.Wild

Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.
Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.
Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.
Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.
Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Belqui Ortiz Millili on Parenting a Nonverbal Autistic Teen, Advocacy, and Building Support

Host Tony Mantor welcomes Belqui Ortiz Millili to Why Not Me: Embracing Autism and Mental Health Worldwide.

She shares that she is the mother of a nearly 17-year-old nonverbal autistic son with high support needs, born extremely premature at six months gestation, and describes early concerns when milestones lagged compared to her older child.

She recounts pushing for answers despite being told delays were due to prematurity or gender, and discusses common public misunderstandings about autism, including lack of awareness of the spectrum and confusion over changing diagnostic labels and levels.

She explains how her son’s diagnosis led her into advocacy, including earning a life coaching certification to support newly diagnosed families, initially offering help for free after seeing the financial burden of therapies not fully covered by insurance.

She talks about burnout, the impact autism-related stress can have on marriage, and how she and her husband navigate different parenting approaches while prioritizing their son’s happiness.

The conversation covers isolation experienced by families of nonverbal autistic children, shifting support networks as children age, and her current challenges planning for adulthood, conservatorship, and lifelong caregiving responsibilities.

She emphasizes the need for broader education and inclusion starting in early school years, more opportunities and job pathways for autistic people, and practical guidance for parents on accessing state and insurance services—citing Arizona’s DDD supports, long-term care, therapy coverage, and respite/habilitation hours.

Belqui closes by encouraging parents to build a village, protect their relationships, and reclaim parts of their own lives beyond autism while continuing to support their child.

Welcome to ‘Why Not Me’ — Autism & Mental Health Stories That Connect Us

Meet Host Tony Mantor + Today’s Guest: Blquuii Ortiz Millili

Belqui’s Autism Journey Begins: Her Nonverbal Son & High Support Needs

Early Signs, Premature Birth, and Fighting to Be Heard by Doctors

What People Get Wrong About Autism: The Spectrum, Stereotypes, and ‘Levels’

From Parenting to Advocacy: Becoming an Autism Support Coach

Burnout Is Real: Resilience, Support Systems, and Surviving the Hard Days

Marriage Under Pressure: Different Parenting Styles & Keeping the Family Together

Identity and Strength: How Autism Changed How She Sees Herself

Nonverbal Autism Realities: Communication, Safety, and Feeling ‘Trapped’ at Home

The Hardest Season: Teen Years, Adulthood Planning, and Conservatorship

Support, Community, and Friendships: What Helps (and What Falls Away) Over Time

The Next 5–10 Years: Awareness in Schools and Real Opportunities for Autistic Adults

Newly Diagnosed? First Steps, State Services, and How to Avoid Overwhelm

Taking Care of Yourself Too: Building a Village and Reclaiming Your Life

Final Thanks + How to Share the Show and Get Involved

INTRO/OUTRO: T. Wild

Mantor Music BMI

The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.
Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.
Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.
Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk.
Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.