Tony Mantor: Why Not Me the World

• Ruth Johnston: Autism and Schizophrenia: A Mother's Fight for Change

  Send us a textRuth Johnston shares her harrowing journey as the mother of an autistic son who developed schizophrenia, and how this experience drove her to advocate for Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania following a family tragedy.• Ruth's son was diagnosed with autism as a teenager, after she had already been homeschooling him for years• Around age 13, he began showing signs of developing schizophrenia, though it took a decade to recognize the condition• Current laws prevented intervention despite clear evidence of his deteriorating mental state• Expert testimony revealed 5-34% of autistic individuals may develop schizophrenia as adults• Anosognosia (inability to recognize one's own mental illness) prevents many from seeking help voluntarily• AOT programs allow civil courts to mandate treatment before dangerous situations occur• The "black robe effect" of a judge's order can help individuals comply with treatment• Modern medications like Abilify can dramatically improve quality of life without severe side effects• Patient advocacy groups often oppose AOT but don't represent those with severe schizophrenia• Ruth founded AOT4AlleghenyCounty.com to advocate for these needed programsTo learn more about Ruth Johnston's advocacy efforts or to get involved, visit AOT4AlleghenyCounty.com or email [email protected]://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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• Angela Calzone's Vision:Integrating disabilities into the workforce

  Send us a textAngela Calzone shares how Inroads to Opportunities supports individuals with disabilities through comprehensive programs designed to facilitate meaningful employment. The organization's business-oriented approach focuses on integration, skills development, and changing employer perceptions about hiring people with both visible and invisible disabilities.• Inroads to Opportunities serves approximately 400 individuals annually with various disabilities• School-to-work transition programs allow students to remain until age 21, learning practical skills• Contract packaging operation provides real-world work experience in assembly and shipping• Certificate programs include Serv Safe food handling and OSHA forklift training• On-site job coaches support both employees and employers during the transition• New Jersey employers can receive tax credits for hiring individuals with disabilities• Vocational assessments help identify skills, interests, and suitable career paths• Success rates for program graduates are approximately 95%• Community integration is central to the organization's philosophy and approachhttps://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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• Brian Shrader: How Autism is Misunderstood in the Legal System

  Send us a textBrian Shrader, a criminal defense attorney with experience as both prosecutor and defender, exposes how the justice system profoundly fails people with autism and mental health conditions.• Autism often leads to escalation during police encounters rather than directly causing criminal behavior• Mental health training is virtually non-existent for lawyers, judges and prosecutors• The system lacks procedures and resources for addressing mental health issues beyond addiction• Mental health diversion programs have extensive waitlists while jails provide no treatment• First responders frequently misinterpret autism behaviors as drug-related symptoms• Public defenders and prosecutors are overwhelmed with caseloads, making individual attention impossible• Addressing these issues requires federal and state-level policy changes• Many legal professionals care but lack the tools and training to help effectivelyTell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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• Judge Kim Taylor:A Judge's Journey with Autism

  Send us a textJudge Kim Taylor shares her journey as a pioneering female judge and mother of a son with autism, revealing how personal experience fueled her advocacy for autism awareness in the criminal justice system. Her work began after learning about Sidney Templeton, a young man with autism who died in police custody due to officers' lack of understanding about his condition.• First woman elected as district court judge in Alexander-Iredell-Davie County in 1986• Created a task force that made autism training mandatory for North Carolina law enforcement• Developed educational resources including "Autism in the Criminal Justice System" video• Expanded advocacy through "Safe and Sound" committee with the Autism Society of America• Advocating for national legislation for more uniform autism training across jurisdictions• Emphasizes prevention and diversion programs over incarceration for those with autism• Identifies the need for compassion and understanding in the legal system• Won her initial election by just 75 votes across four counties• Highlights how perspective changes when issues affect someone personallyTell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me: The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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• Understanding Autism Through Music: An Acoustic Evening for a Cause

  Send us a textWe broadcast live from the Nashville Palace for a special remote podcast supporting "An Acoustic Evening for Autism," bringing together musicians who share their personal connections to autism awareness.• Jamie O'Neill describes how having a cousin with autism inspired her participation in the benefit concert• Jamie emphasizes the importance of slowing down in our fast-paced world to accommodate different needs• Minnie Murphy reveals her 5-year-old son is on the autism spectrum, sharing his special abilities like perfect pitch• Minnie performs original songs celebrating individuality and seeing the beauty others miss• Both guests praise Vanderbilt's Kennedy Center for their exceptional work in autism research and treatment• Our guests emphasize autism shouldn't be viewed as a permanent condition but as a different perspective• The conversation highlights how patience, active listening, and embracing differences creates understandingTell everyone everywhere about Why Not Me? The World, the conversations we're having and the inspiration our guests give to everyone everywhere that you are not alone in this world.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

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