Warrior for Change: Martin Slingstad's Story.

Martin’s Autism Life: Self-Acceptance, Special Olympics, and Training First Responders | Unspecial Podcast In this episode of the Unspecial Podcast, the host interviews Martin Slingstad (Martin’s Autism Life), an autistic author, public speaker, Special Olympics athlete, and founder of Spire Autism. Martin shares early memories of being non-speaking until age three or four, his diagnosis at five, and the challenges of bullying and lack of support in school, which delayed his self-acceptance until writing his book, Chatterbox, co-authored with his mom and written from both perspectives. He discusses difficulties making friends, the importance of asking autistic people what they like to talk about, and how speaking engagements and solo travel have become major gifts in his life. Martin explains Spire Autism’s mission to train teachers and first responders, promote autism acceptance, and create sensory supports, emphasizing calm approaches to meltdowns and sharing a poem, “I Am,” about being a “warrior for change.”Visit our website: www.unspecialllc.com #specialneeds #specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional