SpecTalks: Real Talk About Autism
Real conversations. Real experiences. Real impact.
SpecTalks is the official podcast of Spectrum Autism Support Group, bringing together voices from across the autism community to educate, inspire, and connect. Through engaging conversations with autistic individuals, family members, professionals, educators, employers, community leaders, and advocates, SpecTalks explores the topics that matter most to those impacted by autism.
Each episode offers meaningful discussions, practical resources, personal stories, and expert insights designed to foster understanding, celebrate strengths, and encourage inclusion. Whether you're seeking guidance, looking to learn, or simply want to hear authentic conversations, SpecTalks provides a welcoming space for everyone.
At Spectrum Autism Support Group, our mission is to provide support, education, and resources for individuals and families impacted by autism, and SpecTalks extends that mission beyond our programs by sharing knowledge, experiences, and ideas that build stronger, more inclusive communities.
New episodes will feature a variety of guests and topics, including:
- Autism across the lifespan
- Family experiences and caregiver support
- Self-advocacy and autistic voices
- Education and employment
- Community inclusion
- Recreation and social opportunities
- Resources for individuals, families, and professionals
- Innovative programs and inspiring success stories
Our inaugural episode was created in partnership with Gwinnett Business RadioX, and we're excited to continue bringing you thoughtful conversations that inform, encourage, and inspire. to Our episodes were created in partnership with Gwinnett Business RadioX, and we're excited to continue bringing you thoughtful conversations that inform, encourage, and inspire.
Whether you're an autistic individual, parent, caregiver, educator, employer, healthcare professional, or community member, we invite you to listen, learn, and be part of the conversation.
Because together, every conversation creates greater understanding—and every voice matters.
SpecTalks Episode 1: Meet Spectrum Autism Support Group: Our Story, Our Mission
Welcome to the first episode of SpecTalks: Real Talk About Autism, Spectrum Autism Support Group's new podcast series featuring meaningful conversations that educate, inspire, and strengthen our community.
In this inaugural episode, created in partnership with Gwinnett Business RadioX, Executive Director Claire Dees shares the story behind Spectrum Autism Support Group, our mission, and the programs and services that support individuals with autism and their families throughout every stage of life.
Since 1998, Spectrum has remained committed to its mission:
To provide support, education, and resources for individuals and families impacted by autism.
Join us as Claire discusses the importance of inclusion, community partnerships, and creating opportunities that help individuals with autism build meaningful connections and thrive.
We are grateful to Gwinnett Business RadioX for helping make this first episode possible. This is just the beginning of SpecTalks, with many more conversations featuring autistic individuals, families, professionals, community leaders, and advocates coming soon.
We invite you to listen, share, and join us as we continue the conversation.
SpecTalks Episode 2: Finding Support, Building Community
In Episode 2 of SpecTalks: Real Talk About Autism, Spectrum Executive Director Claire Dees explores one of the most important parts of the autism journey—finding support and building meaningful connections with others who understand.
Claire shares insight from her own experiences and from more than 28 years of Spectrum Autism Support Group serving the autism community. The conversation highlights the importance of connecting with other families, finding the right resources, asking for help, and creating a support network that can grow and change throughout each stage of life.
This episode also explores the many ways communities can make a difference—from parent support and educational resources to social opportunities, recreation, and programs that help individuals with autism and their families feel connected and supported.
Whether you are just beginning your autism journey or have been part of the community for years, Finding Support, Building Community is a reminder that you don't have to navigate the journey alone. Finding people who understand, sharing experiences, and connecting with the right resources can make all the difference.
Listen to Episode 2 and discover how connection can turn into community—and community into support.
SpecTalks Episode 3: Table Talk® – Where Friendships Begin,
In Episode 3 of SpecTalks: Real Talk About Autism, Spectrum Executive Director Claire Dees takes listeners behind the scenes of Table Talk®, one of Spectrum’s longest-running social programs for adults on the autism spectrum.
Claire shares how Table Talk® began and why creating opportunities for adults to practice conversation and social skills in a comfortable, supportive setting can be so valuable. Through guided conversations, shared interests, and time spent together, participants have an opportunity to strengthen communication skills, build confidence, and form meaningful connections.
The conversation also highlights something at the heart of Table Talk®—friendship. What begins as practicing how to start a conversation, ask questions, listen, and connect with others can grow into genuine relationships. Over the years, participants have developed friendships that extend beyond Table Talk®, getting together for activities and becoming part of one another’s lives.
Claire also discusses how Table Talk® has evolved and expanded over the years while continuing to provide a welcoming place where adults can connect with others, practice important social skills, and experience a sense of belonging.
Table Talk® – Where Friendships Begin is a reminder that sometimes meaningful connections start with something as simple as sitting down together and starting a conversation.
Listen to Episode 3 and discover how conversation can build confidence, create connection, and become the beginning of lasting friendships.
This episode was created in partnership with Gwinnett Business RadioX.