Who Needs Shoes? Conversations About Autism Titelbild

Who Needs Shoes? Conversations About Autism

Who Needs Shoes? Conversations About Autism

Von: Tanya Manning-Yarde PhD
Jetzt kostenlos hören, ohne Abo

Über diesen Titel

Authentic conversations about autism, community, and what really matters.

My journey with this show began with a deeply personal story. When my son was in preschool, his teacher counted over 100 times in one day that he took his shoes off and told us he couldn't learn until he learned to keep them on. This all-consuming focus on his feet, instead of his growth, potential, and real needs, is why I'm here.

Welcome to Who Needs Shoes, where we have authentic conversations with the people who truly understand the autism community. From parents and self-advocates to teachers, therapists, community leaders, and unexpected allies, every episode explores what really matters for thriving in this world.

This podcast is not about compliance or fixing; it's about loving our children for who they are and who they can be, not through the myopic lens of others. It’s about celebrating the full spectrum of voices that make our community stronger and discovering what support actually looks like when we look beyond the surface.

Every episode asks the deeper question: What do people actually need to thrive?

Topics we explore:

  • Education and inclusion strategies
  • Community building and advocacy
  • Family experiences and perspectives
  • Professional insights from the field
  • Creative approaches to support
  • Stories of resilience and growth


Hosted by: Tanya Manning-Yarde, PhD

All rights reserved.
  • The Architect of His Own Galaxy: Media Creator, Big Brother, and Autism Advocate
    Feb 13 2026

    What does it mean to be the "Architect of your own Galaxy" when your world is shaped by the needs of others?


    In this episode of Who Needs Shoes?, Dr. Tanya Manning-Yarde sits down with media creator, autism advocate, and son, Keith Yarde. Keith is an eighth grader with an incredible resume: five years co-hosting the Father.Son.Galaxy. YouTube Channel and Podcast, stop-motion animator, and aspiring novelist. But he also carries a "silent contract"—the unspoken pressure to be the reliable, neurotypical anchor for his family.

    In this interview, Keith opens up about:

    *The Anchor Mentality: Why he feels there is less room for him to make mistakes than his peers.

    *Creative Refuges: How building worlds in Minecraft and Legos provides a necessary escape from an unpredictable reality.

    *The "Gifted to Washout Pipeline": A startlingly mature look at why gifted students lose interest when their potential isn't nurtured.

    *Gate-keeping Resources: Why knowledge about autism support is often hidden from the families who need it most.

    This isn’t just a conversation about autism; it’s a deep dive into identity, the weight of expectations, and the resilience of a young creator carving out his own space.

    _____

    Love the way we tell stories?

    Behind every impactful conversation is a commitment to clarity and narrative depth. Dr. Tanya Manning-Yarde brings this same professional precision to your prose through tmyediting.com, offering expert editing and editorial consulting that honors your unique voice.

    Get Involved:

    🌐 Visit the show: www.whoneedsshoes.com

    📧 Partner, sponsor, or guest: askwhoneedsshoes@gmail.com

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    36 Min.
  • Who Needs Shoes: Our Journey of Autism, Advocacy, and Joy
    Dec 1 2025

    Welcome to the first episode of "Who Needs Shoes," a podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to building community, offering support, and finding joy in the journey of parenting with special needs.

    Hosts Kerwin Yarde and Dr. Tanya Manning-Yarde share their personal experiences raising their son, Maceo, who is on the autism spectrum. They discuss their journey from the initial diagnosis to the important lessons they've learned about advocacy and education. In this episode, you'll hear the inspiring story behind the name 'Who Needs Shoes'—a symbol for breaking down barriers to learning and celebrating neurodiversity.

    This is more than just a podcast; it's a safe space designed to share stories, challenge misconceptions, and remind everyone that every child, including Maceo, can succeed. Join the community!


    Website: whoneedsshoes.com

    IG: @WhoNeedsShoes

    Editing Services: tmyediting.com


    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    19 Min.
Noch keine Rezensionen vorhanden