Neurodiversity and Higher Education

About Neurodiversity and Higher Education

The Neurodiversity and Higher Education podcast is a resource for those who want to know more about the intersection of neurodiversity and higher education. The podcast is hosted by Ryan Palm, executive director of the Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity at Mercyhurst University, with support from students enrolled in the University's Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst program. We will explore topics aimed to help neurodivergent students and their families prepare for the transition to higher education, tips for success once enrolled, and the transition from higher ed into whatever comes next. We will welcome experts in a variety of fields, take listener questions, host round-table discussions, and hear from students themselves who are navigating this journey.

Publisher

Ryan Palm

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Oct 2025

Latest episode

21 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Episode Nine - Amy Kopelman from Pathlitics

   Today we are joined by Amy Kopelman, founder and CEO of Pathlitics. As you will hear, Pathlitics is an incredible resource for neurodivergent students and tehri families entering the college search process. Amy has 20+ years of product management experience, and is putting that experience plus her own lived experience to work to help neurodivergent learners and their families navigate the transition into higher education. A couple of times in this episode we request your feedback - contact us at neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu (mailto:neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions or suggested topics and speakers! Resources Mentioned: Pathlitics: https://www.pathlitics.com/ (https://www.pathlitics.com/) Amy Kopelman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akopelman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/akopelman) About the Show: Neurodiversity and Higher Education Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity (https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity) About Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity) Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/) Mercyhurst AIM Program website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim)

2. 

   27 Aug 2026

   Episode Eight - Season One Recap & Season Two Preview

   Show Notes – Episode Eight – Season One Recap & Season Two Preview This episode of the Neurodiversity and Higher Education offers a recap from season one of the podcast (did you know there were seasons? Neither did we – until recently!). We’ll share some successes, some challenges, and lessons learned. Then we’ll dive into what’s ahead for season two! We’ll close by sharing five goals (and one bonus) that we’ve set for this coming season. A couple of times in this episode we request your feedback - contact us at neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu (mailto:neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions or suggested topics and speakers! Resources Mentioned: Neurodiversity Podcast: https://neurodiversitypodcast.com/ (https://neurodiversitypodcast.com/) About the Show: Neurodiversity and Higher Education Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity (https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity) About Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity) Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/) Mercyhurst AIM Program website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim)

3. 

   1 Jul 2026

   Episode Seven - Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC

   Show Notes – Episode Seven – Emily Kircher-Morris LPC This episode of the Neurodiversity and Higher Education welcomes Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast. The podcast explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to supporting neurodivergent learners. Her most recent book, Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported, was released in January 2025. She started her career in education and now works as a mental health counselor in private practice outside of St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in supporting neurodivergent people of all ages. There are lots of great resources listed in our show notes or grab a pencil and paper to jot them down! Contact us at neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu (mailto:neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions or suggested topics and speakers! Resources Mentioned: Neurodiversity Podcast: https://neurodiversitypodcast.com/ (https://neurodiversitypodcast.com/) Emily’s Website: https://www.emilykirchermorris.com/ (https://www.emilykirchermorris.com/) Emily Kircher-Morris on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykirchermorris (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykirchermorris) About the Show: Neurodiversity and Higher Education Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity (https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity) About Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity) Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/) Mercyhurst AIM Program website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim)

4. 

   1 May 2026

   Episode Six - Matt Gunter from Inclusive Academia

   Show Notes – Episode Six – Matt Gunter from Inclusive Academia This episode of the Neurodiversity and Higher Education welcomes Matt Gunter from Inclusive Academia and author of “Manager to Consultant: Parenting Your Neurodivergent College Student.” Matt Gunter became interested in the topic of neurodivergent student college readiness while exploring college options with his son. Matt collaborated with the College Autism Network (CAN) to create two workbooks for neurodivergent high school and college students and their families. In 2024, he published "College Readiness for Neurodivergent College Students." In February 2026, Matt and CAN released a second workbook entitled, "Manager to Consultant: Parenting Your Neurodivergent College Student." Matt hosts Inclusive Academia, a YouTube channel for neurodivergent high school students and their families who are exploring their educational and career options. Matt's also developing a mobile application called Routine Success that supports executive functioning and independent living skills. You can contact Matt at Matt.Gunter@routine-success.com (mailto:Matt.Gunter@routine-success.com). There are lots of great resources listed in our show notes or grab a pencil and paper to jot them down! Contact us at neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu (mailto:neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions or suggested topics and speakers! Resources Mentioned: Inclusive Academia: https://www.youtube.com/@InclusiveAcademia (https://www.youtube.com/@InclusiveAcademia) College Readiness for Neurodivergent Students: https://www.college-ready.com/ (https://www.college-ready.com/) Matt Gunter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gunter-1946b96/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gunter-1946b96/) About the Show: Neurodiversity and Higher Education Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity (https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity) About Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity) Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/) Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim)

5. 

   23 Mar 2026

   Episode Five - Brandon Slade from Untapped Learning

   Show Notes – Episode Five – Brandon Slade from Untapped Learning Key Executive Functioning Strategies for Prospective College Students This episode of the Neurodiversity and Higher Education podcast Brandon Slade from Untapped Learning. Brandon is founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Untapped, and has many years of experience working directly with neurodivergent children and adults. Untapped Learning is committed to empowering students and unlocking their full potential. In this episode, Brandon shares key observations from his experience and offers many tips and strategies to help students who are currently enrolled in college or are soon to enter higher education. There are lots of great resources listed in our show notes or grab a pencil and paper to jot them down! Contact us at neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu (mailto:neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions or suggested topics and speakers! Resources Mentioned: Untapped Learning: https://www.untappedlearning.com (https://www.untappedlearning.com) Brandon Slade on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-slade-ef (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-slade-ef) About the Show: Neurodiversity and Higher Education Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity (https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity) About Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity) Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/) Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim)

6. 

   13 Feb 2026

   Episode Four - Dr Chelsea Stinnett from ThinkCollege

   Show Notes – Episode Four – Dr. Chelsea Stinnett What are IPSE Programs and How Do Students Benefit from Them This episode of the Neurodiversity and Higher Education podcast features Dr. Chelsea Stinnett, who discusses the importance of inclusive post-secondary education (IPSE) for students with intellectual disabilities. The conversation covers the definition of IPSE, the significance of inclusion, the transition to college, and the goals of these programs. Dr. Stinnett emphasizes the role of Think College in supporting these initiatives and provides insights into the daily life of students in IPSE programs. The episode concludes with tips for prospective students and their families on navigating the higher education landscape. There are lots of great resources listed in our show notes or grab a pencil and paper to jot them down! Contact us at neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu (mailto:neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions or suggested topics and speakers! Resources Mentioned: ThinkCollege Website https://thinkcollege.net/ (https://thinkcollege.net/) ThinkCollege Search Page https://thinkcollege.net/college-search (https://thinkcollege.net/college-search) Chelsea Stinnett on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-vanhorn-stinnett-phd (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-vanhorn-stinnett-phd) About the Show: Neurodiversity and Higher Education Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity (https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity) About Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity) Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/) Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim)

7. 

   29 Jan 2026

   Episode Three - Seven Top Questions to Ask When Looking at Support Programs

   Show Notes – Episode Three – Seven Top Questions to Ask When Looking at Support Programs In this episode of the Neurodiversity and Higher Education podcast, host Ryan Palm discusses the critical steps for neurodivergent students transitioning to college, focusing on evaluating support programs. He highlights seven essential questions families should ask when considering these programs, including areas of support, specialized housing, communication with families, and the importance of understanding program staff. The episode emphasizes the need for early engagement in the college transition process and encourages families to consider their student's specific support needs. There are lots of great resources listed in our show notes or grab a pencil and paper to jot them down! Contact us at neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu (mailto:neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions or suggested topics and speakers! Resources Mentioned: Prior Episodes of Neurodiversity and Higher Education Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurodiversity-and-higher-education/id1846224970 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurodiversity-and-higher-education/id1846224970) About the Show: Neurodiversity and Higher Education Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity (https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity) About Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity) Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/) Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim)

8. 

   30 Oct 2025

   Episode Two - Dr Eric Endlich and Michelle McAnaney

   Show Notes – Episode Two – Dr. Eric Endlich and Michelle McAnaney Who can help me find a college that is a good fit? In this episode we’ll chat with a pair of true experts on helping students find a college that is a good match. We visit with Dr. Eric Endlich from Top College Consultants and Michelle McAnaney from The College Spy. Both are independent educational consultants (IECs) who work directly with families to understand the college search process, make recommendations for schools to consider, and help with the application process. Both of their websites offer many free or very low cost resources for families in addition to their more comprehensive packages. There are lots of great resources listed in our show notes or grab a pencil and paper to jot them down! Contact us at neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu (mailto:neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions or suggested topics and speakers! Resources Mentioned: Top College Consultants - https://www.topcollegeconsultants.com/ (https://www.topcollegeconsultants.com/) The College Spy - https://thecollegespy.com/ (https://thecollegespy.com/) Facebook group: Parents of College Bound Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD and ASD: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsofcollegeboundstudentswithld (https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsofcollegeboundstudentswithld) About the Show: Neurodiversity and Higher Education Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity (https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity) About Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity) Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/) Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim)

9. 

   14 Oct 2025

   Episode One - Lee Burdette Williams

   Where do we even start? We’ll help answer that question in today’s episode! Our inaugural episode features Lee Burnette Williams, the executive director of the College Autism Network (CAN). We discuss the origin and mission of CAN, ways in which the support for autistic and neurodivergent college students has evolved, barriers or challenges students face, and many resources that can help students and families in their college search. There are lots of great resources listed in our show notes or grab a pencil and paper to jot them down! Contact us at neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu (mailto:neurodiversity@mercyhurst.edu) with any questions or suggested topics and speakers! Our host is Ryan Palm, executive director of the Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity at Mercyhurst University. Resources Mentioned: College Autism Network (CAN) - https://collegeautismnetwork.org/ (https://collegeautismnetwork.org/) CAN Database - https://can.softr.app/ (https://can.softr.app/) Inclusive Academia - https://www.youtube.com/@InclusiveAcademia (https://www.youtube.com/@InclusiveAcademia) About the Show: Neurodiversity and Higher Education Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581610651045) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/ (https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityhigheredpodcast/) Neurodiversity and Higher Education Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity (https://www.youtube.com/@MercyhurstNeurodiversity) About Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: Mercyhurst University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity) Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brad-mcgarry-center-for-neurodiversity-at-mercyhurst-university/) Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst website: https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim (https://www.mercyhurst.edu/aim)

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Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.