Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mental Health

Are you curious about autism? Do you wonder about its relationship to mental health conditions? You are not alone, as autism is one of the top search terms on PsychCentral.com. Common questions people ask are “Is autism a mental illness?” and “Are people with autism more likely to be violent or aggressive?” Today’s guest lives with autism spectrum disorder and has children who are also on the spectrum. Learn the answers to these questions — and more — on today’s episode with Juli C. Liske. Guest Bio Juli C. Liske is the president of Red Door Nonprofit Consulting, LLC, and consults with local nonprofits on improving their autism-related programs and services. She also currently serves on the Tennessee Governor’s Council for Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as the national SPARK for Autism Advisory Council. As a highly capable individual with autism, Liske has worked in the field of autism for over 19 years. She is also the author of “In the Eye of the Hurricane: Finding Peace Within the Storm of Autism.” From 2008 to 2017, Liske worked as the founder and executive director of The Brown Center for Autism in Nashville. The mission of The Brown Center was to provide comprehensive early intervention to young children with autism, as well as intensive parent training, support, and community education. Additionally, Liske is an authorized facilitator for Stewards of Children. She resides in Brentwood, TN with her husband, Jim, and has two exceptional sons, ages 31 and 21, both of whom are on the autism spectrum, and one amazing daughter, age 30. Inside Mental Health Podcast Host Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.