In this episode of MEF2Cast, Eli talks with Reverend Shannon Blosser, a pastor, autism dad, and disability advocate serving multiple United Methodist churches in West Virginia.

Shannon shares how his family's lived experience with autism changed the way he understands inclusion, both as a parent and as a pastor. What began as a personal experience with his son Noah's treatment in churches became a broader mission to help churches and communities create spaces where autistic people and people with disabilities are genuinely welcomed.

Subjects covered include:

• Shannon's journey from journalism and NASCAR dreams to ministry
• His family, autism, ADHD, and Noah's early diagnosis
• The difference between understanding autism in theory and understanding it through lived experience
• How rejection and misunderstanding can affect autistic children and their families
• Autism communication, including coded speech and AAC
• How churches can move beyond good intentions and create meaningful accommodations
• Autism training for church leaders and congregations
• Creating sensory rooms and adapting worship environments
• Large-print bulletins, sound adjustments, and calmer services
• Why autistic and disabled people should have a seat at the table when accessibility decisions are made
• Disability advocacy, public policy, and public education
• Accessibility and dignity in public spaces
• Barriers to healthcare and the importance of disability-informed medical training
• The challenges of accessing services in rural communities
• The emotional weight of parenting autistic children
• Caregiving, exhaustion, and fears about the future
• How parenting has changed Shannon's understanding of love and unconditional care
• Shannon's hopes for his sons and for a more inclusive church

Shannon's message throughout the conversation is that inclusion is more than making people feel welcome in theory. It means listening, making accommodations, changing systems, and allowing people with disabilities to help shape the spaces they are being asked to enter.

MEF2Cast is a podcast advocating for the MEF2C haploinsufficiency community by broadcasting the voices within.

This is advocacy amplified.

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The MEF2Cast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and not necessarily of the podcast or its sponsors. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns.