Podcasts
Welcome to Firefly’s Podcast Library; your go-to space for thoughtful, practical conversations about neurodiversity, autism support, and evidence-based services. Here you’ll find episodes featuring Dr. Amanda Kelly alongside other Firefly clinicians and staff, sharing insights on topics like autism assessment, therapy approaches, family support, advocacy, and building inclusive communities. Whether you’re a parent, professional, educator, or autistic self-advocate, these podcasts are designed to offer clarity, compassion, and real-world tools you can use right away. Explore the collection and listen in because understanding grows best when we learn together.
Hart & Hustle, Amanda Kelly's Bold Firefly Autism Mission, August 19, 2025
🎯 Irish-born CEO Amanda Kelly transformed from a one-year visitor to 13-year leader of America's most unique autism program. Firefly Autism serves the children other organizations won't take - those kicked out of schools and clinics who still deserve a place to belong.
🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
How Firefly Autism serves children others turn away with love and specialized care
Why autism diagnosis rates jumping from 1 in 54 to 1 in 31 changes everything
The innovative partnership with Chickasaw Nation creating new possibilities
Smart implementation of AI technology while preserving human connection
Leadership strategies for mission-driven organizations facing unlimited need
Bossed Up, Autism in the Workplace, Ep 508, May 27, 2025
In April, RFK Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, attracted considerable criticism following his comments about the negative impacts of autism and the human-made factors that might be behind its rise. While it’s true that we should be investigating how our environment affects the health of our children, many people in the autism community spoke out against RFK Jr.’s presumptions and blanket statements that no one with autism will ever live a productive and fulfilling life. This conversation made me think back to when I spoke with Amanda Kelly, the president and CEO of Firefly Autism and one of the founders of the groundbreaking Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (CNDCC). This feels like the perfect time to revisit that episode. We talk about the shocking number of unemployed people on the spectrum, and it’s impossible not to look at our growing talent shortage in this country and ask: why aren’t we hiring more neurodivergent and autistic people?
Unbuttoned CEO, Season 2, Ep 14; November 6, 2024
In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Amanda Kelly, CEO of Firefly Autism, shares her inspiring journey from Ireland to leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with autistic individuals. The conversation explores the founding of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, the challenges of being an immigrant, and the unique financial structure of nonprofit organizations. Amanda also shares impactful stories from her work at Firefly Autism, highlighting the transformative effects of their services on families. The episode concludes with Amanda's aspirations for the future of Firefly Autism and her reflections on leadership and community support.
Bossed Up, Neurdodiversity at Work, Ep 412; July 25, 2023
What is neurodiversity? And does it fit into broader diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts? Today I sit down with Amanda Kelly (D.Psych), President and CEO of Firefly Autism and Co-Founder of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (CNDCC), to learn: what "neurodiversity" means, the alarming state of under and unemployment affecting the autistic population, how organizations can benefit from being more neuroinclusive, and how we all can advocate for a more nuerodiverse, inclusive world.
BAPCast, Season 3, Ep 11; June 13, 2022
Amanda and Michelle Kelly join us to talk about their paper, Acceptance and Commitment Training in Applied Behavior Analysis: Where Have You Been All My Life?
