About Around the Spectrum

Around the Spectrum is where parents, professionals, and everyone in between pull up a chair for honest, judgment-free conversations about raising and supporting autistic children. We believe that when we sit together, we understand more, and judge less.

Hosted by Wendy Manganaro, an autism mom, marketing leader, and seasoned advocate, each 25-minute episode blends grounded guidance with real-world stories from both sides of the table. You'll hear from parents navigating early diagnoses, clinicians working to build family-centered care, and advocates making space for balanced, human-first perspectives.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by mixed messages online, seeking practical strategies you can trust, or simply needing reassurance that you're not alone, Around the Spectrum is your place to connect, learn, and feel understood.

Because raising and supporting autistic kids is hard enough without having to filter through extremes, and here, you'll always find grit, grace, and genuine connection.

About the Host

Wendy Manganaro

Podcast Host / Healthcare Fractional CMO / Autism Mom and Advocate

Wendy Manganaro is the host of Around the Spectrum, where parents, professionals, and everyone in between pull up a chair for honest conversations about raising and supporting children with autism. An autism mom herself, Wendy knows firsthand how overwhelming mixed messages, online debates, and professional jargon can feel. Her mission is to cut through the noise with grounded guidance, compassionate insight, and stories that empower, never judge.

With more than 15 years of experience in marketing and leadership across healthcare and education, Wendy brings both professional expertise and personal heart to the table. She has worked alongside clinicians, advocates, and families, bridging the gap between research and real-life applications. Whether she's discussing leadership in clinical settings with a BCBA or guiding a parent through their first IEP meeting, Wendy keeps the conversation smart, human, and relatable.

Outside the podcast, Wendy is a former nonprofit board president and a lifelong advocate for inclusion. She lives in Southern New Jersey with her family, a flock of backyard ducks and chickens, and a belief that when we sit together and listen, understanding grows.