The Journey
Carol Waldman of The Waldman Way will be participating in the Love To Learn 5 Free Online Event, running from February 23 to March 9, 2026.
Hosted by Jessyka Coulter, founder of Ace Cookie Tutoring, the event features Carol's 20-minute interview on "Inclusion as a necessity, not an option." Her session offers practical, actionable insights you can implement right away.
The Love To Learn 5 Event is a free 14-day online experience designed to help you learn, connect, and discover meaningful strategies for improving your daily life.
Sign up for the event here to access Carol Waldman's interview alongside presentations from many other compelling speakers.
Carol Waldman of The Waldman Way will be participating in the Love To Learn 5 Free Online Event, running from February 23 to March 9, 2026.
Hosted by Jessyka Coulter, founder of Ace Cookie Tutoring, the event features Carol's 20-minute interview on "Inclusion as a necessity, not an option." Her session offers practical, actionable insights you can implement right away.
The Love To Learn 5 Event is a free 14-day online experience designed to help you learn, connect, and discover meaningful strategies for improving your daily life.
Sign up for the event here to access Carol Waldman's interview alongside presentations from many other compelling speakers.
Podcasts we’ve been featured on...
Breaking Out of the Box Podcast:
Episode 38: Parents of HS Students, Don't Be Panicked, Be Informed
August 13, 2026 In this episode, Carol Waldman shares her inspiring journey of supporting her son with autism through childhood, high school, and college, and offers valuable resources and advice for parents navigating similar paths. Key Words autism, college support, neurodivergent, parenting, college resources, autism support, high school to college transition Key Topics Support strategies for autistic children in school Transition from high school to college for neurodiverse students Resources and programs for college-bound autistic students Parent advocacy and navigating IEPs and college accommodations Social challenges and successes of autistic young adults
The Wisdom Movers Podcast
August 8, 2026 - In this episode of Wisdom Movers Podcast, we sit down with Carol Waldman, a parent, advocate, and consultant dedicated to helping neurodivergent young adults successfully transition into adulthood.
Carol shares her personal journey raising a neurodivergent son who went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin, travel independently through Europe, and complete an internship in Washington, D.C. She discusses the challenges families often face when school-based support ends at age 18 and why inclusion, advocacy, access to resources, and believing in a young person's potential are so important. We also explore how parents can prepare their neurodivergent children for college, meaningful employment, and greater independence, as well as the need for stronger programs and policies that support neurodivergent adults. Carol explains what inspired her to create The Waldman Way and how she is using her experience in parenting, advocacy, and public affairs to help other families navigate this important stage of life. Learn more about Carol and The Waldman Way: https://www.thewaldmanway.org/
Let's Have This Conversation:
Improving outcomes for neurodivergent young adults as they navigate the critical transition from high school to college
Jul 28, 2026 According to research from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, only about 39% of autistic students who pursue postsecondary education earn a degree within eight years of leaving high school, compared to 52% of the general population. Studies also show that while approximately one-third of autistic young adults enroll in college, many face significant barriers to completion without the right accommodations, transition planning, and support systems.¹² In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation, we sit down with Carol Waldman, a passionate advocate dedicated to improving outcomes for neurodivergent young adults as they navigate the critical transition from high school to college, employment, and independent adulthood. As the parent of a neurodivergent son who graduated from the University of Wisconsin, traveled independently throughout Europe, and completed an internship in Washington, D.C., Carol has experienced firsthand what is possible when young adults are equipped with the right resources, advocacy, and support. She also understands the challenges many families face when school-based services end and young adults are expected to navigate adulthood on their own. Through her volunteer work with Autism Tree and her role as a parent mentor, Carol helps families recognize that college and meaningful careers are attainable goals for neurodivergent students. She shares practical strategies, resources, and lessons learned from her own family's journey while helping others build confidence in their children's potential. Beyond individual advocacy, Carol believes lasting change requires policy reform. Drawing on decades of experience in political and public affairs—including service as an Executive Board Member of the California Democratic Party, State Delegate, legislative field representative, and National Delegate to the Democratic National Convention—she is now focused on advancing legislation, programs, and systemic solutions that improve postsecondary education, employment opportunities, and independent living outcomes for neurodivergent young adults. Join us for a powerful conversation about possibility, advocacy, independence, and the collective responsibility to create pathways where neurodivergent individuals can not only succeed—but thrive. For more information: https://www.thewaldmanway.org/ LinkedIn: @Carol Waldman
Early Intervention Matters:
From education to employment and independence. Advocacy for Young Autistic Adults in Transition - With Carol Waldman.
July 15, 2026 Dr. Inyang Takon and Carol Waldman discuss the critical gaps in support for autistic young adults transitioning from education to employment and independence, and how parent advocacy and legislation can help close them. Every parent of a neurodivergent child knows the dread of what's coming: the moment at eighteen when the services, the support structures, and the familiar systems suddenly fall away. What happens next is often left to parents to figure out alone. In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon speaks with Carol Waldman, founder of The Waldman Way and neurodiversity advocate, whose son Andrew was diagnosed with autism aged five. Carol takes us through 24 years of navigating IEPs, schools, therapies, setbacks, and ultimately, Andrew's graduation with honours from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Now she's turning that hard-won experience into legislation and resources for families who come after her.
Show Me the Way Podcast:
S2E45: No Roadmap, But We'll Find a Way, With Carol Waldman.
July 13, 2026 This week I interviewed another connection from the podmatch site I've mentioned and used before to find other amazing guests. Carol Waldman is a mom of three and a true advocate for her children and others who face challenges. She is the epitome of what the Show Me the Way podcast is all about! When her oldest child was diagnosed with autism 20 years ago, there was no roadmap and she wasn't sure what the future would look like, but she quickly learned not to underestimate him or her other children and after guiding him through his younger years, allowing him to spread his wings and try on independence, she saw how much he could do and watched him excel to the point of going away to school, graduating college, taking on internships, traveling and now interviewing to find his next fit. All of this also encouraged her to start her own website - the Waldman way. This is a platform to provide neurodivergent resources to those like her son who may face difficulty as they transition from high school to secondary education and then to the workforce. What an awesome place for people to find answers and pave their own way! I know you'll learn a lot from Carol as I did and find that her advice not only applies to those with autism but others in the neurodivergent space or anyone wanting to find their own path and their own success.
Pieces For My Puzzle - Nikki
Welcome to the Pieces For My Puzzle Podcast, where I, Nikki Shipp, invite you to join me on a journey through the intricacies of life as a wife to a dedicated police officer and a mother to an incredible autistic son. When a child receives an autism diagnosis, parents often feel overwhelmed and alone. How do we best support our kids? How do we prepare them for the future? On this episode, we welcome Carol Waldman, a fierce parent advocate who shares her deeply personal journey of raising her neurodiverse son, Andrew. Carol opens up about the initial confusion of Andrew’s diagnosis and how she learned to navigate the education system to ensure he received the support he needed. Her relentless advocacy paid off, helping Andrew go away to college and successfully graduate. Now, Carol is on a mission to inspire other families so they know they do not have to walk this path alone. We also dive into her political advocacy for neurodiversity training in the workplace and the crucial transition into adulthood for neurodiverse individuals.
Conversation with Brian A. Victor, Esq
The Divorce and Child Custody Discussion Podcast
I’m thrilled to be joined by Carol Naiman Waldman from The Waldman Way for an essential conversation on Neurodivergence and Parenting Plans. When it comes to custody and co-parenting, a one-size-fits-all approach often misses the mark especially for neurodivergent children and parents. Carol and I are diving into how to structure parenting plans that prioritize sensory needs, routine consistency, and effective transitions. Check out the video below for a quick preview of what we’re covering, and get your headphones ready for the full audio episode dropping on April 21, 2026."
Book 101 Review
Carol Waldman sat down with Daniel Lucas, host of Book 101 Review, to discuss her advocacy for neurodiversity, with a particular focus on life after K-12 education and the job search challenges neurodivergent college graduates face, and why this cause has become her lifelong passion.
In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host Aaron Devries welcomes community activist and mother of three, Carol Waldman, for an engaging conversation on inclusion, advocacy, and the journey of raising a son on the autism spectrum. Carol shares her family’s story, from navigating early diagnoses and therapies to celebrating milestones in sports, faith communities, and college life. She also highlights the importance of community, policy change, and finding support networks that truly empower neurodiverse individuals. This heartfelt dialogue offers practical insights for families, educators, and advocates committed to building inclusive spaces where everyone belongs.
In this inspiring episode of Adulting with Autism, I sit down with Carol Waldman, a lifelong political advocate and community leader, and her son Andrew Waldman, a 23-year-old recent graduate and neurodiversity advocate. Diagnosed with autism at age four, Andrew’s journey from navigating social and academic challenges to graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, interning in Washington D.C., and becoming a two-time Global Neurodiversity Conference panelist is nothing short of remarkable. Alongside him, Carol shares how advocacy became personal, from leading parent support groups to serving as an elected California State Democratic Party Delegate, fighting for inclusive policies, accommodations, and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
Carol Waldman: My Son with Autism's Transition to College
With Andrew Waldman. Advocates Panel for The 1 in 31 Connection Autism Summit 2025
The conversation starts with a memory many families know too well: an early checkup, a handful of red flags, and years of whispered support plans. From there, we move into motion—Carol Waldman shares how a lonely path through therapies and IEPs grew into public advocacy, culminating in a unanimous San Diego measure to expand training and hiring for neurodiverse adults. Along the way, we unpack what real inclusion looks like: a high school three-pointer that turned tokenism into belonging, a faith community that gave meaningful roles instead of sidelined programs, and a DC internship that paired mentorship with responsibility. We talk plainly about autism’s spotlight: awareness is up, but understanding often lags behind. Carol challenges the “cause vs. cure” narrative and makes a case for funding supports that change daily life—teacher training, sensory-aware classrooms, transition programs, and workplaces designed for different minds. She walks us through Andrew’s journey—pushing past lowered expectations, building confidence, navigating a pandemic quarantine alone, joining a new city’s social fabric, and learning the gritty skills of networking and persistence. These are not headline moments; they’re the scaffolds of independence. If you’re an educator, you’ll hear concrete ways to reframe goals without shrinking expectations. If you’re an employer or HR leader, you’ll get a blueprint for inclusive job design, mentorship, and transparent communication. And if you’re a policymaker or advocate, you’ll see why data-backed programs and accountability in public hiring matter more than press releases. Most of all, you’ll feel the throughline: do not underestimate neurodiverse potential. Expect growth, provide tools, and watch confidence turn opportunity into outcome.
With Andrew Waldman. At the Autism Tree's 2024 Global Neurodiversity Conference, this panel uplifts the voices of neurodiverse individuals and their families, fostering open discussions on inclusion, communication, and connection within the educational system. Neurodiverse panelists share their lived experiences, highlighting the importance of self-expression and advocacy. Educators provide insights into the support systems needed to teach students of all learning abilities effectively.
With Andrew Waldman. What is it like to be an adult with autism? A panel shares their journeys as well as the impact the pandemic has had on their lives.
With Andrew Waldman. What is it like to be an adult with autism? A panel shares their journeys as well as the impact the pandemic has had on their lives.
West Coast NeuroTech Frontiers Summit
Our founder Carol Waldman was honored to attend the inaugural West Coast NeuroTech Frontiers Summit at San Diego State University — a landmark gathering bringing together founders, researchers, investors, families, ecosystem builders, and advocates united around a single mission: advancing innovation in autism and neurodiversity.
The summit drew thought leaders from UC San Diego, San Diego State University, Stanford University, Vanderbilt University, Connect, and NeuroMatch, sparking conversations that bridged breakthrough technology with real human impact. The energy was electric — a room full of people committed to building a more inclusive future for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
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