In this episode of "What is Public Health" podcast, I'm your host, Dr. Kee Chan. April is the Autism Awareness month, and joining me in this special episode is Michael Pereira, founder of The Autism Voyage.

Michael’s personal experience as a father navigating his son’s autism diagnosis led him to create The Autism Voyage—a platform offering compassionate, practical guidance for families feeling overwhelmed by the emotional, logistical, and financial realities of autism care.

This conversation highlights the essential role of financial resilience in supporting long-term success, stability, and peace of mind for families managing the complexities of autism.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Why autism is described as a "spectrum," and how awareness has improved but major system gaps still exist.

• The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis: What families often feel—and need—when first hearing the word "autism."

• Financial Planning is Critical: Early financial organization can relieve long-term stress and open doors to better therapies, services, and educational support.

• Personalized Approaches Work Best: Every family’s autism journey is unique; there’s no one-size-fits-all financial or care plan.

• Common Financial Missteps: Myths families encounter about insurance, savings, government programs, and long-term care.

• Tools and Strategies from The Autism Voyage: How Michael’s platform is helping families prepare for both expected and unexpected challenges.

• Advocacy for Systemic Change: How public health systems, education, and insurance need to better support neurodiverse individuals and their caregivers.

About Our Guest:
Michael Pereira is a father, advocate, and founder of The Autism Voyage. Drawing on firsthand experience, Michael offers families a clear, empathetic guide for navigating life after an autism diagnosis. Through personalized coaching, practical resources, and financial planning strategies, The Autism Voyage empowers families to move from overwhelm to empowerment.

Website: www.TheAutismVoyage.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismvoyage/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpereirafl/