Biography

Shannon Penrod identifies as a proud PONI (Parent of a Neurodiverse Individual). Her son Jem was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two and a half after having lost virtually all of his language and social skills. Helping her son on his journey with Autism became Shannon’s top priority.

Whether it was researching new diets, learning the legal ins and outs of special education law or finding funding for quality, individualized ABA therapy, Shannon became her son’s best advocate and an advocate for many other families. In 2009, Shannon began as the host and producer of Everyday Autism Miracles, a weekly radio show that focused solely on Autism and hope.

In 2011, with Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, she began developing an interactive show about Autism that would eventually become Autism Live. For 13 years Shannon has hosted Autism Live, interviewing experts, parents, and individuals on the spectrum.

Before her son was born Shannon was an award-winning stand-up comedienne, director, and author. She holds a BA in Theatre from Oswego State University and an MFA in Acting from The National Theatre Conservatory. She has worked in all phases of theatre as an actor, director, producer. playwright, and in production management for the Broadway shows CATS, Song & Dance and Smile as well as the original London productions of Les Miserables, Chess, and Phantom of the Opera. Shannon went on to teach theatre and acting at Oswego State University and Brigham Young University. She has performed improvisational comedy with the LA Connection, The United Monkey Congress and Improvo.

In 2021 Shannon Penrod co-founded The Autism Network with Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh. Her goal is to provide families, and individuals with Autism, resources and hope while on their unique journey. Her book Autism: Parent to Parent is available at all major book sellers.