A Lifetime of Advocacy: Dr. Marc Ellison on Autism Support Across the Lifespan

In this episode of Get UnPuzzled, we are joined by Dr. Marc Ellison, a longtime leader in autism education, advocacy, and systems change. Marc Ellison, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University and a Licensed Professional Counselor. For more than 40 years, he has worked alongside individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them, helping build person-centered services across the lifespan. Marc began working in the autism field at just 19 years old and has witnessed firsthand how support systems have evolved, from institutional care to inclusive education, employment, relationships, and higher education access. He currently serves on the Board of the Autism Society of West Virginia and chairs the Autism Society of America’s Panel of Professional Advisors. This conversation explores how autism support has changed over time, what progress has been made, and where advocacy must continue to grow. It is a meaningful look at the impact one dedicated advocate can have on thousands of lives across our state.