S1-Ep 8: From Autism Diagnosis to CEO: A Story of Perseverance and Purpose

In this powerful episode of Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism, we sit down with Armando Bernal—a board-certified behavior analyst, father, and founder of the only autistic-owned ABA company in Houston. Diagnosed with autism at age three and told he would likely never speak, Armando’s story is one of unwavering determination, family support, and challenging expectations. He opens up about the obstacles he faced growing up, the social struggles he still navigates, and the purpose behind launching Autism International Consulting to reshape what compassionate, effective ABA can look like. Armando also shares personal reflections on becoming a new parent, navigating marriage, and using his lived experience to lead a team of neurodiverse professionals making a real impact. This is more than a story of success — it’s a conversation about advocacy, authenticity, and the power of never giving up. Listen now and be inspired.