De-pathologizing Series EP 4 – Autism: A Blessing?? A Tragedy?? with Barry and Dave

In this episode, I have a discussion with Saulo Barbosa, a 43-year-old Brazilian autistic police officer, to discuss his experiences and insights about neurodivergence in law enforcement in his home country of Brazil. Saulo shared how my book, “Uniquely Human” inspired him to transform his approach to policing and develop training programs that focus on understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. The conversation also addressed the impact of the book on Saulo’s life and work, including his current activities in training police officers across Brazil and the importance of autistic people connecting with each otherLearn more on our websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave and Barry reflect on the themes and highlights from Uniquely Human: The Podcast in 2025, with their typical insight and good humor. They emphasized themes of collaboration and diversity among their guests. They address specific topics including the importance of early developmental support for neurodivergent children, educational inclusion, and cultural perspectives, while also touching on unique profiles and creative supports for neurodivergent individuals. The hosts shared personal insights gained from their guests and expressed their commitment to continuing the podcast in 2026, inspired by the knowledge and connections formed throughout the year.Check out the episode on our website!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Ross is a professional who has experienced success as an entrepreneur in different businesses, especially regarding music education. When his son was diagnosed with autism and high support needs, including co-occurring medical conditions, his life and that of his family changed dramatically. Barry and Dave and Matt discuss the decisions he made and the path he decided to take to deal with the challenges he experienced and to best support his son and family.Learn more on Our WebsiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An area of great interest is understanding the experience of highly sensitive people, also known as empaths. There are many overlapping characteristics of highly sensitive people with individuals who have neurodivergent profiles (with or without formal diagnoses). Dr. Judith Orloff is a recognized expert in this area and Barry, Dave and Judith discuss the best ways to understand and support empaths, as well as her new book for children, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit.Find out more on our website!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the Uniquely Human: The Podcast features Nina Schiarizzi-Tobin and Vanessa Harwood discussing innovative supports for neurodivergent college students, highlighting the START program at the University of Rhode Island. The conversation explores common challenges neurodivergent students face upon entering college, the specific support needs, and how these compare to those of neurotypical students. The episode also delves into the mission of the START program and its role in fostering community and inclusion.Find out more and access the transcripts on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As an occupational therapist with expertise in child development, Dr. Carrie Alvarado has the unique ability to discuss interrelationships between sensory processing and the development of trustworthy connections with young children. Carrie, Barry and Dave explore the implications of “sensoriaffective” integration in supporting parents of young neurodivergent children.Learn more on our websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Rivera has experienced the need for, and benefits of mentoring in his own life, and has applied his lived experiences to setting up a non-profit for mentoring others. Barry and Dave discuss the various benefits of mentoring with David, and specifically, “Mentoring Autistic Minds”, the non-profit he has created that welcomes autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals to benefit from a community that provides opportunities for mentoring relationships.Learn more on our websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kate Reynolds , also known as the Lavender Librarian, is the founder and director of Storytime Solidarity. Based in Ontario, Canada, Kate has been working in public libraries since 2010. She is also a sought after international keynote speaker, trained opera singer, patient advocate, writer, and content creator with a large social media following. Kate’s international advocacy has brought her to high-level events in Sweden, Hungary, Canada, and the United States. Kate holds masters degrees in musicology and library science at Western University as well as a bachelor of music in vocal performance at the University of Windsor. Openly disabled and autistic, Kate is working to make the world a kinder place, one storytime at a time.Learn more on our WebsiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julie Green is a professional writer, a mother, and is a late diagnosed autistic women. She, Dave, and Barry discuss what led to her late diagnosis, and the insights she has as an autistic person in raising her now teenage autistic son. Julie has also published professionally on parenting issues and discusses the process of writing a memoir that focuses on motherhood and autism, while simultaneously deepening her understanding of her own autism.Learn more on our WebsiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a parent, Daria Brown had some difficult decisions to make about choosing the right path for her young autistic child and her family. She chose a developmental relationship- based approach as it resonated with her as the best fit for her child. That choice led to a professional career in supporting parents, and also to her own late diagnosis as an autistic person. Barry and Dave discussed this choice with Daria, and how her journey has evolved.Learn more on our websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.