Part 2 of 3 Series - Assisted Communication with Non-speakers What the Naysayers Get Wrong and The Damage They Cause, with David Kaufer

Barry and his guest David Kaufer engage in a “no holds barred” critique of the small group of naysayers who have challenged the rights of non-and minimally, speaking people to have access to their preferred and most effective modes of communication. David shares his knowledge from two perspectives, a dad whose teenage son has experienced success with assisted communication, and as an author and advocate for autistic individuals who has a sharp eye for calling out the misinformation and hypocrisy of those who challenge the lived experience of countless non-speakers, family members and professionals. As part 2 of this three-part series, we also specify how evidence-based practice has been misrepresented by the naysayers.Learn more on our websiteCheck out the episodes on this special seriesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Application and Misapplication of Evidence-based Practice: Part 1 of 3 Episodes on Non-Speakers and Gestalt Language ProcessingBarry is joined by Jess Teixeira, certified speech- language pathologist and a member of the Uniquely Human Podcast in defining and discussing the concept and practice of evidence-based practice (EBP). In particular, the discussion focuses on the application and misapplication of EBP specific to two issues of significance for autistic and neurodivergent individuals – approaches to support non-speakers, and therapy approaches for children who are gestalt language processors. This episode serves as the foundation for the two following episodes that address each of these issues in greater depth.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.

Barry and Dave discuss neurodivergence across generations in a family, with Rebecca Rosenzweig and her mother Dr. Karen Carson exploring how neurodivergent traits have been present in both maternal and paternal lines, with Karen sharing her late-in-life diagnosis of autism and ADHD, while Rebecca discussed her diagnosis and the challenges of sensory processing differences. They share personal stories about accommodations and support within their family, including how Karen’s intuitive understanding of Rebecca’s needs helped create a supportive home environment. The conversation also covered the importance of recognizing neurodivergence without pathologizing natural behaviors, and the need to balance masking with authentic self-expression, particularly in different social and professional contexts.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.

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.