Autistic Identity, Trauma, and the Importance of Mentoring - A Conversation with Dena Gassner

Shannon Rosa and Carol Ann Greenburg are parent-professionals and partners in developing and sharing their on-line resource, A Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, one of the very first resources to provide valuable information to the autistic and neurodivergent communities. In their own words, the mission of TPGA is to be a a one-stop source for carefully curated, evidence-based, neurodiversity-steeped information from autistic people, parents, and autism professionals. They emphasize that autism acceptance is not merely noble but necessary—and are separate matters from the autistic and other autism communities’ never-ending fights for medical, legal, social, and educational accommodation. The goal of TPGA is “to help  fast-forward past society’s rampant autism fabrications and negativity, by providing clear, thoughtfully presented, balanced, and referenced information”.  Barry and Dave discuss TPGA in the context of Shannon and Carol’s experiences as parents, and as advocates for the autistic community. Learn more about this episode and find useful resources on our website!

Episode 103 • Understanding Autism: A Discussion with Autistic Film Producer and Director, Scott Steindorff Scott Steindorff, an accomplished autistic film producer and director travelled the world to make his new film, “Understanding Autism“. Barry and Dave discuss Scott’s personal experiences leading to his motivation and goals in creating this feature length documentary.   Visit the Episode's webpage for more info and resources  

Episode 102 - Insights into Neurodivergence Following Brain Surgery: A Discussion with Jacki Edry, Autism Advocate, Parent and Cancer Survivor. Jacki Edry’s personal journey as a brain surgery survivor and parent of autistic and neurodivergent children provides unique insight into the neurodivergent experience. Additionally, her courage and persistence during her ongoing process of recovery, and her desire to help others based on her experience is an incredible story from which we all can learn. Jacki shares her journey with Barry and Dave, and all she has learned that may be of benefit to neurodivergent individuals and their families. Find out more info and important resources on our website

One of the least understood, and most marginalized groups of autistic people are those who are non-speaking, or who have minimal or unreliable speech due to neurologically-based motor speech disorders. Nonspeakers’ “voices” are now being heard, and what they have to say is shattering erroneous stereotypes about those for whom speech is not their primary mode of communication. Harmful beliefs about how speech and behavior are accurate reflections of a person’s intelligence and social awareness are being discarded. We initially spoke three years ago with Ian Nordling, a young autistic man who has benefitted from Spelling to Communicate (S2C), and Elizabeth Vosseller, who developed (S2C). In this episode, we get an update on progress for non-speakers. Learn more about this episode on our website!  Follow us on social media

We are celebrating our 100th Episode! We couldn't have done this without you, our Uniquely Human Community. Thank you!  Love on the Spectrum is an Emmy award-winning Netflix reality TV show that follows young adults on the autism spectrum as they explore dating, love, and relationships. The show is based on an Australian version of the same name. Dave and Barry join Elaine Hall, who consults to the show and helped with casting, and with Steve and David, two autistic cast members, in a discussion of their experiences on the show, and the importance of relationships in their lives. Learn more about the episode on our webstie!

A great and harmful myth perpetuated for decades is that autistic people are incapable of deep connection, empathy, and loving relationships with others. Over the years, diagnostic criteria have included wording to this effect. We now know that this generalization is inaccurate, largely due to an understanding that autistic children and adults may “show up” in different ways in relationships. As with all people, however, the desire to connect and develop trusting and loving relationships is clearly a part of the autistic experience. Dave and Barry discuss these issues from a historical, clinical, and first person perspective. Find out useful resources and learn more on the episode's website!

Temple Grandin on Understanding Different Minds: Its importance in Education, Life Skills and Eventual Employment for Younger Autistic Individuals One of the many groundbreaking contributions that Dr. Temple Grandin has made in her career is increasing awareness of different learning styles demonstrated by autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Her work has been applied in enhancing employment opportunities and education for older autistic individuals, but less so for younger children. In her new book, Different Kinds of Minds, she reaches out to younger children, their families and educators on this essential topic. In this far-reaching discussion, Barry, Dave and Temple discuss the longer term implications of her work for autistic individuals, and society in general. Learn more and find useful resources on our website

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in a range of medical conditions experienced by individuals diagnosed with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, diagnosed and undiagnosed, may present with complex conditions that cause considerable discomfort and pain, and that have a significant detrimental impact on quality of life. In some cases, concerns about medical conditions may be the “gateway” issues that lead to a diagnosis of autism, in previously undiagnosed individuals. However, many physicians are not trained to explore the complex and at times, puzzling interactions between medical conditions and neurodivergence. Dr. Lenz, with a career of “in the trenches” expertise, discusses these issues with Barry and Dave with a focus on compassionate medical care and life-style changes that best support autistic and neurodivergent people.   Learn more about this episode on our website!

Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral, both neurodivergent professionals and parents of neurodivergent children bring a unique perspective to the challenges and gifts of raising children of color. Based on their new book, Parenting at the Intersections, we discuss the barriers that families of color face over and above those encountered by all families who have children with neurodevelopmental differences, as well as all that can be learned in each family’s journey. Find out more about the episode, and useful resources, here

How to Dance in Ohio is a heart-filled new musical that explores what it means to belong, the courage it takes to put yourself out in the world, and the universal need to connect. The musical follows the challenges and triumphs faced by a group of seven autistic young adults at a counseling center in Columbus, Ohio. The center arranges a spring formal dance, and encourages them as they encounter love, fear, stress, excitement, and hope along the path to human connection. We speak with Linda J. Walder, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation that honored the cast and crew with the DJF Foundation Adult Autism award, and with Rebekah Greer Melocik, book author and lyricist, and Nicole D’Angelo, Assistant Music Director and member of the show’s access team.   Learn more and find useful resources on our website!