Let's Talk LD, Creating Contexts for Discovery, and Affirming Disability Identity
In this episode, I have an energized conversation with the vibrant KD Harris. KD is the founder and Executive Director of Let's Talk LD, a social impact non-profit corporation that builds coalitions, promotes acceptance, engages collaboration, and helps others value learning, social communication, and attentional differences. We talk about disability identity development, creating contexts for discovery, reimagining failure, promoting acceptance through affirmation, and the squashing effect of shame and isolation. KD is pure joy and a beacon in this space. I can't get enough of her...
Masking, Burn Out, and the Need to Consider Sensory-Motor Processing
In this episode, I have an important conversation with Dr. Deborah Budding, a gifted and passionate neuropsychologist who specializes in the empowered support of neurodivergent individuals. We discuss what masking is and the toll it takes on everyday functioning. We also explore the critical importance of considering the sensory-motor system when understanding neurodivergent individuals and how we can best support them. I always enjoy my conversation with Deb and this one is no different!
http://deborahbudding.com/
Tips for Workplace Success for Autistic Adults
In this episode, David Sharif, Global Autism Advocate and Motivational Speaker, graciously joins me to share his top tips for workplace success. He helps the audience deal with rejections, encourages strengthening work ethics, and emphasizes the power of practice. David brings a much-needed first-person voice to this channel and I'm so happy to offer a platform for it!
Pre-Employment Tips for Autistic Adults with David Sharif, Global Autism Advocate
In this episode, I welcome back David Sharif, Global Autism Advocate and Motivational Speaker, to share his top tips on pre-employment preparation. David brings his unique first-person perspective as an autistic adult and how he prepared himself for the jobs that he has today.
The Immense Emotional Power of Storytelling for Neurodivergent Individuals with Tawd Dorenfeld
In this episode, I connect with Tawd Dorenfeld, Founder and Lead Mentor of Tink Tank Animate, about the power of storytelling and the immense emotional value it brings to our neurodiverse community. We explore how the mentors at Tink Tank Animate follow strengths, support weaknesses, and include their artists in a process that empowers through doing and completing projects, which then creates a series of wins for individuals who don’t usually get this experience. Tink Tank provides a truly unique experience for self-expression and sharing voices through an artistic art form.
https://www.tinktankanimate.com/
Parent-Child Sexuality Communication and Autism
In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Eileen Crehan, Assistant Professor at Tufts University. We discuss the big takeaways from a research article (Holmes and Himle, 2014) that evaluates parent-child communication surrounding sexuality with autistic children and adolescents. Eileen points our attention towards the chart in the article which can be helpful in identifying skills associated with sexuality (hint: it's not all that you think).
You can find the article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24854331/
The Top Stressors In Education with Jeff Snyder Autism Self-Advocate
In this episode, I speak with Jeff Snyder, Autism Neurodiversity Self-Advocate and Public Speaker. Jeff shares what his top 3 stressors were during his educational career and practical strategies to manage these stressors. He hopes that this information will help bring awareness to the needs of autistic students and how to make education more accessible and comfortable for these students.
You can find out more about Jeff (and his awesome blogs) here.
We Are Brave Together and The Transformative Power of Support
In this episode, Jessica Patay, President and Founder of We Are Brave Together, a supportive community of moms of special needs children (of all ages), joins the show. She tells us why she started this organization, how it supports moms, and her first-hand experience of transformation when supported by human connection, especially when vulnerable. We also dip our toes into burnout and compassion fatigue and how special needs parents were hit hard during the pandemic.
To find out more about Jessica and We Are Brave Together, check this out.
Defining My Success From Therapy
In this episode, I welcome back David Sharif, Global Autism Advocate and Motivational Speaker. He generously shares with us his experience of the various therapies he received and how they have helped him find success today.
Want to get in touch David? Pick a method...
https://theneurodiversetraveler.wordpress.com/ Instagram: @david_thetraveler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theincredibletraveler YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCctvl8y8bXaVUrULgSsGiqQ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/davidssharif/_saved/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 310-739-1272
What is a Special Needs Advocate and When Do You Need One?
In this episode, Kristen Carmi, Special Education Advocate and BCBA, joins me in a conversation about the role of advocates in the lives of individuals on the autism and disability spectrum. We get into when an advocate is helpful, what the difference is between an advocate and an attorney, and what GREAT advocates do. As is usual fare with Kristen, she can't help but share delicious tidbits and gems about the law, the rights of students, the inevitable and human emotions that get triggered when we advocate for people we deeply love, and one question that can empower every parent in an IEP (at the end).
If you want to find out more about Kristen Carmi, click here.