This panel focuses on empowering neurodiverse individuals and their families through open discussions about communication and connection. Participants share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of providing a voice to those who may struggle to express themselves. Key themes include support, understanding, and the journey toward fostering independence and confidence. The panelists encourage parents to prioritize their well-being while navigating the challenges of raising neurodiverse ...
Mar 05, 2025•58 min
Ths discussion captures the experiences of parents raising neurodivergent children, emphasizing the importance of finding joy, fostering inclusion, and supporting sibling relationships. Parents share personal stories of resilience, from guiding neurotypical siblings to embrace their roles with love to advocating for inclusive school environments. They highlight the unexpected ways their children teach them patience and strength, as well as the deep sense of community that emerges when families, ...
Feb 26, 2025•57 min
This engaging panel discussion delves into the evolving representation of autistic characters in literature, comics, and pop culture, featuring authors and creators who bring authentic perspectives to their work. The conversation highlights the importance of intentionality in storytelling, challenges stereotypes, and explores the nuances of portraying neurodiverse experiences with depth and empathy. Panelists share personal journeys, writing inspirations, and the transformative power of seeing o...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr
Carissa Cascio, Ph.D., explores how autistic individuals perceive and process sensory experiences, focusing on internal sensations of the body, known as interoception, and their impact on emotions, anxiety, and sleep. Cascio highlights the challenges of heightened sensory awareness, including how it can disrupt rest, and underscores the importance of understanding these experiences to improve therapy and overall well-being. Cascio shares personal anecdotes and challenges myths about autism, emph...
Jan 10, 2025•35 min
Christine Wu Nordahl, Ph.F., offers an insightful exploration into the unique needs and experiences of autistic teens, focusing on fostering inclusive spaces. Highlighting themes of gender diversity, underdiagnosis in girls, and the impact of societal perceptions, she emphasizes the importance of tailored support for neurodiverse individuals. Through powerful participant stories and an inspiring poem, Nordahl underscores the resilience and creativity within the autistic community. Her passionate...
Dec 26, 2024•35 min
Carrie Bearden, Ph.D., delves into how sleep patterns and brain activity influence memory and cognitive abilities in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Her research reveals that while these individuals tend to sleep longer, their brain activity shows unique differences, such as reduced slow-wave power, which may limit the cognitive benefits typically associated with sleep. Bearden also spotlights groundbreaking studies using advanced tools like stem cells and brain ...
Dec 16, 2024•34 min
Rob Knight, Ph.D., delves into the incredible world of our gut microbiome. Knight underlines the crucial link between our diet, our gut, and our overall health. For parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in improving their health, this lecture provides valuable insights into how the foods we eat can be harnessed to nurture a healthier gut and, in turn, a healthier life. Series: "Excerpts" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40041]
Aug 08, 2024•9 min
As part of the 2024 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Elizabeth Vosseller and Ian Nordling demonstrate techniques for helping autistic people who cannot use speech reliably to communicate. They discuss the neuroscience behind techniques for helping people with sensory and movement differences to use spelling and typing to communicate. Ian Nordling, a nonspeaking autistic man, provides insights into the lived experience of learning to communicate. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" ...
Jun 12, 2024•51 min
As part of the 2024 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Vikram Jaswal, Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, presents research using objective measurements of eye gaze and speed of movements. He demonstrates that prompting by supporters is not a plausible explanation for the success nonspeaking autistic people have had communicating using letterboards held by a trained Communication Regulation Partner. He also presents data that nonspeaking autistic people can tolerate Augmen...
Jun 06, 2024•39 min
How can we improve the human connection for people with autism? In this program, Ty Verno, director of the UC Santa Barbara's Koegel Autism Center discusses novel methods for measuring, understanding, and altering the social developmental trajectories of individuals with autism and related conditions. Series: "GRIT Talks" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 39439]
Jan 22, 2024•29 min
Brian A. Boyd, Ph.D., explores the health challenges faced by autistic individuals, especially those in diverse gender and sexual orientation groups. He highlights the impact of societal barriers on their mental and physical health. Boyd emphasizes the need for research considering race, income, and state healthcare laws. He discusses the importance of understanding intersectional identities and promoting inclusivity in autism research. Boyd stresses the significance of cultural humility, divers...
Jan 03, 2024•32 min
Join us for an eye-opening and heartfelt exploration of the intricate world surrounding autism, focusing on an often-overlooked perspective: the experiences of siblings. This compelling show delves deep into the lives of individuals whose stories are intricately woven with the journey of their autistic siblings, offering a poignant and illuminating portrayal of their challenges, triumphs, and the unbreakable bond that ties them together. Featuring: Giacomo Vivanti, Ph.D. Drexel University Jeniec...
Dec 28, 2023•58 min
Robert T. Fremeau, Jr., Ph.D., delves into Rett syndrome, a complex neurological condition. His research with brain organoids unveils its origins and progression. Fremeau uncovers disease markers and innovative treatments, offering insight into the pursuit of breakthrough therapies. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39167]
Dec 20, 2023•39 min
Eric Courchesne, Ph.D., explores autism, highlighting its complexity beyond the brain and its connection to genetics and brain development. He focuses on the "temporal cortex," a crucial area in autism research associated with gene regulation and social processing. Courchesne also shares how his personal journey with polio has informed his thinking on neurodiversity, research, and beating the odds. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show...
Dec 12, 2023•42 min
Join a diverse panel discussing neurodiversity's power and potential. They share personal stories, advocating acceptance, and envisioning a future where differences are strengths, not limitations. Discover the beauty of embracing unique perspectives and supporting each other in this enlightening conversation. Featuring: Garret Hoff Duke Law School Neurodivergent Students Association Jeff Snyder Neurodiverse Advocate Meagan McKenna Actress & Television Creator Andrew Arboe Autistic Self-Advoc...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Karen Pierce, Ph.D., explores using eye tracking to diagnose and treat autism. Her work identifies patterns in children's attention, aiming to streamline diagnosis, predict symptom severity, and tailor treatments. The focus is on early intervention by making social stimuli engaging for kids with varied attention patterns. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39170]
Dec 01, 2023•37 min
Join a captivating discussion where diverse voices, including neurodiverse speakers, take the stage to advocate for representation in literature and media. Explore the power of authentic storytelling and the impact of inclusive characters in shaping our understanding and empathy. This panel dives deep into the importance of diverse narratives, offering a compelling view on fostering connection and understanding through the art of storytelling. Featuring: Michael Levy, M.D., Ph.D. UC San Diego Ot...
Nov 27, 2023•50 min
Daniel Geschwind, M.D., Ph.D., explains autism's genetic roots using a polygenic model, where multiple genes, including common variations, contribute to the risk. Geschwind stresses a continuum in social behavior, showcasing features like synesthesia and exceptional talents as part of human variation. Geschwind,emphasizes the complexity of autism, urging recognition of strengths and vulnerabilities in the spectrum of human cognition and behavior. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience ...
Nov 22, 2023•33 min
Rob Knight, Ph.D., delves into the incredible world of our gut microbiome and its potential impact on our health, particularly its role in conditions like autism. By examining various dietary strategies and their effects on the gut, Knight reveals the remarkable potential of tailored diets in managing health conditions, offering hope for new, more accessible treatments. Moreover, Knight discusses the complex relationship between probiotics, their benefits, and potential risks, highlighting the i...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 18 min
Gaia Navarino shares her work on disorder-causing genetic mutations at the system, cellular and molecular level. With a focus on autism spectrum disorder, she explains techniques used to identify common pathophysiological mechanisms in ASD and how that could provide a framework for the development of effective pharmacological therapies. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38325]
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 10 min
There is a critical need for early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Elizabeth Torres, Ph.D., Rutgers University, shares new developments in that could aid in early detection of autism. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38391]
Dec 23, 2022•39 min
Michael Levy, M.D. joins the Living Autistically Panel to discuss the challenges of autism during adolescence and how the arts - from comic books to performance - have impacted their lives on the spectrum. You’ll hear from members of the autistic community who’ve found their calling in the arts. You’ll also learn about The Miracle Project, a theater, film, and expressive arts program focused on building communication, self-esteem, job and social skills for individuals with autism and all abiliti...
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 8 min
The county of San Diego has instituted inclusionary hiring practices to recruit neurodivergent individuals to the workforce and ensure departments have the proper skills to interview, train, and work with these members of the San Diego community. Garret Hoff, Brandy Winterbottom, Brian Lafferty, and Megan Elledge-LeVota discuss how this initiative came to be and what it means for the future. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Public Affairs] [Health and Medicine] [Show...
Dec 12, 2022•42 min
Leanne Chukoskie, Ph.D., Northeastern University, discusses her work using video games and play-based studies to learn more about autism and uncover potential therapies. Play-based relationships in early childhood are some of the primary tools that teach us where to look and find important information. Video games provide an excellent form of environmental learning by incorporating autonomy (user picks the game), purpose, mastery, uncertainty, competition, and peer reinforcement, and they’ve bee...
Dec 09, 2022•29 min
Treatment options for problematic behaviors associated with severe autism are limited. Can cannabidiol (CBD) be an effective therapy? Doris Trauner, M.D., discusses recent studies looking at the use of CBD and how it works in the brain. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38393]
Dec 02, 2022•26 min
Alysson Muotri discusses modeling Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) using stem cells and brain organoids. He shares how rescuing TCF4 expression with CRISPR-mediated epigenetic induction of AAV vector delivery provides a gateway for targeted therapeutics for PTHS and related conditions. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38516]
Nov 28, 2022•19 min
Epilepsy is a frequent co-morbidity in those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Maria Augusta Montenegro, M.D., Ph.D., discusses how cognitive abilities, motor deficit, and other associated symptoms can be factors, how epilepsy can be diagnosed, and recommended treatment options. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38389]
Nov 23, 2022•28 min
What is gene therapy and how does it relate to autism? Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., contextualizes the autism spectrum, defines gene therapy, shares how human stem cells can contribute to research, and lays out how gene therapy could be used in the future. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 38387]
Nov 23, 2022•58 min
Diversity is a hallmark in autism yet autism research does not capture the full heterogeneity of individuals on the spectrum. Constance Smith-Hicks, M.D., Ph.D., Bradley Schlaggar, Ph.D., Ebony Holliday, Ph.D., and Omar Shanta discuss the current state of diversity research in autism and the roadblocks to include individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities as participants in autism research as well as the strategies that could address these challenges. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Ne...
Nov 21, 2022•54 min
In individuals with Down syndrome, there is an aging-like phenotype known as senescence. Hiruy Meharena, Ph.D., UC San Diego, discusses how this impacts neurodevelopment. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38388]
Nov 18, 2022•27 min
