Autism In Real Life

Episode 67: Talking about neurodiverse relationships with Erica Busillo-Adams and Sam Adams

Episode 66: Building a good team to work with your child a conversation with Elise Wulff, M.Ed.

In this episode Elise and I talk about creating a comprehensive team to help get the best services for your child as well as lots of tip and strategies for communication, what the school is responsible for and what options families may have. This is a great addition to the Special Education Mini Course! Elise Wulff, MEd Program Manager, Child Services and Aspire Works Elise Wulff has been working with the neurodiverse population in both the public and private sectors for over 15 years. With Aspi...

Episode 65: Gender Expression and Autism with Daman Neighbors

I had a great conversation with Daman about their experiences with gender identity, gender expression, learning about their neurodivergency and so much more. Listen in on this very open and heartfelt discussion. To learn more about Daman, go to their Blog at : https://nativeofnowhere.blog

Episode 64: Stephen Wood on Autism and Suicidality

Episode 63: Simon Baron-Cohen and The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention

Simon and I have a great conversation about his most recent book which has us look at the human mind, its development, how we all process information differently and how the autistic brain could be tied to the greatest developments and inventions of our time thus far. Simon Baron-Cohen is the Director of the Autism Research Centre and a Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry University of Cambridge and Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge. He is Director of the Autism Research...

Episode 62: Expecting The Unexpected

The only constant in life is change - this is a saying that a great manager I had one told me 25 years ago. He was so right! In this episode I share some insights I have had managing the every changing (and inconsistent) world that is around all of us right now.

Episode 61: The Intersection of Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu

Morénike and I talk about gender assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression and sexuality. If you are unsure about what all of these terms mean or want to learn more or just want to check out an open and candid conversation, listen now!! Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is an educator, writer, public speaker, parent, and global advocate. A proactive, resourceful professional and disabled woman of color in a multicultural, neurodiverse, serodifferent family, Morénike, who is American-born to immig...

Episode 60: IEP Disagreement with Peter Hahn

Want to know what to do If things aren’t working out with your IEP? Listening to learn what the best strategies are forgetting the best IEP you can get for your child or student. Meet Peter: Peter A. Hahn, Esq. Nothing is more important than your family. So when your child is denied an education, you get a call from the police, or DCF comes knocking at your door, you need an intelligent, experienced, highly effective lawyer committed to protecting your rights. Attorney Hahn is devoted to success...

Episode 59: Building Romantic Relationships with Ali Arena

Building connections with people can be difficult under any circumstances however during a pandemic it can be even more challenging. Listen in as Ali gives us some ideas on how to meet people and learn about ourselves. Perhaps these strategies can lead to those connection that can lead to deeper friendships and romantic relationships. Meet Ali: Hi, I’m Dr. Ali Arena and I’ve dedicated my education and career to finding the best communication patterns and behavior changes required to navigate the...

Episode 58: Gender Identity & Autism Research a conversation with Verun Warrier

I saw a Spectrum News article come across my email on Gender Identity and Autism and I was very interested in finding out more. Having worked as the Director of Adult Services at AANE, there were many people I worked with who were exploring their gender and/or their gender expression. I also worked with many parents and families who were looking to find resources and understand what their child was experiencing so they could better support them. I think this is such an important topic and was ab...

Episode 57: Autism, Gender, Sexuality & Relationships

I want to take the black box away from talking about gender, sexuality, and romantic relationships and how they intersect with autism. These are all part of the human experience and for those of us that work with and love those that are neurodivergent we need to create a safe space for these conversations. I hope I can help ease this process for folks even if it is just a little bit.

Episode 56: Autism & Trauma: Mindful Yoga Therapy - A Tool For Healing

As I have discussed in passed podcast episodes, there is a striking connection between autism and trauma. On the autism side we may need to consider unrealistic social expectations, social misinterpretations, overload of sensory input and difficulties with executive functioning that can lead to anxiety and stress. Perhaps it is being a caretaker of someone with autism that can lead to overwhelm, anxiety and extreme stress. If we look at post-traumatic stress, also called Post-Traumatic Stress Di...

Episode 55: Special Education Process Mini Course (Part 4) - The Transition Planning Process

In this episode I discuss the transition planning process and review the various parts of the form. I have some examples below that can be referenced for help. Transition Planning Form Understood Sample https://assets.ctfassets.net/p0qf7j048i0q/5N8GMHhcIxyP053TfULQEi/36a1af20bfeb9eb9edfc33319b8654d7/Sample_IEP_Transition_Plan_Students_Careers_Understood.pdf Illinois Guidelines https://www.isbe.net/Documents/ch8-secondary_transition.pdf New Hampshire Transition Planning Worksheet and Samples http...

Episode 54: The First Gifts of Autism with Jacqueline Johnson

In this episode Jacqueline and I talk about her book entitled "The First Gifts of Autism". I was truly moved and inspired by this book as a parent and an educator. Meeting with Jacqueline proved to emphasize how we can all look at autism with a different lens and create a more inclusive and accepting world for all of us with differences. Jacqueline Johnson is a wife and homeschooling mother of three daughters. She has twins, who are both on the Autism Spectrum and she currently lives in St. Loui...

Episode 53: Special Education Process Mini Course (Part 3): The Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

In this podcast I discuss the IEP process and form in detail. This can help to create a comprehensive education plan that is truly customized for a child so that they can access the curriculum and make effective progress. IEP Sample https://www.livesinthebalance.org/sites/default/files/CPS%20Flavored%20IEP%203_0.pdf Anatomy of an IEP Guidebook https://assets.ctfassets.net/p0qf7j048i0q/24s5adt3xYto4Ri8QwBJxo/3121f047b5e8882dd2dc706d40be17b2/Anatomy_of_an_IEP_Understood.pdf...

Episode 52: Using a Pleasure Mindset to help create a life plan with Krista Haapala

In this episode Krista and I expand on the conversation of self discovery through using a "Pleasure Mindset". We talk about tools that can help you build a life focused on your joys and honoring your authentic self. As a consciousness guide, Krista supports humans of every stripe in creating fiercely fulfilling embodied lives and relationships. She finds her own edge daily as a passion catalyst and pleasure mystic, an author and sexologist, an artist and poet. She is the author of 39 Revolutions...

Episode 51: Special Education Process Mini Course (Part 2) - The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

In this episode I explain the Individualized Family Education Plan (IFSP) process and form so that families and those working with children below the age of 3 can have a better foundation of what to expect and what will be required to build a solid plan for those children that are eligible for early intervention services. Please find some helpful resources below: Understood.Org https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/treatments-approaches/early-intervention/ifsp-what-it-is-an...

Episode 50: Special Education Process Mini Course (Part 1) - Introduction

To celebrate our 50th episode, I am kicking off a 4 part mini course covering the special education process and forms associated at all levels of student education. I will cover the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, and Transition Plan. We will cover all section of each form and talk about who the best people may be to have on your team.

Episode 49: ASD, Trauma & Yoga

Episode 48: Building Connection

In this episode I wanted to share my thoughts on how, for me, building connection with others is part of the self discovery and exploration process. I talk about how some of my old "programming" can get triggered by the outside environment especially with social media.

Episode 47: Autism and the Law with Peter Hahn

Episode 46: Building Healthy Relationships with Karen Lean

In this episode, Karen and I have an open conversation about building the foundation for having healthy and authentic relationships. Karen Lean has sat on the Board of Directors and various committees at AANE and has given numerous keynotes, panel appearances, and workshops. Her writing appears in the book of essays, “Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity.” She was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in ...

Episode 45: Final days of 2020 and looking to what lies ahead

Let's acknowledge getting through 2020 and get s glimpse into what 2021 will bring for the podcast. Learn how you can get involved and be a guest on the show!

Episode 44: Trauma and Autism (Part 3) Standing up for your basic human rights

I came across a list entitled "Basic Human Rights for Self Development" (Benedict, 2018) that can help individuals that are healing from trauma and working with PTSD. These can be excellent for beginning a dialogue with others about setting boundaries, self advocacy and self care. I am looking to set up some groups to have a conversation around some of the rights on the list. If you are interesting in being part of that conversation as part of a podcast, please reach out to me! Looking forward t...

Episode 43: Trauma & Autism (Part 2): A conversation with Lisa Morgan, M.Ed and Mary Donahue, Ph.D on Living with PTSD on The Spectrum

In this episode Lisa, Mary and I got a chance to talk about what their experience is regarding living with PTSD while also having autism. We talked about common traumatic events, different responses to trauma based on neurology, how those with ASD can be more vulnerable, research in this area, and what we all can do to help. Lisa Morgan is a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) and holds a Master's degree in the Art of Teaching in Special Education. She has previously authored Living Through Suicid...

Episode 42: Trauma and Autism (Part 1)

In this episode I talk about trauma and post traumatic stress (PTSD) and explore the different ways they may overlap with autism. This is Part 1 of a series where I will cover a variety of topics that can fall under this umbrella.

Episode 41: Some strategies and a check-in before the holidays

Feeling the pressure of the upcoming holidays? In this episode I offer some suggestion to help with making the holidays a little smoother regardless of whether you are having a small intimate gathering or sharing your time with others that you care about. I talk about anxiety, sensory sensitivities, executive function, social expectations and of course....COVID.

Episode 40: Interview with Nomi Kaim on the gifts of self-awareness with autism

In this episode, I had a great conversation with Nomi around self awareness, self respect and self compassion. Very inspiring! Nomi Kaim was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) in 2004 at the age of 21. Since joining the Asperger / Autism Network in Watertown, MA, Nomi has been fortunate to access a wide range of speaking opportunities. Before audiences of students, teachers, coaches, and mental health professionals, Nomi shares her experience of managing and learning fro...

Episode 39: An Interview with Sarah Hendrickx on Women and the Autism Spectrum

Curious about how sometimes those born female with autism present differently ? Check out this fun and interesting conversation I had with Sarah Hendrickx who is the foremost specialist on women with autism among lots of other things! Sarah is autistic. She has worked in the field of autism as an independent autism specialist since 2007. Sarah has also delivered over 1000 autism training workshops and conference presentations internationally to all types of professionals from educators and care ...

Episode 38: Financial Planning and the Autism Spectrum with Andrew Komarow

Why is financial planning important to those with special needs? Listen in on this episode to learn why everyone should think about a financial plan and how it can help those particularly with special needs. Andrew Andrew Komarow, CFP®, AEP®, AIF®, BFA™, CAP®, CASL®, CHFC®, ChSNC®, CLU®, FSCP®, REBC®, RHU®, RICP® the founder of Planning Across the Spectrum Andrew specializes in specialize in helping any individual, family or employer of those with autism and other disabilities pursue financial i...