Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned authority on autism and animal behavior, shares her insights and perspectives on raising a child with autism. She discusses various do’s and don’ts and offers some sage advice about early intervention, developing personal strengths, dealing with sensory issues, and preparing for the workforce. She also mentions a few of the many books she has written on the subject.
Andrew Arboe, Founder of Driving with Autism, specializes in helping neurodiverse individuals pursue driving as a transportation option. He was inspired to start the organization by his own experiences and discusses things to be aware of when considering driving. He offers online workshops and consultations and plans to make his solutions available across the United States.
Vijay Ravindran, Founder and CEO of Floreo, shares the amazing technology of virtual reality learning he has helped develop to aid neurodiverse learners to succeed in school and in life. It is a tool for therapists, schools, and parents alike. It teaches a wide variety of skills from socialization, to coping with bullying, to navigating your neighborhood. It is a fun and accessible device that is available through many affordable avenues.
David Terk of Serenitas Special Needs Planning joins us to discuss some of the basic government benefits available to this community. He helps to demystify what the different names and acronyms mean. He also gives some great tips on how to qualify and apply for things like SSI, SSDI, and IHSS. David also touches on the importance of special needs trusts and planning for the future.
Dawn Barclay is a travel expert and mother of two. She has written a book about traveling with children who are neurodiverse. We discuss the various chapters and useful information in the book, and she offers some great tips to make the process much easier. She also shares tidbits from her blog and social media posts.
Mary Ann Hughes started Special Family Transitions to help others cope with the challenges of a divorce involving children who are neurodiverse or disabled. She shares her own story and offers suggestions on the important things to keep in mind and the best first steps to take. She also discusses how to support the children during this difficult time.
Dr. Hillary Ganek is a specialist on the effects of hearing challenges on learning languages. She talks about the importance of considering a child’s culture and environment when giving speech therapy. She shares her experience and gives advice on how caregivers can help support a child’s identity while encouraging them to express themselves.
George Bailey is the President of zPods, a company breaking new ground in innovations for better sleep. They have developed a new type of bed that offers a sensory-friendly experience for children and adults who have difficulty sleeping, including those who are neurodiverse. George discusses this new approach and shares a hopeful message for rethinking the importance of sleep in general.
Welcome to ARP’s 100th episode! Suzanne Firstenberg joins us to celebrate. She is the talented artist behind the In America: Remember exhibition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. She discusses the healing power of art as a means of positive social change. She also talks about art as a means of communication and expression for those who are neurodiverse or disabled. As she says, empathy is her medium.
Aaron Smith is a young man with autism. Since he was 5 years old, his favorite musical artist has been Elvis Presley. He decided to create a live tribute to Elvis and has made a career impersonating him on stage. He talks about coping with his autism and pursuing one's dream no matter what. He shares his story with us in a fun and inspiring conversation.
Anlor Davin is a person with autism and a long-time zen practitioner, author and mother. She teaches free online meditation classes for the neurodiverse community and its allies. Originally from France, Anlor immigrated to the United States in her 20s. She talks about the many benefits of mediation and the peace and joy it can bring to anyone’s life.
Cheryl Walfall-Flagg is an ABLE National Resource Center Ambassador. Two of her three children are young men with autism. She has learned through experience how important this type of account is for anyone with qualifying disabilities. She talks about the many benefits of opening an ABLE account. Cheryl also shares her own story and how easy it is to open this account for your loved one.
Briseida Ramirez is a faculty member at the Mt. San Antonio IMPACT program for Adults with Disabilities. This free college-level program teaches Independent Living Skills and other Life Building Skills. Although the program is currently not for credit, attendees can transfer to credit courses and work towards a degree. The application process is very easy. The program is offered both in-person and online. Courses include Romantic Relationships, Memory Building Skills, and Lifelong Learning....
Jeff Snyder is a young man with autism. In this episode, he shares his wisdom about growing up neurodiverse. He talks about dealing with challenges in the school environment. Jeff also discusses how important it is for parents to let their kids become as independent as possible. He tells us what it means to him to have a successful life.
Dr. Leonard Abbeduto is the Director of the MIND Institute at UC Davis. He shares their philosophy about putting families first. The Institute has grown over the years to service those with autism and other related conditions, including Fragile X syndrome. He stresses the importance of early diagnosis. Dr. Abbeduto and his team are at the forefront of research and development in their field. They use technology to reach clients in other states and countries. The ground-breaking college program a...
Dr. Randi Hagerman and her team at the MIND Institute discovered a version of Fragile X Syndrome (FXTAS) in adults. She discusses the relationship between Fragile X and autism in both adults and children. Fragile X is often misdiagnosed. It can lead to debilitating physical and cognitive symptoms. Dr. Hagerman states that it is very important for someone with autism to get tested. Knowing about Fragile X is essential for the individual as well as their family members. She shares information abou...
Rebecca Beam is the Founder and CEO of Zavikon. She helps those who are disabled or neurodiverse get employment and build careers. Rebecca’s passion opens doors at all levels in both larger and smaller companies. Her clients find work in many employment fields. Rebecca feels that a successful experience is a two-way street. First, it's important to prepare the potential employee for success. Second, it's just as important to educate the employer about the best ways to add neurodiverse and disabl...
Lindsay Recknell returns to ARP to share some inspiring suggestions on how to have those potentially awkward conversations on the subject of mental health. Compassion, awareness, and acceptance are all key to encouraging open communication, and actively creating the space to give our friends and loved ones the opportunity they need to reach out to us during difficult times.
In a two-part episode, Tom Iland discusses his perspective on romance and relationships for those with autism, as well as important tips for interacting safely with law enforcement and first responders. His experience and shared wisdom have both enhanced and saved lives. What a great way to start the New Year!
In a two-part episode, Tom Iland discusses his perspective on romance and relationships for those with autism, as well as important tips for interacting safely with law enforcement and first responders. His experience and shared wisdom have both enhanced and saved lives. What a great way to start the New Year!
Suad Bisogno, Executive Director of Integrated Resources Institute, shares the passion, strategies, and support model that IRI has used to successfully place 93% of their clients into gainful employment regardless of the intellectual or physical challenges they face. She shares her philosophy about employment barriers and misconceptions for the differently-abled and how to deal with and overcome them.
Jake Weiner, certified trainer and founder of Zooz Fitness, discusses the benefits of exercise, many of which are often overlooked. He emphasizes the extraordinary amount of satisfaction and well-being enjoyed by his clients at Zooz, all of whom have some sort of special need. He shares his unique approach to developing an exercise program and the best way to get started.
Michel Pascal, multi-faceted artist, meditation teacher, and author, shares the intricacies of his unique approach to meditation that makes meditating and calming the mind easily accessible to anyone, regardless of the challenges they may face. He cites examples of his success with this technique within the special and different needs communities, as well as other populations that are marginalized or often overlooked.
Jessica Patching-Bunch, stress resilience coach, returns to share some stress relieving tips and exercises that are easily learned and done from the comfort of home or anywhere you are when the need arises.
Mark Altieri, Senior Director of the multi-state financial management service Public Consulting Group/Public Partnerships, shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the ins and outs of self-direction aka self-determination, the differences between the programs in various states, and the many benefits of being a part of this growing trend in improving the quality of life for a multitude of people within the special needs and differently abled communities.
City of Industry Mayor Cory Moss shares her passion for our community, and discusses details about the important program she champions to help to raise awareness among the sheriffs, police and fire departments among others, regarding safely interacting with those individuals with autism as well as other challenges.
Nicole Ballinghoff, M. Ed. and BCBA discusses the controversy behind some of the techniques traditionally used under the ABA banner and how her positive approach differs from the others to help the individual and their family grow and thrive. She goes on the share about who can benefit from this technique and how to incorporate it into the school setting and daily life in general.
Dr. Daniel Franklin, Director of Franklin Educational Services, discusses the challenges associated with digital organization, virtual learning and adapting to the new educational trends, systems and resources. He covers what students can do to cope with the transition from the traditional classroom, as well as what parents can do to help support their children in this process.
Dr. Allison Kawa, a clinical psychologist and Director at the Los Angeles Center for Integrated Assessment, talks about understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the variety of challenges faced by different genders in terms of coping and diagnosis. She covers the common ways that ASD presents itself in males vs. females, and why dangerous misdiagnoses so often occur. Her broad areas of expertise include learning and processing differences, attention disorders, autism, and anxiety or mood ...
In this episode, Jessica Patching-Bunch, stress resilience coach, shares tips and techniques on managing stress, achieving a higher level of wellness and creating a better life for yourself and those you care about. Her approach targets the whole being, and she discusses using the brain, body and breath to navigate stress, anxiety and depression.
