All Autism Talk

We talk with Christopher J. Smith of Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) about emerging technology and research to support individuals with autism. Christopher J. Smith, Ph.D., Vice President and Director of Research at SARRC, is an experimental psychologist with expertise in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and measurement of associated traits. Before joining SARRC, Dr. Smith was an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and still maintains a faculty position. His background is in phenotyping complex psychiatric disorders for the purposes of genetic studies. Under the direction of Dr. Smith, SARRC’s research team focuses on improving the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and expediting accurate diagnostic methods; advancing research on effective treatments for autism, both pharmaceutical and behavioral, that lead to an improved quality of life for individuals with the disorder and their families; and educating all kinds of professionals in the community to improve detection, diagnosis and services for individuals with autism. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

Cynthia Kim is the author of two books, "Nerdy, Shy and Socially Inappropriate: A User Guide to an Asperger Life" and "I Think I Might be Autistic: A Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Self-Discovery for Adults". She blogs about autism at musingsofanaspie.com.   "I'm most passionate about anything related to living a full, authentic life as an adult on the spectrum--especially in a way that contributes to better understanding ourselves, finding community and improving our quality of life." Cynthia Kim is the proud owner of many labels including woman, wife, mother, writer, editor, entrepreneur and, most recently, autistic. Diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome in her early forties, she began blogging about life on the spectrum at MusingsofanAspie.com. She is the author of two books on her experiences, "Nerdy, Shy and Socially Inappropriate: A User Guide to an Asperger Life" and "I Think I Might Be Autistic: A Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Self-Discovery for Adults." When she isn't writing, she can often be found running or hiking backwoods trails somewhere on the east coast of the US. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

In this episode we are joined by Coach Alex Sachs of the KEEN program in Phoenix.  As a former professional soccer player and Olympic medal winner, Alex brings her great passion for sports to serving the special needs community.   KEEN Phoenix (Kids Enjoying Exercise Now) is a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. KEEN's mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals. We have three sites that we service kids from Escalante Community Center, Gompers, and Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale. Alessandra “Coach Alex” Sachs played on the Brazilian Women’s National Soccer Team for 11 years and has a silver medal from the 2004 Olympic Games, a gold medal 2007 Pan American Games and was inducted in the Brazilian Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005. Today, she is the Program Director of KEEN Phoenix and Program Manager of Playworks Arizona. In this episode, Rob Haupt also offers an update on recent news about Medi-Cal and Medicaid coverage for autism services. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

Jennifer Cook is the winner of the 2014 Autism Society of America’s Temple Grandin Outstanding Book of the Year Award, the 2012 Temple Grandin Award for global contributions, a recipient of GRASP’s 2012 Distinguished Spectrumite Medal for excellence in parenting, 2012 AuKids Speaker of the Year, and Godiva’s Woman of the Year. She is one of North Carolina’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2014 and Autism Daily Newscast’s “Inspiring Women with Autism,” called “piercingly astute” by Headstuff Magazine. She keynotes internationally, including for the Autism Society of America’s National Conference, the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association, The National Inclusion Project, the UK’s National Autistic Society, Ireland’s SHINE, and at mega conferences alongside Drs. Grandin and Attwood.  She is a mentor for Yale’s Child Study Center where her books serve as foundational texts, and a member of The Global Montessori Alliance. Her Facebook Fan Page and Asperkids blog have both been chosen by Disney/Babble to the Top 30 Autism Sites in the World. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

This week we discuss a topic that is extremely important to many parents of young kids with autism, social skills and ability. Most parents are familiar with the social challenges faced by our kids on the spectrum but not everyone knows helpful strategies that will support better social function. This week, host Rob Haupt is pleased to welcome Dr. Ann Densmore, Ed.D. CCC SLP/A, certified speech pathologist and audiologist and author of Helping Children with Autism Become More Social: 76 Ways to Use Narrative Play and author of Your Successful Preschooler: Ten Skills Children Need to Become Confident and Socially Engaged. Dr. Ann Densmore, Ed.D. CCC SLP/A, certified speech pathologist and audiologist and author of Helping Children with Autism Become More Social: 76 Ways to Use Narrative Play and author of Your Successful Preschooler: Ten Skills Children Need to Become Confident and Socially Engaged (Harvard Medical School and Jossey-Bass, 2011). Director of Child Talk in Lexington, MA. Ann Densmore has been a speech and language consultant at public and private schools or more than 30 years. Ann holds an Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard Graduate School of Education and an Ed.D. in Education with a specialization in child discourse from Clark University. She is board-certified in speech and language pathology and audiology. Ann swims Walden Pond every morning (when it’s not iced over) and enjoys long bike rides with her friends. She also loves photography, swimming with Cambridge New England Masters at Harvard University, and taking walks with her Portuguese Water Dog, Map. http://www.child-talk.com/ Twitter: @AnnDensmore All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

All parents face daily obstacles, but parents of children with autism experience increased challenges that can result in overwhelming anxiety, depression, self-doubt and sadness. Ultimately, these parents are husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, family and friends who simply wish to experience more fulfilling and satisfying lives with their children. Dr. Darren Sush is a clinical psychologist and board certified behavior analyst, specializing in therapy for parents of children with autism. Throughout his career, Dr. Sush has recognized that parents of children with autism can significantly benefit from the guidance, comfort and empathy of therapeutic services that support their unique experiences and struggles. Over the past decade, Dr. Sush has had the privilege of working within agencies that provide intervention and support for children diagnosed with autism. Through his work developing treatment programs, meeting with families and helping children, he has gained exceptional knowledge and understanding of the unique experiences of parents of children with autism. He offers direct knowledge and guidance to the various questions that arise regarding children with autism’s behavior, skill building, treatment, funding and school placement, and helps families live their best lives possible. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

Join us for this fascinating conversation about the benefits of speech therapy and who could benefit from it.  In this episode, Odelia Mirzadeh breaks down typical child development as well as some of the red flags that could indicate you may want explore speech therapy.   Odelia Mirzadeh is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.  She began her career working in an Early Intervention Program, at CSUN, completed her internship at Santa Monica and Malibu School Districts, and externship at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.  She has also worked with the Beverly Hills School District, Northridge Hospital, The Help Group and UCLA Lab School. In her practice, Odelia works with children and adults to evaluate and treat: autism spectrum disorders, cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies, auditory processing disorder, oral motor speech disorders, voice disorders, apraxia of speech, stuttering/fluency, voice disorders, social communication disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders/delays, speech disorders/distortions, memory and listening skill difficulties, as well as reading and writing comprehension deficits.  With her background in music and training in music therapy, Odelia is also able to serve her client’s needs in an innovative way to ensure better results. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

We are excited to welcome back V. Mark Durand to discuss the important topic of educating our medical professionals outside of the specialized field of autism.   Dr. Durand's book Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Guide for General Practititioners is aimed at helping clinicians screen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), treat higher functioning individuals with ASD, and assist family members.  V. Mark Durand is known worldwide as an authority in the area of autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Durand is currently a member of the Professional Advisory Board for the Autism Society of America and is on the board of directors of the International Association of Positive Behavioral Support. He is the co-editor of the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions and serves on a number of editorial boards. His books include Severe Behavior Problems: A Functional Communication Training Approach, Sleep Better! A Guide to Improving Sleep for Children with Special Needs, and most recently, When Children Don't Sleep Well: Interventions for Pediatric Sleep Disorders. Dr. Durand developed a unique treatment for severe behavior problems that is currently mandated by states across the country and is used worldwide. He also developed an assessment tool that is used internationally and has been translated into more than 15 languages. He has been consulted by the departments of education in numerous states and by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education. His current research program includes the study of prevention models and treatments for such serious problems as self-injurious behavior. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

In this episode we explore some of the perceptions of individuals with disabilities.  Our guest, Mary Jacob is the Executive Director of Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center and Families Helping Families of Jefferson.  She is the mother of two daughters with disabilities and spent the past 25 years advocating for inclusive education opportunities and services for her daughters as well as all children with disabilities.  Ms. Jacob has spoken nationally about her experience raising two children with disabilities.  She is a relentless advocate for children with special needs. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

This week on Autism Spectrum Radio we are looking at some of the remarkable efforts by parents for parents.  Parent advocates in communities all over the country are creating offerings that help facilitate education and access to much needed resources. Sarah Paulson is the founder and Executive Director of Connecting for Kids. She has an MBA from University of Chicago in Finance and Strategic Management. She was a management consultant for The Boston Consulting Group and a Product Manager for Progressive Insurance Company before becoming a stay-at-home mother of two adorable boys. She loves reading and is passionate about exercising, ice cream and outwitting her husband at board games. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)