All Autism Talk

We continue our discussion of a wide range of topics that relate to the autism community. One thing that every family touched by autism needs is hope. Encouraging words and stories of another’s success can go a long way in helping a parent ready themselves for new challenge and another day. This week, Rob is excited to welcome author Nancy Burrows to our show to share stories from the latest edition of the Chicken Soup series which was written for the autism community. Nancy Burrows is a freelance writer who lives in Baltimore, MD.  She has an 11 year old son, James who is on the spectrum. Nancy is co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum", published in April, 2013. 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 explore a sensitive and perhaps under addressed topic, the experience of grief and loss for children and teens with autism. In the course of life, it is inevitable that we are all touched by the loss of a loved one and yet it is not a topic we may think to prepare for. Families with a child who has autism can easily be caught at a loss for what to do or how to best support their child’s natural but painful experience of grief. This week, host Rob Haupt looks at the complexities of supporting children and teens during this vulnerable time. Rob is happy to welcome author Karla Helbert to share her insights as psychotherapist and bereavement counselor who specializes in serving the autism community. Karla Helbert is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and has been working as a therapist since 2000. She operates a private psychotherapy practice with a focus on loss, grief and bereavement and specializes in therapy for people with autism spectrum disorders. Prior to opening her private practice, Karla worked for 13 years for a private non-profit organisation serving children, adolescents and adults with autism. She also facilitates bereavement support groups for local hospices and for the MISS Foundation, an international non-profit helping families grieving the death of a child. As a bereaved mother and a trained therapist, she has a deep personal, as well as clinical, understanding of the difficult issues facing those grieving the deaths of loved ones. 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 we explore the important role of our autism dads. Host Rob Haupt is excited to welcome Author, advocate and TV Personality Rodney Peete to the show. NFL veteran quarterback Rodney Peete, best known for his leadership and a winning attitude. Winner of the 1988 “Johnny Unitas Award” for Best Senior Quarterback, and the 1988 Pac-10 Player of the Year. He spent 16 successful years in the NFL. During those 16 seasons, Peete was named to various All-Rookie teams, led two different franchises to the playoffs and had a winning record as a starting QB. Peete went right from the gridiron to co-hosting “the Best Damn Sports Show Period” on Fox. Peete can also be seen hosting a variety of NFL and College preview and recap shows for Fox, Fox.com and currently ABC’s Sports Zone. He is co-founder of the HollyRod Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization established to generate funds to fight Parkinson’s disease, children suffering from Autism, and improve the quality of life for those in need. In March 2010, Peete Authored his first book titled “Not My Boy” A Father, a son and a Families Journey with Autism. Peete is a member of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, The USC Hall of Fame and he serves on the Board of Governors at his alma mater.  Peete made a smart acquisition of his own on June 10, 1995, when he married the lovely television star Holly Robinson (21 Jump Street, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, For Your Love.).  The Peetes are proud parents of four beautiful children, twins Ryan Elizabeth and Rodney Jackson, Robinson James and the youngest, Roman Matthew.  The family resides in Los Angeles. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

Our guest Julie Diep :  I am the founder and Executive Director of OC Autism.  Our mission is "to ensure the highest standard of care in our community."  We believe in empowering parents and professions with the necessary tools to succeed. I have a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from Loma Linda University (LLU) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from National University (NU).  I hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), a Credential in Clinical or Rehabilitative Services and a California State license.  I have over 17 years of experience in the field as a Bilingual Vietnamese SLP and a currently a BCBA Candidate.  I am the owner of New Hope Therapy Center in Orange County, specializing in ASD, Medical Speech Pathology (serving adults and children) and Special Education Rights (working as an expert witness and IEE assessor).  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 examine the misconceptions and challenges for non-verbal individuals with autism.  Technology continues to expand the options of communication for non-verbal individuals but there is still a need for more advocacy and opportunity to share their voice. We are excited to welcome author Ido Kedar to the show to discuss (through voice output) his book Ido in Autismland, Climbing Out of Autism’s Silent Prison.   Ido Kedar is a 16 year old boy with severe autism. He communicates by typing without tactile support on an iPad or letterboard. He is a general education student in the 10th grade taking a full, unmodified class load.  He is the recent author of Ido in Autismland: Climbing Out of Autism’s Silent Prison, which is available on Amazon. He blogs on autism at www.idoinautismland.com and can be followed on twitter and facebook. Ido presents frequently on autism at conferences  and classes. My goal is to help people to better understand non-verbal autism in terms of symptoms, treatment, education, communication and research. I try to explain autism from the inside out . In my book, blog and speeches I strive to help people see that the potential to communicate exists in so many other people with non-verbal autism. It is my hope that they too can be liberated from their silence and isolation and get a true education. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

Are you attending the 32nd annual Western CalABA Conference? Dr. Daniel Shabani, President of the California Association of Behavior Analysis visits Autism Spectrum Radio to tell us why the experience is valuable for parents. The California Association for Behavior Analysis will host the 32nd Annual Western Regional Conference on Behavior Analysis February 28 – March 2, 2014. The conference offers information, resources, and professional development opportunities for Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, regular and special educators, students in those and related fields, and consumers of behavior analysis services.  Daniel Shabani received his Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University following an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree from the University of the Pacific. Currently, Dr. Shabani is the president of the California Association for Behavior Analysis and runs a private practice in Southern California. He has authored a number of publications on assessment and treatment of behavior problems, as well as reviewed trends within the field of behavior analysis. Dr. Shabani’s current research interests include radical behaviorism, the assessment and treatment of severe behavior disorders, verbal behavior, and instructional designs. 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 are thrilled to welcome arguably the most famous person in the autism community, Temple Grandin, Ph.D. Dr. Grandin has been advocating for individuals with autism for more than 30 years. In 2010, Grandin delivered the TED talk “The world needs all kinds of minds.” Grandin’s own experience with autism has informed her numerous books on the subject including My Life in Pictures which was adapted for the award-winning HBO film. Her most recent book, The Autistic Brain, focuses on the latest autism research and new diagnosis and treatments.    Born on August 29, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a child and went on to pursue work in psychology and animal science. She has become a leading advocate for autistic communities and has also written books and provided consultation on the humane treatment of animals.  Grandin has been recognized by the academic community and the general public for her work. In 2009, she was named a fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. She is the recipient of several honorary degrees, and has been featured on a range of television and radio programs. In 2010, HBO released an Emmy Award winning film on Grandin’s life which continues to strike a chord with audiences.  Temple’s willingness to honestly share her challenges as well as share her passionate perspective with depth and resonance has made her a very popular (and busy) speaker and presenter. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

From bedtime tantrums to bedwetting, sleep problems can be one of the biggest sources of worry and frustration for parents of children with special needs. V. Mark Durand joins our show to share insights from his updated book, Sleep Better! Dr. Durand will discuss widely tested, easy-to-use techniques that work for all children, with and without disabilities. Psychologist and father Mark Durand helps families tackle sleep issues with optimism and proven strategies drawn from clinical and personal experience.  V. Mark Durand, Ph.D., is known worldwide as an authority in the area of autism spectrum disorders. He is a professor of psychology at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, where he was the founding Dean of Arts & Sciences and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Dr. Durand is a fellow of the American Psychological Association.  Dr. Durand is currently Co-editor of the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, is 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. His books include several best-selling textbooks on abnormal psychology, Severe Behavior Problems: A Functional Communication Training Approach (Guilford Press, 1990), Sleep Better! A Guide to Improving Sleep for Children with Special Needs (Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 1998), and When Children Don't Sleep Well: Interventions for Pediatric Sleep Disorders, Therapist Guide (Oxford University Press, 2008).  All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

Caroline Wilson, RN, BSN, Nurse, Special Needs Advocate & Executive Director Caroline and her husband Dean are the parents of two adults on the autism spectrum, Merritt, age 25 and Eliza, age 23. Born and raised in Southern California, Caroline received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at California State University, Long Beach and worked as a Medical, Surgical, Oncology, and Labor and Delivery nurse for more than 15 years. She became a School Nurse for the Long Beach Unified School District in 1997, and earned a credential in school nursing from California State University, Los Angeles in 2000.  In 2004 Caroline left nursing to become an advocate for families with autism. She also became the president of the Autism Society of Los Angeles that same year. Caroline served as President from 2004 to 2009, when she became the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Los Angeles. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)

Arman Khodaei is working towards positively shifting the perception of what autism is on a worldwide level through his blog, YouTube videos, empowerment groups, documentaries, and speaking engagements. His desire is for everyone involved in the autism community to accept, understand, and communicate effectively with each other. Arman has spent the past five years helping adults with autism by facilitating weekly group meetings in Southern California. He is also one of the subjects in the documentary Autism in Love which is slated to be released in 2014.  All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)