Autism in the Adult
Theresa M Regan, Ph.D.
Theresa Regan, Ph.D., is a rare combination of adult neuropsychologist (specialist in brain-behavior relationships), parent of an amazing child on the autism spectrum, and certified autism specialist with the IBCCES. She is deeply grateful to bring validation, hope, and purpose to individuals and their families living on the autism spectrum. With this mission at its core, she founded and directs the OSF HealthCare Adult Diagnostic Autism Clinic in central Illinois. Her books include Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults and Understanding Autistic Behaviors. For more information and to join her new online autism community for free visit www.adultandgeriatricautism.com. Join her for podcast topics related to autism in the adult.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of her employer. All listeners are encouraged to research multiple opinions about the topics discussed before making their own decisions.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of her employer. All listeners are encouraged to research multiple opinions about the topics discussed before making their own decisions.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 3, 2021 • 27min
Keeping Momentum for Activities on the Autism Spectrum
Explore the challenges of transitioning from rest to activity for individuals on the autism spectrum. Discover the power of momentum and how to overcome inertia. Learn strategies for maintaining momentum, emphasizing self-care and regulating internal states. Understand the importance of planned self-care and sensory inputs. Discover strategies for managing overwhelm and planning activities for individuals on the autism spectrum.
14 snips
Sep 19, 2021 • 25min
Gaining Momentum for Activities: Shifting from Sluggish to Active
Individuals on the spectrum may have more difficulty than others shifting from a stopped state (exhausted, "lazy," sluggish) to a "just right" active state for daily activities. Join Dr. Regan to hear three recommendations for getting past the stuck state.
Related Resources
Dr. Regan's videos on using sensory input for regulation
The Vestibular System
The Effects of Spinning
Vestibular Activities
Dr. Regan's Resources
The Understanding Autism book series (paperback, hardback, ebook)
Audiobook
Autism in the Adult website
Resources for Clinicians
Sep 5, 2021 • 19min
Exhaustion in Autism: Balancing Momentum for Daily Activities
This podcast explores the challenges of resiliency in daily life for individuals on the autism spectrum. It discusses the struggle to find momentum while still allowing for necessary recovery time. The speakers use physics analogies to explain the concept of burnout and emphasize the importance of finding balance in behavioral patterns. They also discuss the similarities between individuals with autism and those with Parkinson's disease in regards to movement and energy. The podcast emphasizes the significance of awareness, self-care practices, and maintaining a balanced nervous system to prevent burnout and optimize motor function.
Aug 22, 2021 • 26min
Neurodiversity in Relationships: Making Differences Work
One of the most requested podcast topics relates to neuro diversity in relationships: family units, couples, friendships, and partnerships. Dr. Regan discusses how to understand behavior and communication, acknowledge differences, and work toward unity.
Dr. Regan's resources
The Understanding Autism book series (paperback, hardback, ebook)
Audiobook
Autism in the Adult website
Resources for Clinicians
5 snips
Jun 12, 2021 • 18min
Autism in Women
Females on the spectrum are more often missing a correct diagnosis than their male counterparts. Join Dr. Regan in learning why this occurs and how to recognize autistic characteristics in women across the lifespan. Also check out this link for a live, interactive webinar she will be hosting through Zur Institute on this important topic on August 14, 2021.
Autism in Females: Overlooked and Underserved
Dr. Regan's resources
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Autism in the Adult website
May 25, 2021 • 33min
Shifting Behavior: Achieve Better Outcomes with a Detective Mindset
Explore the benefits of adopting a detective mindset to bring about behavior change. Discover the pitfalls of assuming behavior change is easy. Understand the importance of being a detective in understanding others. Learn how behavior can be a form of communication, especially for those on the autism spectrum. Explore strategies for working through behavior shifts in relationships.
May 8, 2021 • 19min
Abuse, Neglect, and Relational Pain on the Autism Spectrum
Individuals on the autism spectrum are at risk for abuse and relational pain. Join Dr. Regan as she discusses the importance of diagnosing trauma conditions and/or autism correctly. She also reviews some contributing factors to relational pain and abuse in social situations for those on the spectrum.
Dr. Regan's resources
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Autism in the Adult website
Feb 19, 2021 • 20min
Social Multi-tasking: Living Life on the Spectrum Within a Family Unit
An ASD partner may be very attentive during a dating relationship but struggle in the context of family life with children. Join Dr. Regan as she talks about why this disconnect may occur and offers tips for connecting in a complex family environment.
Dr. Regan's resources
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Autism in the Adult website
Jan 24, 2021 • 21min
The Two Pillars of Communication: Attention to Topic and Person
Many individuals on the spectrum are passionate about topic, data, and facts. However, attention to the social context of communication may take a back seat. Join Dr. Regan to hear about the two pillars of communication and why attention to person can help the ASD individual better achieve his/her personal goals.
REGISTER NOW: Dr. Regan's live webinar on Feb 16, 2021 through Zur Institute:
Dr. Regan Webinar: Could I or Someone I Know be on the Autism Spectrum?
Dr. Regan's resources
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Autism in the Adult website
Jan 10, 2021 • 19min
Autism in the Adult: The Quest for a Diagnosis
Many are on a journey in adulthood to determine whether they (or someone they love) is on the autism spectrum. Dr. Regan talks about the importance of finding a professional who uses multiple sources of information (rather than one cut off score) to make a diagnosis and provide individualized recommendations.
Register for Dr. Regan's live webinar on Feb 16, 2021 through Zur Institute:
Dr. Regan Webinar: Could I or Someone I Know be on the Autism Spectrum?
Dr. Regan's resources
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Autism in the Adult website
