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
Jan 2, 2021 • 18min
Autism in Relationships: Three Tips to Help the ASD individual Let Go of a Topic
One of the defining characteristics of autism is a neurologic "leaning toward" repetition. In relationships, this can lead to "conversational persistence" (i.e., being unable to let an argument or topic go). Join Dr. Regan to hear three tips for helping the individual release a topic that has already been discussed.
Dr. Regan's resources
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Autism in the Adult website
Podcast References
Winn, Beverley, Gameiro, Sofia, Shelton, Katherine Helen and Leekam, Susan R. 2016. Conflict management in couple relationships: the experiences of individuals with Asperger syndrome and their partners. Good Autism Practice 17 (2) , pp. 72-80.
Link to Article
Nov 29, 2020 • 18min
Planning a Merry Holiday on the Autism Spectrum
For many on the autism spectrum, coming together for the holidays is overwhelming. The adrenaline rush that brings anticipation and excitement for most may be experienced as a restless anxiety for those on the spectrum. Join Dr. Regan to hear four tips to make the holidays peaceful and connected for all ... on and off the autism spectrum.
Predictable Fear article 2014
Dr. Regan website
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Nov 14, 2020 • 17min
Autism Spectrum: The Benefits of Written Communication
Communicating through technology may have a bad rap. But in the autism spectrum, there are times when emails and texts can enhance social-emotional exchange and strengthen relationships. Join Dr. Regan to learn some of the benefits of written communication on the spectrum.
Dr. Regan resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult
Oct 28, 2020 • 17min
Autism Spectrum: The Challenges of Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy is an often-used term in higher levels of education, community agencies, and medical settings. It describes the commitment to encourage students, clients, and patients to take an active role in communicating their needs and plans. There are aspects of self-advocacy that are inherently challenging to those on the spectrum. Join Dr. Regan to learn ways to make self-advocacy empowering rather than overwhelming for those on the spectrum.
What is Self-Advocacy?
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult
Oct 10, 2020 • 24min
Grief Reactions in the Autism Spectrum: Recognizing Signs and Providing Support
Grief reactions can look different for the individual on the autism spectrum than for the neurotypical. Join Dr. Regan to learn how to detect signs of grief in the ASD individual, and how to provide support during seasons of loss.
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult
Sep 27, 2020 • 14min
Autism Diagnosis: A Vital Step Toward Best Outcomes
For those on the autism spectrum, a diagnosis clarifies which of their characteristics are brain-based. This understanding breaks the cycle of relying on repetition, reasoning, and will-power to "do better." Instead, the individual can focus on the strategies that are most likely to improve his/her well-being and relationships.
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult
6 snips
Sep 13, 2020 • 20min
Name that Emotion: Difficulty Decoding Emotions on the Spectrum
Although many on the spectrum describe sensitivity to emotional atmospheres, the ability to detect specific emotions, understand what triggered the feelings, and identify how to shift emotional states can be a struggle. Join Dr. Regan for this podcast as she breaks down some of the particular challenges and identifies recommendations for relationships.
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult
Sep 6, 2020 • 18min
Autism and Truth-Telling: Four Strategies for Protecting Relationships without Lying
Many individuals on the spectrum feel a deep commitment to facts and truth. This passion can lead to problems when also trying to navigate the relational aspects of a conversation. In this podcast, you'll learn four strategies you can use to protect relationships while remaining committed to the truth in conversations.
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult
Aug 30, 2020 • 24min
My Son Shuts Down When I'm Talking To Him: Listener Request
Dr. Regan answers a listener's questions about communication with her adult son on the spectrum. Have you ever wanted to have better exchanges with someone you know on the spectrum? Or perhaps you're an autistic adult who would like to understand social exchanges and make them more effective. Listen to this podcast to hear why the ASD individual may struggle during conversations, and how to engage in more gratifying exchanges.
Learn about sequencing and speed from I Love Lucy
Autism and Communication in Relationships blog posts
What is Theory of Mind: videos
Dr. Regan's resources:
Books: Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults and Understanding Autistic Behaviors
Website: Autism in the Adult
Aug 29, 2020 • 20min
Missed Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum: The Parable of the Elephant
Estimates indicate that about 25% of school children on the autism spectrum are missing a correct diagnosis, and over 90% of adults on the spectrum remain unidentified. In this podcast, Dr. Regan busts the myth that if autism is present, it will be accurately detected and identified in childhood.
Additional resources:
PDF downloadable document outlining rates of missed diagnosis and the DSM -5 manuals rules about diagnosis in adulthood
Video Content on Autism Diagnosis in Adulthood
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult
Autism Diagnosis in Adulthood: blog posts
Zur Institute CEU course: Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Clinician Needs to Know (including 10 reasons a diagnosis is important at any age)
For the Clinician: Training Courses for Diagnosis of Autism in Adulthood
