Uniquely Human: The Podcast

An exploration of the life and career of award-winning autistic playwright Jody O'Neill, discussing her play 'What I (don't) know about Autism' and its impact on educating the public. The podcast also delves into the challenges and triumphs of the performing arts industry and the accessibility of the play through in-person and livestream options with various features for a diverse audience.

Shelly Christensen brings a vast amount of experience in helping various faith communities be more welcoming and inclusive. As a professional with deep experience and expertise in faith communities and disabilities, and as a parent of a young man on the autism spectrum, and as a person with a disability herself, she discusses her experiences as a parent-professional and the need to work with the leadership of faith communities to create opportunities to families and individuals that allow them to feel comfortable, respected and included. In our “Enthusiasm of the Week” segment, 8 year old Ryan and his mother discuss his enthusiasm for number blocks and how it has been of benefit in many different ways.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Danny Whitty is a 36 year old Autistic self advocate who communicates his complex thoughts and ideas primarily by spelling, and with unreliable speech. Barry and Dave engage in a lively conversation with Danny who receives support from his sister, his communication regulation partner. Topics range from how his life has changed dramatically since he learned how to spell to communicate, the qualities of people who best support non-speakers, and the culinary arts, an area in which Danny demonstrates specific talents and passions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dena Gassner is an autistic professional who is helping to create, shape and advance the agenda of autistic self-advocates, and indeed, society in general. As a researcher, author, social worker, university instructor, mother, grandmother and mentor, she brings a lifetime of experience in sharing her wisdom about autistic identity, generational differences between older and younger autistic people, and the importance of mentoring.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Paula Kluth shares her decades of deep experience in supporting inclusion and the rights of students with disabilities in educational settings. She discusses the true meaning of inclusion in educational settings, as well as the benefits of “virtual inclusion” and co-teaching, while offering effective strategies for teaching students virtually and in classroom. In our discussion, Paula emphasizes the importance of educators, related service professionals, and families working collaboratively to support students’ love of learning at school and at home.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Pamela Wolfberg, a leading expert in understanding and studying play, socialization, and the development of friendships for autistic children. She joins us for a lively discussion that will be of great interest for parents, teachers, and therapists. We learn about her esteemed career during which she provided great insight into the play of autistic children, and developed an internationally recognized, evidence-based approach now being implemented internationally: The Integrated Play Groups model.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Supporting successful transitions back to school is critical for maximizing success for the whole school year. Dave and Barry have a lively discussion about challenges and creative strategies to help children of all ages to get off to a good start in this coming school year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nick Dubin is an autistic author with professional expertise and personal experiences involving encounters with the criminal justice system. Nick shares his personal history highlighting some of the challenges experienced by an autistic person growing up in the 1980s and 1990s. He shares his own experiences with the criminal justice system and how ill-prepared the system, at all levels, is in understanding the impact of autism on the behavior and reactions of autistic individuals. Our discussion is highlighted by Nick's efforts to use his personal experiences to help others on the spectrum so that they do not have to deal with what he has experienced earlier in his life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Understanding the experience of autistic women and autistic mothers is a recent and critical focus in both the autism and neurotypical community. Carly shares her experiences of late diagnosis, motherhood, success in the corporate world and her “hobby” of selfless volunteerism to help other autistic women.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Autistic people of all ages are vulnerable to many factors, both internal and external, that may lead to frustration, anxiety, and dysregulation. Dr. Jed Baker’s many publications and clinical innovations have directly addressed these challenges in respectful and insightful ways. We discuss ways to understand such challenges and provide support based on a deeper understanding of the experiences shared by autistic individuals. Jed also discusses his approach to enhancing social understanding and social relationships leading to increased self-esteem, confidence and life satisfaction.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.