Uniquely Human: The Podcast

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.

In commemoration of Father’s Day, we have a discussion with Bob Jones and David LaFrenz. Bob is the father of a 32 year old autistic son, who has been severely impacted by his disability, and needs ongoing support. Bob is a Psychiatric Social Worker and Co-Founder of Cape Cod Village, a residential community-based community that provides support for autistic adults. David is an autistic adult who works as motor vehicle license evaluator in California and has a 15 year old son on the spectrum. Bob and David discuss their journeys as fathers, all they have learned from their sons and the advice they share for fathers and families.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ron Sandison is an autistic man with boundless energy and who wears many hats. He is an author, speaker, and does ministry work for faith institutions. We speak with Ron about how his mother recognized and nurtured his interests and enthusiasms, the role of faith in his work, and the advice he gives to parents raising autistic children based on his own experiences.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Social Thinking Methodology, developed by Michelle Garcia Winner and her colleagues has helped to change the landscape of approaches to enhance socioemotional abilities for persons with more advanced language who also have significant challenges in social understanding. We discuss Michelle’s deep clinical experience and motivation to develop and continually evolve an approach that supports social competence in a respectful, relationship-based and developmentally informed manner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In commemoration of Mother’s Day, Barry and Dave speak with two mothers at very different points of their journeys, 1 ½ years and 34 years following their son’s diagnoses. They share challenges and successes they have experienced, what they have learned, and advice they would give to other mothers and parents.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Challenges in emotional regulation, and appropriate supports and plans to address those challenges are among the most important aspects of the autistic experience. This concept was first introduced to autism in publications by Barry and his colleagues in 1990, and then as a core domain in the SCERTS Model framework in 2000. Barry and Dave discuss critical issues in emotional regulation, including self- and mutual regulation, and levels of support appropriate for persons of different abilities. Dave provides insights into issues he experiences with emotional regulation, and what has proven helpful for him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have a discussion with Ros Blackburn, an autistic friend, colleague and international speaker from the UK who speaks with great insight about her autistic experience. In Barry's book, Uniquely Human, he shares so much of what he learned from Ros in their travel and presentations together, and Ros expands on her insights in today's discussion with great humor and candor. We surprise Ros when we are joined by the world-renowned actress, Sigourney Weaver, who played an autistic woman in the film "Snowcake". Sigourney modeled her role after Ros, and by sharing time together in the US and UK, they developed a valued friendship. Sigourney and Ros reflect on that time, and all they learned in the process.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.