Uniquely Human: The Podcast

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.

Michael John Carley discusses the great possibilities that sexual behavior offers for persons on the autism spectrum, based on his new book, “The Book of Happy, Positive and Confident Sex for Adults on the Autism Spectrum…and Beyond!” In our discussion, we touch upon the complexities that autistic people face when confronted with societally-imposed fear-based taboos about sex, and how to circumvent such problems to support full engagement in this most human of activities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spectrum Theatre Ensemble (STE) is a professional company of neurodiverse theatre artists, based in Providence, RI. STE was developed by Clay Martin, Artistic Director, in partnership the Trinity Repertory Company and Brown University. It was co-founded by a group of neurodiverse theatre artists with the belief that theatre provides a unique, collaborative venue that fosters societal understanding and inclusion. STE provides high-quality productions and sensory-friendly consulting. We interview Teddy Lytle, Community Engagement Director, and Daniel Perkins, company actor, about the culture, evolution and innovative activities of STE.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Disclosure and self-advocacy for autistic people has become two of the topics of greatest interest in the autism self-advocate community, and for professionals, parents and family members as well. Although there has been much discussion, it is difficult to find specific guidance that is informed by people on the spectrum. We discuss these issues with Dr. Stephen Shore, who has provided some of the most specific and thoughtful guidance based on his own experience on the spectrum, and as one of the preeminent scholars in supporting people autistic and disabled children and adults.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Autistic advocacy is one of the most dramatic changes we are witnessing for autistic people and those with other neurodevelopmental differences. Julia Bascom, the Executive Director of The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), discusses the history of disability self-advocacy, ASAN’s mission and current priorities, and what needs to be done to change society’s inaccurate perceptions of autistic and disabled individuals. We also shift to a fascinating discussion of echolalia and language.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.