Uniquely Human: The Podcast

Ellen Galinsky is a respected and renowned expert in child development, and in this episode, she discusses crucial issues she has researched and worked on directly in supporting healthy cognitive, social and emotional development in children and teens. Barry and Dave discuss a range of developmental issues with Ellen and their relevance in understanding and supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families. Find out important resources on our websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Creating Connection in Drumming and Rhythm-based Activities: A Discussion with "Master Teaching Artist" Bob Bloom. As a “Master Teaching Artist”, Bob Bloom uses drumming, rhythm and singing to create fun and engaging experiences for children and their families, and adults. Specifically, he provides programs to help all children, neurotypical and neurodivergent, become connected to others and their own internal rhythms in activities in schools, community settings and in a variety of venues. In this episode, Bob, Barry and David, all of whom are drummers and musicians discuss the various uses of percussion and rhythm in supporting engagement and learning, with particular consideration for children and individuals who may need extra support. Learn more and find useful resources on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Siblings of children and family members with autism and other conditions live and grow up in a unique space in their relationships within the family. Their lived experience may present challenges, as well as unique opportunities for growth in supporting their autistic or neurodivergent sibling. Barry and Dave engage in a wide-ranging discussion with Emily Holl, who is both a sibling and a professional who has focused on sibling issues for much of her life. Find out more on our website!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ezra is a major motion picture that tells the story of a family, across generations, that has a deep love for a young autistic boy. The film authentically conveys the challenges that a family faces when confronted with societal expectations and insensitive professionals who has little understanding or respect for a child that sees the world through a different lens. It also beautifully portrays those rarefied times when other people, even strangers, see the beauty, the honesty, and the inspirational qualities of a young child who has a strong sense of self, and approaches life with eyes wide open. Barry and Dave explore themes of Ezra with Tony Goldwyn, its director, Tony Spiridakis, writer of the screenplay, and Elaine Hall who is a casting consultant for the film. Find out more on our websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The history of autism is replete with diametrically opposed representations of the autistic experience as either a blessing, or a tragedy. These varying beliefs may be held by professionals, family members, and even autistic individuals themselves. Of course, such extreme views do not accurately portray the complexities involved, which often fall somewhere between these two extreme representations. Barry and Dave discuss such complexities with a goal of honoring the experience of each individual, as well as family members. Check out more on the episode's websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shannon Rosa and Carol Ann Greenburg are parent-professionals and partners in developing and sharing their on-line resource, A Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, one of the very first resources to provide valuable information to the autistic and neurodivergent communities. In their own words, the mission of TPGA is to be a a one-stop source for carefully curated, evidence-based, neurodiversity-steeped information from autistic people, parents, and autism professionals. They emphasize that autism acceptance is not merely noble but necessary—and are separate matters from the autistic and other autism communities’ never-ending fights for medical, legal, social, and educational accommodation. The goal of TPGA is “to help  fast-forward past society’s rampant autism fabrications and negativity, by providing clear, thoughtfully presented, balanced, and referenced information”.  Barry and Dave discuss TPGA in the context of Shannon and Carol’s experiences as parents, and as advocates for the autistic community. Learn more about this episode and find useful resources on our website!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scott Steindorff, an autistic film producer and director, shares insights from his documentary 'Understanding Autism'. He discusses his personal journey and the need for greater awareness and representation. The conversation touches on autism's connection to nature, emotional intensity, and the concept of 'autistic love'. Scott critiques the educational system, advocating for tailored support for autistic individuals. The importance of community collaboration and ongoing discovery is emphasized, highlighting the potential of his film to foster unity within the autism community.

Jacki Edry, autism advocate and cancer survivor, shares her unique insights into the neurodivergent experience. She discusses navigating neurodiversity, embracing growth and neuroplasticity, ADHD challenges, and embracing neurodivergence in workplaces and education. The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing auditory processing disorders in children.

One of the least understood, and most marginalized groups of autistic people are those who are non-speaking, or who have minimal or unreliable speech due to neurologically-based motor speech disorders. Nonspeakers’ “voices” are now being heard, and what they have to say is shattering erroneous stereotypes about those for whom speech is not their primary mode of communication. Harmful beliefs about how speech and behavior are accurate reflections of a person’s intelligence and social awareness are being discarded. We initially spoke three years ago with Ian Nordling, a young autistic man who has benefitted from Spelling to Communicate (S2C), and Elizabeth Vosseller, who developed (S2C). In this episode, we get an update on progress for non-speakers. Learn more about this episode on our website!  Follow us on social mediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are celebrating our 100th Episode! We couldn't have done this without you, our Uniquely Human Community. Thank you!  Love on the Spectrum is an Emmy award-winning Netflix reality TV show that follows young adults on the autism spectrum as they explore dating, love, and relationships. The show is based on an Australian version of the same name. Dave and Barry join Elaine Hall, who consults to the show and helped with casting, and with Steve and David, two autistic cast members, in a discussion of their experiences on the show, and the importance of relationships in their lives. Learn more about the episode on our webstie!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.