Uniquely Human: The Podcast

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.

Autism advocates Dave and Barry discuss debunking misconceptions about autistic individuals and relationships. They explore challenges, dynamics, and nurturing neurodiverse connections. From classroom gestures to marriage vows, they highlight the importance of understanding, communication, and trust in building authentic relationships.

Exploring Temple Grandin's impact on understanding different minds, focusing on diverse learning styles in children. Highlighting the value of technical education, life skills, mentorship, and practical experiences for individuals on the autism spectrum. Emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning, job matching, and parental support for maximizing potential in diverse minds.

Dr. Lenz discusses the link between chronic pain and neurodivergence, stressing the need for compassionate medical care. The podcast explores lifestyle changes for managing conditions like fibromyalgia and autism. It also highlights the importance of supportive patient environments and engaging activities for self-regulation.

Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral, both neurodivergent professionals and parents of neurodivergent children bring a unique perspective to the challenges and gifts of raising children of color. Based on their new book, Parenting at the Intersections, we discuss the barriers that families of color face over and above those encountered by all families who have children with neurodevelopmental differences, as well as all that can be learned in each family’s journey. Find out more about the episode, and useful resources, hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to Dance in Ohio is a heart-filled new musical that explores what it means to belong, the courage it takes to put yourself out in the world, and the universal need to connect. The musical follows the challenges and triumphs faced by a group of seven autistic young adults at a counseling center in Columbus, Ohio. The center arranges a spring formal dance, and encourages them as they encounter love, fear, stress, excitement, and hope along the path to human connection. We speak with Linda J. Walder, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation that honored the cast and crew with the DJF Foundation Adult Autism award, and with Rebekah Greer Melocik, book author and lyricist, and Nicole D’Angelo, Assistant Music Director and member of the show’s access team.   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.

Barry and Dave discuss the concept of control in autistic individuals, exploring the 'deep why' behind their need for routines and predictability. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of understanding and supporting those who seek stability in a chaotic world.

Autistic and other neurodivergent people of all ages are vulnerable to many factors, both internal and external, that may lead to anxiety and phobias. Dr. Karen Levine’s 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 and neurodivergent individuals. Karen discusses her approach focusing on relationships, affective support, and the use of humor in co-regulation . Explore more on the episode's webpage. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the most challenging behavioral patterns observed in neurodivergent individuals with developmental challenges (and, in fact, all children!), is when they verbally or nonverbally communicate “NO”. In fact, the term “Non-compliance” has been the most frequently used phrase when characterizing refusal or protest behavior, and such behavior most often raises the “ire” of an adult partner. In approaches that focusing only on the surface behavior, and do not explore the “deep why”, reducing “non-compliant” behavior is often targeted in behavior plans for children.  However, when a child communicates “NO”, the picture may be much more complex than it first appears. In this first episode or our de-pathologizing series, Barry and Dave explore these complexities. Find out more in 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.