Uniquely Human: The Podcast

Autistic individuals often experience, a complex array of co-occurring conditions that impact academic achievement, including language-based learning disabilities, dyslexia and ADHD. Dr. Daniel Franklin, a specialist in language-based learning disabilities and other neurodivergent conditions shares his expertise clinical and research expertise, and provides practical suggestions to support students and older individuals.  Visit the episode's website for more infoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all know that relationships with non-human animals play an important role in quality of life for all people, and especially so for autistic and neurodivergent people. With a lifetime of experience in such relationships, Becca Lory Hector shares her professional expertise and discusses her personal experiences as an Autistic Professional, with special attention to the obligation we all have in forming and nurturing mutually satisfying relationships and connections with non-human animals.   Visit the episode's website for more info and links of interestSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A parent’s perspective and reaction to receiving an autism diagnosis is often shaped by how autism is presented to them, their previous experiences and preconceptions about autism, or a combination of the two. The same may be true for an autistic person receiving a diagnosis for the first time. Too often, a major source of stress and misunderstanding is when autism is presented as a verdict. That is, the diagnosis in and of itself will determine the quality of life for a child, person, or family, too often in terms of a struggle, or a dire prognosis that may include a listing of the stressors that would be experienced. However, an alternative perspective is viewing the experience of autism as a journey, which opens up the possibility of potential for growth for the child, older person, and family. In this episode of Uniquely Human: The Podcast, Barry and Dave discuss these radically different approaches to understanding the experience of autism. Check more about this episode here!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nutrition and feeding are common issues of concern for parents of autistic family members, and for autistic people themselves. With appropriate nutrition, quality of life is improved due to enhanced physical and mental health and improved relationships with those who play a role in supporting good nutrition and successful feeding interactions. Yaffi Lvova, a neurodivergent Dietitian Nutritionist provides crucial information and advice for family members and autistic people. More info about the episode hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kim Clairy is an autistic occupational therapist who brings a variety of perspectives in educating others about autism, eating disorders, and sensory processing conditions. Initially diagnosed with a severe eating disorder, she faced a healthcare system that was ill-prepared to understand the complexities of her conditions, and that prescribed treatments that were not only not helpful, but in some ways, damaging. With the support of her husband, and a passion to be self-educated, she has emerged as a powerful voice and advocate for supporting others with complex conditions co-occurring with their autism. Kim shares details of her journey and provides helpful guidance for families and their autistic family members. Visit our website for more info and useful resourcesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiffany Hammond wears many hats. First, she is the loving mother of two autistic children, a developmental psychologist who provides professional consultation and she has a huge network with her Instagram  following on “Fidgets and Fries”. Based on her experiences as both a professional and a mother, as well as the way she has been treated herself as an autistic person, she has become a fierce, social justice activist. She also is a talented writer. We discuss issues she feels passionately about, as well as her forthcoming book, inspired by her son, “A Day with No Words”.   Visit the Episode's Website for more infoSee 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 important life decisions for all young people, is whether to consider going to college, and if so, how to deal with the challenges in applying and selecting the best match. For many reasons, this process has additional layers of added complexity for neurodivergent teens and older individuals. Eric Endlich, Ph.D. shares advice from his decades of experience in supporting families and college-bound young adults in helping them to ask the most important questions, and ultimately, making the best decisions for the student and the family.   Visit 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.

The issue of loss and grief reactions of autistic people has only received serious consideration in recent years. Decades of behavioral perspectives about autism, which prohibited serious consideration of feelings and internalized relationships prevented crucial issues such as loss and grief from getting the attention needed to better understand and support people on the autism spectrum. Dr. Ken Doka, a recognized expert and authority on loss and grief, and Lisa Morgan, an autistic professional, take a deep dive into these issues, and how important it is for all of us to have deeper understandings to better support autistic children and adults and their families. Find out more about this episode hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Accessing support for healthcare and navigating medical and health related services is one of the greatest stressors reported by parents, family members, and autistic people themselves, Future physicians and nurses receive very little, if any training about the best ways to support autistic individuals and their families in healthcare settings. In many cases, the information they receive it is out of date, or based on misunderstandings of the behavior of autistic people, especially under stressful circumstances, and the reactions of parents and family members, trying to do the best in helping their autistic family member. Maura Sullivan, as both a parent and professional, understands such challenges firsthand. In response, she has developed innovative programs for future physicians and healthcare professionals to provide accurate information about autism and neurodivergent conditions in some of the leading medical and nursing schools in the US, with the goal of supporting medical and nursing students to be effective and compassionate providers of care. Learn more about this episode hereSee 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 process of building trust between autistic and neurotypical people. Barry shares 8 proven strategies to help clinicians, educators, and other professionals earn a trusting relationship with autistic people and their families.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.