The Journey Through School and Work of One Young Woman with Autism
In her first blog for Different Brains, advocate Rebecca Witonsky tells the story of how receiving her autism diagnosis changed her life, and her career prospects.
Autism / Independence – Do All You Can, While You Can
Amalia Starr tells of how the loss of Brandon, her son with autism, highlights the importance of living life to the fullest.
Twenty-five Effective Career Preparations that Promote Autism Spectrum Employment
Dr. Jackie M. Marquette discusses the challenges and methods of helping individuals on the autism spectrum recognize, appreciate, and utilize their unique abilities.
Neurodiversity In The Gut: The Enteric or Second Brain
Giuliana Fenwick discusses how the gut, also known as the enteric or second brain, is also a main production line for producing and storing neurotransmitters, most of which are identical to those found in the central nervous system
Tips And Resources For Veterans Suffering With PTSD
Julia Merrill presents tips and helpful resource links for veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for life management.
Epilepsy In The Open
In this blog piece, Thomas J. McGranahan Jr discusses his personal struggles with epilepsy, and the importance of staying strong in the face of adversity.
Toxic Stress and its Impact on Children
Dr. N’Quavah Velazquez of Achievement Heights Academy discusses the effect toxic stress can have on a child's development.
Courage Not Weakness: Accepting Support in the Differently-Abled Community
Disability advocate and champion J.R. Harding tells the story of how, after he became quadriplegic, accepting and asking for help proved a difficult challenge.
Neurodiversity and Addiction: An Interview with Professor Bankole A. Johnson of HBO’s “Addiction” Series
In this special text-only interview, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Dr. Bankole A. Johnson, who heads the Brain Science Consortium Unit at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and is one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject of addiction.
Synesthesia, PTSD, and Chamber Music: A Concert to Celebrate the Benefits of Music for Therapy
From my own viewpoint as a performing musician, there is surely no better way to advocate for the benefits of music in the brain than by presenting a unique chamber music concert specifically designed to emphasize these benefits.
SMILE Miracles: Don’t Underestimate Potential on the Autism Spectrum
After three years of operations, Rob & Denise Resnik offer their perspectives on the productive and dedicated SMILE team- a company of talented young people on the autism spectrum.
“Drumming is My Madness”: How One Student Fought ADHD
In this excerpt from her book, Lori Bitar tells the story of how she helped one student battle ADHD.
Insomnia: A Personal Struggle
Megan Baksh details her struggles with insomnia, and how she tries to combat it.
Neurodiversity: No Two Brains Are Exactly Alike
Julie Saumsiegle discusses her viewpoint on the idea of neurodiversity, and why society needs to embrace it.
Relief: Receiving an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult
Becca Lory discusses how her life changed when she received her autism diagnosis at age 36.
Guilt: The Elephant In The Room of Special Needs Parents
Mari Nosal discusses the tendency of the parents of children with special needs to feel guilt, and how to stop it.
Specialisterne: A Million Jobs for people with Autism and Other Unique Abilities
Cheryl Checkers discusses Specialisterne, an international company determined to create employment for the neurodiverse.
Trailblazing for Neurodiversity and Different Brains
Dr. Hackie Reitman discusses his experiences at Trailblazing 2016, a conference dedicated to encouraging entrepreneurship amongst the neurodiverse.
The “a” Word: It Doesn’t Just Mean “Autism”
Donna Levin discusses The a Word, a British television series that recently debuted in the United States.
Hormones, Massage Therapy, and The Neurodiverse
Giuliana Fenwick offers more tips and techniques to help ease neurodiverse symptoms using head massage.
Sensorimotor and Neurologically Based Music Therapy: An Interview with Dr. Dorita Berger
Dr. Jennifer Jo Brout speaks with Dr. Dorita Berger about the various benefits music therapy can have on people with autism, ADHD, PTSD, and many other diagnoses.
Theory Of Mind: Challenges & Treatments Within Asperger’s & Autism
Mari Nosal discusses the "Theory of Mind," and examines some of the challenges related to it in people with Asperger's and autism.
Lost in translation – What I thought my son with autism didn’t understand
Linda Mastroianni discusses how her ways of communicating with her son, who has autism, have evolved over the years.
Why Kids Need To Earn An Allowance At A Young Age
As parents, we all want our kids to grow up to have a great work ethic and understand the value of a dollar. But things don’t just happen; unless we make them happen.
A Unique Social Skills Intervention for Children, Teens, and Adults with Social Challenges
Cheryl Checkers discusses a new intervention, developed at UCLA, being used to help those with challenges related to social skills.
Children On The Autism Spectrum Become Adults- Is Society Equipped?
Mari Nosal discusses the fear parents have of their children aging-out of the system, and what society needs to do to aid the success of the neurodiverse as they venture into adulthood.
Lessons Learned: Building the “Most Autism Friendly City in the World”
Community building is a process. It requires vision, passion, grit, resilience and an ability to connect dots—lots of them.
Simple Steps for Massaging Away Meltdowns in the Neurodiverse
Just a few simple massage techniques will bring someone back into the "parasympathetic" state where the heart rate slows, blood pressure lowers and breathing is deeper and calmer.
Sample Letters To Your Child’s New Teacher- For Apraxia, Autism, Or Any Neurodiversity
If you have a child with a communication impairment you know you are probably their best translator. It’s frightening for both you and your child to be separated on those first days of school, but there are things you can do to make that transition easier.
Three Benefits of Teaching Authenticity to Children with Autism
Authenticity is one of the most beneficial skills any parent, therapist, or instructor can teach a child. And if you are autistic, authenticity is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself.
The Benefits of Music for Therapy and the Neurodiverse
Martha Summa discusses the important role music can play in therapy for the neurodiverse, and offers insight in to how different tempos can help different conditions.
How My Son with Autism’s So-Called Obsession with Directions Shows Me the Genius Within
It’s time to start encouraging our children with autism, who show extreme interest in a subject, that it is healthy and positive.
Seeing the World Through the Eyes of Your Child
The next time your child or client reacts in a way you don’t understand, try to see through their eyes. Ask what and why, before presuming their behavior is inappropriate.
Communication and Asperger’s
Eric Zimmerman talks about how communication can present challenges for people on the autism spectrum.
The Multiple Types of ADHD
Shawn Smith identifies the different types of ADHD, and how characteristics can differ.
Neurodiversity in the Arts: “Fitting In” by Colin Thompson
Donna Levin reviews's the new book "Fitting In," written by Colin Thompson and published Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
How Indian Head Massage May Benefit the Neurodiverse
Giuliana Fenwick tells of how raising a son with autism led her to develop a method of massage that may prove beneficial to anyone neurodiverse.
Treating PTSD Can Help Your Addiction
PTSD sufferers often turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. However, substance use enhances PTSD symptoms by encouraging the person to avoid their traumatic memories, hence delaying treatment.
Understanding Acquired Brain Injuries
Steve Gregory discusses lessons he has learned during his own recovery from an Acquired Brain Injury.
Life After Caregiving
For every caregiver, the stark reality is this: there is always a beginning and an end to the caregiving journey, and in most cases, we are not prepared for either of these life events.
Action, Advocacy, and Friends: The Birth of AASCEND
Sixteen years ago our family didn’t have any adult friends on the autism spectrum, now we have a whole roomful of them.
7 Tips To Make 4th of July Friendly to Those With Autism, Asperger’s, and Hyper-Senses
Between the barbecues, parties, and fireworks, the Fourth of July is one of the most festive times of the year. However, it can also be a problem for those with autism, Asperger's, or any other condition that involves hyper senses.
Education, Jobs, Friends a Reality for Adults with Autism
Together with local and national leaders, we are demonstrating what’s possible when we work together, solve problems, pioneer new practices, focus on a common goal and raise the bar on what’s possible.
Notions By Nickas: My Journey Into Neurodiversity (Part One)
In this column, I will be discussing my experiences in neurodiversity as well as my own experiences with anxiety. But before I can share my thoughts and observations, it is important that I share my story of how I got into neurodiversity in the first place.
I Give My Son Pot
You don’t have to report me to Child Protective Services. I give my son medical marijuana.
The Neural Tango Plays On!
The power of music as an inspiration is well known by anyone who has been touched by this amazing force. But not nearly as well known is the fact that music is also a commanding force-- a direct conduit to the neural processes in the brain.
The Square Root of Father’s Day
You’re a dad. Though maybe you didn’t recognize it at the time, your child has a brain that’s a bit different. You know that when she was growing up you could have done some things differently.
A Letter to Myself For When My Son Was Diagnosed With Apraxia
Lisa Geng writes a letter she wishes she could've given herself when her son was diagnosed with apraxia.
Muhammad Ali, Angelo Dundee, and Neurodiversity
There is much wisdom to be drawn from Muhammad Ali- such as believe in yourself, stand up for justice, help others, and work hard at your craft. But there is also a surprising lesson to be drawn from his life story— learn to appreciate neurodiversity and neuroplasticity, as did Ali’s legendary trainer and friend, Angelo Dundee.
VIDEO BLOG: Neurodiversity and Time Management
Neurodiversity and time management is a topic that keeps coming up in individual family sessions, so I wanted to make a quick video to really challenge people's perceptions around time, and change your perspective on time management for neurodiverse people.
Neurodiversity in the Arts: It’s Not a Perfect World, but I’ll Take It
Donna Levin reviews Jennifer Rose's book "It’s Not a Perfect World, but I’ll Take It: 50 Life Lessons for Teens Like Me Who Are Kind of (You Know) Autistic"
There’s No Place Like Home: For Adults With Autism & Other Special Abilities
Written from a mother’s heart, pondering his first home away from our family home, here’s what I believe Matt wants and says through his words unspoken.
Special Needs Parenting: Feeling Like A Square Peg In A Round Hole
One cannot Google "Asperger's Syndrome" and profess to be an expert. I had to live it. I have learned more from special needs parenting then I ever learned in the classroom.
Neurodiversity in the Arts: Curious About the Curious Incident
Donna gives her review of the stage adaptation of the best-selling novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
VIDEO BLOG: The Difference Between Counseling and Psychotherapy
One question I get asked with some frequency is: What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
A Very Special Mothers Day To Special Needs Moms
By Mari Nosal, M.Ed., CECE I was perusing the numerous racks of Mother’s Day cards recently.…
Misophonia: The new kid on the block… or not?
Just when you think that enough overlapping and diagnostically confusing “disorders” exist, a new one pops up! Dr. Jennifer Brout discusses Misophonia, a neurodiversity condition that is growing in recognition.
Ingredients for a Supportive Community
We stop for people who are older or people with obvious physical disabilities. But what happens when the disability is not so obvious, or in Matt's case, autism?
An Aspie’s Opinion on Medical Marijuana
Marijuana has been shown to help with symptoms related to cancer, chronic pain, Glaucoma, and many more. How about its use with Autism?
Advocating Neurodiversity at Florida Atlantic University’s CARD
Looking across the audience one can see how different everyone is, how neurodiversity reaches everyone. And with that comes a host of different ideas and philosophies, all backed up by very strong passion.
VIDEO BLOG: Understanding Neurodiversity
Historically a diagnosis has been perceived as a broken part that needs fixing- and once identified that it could be fixed. But, we are not part that need fixing- we are people.
A Different Look At PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is getting growing attention in quite a few places around the world. With legislations being recently passed in Canada, the Alaskan government is now following suit in their treatment and views of PTSD.
Transcending Labels
Long before I’d ever heard the term Asperger’s, I learned to accept my bright, shy uncle for who he was. He was funny and soft-spoken, and even though he was nervous in social interactions, he always came to our family gatherings, where he’d take up residence in the perimeter of the room.
10 Athletes That Support Autism Awareness
From baseball to hockey, football, golf and even Olympic weightlifters, there are a number of well-known people who have chosen to write or speak about members of their family whose brains are a little bit different.
Neurodiversity in the Arts: Cassandra Dunn’s “Art of Adapting”
I’m back to recommend another work of fiction featuring a neurodiverse character. This time it’s The Art of Adapting, a first novel by Bay Area author Cassandra Dunn. This story proves that although Leo Tolstoy was a genius, he got one thing wrong: all happy families are not alike.
An Inclusive Society: A Team Effort
Every human being in society seeks shelter, a sense of meaningfulness, acknowledgment of their existence, supportive individuals in their lives, respect for their thoughts and feelings. and inclusion within society.
A World of Possibilities for Autism: Here, There, Everywhere
Whether in a small town in Mississippi or within a 4.3 million-person metropolis, communities are built one person and friend at a time. Communities make dreams possible, help us overcome obstacles and quiet our fears.
Upload Your Memories to the Cloud, Just Don’t Get Hacked!
No more dangling your arms through a forest of outstretched limbs, phone in hand, to capture a slice of reality on a screen while you, well, miss it. In due time, our eyes may be enough.
Realizing I Had Social Anxiety
I was afraid of social situations. I was afraid of making mistakes. I was afraid of looking bad. I was afraid of humiliating myself in front of others. It was to the point I couldn’t even perform simple tasks... I had social anxiety disorder.
Neurodiversity’s New Role Today in Novels, Movies and the Arts
The past decade has seen a sharp rise in the number of non-fiction books and articles by scientists, educators and parents on neurodiversity. Less well-known and documented is the emerging role that neurodiversity has come to play in novels, movies and the arts; and the far more positive characterizations of the neurodiverse population.
Information To Know About Special Needs Parents
Parenting kids with special needs can prove to be a strategic balancing act. It encompasses the whole family. Not only do special needs kids face challenges, but so do their parents and siblings.
Let It Roll: New Options, More Choices for Adults with Autism
Last year, we connected with a social group for young adults with autism and special needs and find ourselves bowling most Saturday afternoons. With or without bumpers, bowling is a great equalizer.
8 Times Social Media Made a Difference for the Neurodiverse
All of us have heard of instances where bullies used social media to victimize their peers whom learn differently. Fortunately, social media has also promoted displays of communal support, and mainstreamed that support to more people than ever possible. Here is a list of 8 occasions where social media was responsible for making the difference in the life of someone neurodiverse.
Lynn University: Helping the Neurodiverse Transition
Lynn University has a mission- to make sure that all students, whether traditional learners or nontraditional learners, have a chance. That people from any walk of life should have the ability to succeed, and that the University strived to be the place where the building blocks to that success were laid. The sincerity and dedication of Kevin Ross and his colleagues came though loud and clear. That’s leadership. And that is what this conference-- Lynn University’s Transitions 2016-- is all about.
Replace Autism Awareness With Autism Acceptance
Autism awareness, what does this really mean? Logos, colors and symbols that represent autism awareness are prevalent during the month of April. People equate the symbols with the autism spectrum. However, being aware that autism exists and comprehending what the autism spectrum is composed of, the challenges faced by families, children and adults who live with autism 12 months out of the year is a totally different and pressing issue.
A Community Smiles: Building Hope for Adults With Autism
Cleaning out closets, drawers and the garage seemed like a good plan for ringing in the New Year. Matt’s closets took the longest. The biggest challenge: parting with the cue cards, flashcards, Velcro-backed picture cards and all kinds of games, systems and tools that have helped Matt learn, communicate and advocate for himself.
The Asperger’s Trip to Israel
For ten days, from December 21, 2015 through January 1, 2016, I was part of a trip to Israel, specifically for young adults with autism. Though all of us on the trip were adults on the spectrum, we did not define ourselves or our trip in terms of autism.
Rare Show of Unity by Florida Politicians Will Benefit Neurodiversity
“All children deserve the opportunity to pursue their own unique educational and career goals. Unfortunately… all too often children diagnosed with developmental disabilities lose out on important opportunities as services are provided through a one-size-fits-all system that too frequently leads to a life of government dependence.”
Autism in the Classroom, Autism in the Home: The Need for Consistent Supports
Many supports that students with autism have available to them in school should also be available and used at home. These supports are used as tools to help these students be successful. Many of these supports we use in our everyday life- but we may call them something different.