Blog - Part 3

Just the Essentials: Can Insomnia Be Relieved Through Aromatherapy?

Megan Baksh details her recent experiences using essential oils to relieve her insomnia, as well as recent studies that suggest the value of aromatherapy as an alternative treatment for the condition.

Blog

Medications and Different Brains: Ensuring Safe Prescription Use For Everyone

March 30, 2017
Lynn Harrelson

Lynn Harrelson, Pharm BS, FASCP discusses common problems related to taking medications, and offers tips on how to avoid them.

Blog

Is It a Behavior or Brain Problem? Neurological Deficits in Different Brains

Debbie Hampton discusses how what might look like impulsive, irresponsible, selfish, disorganized, or unmotivated behavior may actual be a result of a problem in the brain.

Blog

Oh, The Things You Can Think! Working Together for People with Autism

Denise Resnik discusses the importance of creating supportive environments for people on the autism spectrum.

Blog

Neurodiversity in the Arts: “Mindblind” by Jennifer Roy

March 17, 2017
Donna Levin
ASD, Asperger's syndrome, Autism, Neurodiversity

Donna Levin reviews Jennifer Roy’s Mindblind, a novel about a 14 year old boy on the autism spectrum, from Skyscape Publishing.

Blog

Living After Traumatic Brain Injury – The Evolution of Life as a Survivor

March 15, 2017
David Grant
Neurodiversity, tbi, traumatic brain injury

David A. Grant discusses the disruptive life changes caused by his brain injury, and how he persevered as a survivor.

Blog

Paving the Path to Jobs and Vocational Success for Different Brains

Angela Mahoney, M.Ed. discusses the importance of developing vocational skills for those of us with different brains, and lists simple starting points to put individuals on the path to finding employment.

Blog

Neuropsychology: The Map of the Head and the Benefits of Massage

Giuliana Fenwick discusses neuropsychology, maps out the various sections of the brain that play a roll in what we consider "neurodiversity", and offers some head massage methods she believes can reduce the symptoms of autism and similar diagnoses.

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Getting a Second Opinion on an ADHD Diagnosis

Julie Saumsiegle discusses the importance of getting second opinions and trying all avenues when caring for a child with a different brain.

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Neurodiversity and Sleep: Tips for Helping Different Brains Rest

March 1, 2017
Ben Weinstock
Alzheimer's Disease, Autism, insomnia, Neurodiversity, parkinson's

Dr. Ben Weinstock examines the common sleep problems related to neurodiverse conditions, and offers a checklist on to combat those problems.

Blog

Bridges to Adelphi: A Model for Supporting College Students on the Autism Spectrum

Mitch Nagler discusses Bridges to Adelphi, and the model it has become for services colleges should offer students on the autism spectrum.

Blog

Telling Your Children You Have Epilepsy

Tom McGranahan Jr. discusses the challenge of a parent with epilepsy sharing their diagnoses with their children, and gives advice on how best to do so.

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The ADHD Parent: Comfort Levels and ADHD

Lacey Craddock discusses the challenges a child with a neurodiverse diagnoses can face while growing up, and the concern parents can have in safeguarding their children through that process.

Blog

Medication’s Changing Use in Different Brains

February 12, 2017
Lynn Harrelson
Neurodiversity

Lynn Harrelson, Pharm. B.S., FASCP looks at how the interactions between patients and prescriptions have changed over the years, and highlights risks everyone should be aware of.

Blog

The Adderall Debate – Life Before and After my ADHD Diagnosis

February 10, 2017
Roland Jung
ADHD, Neurodiversity

Roland Jung discusses his first year after receiving his ADHD diagnosis, and his ongoing dilemma with medication.

Blog

Understanding and Supporting Weaknesses in Executive Brain Functioning

February 7, 2017
Cheryl Checkers
ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity, ocd

Cheryl Checkers, M.S. outlines how weaknesses in the executive functions of the brain can create problems for the neurodiverse, and reviews strategies for how to improve those functions.

Blog

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Living with an Invisible Disability

February 1, 2017
David Grant
Neurodiversity, tbi, traumatic brain injury

In his first blog for Different Brains, David A. Grant tells the story of how having a traumatic brain injury has not only changed his life, but his perspective on society.

Blog

Getting Assessed – Life Before and After my ADHD Diagnosis

January 30, 2017
Roland Jung
ADHD, Neurodiversity

Roland Jung continues the story of his personal journey with ADHD. In this installment, he discusses going from self-diagnosis to receiving a real assessment.

Blog

Sharing the Challenges of Epilepsy

Tom McGranahan Jr discusses common misconceptions about how to help someone that is having a seizure, and the importance of education for those caring for someone with epilepsy.

Blog

Executive Brain Functions and their Link with the Neurodiverse

Giuliana Fenwick discusses the executive functions of the brain, and how she believes directed massage can aid in mitigating issues with cognitive control.

Blog

Reflections on Employment Issues for People with Autism, and Ways to Improve It

Rebecca Witonsky recounts her history as a woman on the autism spectrum seeking employment, and discusses some of the tips others have proposed to improve job prospects for the neurodiverse.

Blog

Social Challenges for Women on the Autism Spectrum

Sarah Howard, a woman with autism who wasn't diagnosed until the age of 29, discusses the inherent challenges in facilitating social events for women on the spectrum.

Blog

More Big Steps for Individuals with Autism, Families, and Housing in 2017

January 12, 2017
Denise Resnik
Autism

Denise Resnik discusses First Place Arizona, and how their recent groundbreaking marks a personal milestone of progress for helping people on the autism spectrum achieve independence.

Blog

Just Keep Swimming: Life Before and After my ADHD Diagnosis

January 11, 2017
Roland Jung
ADHD, Neurodiversity

In the first part of his ongoing blog series, Roland E. Jung discusses life before and after receiving his diagnosis of ADHD.

Blog

New Year, New Resolutions: Prescription Safety in 2017

Lynn Harrelson, Pharm. B.S., FASCP discusses the need for prescription safety, and taking precautions to avoid negative interactions between medications.

Blog

Defining Neurodiversity for 2017: It’s Different Brains

December 31, 2016
Harold Reitman, M.D.
Alzheimer's Disease, apraxia, Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, bipolar, misophonia, Neurodiversity, ocd, parkinson's, PTSD

In our final blog of 2016, Different Brains founder Hackie Reitman, M.D. discusses the problem of isolation when dealing with a diagnosis, and the way individuals and all of society can benefit when all of us come together for our common goals.

Blog

The Emotional Brain

Giuliana Fenwick discusses the amygdala, a part of the brain that rules emotion and sensory stimulation, and how some massage techniques can alleviate related stressors.

Blog

Autism, Predictability, and the Desire for Interpersonal Relations

Eric Zimmerman discusses how a recent trip forced him to expand his horizons, and confront is anxiety.

Blog

Give Your Brain the Gift of Hearing for the Holidays

Audiologist Constance Metropulos discusses how some anxiety-inducing social misunderstandings can be avoided this holiday season by making sure your hearing is properly assessed and cared for.

Blog

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

Twenty-five Effective Career Preparations that Promote Autism Spectrum Employment

December 4, 2016
Jackie Marquette
Asperger's syndrome, Autism, Neurodiversity

Dr. Jackie M. Marquette discusses the challenges and methods of helping individuals on the autism spectrum recognize, appreciate, and utilize their unique abilities.

Blog

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

Blog

Tips And Resources For Veterans Suffering With PTSD

November 28, 2016
Julia Merrill
Neurodiversity, PTSD

Julia Merrill presents tips and helpful resource links for veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for life management.

Blog

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

Courage Not Weakness: Accepting Support in the Differently-Abled Community

November 16, 2016
JR Harding
Neurodiversity

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.

Blog INTERVIEW

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

“Drumming is My Madness”: How One Student Fought ADHD

November 1, 2016
Lori Bitar
ADHD, Neurodiversity

In this excerpt from her book, Lori Bitar tells the story of how she helped one student battle ADHD.

Blog

Insomnia: A Personal Struggle

Megan Baksh details her struggles with insomnia, and how she tries to combat it.

Blog

Neurodiversity: No Two Brains Are Exactly Alike

Julie Saumsiegle discusses her viewpoint on the idea of neurodiversity, and why society needs to embrace it.

Blog

Relief: Receiving an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult

October 23, 2016
Becca Lory
Autism, Neurodiversity

Becca Lory discusses how her life changed when she received her autism diagnosis at age 36.

Blog

Guilt: The Elephant In The Room of Special Needs Parents

October 19, 2016
Mari Nosal, M.Ed
Asperger's syndrome, Autism, Neurodiversity

Mari Nosal discusses the tendency of the parents of children with special needs to feel guilt, and how to stop it.

Blog

Specialisterne: A Million Jobs for people with Autism and Other Unique Abilities

October 16, 2016
Cheryl Checkers
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity

Cheryl Checkers discusses Specialisterne, an international company determined to create employment for the neurodiverse.

Blog

Trailblazing for Neurodiversity and Different Brains

October 11, 2016
Harold Reitman, M.D.
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Down Syndrome, Neurodiversity

Dr. Hackie Reitman discusses his experiences at Trailblazing 2016, a conference dedicated to encouraging entrepreneurship amongst the neurodiverse.

Blog

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.

Blog

Hormones, Massage Therapy, and The Neurodiverse

Giuliana Fenwick offers more tips and techniques to help ease neurodiverse symptoms using head massage.

Blog

Sensorimotor and Neurologically Based Music Therapy: An Interview with Dr. Dorita Berger

September 30, 2016
Jennifer Brout
ADHD, Alzheimer's Disease, Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, misophonia, Neurodiversity, parkinson's

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.

Blog

Theory Of Mind: Challenges & Treatments Within Asperger’s & Autism

September 26, 2016
Mari Nosal, M.Ed

Mari Nosal discusses the "Theory of Mind," and examines some of the challenges related to it in people with Asperger's and autism.

Blog

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.

Blog

Why Kids Need To Earn An Allowance At A Young Age

September 16, 2016
Shawn Smith
Neurodiversity

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.

Blog

A Unique Social Skills Intervention for Children, Teens, and Adults with Social Challenges

September 11, 2016
Cheryl Checkers

Cheryl Checkers discusses a new intervention, developed at UCLA, being used to help those with challenges related to social skills.

Blog

Children On The Autism Spectrum Become Adults- Is Society Equipped?

September 7, 2016
Mari Nosal, M.Ed

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.

Blog

Lessons Learned: Building the “Most Autism Friendly City in the World”

September 2, 2016
Denise Resnik

Community building is a process. It requires vision, passion, grit, resilience and an ability to connect dots—lots of them.

Blog

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

Three Benefits of Teaching Authenticity to Children with Autism

August 20, 2016
Toni Boucher

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.

Blog

The Benefits of Music for Therapy and the Neurodiverse

August 18, 2016
Martha Summa
Alzheimer's Disease, Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Dementia, Neurodiversity, parkinson's, stroke

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

Seeing the World Through the Eyes of Your Child

August 10, 2016
Cheryl Checkers
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity

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.

Blog

Communication and Asperger’s

August 8, 2016
Eric Zimmerman
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity

Eric Zimmerman talks about how communication can present challenges for people on the autism spectrum.

Blog

The Multiple Types of ADHD

Shawn Smith identifies the different types of ADHD, and how characteristics can differ.

Blog

Neurodiversity in the Arts: “Fitting In” by Colin Thompson

August 4, 2016
Donna Levin
Autism

Donna Levin reviews's the new book "Fitting In," written by Colin Thompson and published Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Blog

How Indian Head Massage May Benefit the Neurodiverse

August 2, 2016
Giuliana Fenwick
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity

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.

Blog

Treating PTSD Can Help Your Addiction

July 28, 2016
Sonia Tagliareni
Neurodiversity, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), PTSD

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.

Blog

Understanding Acquired Brain Injuries

Steve Gregory discusses lessons he has learned during his own recovery from an Acquired Brain Injury.

Blog

Life After Caregiving

July 18, 2016
Chris MacLellan
Alzheimer's Disease, caregiving, Neurodiversity, parkinson's

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.

Blog

Action, Advocacy, and Friends: The Birth of AASCEND

July 12, 2016
Camilla Bixler
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity

Sixteen years ago our family didn’t have any adult friends on the autism spectrum, now we have a whole roomful of them.

Blog

7 Tips To Make 4th of July Friendly to Those With Autism, Asperger’s, and Hyper-Senses

July 3, 2016
Mike Nickas
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

I Give My Son Pot

June 23, 2016
Nea Hanscomb

You don’t have to report me to Child Protective Services. I give my son medical marijuana.

Blog

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.

Blog

The Square Root of Father’s Day

June 19, 2016
Harold Reitman, M.D.
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

Gene On, Gene Off!

Can the concepts of epigenetics finally answer the question: nature or nurture?

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