Blog - Part 3

How Do You Measure Positive Impact? The Challenges of Advocating for Neurodiversity

Canadian ADHD and Neurodiversity advocate Shawn Smith reflects on how a recent presentation at a conference reinforced his concept of how to measure the positive impact of his work.

Blog

Reaching “Critical Mass”: Supporting Autistic Individuals to Achieve Their Goals

Aaron Bouma, a Canadian advocate with autism, explains how having a core group of supportive family and friends - a "critical mass" as he calls them - helped him overcome challenges growing up.

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Neurometabolism and Epigenetics: Understanding Neurodiversity Through a New Metabolic-Molecular Lens

Dr. Malav Trivedi discusses his research into the processes that may prove to be behind some of the differences in our brains: Neurometabolism and Epigenetics.

Blog

Tennis As a Therapeutic Tool for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Lisa Pugliese, Speech Pathologist and the Founder and CEO of Love Serving Autism, discusses the ways tennis can help children on the spectrum develop important skills.

Blog

Living With a Sibling That Has Asperger’s Syndrome

June 30, 2017
Brooke Segal
Asperger's syndrome, Autism, Neurodiversity

In her first blog for Different Brains, Brooke Segal discusses growing up with a sister diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome.

Blog

Staying Strong with Epilepsy

Epilepsy advocate Tom McGranahan, Jr. discusses the importance staying strong and persevering despite having a seizure disorder.

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Normal Challenges, With A Twist Of Autism: Growing Up On The Spectrum

June 22, 2017
Eryn Segal
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, Neurodiversity

Eryn Segal highlights the day to day challenges she faces as a young woman on the autism spectrum.

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Exploring Alternative Routes to Meaningful Income for Adults with Autism

Nick Venturella of AutismHR.com discusses how the "gig economy" can present income and experience to those on the autism spectrum that may otherwise be unable to find employment.

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Rock Steady Boxing: Knocking Parkinson’s Disease Down for the Count

Steve Dinnen reports on Rock Steady Boxing - a growing chain of gyms dedicated to helping people with Parkinson's fight their symptoms.

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Asperger’s and Hyperinterests: Finding Your Strengths on the Autism Spectrum

June 9, 2017
Aaron Bouma
Asperger's Syndrome (ASD), Autism, neurodiversuty

Aaron Bouma, diagnosed with Asperger's at 12 and now an advocate in Canada, discusses how his love of military history and model building has blossomed into a career.

Blog

Changing the Educational System for the Good of Different Brains

Bob Sornson, Ph.D. discusses the flaws in the educational system that can cause neurodiverse students to be poorly served, and gives tips on how to improve it.

Blog

Trauma, PTSD, and Codependency: How Life Experiences Affect Our Relationships

Darlene Lancer explores trauma's influence on relationships, and the connection between codependency and PTSD.

Blog

Navigating Society With a Hearing Impairment

May 28, 2017
Alina Pacheco

Alina Pacheco discusses growing up with a hearing impairment, and navigating the social difficulties that can come with a disability that hampers communication.

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What I Learned at the United Nations on World Autism Awareness Day

Advocate Anita Lesko describes the experience of addressing the United Nations on World Autism Day, and the work being done to help those on the spectrum around the world.

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Autism and Speech Apraxia: Do Language Challenges Influence Behavior?

Dr. Brian Udell discusses a surprising new study that suggests there is no correlation between language deficits in children on the autism spectrum and their propensity to have meltdowns or perceived misbehavior.

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Different Brains and the Bottom Line: The Corporate and Social Value of Neurodiversity

Ira Bedzow discusses the benefits of integrating neurodiverse individuals into corporate environments, and how employees with different brains create stronger teams.

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A Mother’s Day Shout Out To Special Needs Moms

Mari Nosal, M.Ed. reflects on the sacrifice of special needs parents, and on the rewards of raising a child that has challenges.

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What My Autism “Looks Like”: Differences and Similarities Across the Spectrum

Eric Zimmerman discusses the variations of interests and skills of people on the spectrum, and the myth that people with autism "look" a certain way.

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Coding Autism: Helping People on the Spectrum Find Employment and Develop Skills

May 2, 2017
Oliver Thornton
Asperger's syndrome, Autism, Neurodiversity

Oliver Thornton discusses his own diagnosis with Asperger's syndrome, and how he hopes his new venture, Coding Autism, can help others on the spectrum find meaningful employment.

Blog

Life After a TBI: The Invisible Challenges of an Invisible Disability

April 28, 2017
David Grant
Neurodiversity, tbi, traumatic brain injury

David A. Grant discusses invisible disabilities, and relays two stories about every day challenges presented by his traumatic brain injury.

Blog

Bottoms-Up: The Innovative Thinking Style of the Asperger’s Mind

April 23, 2017
Marcelle Ciampi
Asperger's syndrome, Autism, Neurodiversity

Samantha Craft discusses the concept of "bottom up" processing, which is common amongst people on the autism spectrum.

Blog

Neurodiversity and Fitness: The Value in Exercise for Different Brains

Steven Dinnen discusses the importance of exercise for anyone that may have a different brain, and the fitness challenges neurodiverse conditions can present.

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Autism and ABA: What is Applied Behavior Analysis?

April 18, 2017
Rebecca Womack
Asperger's syndrome, Autism, Neurodiversity

Rebecca Womack discusses what applied behavior analysis therapy is, and how it could be useful for some children on the autism spectrum.

Blog

Living In a World with Autism When You Don’t Know You Have It

April 13, 2017
Eryn Segal
Asperger's syndrome, Autism, Neurodiversity

Eryn Segal discusses life before and after her diagnosis with autism, and the social challenges she finds herself facing every day.

Blog

ADHD, Learning Challenges, and Life Changes: Finding a Better Way to Assess Different Brains

Tammy Elkon discusses how the journey through finding proper educational assistance for her son led her to develop a tool for assessing the abilities of those with different brains.

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When Adults with Autism Face Difficult Life Change: 16 Supportive Actions

Jackie M. Marquette discusses the adversity that has touched the life of a close friends with autism, and offers tips for supporting a person on the spectrum that may be facing life changes.

Blog

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.

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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.

Blog

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.

Blog

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.

Blog

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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Insomnia: A Personal Struggle

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

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Neurodiversity: No Two Brains Are Exactly Alike

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hormones, Massage Therapy, and The Neurodiverse

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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