Our Autism Journey with a Canine Companion
By Pamela Minelli Autism and Support Animals I was never a dog person. I grew…
Autism in Speculative Fiction, with Ada Hoffmann | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 64
Spectrumly Speaking is also available on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud IN THIS WEEK'S…
Singer Billie Eilish Discusses Having Tourette’s
Billie Eilish on Tourette's, PDQ gets inclusive, skaters celebrate boy with autism, & more! The…
We Belong: Honoring Neurodiverse and Specially Abled Musicians
Musician and educator Joseph S. Lento share his new project for highlighting the accomplishments of specially abled musicians: the We Belong Performing Arts Virtual Hall of Fame.
How Two Tennis players with Autism Found Love
(3 min 22 sec) In this episode: we look at a new treatment for OCD, a recently diagnosed teen with multiple sclerosis hosts a walk for awareness, special olympians on the autism spectrum get married, and more!
Neurodiversity & The Law, w/ Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, Haley Moss, and more | EDB 165
(25 minutes) In this special episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. welcomes various legal experts and advocates to get their advice on how to best interact with the law, with Judge Ginger Lerner Wren, lawyer & autism self-advocate Haley Moss, and more!
Autism, Restraints, & The Law, with Kimberley Spire-Oh | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 63
(33 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome special needs attorney and autism mom Kimberley Spire-Oh.
5 Year Old With Down Syndrome Becomes International Ambassador
(3 min 33 sec) In this episode: a California boy with Down syndrome becomes an international ambassador, a retired neurologist talks early Alzheimer’s awareness, a high school looks to honor a volunteer with special needs, and more!
Boy with Autism Attended Oxford at Age 6, Now Looks to Change the World
Joshua Beckford, a boy from Tottenham, England with high-functioning autism, was the youngest person ever to attend Oxford University at only six years old and aims to become a neurosurgeon.
The Professional Advantage of Neurodiversity, with Marcie Ciampi M.Ed. | EDB 164
(18 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman talks again with Marcie Ciampi, author, educator, and community manager/lead job recruiter at ULTRA Testing.
Developing Healthy Relationships for Young Adults with Autism & Learning Differences
Pilar Page, MSW and Mike Vaughn, M.Ed. of the College Internship Program (CIP) highlight how through healthy communication, young adults with autism and other learning differences can effectively develop healthy relationships within their community.
Everyday Asperger’s: Crafting a Life on the Autism Spectrum, with Samantha Craft | EDB 163
(24 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman talks with Marcie Ciampi M.Ed., otherwise known as Samantha Craft - autism self-advocate, author, and educator.
The Inner Lives of Women with Learning Disabilities
Denise Brodey discusses the challenges women with learning challenges can have both hiding and sharing their diagnoses.
Autism in April | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 62
(27 minutes) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory Hector, CAS, BCCS go guest-less to answer the question: do we still need a month devoted to autism?
How Dance Is Helping People With Down Syndrome
(3 min 19 sec) In this episode: an adaptive dance program is offered for adults with Down syndrome, a trampoline park helps children with autism, vision impaired sports fans are given the full experience of a live game, and more!
Sesame Place® Opens First Certified Autism Center Theme Park
Partnering with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, Sesame Place® has officially became the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center.
Maximizing Talent, with Swathi from Designs By Siri | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 61
(18 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome Swathi Chettipally from Designs By Siri to discuss highlighting the talents of people on the spectrum.
Man With Parkinson’s Sails The Great Lakes – W.I.N.
The Week in Neurodiversity The Neurodiversity News Show, hosted by the Different Brains Inc. interns.…
Florida’s First Openly Autistic Lawyer, with Haley Moss | EDB 160
(18 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Haley Moss, the first openly-autistic lawyer in Florida.
Mental Health On The Autism Spectrum: a Self-Advocate’s Perspective
Autism self-advocate Aaron Bouma discusses the importance of caring for mental health to avoid "autistic burnout".
Becoming a Lawyer With Autism, with Haley Moss | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 60
(22 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome attorney, artist, author, and autism self-advocate Haley Moss.
Noise Sensitivity On The Autism Spectrum
Autism self-advocate Eric Zimmerman discusses how he copes with noise sensitivity issues.
UK Wowed By Dance Group With Autism
(3 min 16 sec) In this episode, a chef with Down syndrome dedicates her cookbook to her late best friend, a dance group with autism inspires TV audiences, a Microsoft Super Bowl Commercial warms hearts everywhere, and more!
Employment for the Uniquely Abled, with Ivan Rosenberg | EDB 158
(27 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Ivan Rosenberg, Founder and President of The Uniquely Abled Project.
Meltdowns! | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 59
(43 minutes) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory Hector, CAS, BCCS go guest-less to discuss meltdowns - how they happen, how they are prevented, and what you can do when you’re in the middle of one!
Gym Uses Exercise to Fight Addiction
(3 min 36 sec) In this episode: an Indiana gym helps those recovering from addiction, an 11-yr-old radio host delivers the news for the visually impaired, an 18-yr-old with cerebral palsy accomplishes something no one thought would be possible, and more!
Boy With Autism Takes Pickle Business International
(3 min 45 sec) In this episode: a Colorado student with Down syndrome hits a half court shot, a club in New Jersey looks to help those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, a young man with autism expands his pickle business, and more!
Autism & Independence: Supporting Parents Through the Transition
Amalia Starr discusses the importance of supporting parents of children with autism, and shares lesson she learned from her own son.
Making Workplaces Completely Inclusive, with Kelly Bron Johnson | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 58
(21 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome Canadian autism self-advocate Kelly Bron Johnson, founder of "Completely Inclusive".
How Tennis is Empowering Kids With Down Syndrome
(3min 50sec) In this episode: people with Down syndrome are empowered through the game of tennis, a community comes together for a teacher with Parkinson’s, a runner with autism looks to add some mileage in 2019, and more!
The Spectrum Works, with Herag Haleblian and Jessica Lee | EDB 156
(22 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Herag Haleblian and Jessica Lee, co-founders of The Spectrum Works - and organization dedicated to helping people with autism find employment.
Exploring Different Brains: a Conversation with Dr. Hackie Reitman | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 57
(23 minutes) In this special episode, we present a recent “Exploring Different Brains” interview with host Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS, conducted by Harold “Hackie” Reitman, M.D..
The 11 Year Old Scrabble Master With Autism
(3 min 31 sec) In this episode: a boy with dyslexia starts a “reading for dogs program,” young adults with Down syndrome are empowered through photography, a boy with autism develops a passion for scrabble, and more!
The College Living Experience, with Stephanie Martin | EDB 155
(22 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Stephanie Martin, president of the College Living Experience (CLE).
Father Creates App For Son With Dyslexia
(3 min 12 sec) In this episode, David Begnaud of CBS News discusses his life with Tourette’s, Santa makes one boy with autism’s visit a special one, a father creates an app for his son with dyslexia, and more!
2018 in Review: Supporting & Optimizing Our Brains, w/ Dr. Seth Keller, Dr. Ken Dychtwald & more | EDB 154
(17 minutes) In this second of two “2018 in Review” episodes, we are going to hear from some of the dedicated clinicians, specialists, educators, advocates, and change-makers working to improve the lives of those of us with Different Brains.
New Years Mini Episode: Autism in 2019 | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 56
(14 mins) In this New Years mini-episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS continue an annual tradition and discuss what they think the best moments for the autism community were for 2018, and what they hope 2019 has in store.
The Best of the Week In Neurodiversity – 2018 Year in Review
(6 min 17 sec) In this episode, we count down the top 10 stories from 2018, including a comedian with Tourette’s becoming famous on America’s Got Talent, the first Washington Lobbyist with Down syndrome, the first runner with cerebral palsy earning a contract with Nike, and more!
Extreme Makeover – Education Edition: Redesigning School Systems to Suit Students of All Abilities (Pt.1)
By Mathew Ryan Morin The secret to a successful life is as follows: You don’t…
2018 in Review: Advice From The Self-Advocates | EDB 153
Words of wisdom from neurodiverse self-advocates In this first of two "2018 in Review" episodes,…
BEST OF 2018 – Advocating Autism Acceptance to the United Nations, with Anita Lesko
(23 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with author and acclaimed autism advocate Anita Lesko, BSN, RN, MS, CRNA.
Autism Food Issues, with Kelly Mahler MS, OTR/L | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 55
Spectrumly Speaking is also available on: iTunes | Stitcher | SoundCloud IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE: (33 mins)…
How Autism Rates Are Determined
How exactly does the US government measure autism prevalence, and what do these numbers mean?…
Meet The First NCAA Player With Autism
(3 min 10 sec) In this episode, former football player Tim Green looks to raise funds for ALS, a girl with epilepsy has her life changed by her specially trained dog, we meet the first NCAA basketball player with autism, and more!
Support for Women with Autism with Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS | EDB 151
(21 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with returning guest Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS about the progress women with autism have made and the challenges they still face.
Experiential Learning: Social-Emotional Growth Through Storytelling
Eva Grayzel discusses how she uses storytelling for social development in kids, and offers tips for everyone to use this important tool.
Autism in Literature, with Dora Raymaker, Ph.D. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 54
(31 mins) In this episode, host Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS and guest co-host Dena Gassner welcome back author, scientist, activist, artist, and self-advocate Dora Raymaker, Ph.D..
What Are Emotional Support Animals? with Becca Lory & Friends | EDB 150
(14 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS, Antonio Hector, and Walter the Emotional Support Animal!
Animals Help Boy Deal with Tourette’s
(3 min 36 sec) An Indiana police department looks to keep children with autism safe, a boy with Tourette’s finds that animals help his tics, and what are “zombie cells” and how are they helping the battle against Alzheimer’s? These stories and more in this week’s edition!
Nonbinary-Inclusive Autism Advocacy, with Sharon daVanport | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 53
(38 mins) In this episode, host Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS and guest host Dena Gassner welcome guest Sharon daVanport, Founding Executive Director of Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN Network).
Can Coffee Prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s?
(3min 35sec) In this episode, a young woman with Down syndrome looks to change people’s misconceptions, a teen with autism creates her own t-shirt business, and how does coffee reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s? These stories and more in this week’s edition!
Identifying the Abilities of Every Brain, with Cuong Do | EDB 149
(26 minutes) Cuong Do (founder of the Profectum Foundation, co-creator of Identifor, Autism Speaks board member, and the father to a child with autism) discusses the importance of discovering the abilities of people with different brains.
Cheerleader With Down Syndrome Inspires Her School
(3min 30sec) In this episode, a cheerleader with Down syndrome inspires her school, a girl with cerebral palsy inspires a playground, a boy with dyslexia looks to create more support for those with the same challenges, and more!
Autism, Passions, and Milestones
Autism self-advocate Aaron Bouma discusses how his passion for model building and woodworking has allowed him to accomplish personal milestones.
Autism & Self-Care: Utilizing “Pre-Charge” Days
Autism self-advocate Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS discusses how "pre-charge" days help her prepare for stressful periods and avoid meltdowns in advance.
Runner With Cerebral Palsy Gets Contract With Nike
(3 min 29 sec) In this episode: a woman fighting ALS makes it her mission to help others, a runner with cerebral palsy becomes first to get a contract with Nike, and more!
5 Tips for Safe Neurodiverse Trick or Treating
We at Different Brains think Halloween can be a lot of fun for kids regardless of label. So here are our 5 Ps to achieving safe and fun trick or treating!
Interviewing People With Autism Within The Criminal Justice System
Philip J. Morris discusses the challenges law enforcement officers have in properly interviewing people with autism, and offers tips for better equipping the police.
Asperger’s & the Terminology Debate, with Valerie Gaus Ph.D. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 52
(35 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome back guest Valerie Gaus, Ph.D. to discuss the term "Asperger's" and the issues created by its removal from the DSM-V.
Anaheim Ducks Honor Fan With Parkinson’s
(3 min 28 sec) In this episode: a Dyslexia Task Force is helping students in Iowa, “Now This” releases a video discussing living with Bipolar Disorder, a man with Parkinson’s is honored by the Anaheim Ducks, and more!
Seinfeld Actor John O’Hurley’s Crusade for Epilepsy Awareness
(3 min 21 sec) In this episode a girl with Down syndrome dances through barriers, actor John O’Hurley becomes an epilepsy awareness advocate, and more!
The Neurodivergent Rebel, with Christa Holmans | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 51
(30 minutes) Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Christa Holmans to discuss Christa’s autism diagnosis, the differences between blogging through words and videos, her recent living transition, and “masking”.
Comedian With Tourette’s Wows “America’s Got Talent” Judges!
(3 min 16 sec) In this episode, a comedian with Tourette’s goes viral with his routine on America’s Got Talent, parents experience a simulation of what it’s like to have dyslexia, a young woman from Utah tells why autism is her superpower, and more!
Taylor Swift Gets a Service Dog for Boy with Autism
Taylor Swift is well-known for being generous and kind to her fans - and a boy with autism just met his service dog for the first time thanks to the pop icon!
What Everyone Should Know About Autism and the Legal System, with Carol S. Weinman, Esq., C.A.S. | EDB 132
(16 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with criminal defense attorney and autism expert Carol S. Weinman, Esq., C.A.S..
Michael Phelps Discusses Battle With Depression
(3 min 23 sec) In this episode, a Kentucky family is spreading awareness for apraxia, kids play flag football for young adults with autism, a UFC veteran donates equipment for Parkinson’s patients, and more!
Gender Socialization & Women with Autism, with Kate Ross | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 50
(30 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Kate Ross to discuss challenges in dealing frankly with female-specific topics, and why diagnostic criteria need to change according to differences in gender.
Woman with Cerebral Palsy Opens CrossFit Gym
(3 min 16 sec) In this episode, the Philadelphia Eagles get set to launch their 2nd annual Autism Challenge, Stanford launches a concussion education course, and a cancer survivor with cerebral palsy opens a CrossFit gym, and more!
How Microsoft is Welcoming Employees with Autism
(3 min 30 sec) In this episode, Microsoft opens their doors to workers with autism, a woman with Down syndrome lives her dream of being a flight attendant, a 12-year-old musician with Tourette’s spreads awareness with a viral video, and more!
Stories from an Autism Mom, with Donna Levin | EDB 141
(17 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with author and autism mom Donna Levin about parenting children on the spectrum and her new book He Could Be Another Bill Gates.
Training Clinicians in Neurodiverse Relationships, w/ Grace Myhill, MSW | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 49
(31 mins) Dr. Katherine Cody and Becca Lory welcome back guest Grace Myhill, MSW to discuss the importance of practitioner training in neurodiverse relationships.
An American Ninja Warrior With Parkinson’s
(3 min 15 sec) In this episode: a man with Down syndrome reunites with his father after a cross-country trip in a viral video, a high school football player with autism scores a spectacular touchdown, an athlete with Parkinson’s becomes an American Ninja Warrior, and more!
An Employer’s Guide to Autism & Neurodiversity
The autistic population is rich in individuals with tremendous skills, unique perspectives and a desire to engage in the workforce - and all employers need to know about this tremendous pool of neurodiverse talent!
NBA’s Kevin Love On Battling Anxiety
(3 min 36 sec) In this episode, a man with Down syndrome retires from Wendy’s after 20 yrs. of working, a family looks to raise awareness fro apraxia, NBA star Kevin Love discusses his battle with anxiety, and more!
“Voices From The Spectrum” Part 2 | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 48
(32 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS present part 2 of the "Voices from the Spectrum” panel presented at the Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association (AHA) 2018 Conference, and covering practical strategies for people with autism.
Girl With Down Syndrome Expresses Self Through Painting
(3 min 30 sec) In this episode: a nonverbal girl with Down syndrome uses art to tell her story, NYU studies a an under-examined symptom of Parkinson’s, a pair of twins with autism have a love for running marathons, and more!
Amazing Grace: One Family’s Story of Hope and Autism
Crystal Y. Sanford, M.Ed., M. A. CCC-SLP shares her journey as an autism parent, highlights the things her daughter Grace is doing to overcome challenges, and shows why all families with a member on the spectrum should have hope.
A Back to School Survival Guide for Different Brains
Resuming classes after summer vacation is always an exciting and often stressful event for any child. Here are 6 tips for making the transitions easier for any kind of different brain.
“Voices From The Spectrum” AHA Panel Part 1, featuring Dr. Stephen Shore, Amy Gravino, and more | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 47
(45 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS present part 1 of the "Voices from the Spectrum” panel presented at the Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association (AHA) 2018 Conference.
Navigating ‘Back to School’ for Children with Autism
Autism self-advocate Kimberly Gerry Tucker shares how her own educational challenges helped her understand what accommodations her son, who is also on the spectrum, could benefit from.