Saluting “The Special Mother” by Erma Bombeck
Hackie Reitman, M.D. discusses Erma Bombeck's piece dedicated to the mothers of special needs children, and reflects on memories of his own mother.
How a Teen with Autism Got Cast on “The Good Doctor” – Week in Neurodiversity
(3min 25sec) In this episode, a prom proposal for a teen with Down syndrome goes viral, a new treatment is used for those with Tourette’s, and an actor with autism shares his journey to a role on The Good Doctor. These stories and more in this week’s episode!
Study Finds That Memories of Music Cannot Be Lost to Alzheimer’s
A recent study has revealed that the areas of the brain which associate music with good feelings is unaffected by Alzheimer's disease.
Autism & Socialization: The Ins and Outs of Successful Conversations
High school student Ruby Sasson, who is on the autism spectrum, shares tips and tricks that have helped her develop better conversational skills.
Interoception and Autism, with Kelly Mahler MS, OTR/L | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 40
(27 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Kelly Mahler MS, OTR/L about how people with autism may have challenges with interoception.
Meet The Swimming Phenom with Tourette’s and ADHD – Week in Neurodiversity
(3 mins 33 sec) In this episode, a Missouri family sells bow ties for those with Down syndrome, a new book is bringing awareness to children with Dyslexia, and we take a look at the high school swimming phenom who overcame the challenges of Tourette’s and ADHD! These stories and more in this week's edition!
Star Wars Themed Epilepsy Walk Raises $145,000
In Costa Mesa, California, around 2000 people showed up to march in support of epilepsy awareness in an event dubbed “Seizure Wars.”
Protecting The Legal Rights of Different Brains, with Kimberley Spire-Oh | EDB 125
(12 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Kimberley Spire-Oh. She is a private attorney for Special Education and Disability Law, and is a special education advocate.
Music Never Met A Brain It Couldn’t Help
Joseph S. Lento discusses the good music can do for brains, regardless of what diagnosis they may have.
10 Year Old Piano Prodigy With Autism Mesmerizes – Week in Neurodiversity
(3 mins 30 sec) In this episode, a community comes together for a special needs family, a piano prodigy with autism mesmerizes audiences for World Autism Month and more!
New Figures Show Prevalence of Autism is Increasing
According to a new report from the CDC, 1 out of 59 children in the US has autism -- a significant increase from their 2016 report.
How Resilient Are YOU?
Jackie M. Marquette Ph.D. discusses the importance of resilience, and presents a simple guide finding out how resilient YOU are.
Six Flags New Jersey Hosting Autism Day
Six Flags Great Adventure, a theme park located in Jackson, NJ, will be taking special measures to host its very own Autism Day on May 3, 2018.
The First All-Autistic Wedding, with Anita Lesko | EDB 124
(18 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with author and autism self-advocate Anita Lesko, BSN, RN, MS, CRNA.
Building Resiliency in Women with Autism, with Jeanette Purkis | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 39
(35 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with autistic author and passionate Australian advocate Jeanette Purkis.
How One Teen With Down Syndrome Is Helping The Homeless – Week In Neurodiversity
(3 mins 30 sec) In this episode, the NBA store in New York City becomes autism friendly, a teen with Down syndrome collects hygiene products, and a brother and sister create a video for Tourette’s advocacy! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
When Different Brains Grow Up: the NDSS Adult Down Syndrome Summit
Dr. Hackie Reitman discusses the importance of giving support to people with Down syndrome through adulthood, and how the recent NDSS Adult Summit highlighted this growing concern.
Boy with Autism Builds World’s Largest Lego Model of the Titanic
Brynjar Karl Bigisson, a boy from Reykjavik, Iceland has built the world's largest replica of the Titanic made entirely out of Lego bricks.
Parenting With An Eye Toward Adulthood
Rachel Bédard, Ph.D. continues her look at redefining "adulting" by focusing on where parenthood comes into play.
Bryan Cranston Spreads Alzheimer’s Awareness – Week in Neurodiversity
(3 mins 27 sec) In this episode a 14-year old model with Down syndrome rocks Denver runways, Bryan Cranston’s advocates for Alzheimer’s awareness, and more!
One Parent’s View of Neurodiversity
Cheryl Fox, M.O.T., OTR/L C/NDT discusses how her daughter's diagnosis with autism changed her life, and inspired her to become a pediatric occupational therapist for the neurodiverse.
Living with OCD and Autism
Eric Zimmerman discusses his how he has taken control of his dual diagnoses of OCD and autism.
5 Celebrities with Tourette’s Syndrome
We take a look at some famous people who struggled and succeeded with Tourette's syndrome, including David Beckham and Dan Aykroyd.
Demystifying Diagnosis | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 38
(43 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS celebrate Autism month by going guest-less to delve deep into the topic of diagnosis.
Championing Down Syndrome for the Special Olympics, with Patrick & Paul Sallarulo | EDB 122
(14 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Special Olympics athlete Patrick Sallarulo, and his father Paul.
Father Raps for Daughter with Down Syndrome – Week in Neurodiversity
(3 min 14 sec) In this episode, a Cleveland non-profit helps adults on the autism spectrum gain real-world experience, a father dedicates a rap to his daughter with Down syndrome, and more!
Creating the First Summit for Adults with Down Syndrome
Sara Hart Weir, M.S. and Jadene S. Ransdell of the National Down Syndrome Society discuss the genesis of the upcoming first summit for adults with Down syndrome.
Sesame Place Theme Park Receives World’s First Autism Certification
Sesame Place, a children's theme park located in Philadelphia, PA and based on the TV show Sesame Street, has become the world's first theme park to be granted an accreditation for autism accommodation.
Mental Health & Relationships: Warning Signs of Dating a Narcissist
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT highlights some of the common warning signs, and blind spots, related to dating someone with narcissistic personality traits.
Colorado Community Comes Together for Birthday Girl with Autism – Week in Neurodiversity
(3 min 24 sec) In this episode a 3-year-old with Down syndrome enters the Baby Miss American USA Patriot Pageant, a Colorado community comes together for a girl with autism’s birthday party, and more!
Apple Petitions for Disability-Inclusive Emojis
Apple recently sent Unicode Consortium a proposal for 13 new emojis, including several to represent various disabilities.
Advancing Adults with Autism Beyond the Summit
Autism self-advocate Aaron Bouma discusses how he hopes a recent autism summit in his community will be the first of many.
Finding Happiness in Neurodiversity, with Shawn Smith, Me.D., CCC | EDB 121
(13 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues speaking with Canadian advocate Shawn Smith, Me.D., CCC.
New App Predicts Manic and Depressive Episodes in Bipolar Users
A new app has been released for the iPhone which passively monitors user input in order to alert bipolar users of manic episodes.
Service Dogs for People with Alzheimer’s – Week in Neurodiversity (3/24/18)
(3 min 28 sec) In this episode Carson Daly opens up about his anxiety diagnosis, people with Alzheimer’s find relief through service dogs, and more!
What to Expect from Biomedical Treatment for ADHD and Autism
"The Autism Doctor" Dr. Brian Udell discusses ways to measure progress in the treatment of children with autism and ADHD.
A Barber’s Mission to “Fade” Autism
A Pennsylvania barber is on a mission to help those with autism enjoy their hair cuts!
ADHD & Entrepreneurs, with Shawn Smith, Me.D., CCC | EDB 120
(16 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman welcomes back regular guest Shawn Smith, successful Canadian entrepreneur, a neurodiversity advocate and consultant, and founder of Don’t Dis-my-Ability.
Autism 101: “First, then” For All
Rita Roem discusses the concept of "first, then," and how it is can be a great tool for parents of the neurodiverse.
Snoop Dogg and the NFL’s Demarcus Ware Raise ADHD Awareness – Week in Neurodiversity (3/17/18)
(3 min 19 sec) Patients with Alzheimer’s find joy through singing, a man with Borderline Personality Disorder looks to end the stigma around mental illness, an ex-football star and Snoop Dogg create a song for ADHD empowerment, and more!
Not All Epileptic Seizures Are The Same
We take a look at the various types of epileptic seizure - from Clonic to Dacrystic.
Helping Different Brains Around the World, with Dr. Chris Stout | EDB 106
(25 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Chris Stout, PsyD., a clinical psychologist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, author, podcast host, and a founding member of the Center for Global Initiatives.
Positive IEP Meetings- Yes they are possible!
Alexandra Ramirez-Vizcaino gives tips to parents for ensuring their IEP meetings are successful and productive.
Autism & the Movies: Keep the Change | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 36
(33 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS take a look at the new award-winning movie Keep the Change.
Girl with Down Syndrome Joins Harlem Globetrotters – Week in Neurodiversity (3/10/18)
(3min 26sec) In this episode, a man with ADHD opens a boxing gym for kids with the same challenges, a high school student with Down syndrome joins the Harlem Globetrotters, and more!
A Doctor’s Journey Towards Integrative Medicine
Mark A Vacker, M.D. discusses how a personal medical crisis led him to understand the value of integrative medicine.
DYSPLA Hosting Film Festival Dedicated to Dyslexic Filmmakers
Starting on March 14, 2018, in London, DYSPLA will be hosting a unique experience which blends and blurs the lines between traditional film festivals and the art gallery experience.
The Biggest Mistake Autism Parents Make, with Jennie Trocchio, Ph.D. | EDB 119
(16 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with Jennie Trocchio, Ph.D., an autism educator, consultant, and DIR/Floortime provider.
How Singing Helps One Woman with Tourette’s – Week in Neurodiversity (3/3/18)
(3 min 47 sec) In this episode, a second grader with Down syndrome makes her regional spelling bee, a young woman with Tourette’s finds that singing helps with her tics, and more!
How to Have a Successful Autism Doctor Visit
Dr. Brian Udell discusses tips for ensuring a positive doctor visit for for your child with autism or other developmental challenges.
Autism and the DIR/Floortime Method, with Jennie Trocchio, Ph.D. | EDB 118
(22 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Jennie Trocchio, Ph.D., an autism educator, consultant, and DIR/Floortime provider.
Actors with Down Syndrome Make Theater History
Actress Jaimie Brewer is breaking down barriers as the only known performer with Down syndrome to play a lead in an off-Broadway or Broadway theater production.
Autism at NYU, with Kristie Patten Koenig, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 35
(36 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Dr. Kristie Patten Koenig, Associate Professor and Chair at New York University, Department of Occupational Therapy.
14 Year Old Girl Develops Alzheimer’s App – Week in Neurodiversity (2/24/18)
(3 min 24 sec) In this episode, a student with autism leads a yoga class of over 1,000 peers, a 14-yr-old girl creates an app for those with Alzheimer’s, and more!
5 Tips for Dealing With Adult ADHD
Here are five easy tricks to help ADHD adults out there to avoid trouble in your daily activities.
Redefining Adulting: a Brief Primer for Different Brains
Rachel Bédard, Ph.D. looks at "adulting," and examines how people, regardless of diagnosis, develop the skills they use as adults.
Tips for Preventing Alzheimer’s, with Seth Keller, M.D. of the AADMD | EDB 117
(19 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with Seth Keller, M.D.. Dr. Keller is Co-Chair of the AADMD’s National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices.
Autism & Careers: Facing the Fear of Uncertainty
Jackie M. Marquette, Ph.D. discusses the challenge some people with autism face in seeking a career, and presents an activity to help recognize and manage the fears associated with it.
Boy with Autism Becomes Train Conductor for a Day – Week in Neurodiversity (2/17/18)
(3 min 21 sec) In this episode, a boy with autism gets to be a train conductor for a day, a toddler out of Georgia will be the first Gerber Baby with Down syndrome, and more!
Early Childhood Learning: Supporting Neurodiversity From the Womb and On
John Mavros discusses the importance of building language skills in children from before birth and beyond.
Three Olympic Athletes Pledge to Donate Their Brains for Concussion Research
These three athletes have signed a pledge to donate their brains to the Concussion Legacy Foundation after they die.
The Link Between Concussions, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia, with Seth Keller, M.D. | EDB 116
In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Seth Keller, M.D.. Dr. Keller is Co-Chair of the AADMD’s National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices.
6 Tips For a Mentally Healthy Valentine’s Day
Darlene Lancer, MFT gives 6 tips for making sure your Valentine's Day is enjoyable, and good for your mental health.
Emotional Support Animals, with Antonio Hector Jr and Walter the support dog | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 34
In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS discuss the use of emotional support animals for people on the autism spectrum.
Painter with Down Syndrome Wows Art Community – Week in Neurodiversity (2/10/18)
(3 min) In this episode, aerobics help improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s, families receive tattoos are Down syndrome solidarity, and an artist with Down syndrome draws a huge following! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
The 10 Earliest Signs of Autism
Dr. Brian Udell covers the ten earliest signs he has seen in children on the autism spectrum.
How is Demi Lovato Offering Free Mental Health Help During Her Tour?
Former Disney channel star Demi Lovato hopes motivational sessions at the beginning of every show will help end the stigma around mental health.
Brain Training for Neurological Imbalances Through Neurofeedback
Dr. Jacqueline Davis discusses the use of neurofeedback for ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety.
Phoenix Symphony Serenades Dementia Patients – Week in Neurodiversity (2/3/18)
(3 min 36 sec) In this episode, a man from Portland is running a global marathon to raise awareness for dyslexia, the Phoenix Symphony serenades patients with dementia, and WonderWorks Orlando is doing wonders for people with autism!
Battling The Opioid Crisis, w/ Prof Bankole Johnson of the U of Maryland & HBO’s “Addiction” | EDB 114
In the second installment of a two part interview, Hackie Reitman, M.D. welcomes back Bankole A. Johnson, DSc, MD, MBChB, MPhil, FRCPsych, DFAPA, Dip-ABAM, Dip-ABDA, FACFEI, who heads the Brain Science Research Consortium Unit (BSRCU) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and is one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject of addiction.
7 Celebrities With Parkinson’s Disease
From actors to athletes to astronauts, we look at 7 celebrities that have publicly battled with Parkinson's disease.
Autism & the Movies: Please Stand By | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 33
(42 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS take a look at the new movie Please Stand By, starring Dakota Fanning as a young woman that is on the autism spectrum.
Toddler with Down Syndrome & Sister Sings “You Are My Sunshine” – Week in Neurodiversity (1/27/18)
(3 min 34 sec) A college student with dyslexia learned 8 languages, a new online service is helping children on the autism spectrum, and have you seen this viral video of a girl singing with her younger brother with Down syndrome?
Thinking Differently About Treating Alcoholism, w/ Professor Bankole Johnson of the U of Maryland and HBO’s “Addiction” | EDB 113
(27 mins) In the first installment of a two part interview, Hackie Reitman, M.D. welcomes back…
Mental Health & Relationships: the Stress of Dating Narcissists
Darlene Lancer discusses the mental health strains that can be caused by relationships with people exhibiting narcissism.
Could a Modified Alzheimer’s Drug Treat Symptoms of Autism?
A fusion of two drugs, going by the name “NitroSynapsin”, is proving quite effective in reducing autism-like symptoms in a mouse model.
Teen with Down Syndrome Hits Amazing Half-Court Shot – Week in Neurodiversity (1/20/18)
(3 min 20 sec) In this episode, wounded vets get to swim with dolphins to battle PTSD, firefighters learn martial arts to help battle stress, a teen with Down syndrome hits an incredible half-court shot you won’t want to miss, and more!
Autism, Apraxia, and the Oboe: Speech Challenges on the Spectrum
Dr. Brian Udell discusses apraxia in children with autism, and the ways to best assist a child in overcoming them.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Medical Ethics, with Danielle Paciulli, MA, DPS | EDB 112
(18 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman is joined again by Danielle Paciulli, MA, DPS,…
DC Comics to Highlight PTSD in Superheroes
At the recent “DC in DC” event, writer Tom King stated in a panel that the DC universe will now have a place where superheroes can deal with PTSD.