Emotional regulation is being embraced by parents, neurodivergent individuals educators and therapists as an important concept underlying respectful and developmentally informed practices for supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals. As founder and Director of Children's Autism Services of Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Terri Duncan, CCC-SLP has prioritized emotional regulation as foundational to services provided to children and families. From these experiences, she has recently published a book focused on implementing services with emotional regulation as a priority. Terri discusses with Barry and Dave how emotional regulation has become so central to her practice, and to her center.

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Neurodivergent children and their caregivers face a unique set of challenges in ensuring that they have access to appropriate services supporting dental and oral health. Unfortunately, due to some of these challenges, many children grow up without appropriate supports, and experience long-term negative physical and mental health repercussions. Barry and Dave do a deep dive into these issues with Dr. Rose-Marie Daly, who has a high level of expertise and experience in working with neurodivergent children and supporting their caregivers, and who understands how critical dental and oral health is for each child and the family.

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Creating Connection in Drumming and Rhythm-based Activities: A Discussion with "Master Teaching Artist" Bob Bloom.

As a “Master Teaching Artist”, Bob Bloom uses drumming, rhythm and singing to create fun and engaging experiences for children and their families, and adults. Specifically, he provides programs to help all children, neurotypical and neurodivergent, become connected to others and their own internal rhythms in activities in schools, community settings and in a variety of venues. In this episode, Bob, Barry and David, all of whom are drummers and musicians discuss the various uses of percussion and rhythm in supporting engagement and learning, with particular consideration for children and individuals who may need extra support.

Learn more and find useful resources on our website 

Autistic advocacy is one of the most dramatic changes we are witnessing for autistic people and those with other neurodevelopmental differences. Julia Bascom, the Executive Director of The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), discusses the history of disability self-advocacy, ASAN’s mission and current priorities, and what needs to be done to change society’s inaccurate perceptions of autistic and disabled individuals. We also shift to a fascinating discussion of echolalia and language.

The language used in autism culture has a profound impact on perceptions of autistic people and family members. It can communicate respect, or cause mistrust. We discuss the importance of scrutinizing the language we use, and then recommend actions to make the language culture of autism more accurate and respectful, rather than judgmental.

One of the least understood, and most marginalized groups of autistic people are those who are non-speaking, or who have minimal or unreliable speech due to neurologically-based motor speech disorders. With advances in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), involving both low and high tech approaches, nonspeakers voices are now being heard, and what they have to say is shattering erroneous stereotypes about those for whom speech is not their primary mode of communication. Harmful beliefs about how speech and behavior are accurate reflections of a person’s intelligence and social awareness are being dismantled. We are joined by Ian Nordling, a young autistic man who is a multi-modal communicator who shares his perspectives about how he has benefitted from Spelling to Communicate (S2C), and Elizabeth Vosseller, who developed (S2C), an approach being used increasingly by non- speakers.

In the complex process of developing relationships, things can go so right in some situations and so wrong in others—right, when time spent together engenders trust and builds positive and collaborative relationships; wrong, when encounters create mistrust, suspicion, and even anger (typically for the parents, but sometimes for professionals as well). Autism is a passionate affair for all involved, and in this episode, Barry and Dave discuss some of the challenges as well as solutions for building trusting parent-professional relationships. 

In this episode, we will explore the multi-dimensional nature of the autistic experience in individuals who also may have identity differences related to race, gender identity and ethnicity. Our guest, Dr. Morenikè Giwa-Onaiwu shares her expertise and knowledge as an educator, prolific author, and tireless advocate, as well as her personal experiences as an African American mother of autistic children.

Carol Gray is one of the most respected and creative educators with decades of experience in supporting autistic individuals. Barry and Dave chat with Carol about her influential career and her philosophy about educating students on the autism spectrum. The purposes and the appropriate use of Social Stories, as well as how Social Stories have been misused are reviewed in a lively discussion.

There remains a great deal of controversy and divisiveness around how autism is viewed. This has a direct impact on the stigma that historically has become associated with the word autism or ASD. Is autism a "disease" that needs to be cured, or is it a human condition, characterized by strengths and challenges, that is as much a part of a person as is their gender and racial identity? Is it something that a person has, or is it more about who a person is?

Barry and Dave are joined by Dr. Richard Grinker to discuss his new book, "Nobody's Normal," and how culture has created a stigma of mental illness.

Barry and Dave discuss the process of building trust between autistic and neurotypical people. Barry shares 8 proven strategies to help clinicians, educators, and other professionals earn a trusting relationship with autistic people and their families.

Michael John Carley joins us to discuss the importance of respecting autism culture in school and at work.

Siblings of children and family members with autism and other conditions live and grow up in a unique space in their relationships within the family. Their lived experience may present challenges, as well as unique opportunities for growth in supporting their autistic or neurodivergent sibling. Barry and Dave engage in a wide-ranging discussion with Emily Holl, who is both a sibling and a professional who has focused on sibling issues for much of her life.

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Dr. Temple Grandin joins us to share her perspective on setting oneself up for success in a lifelong journey of personal growth. David LaFrenz shares the impact his work has made on him, and he receives this episode’s Enthusiasm of the Week! Award.

The holidays can be such a fun and spiritual time of year for a lot of us, but there are also challenges, especially if you or a family member is autistic. We hear from two guests with interesting perspectives on how to enjoy family time at the holidays in a neurodiverse family. Kristy Forbes joins us from Australia, and Dave’s wife Kristen spills the tea on their own family’s strategies for enjoying the holidays together. And, hear a special performance from our autistic friend, Conner.

Life imitates art and inspires the artist. Barry and Dave are joined by two parent-visionaries, Elaine Hall and Michael Kregler, to explore the value of neurodiversity in artistic expression, and the many roles artistic expression plays in our neurodiversity. We learn about The Miracle Project and hear from TMP veteran, Dom, about their new Broadway-On-Demand feature project.

Barry and Dave examine the potentially damaging dichotomy of so-called “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” autistic individuals. The hosts make a compelling case for eliminating these terms from our conversations about autism and autistic people. Clinical psychologist and father of an autistic Black man, Dr. Robert Naseef, joins us to discuss the effects of systemic inequities on underprivileged families dealing with autism and his burgeoning Fathers’ Group, which provides a comfortable environment for men to open up about their child’s diagnosis. And we bestow upon one lucky fan our Enthusiasm of the Week! award.

What are the indicators for quality of life for people with autism? How can autistic people build a more self-defined life, starting where they are now? Autistic autism consultant and speaker Becca Lory Hector shares her perspective on improving quality of life, as Barry and Dave discuss the indicators and factors that go into it.

We welcome bestselling science writer Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, to discuss building bridges of understanding between autistic and neurotypical people. Afterwards, we discuss the significance and value of autistic enthusiasms, and we present our first-ever Enthusiasm of the Week! award to fans Latrice and Terrence Hamilton.

Autistic autism advocate Chloe Rothschild lends her perspective on effective communication strategies, AAC, and interoception. Afterwards, Barry and Dave share important insights into the benefits of stimming as we reframe this classic behavior for parents, educators, and clinicians.

  <p>EPISODE 1 A Fresh and Uniquely Human Perspective on Autism</p>       Play the Episode…       …and Continue the Discussion     <p><em>Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.</em></p>     <p>1. Barry coined the term “Uniquely Human” to de-pathologize and reframe the way we understand autistic individuals and the autistic experience. In your opinion, does “Uniquely Human” help to achieve these goals of seeing autism in a different way? If so, why, and if not, why not?</p> <p>2. Barry and Dave see the Uniquely Human Podcast as a neurotypical/autistic co-equal partnership, as they each bring unique experiences and skills to the podcast. How is this approach emblematic of what we are learning from the neurodiversity movement? What are the potential benefits of such a partnership for listeners?</p> <p>3. Barry and Dave discuss the concept that autism is best understood as a “shared human experience”. How does this perspective contrast with more traditional views of autism, and how can this change your attitude and actions?</p>       <p>Featuring</p>           <p>Show Notes</p>   <p>Join Barry and Dave for the debut of Uniquely Human: The Podcast, as they deeply explore the broader meaning of the phrase, “uniquely human.”</p> <p>In this hour-long special episode, you’ll hear Barry describe how a lifetime of work has informed the necessary evolution of humankind’s relationship with autism and neurodiversity.</p> <p>Enjoy this special conversation as we set the stage for regular episodic content focusing on the most important topics in autism.</p>         <p>ACKNOWLEDGMENTS</p>     <p>Music</p> <p>Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records</p> <p>Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.</p>     <p>Production and Sound Design</p> <p>ELEVATEDSTUDIO</p> <p>Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.</p>    

Trailer for Uniquely Human: The Podcast

Play the audio…

Featuring

Show Notes

We are so excited to share this original podcast series, Uniquely Human: The Podcast. An expansion upon Barry’s groundbreaking book, Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism, this podcast is for autistic people and the parents, people, and professionals who love them. Enjoy the trailer, and we’ll see you soon!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.

Ezra is a major motion picture that tells the story of a family, across generations, that has a deep love for a young autistic boy. The film authentically conveys the challenges that a family faces when confronted with societal expectations and insensitive professionals who has little understanding or respect for a child that sees the world through a different lens. It also beautifully portrays those rarefied times when other people, even strangers, see the beauty, the honesty, and the inspirational qualities of a young child who has a strong sense of self, and approaches life with eyes wide open. Barry and Dave explore themes of Ezra with Tony Goldwyn, its director, Tony Spiridakis, writer of the screenplay, and Elaine Hall who is a casting consultant for the film.

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The history of autism is replete with diametrically opposed representations of the autistic experience as either a blessing, or a tragedy. These varying beliefs may be held by professionals, family members, and even autistic individuals themselves. Of course, such extreme views do not accurately portray the complexities involved, which often fall somewhere between these two extreme representations. Barry and Dave discuss such complexities with a goal of honoring the experience of each individual, as well as family members.

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Shannon Rosa and Carol Ann Greenburg are parent-professionals and partners in developing and sharing their on-line resource, A Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, one of the very first resources to provide valuable information to the autistic and neurodivergent communities. In their own words, the mission of TPGA is to be a a one-stop source for carefully curated, evidence-based, neurodiversity-steeped information from autistic people, parents, and autism professionals. They emphasize that autism acceptance is not merely noble but necessary—and are separate matters from the autistic and other autism communities’ never-ending fights for medical, legal, social, and educational accommodation. The goal of TPGA is “to help  fast-forward past society’s rampant autism fabrications and negativity, by providing clear, thoughtfully presented, balanced, and referenced information”.  Barry and Dave discuss TPGA in the context of Shannon and Carol’s experiences as parents, and as advocates for the autistic community.

Learn more about this episode and find useful resources on our website!

Episode 103 • Understanding Autism: A Discussion with Autistic Film Producer and Director, Scott Steindorff

Scott Steindorff, an accomplished autistic film producer and director travelled the world to make his new film, “Understanding Autism“. Barry and Dave discuss Scott’s personal experiences leading to his motivation and goals in creating this feature length documentary.

 

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Episode 102 - Insights into Neurodivergence Following Brain Surgery: A Discussion with Jacki Edry, Autism Advocate, Parent and Cancer Survivor.

Jacki Edry’s personal journey as a brain surgery survivor and parent of autistic and neurodivergent children provides unique insight into the neurodivergent experience. Additionally, her courage and persistence during her ongoing process of recovery, and her desire to help others based on her experience is an incredible story from which we all can learn. Jacki shares her journey with Barry and Dave, and all she has learned that may be of benefit to neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Find out more info and important resources on our website

One of the least understood, and most marginalized groups of autistic people are those who are non-speaking, or who have minimal or unreliable speech due to neurologically-based motor speech disorders. Nonspeakers’ “voices” are now being heard, and what they have to say is shattering erroneous stereotypes about those for whom speech is not their primary mode of communication. Harmful beliefs about how speech and behavior are accurate reflections of a person’s intelligence and social awareness are being discarded. We initially spoke three years ago with Ian Nordling, a young autistic man who has benefitted from Spelling to Communicate (S2C), and Elizabeth Vosseller, who developed (S2C). In this episode, we get an update on progress for non-speakers.

Learn more about this episode on our website! 

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We are celebrating our 100th Episode! We couldn't have done this without you, our Uniquely Human Community. Thank you! 

Love on the Spectrum is an Emmy award-winning Netflix reality TV show that follows young adults on the autism spectrum as they explore dating, love, and relationships. The show is based on an Australian version of the same name. Dave and Barry join Elaine Hall, who consults to the show and helped with casting, and with Steve and David, two autistic cast members, in a discussion of their experiences on the show, and the importance of relationships in their lives.

Learn more about the episode on our webstie!

A great and harmful myth perpetuated for decades is that autistic people are incapable of deep connection, empathy, and loving relationships with others. Over the years, diagnostic criteria have included wording to this effect. We now know that this generalization is inaccurate, largely due to an understanding that autistic children and adults may “show up” in different ways in relationships. As with all people, however, the desire to connect and develop trusting and loving relationships is clearly a part of the autistic experience. Dave and Barry discuss these issues from a historical, clinical, and first person perspective.

Find out useful resources and learn more on the episode's website!

As a deeply reflective, and insightful individual, Becca Lory Hector has constructed a life and career of sharing what she has learned about growing up autistic, without a diagnosis until adulthood. With her engaging new autobiographical work, she once again demonstrates that lived experience is the best teacher, especially when shared generously with others who benefit from her wisdom. Becca, Dave and Barry have an engaging discussion that amplifies important issues of great interest for parents, professionals and autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

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Temple Grandin on Understanding Different Minds: Its importance in Education, Life Skills and Eventual Employment for Younger Autistic Individuals

One of the many groundbreaking contributions that Dr. Temple Grandin has made in her career is increasing awareness of different learning styles demonstrated by autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Her work has been applied in enhancing employment opportunities and education for older autistic individuals, but less so for younger children. In her new book, Different Kinds of Minds, she reaches out to younger children, their families and educators on this essential topic. In this far-reaching discussion, Barry, Dave and Temple discuss the longer term implications of her work for autistic individuals, and society in general.

Learn more and find useful resources on our website

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in a range of medical conditions experienced by individuals diagnosed with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, diagnosed and undiagnosed, may present with complex conditions that cause considerable discomfort and pain, and that have a significant detrimental impact on quality of life. In some cases, concerns about medical conditions may be the “gateway” issues that lead to a diagnosis of autism, in previously undiagnosed individuals. However, many physicians are not trained to explore the complex and at times, puzzling interactions between medical conditions and neurodivergence. Dr. Lenz, with a career of “in the trenches” expertise, discusses these issues with Barry and Dave with a focus on compassionate medical care and life-style changes that best support autistic and neurodivergent people.

 

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Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral, both neurodivergent professionals and parents of neurodivergent children bring a unique perspective to the challenges and gifts of raising children of color. Based on their new book, Parenting at the Intersections, we discuss the barriers that families of color face over and above those encountered by all families who have children with neurodevelopmental differences, as well as all that can be learned in each family’s journey.

Find out more about the episode, and useful resources, here

How to Dance in Ohio is a heart-filled new musical that explores what it means to belong, the courage it takes to put yourself out in the world, and the universal need to connect. The musical follows the challenges and triumphs faced by a group of seven autistic young adults at a counseling center in Columbus, Ohio. The center arranges a spring formal dance, and encourages them as they encounter love, fear, stress, excitement, and hope along the path to human connection. We speak with Linda J. Walder, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation that honored the cast and crew with the DJF Foundation Adult Autism award, and with Rebekah Greer Melocik, book author and lyricist, and Nicole D’Angelo, Assistant Music Director and member of the show’s access team.

 

Learn more and find useful resources on our website!

In his first description of autism, Leo Kanner noted that “insistence on preservation of sameness” was a distinguishing characteristic of autistic individuals. This may be manifest in a number of characteristics including “resistance to change”  and the need to maintain routines that have been established in daily activities. Often such patterns may be manifest throughout the lifespan and too often, are described primarily as problematic and as a “symptom” of autism. But what if rather than viewing “control” through the lens of pathology, we consider the “deep why”. That is, from the perspective of the person who is viewed as controlling, what functions might be served by such patterns? Barry and Dave discuss the issue of control from their own personal experiences. 

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Autistic and other neurodivergent people of all ages are vulnerable to many factors, both internal and external, that may lead to anxiety and phobias. Dr. Karen Levine’s publications and clinical innovations have directly addressed these challenges in respectful and insightful ways. We discuss ways to understand such challenges and provide support based on a deeper understanding of the experiences shared by autistic individuals and neurodivergent individuals. Karen discusses her approach focusing on relationships, affective support, and the use of humor in co-regulation .

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One of the most challenging behavioral patterns observed in neurodivergent individuals with developmental challenges (and, in fact, all children!), is when they verbally or nonverbally communicate “NO”. In fact, the term “Non-compliance” has been the most frequently used phrase when characterizing refusal or protest behavior, and such behavior most often raises the “ire” of an adult partner. In approaches that focusing only on the surface behavior, and do not explore the “deep why”, reducing “non-compliant” behavior is often targeted in behavior plans for children.  However, when a child communicates “NO”, the picture may be much more complex than it first appears. In this first episode or our de-pathologizing series, Barry and Dave explore these complexities.

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Dr. Mary Doherty founded Autistic Doctors international to unify autistic voices who work in medical and health care to “have a seat at the table” in establishing policies and practices sensitive to the needs of neurodivergent individuals. She believes that the lived experience of autistic professionals is essential to shift medical and healthcare practices to be more effective and neuroaffirming. Barry and Dave discuss these issues with Mary.

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Amanda Diekman discusses and provides examples of the approach she refers to as “Low Demand Parenting” and presents this approach in contrast to advice often given to parents of autistic and other neurodivergent children. With her lived experience as a mother of three neurodivergent children, and as an autistic person, she challenges many mainstream beliefs about raising children, especially those who are defined as having behavioral patterns perceived as problematic by others. Her work prioritizes building trusting relationships focused on supporting the emotional growth and well-being of children.

Find out more about this episode here

It is widely recognized, but unfortunately, that most attention is paid to understanding and supporting autistic individuals in their childhood years, but much less so in middle-aged and older individuals. The result is a critical need for understanding of the experience of autism in older and late-diagnosed individuals, both from a research and support need perspective. These issues are discussed with Christine Jenkins, an autistic advocate and professional with expertise and personal experience in this much needed area of focus.

Dive deeper into this episode, with useful resources, on our website

One of the most important cutting-edge discoveries for autistic and neurodivergent individuals is that non-speakers, many of them previously thought to be intellectually disabled and non-communicative, are now able to demonstrate their knowledge and share their experiences through supported communication. With their guest, psychology professor Dr. Vikram Jaswal, Barry and Dave discuss recent research and our evolving understanding of non-speakers who were and still are so misunderstood. 

 

Learn more about Vikram's work and find valuable resources on our website. 

Dr. Peter Vermeulen, a Belgian Psychologist, is an important international voice in his constructive criticism of popular views on understanding the autistic experience. He is one of the rare professionals who dedicates much of his time and effort to applying the most recent research on human cognition to thinking deeply about the inner experiences of autistic people. And he does so in the service of making direct links to implications and strategies for support. In this episode, Barry and Dave discuss some of Peter’s thought-provoking perspectives.

Explore more useful resources on this episode's website

The experience of autism creates complex relationships for many in a shared community, that can result in misunderstandings and even anger directed to others. People in these relationships include autistic individuals, parents, family members, educators, therapists, and many significant others. That said, there is also great potential for loving, mutually supportive and trusting relationships, but that takes work. Elaine Hall wears many hats, as a neurodivergent parent-professional, author, speaker, and consultant in film and TV. Despite significant barriers for her and her son, she has navigated and has thrived on her journey with grace and deep gratitude that is a gift to so many. Dave and Barry join Elaine in a discussion of the experience of feeling gratitude, and the importance of sharing those feelings with others.

Learn more and find resources on the episode's website

An understanding of the experiences of non-speakers, or those with minimal speech, is an essential part of the neurodiversity movement. With the appropriate supports, including AAC technology, non-speakers who were silent for years, are now capable of sharing their experiences and their feelings about being misunderstood and too often mistreated. Elizabeth Bonker, a non-speaking autistic woman, discusses her journey and her commitment to educating society and supporting the millions of neurodivergent non-speaking individuals, so many of whom have so much potential to contribute to an inclusive, humane society when provided with effective means to communicate.

Note from the hosts: Questions were submitted to Elizabeth ahead of time due to the length of time it takes to formulate and type responses. This is a common procedure when non-speakers are asked to respond to interview questions or are on panels and giving presentations at conferences.

Learn more about this powerful episode and find out great resources here

Chris Antao is the lead Surf Therapist, Trainer and EMT at his non-profit, Gnome Surf Therapy.  He has grown Gnome Surf into the fastest growing Surf Therapy Organization globally. As founder and Executive Director, Chris has completed over 3,000 hours surfing with athletes of various ages and abilities, making him one of the most experienced Surf Therapists globally. He was an early contributor to the International Surf Therapy Organization, where he helped mold best practices in surf therapy. He majored in Psychology at Sacred Heart University with a focus on Child Development.  Since then, Chris has established Gnome Surf as a strong value-based organization for children and adults of all abilities focusing on inclusion, acceptance, diversity and equality.

 

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Jory Fleming is an accomplished academic, a Rhodes Scholar and a delightful person who has many interests and passions. He also has a unique ability to reflect on his own thought processes and discuss the complexities of the autistic mind in a manner that is both engaging and enlightening. Barry and Dave have a fascinating discussion with Jory about his personal journey, and his deep interests and special talents in a manner that provides helpful insights into understanding the autistic experience and supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals. 

Check the episode's website here

EPISODE 83 -  A Discussion with Terra Vance: Autistic Social Activist and Founder of NeuroClastic 

Terra Vance discusses her work in developing NeuroClastic, the social justice on-line community that brings awareness and action to many social justice issues faced by neurodivergent and marginalized individuals. In this episode, she shares her background leading to her focus on social justice issues, and her current efforts to support individuals who too often have few resources to experience and obtain equitable support and justice.

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John Summers is an historian, and the father of a 12-year-old autistic son. He holds strong feelings about Applied Behavior Analysis after many years of stressful experiences for his son, and for him as a father. He also has major concerns about the institutionalization of ABA in autism treatment, and bureaucracies that hold significant power over how disabled individuals are educated and treated. John discusses these issues from the perspective of an historian interested in the development and domination of systems for disabled people, that are too often dehumanizing , as well as the from his experience as an engaged and loving father working to do the best for his son.

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