Uniquely Human: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Indigenous cultures often have a very different view of raising children who receive diagnoses of autism or other neurodivergent conditions. These differences impact how families and children are supported, but also may result in difficulties when families need to interface with non-indigenous cultural professionals and systems to acquire services that may be helpful. Barry and Dave discuss these issues with Grant Bruno and Otilia Johnson, two parent-professionals from indigenous cultures in Canada and the US. A particular emphasis in the discussion is on what non-indigenous professionals can do to better serve these communities, as well as what can be learned from indigenous values and beliefs about raising children.

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Two of the major priorities that are now being addressed in the autism and neurodivergent communities are the development of friendships and social relationships, and how to address bullying. Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Clinical Professor at UCLA, has focused on both of these issues over the past two decades, from a research as well as a programming perspective. She describes the PEERS program, now being implemented in over 150 countries, as well as bullying prevention with Barry and Dave.

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Strategies for Successful Transitions Back to School for Parents and Professionals a conversation with Dave and Barry

Supporting successful transitions back to school is critical for maximizing success for the whole school year. Join us as we throw back to episode 31st, where Dave and Barry shared a lively discussion about challenges and creative strategies to help children of all ages to get off to a good start in this coming school year.

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Challenges in emotional regulation, and appropriate supports and plans to address those challenges are among the most important aspects of the autistic experience. This concept was first introduced to autism in publications by Barry and his colleagues in 1990, and then as a core domain in the SCERTS Model framework in 2000. Barry and Dave discuss critical issues in emotional regulation, including self- and mutual regulation, and levels of support appropriate for persons of different abilities. Dave provides insights into issues he experiences with emotional regulation, and what has proven helpful for him.

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We have a discussion with Ros Blackburn, an autistic friend, colleague and international speaker from the UK who speaks with great insight about her autistic experience. In Barry's book, Uniquely Human, he shares so much of what he learned from Ros in their travel and presentations together, and Ros expands on her insights in today's discussion with great humor and candor. We surprise Ros when we are joined by the world-renowned actress, Sigourney Weaver, who played an autistic woman in the film "Snowcake". Sigourney modeled her role after Ros, and by sharing time together in the US and UK, they developed a valued friendship. Sigourney and Ros reflect on that time, and all they learned in the process.

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Michael John Carley discusses the great possibilities that sexual behavior offers for persons on the autism spectrum, based on his new book, “The Book of Happy, Positive and Confident Sex for Adults on the Autism Spectrum…and Beyond!” In our discussion, we touch upon the complexities that autistic people face when confronted with societally-imposed fear-based taboos about sex, and how to circumvent such problems to support full engagement in this most human of activities. 

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Spectrum Theatre Ensemble (STE) is a professional company of neurodiverse theatre artists, based in Providence, RI. STE was developed by Clay Martin, Artistic Director, in partnership the Trinity Repertory Company and Brown University. It was co-founded by a group of neurodiverse theatre artists with the belief that theatre provides a unique, collaborative venue that fosters societal understanding and inclusion. STE provides high-quality productions and sensory-friendly consulting. We interview Teddy Lytle, Community Engagement Director, and Daniel Perkins, company actor, about the culture, evolution and innovative activities of STE.

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Disclosure and self-advocacy for autistic people has become two of the topics of greatest interest in the autism self-advocate community, and for professionals, parents and family members as well. Although there has been much discussion, it is difficult to find specific guidance that is informed by people on the spectrum. We discuss these issues with Dr. Stephen Shore, who has provided some of the most specific and thoughtful guidance based on his own experience on the spectrum, and as one of the preeminent scholars in supporting people autistic and disabled children and adults.

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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.

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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.

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