Explore every episode of the podcast Uniquely Human: The Podcast

Dr. Mel Houser, MD, physician and founder of the All Brains Belong health care community, explains how current healthcare systems fail neurodivergent people. Dr. Mel explains how traditional healthcare settings create barriers that don’t accommodate neurodivergent needs, and how practices in All Brains Belong, guided by universal design principles, emphasize the importance of elevating lived expertise by telling patients “you are the expert in your body.” The discussion also covered how neurodivergent people often present with intertwined neuroimmune conditions that traditional 10-15 minute medical visits cannot properly address. Dr. Mel concluded by outlining three concrete changes needed in American healthcare systems.

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Episode 165

Pathological Demand Avoidance: The Lived Experience, with Kendahl Damashek

Barry and Dave speak with Kendall Damashek, a parent coach and expert on the topic of PDA. Kendall shared her personal and professional insights into PDA, explaining it as a survival drive for autonomy and equality rather than a pathology. She discussed the physiological and nervous system responses that individuals with PDA experience, emphasizing that these are not conscious choices but reactions to perceived threats to autonomy. Kendall addressed common misconceptions, such as labeling PDA behaviors as oppositional or defiant, and highlighted the importance of understanding the internal experience of those with PDA, and she provided practical strategies for parents and caregivers, including giving more autonomy, fostering equality, providing nervous system safety, and lowering demands.

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Episode 164

Autism Outdoors Utah:

An Innovative Nature-based Family Support Program

with Damon and Tarah Bryan

Damon and Tarah Bryan, founders of Utah Autism Outdoors, discuss how they created their nature-based program for autistic individuals and their families after their son's autism diagnosis. They discuss how their organization started with simple parent support groups and has grown to include outdoor activities like hiking, river rafting, paddleboarding, and yoga classes in nature. The conversation covered the therapeutic benefits of outdoor activities for regulation and sensory processing, the importance of creating safe spaces for families to connect without judgment, and how they incorporate siblings into their programming.

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Episode 163

ALL ABOUT NONSPEAKERS: REFLECTIONS ON AUTISM SPECTRUM NEWS ISSUE WITH AMY LAURENT AND JEN LEPAPE

The discussion focused on the recent issue of Autism Spectrum News dedicated to non-speaking individuals. Topics in the issue included common misunderstandings about supporting non-speakers, including the concept of presuming competence, the role of neuromotor issues, and concerns about communication authenticity and influence. The discussion highlighted that many non-speaking individuals can learn to communicate effectively through methods like spelling and typing, though it requires time and proper support. The guests emphasized that the issue contains 40 articles, including 17 authored or co-authored by non-speakers, covering topics from mental health to legal issues to practical support strategies, demonstrating the complexity of supporting non-speaking individuals beyond simple debates about authenticity.

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EPISODE 162

TWO DADS WHO CONNECTED WITH UNIQUELY HUMAN INTERVIEW BARRY. WITH BRAD BROYLES AND NATHAN PALMER, FROM THE POLARIS CONNECTION

This episode is a replay of The Polaris Connection, an autism parenting podcast hosted by Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer. In this episode, they interview Barry with specific attention given to how Uniquely Human has had a positive impact in the way they see their children and support their development. Brad and Nathan are also the founders of Polaris Academy. The podcast offers advice, expert insights, and real-life stories to help families of neurodivergent children navigate special education, therapies, and daily life.

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EPISODE 161

BEING “PATHOLOGICALLY GENUINE”: A DISCUSSION WITH DR. JIM COLEMAN

Jim Coleman, a semi-retired biology professor has had an amazing journey. He discusses his late diagnosis as an autistic person and his journey from feeling like “a banana slug transported into the Mojave Desert” to embracing his neurodiversity. He shared his teaching philosophy of helping every student reach their full potential, noting that over 200 of his students have disclosed being neurodivergent to him. Jim also discussed his work with his therapy dog Brea, who visits schools for autistic children and a community center for people recovering from mental illness.

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On Neurotypical and Neurodivergent Relationships: A Discussion with Dr. Cindy Ariel

Dr. Cindy Ariel is a psychologist specializing in neurodivergent and neurodivergent relationships, and in her discussion with Barry and Dave, she shares insights about the specific challenges and unique qualities of such relationships. Cindy emphasizes that successful relationships require both partners to focus on mutual compatibility rather than trying to fix the other person, and how allowing both partners to be authentic can deepen connection and understanding. Given that relationships are a huge part of Dave’s work, he actively contributes his perspective to the discussion with Cindy.

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Sleep Disturbances in Autism and Neurodivergent Conditions: A Discussion with Dr. Beth Malow, MD, Neurologist and Sleep Disorder Expert 

Dr. Malow, discusses how sleep problems affect approximately 80% of individuals on the autism spectrum and family members, emphasizing that improving sleep can positively impact every aspect of an autistic person’s life and the life of the family. She explained that sleep deprivation exacerbates existing challenges and can lead to irritability and impaired social communication, which are already core features of autism. Beth framed sleep as a “window” to help autistic individuals and families, contrasting this positive approach with the common tendency to focus on difficult behavioral patterns when sleep issues occur.

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Becca Lory Hector, an autistic self-advocate, has the lived experience of moving through different environments that afford different access to nature, and natural activities. She, Barry, and Dave discuss the benefits of immersion in nature and nature activities and contrast those benefits with the challenges of limited access. They also discuss the importance of awareness and modifying life routines with sensitivity to seasonal changes.

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Jordyn Montique’s personal and professional experiences created a passion for addressing cultural responsiveness in serving marginalized children with disabilities, and their families. Jordan, Barry and Dave discuss how essential it is to be in culturally, responsive, and for professionals to be aware of their own cultural biases in developing trusting relationships with children and their families.

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EPISODE 156

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN: HIS NEURODIVERGENT JOURNEY, AS SHARED BY AUTISTIC CHILDREN’S AUTHOR, SANDRA NICKEL

It is now widely accepted that Hans Christian Anderson, renowned Danish author of children’s books, was autistic. Sandra Nickel, an award-winning and autistic children’s author brings Andersen’s story to life in a beautiful book, “The Real Ugly Duckling”. Sandra, Barry and Dave discuss her motivation for writing her book, and the special qualities of his life’s journey that can be so enlightening and affirming for children, adults, and all people who have, or who even may not have neurodivergent individuals in their lives.

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EPISODE 155

CRUCIAL ISSUES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN AUTISM AND NEURODIVERSITY:

A DISCUSSION WITH AUTISTIC PARENT-PROFESSIONAL SARA BRADFORD (AKA SJ CHILDS)

Sarah Bradford (aka SJ Childs) is a parent professional, who has a wide range of contact with the autistic and neurodivergent community through her more than 600 interviews in her podcast and annual summits. Barry and Dave discuss a range of issues with her to tap into her knowledge-base and the ability she has to have a thumb on the pulse of areas of need, as well as future directions in supporting the community she is immersed in as a parent and professional.

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Barry and Jess Texeira have a discussion with Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, a special education teacher and author who shared her experiences as an autistic gestalt processor. Jamie explained how her holistic, relationship-based approach to teaching has helped improve outcomes for her students, particularly those who process language and information in a gestalt manner. She emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting students’ unique ways of learning and communicating, rather than trying to fit them into traditional academic molds. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by gestalt processors, including trauma and misdiagnosis, as well as the need for more inclusive and supportive educational practices.

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Barry and his guest David Kaufer engage in a “no holds barred” critique of the small group of naysayers who have challenged the rights of non-and minimally, speaking people to have access to their preferred and most effective modes of communication. David shares his knowledge from two perspectives, a dad whose teenage son has experienced success with assisted communication, and as an author and advocate for autistic individuals who has a sharp eye for calling out the misinformation and hypocrisy of those who challenge the lived experience of countless non-speakers, family members and professionals. As part 2 of this three-part series, we also specify how evidence-based practice has been misrepresented by the naysayers.

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The Application and Misapplication of Evidence-based Practice: Part 1 of 3 Episodes on Non-Speakers and Gestalt Language Processing

Barry is joined by Jess Teixeira, certified speech- language pathologist and a member of the Uniquely Human Podcast in defining and discussing the concept and practice of evidence-based practice (EBP). In particular, the discussion focuses on the application and misapplication of EBP specific to two issues of significance for autistic and neurodivergent individuals – approaches to support non-speakers, and therapy approaches for children who are gestalt language processors. This episode serves as the foundation for the two following episodes that address each of these issues in greater depth.

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Barry and Dave discuss neurodivergence across generations in a family, with Rebecca Rosenzweig and her mother Dr. Karen Carson exploring how neurodivergent traits have been present in both maternal and paternal lines, with Karen sharing her late-in-life diagnosis of autism and ADHD, while Rebecca discussed her diagnosis and the challenges of sensory processing differences. They share personal stories about accommodations and support within their family, including how Karen’s intuitive understanding of Rebecca’s needs helped create a supportive home environment. The conversation also covered the importance of recognizing neurodivergence without pathologizing natural behaviors, and the need to balance masking with authentic self-expression, particularly in different social and professional contexts.

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In this episode, I have a discussion with Saulo Barbosa, a 43-year-old Brazilian autistic police officer, to discuss his experiences and insights about neurodivergence in law enforcement in his home country of Brazil. Saulo shared how my book, “Uniquely Human” inspired him to transform his approach to policing and develop training programs that focus on understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. The conversation also addressed the impact of the book on Saulo’s life and work, including his current activities in training police officers across Brazil and the importance of autistic people connecting with each other

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Dave and Barry reflect on the themes and highlights from Uniquely Human: The Podcast in 2025, with their typical insight and good humor. They emphasized themes of collaboration and diversity among their guests. They address specific topics including the importance of early developmental support for neurodivergent children, educational inclusion, and cultural perspectives, while also touching on unique profiles and creative supports for neurodivergent individuals. The hosts shared personal insights gained from their guests and expressed their commitment to continuing the podcast in 2026, inspired by the knowledge and connections formed throughout the year.

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Matt Ross is a professional who has experienced success as an entrepreneur in different businesses, especially regarding music education. When his son was diagnosed with autism and high support needs, including co-occurring medical conditions, his life and that of his family changed dramatically. Barry and Dave and Matt discuss the decisions he made and the path he decided to take to deal with the challenges he experienced and to best support his son and family.

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An area of great interest is understanding the experience of highly sensitive people, also known as empaths. There are many overlapping characteristics of highly sensitive people with individuals who have neurodivergent profiles (with or without formal diagnoses). Dr. Judith Orloff is a recognized expert in this area and Barry, Dave and Judith discuss the best ways to understand and support empaths, as well as her new book for children, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit.

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This episode of the Uniquely Human: The Podcast features Nina Schiarizzi-Tobin and Vanessa Harwood discussing innovative supports for neurodivergent college students, highlighting the START program at the University of Rhode Island. The conversation explores common challenges neurodivergent students face upon entering college, the specific support needs, and how these compare to those of neurotypical students. The episode also delves into the mission of the START program and its role in fostering community and inclusion.

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As an occupational therapist with expertise in child development, Dr. Carrie Alvarado has the unique ability to discuss interrelationships between sensory processing and the development of trustworthy connections with young children. Carrie, Barry and Dave explore the implications of “sensoriaffective” integration in supporting parents of young neurodivergent children.

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David Rivera has experienced the need for, and benefits of mentoring in his own life, and has applied his lived experiences to setting up a non-profit for mentoring others. Barry and Dave discuss the various benefits of mentoring with David, and specifically, “Mentoring Autistic Minds”, the non-profit he has created that welcomes autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals to benefit from a community that provides opportunities for mentoring relationships.

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Kate Reynolds , also known as the Lavender Librarian, is the founder and director of Storytime Solidarity. Based in Ontario, Canada, Kate has been working in public libraries since 2010. She is also a sought after international keynote speaker, trained opera singer, patient advocate, writer, and content creator with a large social media following. Kate’s international advocacy has brought her to high-level events in Sweden, Hungary, Canada, and the United States. Kate holds masters degrees in musicology and library science at Western University as well as a bachelor of music in vocal performance at the University of Windsor. Openly disabled and autistic, Kate is working to make the world a kinder place, one storytime at a time.

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Julie Green is a professional writer, a mother, and is a late diagnosed autistic women. She, Dave, and Barry discuss what led to her late diagnosis, and the insights she has as an autistic person in raising her now teenage autistic son. Julie has also published professionally on parenting issues and discusses the process of writing a memoir that focuses on motherhood and autism, while simultaneously deepening her understanding of her own autism.

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As a parent, Daria Brown had some difficult decisions to make about choosing the right path for her young autistic child and her family. She chose a developmental relationship- based approach as it resonated with her as the best fit for her child. That choice led to a professional career in supporting parents, and also to her own late diagnosis as an autistic person. Barry and Dave discussed this choice with Daria, and how her journey has evolved.

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Barry and Dave engage in a lively and wide-ranging discussion with educational specialist, Dr. Shelley Moore, internationally known for her progressive and value-based approach for educating neurodivergent students, and indeed, all students. The focus of the discussion is on changes that are needed to help educational systems to be neuro-affirming, inclusive, strength-based, and respectful of different learning styles.

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Sam Young is a neurodivergent professional educator who has established Young Scholars Academy, an online community for 2E students and individuals who are exceptionally gifted and exceptionally challenged. Sam, Dave and Barry have a lively discussion on topics ranging from different learning styles, to limitations of public education for 2E students, to the highest priorities and strategies to support 2E students and individuals.

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EPISODE 138

The Development of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center – An Innovative Neuro-Affirming Community, with Rachelle Vartanian.

Rachelle Vartanian is the Founder and President of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center, a community that supports neurodivergent individuals and their families in many ways. She began her journey as a special education teacher, and then as a parent, who now has as an adult son on the autism spectrum. These experiences have allowed her to clearly see the priorities that are needed to support individuals like her son and others, and she, Barry and Dave discuss her journey and her innovative center.

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Tara Phillips, a speech-language pathologist and Founder of Autism Little Learners, interviewed Barry as a prelude to Barry’s keynote address on her podcast for the Preschool Autism Summit, with more than 40,000 professionals, parents, and autistic individuals registered. As Barry was so impressed by this interview, and given that he often receives requests for more specific information about his career path, he asked Tara for permission and she graciously agreed to allow this interview to be rebroadcast on Uniquely Human: The Podcast.

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To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the publication of Neurotribes, Barry and Dave reflect back on their friendship with Steve Silberman, who passed last year, by revisiting and discussing portions of their podcast interview with Steve in the Fall of 2021, the third episode of Uniquely Human: The Podcast. Filled with humor and reflections, our goal is to express gratitude to Steve for all of his contributions and the unique human he was, and to ensure that those who did not know him develop a deep appreciation for his profound influence on changing the narrative about autism and neurodiversity.

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Spin the Spectrum is an innovative, strength-based program music and DJ program for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Developed by speech language pathologist Courtney Willis, in collaboration with Jay Clipp, a renowned DJ, and Jah born, a Grammy award-winning producer, opportunities are provided for autistic and neurodivergent individuals to engage in music production and creative self expression. Barry and Dave chat with the Spin the Spectrum team about the development and the impact of this program.

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As a developmental pediatrician, Dr. Wendy Ross serves patients who are autistic and neurodivergent and their families, but her work goes well beyond direct clinical care. She believes in having an impact on community understanding, support and inclusion for all people with neurodevelopmental differences. Barry, Dave and Wendy discuss many of her initiatives in the community and at Jefferson Medical Center in Philadelphia, and the types of supports that truly improve quality of life for neurodivergent and autistic children and adults, and their families.

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Developmental relationship-based interventions have been around for many years, but have not received the level of attention that intervention approaches based on applied behavior analysis have received. Drs. Josh Feder and Andrea Davis, along with a number of colleagues, including Barry, are currently involved in collaborative efforts to bring greater awareness and funding to DRBI interventions. They discuss the justification and research basis for the work currently being undertaken to provide families with greater options for supporting their children’s development.

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As a mental health educational professional advocate, and as a black autistic mother of neurodivergent children, Dr. Destiny Huff brings her extensive knowledge of the law, her in depth, understanding of educational systems, and on the ground experience to her work. Destiny, Barry and Dave discuss the challenges that all parents face, but especially parents of color, in advocating for their child, while navigating the complications caused by various roles that parents may play in the process of interfacing with educational systems.

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Janeen Herskovitz has worn two hats over two decades, as a mother of an adult son and a daughter who are neurodivergent, and as a therapist and former special educator who supports families, parents and neurodivergent individuals. Initially, she took the path of attempting to cure her son and questioned if vaccinations caused her son’s autism, but then evolved into following a different path in understanding of her children’s conditions. She now uses her experiences and her training as a therapist to support others. Barry, Dave and Janeen discuss her journey.

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As a board certified cognitive specialist, author Bea Moise’s work with families and neurodivergent individuals is personally informed through her own lived experiences. Her newest book, Neurodiversity and Technology, presents clear strategies to support neurodivergent children with healthy technology use. In this high-energy discussion with Bea, we talk about neurodevelopmet, technology strategies, and how to navigate the use of tech at different times of day.

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Eric Garcia is one of the very few autistic and neurodivergent journalists on the national scene, based in Washington, DC and covering congress and the Trump administration. Barry, Dave and Eric discuss his role as an autistic journalist, and his coverage of Washington, DC politics, and current stories that impact the autistic and neurodivergent community.

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As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Ross Greene believes that many approaches that are used with students with challenging or concerning behaviors have taken the wrong approach to helping students learn and develop trust in their learning environments and others. As the founder of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model, his goal is to change disciplinary practices to practices based on deeply understanding each child or student’s perspective, and helping them problem solve through difficult situations that they face. Barry and Dave explore with Dr. Greene’s how his approach support students in more effective and respectful ways.

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As they have entered their fourth year as partners in Uniquely Human: The Podcast, Barry and Dave are still astounded by its success and how much our wonderful and loyal audience keep asking for more. But one perplexing question has remained unanswered, why does it work? Barry and Dave reflect on this issue, and believe the answer can be found, in part, by applying a neurodiversity lens. Simply put, Barry and Dave have different brains! And so do their wonderful guests! In this fun episode, we take a deep dive into a mini analysis of what Barry and Dave each bring to the podcast that is revealed by applying a neurodiversity lens.

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As a trans autistic man, and a social psychology professor, Dr. Devon Price is intimately familiar with issues of masking, and the impact that masking may have on the social and emotional well-being of individuals. In this episode, Devon, Dave and Barry delve deeply into these issues and discusses skills that Devon believes are critical for helping neurodivergent individuals unmask their lives and live more authentically.

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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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Neurodivergent children and their caregivers face unique challenges when a child needs to be brought into hospitals or similar medical settings. Unfortunately, many physicians working in emergency medicine and in hospital settings have little training in supporting children and families under the circumstances. Barry and Dave discuss these issues with Dr. Felix Kreier, an autistic physician working in Amsterdam, Netherlands, who has expertise and experience in working with neurodivergent children and supporting their caregivers, and who understands how critical the provision of compassionate and comprehensive care is, being neurodivergent himself.

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One of the most exciting areas of innovation over the past few decades for children and adults with communication challenges and their families is augmentative and alternative communication options. Barry and Dave discuss a wide range of issues related to AAC with Rachel Madel, a speech-language pathologist who focuses on AAC in her LA – based practice serving children and adult clients, and their families.

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Polyvagal theory has emerged over the past few decades as an important construct in psychology and neurophysiology to help explain human reactions, especially when a person is under stress. It addresses a deeper, neurological basis to for understanding fight, flight and freeze responses, that have been misunderstood for years when observed in neurodivergent individuals. Polyvagal theory also provides guidance for approaches to support individuals of all ages. Barry and Dave discuss polyvagal theory with Sean Inderbitzen, an autistic mental heah therapist who recently published a book on this topic, “Autism in Polyvagal Terms: New Possibilities and Interventions“.

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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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