Uniquely Human: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Gestalt language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition: A Discussion with Marge Blanc, CCC-SLP, and Alex Zachos, CCC-SLP

Gestalt language processing and natural language acquisition are topics that have received a great deal of attention in recent years, grounded in research that goes back to the 1970s. These concepts have helped to explain and describe a process, often observed in autistic children and those with other neurodevelopmental conditions, in children move from the early use of echolalia to self-generated conversational use of language. Marge and Alex join Barry in a discussion of the history and current status in understanding children who demonstrate these patterns of language acquisition, in order to assist professionals and parents in supporting such children.

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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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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.

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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.

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.