“Stranger Things” Star Discusses Her OCD Diagnosis
Emmy nominated actress Shannon Purser has recently spoken out about body image, mental health, the power of therapy, and her recent diagnosis of OCD with People Magazine.
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Neurodiversity
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s at the Cellular Level, with Dr. Malav Trivedi of Nova Southeastern Univ. | EDB 93
(25 mins) In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. continues his conversation with Malav S. Trivedi, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University, and a researcher in their Center for Collaborative Research (CCR).
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Music as Medicine: The Effects of Music Therapy on Depression
Megan Baksh takes a look at recent studies highlighting the good listening to music can do in alleviating depression and anxiety.
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Finding Successful Employment on the Autism Spectrum, with Marcia Scheiner | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 20
(36 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Marcia Scheiner, the President and Founder of Integrate, formerly Asperger Syndrome Training & Employment Partnership.
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Can Dogs Sniff-Out Parkinson’s? – Week in Neurodiversity (8/12/17)
(4 mins 7 secs) In this episode, a deaf grandmother with dyslexia fulfills her dream of going to nursing school, Chicago Cub Willson Contreras surprises a 10-yr-old boy with Down syndrome for his birthday, and how are dogs learning to detect Parkinson’s? These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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Artist with Bipolar Disorder Utilizes Creative Process to Help Combat Symptoms
Creativity comes in many different colors for Jenna Line; an artist who battles bipolar disorder one brushstroke at a time.
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The Science Behind Neurodiversity, with Dr. Malav Trivedi of Nova Southeastern University | EDB 92
(26 mins) In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Malav S. Trivedi, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University, and a researcher in their Center for Collaborative Research.
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A Change of Perspective: Receiving an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult
Simon Lewin shares the story of his adult diagnosis with autism, and how it has given him a new perspective on life.
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Social Communication Challenges in Women on the Autism Spectrum, with Gina Moravcik, M.A. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 19
(32 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Gina Moravcik, M.A.. Gina is the owner of Sunrise Speech and Language Services and is a NY state licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist who has worked with individuals on the Autism Spectrum ranging in age from 2 – 65 years, in a multidisciplinary setting for 14 years, with an expertise in social communication assessments and therapeutic interventions.
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Bipolar Man Running from Rome to London to Spread Awareness
For a lot of people, Running 1250 miles over 65 days may seem unpleasant but not for Keeley. To him this is an opportunity to share his experiences and bring awareness to bipolar disorder so no one has to go through the lows of being bipolar alone.
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10 Year Old With Down Syndrome Wins Soap Box Race – Week in Neurodiversity (8/5/17)
(3 mins 54 sec) In this episode, a Parkinson’s support group is formed in Tennessee, Danny Seward performs an Elvis tribute for a birthday boy with Down syndrome, and a teen on the autism spectrum writes a children’s book!
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Competency Based Early Childhood Learning: Educating Different Brains
Bob Sornson, Ph.D. discusses what competency based learning is, and how it could help neurodiverse children succeed.
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Growing Up Autistic in France: Looking at the Spectrum Around the World, with Anlor Davin | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 18
(28 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Anlor Davin, autism advocate and author of the book “Being Seen.”
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Man With PTSD Triumphant in Battle to Keep Ducks
Darin Welker discovered that caring for a group of ducks has helped him cope with his PTSD, and now he has won a legal battle to keep them on his property.
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Kids Start Lemonade Stand to Raise Autism Awareness – Week in Neurodiversity (7/29/17)
(3 mins 45 sec) In this episode, children put together a lemonade stand for autism awareness, a woman with bipolar disorder talks about the impact of self-empowerment, and strangers come donate movies to a man with Down syndrome for his collection? These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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An Educator’s Guide to OCD in Children
Leah Davies, M.Ed. gives tips and tools for educators working with children that have OCD.
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What is Schizophrenia? with Lori Butts J.D., PH.D. | EDB 91
(11 mins) In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Lori Butts, J.D., Ph.D., the president and director of the Clinical & Forensic Institute, and previous president of the Florida Psychological Association, about Schizophrenia.
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Police Officer Gives Boy with Down Syndrome the Watch He Wore In The Marines
A police officer, and former Marine, gave a young boy with Down syndrome the watch he wore in Iraq after a day together giving food to the homeless.
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Finding the Right Fidget: Sensory Tools for the Autistic, with Shira Mechanic, M.A. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 17
(25 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Shira Mechanic, the autistic owner of Fidget Club, a company that sells fidget and sensory tools to busy the hands and free the mind.
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How Do You Measure Positive Impact? The Challenges of Advocating for Neurodiversity
Canadian ADHD and Neurodiversity advocate Shawn Smith reflects on how a recent presentation at a conference reinforced his concept of how to measure the positive impact of his work.
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Young Boy With Autism Starts Lego Jewelry Business – Week in Neurodiversity (7/22/17)
(3 mins 5 sec) In this episode, a boy on the spectrum makes a business out of Lego jewelry, the Down Syndrome Society of Tennessee puts out a dance video to get the attention of a celebrity, and a coffee shop employs those with disabilities! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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Denise’s List: Empowering the Parents of Children with Autism, with Denise Karp | EDB 90
(24 mins) In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Denise Karp, autism advocate and founder of the yahoo autism parent’s group Denise’s List.
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Reaching “Critical Mass”: Supporting Autistic Individuals to Achieve Their Goals
Aaron Bouma, a Canadian advocate with autism, explains how having a core group of supportive family and friends – a “critical mass” as he calls them – helped him overcome challenges growing up.
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Woman with Epilepsy First British Cyclist to Complete Ultra Marathon
Thirty-one-year-old Katie Ford is a cyclist with epilepsy who has become the first British rider to complete a 12-hour indoor track ultra marathon.
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Autism and Employment: Exploring Neurodiverse Working Relationships | Spectrumly Speaking Podcast ep. 16
(43 mins) In this episode, Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS and Katherine Cody, Psy.D. discuss navigating neurodiverse working relationships. The two discuss their own working relationship, explore common employment challenges for people on the autism spectrum, and highlight the benefits to businesses and individuals when neurodiversity is present in the workplace.
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Veteran Walks Across the Country for PTSD Awareness – Week in Neurodiversity (7/15/17)
(3 mins 17 sec) In this episode, parents design a water park for those with disabilities, a 17-yr-old with Down syndrome tells her story to the UN, and an army vet travels the country by foot to spread awareness for PTSD! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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Understanding Bipolar Disorder, with Dr. Lori Butts | EDB 89
(14 mins) In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Lori Butts, J.D., Ph.D., the president and director of the Clinical & Forensic Institute, and previous president of the Florida Psychological Association, about Bipolar disorder.
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Neurometabolism and Epigenetics: Understanding Neurodiversity Through a New Metabolic-Molecular Lens
Dr. Malav Trivedi discusses his research into the processes that may prove to be behind some of the differences in our brains: Neurometabolism and Epigenetics.
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Pioneering Advocacy for Women with Autism, with Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 15
(23 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with author and autism advocate Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D. The three discuss Liane’s diagnosis with Asperger’s syndrome, what led her to share her experiences through writing, the roadblocks that exist for women on the spectrum, and Liane’s heroes and inspirations.
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Netflix Previews New Series about Teen With Autism – Week in Neurodiversity (7/08/17)
(3 min 55 sec) In this episode, the trailer for the Netflix series Atypical premiers, a man with Parkinson’s walks again thanks to brain stimulation treatment, and a man asks his fiancé’s sister with Down syndrome to be his best friend forever! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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The National Down Syndrome Society: Protecting Civil Rights of Different Brains, with Sara Hart Weir, M.S. | EDB 88
(17 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Sara Hart Weir, President of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).
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Tennis As a Therapeutic Tool for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Lisa Pugliese, Speech Pathologist and the Founder and CEO of Love Serving Autism, discusses the ways tennis can help children on the spectrum develop important skills.
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Exploring Life After College for Women with Autism, with Gabby Cabrera | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 14
(29 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS discuss the challenges women with autism can face after graduation. They also welcome Gabby Cabrera, a young lady on the spectrum who herself is going through this life transition.
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Woodworking Helps Army Veteran Cope with PTSD
An army veteran plagued by PTSD has found not only a hobby in woodworking, but also s new business and an opportunity to raise awareness.
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Exploring PTSD in Firefighters – Week in Neurodiversity (7/01/17)
(4 min 12 sec) In this episode, a young woman sings a heartwarming song to her sister with Down syndrome, a volunteer firefighter looks to spread PTSD awareness, and a mother paints her face to spread autism acceptance! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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Living With a Sibling That Has Asperger’s Syndrome
In her first blog for Different Brains, Brooke Segal discusses growing up with a sister diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome.
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Young Man with Schizophrenia Educates Police
Twenty-three-year-old Connor Jackson is using his experiences with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD to train officers from a handful of Kansas police departments.
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The World’s First Tourettes Superhero, with Jess Thom of Touretteshero | EDB 87
(14 mins) In this episode, Hackie Reitman, MD. continues his conversation with Jess Thom. Jess was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at the age of 20, and is the co-founder of Touretteshero, as well as an artist, playworker, fundraiser.
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Staying Strong with Epilepsy
Epilepsy advocate Tom McGranahan, Jr. discusses the importance staying strong and persevering despite having a seizure disorder.
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Autism Advocacy in Australia, with Barb Cook of Spectrum Women Magazine | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 13
(28 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Australian autism advocate Barb Cook. Barb was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in 2009 and is Founder and Editor in Chief of Spectrum Women Magazine.
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Temple Grandin Discusses Growing Up With Autism – The Week in Neurodiversity (6/24/17)
(3mins 51sec) In this episode, tandem bicycling is helping those with Parkinson’s, Temple Grandin discusses growing up with autism, and how did a little leaguer with Down syndrome get to live his dream? These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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Community Replaces Stolen Bike for Child with Down Syndrome
In the Chicago community of Logan, a mother’s despair quickly turned into gratitude all thanks to her neighbors.
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Normal Challenges, With A Twist Of Autism: Growing Up On The Spectrum
Eryn Segal highlights the day to day challenges she faces as a young woman on the autism spectrum.
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What is Tourette’s Syndrome? with Jess Thom of Touretteshero | EDB 86
(20 mins) In this episode, Hackie Reitman, MD. speaks with British advocate Jessica Thom. Jess was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at the age of 20, and is the co-founder of Touretteshero, as well as an artist, playworker, fundraiser.
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Understanding Autism Through Science, with Alycia Halladay, Ph.D. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 12
(55 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Alycia Halladay Ph.D. of the Autism Science Foundation. They discuss research into the genetic components of autism, studying the occurrence of neurodiverse siblings, and the autism gender gap as related to the world of research.
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High School Student Overcomes Epilepsy and Becomes School Leader
Virginia Morrison’s unwavering resolve catapulted her into the role of a leader at Orange Park High, where she received high scores on exams, taking advanced placement and early college courses as well.
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‘America’s Got Talent’ Judges Wowed by Deaf Singer – Week in Neurodiversity (6/17/17)
(4 mins) In this episode, a teacher dyes his hair for a boy with epilepsy, a an 11-year-old with autism inspires others to overcome their fears by riding roller coasters, and a deaf woman gets a standing ovation with her performance on America’s Got Talent! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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Exploring Alternative Routes to Meaningful Income for Adults with Autism
Nick Venturella of AutismHR.com discusses how the “gig economy” can present income and experience to those on the autism spectrum that may otherwise be unable to find employment.
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Tips for Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury, with David A. Grant of TBI HOPE | EDB 85
(24 mins) Hackie Reitman, MD. continues his conversation with David A. Grant, the founder and publisher of TBI HOPE Magazine. David discusses advice on living life after a brain injury, the impact a TBI can have on a family, and how his injury has changed his perspective on life.
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Rock Steady Boxing: Knocking Parkinson’s Disease Down for the Count
Steve Dinnen reports on Rock Steady Boxing – a growing chain of gyms dedicated to helping people with Parkinson’s fight their symptoms.
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Autism and Transitions: How Women on the Spectrum Deal With Change | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 11
(40 minutes) In this episode, Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcomes her new co-host Katherine Cody, Psy.D. Becca and Dr. Cody discuss their histories together, the challenges related to transitions for people on the autism spectrum, common life events that can inspire those issues, and some tools for coping with changes.
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Young Man With Dyslexia Finds Passion In Beekeeping
Rupert Young Davies has always been interested in bees, and this fascination is leading the young man who struggles with dyslexia to start his own beekeeping business.
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Jay Leno Talks About Living with Dyslexia – Week in Neurodiversity (6/10/17)
(3 mins 57 sec) In this episode, Jay Leno talks about growing up with dyslexia, friends with Alzheimer’s keep their brains active through their love of trains, and a teen with Down syndrome receives birthday wishes from Lorde! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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New Art Exhibit Shines Light on Common Misconceptions of Mental Health
Ninety-nine unrecognizable faces representing the lives of those who live with the symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression, have been amalgamated with the faces of those who love them nonetheless, making it impossible for viewers to distinguish who is who.
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TBI Hope: Persevering After a Traumatic Brain Injury, with David A. Grant | EDB 84
(22 mins) In this episode, Hackie Reitman, MD. speaks with David A. Grant, the founder and publisher of TBI HOPE Magazine. David is a brain injury survivor that has dedicated his life to being an advocate for those affected similarly.
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Changing the Educational System for the Good of Different Brains
Bob Sornson, Ph.D. discusses the flaws in the educational system that can cause neurodiverse students to be poorly served, and gives tips on how to improve it.
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Making Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies Work for Women with Autism, w/ Beth Yurman, Psy.D. | Spectrumly Speaking Podcast ep. 10
Becca Lory and Dr. Lauren Gerber are joined by Dr. Beth Yurman to discuss the value of cognitive-behavioral therapies for those on the autism spectrum.
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How MMA Helped Amir Khan Overcome Tourette Syndrome
MMA Fighter Amir Khan went from a child bullied for his Tourette syndrome, to a strong and confident young man after discovering Muay Thai at the age of thirteen.
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Baseball MVP Kirk Gibson on Life with Parkinson’s Disease – Week in Neurodiversity (6/3/17)
(3 mins 52 sec) In this episode, a comedian uses his Asperger’s diagnosis to his advantage, fashion students hold a fashion show for children with Down syndrome, and former baseball player Kirk Gibson discusses living with Parkinson’s! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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Trauma, PTSD, and Codependency: How Life Experiences Affect Our Relationships
Darlene Lancer explores trauma’s influence on relationships, and the connection between codependency and PTSD.
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Uniting Physician Perspectives for Neurodiversity | EDB 83
(25 min 43 sec) In this special episode of Exploring Different Brains, Hackie Reitman, M.D. presents five previous guests discussing breaking down barriers in providing quality health care for those of us with different brains. Guests include Dr. Steve Perlman, Dr. Bankole Johnson, Dr. Allen Wong, Dr. H. Thomas Temple, and Dr. Steve Sulkes.
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Mother With Epilepsy the Focus of New BBC Radio Play
BBC Radio 4 is set to host the new drama titled “Slipping Through Time,” featuring Game of Throne’s star Ellie Kendrick as a young mom with epilepsy.
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The Difference Between Autism Service Dogs & Emotional Support Pets, with Pamela Kent | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 9
(43 mins) Becca, Dr. Gerber, and their guest, therapy dog trainer Pamela Kent, discuss the differences between emotional support dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, the role animals can play for a person on the autism spectrum.
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Father Creates Minecraft Safe Place for Kids With Autism – Week in Neurodiversity (5/27/17)
(3 mins 31 sec) In this episode, weightlifter with Down syndrome goes perfect in his competition, Shazam raises awareness for Alzheimer’s, and how has one father created a Minecraft safe place for kids with with autism? These stories and more in this week’s edition!
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Nestlé Raising 70,000 Euros for Down Syndrome Ireland
Nestlé’s staff in Ireland is looking to raise 70,000 euros for Down Syndrome Ireland in a new two year staff Charity of the Year partnership, involving over 700 employees.
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What I Learned at the United Nations on World Autism Awareness Day
Advocate Anita Lesko describes the experience of addressing the United Nations on World Autism Day, and the work being done to help those on the spectrum around the world.
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What Everyone Should Know About Epilepsy, with Tom McGranahan, Jr. | EDB 82
(17 mins) In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. discusses common misconceptions and important tools with epilepsy advocate and author Tom McGranahan, Jr.
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Gender, Sexuality, and Autism, with Leslie A. Sickels, LCSW | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 8
(32 mins) In this episode, hosts Lauren Gerber Ms. Ed., PSY. D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Leslie A. Sickels, LCSW. They discuss the importance of educating people on the spectrum about sex, the common misnomers society has about autism and relationships, and gender identity issue within the ASD community.
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Richard Branson Highlights the Potential of Young People with Dyslexia
Virgin mogul Richard Branson has penned an article defending young people with dyslexia, in which he argues that the diagnosis should be perceived as a sign of potential rather than a disadvantage.
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Man with Down Syndrome Retires After Working 33 Years at McDonald’s – Week in Neurodiversity (5/20/17)
(3 mins 42 sec) In this episode, McDonald’s honors an employee with Down syndrome after working for 33 years, a son sings with his mother suffering from Alzheimer’s, and a teen with autism who was once non-verbal is now studying for his Masters in quantum physics! These stories and more in this week’s episode!
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Autism and Speech Apraxia: Do Language Challenges Influence Behavior?
Dr. Brian Udell discusses a surprising new study that suggests there is no correlation between language deficits in children on the autism spectrum and their propensity to have meltdowns or perceived misbehavior.
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Living with Epilepsy, with Tom McGranahan, Jr. | EDB 81
(15 mins) In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with Tom McGranahan, Jr. Tom has epilepsy and is a tireless advocate for awareness of the condition, and is also the author of Under Siege: Epilepsy in the Open.
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Study Suggests Those with Autism Can Process More Sounds Simultaneously
A recent study suggests sound processing abilities in those on the autism spectrum may surpass that of neurotypical individuals.
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Different Brains and the Bottom Line: The Corporate and Social Value of Neurodiversity
Ira Bedzow discusses the benefits of integrating neurodiverse individuals into corporate environments, and how employees with different brains create stronger teams.
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Assessing Autism in Adults, with Dr. Katherine Cody | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 7
(31 minutes) In this episode, hosts Lauren Gerber Ms. Ed., PSY. D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Katherine Cody, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in full-time private practice thatoffers psychological and neuropsychological evaluations including Adult Asperger’s Assessments
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Doctor Raps for Concussion Awareness – Week in Neurodiversity (5/13/17)
(3 mins 28 sec) In this episode, a doctor raps for concussion awareness, a boy with Down syndrome opens up a cupcake shop, and Emma Stone and Michael Phelps speak about mental health awareness for the Child Mind Institute! These stories and more in this week’s episode!
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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.
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Discovering the Gifts of Different Brains, with Dr. Gail Saltz | EDB 80
(21 minutes) In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. continues his conversation with Dr. Gail Saltz, a columnist, bestselling author, podcast host, television commentator, and one of the nation’s foremost go-to experts on a variety of psychological and mental health issues. Her newest book is The Power of Different.
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Horses Provide Healing for Veterans Suffering from PTSD
Equines for Freedom, a non-profit organization, is devoted to helping veterans conquer symptoms of PTSD.
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A Mother’s Day Shout Out To Special Needs Moms
Mari Nosal, M.Ed. reflects on the sacrifice of special needs parents, and on the rewards of raising a child that has challenges.
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