When Your Parent Has Parkinson’s
By Lisa Thomas McIntosh Dr. Jim Thomas – My Dad, My Hero Parkinson’s Disease may have taken his body, but it never took his amazing kindness and sense of humor. “Dr. Thomas was your father? I loved working with him.” At my dad’s memorial, I heard so many nurses and doctors tell me how much they […]
An Introduction to Group Therapy, with Dr. Scott Simon Fehr | EDB 188
Psychologist Dr. Scott Simon Fehr explains the basics of group therapy (18 minutes) Scott is a Licensed Psychologist and Mental Health Counselor, and an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). There he is part-time core faculty in the Departments of Counseling and Clinical & School Psychology. Scott’s expertise is in group and individual psychotherapy; […]
Battling Burnout | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 78
Spectrumly Speaking is also available on: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE: (43 minutes) In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts go guest-less to discuss common issues with experiencing burnouts, and offer tips to prevent it from happening. Here is the graphic Haley mentions: For more like that, […]
Breathing and the Brain, with Ed Harrold | EDB 187
(VIDEO – 23 minutes) Author, motivational speaker, inspirational, educator, and breathing expert Ed Harrold discusses the role breathing has in brain function and overall health.
Brain Benefits of Exercise for Autism & Learning Differences
Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer Daniel Stein discusses how exercising the body can be good for people with autism and other learning differences.
Nascar’s First Driver With Autism
(VIDEO – 3 min 30 sec) In this episode: law enforcement in Florida learns about autism, a library creates a care-kit for Alzheimer’s caregivers, we meet the first Nascar driver on the spectrum, and more!
The Differences Between Narcissism And Self-Love
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT explores the differences between narcissism and self-love.
InferCabulary: Improving Literacy with Semantic Reasoning, with Beth Lawrence | EDB 186
(VIDEO – 24 minutes) Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with Beth Lawrence, MA, CCC-SLP, speech and language pathologist and literacy tool InferCabulary.
Ability Beyond Disability, with Rachel Barcellona | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 77
(AUDIO – 31 mins) In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts welcome self-advocate Rachel Barcellona! Rachel recently made headlines as the first Miss Florida contestant to be on the autism spectrum.
Boy With Cerebral Palsy Wows With Halloween Costumes
(VIDEO – 3 min 36 sec) In this episode: a boy with cerebral palsy puts together an elaborate Halloween costume, a man dons a kilt to raise money for ALS research, and more!
Using Neurodiversity to Build Learning Communities with Social & Emotional Strength
Educator Felicia Mizgorski explores different learning intelligences and offers a game to help recognize them.
Is Your Dog More Emotionally Intelligent Than You?
Dogs can be highly emotionally intelligent, and thanks to the tips and tools in this article by Laura Berger, so can you!
The Path to Holistic Health, with Flip Aguilera | EDB 185
(VIDEO – 17 minutes) Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Holistic wellness coach Flip Aguilera. Flip discusses how he came to be a wellness coach, his philosophy for treating the whole person, and why basic purposeful movement is essential to our health.
Chicago White Sox Announcer On Life With Cerebral Palsy
(VIDEO – 3 min 6 sec) In this episode: a model with Down syndrome breaks barriers, Chicago White Sox commentator Jason Benetti discusses life with cerebral palsy, and more!
Supporting Autism Parents, with Dr. April J. Lisbon | EDB 184
(VIDEO – 21 minutes) Autism coach and mom Dr. April J. Lisbon returns to discuss supporting parents raising children on the spectrum.
Workplace Inclusion & Accommodations, with Marcie Ciampi M.Ed. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 76
(AUDIO – 55 mins) Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts welcome back Marcie Ciampi, M.Ed. to discuss workplace inclusion in recognition of October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The Inner Lives of Women with Learning Disabilities
Denise Brodey discusses the challenges women with learning challenges can have both hiding and sharing their diagnoses.
The Journey of an Autism Mom, with Dr. April J. Lisbon | EDB 183
(19 minutes) Autism coach & strategist, school psychologist, author, and mom Dr. April J. Lisbon discusses parenting kids on the spectrum.
Can Virtual Reality Treat PTSD?
(VIDEO – 3min 28sec) In this episode: a video of a teen with Down syndrome asking his girlfriend to homecoming goes viral, researchers are trying to treat PTSD with virtual reality, and more!
How Shame Becomes Toxic
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT explains what shame is, how it feels, and how it can become toxic.
Meaningful Employment & Autism: A Self-Advocate’s Perspective
Autism self-advocate Aaron Bouma discusses what he considers meaningful employment, and explores the challenges people on the spectrum face in finding it.
Dealing With Unwanted & Inappropriate Attention, with Autism Self-Advocate Amy Gravino | Spectrumly Speaking 75
(AUDIO – 42 mins) In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts welcome autism self-advocate Amy Gravino.
High School Student Creates Early Detection Tool for Parkinson’s
(VIDEO – 3min 38sec) In this episode: an 11 yr-old boy with autism finds an interest in photographing miniature cars, a high school student out of Virginia creates a diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s, and more!
Neurodiversity & The Law, w/ Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, Haley Moss, and more | EDB 165
(25 minutes) In this special episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. welcomes various legal experts and advocates to get their advice on how to best interact with the law, with Judge Ginger Lerner Wren, lawyer & autism self-advocate Haley Moss, and more!
The Indispensable Tools: Self-Compassion
Dr. Cholet Kelly Josué explains what self-compassion is, and how practicing it can improve our lives.
The Backstreet Boys Honor Fans With Down Syndrome
(VIDEO – 4 minutes) In this episode: a janitor’s comforting gesture for a student with autism goes viral, the Backstreet Boys gave the response of a lifetime to Down Syndrome of Louisville, and more!
Helping Autism Parents Through Preventive Medicine
Shaudae McMillan discusses the challenges autism parents have when seeking support for themselves, and offers tips to find it.
5 Fascinating Famous Figures with Schizophrenia
From Hollywood starlets to musical geniuses, Derek Dunston looks at the stories of five well-known historical figures that lived with schizophrenia.
What is REBT? with Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis | EDB 167
(VIDEO – 26 minutes) Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with psychologist Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis to learn about REBT’s role in modern psychology.
Parenting for Success on the Spectrum, with Sherry Moss | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 74
(AUDIO – 55 minutes) In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts welcome Sherry Moss – who just happens to be Haley’s mom – to talk about raising children with autism.
Rabbi with ALS Travels Across Country for Son’s Bar Mitzvah
(VIDEO – 3min 52sec) In this episode: a teen with autism is chosen as a brand ambassador for his favorite clothing line, a Rabbi with ALS travels across the country for son’s Bar Mitzvah, and more!
Differentiate Learning Using Multiple Intelligences
Public school educator Felicia Mizgorski explains how using differentiation in the classroom aids in utilizing multiple forms of intelligence amongst neurodiverse students.
Success with Dyslexia, with William Manzanares IV | EDB 181
(VIDEO – 25 minutes) Entrepreneur, author, and advocate William Manzanares IV of the Puyallup Tribe discusses how he succeeds with dyslexia.
Mental Health & Relationships: Loving an Abuser
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT explains why people fall in love with abusers, and offers steps to end abusive relationships.
‘It Chapter 2’ Star Bill Hader On His Battle With Anxiety
(VIDEO – 3 min 42 sec) In this episode: Down Syndrome of Louisville performs a tribute to the Backstreet Boys, Snow White makes the day of a child with autism, Bill Hader opens up about anxiety, and more!
How NAD Treatments Could Improve Brain Health
Certified addiction specialist Andrey Rossin discusses NAD, and the important role it plays in maintaining the health of our brains.
Jobs for the Neurodivergent, with Dr. Nancy Doyle of A&E’s “The Employables” | EDB 180
(VIDEO – 25 minutes) Dr. Hackie Reitman continues speaking with occupational psychologist Dr. Nancy Doyle to find out tips for successful neurodivergent job searches.
Living Racialized Autism, with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 73
(AUDIO – 60 minutes) In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts welcome Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, an Autistic woman of color, educator, writer, public speaker, parent, and global advocate.
Relating To Kids In a Way That Can Optimize Their Development
Lina Maria Moyano, Ed.D., L.C.S.W. covers some of the principles that can assist parents in relating to their child in a way that is optimal for the child’s development.
How Dolphin Therapy Is Helping Kids With Special Needs
(VIDEO – 3min 44sec) In this episode: a dolphin therapy program is helping those with disabilities, a young student lends a helping hand to a classmate with autism, and more!
Finding the Genius Within, with Dr. Nancy Doyle of A&E’s “The Employables” | EDB 179
(VIDEO – 23 minutes) Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with occupational psychologist Dr. Nancy Doyle to explore employment for the neurodiverse.
Are Your Selfies A Sign Of Narcissism?
A new study by Swansea University researchers observes an association between excessive posting of selfies and pictures, and a subsequent increase in narcissistic personality disorder.
Woman With Down Syndrome Becomes Mail Carrier For A Day
(VIDEO – 3 min 41 sec) In this episode: a woman with Down syndrome becomes a mail carrier for a day, a man with ALS raises over $50,000 for the ALS Association, a pair of kids help a boy with cerebral palsy walk & more!
Mental Health & Relationships: Why “Ghosting” Happens
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses 8 reasons “ghosting” happens, and offers tips for coping.
Neurodiverse Yoga, with Mikhaela Ackerman | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 72
(AUDIO – 28 minutes) In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts welcome back Mikhaela Ackerman to discuss autism-friendly yoga.
PositiviTeens®: Parenting Teens In The Digital Age
Sherry Kelly, Ph.D. discusses some of the signs that overuse of technology may be harming your teen’s emotional well-being.
Woman with Parkinson’s Surprised With a Service Dog on Good Morning America – W.I.N.
(VIDEO – 3 min 38 sec) In this episode: we meet an improv group made entirely of performers with Down syndrome, a woman with Parkinson’s was surprised with a service dog on Good Morning America, and more!
Six Celebrities That Have Openly Shared Their Experience with Depression
Derek Dunston looks at the stories of six celebrities that worked through their personal bout with depression, and kept going even when things were at their darkest.
Keeping Your Brain Healthy, with Cholet Josué, M.D. | EDB 178
(VIDEO – 23 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman talks with Dr. Cholet Josue, a psychiatrist, a neuroscientist, a physician, and author of the book “12 Unending Summers: Memoir of an Immigrant Child”.
The “Real” Wanda: Becoming an Openly Autistic Mom
Advocate Wanda Deschamps discusses the emotional challenges that led to her diagnosis with autism and PTSD, and how she is now happily succeeding.
Fighting Alzheimer’s Through Flag Football
(VIDEO – 3 min 40 sec) In this episode: the Philadelphia Eagles raise $475,000 for autism awareness, a group of women play flag football to fight Alzheimer’s, and more!
What Is It Like To Have Epilepsy?
Epilepsy self-advocate Tom McGranahan, Jr. discusses what life with seizures is like, and highlights the importance of staying positive.
Early Autism Diagnoses, with Brian Udell M.D. “The Autism Doctor” | EDB 177
(VIDEO – 23 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with “The Autism Doctor”, behavioral pediatrician Brian Udell, M.D.
Managing Stress | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 71
(AUDIO – 33 minutes) In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts go guest-less to discuss an issue everyone deals with: stress!
Overcoming Trauma After Abuse
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses how to deal with the traumatic aftermath of relationships involving abuse.
The Growing Movement for Sensory-Accommodating Airports
Derek Dunston takes a look at the growing trend for airports to accommodate the sensory-needs of neurodiverse passengers.
Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz Makes The Day of Fan With Rare Genetic Disorder
(VIDEO – 3min 33sec) In this episode: a personal trainer starts a program for kids on the autism spectrum, Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz makes the day of a fan with a rare genetic disorder, and more!
Embracing Autism in College
Eric Endlich, Ph.D., autism self-advocate, clinical psychologist, and founder of Top College Consultants, discusses strategies for maximizing the opportunities for college students on the spectrum.
Worry Less Now: The Three P’s of Anxiety
Laura Berger and Glen Tibaldeo highlight some of the main causes of anxiety, and gives some tools and tips to overcome them.
Surfers Help Man With Alzheimer’s Ride The Waves
(VIDEO – 3 min 32 sec) In this episode: a woman walks 500 miles to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis, a group of vacationers help a man with Alzheimer’s surf, and more!
NeuroGuides: Helping People With Autism Succeed, with J. David Hall | EDB 175
(VIDEO – 28 mins) In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with autism self-advocate and NeuroGuides CEO & founder J. David Hall
New Parkinson’s Research Further Establishes Link Between Gut and Mental Health
A John Hopkins medical research team has published new findings suggesting the possibility that Parkinson’s disease may very well originate within the gut
Animating Autism, with Dani Bowman | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 70
(AUDIO – 32 minutes) In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts welcome self-advocate Dani Bowman. They discuss Dani’s history in animation, her creative process, and ways other people on the spectrum can succeed in following their dreams.
Man With ALS Realizes Dream of Flying a Glider
(VIDEO – 3 min 33 sec) In this episode: a man with ALS goes glider flying, a teen recovering from a brain injury throws out the first pitch, and more!
No Place Like Home: Understanding The “Medical Home” Method of Medical Care
Sara Parvinian, M.D. discusses “Medical Home” – a new method of providing the best, affordable care to patients in comfortable settings and with optimized communication.
The Groundbreaking Lobbyist with Down Syndrome, featuring Kayla McKeon | EDB 159
(VIDEO – 16 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Kayla McKeon, the first Washington lobbyist with Down syndrome.
New Alzheimer’s Study Explores Neuroinflammation and How to Possibly Prevent it
A new study may shed a new light on the process of brain tissue inflammation and how to prevent it, which in turn help fight Alzheimer’s disease.
Graduation Audience Gives Silent Ovation to Sound-Sensitive Man with Autism
(VIDEO – 3 min 42 sec) In this episode: a 17-yr-old with Down syndrome receives her first job offer, a teen with autism receives a silent standing ovation at his graduation, and more!
Mental Health & Relationships: Avoiding Manipulation
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses manipulation within interpersonal relationships, and offers ways to identify the tactics of manipulators.
Ending Corporate Mental Health Stigma, with Jo Ann Marianne of NAMI Broward | EDB 174
(VIDEO – 16 minutes) Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Jo Ann Marianne, a mental health self-advocate and board member of NAMI Broward.
Independent Living Strategies, with Mikhaela Ackerman | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 69
(AUDIO – 29 minutes) In this episode, hosts Haley Moss and Dr. Lori Butts welcome author and autism self-advocate Mikhaela Ackerman.
Boy With Down Syndrome Meets His Disney Idol
(VIDEO – 3 min 35 sec) In this episode: a boy with Down syndrome meets his Disney idol, a high school student with cerebral palsy lands a job with the Carolina Mudcats, and more!
New Study Confirms Exercise Eases Anxiety, Anger, & Depression
University of Vermont lecturer and psychotherapist David Tomasi is working to show the treatment role exercise should play.
Noise Sensitivity On The Autism Spectrum
Autism self-advocate Eric Zimmerman discusses how he copes with noise sensitivity issues.
How Neurodiversity & Muscular Dystrophy Intersect, with Dr. Jennifer Jo Brout | EDB 173
(VIDEO – 24 mins) In this episode Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with Jennifer Jo Brout, Psy.D., NYC Chapter Director for the FSH Society.
New Study: Exposure to Nature in Childhood May Improve Mental Health in Adulthood
Research has recently shown that adults who were in close contact with a natural outdoor environment as children correlated to better mental health later in their lives.
How MLB Star Albert Pujols Made The Day of a Fan With Down Syndrome
(VIDEO – 3 mins 25 sec) In this episode, a summer camp teaches sailing skills to campers with autism, MLB star Albert Pujols makes the day of a fan with Down syndrome, & more!
8 Ways Listening to Music Helps The Brain
Curtis Dean offers 8 ways that listening to music can improve the function of our brains.
Parenting & Misophonia, with Dr. Jennifer Jo Brout | EDB 172
(15 mins) In this episode Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with psychologist & misophonia self-advocate Jennifer Jo Brout, Psy.D.
Can Therapy Help Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses whether or not therapy can be helpful to people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.