Genetic Markers May Help Scientists Treat Schizophrenia & Bipolar
Scientists at the Van Andel Research Institute have located a region of vital genetic control markers called epigenes that may help bring about more effective screening methods and treatments for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
What Parents Should Know About Autism & Sexuality, with Amy Gravino | EDB 169
(VIDEO – 27 mins) Dr. Hackie Reitman talks with autism and sexuality expert Amy Gravino. Amy discusses her diagnosis, the deficit in sex education for people on the spectrum, and some of the challenges women with autism face in the community.
Becoming a General Pediatrician for Neurodiverse Children
Sara Parvinian, M.D. discusses becoming a pediatrician, and highlights the important role treating patients with special needs should play for every doctor.
Down Syndrome’s Latest 3 Year Old Ambassador!
(3 min 24 sec) In this episode: a 3-yr-old with Down syndrome becomes the latest international ambassador, a fourth grade student opens up to his class about autism, and more!
Mapping of Melatonin Receptors Leading to Better Insomnia Treatments
Through the mapping of these receptors and how they activate, researchers in the future may be able to produce safer, more efficient drugs for insomnia.
Understanding REBT, with Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis | EDB 168
(26 min) Psychologist Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis continues discussing REBT, while looking at how how mindfulness and self-reflection play a role in our health.
Preparing for the True Costs of Alzheimer’s Care
Julia Merrill looks at some ways to anticipate the costs and requirements of medical and long-term care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
‘Game of Thrones’ Star Sophie Turner Discusses Depression
(3 min 20 sec) In this episode: Al Roker discusses raising a son with special needs, Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner discusses mental health, and more!
New Misophonia Study May Lead To Official Diagnosis
The work of University of Iowa assistant research scientist, Phillip Evan Gander, and his research team, may be bringing misophonia closer to an official diagnosis.
Highlighting Strong Women in Zoom Autism Magazine, with Jodi Murphy | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 65
(38 mins) In this episode, host Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and guest co-host Haley Moss welcome Jodi Murphy, founder and CEO of Geek Club Books and one of the original co-founders of Zoom Autism Magazine.
Texas Brothers Turn Dares Into Dollars For Alzheimer’s
(3min 44sec) In this episode: a pair of brothers find interesting ways to raise money for Alzheimer’s awareness, ‘Born This Way’ Star Sean McElwee is breaking down barriers for those with Down syndrome, and more!
Mental Health & Relationships: How to Leave a Narcissist or Abuser
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT offers tips for overcoming self doubt while ending relationships with narcissistic or abuse partners.
The Fusion of Neuroscience and Self-Cultivation, with Gabriel Axel Montes | EDB 157
(26 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Gabriel Axel Montes, educator, scientist, and founder of Neural Axis.
University Officials Take Stand Against Concussions in Football
Regents at the University of Colorado spoke openly against a newly hired coach who supports a style of football linked to an increased incidence of concussions.
How Traveling Has Helped my OCD
Autism self-advocate Eric Zimmerman discusses the challenges posed by his co-occurring OCD, and how traveling has forced him to find way around his obsessive thoughts.
What is Dystonia?
Dystonia is the third most common movement disorder, behind essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease, and is currently estimated to affect the lives at least 250,000 adults and children in North America, alone.
My Bout With A Brain Injury, featuring Clay Moyle | EDB 166
(26 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman talks with brain injury survivor Clay Moyle.
Our Autism Journey with a Canine Companion
Pamela Minelli details how a canine companion changed the life of her son with autism.
Autism in Speculative Fiction, with Ada Hoffmann | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 64
(22 mins) In this episode, host Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and guest co-host Haley Moss welcome author and autism self-advocate Ada Hoffmann.
Singer Billie Eilish Discusses Having Tourette’s
(3 min 27 sec) In this episode: a PDQ employee with Down syndrome becomes a documentary star, singer Billie Eilish opens up about Tourette’s on Ellen, a group of skaters make the day of a young boy with autism, and more!
We Belong: Honoring Neurodiverse and Specially Abled Musicians
Musician and educator Joseph S. Lento share his new project for highlighting the accomplishments of specially abled musicians: the We Belong Performing Arts Virtual Hall of Fame.
Can Electrostimulation Reverse Memory Loss?
Neuroscientists at Boston University have found a way to restore working memory in senior citizens, at least for a time, using electrostimulation.
Low-Cost (and Easy) Solutions for Aging in Place
Here are a few ways to make your home more senior-friendly, and help prevent some of the most common injuries.
Groundbreaking Research Suggests Link Between Schizophrenia and Gut Bacteria
After a five year study, State University of New York Upstate Medical researcher Julio Licinio of Syracuse, New York, and his international research team, have made groundbreaking findings that could revolutionize current methods of schizophrenia treatment.
Autism, Restraints, & The Law, with Kimberley Spire-Oh | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 63
(33 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome special needs attorney and autism mom Kimberley Spire-Oh.
Need-Fulfillment: the Key to Happiness
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT explains how meeting our needs may be the key to happiness.
5 Year Old With Down Syndrome Becomes International Ambassador
(3 min 33 sec) In this episode: a California boy with Down syndrome becomes an international ambassador, a retired neurologist talks early Alzheimer’s awareness, a high school looks to honor a volunteer with special needs, and more!
Boy with Autism Attended Oxford at Age 6, Now Looks to Change the World
Joshua Beckford, a boy from Tottenham, England with high-functioning autism, was the youngest person ever to attend Oxford University at only six years old and aims to become a neurosurgeon.
The Professional Advantage of Neurodiversity, with Marcie Ciampi M.Ed. | EDB 164
(18 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman talks again with Marcie Ciampi, author, educator, and community manager/lead job recruiter at ULTRA Testing.
Developing Healthy Relationships for Young Adults with Autism & Learning Differences
Pilar Page, MSW and Mike Vaughn, M.Ed. of the College Internship Program (CIP) highlight how through healthy communication, young adults with autism and other learning differences can effectively develop healthy relationships within their community.
Making Hip-Hop Accessible to the Hearing Impaired
( 3 min 35 sec) In this episode: a 17 year old inventor makes an app to help his brother with Down syndrome make friends, a hip-hop artist looks to make music for the hearing impaired, a boy with dyslexia writes a poem that goes viral, and more!
Blood Test May Help Identify & Treat PTSD More Effectively
Indiana University School of Medicine Psychiatry professor Alexander Niculescu, MD is leading the way for developing a blood test to create an accurate blood test for PTSD.
Everyday Asperger’s: Crafting a Life on the Autism Spectrum, with Samantha Craft | EDB 163
(24 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman talks with Marcie Ciampi M.Ed., otherwise known as Samantha Craft – autism self-advocate, author, and educator.
Autism in April | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 62
(27 minutes) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory Hector, CAS, BCCS go guest-less to answer the question: do we still need a month devoted to autism?
How Dance Is Helping People With Down Syndrome
(3 min 19 sec) In this episode: an adaptive dance program is offered for adults with Down syndrome, a trampoline park helps children with autism, vision impaired sports fans are given the full experience of a live game, and more!
Sesame Place® Opens First Certified Autism Center Theme Park
Partnering with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, Sesame Place® has officially became the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center.
Neurotoxicants & Neurodiversity, with Marcia Ratner, Ph.D. | EDB 162
(24 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Dr. Marcia Ratner, world-leading neurotoxicologist and research scientist at the Boston University School of Medicine.
The Evolutionary Advantages of Mental Illness
Comedian and mental illness self-advocate Frank King discusses how he feels the abilities that come along with neurodiversity may have roots in our ancestors.
People With ADHD More Likely to Think Outside the Box
Recent studies show that individuals with ADHD have a higher likelihood of thinking much more creatively than those without.
Selma Blair Discusses Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
(3 min 30 sec) In this episode: actress Selma Blair opens up about her battle with multiple sclerosis, a baton helps visually impaired musicians, a surgeon with Tourette’s hopes to inspire others, and more!
Different Brains’ Tools For Success, with Mark Davis | EDB 161
(25 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with entrepreneur Mark Davis. The two discuss Mark’s keys to success, and cover tools for accomplishing tasks and maximizing potential.
5 Self-Care Activities You Can Do as a Family
When you imagine self-care, you probably picture solo activities such as taking a long bubble bath or going for a run. And if you’re a parent, your next thought is probably how to go about accomplishing these feats, as you don’t have time for anything. But the truth is, self-care doesn’t have to be solitary!
Maximizing Talent, with Swathi from Designs By Siri | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 61
(18 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome Swathi Chettipally from Designs By Siri to discuss highlighting the talents of people on the spectrum.
Man With Parkinson’s Sails The Great Lakes – W.I.N.
The Week in Neurodiversity The Neurodiversity News Show, hosted by the Different Brains Inc. interns. Today’s host: Adrienne Sassano (3 min 10 sec) In this episode, a basketball player with autism plays the game of his life, a man with Parkinson’s sails the Great Lakes with his wife, we watch a 10 year old with […]
Father & Son Bring Heavy Metal to Cerebral Palsy Awareness
Mason McDeid has been living with a difficult case of Cerebral palsy since birth, but since his father introduced him to heavy metal music the two have been using it to soothe symptoms and raise awareness!
Florida’s First Openly Autistic Lawyer, with Haley Moss | EDB 160
(18 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Haley Moss, the first openly-autistic lawyer in Florida.
Mental Health On The Autism Spectrum: a Self-Advocate’s Perspective
Autism self-advocate Aaron Bouma discusses the importance of caring for mental health to avoid “autistic burnout”.
Teen With Apraxia Becomes Beloved Mascot – W.I.N.
(3 min 45 sec) In this episode, a counselor looks to help students with ADHD find their superpowers, a high school student with apraxia becomes a beloved mascot, the National Down Syndrome Society dispels myths in an inspirational video, and more!
What is a Covert Narcissist?
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT explains the characteristics of covert narcissists, and looks at their impacts on relationships.
Surgeon with Tourette Syndrome Works to Cure Cancer
Dr. Wilson Tsai is a board certified thoracic surgeon who specializes in removing people’s cancer through the use of robotically assisted surgery – and he just happens to have Tourette syndrome.
Becoming a Lawyer With Autism, with Haley Moss | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 60
(22 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome attorney, artist, author, and autism self-advocate Haley Moss.
Blind Basketball Player With Cerebral Palsy Makes Amazing Shot
(3 min 30 sec) In this episode: a man with Parkinson’s donates $100,000 for St. Joseph’s, an entrepreneur with Down syndrome has her jewelry business explode, a blind high school basketball player with cerebral palsy hits an amazing shot, and more!
Computers May Soon Detect Depression in Your Voice
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have been studying and refining computer-based speech pattern recognition, specifically deep learning, to be able to detect depression or anxiety in people’s speech patterns.
UK Wowed By Dance Group With Autism
(3 min 16 sec) In this episode, a chef with Down syndrome dedicates her cookbook to her late best friend, a dance group with autism inspires TV audiences, a Microsoft Super Bowl Commercial warms hearts everywhere, and more!
Co-Occurrence of Psychiatric Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities: What Caregivers Should Know
Coralia Ivan-Suciu provides education and specific resources to the caregivers of individuals dually diagnosed with an intellectual disability and a psychiatric disorder.
Employment for the Uniquely Abled, with Ivan Rosenberg | EDB 158
(27 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Ivan Rosenberg, Founder and President of The Uniquely Abled Project.
New British TV Show Features Main Character with OCD
Channel 4, a British public-service television station, recently started broadcasting a show about an individual with a rare form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Meltdowns! | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 59
(43 minutes) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory Hector, CAS, BCCS go guest-less to discuss meltdowns – how they happen, how they are prevented, and what you can do when you’re in the middle of one!
Gym Uses Exercise to Fight Addiction
(3 min 36 sec) In this episode: an Indiana gym helps those recovering from addiction, an 11-yr-old radio host delivers the news for the visually impaired, an 18-yr-old with cerebral palsy accomplishes something no one thought would be possible, and more!
Beating the Dyslexia Label: How Henry Winkler Became a Best Selling Children’s Author
Derek Dunston takes a look at the journey actor Henry WInkler has taken from growing up with dyslexia to becoming a best selling author.
What is the Imposter Syndrome?
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses “imposter syndrome”: feeling like a fraud due to self-doubt and lack of confidence.
Optimizing the Aging Brain, with Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D. | EDB 144
(27 minutes) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with author, psychiatrist, gerontologist, and Age Wave CEO & Founder Ken Dychtwald, Ph.D. about maintaining brain health while aging.
Boy With Autism Takes Pickle Business International
(3 min 45 sec) In this episode: a Colorado student with Down syndrome hits a half court shot, a club in New Jersey looks to help those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, a young man with autism expands his pickle business, and more!
Plasma Cells in the Gut May Help Fight Multiple Sclerosis
A new research study shows that Plasma Cells, which have been thought of as a contributing factor to worsening Multiple Sclerosis symptoms, may actually help fight MS instead.
Autism & Independence: Supporting Parents Through the Transition
Amalia Starr discusses the importance of supporting parents of children with autism, and shares lesson she learned from her own son.
Making Workplaces Completely Inclusive, with Kelly Bron Johnson | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 58
(21 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome Canadian autism self-advocate Kelly Bron Johnson, founder of “Completely Inclusive”.
How Tennis is Empowering Kids With Down Syndrome
(3min 50sec) In this episode: people with Down syndrome are empowered through the game of tennis, a community comes together for a teacher with Parkinson’s, a runner with autism looks to add some mileage in 2019, and more!
Ontario Boy with Cerebral Palsy Receives Surgery to Help Him Walk
Ben Shwarzman, a five-year old boy living in Maple, Ontario, Canada, underwent surgery in Toronto to help treat his Cerebral Palsy and allow him to walk for an extended period of time.
The Spectrum Works, with Herag Haleblian and Jessica Lee | EDB 156
(22 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Herag Haleblian and Jessica Lee, co-founders of The Spectrum Works – and organization dedicated to helping people with autism find employment.
Top Reasons Caregivers Can Benefit From Yoga and Meditation
Karen Weeks offers suggestions for caregivers on how to use yoga and meditation to practice self-care and manage stress.
College Football Rivals Help Student With Down Syndrome
(3 min 50 sec) In this episode: a man with dyslexia who didn’t learn to read until he was 18 is looking to inspire others with his book, app developers use technology to fight depression, students from the University of Alabama are raising money for a student with Down syndrome at Clemson, and more!
Teen with Down Syndrome Lives Dream of Being a Flight Attendant
A teen with Down syndrome who is currently fighting a terminal illness is living her dream of becoming a flight attendant thanks to American Airlines.
What Is A Narcissist?
Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses how to recognize traits common to people with narcissistic personality traits.
The Importance of Volunteering, with Casey Seidman | EDB 147
(13 minutes) Casey Seidman discusses the importance of volunteering, the need nonprofits serve communities, and how his ADHD actually helps him excel.
Exploring Different Brains: a Conversation with Dr. Hackie Reitman | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 57
(23 minutes) In this special episode, we present a recent “Exploring Different Brains” interview with host Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS, conducted by Harold “Hackie” Reitman, M.D..
The 11 Year Old Scrabble Master With Autism
(3 min 31 sec) In this episode: a boy with dyslexia starts a “reading for dogs program,” young adults with Down syndrome are empowered through photography, a boy with autism develops a passion for scrabble, and more!
Implant Developed to Treat Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, & More
Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley have developed an electronic device that uses neurostimulation to help offset the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and potentially other conditions.
Extreme Makeover – Education Edition: Redesigning School Systems to Suit Students of All Abilities (Pt.2)
Mathew Ryan Morin continues his look at ways to improve learning, with a focus on personalized education.
Father Creates App For Son With Dyslexia
(3 min 12 sec) In this episode, David Begnaud of CBS News discusses his life with Tourette’s, Santa makes one boy with autism’s visit a special one, a father creates an app for his son with dyslexia, and more!
Can Early School Enrollment Lead To Earlier ADHD Diagnosis?
A new study published in the New English Journal of Medicine shows that children who are enrolled in school at a younger age are more likely to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder than children enrolled at an older age.
