Blog - Different Brains

The Role of Exposure to Neurotoxic Chemicals in Neurodiversity

Marcia Ratner, Ph.D. discusses the role neurotoxic chemicals can play in creating neurodiverse conditions, and gives tips on prevention and treatment options.

Exploring Peer to Peer Support for People with Autism, with Catriona Stewart, Ph.D. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 44

(43 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Catriona Stewart, Ph.D., the founder of SWAN: Scottish Women’s Autism Network.

Neurodiverse Graduations Wow The Internet – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 min 15 sec) In this episode, a dyslexic man works for change in New Zealand, a pair of neurodiverse graduation videos go viral, a family creates a virtual reality program for children with autism, and more!

Can Drumming Help Ease PTSD?

Drum therapy for PTSD is gaining popularity, and research has verified therapeutic effects of ancient rhythm techniques as a valuable treatment for issues such as stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and more.

Giving Positive Exposure to People with Special Needs, with Bieke Kreps, DDS, MSc | EDB 133

(14 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Bieke Kreps, DDS, MSc, director for Positive Exposure Europe/Belgium.

The Keys to Personal Growth for Different Brains

Russell Lehmann charts how he went from an almost non-verbal, low-functioning child with autism to an internationally known author, poet and motivational speaker advocating for neurodiversity.

Blind Man With Autism Starts Internet Radio Station – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 min 47 sec) In this episode, a blind man with Asperger’s creates an Internet radio station, a dancer with Tourette’s uses her tics in her movement, a coffee employee with Down syndrome gets a huge surprise from his boss, and more!

How the Philadelphia Eagles are Taking Action for Autism

Philadelphia Eagles’ owner Jeffrey Lurie has created the “Eagles Autism Challenge”—the franchise’s signature cycling and 5K run/walk charity event dedicated to raising funds for innovative autism research.

A Student’s Journey Through the Math Learning Disorder Dyscalculia

College student Alexandra Wright discusses her lifelong challenges with math, and how a diagnosis of dyscalculia put her on the path to overcoming her challenges.

Improv and Autism, with Carol Feldman Bass | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 43

(39 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Carol Feldman Bass, founder of Social Dynamix.

Mozart’s Music Found to Ease Epileptic Seizures

A recent study performed by scientists in Edinburgh, Scotland has recently found Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D major to have a beneficial effect on children with epilepsy.

Washington’s First Lobbyist With Down Syndrome – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 min 24 sec) In this episode, a UK café hires people on the autism spectrum, an 11-yr-old creates a lemonade stand for her brother with Tourette’s, and we meet the first Washington lobbyist with Down syndrome, and more!

Mental Health & Relationships: Confronting Abuse

Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses abuse in relationships with narcissists, and highlights ways to effectively confront it.

Autism in the Criminal Justice System, with Carol S. Weinman, Esq., C.A.S. | EDB 131

(16 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with criminal defense attorney and autism expert Carol S. Weinman, Esq., C.A.S..

Former NHL Goalie Shares His Experiences with OCD, PTSD, and Depression

Clint Malarchuk, a former goalie in the National Hockey League active from 1981-1996, has chosen to tell his tale of a struggle with severe depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How 2 Toddlers with Down Syndrome Became Best Buds – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 min 18 sec) In this episode, we meet superheroes with special needs, two toddlers with Down syndrome become best buddies, and a man on the autism spectrum creates sculptures out of Babybel cheese wax, and more!

The Challenge In Our Lifetime Is Neurodiversity

J.R. Reed discusses the concept of neurodiversity, and his own diagnosis as being on the spectrum.

7 Ways to Prevent Photosensitive Epileptic Seizures

We present several things to do and avoid if you are susceptible to photosensitive epileptic seizures.

DYSCALCULIA

Click here to view all Different Brains content about dyscalculia What is Dyscalculia? Dyscalculia, also known as a math learning disability, is defined as the inability to achieve in mathematics proportional to an individual’s age, intelligence, and within adequate schooling. Dyscalculia is marked by an individual’s trouble to execute and comprehend arithmetical calculations; Problems can […]

Brain Injury Support Groups – A Lifeline to Recovery

Traumatic brain injury survivor David Grant discusses the positive impact TBI support groups have had on his life.

Study Finds 70% of Bipolar Patients Initially Misdiagnosed

According to research, bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed in 70% of patients, with 33% remaining misdiagnosed for at least ten years.

The Hidden Curriculum, with Brenda Smith Myles Ph.D. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 42

(38 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Brenda Smith Myles Ph.D.. Dr. Myles is president of AAPC Publishing – a small niche company that publishes books on autism spectrum disorder.

Kobe Bryant Surprises a Fan with Epilepsy – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 min 45 sec) In this episode, a former high school athlete looks to improve concussion testing, special education students go on a virtual reality field trip, Kobe Bryant surprises a fan with Epilepsy on The View, and more!

The Intersection of Autism and Improv: One Grandmother’s Story

Sandy Bruce discusses the role improv can play in helping people with autism, and the good it did for her own grandson.

Harnessing the Potential of the Neurodivergent, with Pierre Marsh | EDB 129

(21 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with author and neurodiversity advocate Pierre Marsh.

9 Myths About Autism

From news to TV to movies, ideas about and portrayals of people on the autism spectrum are often not based in reality, ranging from simple inaccuracies to outright fabrications. So, let’s review and dispel some common myths.

3 R’s of Holistic Advocacy: Relationship, Respect, and Resilience

Naome Soleil, Ph.D. discusses her own history as an educator, and shares what she learned through her experiences about the “3 Rs of holisitic advocacy”.

How Dogs in Chile Are Helping Kids with Autism at the Dentist – Week in Neurodiversity

In this episode, a middle schooler with Down syndrome scores for his soccer team, a Long Island teen with Tourette’s looks to raise awareness, therapy dogs in Chile make a visit to the dentist easier for children on the autism spectrum, and more!

NFL’s Safest Helmet May be Making the Jump to the U.S. Army

In response to this abundance of blunt force trauma injuries in American soldiers, the U.S. Army and VICIS Inc. have partnered together in order to create a helmet which can also prevent concussions.

A Firsthand Look at the Benefits of Flotation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Technique)

Flotation-REST. What on Earth is it, and how can it benefit me? If you find yourself pondering this out loud, rest assured, you are not alone!

Transition Programs for Women with Autism, with Elizabeth Roberts, PsyD of CIP | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 41

(43 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Elizabeth Roberts, PsyD, of the College Internship Program, to discuss the value of transition programs for people with autism.

Deadpool’s Ryan Reynolds Opens Up About Anxiety – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 min 20 sec) In this episode, Ryan Reynolds opens up about anxiety, a student with Down syndrome is the first to graduate college in Oregon, and more!

Can Improv Classes Ease Anxiety?

Casey Grambo is a woman living in Connecticut who suffers from severe social anxiety and confidence issues. She finds relief, however, as a member of the Sea Tea improv group.

Mental Health & Relationships: Navigating Codependency

Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses the challenges of codependency, and offers tips for navigating the relationship and mental health challenges it can inspire.

How a Teen with Autism Got Cast on “The Good Doctor” – Week in Neurodiversity

(3min 25sec) In this episode, a prom proposal for a teen with Down syndrome goes viral, a new treatment is used for those with Tourette’s, and an actor with autism shares his journey to a role on The Good Doctor. These stories and more in this week’s episode!

Study Finds That Memories of Music Cannot Be Lost to Alzheimer’s

A recent study has revealed that the areas of the brain which associate music with good feelings is unaffected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Autism & Socialization: The Ins and Outs of Successful Conversations

High school student Ruby Sasson, who is on the autism spectrum, shares tips and tricks that have helped her develop better conversational skills.

Interoception and Autism, with Kelly Mahler MS, OTR/L | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 40

(27 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Kelly Mahler MS, OTR/L about how people with autism may have challenges with interoception.

Meet The Swimming Phenom with Tourette’s and ADHD – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 mins 33 sec) In this episode, a Missouri family sells bow ties for those with Down syndrome, a new book is bringing awareness to children with Dyslexia, and we take a look at the high school swimming phenom who overcame the challenges of Tourette’s and ADHD! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

Star Wars Themed Epilepsy Walk Raises $145,000

In Costa Mesa, California, around 2000 people showed up to march in support of epilepsy awareness in an event dubbed “Seizure Wars.”

Protecting The Legal Rights of Different Brains, with Kimberley Spire-Oh | EDB 125

(12 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Kimberley Spire-Oh. She is a private attorney for Special Education and Disability Law, and is a special education advocate.

Music Never Met A Brain It Couldn’t Help

Joseph S. Lento discusses the good music can do for brains, regardless of what diagnosis they may have.

10 Year Old Piano Prodigy With Autism Mesmerizes – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 mins 30 sec) In this episode, a community comes together for a special needs family, a piano prodigy with autism mesmerizes audiences for World Autism Month and more!

New Figures Show Prevalence of Autism is Increasing

According to a new report from the CDC, 1 out of 59 children in the US has autism — a significant increase from their 2016 report.

How Resilient Are YOU?

Jackie M. Marquette Ph.D. discusses the importance of resilience, and presents a simple guide finding out how resilient YOU are.

Six Flags New Jersey Hosting Autism Day

Six Flags Great Adventure, a theme park located in Jackson, NJ, will be taking special measures to host its very own Autism Day on May 3, 2018.

The First All-Autistic Wedding, with Anita Lesko | EDB 124

(18 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with author and autism self-advocate Anita Lesko, BSN, RN, MS, CRNA.

Building Resiliency in Women with Autism, with Jeanette Purkis | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 39

(35 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with autistic author and passionate Australian advocate Jeanette Purkis.

How One Teen With Down Syndrome Is Helping The Homeless – Week In Neurodiversity

(3 mins 30 sec) In this episode, the NBA store in New York City becomes autism friendly, a teen with Down syndrome collects hygiene products, and a brother and sister create a video for Tourette’s advocacy! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

When Different Brains Grow Up: the NDSS Adult Down Syndrome Summit

Dr. Hackie Reitman discusses the importance of giving support to people with Down syndrome through adulthood, and how the recent NDSS Adult Summit highlighted this growing concern.

Boy with Autism Builds World’s Largest Lego Model of the Titanic

Brynjar Karl Bigisson, a boy from Reykjavik, Iceland has built the world’s largest replica of the Titanic made entirely out of Lego bricks.

Advocating Autism Acceptance to the United Nations, with Anita Lesko | EDB 123

(23 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with author and acclaimed autism advocate Anita Lesko, BSN, RN, MS, CRNA.

Parenting With An Eye Toward Adulthood

Rachel Bédard, Ph.D. continues her look at redefining “adulting” by focusing on where parenthood comes into play.

Bryan Cranston Spreads Alzheimer’s Awareness – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 mins 27 sec) In this episode a 14-year old model with Down syndrome rocks Denver runways, Bryan Cranston’s advocates for Alzheimer’s awareness, and more!

One Parent’s View of Neurodiversity

Cheryl Fox, M.O.T., OTR/L C/NDT discusses how her daughter’s diagnosis with autism changed her life, and inspired her to become a pediatric occupational therapist for the neurodiverse.

Living with OCD and Autism

Eric Zimmerman discusses his how he has taken control of his dual diagnoses of OCD and autism.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

What is Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a nervous system disease that affects your brain and spinal cord. It damages the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects your nerve cells. This damage slows down or blocks messages between your brain and your body, leading to the symptoms of MS. They can include […]

CEREBRAL PALSY

What is Cerebral Palsy? Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by damage to or abnormalities inside the developing brain that disrupt the brain’s ability to control movement and maintain posture and balance. […]

5 Celebrities with Tourette’s Syndrome

We take a look at some famous people who struggled and succeeded with Tourette’s syndrome, including David Beckham and Dan Aykroyd.

Demystifying Diagnosis | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 38

(43 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS celebrate Autism month by going guest-less to delve deep into the topic of diagnosis.

Championing Down Syndrome for the Special Olympics, with Patrick & Paul Sallarulo | EDB 122

(14 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Special Olympics athlete Patrick Sallarulo, and his father Paul.

Father Raps for Daughter with Down Syndrome – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 min 14 sec) In this episode, a Cleveland non-profit helps adults on the autism spectrum gain real-world experience, a father dedicates a rap to his daughter with Down syndrome, and more!

Creating the First Summit for Adults with Down Syndrome

Sara Hart Weir, M.S. and Jadene S. Ransdell of the National Down Syndrome Society discuss the genesis of the upcoming first summit for adults with Down syndrome.

Sesame Place Theme Park Receives World’s First Autism Certification

Sesame Place, a children’s theme park located in Philadelphia, PA and based on the TV show Sesame Street, has become the world’s first theme park to be granted an accreditation for autism accommodation.

Mental Health & Relationships: Warning Signs of Dating a Narcissist

Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT highlights some of the common warning signs, and blind spots, related to dating someone with narcissistic personality traits.

Colorado Community Comes Together for Birthday Girl with Autism – Week in Neurodiversity

(3 min 24 sec) In this episode a 3-year-old with Down syndrome enters the Baby Miss American USA Patriot Pageant, a Colorado community comes together for a girl with autism’s birthday party, and more!

Apple Petitions for Disability-Inclusive Emojis

Apple recently sent Unicode Consortium a proposal for 13 new emojis, including several to represent various disabilities.

Advancing Adults with Autism Beyond the Summit

Autism self-advocate Aaron Bouma discusses how he hopes a recent autism summit in his community will be the first of many.

Finding Happiness in Neurodiversity, with Shawn Smith, Me.D., CCC | EDB 121

(13 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues speaking with Canadian advocate Shawn Smith, Me.D., CCC.

New App Predicts Manic and Depressive Episodes in Bipolar Users

A new app has been released for the iPhone which passively monitors user input in order to alert bipolar users of manic episodes.

Finding Creative Outlets on the Autism Spectrum, with Kimberly Gerry Tucker | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 37

Spectrumly Speaking is also available on: iTunes | Stitcher | SoundCloud IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE: (26 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS speak with Kimberly Gerry Tucker. She is the author of the memoir “Under The Banana Moon”, and a professional artist whose work was featured on the cover of the […]

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