Archives

Autism, Theater, and “The Good Doctor”, with Elaine Hall | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 32

(36 mins) Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Elaine Hall, Founder of The Miracle Project® and a pioneer in using inclusive theatre to connect with individuals with autism.

How Autism Families Are Learning to Fly – Week in Neurodiversity (1/13/18)

(3 min 30 sec) In this episode, a Dallas company helps those with autism reach their full potential, a young girl with Asperger’s receives this mega-gift made of 800 rolls of toilet paper, and more in this week’s edition!

Navigating a TBI: Tips For Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Geo Gosling recounts how he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and share suggestions on how to navigate recovery.

7 Signs of Alzheimer’s to Watch Out For

Are you worried your problems with memory may be more serious? We take a look at 7 early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

An Introduction to Medical Ethics, with Danielle Paciulli, MA, DPS | EDB 111

(18 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Danielle Paciulli, MA, DPS, a Clinical Ethics Consultant in New York.

Coping Through Art on the Autism Spectrum

Kimberly Gerry Tucker discusses growing up on the autism spectrum, and how creative outlets have helped her through times of stress and grief.

Teen with Autism Lives As a Police Officer For a Day – Week in Neurodiversity (1/6/18)

(3 min 20 sec) In this episode, Ferdinand the Bull advocates for children with ADHD, a teen with autism fulfills his Christmas wish of being a police officer for a day, and more!

Broken Chains, Ended Pains: The Importance of Neuroplasticity and An Open Mind

Deborahmichelle Sanders, J.D. recounts how neuroplasticity allowed her brain to recover from a health crisis, and how the medical community can benefit from being more open-minded.

New Diabetes Drug Reverses Memory Loss in Alzheimer’s Mice

A new study suggests that a drug intended for diabetes has proven effective at reversing memory loss in mice.

New Years Mini Episode: Autism in 2018 | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 31

(13 mins) In this New Years mini-episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS discuss what they think the best moments for the autism community were for 2017, and what they hope 2018 has in store.

The Best of the Week In Neurodiversity – 2017 Year in Review

(6 min 9 sec) In this episode, we count down our top ten stories from 2017, including the army vet who traveled the country on foot to spread awareness for PTSD, and the young woman who lost her hearing at age 18 that stunned the world on America’s Got Talent! These stories and more in this super sized episode! Happy New Years!

Dating Challenges on the Autism Spectrum

Aaron Bouma discusses his dating experiences, and how his diagnosis with autism can create challenges in finding relationships.

How One Woman Can Sniff Out Parkinson’s

Joy Milne’s strange ability to smell Parkinson’s has led scientists to discover a possible new diagnostic tool.

2017 in Review, Part 2: Understanding & Supporting Neurodiversity | EDB 110

(11 minutes) In part two of a special two part year-in-review episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. presents words of wisdom from parents, researchers, specialists and advocates that are working to help create a world of acceptance for those of us with different brains, including Dr. Chris Stout, Dr. Bankole A. Johnson, Dr. Gail Saltz, and many more!

Rudolph: a Shining Example of Neurodiversity

Shawn Smith M.Ed., CCC looks at how the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer spoke to his own journey as an individual with a different brain.

Police Officers and Kids with Down Syndrome Team Up For Gift Shopping – Week in Neurodiversity (12/23/17)

(3 min 32 sec) In this episode, children with Down Syndrome go gift shopping with police officers, Octavia Spencer discusses her challenges with dyslexia, and 200 strangers come out for the birthday party of a young boy on the autism spectrum! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

How One Football Kicker with Asperger’s Excelled

For Rogers High School Senior Rhett Powers, who has Asperger’s syndrome, place kicking came naturally. Now, he is showing his skills on the football field!

2017 in Review, Part 1: Inspiration for the Neurodiverse | EDB 109

(10 mins) In part one of a special two part episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. presents a handful of the great neurodiverse guests the show has had in 2017, including Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Stephen Shore, David A. Grant, Jessica Thom, and more!

Neurodiversity and Fitness: Working the C.O.R.E of Different Brains

Steven Dinnen profiles C.O.R.E., a rehabilitation studio specializing in Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Parkinson’s disease, and many other neurodiverse conditions.

Neurodiverse Working Relationships, with Christina Nicolaidis, MD, MPH and Dora Raymaker, Ph.D. of AASPIRE | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 30

(39 mins) In this episode, Kate and Becca welcome guests Christina Nicolaidis, MD, MPH and Dora Raymaker, PhD, co-directors of the Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE).

Country Singer Naomi Judd on Battling Depression – Week in Neurodiversity (12/16/17)

(3 mins 31 sec) In this episode, a teen with Down syndrome celebrates his birthday by being a firefighter for a day, country singer Naomi Judd discusses her history with depression, and a 9-yr-old boy makes a video for his peers describing life on the autism spectrum! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

Fashionista Uses Social Media to Open Up About Bipolar

Fashion blogger and founder of Ban.do Jen Gotch, made an honest announcement to her fans through social media about her mental health.

Best of 2017: Autism and Employment, with Dr. Temple Grandin

(15 mins) To highlight some of the best Exploring Different Brains interviews of 2017,  we are revisiting our discussion with the great Dr. Temple Grandin on autism and employment.

PLASTIC: The Brain, Cerebral Palsy, and Neuroplasticity

Laura Shapiro Kramer discusses how her experience raising a son with cerebral palsy led to a new understanding of early brain development.

Will Video Games Be Prescribed For ADHD?

Boston-based company plans to file for FDA approval next year for a videogame that has proven effective for children with ADHD.

The Bill Gates Mission to Fight Alzheimer’s – Week in Neurodiversity (12/9/17)

(3 mins 45 sec) In this episode, Bill Gates offers $50 million for Alzheimer’s research, BuzzFeed explores life with schizophrenia, and a young woman is the first with Down syndrome to enter a Miss USA State Pageant! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

Changing the Employment Landscape for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Jackie M. Marquette Ph.D. details the Connective Interdependent Employment model, and explains how it can be help people with autism find a job they can excel at.

Building the Foundations of Learning, with Bob Sornson, Ph.D. | EDB 108

(25 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Bob Sornson, Ph.D.. Bob is a best-selling author, the founder of the Early Learning Foundation, and is a former classroom teacher and school administrator.

Nickelodeon Dubs Soccer Player with Down Syndrome ‘Legend’

The 2017 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Sports Awards presented Marc Reichler-Stillhard with the ‘Honorary Local Legend’ award for a competitive spirit that goes beyond the playing field.

Storytelling and Autism, with Jodi Murphy of Geek Club Books | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 29

(36 mins) In this episode, Kate and Becca welcome guest Jodi Murphy, a proud mom to an adult son on the autism spectrum and founder of Geek Club Books, a nonprofit focused on entertaining autism storytelling to change perceptions and end stigma.

Woman with Down Syndrome Becomes Fourth Degree Black Belt – Week in Neurodiversity (12/2/17)

(3mins 33 sec) In this episode, an MRI machine helps a teen with epilepsy, a woman with Down syndrome goes for her 4^th degree black belt, and Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert host the world’s first nonverbal talk show host to raise acceptance for autism! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

Taking A Trip Outside Your Comfort Zone: A Teen Girl with Autism on Learning Independence

Eryn Segal details her recent experience in a college summer program, and how it helped her develop skills to be more independent.

The Chocolate Spectrum: Autism Employment One Sweet at a Time, with Valerie Herskowitz | EDB 107

(27 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Valerie Herskowitz, the founder of the Chocolate Spectrum, a chocolate shop staffed by people on the Autism Spectrum.

How Rescuing Turtles Helped a Man with Tourette Syndrome

After his severe case of Tourette Syndrome left Ryan Stevens, 22, incapable of completing college, he realized a new passion: rescuing animals!

How Did Luke Bryan Help a Fan with Apraxia Speak? – Week in Neurodiversity (11/25/17)

(3 mins) In this episode, a father creates a comic book character with Down syndrome for his son, Luke Bryan meets a special fan with apraxia, and how can robotic legs help children with cerebral palsy walk? These stories and more in this week’s episode!

The Challenges of Home Treatment for Autism

Dr. Brian Udell covers some of the possible problems that can be run into when parents treat their children on the spectrum at home.

Light Therapy May Help Some With Bipolar Disorder

New research suggests that those stricken with the hardships of Bipolar Disorder, including depression and anxiety, may find relief with daily doses of light therapy.

Holiday Spectrumtacular: Navigating the Holidays with Autism | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 28

(50 mins) In this special episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS cover common challenges faced by people on the autism spectrum during the holiday season, and review tools and strategies to stay meltdown free!

Man with Asperger’s Lives Dream on Jeopardy! – Week in Neurodiversity (11/18/17)

(3 mins 36 sec) In this episode, University of Iowa researchers look at a cancer drug’s effect on Parkinson’s, a neurologist discusses the facts and myths of Alzheimer’s, and a young man with Asperger’s lives his dream of competing on Jeopardy! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

Achieving Goals with ADHD, with Lynn Miner-Rosen | EDB 105

(25 mins) Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Lynn Miner-Rosen, M.Ed., BCC, CDCS. Lynn is a Board Certified ADHD Coach and Career Coach for College Students and Young Adults.

I’ve Been Diagnosed with Epilepsy – Now What?

Tom McGranahan Jr. discusses the experience of his diagnosis for epilepsy in the 1960s, and explores how different options and support for the condition are today.

New ADHD Gaming Device Can Detect Distraction

Neuroplus is a startup that has created a brain-training device aiming to help those with ADHD to improve their concentration.

Can Instagram Cause Anxiety and Depression? – Week in Neurodiversity (11/11/17)

(3 mins 43 sec) In this episode, a man with Down Syndrome gives a speech to Congress about life with the condition, Jennifer Lewis from Black-ish discusses her bipolar disorder diagnosis, and how can Instagram create anxiety and depression for teens?

Riverdale’s Lili Reinhart Opens Up About Anxiety

Lili Reinhart, of the CW’s hit show Riverdale, recently spoke about the role anxiety plays in both her life and career.

Parenting with Power: Finding Resources for Raising the Neurodiverse

Marcy Willard, Ph.D., NCSP discusses the importance of free information being available to the parents of the neurodiverse, and how creating them became the impetus for Cleape.com

Success for the Twice Exceptional: Helping the Neurodiverse Excel, with Dr. Marlo Payne Thurman | EDB 104

(27 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Dr. Marlo Payne Thurman, TBI survivor, professor at the University of Northern Colorado, and private education consultant.

Navigating Neurodiverse Relationships, with Grace Myhill, MSW | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 27

(36 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Grace Myhill, MSW, who specializes in working with neurodiverse couples in which one partner is on the autism spectrum.

Trucker Goes Cross Country for Autism Awareness – Week in Neurodiversity (11/4/17)

(3 mins 19 sec) In this episode, a model throws a surprise photo shoot for his sister with Down syndrome, and Henry Winkler discusses how his book series about dyslexia is becoming a TV series! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

Have Scientists Found the Cause of Dyslexia?

New research by a pair of scientists from the University of Rennes in France shows that spots found in the eyes of people with dyslexia may in fact be the cause of the learning condition.

From Silence to Soap: An Entrepreneur with Asperger’s Shares His Journey

Entrepreneur Spencer Kelly, a 16 year old with Asperger’s syndrome, discusses how he developed his own company, Expedition Soaps.

Documenting Neurodiversity: Advocating Accessibility Through Film, with Dan Habib | EDB 103

(19 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with Dan Habib – a documentary filmmaker, disability advocate, and parent to a young man with cerebral palsy.

Researchers May Have Discovered Genes That Are Linked to OCD

The NRXN1 and REEP3 genes have also had a significant role in studies on the autism spectrum disorder. So with further research, they hope to learn more about possible causes and treatments for more than just OCD.

When Parents Disagree About Autism Intervention

Dr. Brian Udell discusses how parents can overcome disagreements when exploring options for their children with autism.

Yellow Pumpkins Raise Disability Awareness for Halloween – Week in Neurodiversity (10/28/17)

(3 mins 23 sec) In this episode, yellow pumpkins highlighted children with disabilities, a down syndrome entrepreneur has made a career out of socks, and Hamilton star praises Chicago’s epilepsy support! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

Team Raises Epilepsy Awareness in South Africa

In Johannesburg, South Africa, a non-profit organization name EASA dedicates its time to inform and educate their local communities.

Managing Denial After a Traumatic Brain Injury

David A. Grant discusses his recent struggles with denial in advance of the 7th anniversary of his traumatic brain injury.

Raising a Child with Cerebral Palsy, with Dan Habib | EDB 102

(19 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Dan Habib – a documentary filmmaker, disability advocate, and parent to a young man with cerebral palsy.

New $12 Million Fitness Center Designed For Kids With Autism Breaks Ground

The fitness center, which will be located in Chicago, is the brainchild of Easterseals, a nonprofit aimed providing resources to the disabled and their families.

Sex and Autism, with Amy Gravino, M.A. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 26

(23 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Amy Gravino, M.A., a Certified Autism Specialist, national speaker, and the president of A.S.C.O.T. Consulting.

Saturday Night Live Spreads Awareness of Borderline Personality Disorder – Week in Neurodiversity (10/21/17)

In this episode, an SNL star discusses his diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, and a walk to benefit Down syndrome raises $100,000! These stories and more in this week’s edition!

When Multisensory Meets Multimedia: Embracing Tools for the Neurodiverse

Susan Kahn, developer of Sue’s Startegies, discusses the importance of utilizing multimedia content in teaching student with learning challenges.

14-Year-Old Cheerleader With Tourette Syndrome Raises Awareness

Jane Hamilton, a high school cheerleader in Minnesota with a mild form of Tourette’s, is not letting it get in her way anymore.

Housing on the Autism Spectrum, with Denise Resnik of First Place AZ and SARRC | EDB 101

Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Denise Resnick. Denise is the Founder, President, and Board Chair of First Place AZ (a nonprofit dedicate to developing innovative housing options for adults with autism), as well as co-founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center.

Embracing Autism, Neurodiversity, and Societal Collaboration

In this blog piece, Mari Nosal reflects on the value of neurodiverse teamwork, and the way society has been positively impacted by harnessing the interests of those of us with different brains.

Habitat for Humanity & Bank of America Build Homes for Adults with Autism – Week in Neurodivesity (10/14/17)

(3 mins 26 sec) In this episode, a boy sells bracelets to raise money for Alzheimer’s research, a pair of students with Down syndrome win homecoming king and queen, and a how you seen this breathtaking animation about autism?

Study Explores Neural Basis of Yawning to Help People with Tourette’s Syndrome

“If we can understand how alterations in cortical excitability give rise to neural disorders we can potentially reverse them. We are looking for potential non-drug, personalized treatments,” Professor Stephen Jackson of the University of Nottingham said.

What is Different Brains? Advocating for Neurodiversity From Autism to Alzheimer’s | EDB 100

(21 mins) In this special 100th episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. explains what Different Brains® stands for through the words of some of our amazing past guests. Featuring Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Bankole Johnson Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Steve Perlman, Michael Alessandri Dr. J.R. Harding, Jessica Thom, Dr. Gail Saltz, and many more!

Working to Make Reading Easier for the Dyslexic Mind

Sarah Blodgett discusses how her son’s struggle with dyslexia led her to create a new learning tool, and gain appreciation for the diversity in our brains.

Yes She Can!: Developing Job Skills in Women with Autism, with Marjorie Madfis, MBA

(28 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Marjorie Madfis, MBA, president of Yes She Can Inc.

Music As An Alternative To Opioids: Pain Management Stretches To New Paradigms

Martha Summa explores how music therapy’s affect on the brain is becoming recognized as a way to aid in battling and avoiding opioid addiction.

Emma Stone Discusses Her Childhood Anxiety with Stephen Colbert – The Week in Neurodiversity (10/7/17)

(3mins 52 sec)Emma Stone shares her struggle with anxiety to Stephen Colbert, and how did this University of Kentucky quarterback help a kid with Tourette’s? These stories and more in this week’s edition!

How Video Games Can Aid in Finding the Roots of OCD

Investigators assembled forty-nine individual volunteers—24 with OCD and 25 matched controls—to play videogames in which they had to catch coin-like objects in a bucket.

Fostering Self-Advocacy in People with Autism, with Michael McManmon, Ed.D. | EDB 99

(23 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with Michael McManmon, Ed.D.. Michael is a speaker, writer, artist psychologist, and founder of the College Internship Program (CIP)

The Symptoms of Codependency

Darlene Lancer, MFT lists the symptoms and signs that someone may be suffering from codependency.

Miss Michigan Pageant Competitor with Down Syndrome Makes History

When Alyssa Patrias competed in the pageant last month she become the first woman, with Down syndrome, in the state of Michigan to compete in a Miss Michigan Preliminary pageant.

The Perils, and Joys, of Raising a Child on the Autism Spectrum: A Review of Donna Levin’s “There’s More Than One Way Home”

In this special review article, Fran Moreland Johns reviews the new book, “There’s More Than One Way Home,” by our regular columnist Donna Levin.

The College Internship Program: Helping the Neurodiverse Find Careers, with Michael McManmon, Ed.D. | EDB 98

(23 mins) In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Michael McManmon, Ed.D. — a speaker, writer, artist, psychologist, and founder of the College Internship Program.

The Importance of Autism Support Groups, with Patricia Schissel, LMSW of the AHA | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 24

(31 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Pat Schissel, LMSW. Pat has been the executive director of the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association [AHA] for over fifteen years.

Mom Helps Son with Autism Fulfill His Dream of Starting a Bakery

“No Label at the Table” is a bakery specializing in dairy-free, gluten-free food and they only employ adults with autism, started by Jacob Wittman with his mother.

Planning For The Future: The Importance of Special Needs Trusts

In this blog article, Jennifer Gomez, Esq. highlights the reasons why a Special Needs Trust can be so important for planning the future of loved ones with special challenges.