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.
Caring For Your Mental Health, with Lori Butts J.D., PH.D. | EDB 97
(16 mins) In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with returning guest and Different Brains board member Lori Butts, J.D., Ph.D., the president and director of the Clinical & Forensic Institute and previous president of the Florida Psychological Association, about mental health.
New Study Tracking Eye Movement Offers Innovative Method for Diagnosing ADHD
Researchers may now be able to improve upon their understanding as well as the methods in which they assess attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), by monitoring tiny movements within the eyes.
Asperger’s, Autism, and the Square Root of 2: A Neurodiversity Documentary
This documentary tells the story of one parent’s journey to discovering that his daughter, recently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD), has a brain that works just a little bit differently.
Resiliency: Developing Emotional Strength Through Perseverance, with Debbie Manigat | EDB 96
(18 mins) In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. welcomes back Debbie Origho Manigat, M.S., DMFT(c) to discuss the importance of resiliency, common struggles related to postpartum depression, and the concept of mindfulness.
When Sounds Are Torture: Advocating and Living With Misophonia
Shaylynn Hayes discusses the impact Misophonia has had on her life, and the challenges of advocating for a condition that remains unknown to many.
Fostering Friendships for Women with Autism, with Sharon Valencia of Felicity House | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 23
(28 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Sharon Valencia of Felicity House.
Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver on the Benefits of Dyslexia
Oliver is among the 1 and 10 of us who have dyslexia, which he says has played a major role with helping him build a one-man brand worth around 400 million dollars.
The War Within: Battling OCD on the Autism Spectrum
Aaron Bouma discusses how having both autism and OCD has affected his life, both for the worse and for the better.
Lead Singer of the Band Passion Pit Advocates for Mental Health Support
Through his newly founded organization, the Wishart Group, Michael Angelakos of the musical project Passion Pit wants to provide support services for musicians — especially mental health services.
Teen with Autism Donates 1,000 Coloring Books to Kids with Cancer – Week in Neurodiversity (9/2/17)
(4 mins 9 sec) In this episode, a teen with autism donates coloring books to children at St. Jude’s, a teen with Down syndrome and a police officer become best friends, and a retiree who struggled with dyslexia for decades writes a book! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
Digital Medicine: Videogames as Treatment for Alzheimer’s and Depression
Neuroscape, a research lab at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), is hoping patients suffering from mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and depression, may now be able to “level up” from pills to video games.
The ADHD Parent: Choosing Your Battles
Lacey Craddock discusses how picking battles carefully helped her have peace, and helped maximize the potential and self-esteem of her neurodiverse son.
Infant Mental Health: Supporting Early Emotional Development, with Debbie Manigat | EDB 95
(24 mins) In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Debbie Origho Manigat, M.S., DMFT(c), a Wellness Counselor, a Mental Health Advocate, and a Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant.
When Autism and Dyslexia Co-Occur, with Elizabeth Wilkinson, The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 22
(32 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome as their guest British dyslexia and autism advocate Elizabeth Wilkinson, also known as the Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant.
Honoring Your Limitations After a Traumatic Brain Injury
David Grant discusses adjusting to his new limitations after a traumatic brain injury. “Akin to learning to drive a new car, I am slowly learning how to navigate through life with my new limitations.”
“Game of Thrones” Star Discusses Intellectual Disability Stigma – Week in Neurodiversity (8/26/17)
(3 mins 46 sec) In this episode, a man finds pickleball to help his Parkinson’s, Freddie Highmore is set to star as a doctor on the autism spectrum, and Kit Harington discusses disability advocacy! These stories and more in this week’s edition!
Fashion Designer with Down Syndrome Lives Her Dream
27-year-old Marie Webb will be a part of a pre-Emmy Awards gifting lounge in Los Angeles in advance of the award show.
Autism and Employment, with Dr. Temple Grandin | EDB 94
(15 mins) In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with celebrated autism advocate and author Dr. Temple Grandin about the importance of job skills in people on the spectrum.
Housing on the Spectrum: Helping Adults with Autism Build a Future
Denise Resnik, founder, president, and CEO of First Place and co-founder of SARRC, discusses the importance of community support in creating resources for growing people with autism.
Avoiding Negative Thinking Patterns on the Autism Spectrum, with Valerie Gaus, Ph.D. | Spectrumly Speaking ep. 21
(32 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS welcome guest Valerie Gaus, Ph.D.. Dr. Gaus is a psychologist that uses a cognitive-behavioral framework, licensed by New York State, who has been a practicing psychotherapist for more than 20 years.
Can Cell Phones Increase Anxiety? – Week in Neurodiversity (8/19/17)
(4 mins 6 sec) In this episode, technology opens up a new world for brothers with dyslexia, a boy with Down syndrome sings along with Whitney Houston in a viral video, and can cell phones increase anxiety? These stories and more in this week’s edition!
“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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.”
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.
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!
An Educator’s Guide to OCD in Children
Leah Davies, M.Ed. gives tips and tools for educators working with children that have OCD.
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.
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.
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.
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.