Toys “R” Us Creating Sensory-Friendly Shopping for Those with Autism
When you think of Toys “R” Us, it’s unlikely that you are envisioning a relaxed atmosphere for children. However, the toy superstore is currently searching for effective new ways to ensure that those with autism can have a more stress-free shopping experience.
Socializing on the Autism Spectrum with Sarah Howard | EDB 55
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Sarah Howard. Sarah is a member of AASCEND, a meet-up group organizer, and an adult on the autism spectrum.
Synesthesia, PTSD, and Chamber Music: A Concert to Celebrate the Benefits of Music for Therapy
From my own viewpoint as a performing musician, there is surely no better way to advocate for the benefits of music in the brain than by presenting a unique chamber music concert specifically designed to emphasize these benefits.
Week in Neurodiversity – Boy with Tourette’s Sings with Carrie Underwood (11/05/16)
In this episode, a woman becomes Argentina’s first teacher with Down syndrome, Louisiana Tech starts a boxing program with Parkinson’s, and a young boy with Tourette’s sings on stage with Carrie Underwood!
SMILE Miracles: Don’t Underestimate Potential on the Autism Spectrum
After three years of operations, Rob & Denise Resnik offer their perspectives on the productive and dedicated SMILE team- a company of talented young people on the autism spectrum.
Restaurant Staffed by People with Down Syndrome Opens in France
In a bold and creative effort to integrate those with Down syndrome into society and the workforce, a restaurant run by people with the syndrome is about to open in Nantes, France.
Gender & Neurodiversity: Recognizing the Diversity Within the Autism Spectrum, with Tania Marshall | EDB 54
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. continues his conversation with Australian psychologist and award-winning author Tania Marshall.
“Drumming is My Madness”: How One Student Fought ADHD
In this excerpt from her book, Lori Bitar tells the story of how she helped one student battle ADHD.
Week in Neurodiversity – A Therapy Duck For PTSD? (10/29/16)
In this episode, Amanda Seyfried opens up about having OCD, scientists develop a new gene therapy for Alzheimer’s, and have you heard of Daniel the therapy duck?
Insomnia: A Personal Struggle
Megan Baksh details her struggles with insomnia, and how she tries to combat it.
Neurodiversity: No Two Brains Are Exactly Alike
Julie Saumsiegle discusses her viewpoint on the idea of neurodiversity, and why society needs to embrace it.
Teen With Autism Shines as Mascot
Joshua Eryou, a senior at East Lawrence High School, is like many people with autism: shy, quiet and reserved. But when he becomes the school’s eagle mascot, he comes out of his shell.
Relief: Receiving an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult
Becca Lory discusses how her life changed when she received her autism diagnosis at age 36.
Week in Neurodiversity – Soccer Star Opens Up About Depression (10/22/16)
In this episode, a former soccer players discusses depression, a teacher is accompanied on her wedding day by her students with Down syndrome, and have you heard of the award winning documentary about Asperger’s?
Veteran With PTSD Pays Homage to Cat that Helped Him Cope
Upon his return from duty, King experienced symptoms of PTSD; however, he found comfort in a lively 6-month-old kitten known as Steven.
Guilt: The Elephant In The Room of Special Needs Parents
Mari Nosal discusses the tendency of the parents of children with special needs to feel guilt, and how to stop it.
Is Addiction a Form of Neurodiversity? with Jan Tedeschi | EDB 52
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with parenting and addiction specialist Jan Tedeschi.
Possible Link Found Between Vitamin D and ADHD Risk
A study conducted by Danish researchers has shown that mothers who take Vitamin D during pregnancy may reduce the risk of ADHD in their children.
Specialisterne: A Million Jobs for People with Autism and Other Unique Abilities
Cheryl Checkers discusses Specialisterne, an international company determined to create employment for the neurodiverse.
Week in Neurodiversity – Ben Affleck Studies Autism For Latest Role (10/15/16)
In this episode, Wentworth Miller stars in a depression awareness video, researchers are finding a cure for Parkinson’s, and Ben Affleck studies autism for his role in the film The Accountant! These stories and more in this week’s episode.
INSOMNIA
Click here to view all Different Brains content about insomnia What is Insomnia? Insomnia, which is the most common sleep disorder, can be simply defined as a condition that makes the process of falling asleep or staying asleep difficult. The three different classifications of insomnia according to the duration of their symptoms, are transient […]
AspienGirl: Embracing the Strengths of Women with Autism, with Tania Marshall | EDB 51
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Australian psychologist and award-winning author Tania Marshall.
Trailblazing for Neurodiversity and Different Brains
Dr. Hackie Reitman discusses his experiences at Trailblazing 2016, a conference dedicated to encouraging entrepreneurship amongst the neurodiverse.
Good News on Epilepsy: Increasing Certain Fats in Brain May Reduce Risk
Research conducted by scientists at Vrije Universiteit Brussels has provided hope for those suffering from epilepsy.
Week in Neurodiversity – Carly Simon Discusses Her Dyslexia (10/8/16)
In this episode, an apartment complex takes care of those with autism, Carly Simon talks about growing up with dyslexia, and have you seen the football player with Down syndrome that scored a touchdown for his sick mother?
The “a” Word: It Doesn’t Just Mean “Autism”
Donna Levin discusses The a Word, a British television series that recently debuted in the United States.
Love and Autism: Exploring Romance and Neurodiversity with Dr. Jennifer Palmiotto | EDB 50
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Dr. Jennifer Palmiotto, marriage counsellor, family therapist, and founder of the Love & Autism Conference in San Diego, California.
Hormones, Massage Therapy, and The Neurodiverse
Giuliana Fenwick offers more tips and techniques to help ease neurodiverse symptoms using head massage.
Researchers Find Link Between Touch Sensation and Social Difficulties
Researchers have discovered the missing link between touch sensation and social difficulties for individuals with autism.
Week in Neurodiversity – Runner With Autism Wins the Gold (10-1-16)
In this episode, virtual reality helps those with social difficulties, a cheerleader asks a boy with Down syndrome to homecoming, and did you hear about the first man with autism to win a gold medal at the Paralympics?
Sensorimotor and Neurologically Based Music Therapy: An Interview with Dr. Dorita Berger
Dr. Jennifer Jo Brout speaks with Dr. Dorita Berger about the various benefits music therapy can have on people with autism, ADHD, PTSD, and many other diagnoses.
A Letter for Alzheimer’s Advocacy Accepted into Congressional Record
Advocate and early-onset Alzheimer’s sufferer Michael Ellenbogen has written a letter to Congress that highlights both the societal and personal toll the disease can cause.
Succeeding With ADHD: Maximizing the Abilities of Neurodiversity, with Shawn Smith | EDB 49
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with returning guest Shawn Smith, of Don’t dis-my-ability.
Theory Of Mind: Challenges & Treatments Within Asperger’s & Autism
Mari Nosal discusses the “Theory of Mind,” and examines some of the challenges related to it in people with Asperger’s and autism.
Young Man with Down Syndrome Makes History at Fashion Week
A teen out of Plano, Texas has made history as the first male with Down syndrome to model in New York Fashion Week.
Week in Neurodiversity – Girl With Down Syndrome Realizes Cheerleading Dream (9/24/16)
In this episode, a girl with Down syndrome becomes an honorary cheerleader and have you seen the robot that helps children with autism?
Lost in translation – What I thought my son with autism didn’t understand
Linda Mastroianni discusses how her ways of communicating with her son, who has autism, have evolved over the years.
Diagnosing Neurodiversity: 7 Advocates Tell How They Learned They Have Autism | EDB 48
In this special episode of Exploring Different Brains, Hackie Reitman, M.D. presents 7 previous guests as they tell the story of how they were first diagnosed with autism.
Reality Series About Down Syndrome Wins an Emmy
The A&E reality series Born This Way, which follows the lives of several individuals with Down syndrome, has won an Emmy for outstanding unstructured reality program.
Week in Neurodiversity – Rapper Becomes Autism Advocate (9/17/16)
In this episode, a rapper become an autism advocate, patients with Parkinson’s climb Machu Picchu, and have you heard of the Emmy award-nominated reality series about Down syndrome? All this and more!
Why Kids Need To Earn An Allowance At A Young Age
As parents, we all want our kids to grow up to have a great work ethic and understand the value of a dollar. But things don’t just happen; unless we make them happen.
Moving Beyond Labels and Understanding Neurodiversity, with Dr. Lori Butts | EDB 47
Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Lori Butts, J.D., Ph.D. and discusses the importance of focusing on symptoms, not labels, when treating the neurodiverse.
A Unique Social Skills Intervention for Children, Teens, and Adults with Social Challenges
Cheryl Checkers discusses a new intervention, developed at UCLA, being used to help those with challenges related to social skills.
Week in Neurodiversity – FSU Football Star Makes the Day of Young Boy With Autism (9/10/16)
In this episode, an amusement park creates a calming room for kids with autism, a young man with Down syndrome gets into his dream school, and how did an FSU football star make the day of a student with autism?
Kids’ Blood Results Could Predict Bipolar Disorder
A potential link between bipolar disorder and specific blood markers has been discovered in a UK-based study.
Children On The Autism Spectrum Become Adults- Is Society Equipped?
Mari Nosal discusses the fear parents have of their children aging-out of the system, and what society needs to do to aid the success of the neurodiverse as they venture into adulthood.
Why Therapy Shouldn’t Always Lead to Medication, with Dr. Lauren Gerber | EDB 46
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with returning guest Dr. Lauren Gerber, author and psychologist.
Hackie Reitman,M.D. Speaks at AspenBrainLab 2016 at the Aspen Institute
In this 17 minute presentation, Different Brains™ founder Hackie Reitman, M.D. tells his personal journey to understanding neurodiversity, and why it is so important for society to recognize the differences in our brains.
Week In Neurodiversity – Friends with Down Syndrome Make a Zombie Movie Epic! (9/3/16)
In this episode, Taryn Manning stars in a movie about bipolar disorder, Cara Delevigne opens up about depression, and have you heard of the best friends with Down syndrome that created a zombie flick?
Lessons Learned: Building the “Most Autism Friendly City in the World”
Community building is a process. It requires vision, passion, grit, resilience and an ability to connect dots—lots of them.
Man Canoes Across Canada for PTSD
Ranta is traveling along with his dog Spitzii to bring awareness to the issues caused by PTSD and honor the veterans of Canada.
College Life with Asperger’s Syndrome, with Dietrich Kuhlmann | EDB 45
In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Dietrich Kuhlmann, a sophomore at the University of Miami who also happens to have Asperger’s syndrome.
Simple Steps for Massaging Away Meltdowns in the Neurodiverse
Just a few simple massage techniques will bring someone back into the “parasympathetic” state where the heart rate slows, blood pressure lowers and breathing is deeper and calmer.
Week in Neurodiversity – Michael Jordan Makes the Dreams of a Fan with Autism Come True (8/27/16)
In this episode, a young man with Down syndrome scores a touchdown, bee venom is helping those with Parkinson’s, and what did Michael Jordan do for a fan with autism? All these stories and more!
Teen with Down Syndrome Becomes High School Placekicker
17 year old Caden Cox has become a Ohio High School football team’s newest addition.
Breathing Your Way to a Healthier Brain, with Ed Harrold | EDB 44
In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman sits down with Ed Harrold, performance enhancement coach and motivational speaker, and discusses the positive effect proper breathing can have on the brain.
A Michael Jordan Fan With Autism Gets The Surprise of his Life
A fan of Michael Jordan received gifts and a phone call from the sports legend after his video went viral.
Three Benefits of Teaching Authenticity to Children with Autism
Authenticity is one of the most beneficial skills any parent, therapist, or instructor can teach a child. And if you are autistic, authenticity is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself.
Week in Neurodiversity – Autism Awareness Goes Country! (8/20/16)
In this episode, musicians write a song for autism awareness, a young man with Down syndrome becomes a cop for a day, and did you hear about the man with Parkinson’s who won a Martial Arts title?
TOURETTE SYNDROME
Click here to view all Different Brains content about Tourette’s What is Tourette Syndrome? Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, rapid, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. The early symptoms of TS are typically noticed first in childhood, usually between the ages of 5 and 10 years. TS occurs in people […]
OTHER
Different Brains™ is dedicated to giving a voice to all of the differences in our brains. Do you, or someone you care about, have a neurodiverse label we don’t yet have in our resources? Do you have experience with any of the conditions below? Contact us! This is a community for ALL of us- and we […]
The Benefits of Music for Therapy and the Neurodiverse
Martha Summa discusses the important role music can play in therapy for the neurodiverse, and offers insight in to how different tempos can help different conditions.
Charting New Territory in the Brain
In what’s being considered by many as a milestone in neuroscience, researchers have published a new map of the brain detailing close to one hundred previously unknown regions.
Empowering People With Autism: Enabling the Abilities of the Neurodiverse with Stacey Hoaglund | EDB 43
In this episode Dr. Hackie Reitman sits down with Stacey Hoaglund, a tireless advocate for the neurodiverse, and the mother of a son with autism.
Week in Neurodiversity – Can a Watch Predict Epileptic Seizures? (8/13/16)
In this episode, a man with Down syndrome graduates from Clemson, a watch senses seizures, and how does improv help those with OCD?
Woman with Down Syndrome Celebrates 75th Birthday
Cake, presents, and smiles all around, Frances Gillett celebrated her 75th birthday in a beautiful surprise party.
How My Son with Autism’s So-Called Obsession with Directions Shows Me the Genius Within
It’s time to start encouraging our children with autism, who show extreme interest in a subject, that it is healthy and positive.
Seeing the World Through the Eyes of Your Child
The next time your child or client reacts in a way you don’t understand, try to see through their eyes. Ask what and why, before presuming their behavior is inappropriate.
Battling Mental Health Stigma at Henderson Behavioral, with Dr. Steven Ronik | EDB 42
In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman sits down with Steve Ronik, the CEO of Henderson Behavioral Health.
Communication and Asperger’s
Eric Zimmerman talks about how communication can present challenges for people on the autism spectrum.
The Multiple Types of ADHD
Shawn Smith identifies the different types of ADHD, and how characteristics can differ.
Week in Neurodiversity – Sailing Away With Autism (8/6/16)
In this episode, a program helps children with autism learn to sail, robots assist with epilepsy, Jim Jeffries talks about having autism at age 36, and can parrots help with PTSD? All these stories in more in this week’s episode!
Neurodiversity in the Arts: “Fitting In” by Colin Thompson
Donna Levin reviews’s the new book “Fitting In,” written by Colin Thompson and published Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Can Hearing Test ID Autism?
Researchers have found that an inner ear deficiency in children with autism may affect their ability to recognize speech.
Badges and Different Brains: Neurodiversity and Law Enforcement with Dr. Lori Butts | EDB 41
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.
How Indian Head Massage May Benefit the Neurodiverse
Giuliana Fenwick tells of how raising a son with autism led her to develop a method of massage that may prove beneficial to anyone neurodiverse.
Giuliana Fenwick’s Story
Giuliana Fenwick is an author , specialist therapist , teacher , fundraiser and public speaker who refined her unique massage techniques on her own autistic son , Ollie , when he hit an extremely low period aged 13. In spite of many social challenges , academic support – under Giuliana’s constant vigilance and intervention at […]
Week In Neurodiversity – Bowling Away PTSD (7/30/16)
In this episode, a girl with Asperger’s preaches a healthy lifestyle, a girl with Down syndrome video-bombs a news report, and have you heard about the barber in Brooklyn with Tourette’s?
Treating PTSD Can Help Your Addiction
PTSD sufferers often turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. However, substance use enhances PTSD symptoms by encouraging the person to avoid their traumatic memories, hence delaying treatment.
Woman with Asperger’s Cycles 100 Miles for Awareness
In an effort to raise awareness for the autism community, a 47-year-old woman with Asperger’s has cycled more than 100 miles to raise money for the National Autistic Society.
