Understanding Acquired Brain Injuries
Steve Gregory discusses lessons he has learned during his own recovery from an Acquired Brain Injury.
Week In Neurodiversity – Can Pokemon Go Battle Depression? (7/23/16)
In this episode, a woman with dementia plays the piano, a boy with autism wins a world title in taekwondo, and what effect is Pokemon Go having on the neurodiverse community?
A Possible New Treatment for People with PTSD
The stories of the combat veterans unfolded in painful detail: how they cradled comrades as they died, or collected bodies after bombings—some of which were the same age as their own children. One after another, the memories came pouring out in daily 40-minute sessions. Dr. Serina Neumann, a psychologist and researcher at Eastern Virginia Medicine, would listen and […]
Autism and the Family: Therapeutic Solutions for the Household, with Dr. Lauren Gerber | EDB 40
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with author and psychologist Dr. Lauren Gerber.
Life After Caregiving
For every caregiver, the stark reality is this: there is always a beginning and an end to the caregiving journey, and in most cases, we are not prepared for either of these life events.
Week In Neurodiversity – Shark Tank Star Opens Up About Dyslexia (07/15/16)
In this episode a young woman with Asperger’s creates her own business, a new device may help those with Parkinson’s, and a Shark Tank star discusses his dyslexia.
How Do You Get Inspired? Finding Inspiration Through Neurodiversity | EDB 39
In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with 7 amazing people from the world of neurodiversity- parents, employers, educators, and authors – as they tell us how they found their inspirations to make change in the lives of those of us with Different Brains.
Action, Advocacy, and Friends: The Birth of AASCEND
Sixteen years ago our family didn’t have any adult friends on the autism spectrum, now we have a whole roomful of them.
A Mom’s Letter to Those That Snubbed Her Son with Down Syndrome
After her son was not invited to a class birthday party, Jennifer Engele of Langley, British Columbia, took to Facebook to address the issue.
Week In Neurodiversity – Have a Date For The Autism Ball? (7-9-16)
In this episode, a teen creates the “autism ball”, a documentary shows us a unique look at autism, and do you know how scientists are handling neurological conditions?
Rewire Your Brain to the Beat: How Music Therapy Can Benefit the Neurodiverse, with Martha Summa | EDB 38
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with educator, pianist, and music therapist Martha Summa. Martha discusses music’s ability to aid in the rewiring of brains via neuroplasticity, as well as her own amazing successes as a therapist.
The Poetry in Asperger’s: Self Expression on the Spectrum, with Ian Hale, Ph.D. | EDB Episode 37
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. continues his conversation with Ian Hale, Ph.D., writer, poet, public speaker and researcher who happens to be on the autism spectrum.
7 Tips To Make 4th of July Friendly to Those With Autism, Asperger’s, and Hyper-Senses
Between the barbecues, parties, and fireworks, the Fourth of July is one of the most festive times of the year. However, it can also be a problem for those with autism, Asperger’s, or any other condition that involves hyper senses.
Week In Neurodiversity – Skydiving for Parkinson’s Disease (7-2-16)
In this episode, a man sings to his mother to help with her Alzheimer’s, a girl with Tourette’s graduates high school with her service dog, and how many times did a man skydive in 12 hours to raise money for Parkinson’s research?
Education, Jobs, Friends a Reality for Adults with Autism
Together with local and national leaders, we are demonstrating what’s possible when we work together, solve problems, pioneer new practices, focus on a common goal and raise the bar on what’s possible.
Is Autism Hereditary? Neurodiversity in the Family Tree, with Ian Hale, Ph.D. | EDB Episode 36
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Ian Hale, Ph.D., a writer, poet, public speaker and researcher who happens to be on the autism spectrum.
Notions By Nickas: My Journey Into Neurodiversity (Part One)
In this column, I will be discussing my experiences in neurodiversity as well as my own experiences with anxiety. But before I can share my thoughts and observations, it is important that I share my story of how I got into neurodiversity in the first place.
Atypical Travel: Expanding Horizons of the Neurodiverse with Peggy Koutas | EDB 35
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Peggy Koutas, founder of Atypical Travel.
Week In Neurodiversity – The MMA Fighter With Autism (6-25-16)
In this episode, a girl with autism receives thousands of cards for her birthday, comedian Michael McCreary opens about having Asperger’s, and did you here about the MMA fighter who was just diagnosed with autism?
I Give My Son Pot
You don’t have to report me to Child Protective Services. I give my son medical marijuana.
Teenager Documents his Dad’s Struggle with PTSD
Colorado teenager’s film “After War,” tells the story of his father’s PTSD, and the impacts it had on family life.
The Neural Tango Plays On!
The power of music as an inspiration is well known by anyone who has been touched by this amazing force. But not nearly as well known is the fact that music is also a commanding force– a direct conduit to the neural processes in the brain.
Trailblazing 2016: Neurodiverse Entrepreneurship with Alexai Perez | EDB 34
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Alexai Perez, coordinator of Trailblazing 2016.
Alzheimer’s at 40, with Michael Ellenbogen | EDB 33
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Michael Ellenbogen, author and Alzheimer’s advocate, who discusses his battle with early onset Alzheimer’s.
The Square Root of Father’s Day
You’re a dad. Though maybe you didn’t recognize it at the time, your child has a brain that’s a bit different. You know that when she was growing up you could have done some things differently.
Week In Neurodiversity – Dog with Epilepsy the Next Star of Transformers? (06/18/16)
In this episode, a teen with Tourette’s creates a vlog, an author opens up about OCD, and did you hear about the dog with epilepsy that’s going to be in Transformers?
A Letter to Myself For When My Son Was Diagnosed With Apraxia
Lisa Geng writes a letter she wishes she could’ve given herself when her son was diagnosed with apraxia.
Downs Designs Dreams: Special Jeans for Special Needs with Karen Bowersox | EDB 32
In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman talks with Karen Bowersox from Downs Designs Dreams and NBZ Jeans.
Neuroscientists Awarded $1m for Discovering Plasticity in the Brain
A decades-old notion about how and whether the brain can change in response to experience has been overturned by the research of three neuroscientists.
Changing Lives Through the Special Olympics, with Karlyn Emile | EDB 31
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Karlyn G. Emile, MPH, CHES, director of South Florida Healthy Community for Special Olympics Florida.
Muhammad Ali, Angelo Dundee, and Neurodiversity
There is much wisdom to be drawn from Muhammad Ali- such as believe in yourself, stand up for justice, help others, and work hard at your craft. But there is also a surprising lesson to be drawn from his life story— learn to appreciate neurodiversity and neuroplasticity, as did Ali’s legendary trainer and friend, Angelo Dundee.
The Week In Neurodiversity – Can Theater Benefit the Autistic? (6/11/16)
In this episode, a study shows drama classes help those with autism, a town is colored purple for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and how did one man gain control of his Parkinson’s?
VIDEO BLOG: Neurodiversity and Time Management
Neurodiversity and time management is a topic that keeps coming up in individual family sessions, so I wanted to make a quick video to really challenge people’s perceptions around time, and change your perspective on time management for neurodiverse people.
Gene On, Gene Off!
Can the concepts of epigenetics finally answer the question: nature or nurture?
Employment for the Autistic with Thomas D’Eri of Rising Tide Car Wash | EDB 30
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Thomas D’Eri, COO and co-founder of Rising Tide Car Wash.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Click here to view all Different Brains content about Parkinson’s disease What is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects movement. Symptoms appear gradually over time, and can start out as just a barely noticeable tremor in the hand. Parkinson’s Disease does not just cause tremors but can also cause stiffness […]
Fictional Characters on the Autism Spectrum with author Cassandra Dunn | EDB ep.29
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Cassandra Dunn, author of “The Art of Adapting.”
The Week In Neurodiversity – Do Kids and Adults Have Different ADHD? (06/03/16)
This week- adult ADHD may differ from that of children, twins with OCD under go a new surgery, a documentary sheds light on epilepsy, and more!
Actors with Down Syndrome Perform at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
The troupe aimed to prove naysayers wrong when they took the stage at Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater for a production of Twelfth Night– and they did.
Neurodiversity in the Arts: It’s Not a Perfect World, but I’ll Take It
Donna Levin reviews Jennifer Rose’s book “It’s Not a Perfect World, but I’ll Take It: 50 Life Lessons for Teens Like Me Who Are Kind of (You Know) Autistic“
Don’t Dis-my-ability! Success For The Neurodiverse, with Shawn Smith, M.Ed. | EDB 28
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Shawn Smith M.Ed., CCC, founder of Don’t Dis-my-ability.
Can The Gut Control The Brain? Bacteria’s Role In Autism with Dr. Derrick MacFabe | EDB 27
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Derrick MacFabe, M.D., assistant professor and director of The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, and pioneer of the study of the gut’s influence over the brain.
There’s No Place Like Home: For Adults With Autism & Other Special Abilities
Written from a mother’s heart, pondering his first home away from our family home, here’s what I believe Matt wants and says through his words unspoken.
Week in Neurodiversity – Can Worms Cure Parkinson’s? (5/28/16)
In this episode we look at worms that could help cure Parkinson’s, a young entrepreneur with down’s syndrome, a collar that could prevent concussions, and more!
Filmmaking on the Autism Spectrum, with Keri Bowers and Taylor Cross | EDB Episode 26
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Keri Bowers and Taylor Cross, the directors of the films Normal People Scare Me and Normal People Scare Me Too.
Special Needs Parenting: Feeling Like A Square Peg In A Round Hole
One cannot Google “Asperger’s Syndrome” and profess to be an expert. I had to live it. I have learned more from special needs parenting then I ever learned in the classroom.
Soldiers Climb Mount Everest for PTSD
The nonprofit organization U.S. Expeditions and Explorations, or USX, works to shed light on the battle veterans experiencing PTSD face each day, and has assembled a team of active duty soldiers that are about to climb Mount Everest.
Raising the Autistic in Australia, with Sarah Collins | EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS Episode 25
Sarah Collins of Autism CAER discusses autism awareness in her home of Australia, raising three children on the spectrum, and creating inclusive educational strategies.
Week in Neurodiversity – Asperger’s Boy Writes Poem that “Breaks the Internet” (5/21/16)
Move over Kim Kardashian, because this week in neurodiversity features Asperger’s boy Writes a poem that REALLY “Breaks the Internet,” A pen has been created that could read to the dyslexic, and a military homecoming that will make your heart melt!
APRAXIA
Click here to view all Different Brains content about apraxia What is apraxia? Apraxia is a complex disorder, with no medical test offering a definitive diagnosis. Instead, professionals look to a constellation of signs and symptoms along with astute evaluations in order to determine if a child who is considered a late talker has apraxia […]
Creating Activities for Autistic Kids, with Catherine Pascuas | EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS Episode 24
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Catherine Pascuas, host of The Autism Show Podcast and author of The Autism Activities Handbook.
Travel For All with Tarita Davenock | EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS Episode 23
Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Tarita Davenock, founder of Travel For All– a full service travel agency specializing in accessible travel.
Neurodiversity in the Arts: Curious About the Curious Incident
Donna gives her review of the stage adaptation of the best-selling novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Week in Neurodiversity – Boxing Away Parkinson’s Disease (5/14/16)
This week in neurodiversity features Kristen Bell discussing her issues with anxiety, a Vine comedian opens up about bi-polar and depression, and a new program hopes to use boxing to fight Parkinson’s disease.
A Simulated Experience of Dyslexia
Many of us have no idea what it feels like to experience the struggles of dyslexia. But one website has been created to give everyone a taste of it.
The Dyslexic Astrophysicist, Dr. Matthew Schneps | EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS Episode 22
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Dr. Matthew Schneps, who feels dyslexia helped him become an astrophysicist.
VIDEO BLOG: The Difference Between Counseling and Psychotherapy
One question I get asked with some frequency is: What is the difference between counseling and psychotherapy?
Justice for the Neurodiverse, with Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren | EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS Episode 21
In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren, a pioneer of America’s first mental health court, dedicated to the decriminalization of people with mental illness.
A Very Special Mothers Day To Special Needs Moms
By Mari Nosal, M.Ed., CECE I was perusing the numerous racks of Mother’s Day cards recently. As is characteristic of me, I was jettisoned into silent, analytical observation. I made mental notes pertaining to the responsibility afforded to a mother. It is a 24-7 job. Mothers must be on call to jump to attention for a whimpering […]
Week in Neurodiversity – Channing Tatum Dating the Autistic? (5/7/16)
This week in neurodiversity features Channing Tatum on the world’s first talk show with a non-verbal autistic host, an epileptic buy realizes his gridiron dreams, and an autistic boy’s reaction to Coldplay must be seen to be believed.
Misophonia: The new kid on the block… or not?
Just when you think that enough overlapping and diagnostically confusing “disorders” exist, a new one pops up! Dr. Jennifer Brout discusses Misophonia, a neurodiversity condition that is growing in recognition.
MISOPHONIA
Click here to view all Different Brains content about misophonia What is Misophonia? Misophonia is a recently proposed disorder characterized by extreme sensitivity to “patterned based sounds.” It was termed in 2001 by Pawel and Margaret Jastreboff of Emory University. Reactivity to aversive sounds includes heightened autonomic nervous system and negative emotional arousal. Pattern […]
Wings for Autism: Air Travel Preparation for Children on the Spectrum
A free program called “Wings for Autism” has been created to help families with children on the autism spectrum relieve some of the stress and anxiety of air travel.
OUR FOUNDER
Our Founder: Harold “Hackie” Reitman, M.D. Dr. Harold “Hackie” Reitman is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, children’s activist, and neurodiversity advocate. He is also a retired orthopaedic surgeon and a former professional heavyweight boxer who currently serves as the CEO of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based PCE Media, LLC, the multi-platform production company he founded in 2004. Dr. Reitman’s mission […]
Ingredients for a Supportive Community
We stop for people who are older or people with obvious physical disabilities. But what happens when the disability is not so obvious, or in Matt’s case, autism?
What is it like to have autism? #WIN (4/30/16)
This week in neurodiversity features Irish snapchat star James Kavanagh, Nick Lachey and Bruno Mars’ autism awareness contribution, and a robot designed to help autistic children improve their social skills.
Hosted by Matthew Ryan.
An Aspie’s Opinion on Medical Marijuana
Marijuana has been shown to help with symptoms related to cancer, chronic pain, Glaucoma, and many more. How about its use with Autism?
Housing and Neurodiversity with Carolyn Naifeh | EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS Episode 19
In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with Carolyn Naifeh, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Nashville IDD Housing Group.
Advocating Neurodiversity at Florida Atlantic University’s CARD
Looking across the audience one can see how different everyone is, how neurodiversity reaches everyone. And with that comes a host of different ideas and philosophies, all backed up by very strong passion.
Music Helps Kids with Down Syndrome Realize Dreams
Two young people with Down Syndrome recently found their dreams coming true through love of music- one through a viral dance video, and another through a famous rock star.
VIDEO BLOG: Understanding Neurodiversity
Historically a diagnosis has been perceived as a broken part that needs fixing- and once identified that it could be fixed. But, we are not part that need fixing- we are people.
Week in Neurodiversity – Alzheimer’s Journalist (4/23/16)
This Week in Neurodiversity features a journalist with Alzheimer’s disease, virtual reality goggles, and an autistic boy signing “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen.
Hosted by Matthew Ryan.
New IBM Project May Help Predict Epileptic Seizures
IBM recently developed an experimental chip called TrueNorth that may help predict the onset of epileptic seizures.
Written by Matthew Ryan.
A Different Look At PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is getting growing attention in quite a few places around the world. With legislations being recently passed in Canada, the Alaskan government is now following suit in their treatment and views of PTSD.
Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System with William Packard, Ph.D. | EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS Episode 18
In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with author and jail diversion team facilitator William Packard, Ph.D.
Week in Neurodiversity (4/16/16)
The Week in Neurodiversity highlights recent news stories that speak to the differences in our brains.
Hosted by Matthew Ryan
Transcending Labels
Long before I’d ever heard the term Asperger’s, I learned to accept my bright, shy uncle for who he was. He was funny and soft-spoken, and even though he was nervous in social interactions, he always came to our family gatherings, where he’d take up residence in the perimeter of the room.
Autism in Australia with Karina Barley | EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS Episode 17
In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. welcomes Karina Barley, founder of Project Autism Australia and Project Autism USA.
New Video Game Assists the Autistic with Learning
A Brisbane researcher has designed a videogame specifically to assist children with autism in a mainstream learning environment.
Week in Neurodiversity (4/9/16)
The Week in Neurodiversity highlights recent news stories that speak to the differences in our brains.
Hosted by Matthew Ryan.
