Blog - Different Brains

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.

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 […]

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