Navigating Society With a Hearing Impairment
Alina Pacheco discusses growing up with a hearing impairment, and navigating the social difficulties that can come with a disability that hampers communication.
What I Learned at the United Nations on World Autism Awareness Day
Advocate Anita Lesko describes the experience of addressing the United Nations on World Autism Day, and the work being done to help those on the spectrum around the world.
Autism and Speech Apraxia: Do Language Challenges Influence Behavior?
Dr. Brian Udell discusses a surprising new study that suggests there is no correlation between language deficits in children on the autism spectrum and their propensity to have meltdowns or perceived misbehavior.
Different Brains and the Bottom Line: The Corporate and Social Value of Neurodiversity
Ira Bedzow discusses the benefits of integrating neurodiverse individuals into corporate environments, and how employees with different brains create stronger teams.
A Mother’s Day Shout Out To Special Needs Moms
Mari Nosal, M.Ed. reflects on the sacrifice of special needs parents, and on the rewards of raising a child that has challenges.
What My Autism “Looks Like”: Differences and Similarities Across the Spectrum
Eric Zimmerman discusses the variations of interests and skills of people on the spectrum, and the myth that people with autism “look” a certain way.
Coding Autism: Helping People on the Spectrum Find Employment and Develop Skills
Oliver Thornton discusses his own diagnosis with Asperger’s syndrome, and how he hopes his new venture, Coding Autism, can help others on the spectrum find meaningful employment.
Life After a TBI: The Invisible Challenges of an Invisible Disability
David A. Grant discusses invisible disabilities, and relays two stories about every day challenges presented by his traumatic brain injury.
Bottoms-Up: The Innovative Thinking Style of the Asperger’s Mind
Samantha Craft discusses the concept of “bottom up” processing, which is common amongst people on the autism spectrum.
Neurodiversity and Fitness: The Value in Exercise for Different Brains
Steven Dinnen discusses the importance of exercise for anyone that may have a different brain, and the fitness challenges neurodiverse conditions can present.
Autism and ABA: What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Rebecca Womack discusses what applied behavior analysis therapy is, and how it could be useful for some children on the autism spectrum.
Living In a World with Autism When You Don’t Know You Have It
Eryn Segal discusses life before and after her diagnosis with autism, and the social challenges she finds herself facing every day.
ADHD, Learning Challenges, and Life Changes: Finding a Better Way to Assess Different Brains
Tammy Elkon discusses how the journey through finding proper educational assistance for her son led her to develop a tool for assessing the abilities of those with different brains.
When Adults with Autism Face Difficult Life Change: 16 Supportive Actions
Jackie M. Marquette discusses the adversity that has touched the life of a close friends with autism, and offers tips for supporting a person on the spectrum that may be facing life changes.
Just the Essentials: Can Insomnia Be Relieved Through Aromatherapy?
Megan Baksh details her recent experiences using essential oils to relieve her insomnia, as well as recent studies that suggest the value of aromatherapy as an alternative treatment for the condition.
Medications and Different Brains: Ensuring Safe Prescription Use For Everyone
Lynn Harrelson, Pharm BS, FASCP discusses common problems related to taking medications, and offers tips on how to avoid them.
Is It a Behavior or Brain Problem? Neurological Deficits in Different Brains
Debbie Hampton discusses how what might look like impulsive, irresponsible, selfish, disorganized, or unmotivated behavior may actual be a result of a problem in the brain.
Oh, The Things You Can Think! Working Together for People with Autism
Denise Resnik discusses the importance of creating supportive environments for people on the autism spectrum.
Neurodiversity in the Arts: “Mindblind” by Jennifer Roy
Donna Levin reviews Jennifer Roy’s Mindblind, a novel about a 14 year old boy on the autism spectrum, from Skyscape Publishing.
Living After Traumatic Brain Injury – The Evolution of Life as a Survivor
David A. Grant discusses the disruptive life changes caused by his brain injury, and how he persevered as a survivor.
Paving the Path to Jobs and Vocational Success for Different Brains
Angela Mahoney, M.Ed. discusses the importance of developing vocational skills for those of us with different brains, and lists simple starting points to put individuals on the path to finding employment.
Neuropsychology: The Map of the Head and the Benefits of Massage
Giuliana Fenwick discusses neuropsychology, maps out the various sections of the brain that play a roll in what we consider “neurodiversity”, and offers some head massage methods she believes can reduce the symptoms of autism and similar diagnoses.
Getting a Second Opinion on an ADHD Diagnosis
Julie Saumsiegle discusses the importance of getting second opinions and trying all avenues when caring for a child with a different brain.
Neurodiversity and Sleep: Tips for Helping Different Brains Rest
Dr. Ben Weinstock examines the common sleep problems related to neurodiverse conditions, and offers a checklist on to combat those problems.
Bridges to Adelphi: A Model for Supporting College Students on the Autism Spectrum
Mitch Nagler discusses Bridges to Adelphi, and the model it has become for services colleges should offer students on the autism spectrum.
Telling Your Children You Have Epilepsy
Tom McGranahan Jr. discusses the challenge of a parent with epilepsy sharing their diagnoses with their children, and gives advice on how best to do so.
The ADHD Parent: Comfort Levels and ADHD
Lacey Craddock discusses the challenges a child with a neurodiverse diagnoses can face while growing up, and the concern parents can have in safeguarding their children through that process.
Medication’s Changing Use in Different Brains
Lynn Harrelson, Pharm. B.S., FASCP looks at how the interactions between patients and prescriptions have changed over the years, and highlights risks everyone should be aware of.
The Adderall Debate – Life Before and After my ADHD Diagnosis
Roland Jung discusses his first year after receiving his ADHD diagnosis, and his ongoing dilemma with medication.
Understanding and Supporting Weaknesses in Executive Brain Functioning
Cheryl Checkers, M.S. outlines how weaknesses in the executive functions of the brain can create problems for the neurodiverse, and reviews strategies for how to improve those functions.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Living with an Invisible Disability
In his first blog for Different Brains, David A. Grant tells the story of how having a traumatic brain injury has not only changed his life, but his perspective on society.
Getting Assessed – Life Before and After my ADHD Diagnosis
Roland Jung continues the story of his personal journey with ADHD. In this installment, he discusses going from self-diagnosis to receiving a real assessment.
Sharing the Challenges of Epilepsy
Tom McGranahan Jr discusses common misconceptions about how to help someone that is having a seizure, and the importance of education for those caring for someone with epilepsy.
Executive Brain Functions and their Link with the Neurodiverse
Giuliana Fenwick discusses the executive functions of the brain, and how she believes directed massage can aid in mitigating issues with cognitive control.
Reflections on Employment Issues for People with Autism, and Ways to Improve It
Rebecca Witonsky recounts her history as a woman on the autism spectrum seeking employment, and discusses some of the tips others have proposed to improve job prospects for the neurodiverse.
Social Challenges for Women on the Autism Spectrum
Sarah Howard, a woman with autism who wasn’t diagnosed until the age of 29, discusses the inherent challenges in facilitating social events for women on the spectrum.
More Big Steps for Individuals with Autism, Families, and Housing in 2017
Denise Resnik discusses First Place Arizona, and how their recent groundbreaking marks a personal milestone of progress for helping people on the autism spectrum achieve independence.
Just Keep Swimming: Life Before and After my ADHD Diagnosis
In the first part of his ongoing blog series, Roland E. Jung discusses life before and after receiving his diagnosis of ADHD.
New Year, New Resolutions: Prescription Safety in 2017
Lynn Harrelson, Pharm. B.S., FASCP discusses the need for prescription safety, and taking precautions to avoid negative interactions between medications.
Defining Neurodiversity for 2017: It’s Different Brains
In our final blog of 2016, Different Brains founder Hackie Reitman, M.D. discusses the problem of isolation when dealing with a diagnosis, and the way individuals and all of society can benefit when all of us come together for our common goals.
The Emotional Brain
Giuliana Fenwick discusses the amygdala, a part of the brain that rules emotion and sensory stimulation, and how some massage techniques can alleviate related stressors.
Autism, Predictability, and the Desire for Interpersonal Relations
Eric Zimmerman discusses how a recent trip forced him to expand his horizons, and confront is anxiety.
Give Your Brain the Gift of Hearing for the Holidays
Audiologist Constance Metropulos discusses how some anxiety-inducing social misunderstandings can be avoided this holiday season by making sure your hearing is properly assessed and cared for.
The Journey Through School and Work of One Young Woman with Autism
In her first blog for Different Brains, advocate Rebecca Witonsky tells the story of how receiving her autism diagnosis changed her life, and her career prospects.
Autism / Independence – Do All You Can, While You Can
Amalia Starr tells of how the loss of Brandon, her son with autism, highlights the importance of living life to the fullest.
Twenty-five Effective Career Preparations that Promote Autism Spectrum Employment
Dr. Jackie M. Marquette discusses the challenges and methods of helping individuals on the autism spectrum recognize, appreciate, and utilize their unique abilities.
Neurodiversity In The Gut: The Enteric or Second Brain
Giuliana Fenwick discusses how the gut, also known as the enteric or second brain, is also a main production line for producing and storing neurotransmitters, most of which are identical to those found in the central nervous system
Tips And Resources For Veterans Suffering With PTSD
Julia Merrill presents tips and helpful resource links for veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for life management.
Epilepsy In The Open
In this blog piece, Thomas J. McGranahan Jr discusses his personal struggles with epilepsy, and the importance of staying strong in the face of adversity.
Toxic Stress and its Impact on Children
Dr. N’Quavah Velazquez of Achievement Heights Academy discusses the effect toxic stress can have on a child’s development.
Courage Not Weakness: Accepting Support in the Differently-Abled Community
Disability advocate and champion J.R. Harding tells the story of how, after he became quadriplegic, accepting and asking for help proved a difficult challenge.
Neurodiversity and Addiction: An Interview with Professor Bankole A. Johnson of HBO’s “Addiction” Series
In this special text-only interview, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Dr. Bankole A. Johnson, who heads the Brain Science Consortium Unit at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and is one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject of addiction.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Relief: Receiving an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult
Becca Lory discusses how her life changed when she received her autism diagnosis at age 36.
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.
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.
Trailblazing for Neurodiversity and Different Brains
Dr. Hackie Reitman discusses his experiences at Trailblazing 2016, a conference dedicated to encouraging entrepreneurship amongst the neurodiverse.
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.
Hormones, Massage Therapy, and The Neurodiverse
Giuliana Fenwick offers more tips and techniques to help ease neurodiverse symptoms using head massage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.