1 in 31: Autism Today

This weekend's 1 in 44 guest is Greg Austin! Greg is the founder of Inclusive Fitness in Boston, Massachusetts. Inclusive Fitness is a company dedicated to helping neurodiverse people and their families and caregivers create the healthy lifestyles they want and deserve. Inclusive Fitness is not an adaptive gym. It is the unique combination of the right people, the best programming, and the perfect place (physical and virtual) where neurodiverse and neurotypical people alike can come to create a healthy lifestyle together! Greg is the proud dad of Lucas, an autistic teenager who ignited Greg’s passion for launching Inclusive Fitness. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://inclusivefitness.com/

This weekend's 1 in 44 guest is Carolyn Huston. Carolyn is the mother of three children, two adult women and a young son. Her son keeps her young at heart and has introduced her to the world of autism. She can often be found at his activities, volunteering in school, or helping parents of other children with special needs. She has always dreamed of writing and sharing her stories and knowledge with others. For several years she did this as a teacher. When her son was diagnosed with autism, she decided it would be best to devote her energy to his needs. Writing and educating others about autism has enabled her to do just that and to be available for James' needs. Tune in to learn more about Carolyn, her son, and her work. Visit: https://carolynlhuston.wixsite.com/carolynlhuston 

Brody Stirk is a ten year old with ASD from the Western region of New York! He is joined by his mother Janna. Brody runs his very own YouTube channel titled Brody Educates, which focuses on “science with a sense of humor”. With recording and editing help from his mom, Brody does all his own research and is the host of the show! Brody wants to get people interested in the things he is passionate about – topics range from autism, different animal species, places in New York, and more. He also urges people to celebrate neurodiversity, and show them compassion, empathy and understanding. To find his channel, search ‘Brody Educates’ on YouTube!

This weekend's 1 in 44 guest is Joseph Sinagra. Joe is the Chief of Police for the Saugerties, NY police department. Chief Sinagra is seeking to help the Saugerties community with the launch of the new Handle With Care program within the department. The goal of "Handle with Care" is to give the department’s officers knowledge about community members who may have special needs like autism or suffer from cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. The online database allows families to upload a photo of a loved one – along with emergency contacts – and any other pertinent information they want police to know if officers were to come in contact with the individual. You can register a loved one through the Saugerties Police Department’s “Handle with Care” database on the Saugerties CrimeWatch Website at https://crimewatch.net/us/ny/ulster/saugerties-pd. If you are interested in learning how to start your own Handle with Care program in your area, please reach out to Chief Sinagra - [email protected]!

This weekend's 1 in 44 guests are Gavin Jenkins and Kevin Spencer! Gavin is the Chair of the UAB Department of Occupational Therapy and Kevin is the Magic Therapy Designer and Magic Camp Curriculum Creator. The UAB Magic Camp is part of a collaboration between UAB's Department of Occupational Therapy, Children's of Alabama, Hocus Focus™ and the UAB Institute for Arts in Medicine. The annual UAB Magic Camp will be held virtually via Zoom this summer. It is designed - and free to attend - for children ages 9 - 18 with disabilities. Learning and performing magic tricks has been shown to benefit children and adults with disabilities. The approach is being shown to be an effective treatment technique as it promotes motivation, and improves physical, psychological, perceptual, or social functions in those who participate. Tune in to learn more or visit: www.uab.edu/shp/ot/ot-magic-camp

Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who has spent a 30+ year career working in different aspects of the travel industry. She holds degrees in psychology and marketing, is a mother of two, and resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley. Her most recent work 'Traveling Different' reads as a guide to help parents traveling with special needs children. The heart of the book outlines suggested itineraries for spectrum families and venues that cater to the unique special interests that are characteristic of individuals with autism. Barclay also discusses less common accommodations, such as dude ranches and houseboats, as well as vacations involving sports that readers might not immediately associate with ASD, such as diving, skiing, and golf. Tune in to learn more, or visit Dawn's website to purchase her book: http://www.dawnbarclayink.com

This weekend's 1 in 44 guests are Michael Campbell and Brandon Drescher. Michael is the Regional Market Impact Representative for MHVFCU and Brandon is the Branch Manager for the Red Hook and Rhinebeck locations. MHVFCU is the first credit union in our local area to become an Autism Supportive EnvironmentSM (ASE). Also, MHVFCU visits Anderson's campus to meet with our newest team members in orientation and discuss financial tips, wellness, and more. Anderson Center for Autism & Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union have a wonderful and unique partnership, tune in to learn more!

This weekend's 1 in 44 guest is Dr. Kristin Sohl. Dr. Sohl is a pediatrician with extensive experience in medical diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of children with a concern of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She is also the Executive Director of ECHO Autism, a virtual learning network of providers offering real-time access to autism and behavioral experts. Their interdisciplinary team advises providers across the country and even internationally to support best practices in autism care for medical, behavioral and education concerns. This innovative system allows professionals and caregivers to increase their confidence in identifying and treating autism and expand their knowledge about treatments and solutions. Tune to learn more about Dr. Sohl and ECHO Autism! Visit https://echoautism.org/ for additional information.

Zach Betkowski is the Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Hudson Valley Renegades! Recently, the Renegades unveiled the Curemark Sensory Safe Suite (Suite Eight) at Dutchess Stadium. Suite Eight has been redesigned as a fun, accommodating and functional space for families with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs to help better enjoy the game. The Curemark Sensory Safe Suite has features that provide a comforting, relaxing and less stimulating space for guests to experience a Renegades game while still being fun and functional. Tune in to learn more about Zach, the new sensory suite, and how to reserve it at your next visit to see the Renegades! Visit: www.milb.com/hudson-valley

Richard Schreiber is the co-founder of NYC Autism Community Group. He is also the father of a child on the autism spectrum. The NYC Autism Community Group's goal is to bring as much holistic, cutting edge and new solutions to the families with members on the Autism Spectrum as affordably and accessibly as possible. Partnering with the Autism Today Foundation, their upcoming 2022 expo is scheduled for September! Learn more by tuning in or visit: www.nycautismcommunity.org/