All Autism Talk

By All Autism TalkSociety & Culture Education Parenting Kids & Family

All Autism Talk episodes

August 23, 2014 Recreational Programs for Kids with Special Needs & Medi-Cal Update
In this episode we are joined by Coach Alex Sachs of the KEEN program in Phoenix. As a former professional soccer player and Olympic medal winner, Alex brings her great passion for sports to serving the special needs community.
KEEN Phoenix (Kids Enjoying Exercise Now) is a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. KEEN's mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals. We have three sites that we service kids from Escalante Community Center, Gompers, and Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale.
Alessandra “Coach Alex” Sachs played on the Brazilian Women’s National Soccer Team for 11 years and has a silver medal from the 2004 Olympic Games, a gold medal 2007 Pan American Games and was inducted in the Brazilian Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.
Today, she is the Program Director of KEEN Phoenix and Program Manager of Playworks Arizona.
In this episode, Rob Haupt also offers an update on recent news about Medi-Cal and Medicaid coverage for autism services.
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)
37 min
August 07, 2014 Jennifer Cook: Award-Winner. Aspie. Author. Mom.
Jennifer Cook is the winner of the 2014 Autism Society of America’s Temple Grandin Outstanding Book of the Year Award, the 2012 Temple Grandin Award for global contributions, a recipient of GRASP’s 2012 Distinguished Spectrumite Medal for excellence in parenting, 2012 AuKids Speaker of the Year, and Godiva’s Woman of the Year. She is one of North Carolina’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2014 and Autism Daily Newscast’s “Inspiring Women with Autism,” called “piercingly astute” by Headstuff Magazine. She keynotes internationally, including for the Autism Society of America’s National Conference, the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association, The National Inclusion Project, the UK’s National Autistic Society, Ireland’s SHINE, and at mega conferences alongside Drs. Grandin and Attwood. She is a mentor for Yale’s Child Study Center where her books serve as foundational texts, and a member of The Global Montessori Alliance. Her Facebook Fan Page and Asperkids blog have both been chosen by Disney/Babble to the Top 30 Autism Sites in the World. All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)
53 min
August 01, 2014 Helping Children with Autism Become More Social
This week we discuss a topic that is extremely important to many parents of young kids with autism, social skills and ability. Most parents are familiar with the social challenges faced by our kids on the spectrum but not everyone knows helpful strategies that will support better social function. This week, host Rob Haupt is pleased to welcome Dr. Ann Densmore, Ed.D. CCC SLP/A, certified speech pathologist and audiologist and author of Helping Children with Autism Become More Social: 76 Ways to Use Narrative Play and author of Your Successful Preschooler: Ten Skills Children Need to Become Confident and Socially Engaged.
Dr. Ann Densmore, Ed.D. CCC SLP/A, certified speech pathologist and audiologist and author of Helping Children with Autism Become More Social: 76 Ways to Use Narrative Play and author of Your Successful Preschooler: Ten Skills Children Need to Become Confident and Socially Engaged (Harvard Medical School and Jossey-Bass, 2011). Director of Child Talk in Lexington, MA. Ann Densmore has been a speech and language consultant at public and private schools or more than 30 years. Ann holds an Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard Graduate School of Education and an Ed.D. in Education with a specialization in child discourse from Clark University. She is board-certified in speech and language pathology and audiology. Ann swims Walden Pond every morning (when it’s not iced over) and enjoys long bike rides with her friends. She also loves photography, swimming with Cambridge New England Masters at Harvard University, and taking walks with her Portuguese Water Dog, Map. http://www.child-talk.com/ Twitter: @AnnDensmore
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)
56 min
July 25, 2014 Therapy, Self Care and Other Support for Parents of Kids with Autism
All parents face daily obstacles, but parents of children with autism experience increased challenges that can result in overwhelming anxiety, depression, self-doubt and sadness. Ultimately, these parents are husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, family and friends who simply wish to experience more fulfilling and satisfying lives with their children.
Dr. Darren Sush is a clinical psychologist and board certified behavior analyst, specializing in therapy for parents of children with autism. Throughout his career, Dr. Sush has recognized that parents of children with autism can significantly benefit from the guidance, comfort and empathy of therapeutic services that support their unique experiences and struggles.
Over the past decade, Dr. Sush has had the privilege of working within agencies that provide intervention and support for children diagnosed with autism. Through his work developing treatment programs, meeting with families and helping children, he has gained exceptional knowledge and understanding of the unique experiences of parents of children with autism.
He offers direct knowledge and guidance to the various questions that arise regarding children with autism’s behavior, skill building, treatment, funding and school placement, and helps families live their best lives possible.
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)
50 min
July 16, 2014 Speech Therapy: Who Can Benefit From It and What Can It Do?
Join us for this fascinating conversation about the benefits of speech therapy and who could benefit from it. In this episode, Odelia Mirzadeh breaks down typical child development as well as some of the red flags that could indicate you may want explore speech therapy.
Odelia Mirzadeh is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She began her career working in an Early Intervention Program, at CSUN, completed her internship at Santa Monica and Malibu School Districts, and externship at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. She has also worked with the Beverly Hills School District, Northridge Hospital, The Help Group and UCLA Lab School.
In her practice, Odelia works with children and adults to evaluate and treat: autism spectrum disorders, cleft palate and craniofacial anomalies, auditory processing disorder, oral motor speech disorders, voice disorders, apraxia of speech, stuttering/fluency, voice disorders, social communication disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders/delays, speech disorders/distortions, memory and listening skill difficulties, as well as reading and writing comprehension deficits.
With her background in music and training in music therapy, Odelia is also able to serve her client’s needs in an innovative way to ensure better results.
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)
46 min
June 26, 2014 Educating Pediatricians and General Practitioners to Better Screen and Treat ASD
We are excited to welcome back V. Mark Durand to discuss the important topic of educating our medical professionals outside of the specialized field of autism. Dr. Durand's book Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Guide for General Practititioners is aimed at helping clinicians screen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), treat higher functioning individuals with ASD, and assist family members.
V. Mark Durand is known worldwide as an authority in the area of autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Durand is currently a member of the Professional Advisory Board for the Autism Society of America and is on the board of directors of the International Association of Positive Behavioral Support. He is the co-editor of the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions and serves on a number of editorial boards. His books include Severe Behavior Problems: A Functional Communication Training Approach, Sleep Better! A Guide to Improving Sleep for Children with Special Needs, and most recently, When Children Don't Sleep Well: Interventions for Pediatric Sleep Disorders.
Dr. Durand developed a unique treatment for severe behavior problems that is currently mandated by states across the country and is used worldwide. He also developed an assessment tool that is used internationally and has been translated into more than 15 languages. He has been consulted by the departments of education in numerous states and by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education. His current research program includes the study of prevention models and treatments for such serious problems as self-injurious behavior.
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)
58 min
June 19, 2014 Looking for Abilities: The Perception of People with Disabilities
In this episode we explore some of the perceptions of individuals with disabilities. Our guest, Mary Jacob is the Executive Director of Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center and Families Helping Families of Jefferson. She is the mother of two daughters with disabilities and spent the past 25 years advocating for inclusive education opportunities and services for her daughters as well as all children with disabilities. Ms. Jacob has spoken nationally about her experience raising two children with disabilities. She is a relentless advocate for children with special needs.
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)
55 min
June 13, 2014 The Important Work of Parent Advocates for Special Needs Families
This week on Autism Spectrum Radio we are looking at some of the remarkable efforts by parents for parents. Parent advocates in communities all over the country are creating offerings that help facilitate education and access to much needed resources.
Sarah Paulson is the founder and Executive Director of Connecting for Kids. She has an MBA from University of Chicago in Finance and Strategic Management. She was a management consultant for The Boston Consulting Group and a Product Manager for Progressive Insurance Company before becoming a stay-at-home mother of two adorable boys. She loves reading and is passionate about exercising, ice cream and outwitting her husband at board games.
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by Autism Spectrum Therapies (autismtherapies.com) and Trellis Services (trellisservices.com) and Learn It Systems (learnitsystems.com)
47 min
May 30, 2014 We Rock The Spectrum: Exercise, Social Skills & Sensory Experiences for All Kids
Dina Kimmel studied Business at CSUN, but it is her mother's intuition combined with her entrepreneurial spirit that led to the creation of We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym. After her second child Gabriel was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dina began to research ways to facilitate her son's development. Dina found that with early intervention many children were making significant improvements. This led her to create a sensory gym in her own home. Gabriel thrived and at the same time her older daughter Sophia enjoyed playing on the equipment. This provided the family joy and relief at the same time. "One of the biggest challenges when you have a child with any disability is that often all of your focus lands on them and the other siblings feel neglected or deprived". The fact that both of her children were being entertained at the same time was a fantastic outcome.This was the beginning of We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym, "Finally a place where you never have to say I'm sorry".
48 min
May 22, 2014 Transitions to Adolescence and Adulthood with Autism - with Dr. Peter Gerhardt
This week on Autism Spectrum Radio we will discuss a question that concerns all parents and caregiver at some point: What are the challenges and opportunities as children with autism become adolescents and adults? The specific nature of how to manage these changes and the best way to prepare for the future will be the focus of this episode. Join us as we explore the different facets of how families and society need to prepare for a maturing community of individuals with autism. We are extremely excited to welcome a special guest to the show, Dr. Peter Gerhardt. Dr. Gerhardt is an expert on the use of ABA therapy in support of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders.
Dr. Gerhardt has more than 30 years’ experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders in educational, employment, residential and community-based settings. He has authored and co-authored articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with ASD and has presented nationally and internationally on this topic. He serves as Chairman of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research, is on the Editorial Board of Behavior Analysis in Practice and on numerous professional advisory boards, including the Autism Society of America. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey’s Graduate School of Education.
46 min

About All Autism Talk

From the publisher's feed

All Autism Talk is a podcast where stories come to life and voices are heard, celebrating the beauty and strength of the autism community. Through heartfelt interviews with individuals on the spectrum, authors, and professionals, we share wisdom, courage, and hope. Whether you’re a parent seeking guidance, an educator looking to inspire, or a self-advocate on your journey, this podcast offers a place of connection and understanding. Join us as we honor the unique stories that unite us and work together to build a more compassionate, inclusive world.