Autism Conversations

We are pleased to present our podcast, which addresses inquiries from various communities in New Mexico. Facilitator, Lauriann King, and her guests Dr. Seema Jacob, Dr. Peggy Maclean, Education Consultant, Felicia Nevarez and Counselor/Social Worker, Dana Demos-Curtis address real life concerns from people just like you. Listen how this group of professionals discuss the how parents of children with autism are facing anxieties and fears associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen on how they problem-solve issues related to mask wearing, social distancing, isolation and loneliness in this informative podcast. Our incredible team of professionals also address concerns related to children with autism that have weakened immune systems that are considered high risk.

We are proud to present our latest podcast, which specifically addresses inquiries from our Native American communities. You will not want to miss this informative discussion. Facilitator, Jayme Swalby, Speech Language Pathologist, Christine Vining, Social Worker, Kristy Adakai-Tinney and Program Specialist, Lyn Wilson-King address inquiries from the Native communities and discuss the effects of social distancing, which is part of the new normal. Listen to how the practice of social distancing may not be effective in all cultures and learn the reasons why in this informative podcast. This is an opportunity to grasp the real challenges that are part of a larger picture. Tune in and learn how the lack of infrastructure for native communities makes it impossible to handle this nationally widespread virus.

Presenters Jayme Swalby, Gay Finlayson and Lisa Kalberg focus on the many challenges faced while balancing working at home and providing therapy to a child with autism, which is part of learning how to exist in the worldwide new normal. Albeit challenging, we are all doing the best we can juggling different roles at the same time in one place…home. Listen how the presenters discuss prioritizing your own mental health and self-care in order to be more effective, which includes being kinder to yourself and remembering that we are all doing the best that we can.

Presenters Jayme Swalby, Gay Finlayson and Lisa Kalberg focus on the many challenges faced while balancing working at home and providing therapy to a child with autism, which is part of learning how to exist in the worldwide new normal. Albeit challenging, we are all doing the best we can juggling different roles at the same time in one place…home. Listen how the presenters discuss prioritizing your own mental health and self-care in order to be more effective, which includes being kinder to yourself and remembering that we are all doing the best that we can.

Facilitator Jayme Swalby and her guests, Dr. Mary Beth Graham, Dr. Michelle Iemolo, Dr. Seema Jacobs and Occupational Therapist, Kristen Red-Horse discuss a common denominator that most families are facing in current times…stress exhibited while living with autism. A quote stated during the discussion sets the tone for this informative podcast – It’s not what’s wrong with you. It’s what’s happening to you.” We can relate to various stressors such as changes in routines, not being able to access therapies face-to-face, but most of all from feeling a loss of control and not knowing what the future holds. We can all take something meaningful from this enlightening podcast. The most important thing for our loved ones with autism is to engage together in family activities that are simple, light and fun for everyone.

This podcast is a collaboration with Otero County Advocates for Developmental Disabilities to provide direct supports to their local community. Jayme Swalby, our facilitator leads an informative conversation with panelists Thea Kavanaugh, Certified Health Education Specialist; Natalie “Nan” Kossar, Special Education Teacher; Michael Swalby, Self-Advocate; and Laurel Deans, Self-Advocate at the New Mexico DDPC Planning Council. Their discussion focuses on the need for understanding and appreciating the differences between friendships and romantic relationships. We are reminded that we are all sexual beings; it is normal to have thoughts, feelings and desires. Listen to this profound discussion on the importance of providing safe opportunities to respectfully and properly model communication about mutual trust, intimacy, boundaries and expectations with your loved ones with autism.

We are proud to present this podcast, which is in direct support and collaboration with the Deming, New Mexico community. Lyn Wilson-King, our facilitator, and the panel, Dr. Ann Branscum; counselor and social worker, Dana Demos-Curtis; and education and outreach manager, Lisa Kalberg share in a discussion that focuses on managing priorities by weighing what is most important for you and your child. Trusting instincts and trusting yourself is key when moving forward with balance for a family living with autism spectrum disorder. This group of professionals give us permission to seek the simple yet effective ways of supporting ourselves and our family, in an effort to cope with stressors.

We are pleased to share this podcast, which is a being brought to you by the Autism Programs at the UNM Center for Development and Disability; it is funded by the New Mexico Department of Health and is committed to supporting autism communities all across New Mexico. Debbie Montana, our facilitator, and the panel, Jennifer Sanchez, Nicole Tenny and Lynette Torivio share a heartfelt discussion about their personal experiences and things they wish they knew when their children were diagnosed with autism. Listen to their compassionate discussion of shared memories when facing new challenges, which gives us a sense of permission to feel what we feel.

We are pleased to share this podcast, which is in direct support and collaboration with Four Corners Families with Autism Support Group. Jayme Swalby, our facilitator, and the panel, Lynette Torivio, Mariah Montoya, Tory Everhart and Lisa Kalberg share in a discussion that focuses on balancing self-care and supports for a family living with autism spectrum disorder. This group of professionals discuss not only how to address those issues, but they compassionately remind all of us that we are all doing the best we can.