Autism In Real Life

Temple and I have a very interesting conversation about the challenges of employment while being on the autism spectrum as well as some strategies we can all use to help.

Dr. Temple Grandin is well known to many for her trailblazing work as a spokesperson for people with autism and her lifelong work with animal behavior. Dr. Grandin has been with Colorado State University (CSU) for over 25 years. Grandin has been referred to as the "most famous person working at CSU" by her peers.

Her life’s work has been to understand her own autistic mind, and to share that knowledge with the world, aiding in the treatment of individuals with the condition. Her understanding of the human mind has aided her in her work with animal behavior, and she is one of the most respected experts in both autism and animal behavior in the world. 

Dr. Grandin is also a designer of livestock handling facilities and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Facilities she has designed are located in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. 

You can learn more about Dr. Temple Grandin's work in autism at templegrandin.com and for her work in animal behavior you can go to grandin.com.

Welcome to Season 2!!  I have lots of great interviews and content coming this season.  Looking forward to sharing with you! 

I have also started adding transcripts for this season.  Let me know what you think!

Carol, Matthew and I talk about tools and educational materials that they have created to help individuals learn about their brain, how it works and how to implement strategies that may help individuals create space for learning and healing.  

I found their perspective and approach very interesting and wanted to share their information for those of you that might want to investigate further.  They have lots of free resources on their site and  other social media. Would love to hear your thoughts as well! 

About the book:

In Healing Your Child’s Brain, child development experts Matthew and Carol Newell
equip parents with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to help their special-
needs child flourish. The Newells taught more than 20,000 parents and were the parents
of two children with special needs. They know firsthand, as both parents and practitioners,
what works—and what doesn’t.

Most treatments focus on managing symptoms but don’t address underlying
neurological issues. This book guides readers through the stages of brain development and
how they affect functioning, showing what wellness looks like at each level and how to
identify—and address at the root—these challenges.
In these pages, parents will learn:

• The seven key developmental areas that contribute to how well your child
functions in daily life.
• How to understand and evaluate your child’s capabilities and challenges.
• How to create a neuro environment tailored to your unique child. Guiding you to
meet them where they are, rather than where they are “supposed” to be.

With insight into how your child’s unique brain functions, you can move beyond
managing symptoms to establishing a home regimen that fosters neurological growth. It is
possible to transform the structure of your child’s brain—from the cells themselves to the
connections between them. By harnessing the brain’s ability to grow and change slowly and steadily over time, your child can and will make progress.

Matthew and Carol Newell have dedicated their lives to helping children with special
needs and brain injuries. As founder of The Family Hope Center in Greater Philadelphia,
they have assembled a dedicated team of doctors and therapists and developed
neurologically based therapy programs for thousands of families. Over nearly 40 years,
Matthew and Carol have lectured and initiated child development programs which have
helped families from more than 35 countries.

Website: www.familyhopecenter.com
Facebook: @thefamilyhopecenter
Linked In: @TheFamilyHopeCenter
Instagram: @thefamilyhopecenter
Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/familyhopecenter

Eva Mendes, LMHC, NCC, is a widely recognized couples’ counselor who excels at working with couples where one or both partners have Asperger syndrome and are on the autism spectrum (diagnosed or undiagnosed). She specializes in working with adults with Asperger syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder), high-functioning autism, ADHD, non-verbal learning disability, PDD-NOS, social (pragmatic) communication disorder, and gifted individuals. Eva’s work also focuses particularly on women with Asperger syndrome.

Originally from Mumbai, India, Eva is inspired to work with individuals and couples from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Eva offers creative, practical solutions to life challenges, tailored to each client’s needs, neurology, and personality. She artfully integrates evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, and mindfulness practices to help couples and individuals reach their goals. Clients who work with her report feeling motivated and empowered to change their lives. They are strengthened to overcome obstacles and energized to create happier relationships.

Eva leverages both the latest research and her broad experience with numerous neurodiverse adults and couples in order to help her clients. When necessary, she collaborates with psychiatrists, organizational skills coaches, family members, and community resources to help clients create lasting change and wellness.

An expert on the topic of Asperger syndrome and social-communication challenges, Eva has spoken at conferences, colleges, and medical centers. She also leads the popular Spouse and Partners’ and the Couples’ support groups at the Asperger/Autism Network. She has written several papers on this subject, including Marriage with Asperger Syndrome: 14 Practical Strategiesand a thesis Bridging Parallel Play in AS Marriage.

You can learn more about Eva at https://eva-mendes.com/

How are you navigating the transition to full time face-to-face instruction? 

This is an especially challenging time for anyone in education whether an educator, a parent and especially a student.  Lots of changes from how teaching is being done, ever changing social rules, strategies and goals being a moving target, to transition challenges for everyone.  

Dania Jekel, M.S.W. is a founding member and Executive Director, Asperger/Autism Network (AANE). With nearly 40 years working with individuals with disabilities and their families including 10 years of specialization with AS , Ms. Jekel facilitates groups for adults and parents, and has consulted with individuals, families, schools and employers. She has presented at numerous conferences on the subject of Asperger Syndrome and Autism.

The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) helps people with Asperger's or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives.  They provide individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy — all in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect.

AANE was built in partnership with many people: staff, board and committee members, adults, families, and professionals. The assistance and support from its community has helped AANE grow from a "one-person, part-time, desk and telephone" to the thriving organization it is today.