What's actually happening in the brain when an autistic individual struggles to shift gears, adapt to change, or break out of a repetitive thought pattern? This week, host Jeffrey Skibitsky sits down with Dr. Lucina Uddin, neuroscientist and director of the Brain Connectivity and Cognition Laboratory at UCLA, to explore one of the most important and least-discussed topics in autism research: cognitive flexibility.

Dr. Uddin breaks down how brain networks switch between internal thinking and external awareness, what happens when that switching system gets overloaded, and why some autistic individuals get stuck in a loop even when they have every skill needed to problem-solve in calmer moments.

She also shares a surprising research finding: bilingual children with autism showed stronger inhibitory skills than their monolingual peers, suggesting that natural language exposure at home may support cognitive flexibility in ways families can start building today.

Resources:

Lucina Q. Uddin, Ph.D. (she/her)

Dr. Uddin's lab at UCLA is currently recruiting children ages 8 to 12 with an autism diagnosis for a paid brain study on bilingualism and cognitive flexibility. Families can earn up to $300 for participating. To learn more or sign up, contact [email protected] or call 323-609-5866. 

In this episode:

Whether you're a parent, clinician, or educator, this episode gives you a new lens for understanding why flexibility can be hard and concrete reasons for hope.

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Christopher Carazas, a Paraguayan-American writer whose journey spans continents, cultures, and a lifetime of resilience. Diagnosed as autistic in adulthood, Christopher has navigated the challenges of masking, emotional recovery, and finding his voice after years of silence. His memoir, Now That I’m Still Here, shares a powerful story of survival and hope. Today, we’ll discuss his experiences, the healing power of storytelling, and how to foster inclusion. Download latest episode to learn more!

Resources

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Susan Williams White, a renowned clinical psychologist, researcher, and advocate for evidence-based interventions. Dr. White’s work focuses on helping individuals manage intense emotions and anxiety, with a special emphasis on youth with autism. Download latest episode to learn more!

Resources 

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Shulamite Green, an Assistant Professor at UCLA and licensed clinical psychologist specializing in autism, sensory processing, and neurodevelopmental conditions. She leads the UCLA SCAN lab, where her research focuses on how the brain processes sensory information during adolescence. Today, we’ll discuss her findings and how they’re shaping new interventions. Download latest episode!

Resources

Their study is currently recruiting children ages 7-15 across the autism spectrum to participate in a study of sensory processing at UCLA. More information can be found on our website: Click Link here!

UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI)

Shulamite Green, Ph.D. – UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI)

Members by Research Area – UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI)

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Lauren Kenworthy, a leading expert in the field of autism and executive functioning. Dr. Kenworthy is the author of Unstuck and On Target, a school-based intervention program proven to help children on the autism spectrum develop critical executive functioning skills. Today we will be discussing how executive functioning impacts learning and daily life for autistic individuals, as well as practical strategies to support these skills at home, in school, and beyond. Download latest episode! 

Resources

Lauren Kenworthy, Ph.D. 

Children’s National (Washington DC)

Research Website: https://www.childrensnationalcasd.com

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Brooke Ingersoll, a leading autism researcher and Director of the MSU Autism Research Lab. She’ll be sharing insights on parent-mediated interventions, Project ImPACT, and the RISE study. These topics offer valuable support for families and individuals in the autism community. Download latest episode to learn more!

Resources 

Project Impact Resources

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Jill Escher, president of the National Council on Severe Autism, a dedicated advocate, autism research philanthropist, and mom to two children with nonverbal autism. Jill has spent her life working to support individuals and families affected by severe autism. 

She’s funded important research, provided housing for adults with developmental disabilities, and raised awareness about the challenges faced by the autism community. Today we will be discussing severe autism, the rising prevalence of autism, the need for long-term care and housing, and better access to treatments for severe behaviors. Download latest episode to learn more!

Resources 

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Alix Generous—an autistic advocate, entrepreneur, scientist, and PhD student in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Alix has used her unique perspective to drive innovation in science, technology, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Today we will be discussing her journey, how reframing autism as a difference can inspire better support systems, and her passion for creativity, resilience, and inclusion. Download latest episode to learn more!

Resources 

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generousalix/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenerousAlix/

My musical “Boogie Woogie & Bugle Boys”: https://cur8.com/22420/project/133958

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Clara Garcia, Director of Programs, and Melissa Cardona, Senior Resource Specialist at the Autism Society of Inland Empire. Clara brings decades of experience in inclusion and program development, while Melissa, a parent of two children on the spectrum, is passionate about supporting families and building connections. 

Together, they’ll share insights on fostering inclusion, creating sensory-friendly programs, and meeting the needs of the autism community. Download latest episode to learn more!

Resources

Home - Autism Society Inland Empire

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Matthew Lerner, a leading researcher and advocate for neurodivergence-affirming practices. Dr. Lerner is the Director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at Drexel University, where his work focuses on improving social development and creating inclusive, participatory interventions for neurodiverse individuals. Today, we’ll explore how these practices can empower autistic individuals and their families while fostering meaningful social connections. Download latest episode to learn more!

Resources

A.J. Drexel Autism Institute | A.J. Drexel Autism Institute | Drexel University

Home | Autism Outcomes | Drexel University

Social Connections & Treatment Lab (SCTL) - Home

Affiliate, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

...............................................................

Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.