Exploring Different Brains

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Dr. Steven Perlman in the first of a two-part interview. He is a Clinical professor of Pediatric Dentistry at The Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Co-founder and previous president of the AADMD (), and was an integral part of bringing health care services to the Special Olympics- a move that has revolutionized how the medical system interacts with the developmentally disabled. Dr. Perlman discusses why studying pediatric dentistry allowed him to directly help the disabled, the disparity in health care services available for the neurodiverse, and tells the amazing story of how treating Rosemary Kennedy at the behest of Eunice Kennedy-Shriver led to the Special Olympics’ health care services being given to millions of people around the globe.

For more on the AADMD, visit: www.aadd.org

For more about the health services offered by the Special Olympics, visit: resources.specialolympics.org

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Dr. JR Harding, an author, disability advocate, and instructional specialist at Florida State University. JR’s accomplishments are staggering, with only a few being: contributing over 30 years to National State and Community Policy for the Independence and self-sufficiency of persons with disability, being a two-time presidential appointee, a seven time gubernatorial appointee, being asked to speak on numerous occasions to the US Congress in Florida Legislature, and he is the former chairman of the Florida Commission for Transportation Disable. Dr. Harding discusses the challenges he has faced being quadriplegic, the tools he has used to maximize his abilities, and the importance of understanding and appreciating the resource people with disabilities can be for businesses.

For more information, visit:

JRHarding.com

www.FSU.edu

And look for his books Now What? and ADA Adventure.

Look for his Different Brains blog here: http://differentbrains.com/author/jr-harding/

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with director of development for GRASP (Global & Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership). Becca discusses the importance of self advocacy for the neurodiverse, and her experiences as a woman on the autism spectrum.

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Becca Lory, director of development for GRASP (Global & Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership). Becca is a great neurodiversity advocate, and tells the story of her journey, from struggling in school and work, to dealing with severe depression, to an initial misdiagnosis of schizophrenia, to finally receiving a diagnosis of Asperger’s at the age of 35. Decca also discusses the unique challenges women have to receive an autism diagnosis.

To learn more about GRASP:

Visit www.GRASP.ORG

Or e-mail [email protected]

And look for Becca on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/becca.lory

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Dr. H. Thomas Temple, Senior Vice President of Translational Research and Economic Development at Nova Southeastern University.

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Lori Bitar, educational consultant and author of SOS: Save Our Students. Lori has a long history of teaching students with all forms of neurodiversity- from autism to ADHD to dyslexia. Lori discusses her history in the educational system, the inherent gender biases that are common in teaching, and what direction she feels society needs to move in to maximize performance.

To learn more about Lori’s work, or to purchase her book “SOS: Save Our Students", visit: loribitar.com

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Sarah Howard. Sarah is a member of AASCEND, a meet-up group organizer, and an adult on the autism spectrum. She discusses creating opportunities for the neurodiverse to socialize, the challenges of equal gender representation in organizing events for people on the spectrum, and her own personal challenges related to accomplishing goals.

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. continues his conversation with Australian psychologist and award-winning author Tania Marshall. Tania discusses maximizing the potential of women on the autism spectrum, the differences between resources for women in Australia and North America, and the subject of transgender individuals that are neurodiverse.

In this episode, Hackie Reitman interviews Harry Lowe, student with Asperger's at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Harry discusses growing up with Asperger's, his experience in school, and the importance of support systems for the neurodiverse.

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with parenting and addiction specialist Jan Tedeschi. Jan discusses her own childhood exposure to alcoholism, the role neurodiversity and the brain plays in addiction, and why society's perceptions of substance abuse may be making the problem worse.