Exploring Different Brains

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with psychologist and award-winning author Tania Marshall. Tania comes all the way from Australia, and discusses her AspienGirl book series, the challenges neurodiverse females face in getting proper diagnoses, and the unique abilities of women on the autism spectrum.

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Dr. Jennifer Palmiotto, marriage counsellor, family therapist, and founder of the Love & Autism Conference in San Diego, California. Dr. Palmiotto speaks about the importance of demystifying taboos surrounding the love lives of people on the autism spectrum, and of the importance of authenticity within relationships.

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with returning guest Shawn Smith, of Don’t dis-my-ability. Shawn discusses his diagnoses of ADHD, how he started his own organization, and the importance of self-advocacy. He also talks about how he didn’t learn to count until the age of 24, while working as a blackjack dealer.

In this special episode of Exploring Different Brains, Hackie Reitman, M.D. presents 7 previous guests as they tell the story of how they were first diagnosed with autism.

Guests include:

Raun Kaufman is the head of the Autism Treatment Center, and author of the book “Autism Breakthrough.” For his full interview, visit: http://differentbrains.com/exploring-different-brains-episode-1-raun-kaufman/

Ron Sandison is a preacher, has an amazing savant memory, and is the author of “A Parent’s Guide to Autism: Practical Advice. Biblical Wisdom.” For more information on Ron, visit his site: www.spectruminclusion.com. For his full interview, visit: http://differentbrains.com/autism-and-the-power-of-memory-with-ron-sandison-exploring-different-brains-episode-11/

Eric Zimmerman, founder of The Buddy Project and author of “Anything But Ordinary.” To learn more about Eric’s work, please visit his website: www.TheBuddyProject.net. For his full interview, visit: http://differentbrains.com/eric-zimmerman-exploring-different-brains-episode-15/

Ian Hale, Ph.D. is a writer, poet, public speaker and researcher. For more information, visit: ianchalephd.com. Look for Dr. Hale’s books at Amazon.com-The Insider’s Guide to Autism and Asperger’s, Dance With The Desert, and Emotional Exile. For his full interview, visit: Part 1- http://differentbrains.com/autism-family-tree-ian-hale-ph-d-edb-episode-36/ and Part 2- http://differentbrains.com/poetry-aspergers-self-expression-spectrum-ian-hale-ph-d-edb-episode-37/

Michael Tolleson is an autistic savant artist. Visit Michael’s sites to see is work and learn about seeing him speak.:

www.bookmichaeltolleson.com and www.michaeltollesonartist.com. For his full interview, visit: http://differentbrains.com/exploring-different-brains-episode-04-michael-tolleson/

Stephen Shore is an author and autism advocate. For more information about the work of Stephen Shore, please visit his website www.AutismAsperger.net and visit his facebook page www.facebook.com/tumbalaika. For his full interview, visit: http://differentbrains.com/exploring-different-brains-episode-07-stephen-shore/

Elizabeth Wilkinson is a British autism and dyslexia advocate known as The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant , and founder of Dyslexia Information Day. For more information about Elizabeth’s work, visit www.theddc.org.uk. For her full interview, visit: http://differentbrains.com/exploring-different-brains-episode-10-elizabeth-wilkinson/

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Lori Butts, J.D., Ph.D., the president and director of the Clinical & Forensic Institute, and previous president of the Florida Psychological Association. She is one of the few psychologists with her doctorate degree in psychology and also a law degree, and has extensive experience treating patients that have Autism, Bipolar Disorder, depression, and many other conditions that fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity. Dr. Butts discusses the importance of focusing on symptoms instead of labels, the stigma attributed to mental health care, and the myth that mental illness increases the likelihood of violent crime.

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with returning guest Dr. Lauren Gerber, author and psychologist. Dr. Gerber talks about the importance of trying all therapeutic options before prescribing medication, her experience providing therapy for client with autism and ADHD, the challenges of helping someone in a crisis, and a special four-legged friend that assists her in her sessions.

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with Dietrich Kuhlmann, a sophomore at the University of Miami who also happens to have Asperger’s syndrome. Dietrich talks about how he feels being neurodiverse can offer gifts to individuals, the challenges he has faced with being bullied, and how dedication and family support can help people achieve their goals.

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman sits down with Ed Harrold, performance enhancement coach and motivational speaker, and discusses the positive effect proper breathing can have on the brain.

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman sits down with Stacey Hoaglund. She is the editor of The Autism Notebook Magazine, a Family Support Specialist for Family Network on Disabilities, the CEO of Disability Training and Support Specialists, project coordinator for Partners in Policy-making, author of “Go for the Goal: A Parent’s Guide to Creating Meaningful IEP Goals,” a tireless advocate for the neurodiverse, and the mother of a son with autism. Stacey discusses the importance of appreciating the gifts of the neurodiverse, how employment helps develop social skills, and the challenge of getting legislature passed that can help the family and individuals affected by learning challenges.

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman sits down with Dr. Steven Ronik, the CEO of Henderson Behavioral Health. Henderson is the largest provider of health care support in South Florida, serving 30,000 people. Dr. Ronik discusses his journey from clinician to CEO, his thoughts on neurodiversity in the world of treating mental health, and the problem of stigmatization of those with different brains.