In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.

This episode features Dr. Yue Yu, an assistant professor at the UC Davis MIND Institute. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Yu about how mobile tools such as text messages and support from others can help families of children with autism.

Together, they discuss:

• Why caregivers should participate in early autism intervention treatment plans
• What Mobile treatment programs are and how they can help caregivers and families of autistic children
• Resources to help caregivers and families of children with autism

Listen now to hear Dr. Yu explain how caregiver engagement is crucial for effective early autism intervention and how programs like the FANS (Family/Friend Network Support) Mobile program, can lead to better outcomes for young autistic children and their families.

Show Notes:

To view the entire presentation “ Supporting Caregiver Engagement in Early Autism Interventions: A Mobile Approach” with captions, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentations

To view the podcast with captions, visit: https://youtu.be/D6GAr-vc-sU

To access the resources Mind the Gap Family Resource Live Binder, visit: https://www.livebinders.com/play/play/2302351?tabid=a323a6f0-6ba2-41f6-b987-930b94bb38d0

Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.

This episode features Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Founder and Executive Director of Jazz Hands for Autism. Jazz Hands for Autism provides music education for autistic individuals and training for educators. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Nweke about how music performance can help autistic learners develop resilience, courage, and social connection.

Together, they discuss:

• The difference between listening to music and performing music
• How music performance can have a positive impact on autistic learners and their caregivers

• The Jazz Hands Educator Training program

Show Notes:

To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZE94jhxuHc

To view the entire presentation, You Can't Have Inclusion Without Music: How Performance Based Music Education Transforms Outcomes for Autistic Learners and Creates Systems-Level Change visit https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentations

Learn more about Jazz Hands for Autism and the work they do: https://www.jazzhandsforautism.org/

Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.

This episode features Dr. Patrcia Renno, a clinical psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles CAN Clinic and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA who works with children and adults with autism. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Renno about people with autism who also struggle with anxiety.

Together, they discuss:

• The most common types of anxiety seen in autistic individuals
• What CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is and how it can help
• How Modified CBT can work better for people with autism
• Resources for people with autism who also struggle with anxiety

Listen now to hear Dr. Renno explain how CBT has strong evidence for treating anxiety in individuals with autism.

Show Notes:

To view the entire presentation “ Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder” with captions, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentations

To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: youtube.com/watch?v=NGNJhD7HouE&feature=youtu.be

To view the Autism and Anxiety resources discussed in today's episode, visit:https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/in_other_words_autism_and_anxiety_resources.pdf

Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.This episode features Dr. Claudia Dunn, a leading researcher in social-emotional learning (SEL) and educational equity. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Dunn about a social-emotional, equity-focused approach to supporting children with disabilities and their families.Together, they discuss: - What Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) families are and the role of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in special education- What barriers affect families’ participation in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) meetings- How culture, language, and policy shape access and equity- Why centering family voices matters

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.This episode features Dr. Claudia Dunn, a leading researcher in social-emotional learning (SEL) and educational equity. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Dunn about a social-emotional, equity-focused approach to supporting children with disabilities and their families.Together, they discuss: - What Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) families are and the role of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in special education- What barriers affect families’ participation in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) meetings- How culture, language, and policy shape access and equity- Why centering family voices mattersListen now to hear Dr. Dunn explain how centering family voices and lived experience can improve systems and create more inclusive support.Show Notes:

To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: https://youtu.be/1XeQiYBCp2g

To view the entire presentation “Centering Voices, Strengths, and Healing: A Social-Emotional and Equity-Focused Approach to Supporting Children with Disabilities and Their Families” with captions, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentationsLearn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.This episode features Dr. Ingrid Tien, a BRIDGES-funded postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Tien about sex and gender-based diagnostic disparities in Autism. Together, they discuss: - How sex and gender are represented differently in autism research- How stereotypes and testing biases affect autistic diagnoses- How to take meaningful and impactful steps toward developing inclusive and accurate assessmentsListen now to hear Dr. Tien explain how sex and gender shape autism diagnosis and why inclusive assessment matters for achieving equitable care for everyone.Show Notes:

To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPqFFSCE7oU

To view the entire presentation, Sex and Gender Based Disparities in the Autistm Diagnostic System visit https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentations

Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.

This episode features Dr. Connie Kasari, Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Psychology at UCLA, and host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center.

Dr. Kasari's research focuses on creating and testing new autism interventions for use in schools and clinics, especially to support young children’s communication and social interactions. Holly and Dr. Kasari explore:

• Evidence-based intervention strategies for autistic children

• How early interventions, such as JASPER and AACdevices, can help children with autism develop language, play, and social skills

• Why language is such an important goal for early intervention

Show Notes:

To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: https://youtu.be/K2QX_tOKV6Q

To view the entire presentation, Early Intervention: Progress, Gaps and What's Next, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentations

Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.

This episode features Dr. Samara Wolpe, a neuro-affirming autism researcher, clinician, and postdoctoral fellow at the UCLA PEERS Clinic, and host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center.

The journey into adulthood can be challenging for many, but autistic individuals often face unique barriers when services and supports end after high school. Holly and Dr. Wolpe explore:

• Why the transition to adulthood can be difficult

• What supports and strategies are most effective

• How schools, colleges, and workplaces can be more inclusive

• The importance of centering autistic voices in research and policy

Show Notes:

To view the entire presentation, Navigating the Transition to Adulthood: Perspectives of Autistic Individuals, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentations

Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-languageconversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.

This episode features Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director of California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLATarjan Center, talks with Aaron about employment for people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Together, they discuss:

o  What having a job means for people with disabilities

o  Barriers to finding and keeping a job

o  How the State Council partners with employers and communities to improve access to employment

o  Advice for employers about hiring people with disabilities

o  What makes him hopeful about the future of inclusive employment in California

Listen now to hear more about how employment for people with disabilities is a civil right and empowers people to lead change in their communities and workplaces.

Show Notes:  

Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-languageconversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.

This episode features Pete Cervinka, Director of California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Host Russell Lehmann, International Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLATarjan Center, talks with Pete about his vision for the future of developmental services in California.

Together, they discuss:

• What services in California could look like in the next 10–15 years
• How DDS is working toward fairness for people of all backgrounds, languages, and incomes
• The challenges the system faces as the needs of people with disabilities change
• What updates and new ideas are most needed
• Exciting new projects and reasons to be hopeful for the future

Pete shares how data, family, and culture all play a role in building better, community-based supports for every stage of life.

Listen now to hear how California’s developmental-services system is evolving to better support people with disabilities and their families.

Show Notes:

Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-languageconversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.

This episode features Dr. Blake Warner, Postdoctoral Fellow at the UCLA Tarjan Center and Chief Clinical Fellow at the PEERS® Clinic. Dr. Warner’s work focuses on advocacy, inclusion, and supporting equality for neurodiverse people, including those with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLATarjan Center, talks with Dr. Warner about the common myths surrounding sexuality on the autism spectrum.

Together, they discuss:

• Why open conversations about dating and sexuality matter for autistic people
• Common myths about autism and relationships —and why they’re not true
• How sex and relationship education can promoteconfidence and safety
• Barriers that can make dating difficult forautistic individuals
• Ways to build healthy, respectful relationships
• Resources and programs that provide helpfulsupport

Listen now to hear Dr. Warner share why everyone deserves to learn about relationships and have the chance to build healthy, happy connections.

Show Notes:
• Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan
• View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

• Learn more about the UCLA PEERS clinic: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers