 Shelly Christensen brings a vast amount of experience in helping various faith communities be more welcoming and inclusive. As a professional with deep experience and expertise in faith communities and disabilities, and as a parent of a young man on the autism spectrum, and as a person with a disability herself, she discusses her experiences as a parent-professional and the need to work with the leadership of faith communities to create opportunities to families and individuals that allow them to feel comfortable, respected and included. In our “Enthusiasm of the Week” segment, 8 year old Ryan and his mother discuss his enthusiasm for number blocks and how it has been of benefit in many different ways.

Longing to Belong in Faith Communities: A Conversation with Shelly Christensen

Uniquely Human: the Podcast expands the conversation on autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of autistic individuals and thought leaders in providing insightful, cutting-edge and practical information about the autistic experience. Hosted by Barry Prizant and Dave Finch.

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

Episode 103 • Understanding Autism: A Discussion with Autistic Film Producer and Director, Scott Steindorff  Scott Steindorff, an accomplished autistic film producer and director travelled the world to make his new film, “Understanding Autism“. Barry and Dave discuss Scott’s personal experiences leading to his motivation and goals in creating this feature length documentary.   Visit the Episode's webpage for more info and resources  

Understanding Autism, with Scott Steindorff

Episode 102 - Insights into Neurodivergence Following Brain Surgery: A Discussion with Jacki Edry, Autism Advocate, Parent and Cancer Survivor.  Jacki Edry’s personal journey as a brain surgery survivor and parent of autistic and neurodivergent children provides unique insight into the neurodivergent experience. Additionally, her courage and persistence during her ongoing process of recovery, and her desire to help others based on her experience is an incredible story from which we all can learn. Jacki shares her journey with Barry and Dave, and all she has learned that may be of benefit to neurodivergent individuals and their families. Find out more info and important resources on our website

Neurodivergence Following Brain Surgery: A Discussion with Jacki Edry

One of the least understood, and most marginalized groups of autistic people are those who are non-speaking, or who have minimal or unreliable speech due to neurologically-based motor speech disorders. Nonspeakers’ “voices” are now being heard, and what they have to say is shattering erroneous stereotypes about those for whom speech is not their primary mode of communication. Harmful beliefs about how speech and behavior are accurate reflections of a person’s intelligence and social awareness are being discarded. We initially spoke three years ago with Ian Nordling, a young autistic man who has benefitted from Spelling to Communicate (S2C), and Elizabeth Vosseller, who developed (S2C). In this episode, we get an update on progress for non-speakers. Learn more about this episode on our website!  Follow us on social media

Progress for Nonspeakers:  A 3 Year Follow-up with Elizabeth Vosseller and Ian Nordling

We are celebrating our 100th Episode! We couldn't have done this without you, our Uniquely Human Community. Thank you!  Love on the Spectrum is an Emmy award-winning Netflix reality TV show that follows young adults on the autism spectrum as they explore dating, love, and relationships. The show is based on an Australian version of the same name. Dave and Barry join Elaine Hall, who consults to the show and helped with casting, and with Steve and David, two autistic cast members, in a discussion of their experiences on the show, and the importance of relationships in their lives. Learn more about the episode on our webstie!

Love on the Spectrum: Meet Elaine, Steve and David!

A great and harmful myth perpetuated for decades is that autistic people are incapable of deep connection, empathy, and loving relationships with others. Over the years, diagnostic criteria have included wording to this effect. We now know that this generalization is inaccurate, largely due to an understanding that autistic children and adults may “show up” in different ways in relationships. As with all people, however, the desire to connect and develop trusting and loving relationships is clearly a part of the autistic experience.  Dave and Barry discuss these issues from a historical, clinical, and first person perspective.  Find out useful resources and learn more on the episode's website!

Longing to Belong in Faith Communities: A Conversation with Shelly Christensen

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