So inspired to speak to Icelandic filmmaker Marget Ericsdottir, whose teenage son, Keli, has nonverbal autism. Margret's moving documentary, A Mother's Courage, follows her quest to understand autism, and ultimately leads to her son being able to communicate via a letter board. Initially thought to be mentally disabled with the intelligence of a two year old, Keli is now a mainstreamed high school student with a 3.9 GPA.

Margret's English voiceover for the film was provided by Kate Winslet, and the two ladies forged a strong bond, collaborating on a book, The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism, and co-founding the nonprofit The Golden Hat Foundation. The foundation seeks to raise autism awareness and establish "innovative post-high school living campuses designed to truly honor all autistic individuals - not just those considered "higher-functioning" - by creating an environment that supports and respects their individual needs and strengths."
They are organizing a walk for autism on May 17th - find all the details here, and keep up with them on Facebook here.
Kelley

21 Margret Ericsdottir | On raising a teenager with nonverbal autism, her documentary movie, and partnering with Kate Winslet

Launched by parents of an infectiously funny and *mostly* happy boy on the spectrum, the Joyriding in Autismland podcast chats with ASD parents, kiddos, therapists, writers, and artists about the unexpected, charming, and funny moments with autism. Because laughing? Is the best vacation. Find the show notes online at http://www.joyridinginautismland.com/podcast

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Jen Turrell is mom to two daughters on the spectrum, and is the author of the new book Help! My Child Has Autism: A Parent's Guide to Start, Fund, and Maintain an Evidence Based Intervention.

We chat about ABA, staffing up, and first plane rides.
The particulars:
Autism Website: Able Interventions 
Book: Help! My Child Has Autism 
Personal Website: Jen and Stew
Kelley
PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland


35 Jen Turrell | On ABA, staffing up, and first plane rides

Hey guys! So summer is coming, even though you wouldn't really be feeling it yet if you are up in Maine with us, and I wanted to do an  episode about safety issues and autism. This is super important because statistically, most accidents involving people on the spectrum happen in the warmer months. I'm excited to be speaking today with Federal Law Enforcement Officer, autism parent, and autism first responder trainer Matt Brown.


We talk about why it is sooooo important to register kids with autism with the local and state police departments. <--Hint: it literally saves lives.
Check out Officer Brown's website at http://www.aset911.com, and print out the registration form here: http://aset911.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/autism-registration-form-shortened.pdf
You can find our show notes at http://www.joyridinginautismland.com/34
Kelley
PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

 

34 Officer Matt Brown | On why registering our kids saves lives, and on summertime safety on the spectrum

Today I'm excited to speak to author Patty Pacelli, whose young adult son has autism. She advocates for people on the spectrum to achieve their career dreams and contribute their exceptional talents to the workforce, and has just written a book entitled Six Word Lessons for Autism Friendly Workplaces.
We chat about preparing younger kiddos for the workforce, what makes some people with autism fantastic hires, some of the best and worst jobs for people with autism, and about helpful work accommodations.

In case you're thinking about picking up the book here's a chapter summary1.  The Need for Autism Friendly Workplaces2.  Career Preparation for Parents and Children3.  How to Find the Best Jobs4.  ADA Laws and Rules for Work5.  Best Interview Practices for the Employer6.  Interview Tips for People with Autism7.  Reasonable Accommodations for Employers to Offer8.  Accommodations that can Help Autistic Employees9.  Benefits of Hiring People with Autism10. Be Aware of Unique Autistic Traits11. Social Expectations for Workers with Autism
And here are Patty's deets:
Website: http://www.growingupautistic.comBook: http://www.growingupautistic.com/six-word-lessons-for-autism-friendly-workplaces.htmlFast Company article: http://www.fastcompany.com/3028536/leadership-now/how-to-build-an-autism-friendly-workplaceEntrepreneur article: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233281
Kelley

32 Patty Pacelli | On preparing younger kiddos for the workforce, what makes some people with autism fantastic hires, some of the best and worst jobs for people with autism, and about helpful work acc

Kyle's work in autism spans direct services, research, and administration. He worked one-on-one with adults on the spectrum in Santa Barbara, CA, focusing on improvements in quality of life, employment, health, and social networks. For two years, while pursuing his Master's of Social Work, he worked for a multi-million dollar state and federally funded psychosocial intervention research project at the University of Pittsburgh for adults with autism that aims to be a new standard in adult autism services. And he's author to the recent book, Connect: Findings for a New Era of Autism.Here are all the deets on Kyle:
 

Website: http://www.autismstat.org
Book: https://gumroad.com/l/connect/beta
New Venture: http://spot.launchrock.com
Twitter: @autismstat

 
Kelley
PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

21 Margret Ericsdottir | On raising a teenager with nonverbal autism, her documentary movie, and partnering with Kate Winslet

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