Otherness Podcast

Kim Cartelli Liguori describes how there are no “relaxing Sundays” while she resiliently parents her son on the spectrum, Anthony. She describes the constant work of keeping her family moving along, the work she shoulders, and her own endurance with the help and partnership of her family, friends, and community for s1. E7. N7. of the Otherness Podcast titled White Knuckle Parenting. No Downtime in Autism Families.

Todd reflects on how connection to community and family, an intuitive sense of your child on the spectrum, and even painful internal conflicts with Kim, an old friend from Longmeadow, MA.

Clearly Todd has a special relationship with his hometown of Longmeadow, MA. Many discussions he’s had on the podcast end up there. When Kim Cartelli Liguori was mapping her autism quest with her family and son, Anthony, it also brought her back to Longmeadow. Both Todd and Kim’s husband, Jeff, have referred to it as “Pleasantville” due to it’s picturesque suburban feel. For Kim, returning to the home of her youth, meant grounding herself in family and lifelong friends in order to provide support as she hurdles forward in the tumultuous life of autism parenting.

“The humanity of autism does involve some resentment about the work you have to do…and sometimes it takes you to the limits.”

Kim describes how she is constantly working to schedule Anthony’s time in a way that keeps him content as he has tremendous difficulties in self-entertaining. She anxiously put him on Prozac as his mood and discomfort was so pervasive and heartbreaking that she desperately wanted to help him. She also meaningfully describes how she feels guilty that wishing for a life without autism may lead herself and others to believe she does not truly love Anthony for who he is.

Todd understands this unique guilt and has heard similar stories from many parents of kids on the spectrum who feel alone with the guilt. Kim is not alone, nor are any of the other resilient autism parents. Putting your best foot forward is always done on instinct, and sometimes does not allow room for the mixed feelings we all carry.

The Otherness Podcast is exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories with Dr. Todd Peter Levine and is available on most places and sites where you like to listen to podcasts. S1. E7. N7. of the Otherness Podcast is titled White Knuckle Parenting. No Downtime in Autism Families.

*******
Opening Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Intro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing/Nick Burling (ASCAP)
Administered by Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Closing Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Outro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
Administered by late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
White Knuckle Parenting. No Downtime in Autism Families.

Todd meets with Sammi, a friend and mother of a young man with autism, to talk about the mixed feelings that come with her son’s transition to adulthood for s1. E6. N6. of the Otherness Podcast titled Part Boy, Part Man. A Kind of Transition to Autism Adulthood.

Through the lens of a mother, Todd reflects on the fear and growth that come through the development from childhood to adulthood for a young man on the spectrum.

As Todd was developing the Otherness Podcast, he reached out to Sammi, a friend and mother of one of his former patients. Sammi was intrigued by the first episodes and felt that the voice of those who spoke through the podcast resonated with her. Todd was also curious about how her son, Bailey, was feeling and functioning as he is now 21 and about to transition to adult services. This turned into a discussion that peels back some of the initial feelings of anxiety around “growing up” and finds richness in the acknowledgement that Bailey is not fully an adult despite the term “adult transition”.

She describes how this transition is as much about missing what a wonderful community his school has been for him throughout his life, as it is about going into something new. Sammi is touring different day programs, wants Bailey to be involved in the work community, and wants him to have a sense of happiness and self. She shares her pain while seeing Bailey’s non-autistic peers obtain goals that he may want, but may never have. These include driving, graduating high school and college, and forming romantic relationships.

“There are always transitions for the neurotypical population that sometimes make the autism transitions a little painful.”

Despite her heavy involvement in the autism community as an advocate and fundraiser, she feels there is so much to explore for Bailey in this new phase of his life. Some of these plans may work out, and some may not. However, Sammi is open to the new experience and hopes Bailey is too.

The Otherness Podcast is exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories with Dr. Todd Peter Levine and is available on most places and sites where you like to listen to podcasts.

Part Boy, Part Man. A Kind of Transition to Autism Adulthood is s1. E6. N6. of the Otherness Podcast.


*******
The Otherness Podcast is exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories with Dr. Todd Peter Levine and is available on most places and sites where you like to listen to podcasts.
*******
Opening Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Intro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing/Nick Burling (ASCAP)
Administered by Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Closing Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Outro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
Administered by late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Part Boy, Part Man. A Kind of Transition to Autism Adulthood

Todd meets with his brother’s special education teacher from elementary school, Lianne, to gain perspective on the art of working with students, families, and schools in educating children with autism for s1. E5. N5. of the Otherness Podcast called Autism education openness and going in blind at times.

Todd reflects on the creative balancing act of being a special education teacher with Lianne, who was an essential educator and leader in the schooling of his brother, Jay.

As Todd was developing the Otherness Podcast, he wanted connections with people who he remembered well from his journey with his brother, Jay. When he was unpacking after his move to Phoenix, AZ from Providence, RI, he opened an old photo album given to him by his mother. In it was an old newspaper clipping featuring Jay’s special education teacher, Lianne. Todd’s mother had submitted the idea of the article to a local newspaper to highlight the tremendous efforts put forth by Lianne and her team which was celebrated well in the article. Todd then went online and found Lianne’s contact info and they talked about not only Jay, but the experience of being a special educator in an early and growing time for understanding special needs students.

“These are the parents. They know their child the best.”

They discuss the importance of family support, implementation of novel and creative ideas, balancing the needs of the students with capacity of a school, and learning from students. Lianne also shares how she created a voice for advocacy in herself and the families with which she works. Topics include feeling left out at field day, licking lips when stressed, trials by fire, being part of an educational “dream team”, and how a classroom can feel united and like family when there is openness at school. She also shared some great stories about Jay, including how every year her Christmas tree is topped with the star Jay made 35 years ago.

The Otherness Podcast is exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories with Dr. Todd Peter Levine and is available on most places and sites where you like to listen to podcasts.


*******
Opening Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Intro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing/Nick Burling (ASCAP)
Administered by Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Closing Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Outro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
Administered by late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Autism education openness and going in blind at times.

Todd reveals and explores his internal struggles and realizations as he strives to build a grounded and meaningful medical career in autism for s1. E4. N4. of the Otherness Podcast which is named partner over prescriber. Identifying as an autism doctor.

Todd takes time to explore how his path in medicine towards autism was shaped by many lessons learned from his personal experiences, the experiences of others, and his identity as a physician.

Throughout his life, Todd has worked to create a meaningful career and personal journey in autism by incorporating his personal experience of having a brother with autism, his professional training as a physician, and his continued learning from families affected by autism. He has learned respect for autism as a normative part of a personal and family experience that is not to be solved or cured, but held and enjoyed.

While Todd identifies as a doctor in a very profound way, he understands the medical model of fixing or curing illness may be less applicable to working with families living in autism.

“When you choose to stay present, what you’re able to build with hope can be amazing.”

He explains how every person and family he sees in front of him at his clinic provides more robust understanding of how to engage and treat aspects of the behavioral issues that are common in autism. He also found that psychiatric medications can be important tools in his work, but it is the knowledge of individuals and families affected by autism that is essential and creates treatment choices.

Todd embraces autism as the base from which behavior issues can arise and do require treatment through medications and other therapies. He continues to enjoy learning from others, reflecting on what he has witnessed as a doctor, and rooting his process in the lives of communities growing in autism.

s1. E4. N4. of the Otherness Podcast with Dr. Todd Peter Levine is named partner over prescriber. Identifying as an autism doctor.
*******
The Otherness Podcast is exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories with Dr. Todd Peter Levine and is available on most places and sites where you like to listen to podcasts.
*******
https://othernesspodcast.com/
*******
Opening Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Intro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing/Nick Burling (ASCAP)
Administered by Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Closing Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Outro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
Administered by late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)

*******
Partner over prescriber. Identifying as an autism doctor.

Todd and his brother, Evan, share their unique experiences and feelings about growing up with Jay, their youngest brother with autism, for S1. E3. N3. of the Otherness Podcast: Grown In Autism. Brothers sharing a family experience.

Todd invites his brother, Evan, to share experiences about how life was enjoyed and shaped with growing up with their youngest brother, Jay, who has found a vibrant life in his journey with autism.

Todd and Evan grew up in a small town in Western Massachusetts and were indoctrinated
into the world of autism with the arrival of their youngest brother, Jay, who was diagnosed with autism at an early age. The intimacy that Jay promoted (and sometimes demanded) lead to the creation of a family communication style which emphasized togetherness through struggles and triumphs. Todd and Evan share many life lessons they learned from Jay which included how to be one true self, stay genuine in friendship, to separate with both sadness and compassion, and how an entire community can come to someone’s aid. The intensity of a life shared with Jay’s often unfiltered perspective lead to great moments of happiness as well as trying moments of helplessness and sadness. It is impossible to define Jay’s autism as it is interwoven with his vibrant personality. Todd and Evan have incorporated their brother into their lives in a way that presents autism as an asset that is very much alive.

*******
The Otherness Podcast is exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories with Dr. Todd Peter Levine and is available on most places and sites where you like to listen to podcasts.
*******
Opening Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Intro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing/Nick Burling (ASCAP)
Administered by Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Closing Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Outro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
Administered by late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Grown In Autism: Brothers sharing a family experience.

Purple Juice and the Digestion and Integration of Autism Life. Doctor Todd Peter Levine talks with candor and compassion with a mom who has insightful perspective on raising a son with autism for s1. E2.of the Otherness Podcast.

Dr. Todd Peter Levine invites a long-time friend and mother of a young man with autism to understand how living with autism is a gradual process of struggle and discovery.

After hearing the first episode of The Otherness Podcast, Barb, a long-time friend who worked with me in the 90’s at a summer camp, reconnected with me via social media. We talked for hours about life and her poignant experiences in raising a son with autism.

Some meaningful perspectives were shared when two old friends who launched careers in working with children several years ago found themselves deeply involved in autism. Her courage to share the often unspoken fears and vulnerabilities that are part of the autism parenting experience inspired us to record it and share. We talked about self-doubt, small victories, hearing the unspoken word, sensory diets, toilet training, and the inspiring purple juice.

Disappointments, acceptance, fear, and hope can co-exist in a harmonious way to learn through the autism parenting process. I see that personal journeys such as Barb’s illustrate incredible resilience and growth.

Purple Juice and the Digestion and Integration of Autism Life. Doctor Todd Peter Levine talks with candor and compassion with a mom who has insightful perspective on raising a son with autism for s1. E2.of the Otherness Podcast.
*******
The Otherness Podcast is exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories with Dr. Todd Peter Levine and is available on most places and sites where you like to listen to podcasts.
*******
Opening Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Intro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing/Nick Burling (ASCAP)
Administered by Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Closing Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Outro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
Administered by late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Purple Juice and the Digestion and Integration of Autism Life.

Navigating Stories of Autism: Lives Without a Compass. Exploring the stories and experiences of autism through an engaging podcast format. S1. E1. n1. of the Otherness Podcast.

Dr. Todd Peter Levine is the host of the Otherness Podcast. He is a psychiatrist who treats people with autism in a compassionate manner that started with his life as the older sibling of his brother with autism. The show is not about medical information or research, but rather about navigating and engaging autism through experienced stories that come from his life and the life of others. Todd begins the journey on this episode to talk about his approach to sharing stories and how to integrate them into an engaging and meaningful experience.

“This is a narrator and curator and not just a doctor.”

“I want it to be an organic, living thing that is generated from my lifelong history with autism, starting as a child with a brother on the spectrum.”

This episode is co-hosted with my old friend, Loren Weisman. We met at a summer camp in Massachusetts called Camp Frank A Day and then lost touch, even though we grew up within 45 minutes of each other. I ended up going to college in the town of Amherst, Massachusetts where Loren grew up before he went to school in Boston. Loren’s approach to authentic and sincere messaging lead us back to talking and working together many years later

This approach to move to stories and bring a greater understanding and healing as a whole over trying to solve it is an important cornerstone of this podcast.

Navigating Stories of Autism: Lives Without a Compass. Exploring the stories and experiences of autism through an engaging podcast format. S1. E1. n1. of the Otherness Podcast.

*******
The Otherness Podcast is exploring and engaging autism through experienced stories with Dr. Todd Peter Levine and is available on most places and sites where you like to listen to podcasts.
*******
https://othernesspodcast.com/
*******
Opening Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Intro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing/Nick Burling (ASCAP)
Administered by Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Closing Theme Song Music Credits
“Otherness Podcast Outro Theme Song and Music” by Nicholas Burling
Copyright 2021 Late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
Administered by late Leopard Publishing (ASCAP)
*******
Navigating Stories of Autism: Lives Without a Compass.