Perspectives on Neurodiversity

Podcast Episode 0079, Season 5, Episode 10; 14 December 2021

From Jude:

Loving Your Place on the Spectrum is a guide for living a happy and successful autistic life. Jude combines his own experiences as an autistic man with the stories of others to provide a handbook to help autistic individuals navigate life's major changes, from childhood to college, jobs, and relationships. Each chapter identifies common issues faced by autistic people of a particular age or social group and explains how educators, teachers, parents, and professionals can be supportive through all these life stages.

Jude Morrow is an autistic entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, consultant, philanthropist, and the founder of Neurodiversity Training International. His journey to becoming a proud autistic adult is chronicled in his first book Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad? which also follows Jude's experience of being an autistic dad to his non-autistic son, Ethan. Jude graduated with an honors degree in social work in 2012 and brings his personal and professional experiences to all the work he does.

• Neurodiversity Training International (neurodiversity-training.com)
• Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad? (https://amzn.to/3DWw7HZ)
• Loving Your Place on the Spectrum (https://amzn.to/3IP1CHo)

The Autistic Me:

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

Podcast Episode 0078, Season 5, Episode 9; 30 November 2021

Scott Frasard discusses Running for Autism, a project of the Ordinary Marathoner Foundation.

Dr. Frasard lives in Pflugerville (Austin), TX and is an avid runner/triathlete of almost 10 years. He is a certified Race Director and ran a company that produced virtual running events to raise money for non-profit animal rescue organizations.

Professionally, Scott has been an adult educator for 26 years, has two master's degrees, and a PhD. He teaches a wide variety of topics in the medical field, statistics, leadership, teacher development, evaluation, and nonprofit governance.

Scott was diagnosed as autistic in March 2020 and has incorporated neurodiverse advocacy into his work and research to help raise awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of the neurodiverse population. We're not less, we're just different.

https://www.ordinarymarathonerfoundation.org

The Autistic Me:

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

Allen Wolf describes The Sound of Violet:

The Sound of Violet is about a man who believes he found his perfect soulmate, but his autism keeps him from realizing she's actually a prostitute. The novel allows readers to experience a love story between two people who are unlikely to fall in love. The main character is autistic, and I mainly wrote the novel from his perspective. He's very trusting, so when he meets Violet, he believes she's an actress when she's actually a prostitute. I wanted the reader to experience the rollercoaster of the relationship mainly through his eyes with glimpses into Violet's world.

From Allen's website:

Allen is an award-winning filmmaker, novelist, and game creator based in Los Angeles. He is also the host of the Navigating Hollywood podcast. His debut novel The Sound of Violet was described as "Entertaining, well-paced, and highly visual," by Kirkus Reviews. Allen wrote, directed, and produced The Sound of Violet, the movie adaption of his novel that will be released in 2022. The screenplay won numerous awards and the film will bring awareness to human trafficking and autism. His previous film, In My Sleep, won multiple festival awards. Allen has also created five board games that won 39 awards and is also a speaker.

Allen Wolf Online:

• Website: https://allenwolf.com
• Navigating Hollywood Podcast: https://allenwolf.com/podcast/

The Sound of Violet information:

• Book / Movie Website: TheSoundofViolet.com
• Twitter: @soundofvmovie
• Facebook: @soundofvmovie
• Instagram: @soundofvmovie
• Media Room: AllenWolf.com/Media-Room

The Autistic Me:

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

Published in September 2021, Navigating Autism: 9 Mindsets for Helping Kids on the Spectrum by Temple Grandin and Debra Moore offers a positive approach to supporting young autistics. I can see my daughters and myself in some of the passages. The research citations appeal to my desire for evidence, too.

Like most autistics and parents, I rarely agree with most autism guides and texts. We're too often reduced to our deficits. And, I don't always agree with my colleagues. But, Dr. Grandin always makes me think. It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Moore and I'm fascinated by her research in the area of Internet addiction.

Temple Grandin is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She might be the best-known autistic self-advocate in the United States. I have been privileged to meet her in person at conferences and enjoy listening to her discuss animals, science, and engineering. She has said that many people she meets in construction and manufacturing are likely Neurodiverse.

Dr. Debra Moore is a psychologist who promotes therapies with a focus on strengths, not deficits. She has written extensively on the need for a positive model of autism. Dr. Moore encourages parents, caregivers, and educators to consider the needs of autistics in adulthood. Autistic children grow up and need skills for success.

Grandin and Moore:

• Navigating Autism: https://amzn.to/3wwrF0c
• The Loving Push: https://amzn.to/3qiKBPa

Dr. Grandin:

• Thinking in Pictures: https://amzn.to/31MfSQk
• The Way I See It: https://amzn.to/3CZJ5F9
• Different, Not Less: https://amzn.to/3o744Q6

Dr. Moore:

• The Nine Degrees of Autism (Contributor): https://amzn.to/3wtKXDD

The Autistic Me:

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

Lois Letchford's dyslexia came to light at the age of 39, when she faced teaching her seven-year-old non-reading son, Nicholas. Examining her reading failure caused her to adapt and change lessons for her son. The results were dramatic. Lois qualified as a reading specialist to use her non-traditional background, multi-continental experience, and passion to assist other failing students. Her teaching and learning have equipped her with a unique skillset and perspective. As a teacher, she considers herself a "literacy problem-solver."

Reversed: A Memoir is her first book. In this story, she details her dyslexia and the journey of her son's dramatic failure in first grade. She tells of the twist and turns that promoted her passion and her son's dramatic academic turnaround.

www.loisletchford.com

The Autistic Me:

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

One of the ways bloggers and podcasters build their audiences is through hosting other content creators. We're all in this together, sharing our stories and promoting a sense of community. This episode of The Autistic Me Podcast features Sam Mitchell, host of Autism Rocks and Rolls.

Sam's website is autismrocksandrolls.com.

Sam's mother, Gina Mitchell, helps with the marketing and networking side of Autism Rocks and Rolls. Gina also teaches eighth grade, with a degree in English and social studies education. She earned a master's degree in education, specializing in gifted and talented education (GATE). You can learn more about Gina on the Autism Rocks and Rolls website.

Podcast Episode 0074, Season 5, Episode 5; 26 October 2021

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

How do Neurodiverse kiddos feel about homeschooling and virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic? For this episode, my daughters Leigh and Anne discuss what it has been like to study at home. They like it, but they also miss being around other children.

They get to play with Leigh's cat companion, Rocky. We take nature walks. It's not all bad, studying with Dad.

The Autistic Me:

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

Susan and I obtained a third-party neuropsychological evaluation for our oldest daughter, Leigh, to ensure she receives the public education supports mandated by federal law. Many parents don't realize you can obtain and submit an independent evaluation to a school district.

What are the benefits of an independent special education evaluation? Should your family consider requesting a "second opinion" if you're unsatisfied with a school-provided evaluation?

Dr. Jerry Turner, the president of IEP, Inc., is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (#2966), Consulting Psychologist (APA), former Special Education Director and lead school psychologist. He's also an author, private pilot, Marine combat veteran, and adjunct college professor. He has been a middle and high school teacher and guidance counselor.

• Dr. Jerry Turner's website: https://www.drjerryturner.com
• My Child Learns Differently: The Parent's Guide to Special Education
• Special Education Guide: for Teachers and Administrators
• So, You Are a School Psychologist: A Guide for Interns and First Year Psychologist

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

A follower wrote: Do your children eat anything other than chicken nuggets? My child won't eat fruits, vegetables, or most meats. It's cereal, chips, and nuggets.

Susan and I are fortunate. The girls and I eat mostly healthy foods. Fruits, vegetables, roasted chicken, turkey, and most fish aren't a problem. It might be because we've never been a fast-food family. We prepare most meals at home. Fruits are the go-to snack. Salads are common.

That doesn't mean there are no food challenges in our home, though. For this episode, I've invited the girls to chat with me about their food preferences.

The Autistic Me:

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme

Stop with the "Spoon Theory" metaphor. Allow me to choose my own metaphor for my lived experiences as an autistic with other disabilities. In this episode of The Autistic Me, I explain why cycling reminds me of life in general. Sharing the road with other people contributes to every cyclist's anxiety. You never know what the cars and trucks around you might do. Too often, I feel like a cyclist surrounded by SUVs that are driven by people talking on their cellphones while reaching for cups of coffee.

The Autistic Me:

• Blog: https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/
• Podcast: https://autisticme.libsyn.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisticme/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/autisticme
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CSWyatt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autisticme