In our Season 2 finale, fueled by coffee, donuts, and a big dose of gratitude, we take a look back at the amazing journey of this season. We start with a heartfelt thank you to our listeners and a reminder of how you can support our work by donating to the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region.

In the penultimate episode of this Season, titled "Directing the Spectrum", we're joined by Nathan Briggs, the Executive Director of Autism Society Greater Hudson Region (ASGHR). Nathan shares his inspiring origin story, which, despite not having a direct connection to autism, is deeply rooted by an individual in his early life.

In this powerful episode, we are joined by NY State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, a dedicated autism dad and lifelong advocate for the cause. Angelo shares his personal journey as a second-generation immigrant, detailing how his background in civil engineering and service in the Army Reserves laid the foundation for his transition into politics—all inspired by his son, Michael, who is on the spectrum.

We dive into Angelo’s deep connection with the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, where he served as a board member for many years. His passion for advocacy has driven his fight for essential supports and services for the autism community. He highlights his groundbreaking initiative, Autism Action NY, a comprehensive 5-Step Plan designed to streamline services and provide the right support for individuals and families affected by autism.

Angelo also introduces the free NY Disability ID Card, a critical tool to assist individuals in communicating essential information, particularly in high-stress situations like traffic stops or TSA checkpoints.

We discuss the importance of early diagnosis, the challenges many parents face when their child is first diagnosed, and how our organization is there to guide them through the process.

The conversation touches on the significant financial challenges associated with raising a child with autism, including annual care costs and the importance of self-direction budgets from the state. Angelo shares his work on the NY State Autism Advisory Board, which is breaking new ground in healthcare by driving solutions like sensory-friendly emergency rooms and addressing the employment crisis for individuals with special needs.

Finally, we explore the ongoing fight to combat stigma, promote social acceptance, and create more inclusive employment opportunities for the autism community.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about advocacy, public policy, and supporting individuals with autism.

In this episode, we welcome our guest Mary Kavaney, affectionately known as "Wonder Woman" for her dedication as a board member and director of our swim program, ASAP.

Mary shares insights into how ASAP is empowering autistic children to learn swimming—a crucial skill to address drowning, the leading cause of death among autistic children. We dive into the misconceptions around teaching these kids to swim and encourage parents to believe in their children's capabilities.

We also talk about the silent stress levels autism parents face and provide tips for reducing stress at home. Together, we explore the economic impact of autism, highlighting the importance of supporting organizations like the Autism Society of the Greater Hudson Region.

Mary opens up about her personal journey, including the challenges and emotional decisions surrounding her son Jack’s stay at the Center for Disability in NY.

Lastly, we discuss back-to-school strategies as part of the ADAM Project, focusing on how parents can collaborate with school staff and boards to ensure smooth transitions.

In this episode of Speaking of the Spectrum, we sit down with Chris Banks, the President and CEO of the national Autism Society of America. We met Chris at our Autism Society Soiree for Autism, where he shared his love for the Saratoga racetrack. Now, he's joining us to discuss his leadership at the helm of the Autism Society, especially during the disruptive COVID pandemic.

In this inspiring episode of Speaking of the Spectrum, we dive deep into the heart of neurodiversity with our incredible guest, Priya Winston. Priya, a licensed master social worker, Director of Curriculum and Clinical Support at Transitions USA, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, shares her personal journey of self-discovery and success as a neurodiverse individual.

00:00 A Kickin' Start!

13:36 Power of Advocacy & (Self) Acceptance

17:00 Environment for Success

18:46 Strong & Fierce Advocates

20:15 The Current Setup is Not Set Up

23:48 "Autism" in Japanese - Self-closed

25:36 Hero of the Day - Ann Kagarise

In this episode titled "Broadening the Spectrum", hosts Shahrukh Sultan and Joe Templin delve into the complex world of mental health, particularly how society—and individuals—cope with challenges such as autism, anxiety, and more. They explore the pressing need for better mental health education and training at home and in schools.

Shahrukh, sharing insights from his experiences, raises the question: Are we truly equipping ourselves to handle mental health issues, not just in the autistic community but across the board? Joe passionately discusses the role of physical activity and play in children's development and how society's failure to prioritize these has contributed to a mental health crisis.

They also introduce the inspiring efforts of the Somali community in Minnesota, who are redefining the language around autism to focus on strengths rather than deficits. This leads to a broader conversation on how early exposure to diverse experiences and individuals can foster empathy and inclusivity in future generations.

Tune in for a thoughtful and enlightening discussion that challenges conventional approaches to mental health and offers fresh perspectives on creating a more inclusive and understanding society.

01:50 Question for Society

03:30 Challenge School Curriculums

06:05 The Anxious Generation

08:38 Mandatory Mental Health Education

10:56 Exposure Therapy

13:12 Fact of the Day - Autism in Somali Communities

16:25 Herro of the Day - Angelo Santabarbara

18:18 The ADAM Project - A Preferred Indifference

24:49 The Wrap Up - A Different Lens

In this episode of Speaking of the Spectrum, our hosts dive into the profound lessons we can learn about patience, resilience, and pacing—both on and off the racetrack. Shahrukh & Joe share insights from their own experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique rhythms of life with autism.

Welcome back to "Speaking of the Spectrum" for the Season 2 premiere! The show has a fresh new look, and so does co-host Joe, who’s traded in his Hawaiian shirts for a clean-shaven style.

Shahrukh and Joe dive into their summer adventures, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of parenting on the autism spectrum. Shahrukh shares a story about a power outage that led to an unexpected road trip, while Joe recounts a stormy journey through the Catskills.

The episode also introduces a new segment where the hosts explore how different cultures speak about the spectrum, starting with a powerful term from the Māori language.

Tune in as they discuss the challenges of back-to-school season, the importance of keeping calm under pressure, and the inspiring story of Jake Barnett, a child prodigy thriving with autism.

Don’t miss out on the insightful discussions and heartfelt moments that make this show a must-watch for parents, educators, and anyone interested in autism advocacy.