The Eye on Autism Podcast

As Election Day approaches, many of us are thinking about the importance of voting and making sure our vote counts. In this month's episode, we’re diving into how people on the autism spectrum can register to vote, what questions families and supporters may have, and how to make the experience more accessible and comfortable.

#EyeOnAutism #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #AutismAdvocacy #DisabilityRights #VotingAccessibility #AccessibleVoting #YourVoteMatters #SelfAdvocacy #AutismCommunity #DisabilityInclusion #VotingRights #BrightwayLivingAndLearning #Neurodiversity #EveryVoiceMatters

Today, we are highlighting the incredible work of our Direct Support Professionals, also known as DSPs, and the important role they play in the lives of the people we support daily.

Over the past year, we have had the opportunity to share meaningful conversations, helpful information, and many stories from across the Brightway community. We are also very grateful to everyone who has joined us, listened along, and helped make our first year so rewarding.

And what better way to celebrate this milestone than by highlighting some of the incredible people who make a difference at Brightway every day – our Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs.

#EyeOnAutism #DSPRecognitionWeek #DirectSupportProfessionals #DSPs #BrightwayLivingAndLearning #AutismAwareness #AutismSupport #DevelopmentalDisabilities #DisabilityServices #Neurodiversity #CommunityInclusion #EmploymentServices #VocationalServices #DirectSupport #ItTakesAVillage

August is National Make a Will Month, a time when everyone is encouraged to secure their legacy and protect their loved ones’ financial future and personal autonomy. Join us today as we explore part one of our three-part specialized series designed to address these critical areas of life. 

It’s an incredibly meaningful month for us here at Brightway. July marks Disability Pride Month, and we are also celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In the spirit of this important month, we are diving into emergency preparedness and crisis safety for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Supporting unique sensory sensitivities and elopement risks requires specialized, coordinated strategies.

Joining us to discuss how we bridge the gap between specialized care and law enforcement is John Maher from Brightway and Deputy Sergeant Chris Anderson from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. We will explore how technology like Smart911, the Friend Responders group, Project Lifesaver and the Blue Envelope Program keep our staff and individuals safe.

Summer is right around the corner, and if you are looking for something autism-friendly to do with your family, you won’t want to miss today’s conversation.

We are exploring a groundbreaking outdoor space designed specifically for the neurodivergent community. Joining us today is Loren Penman, the visionary co-founder of the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park. Located in upstate New York, this first-of-its-kind trail offers deep nature experiences with sensory-integrated stations, quiet zones, and accessible design. Loren is here to tell us to how this incredible trail came to life, how it supports families, and why inclusive outdoor recreation matters so much.

Learn more here : https://autismnaturetrail.com/

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – so today we’re taking time to focus on something that touches every one of us – mental health. Here at Brightway, we believe that mental health is essential to both the overall well-being of our employees and the people and families we support.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and what better time to unveil a cutting-edge project in the Autism field. This project is designed to create the first-ever Enhancing Mental Health Practice for Autistic Adults Collaborative Team (EMPAACT). EMPAACT is meant to be a collaborative, multi-stakeholder team of autistic adults with high mental health needs, researchers, family members, and professionals. Together, EMPAACT aims to create resources and identify community priorities to increase capacity for autistic mental health research and practice.

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, host Dr. Michael Romas speaks with DDI Board Chairman Joseph W. Schmidt, ESQ. and DDI Assistant Residential Manager Bankole Olaofe on the importance of raising awareness for those living with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Host: Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical Psychologist

Guest Name & Title: Consuelo Senior, LMSW, CSE, MACM, Director of YAI Knowledge

Description / Links to Further Info: 

https://www.yai.org/people/consuelo-senior

Mental Health Clinician, Adjunct Professor, International Consultant, Sexuality and Disability Expert, Transformational Speaker

Consuelo Senior has over 27 years of experience working in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health. She has trained and developed curricula for a wide range of topics of importance to the disability field and is certified in areas of Sexuality, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Grief and Loss. She has trained extensively on Dual Diagnosis (MH & I/DD), Aging, Dementia/Alzheimer, Professional Development, Leadership, Effective Teaching, Supporting People with Profound Disabilities and Complex Needs, Diversity and Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, and Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset.

Consuelo is published in The Autism Spectrum News and is also a contributor to the UNFPA published International Technical and Programmatic Guidance on Out of School Comprehensive Sexuality Education. She also has been cited/featured in training materials for the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities-Workforce Transformation, the New York University Review of Law & Social Change, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, Broadly VICE Magazine, The Atlantic Magazine, and other publications.

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on the [EYE] on Autism Podcast, Dr. Michael Romas continues his discussion with neurodivergent communication specialist and author Tim Goldstein. Together, they explore the deep connection between autism and anxiety, why traditional labels like “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent” may be limiting, and how reframing autism through human traits can lead to greater understanding and inclusion.

Tim introduces transformative concepts such as neurodistinct, neurouniform, and the neurocloud, challenging outdated models of autism and mental health. This episode offers valuable insights for autistic individuals, families, clinicians, educators, and anyone interested in neurodiversity, anxiety management, and inclusive thinking.

If you’re seeking thoughtful, experience-based discussion on autism, identity, employment, communication, and advocacy—this conversation will resonate deeply.

Learn more: https://www.ddiny.org

#Autism #Neurodiversity #AutismAndAnxiety #Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #AutismPodcast #InclusiveThinking #AutisticAdults #NeurodiversityAcceptance #AutismAdvocacy #HumanTraits #AnxietyDisorders #AutismAwareness #PsychologyPodcast #NeurodiversityAtWork