The Understanding Autism Podcast

In this episode we continue our mini series on autism and mental health by reviewing Gabor Mate’s book, In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts. While Mate looks at addiction and recovery through the lens of substance abuse, we examine what behavioral addictions and recovery could look like from an autistic person’s point of view.

People on the spectrum often have challenges around instant gratification, escapism, and addiction; all of which have been compounded by our interaction with cell phones. In this episode we explore the book, Dopamine Nation, by Anna Lembke in the context of adult independence and on maintaining mental health in the era of smart phones.

In this episode we interview Lila Low-Beinart, a licensed therapist in Boulder County, Colorado who specializes in neurodiversity-affirming therapy for sensory neurodivergent teens and adults. With her, we explore the challenges, stigmas, and obstacles that surround the topic of adult independence for neurodivergent people.  

Successful housing programs for neurodiverse people can be based on publicly funded initiatives. In 2002, voters in Boulder County, Colorado passed one such measure authorizing the building of housing units and supports for the intellectually disabled in their community. Our interview explores the goals and scope of this innovative program and how it aims to serve the needs of the autistic and intellectually disabled community of Boulder County.

The Madison House Autism Foundation’s mission is to promote, model and advocate for the full inclusion of adults with autism in the life of communities everywhere. They also work to expand choices and opportunity in housing, employment and community life. In this episode, we interview Desiree Kameka Galloway, Director of the Autism Housing Network, and get her thoughts on the state of housing for the autistic community today.

Two of the biggest issues in moving towards adult independence are housing and transportation. This is especially difficult for those who are neurodivergent. In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of different types of housing and the transportation challenge. We also explore some innovative housing solutions, including supported independent living communities.

In this episode, we continue our conversation about the role that education plays in preparing neurodivergent students for independence. Joie Laykoff is the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning of Fusion Education Group. Mitch Carver is Head of School for Fusion Academy in Boulder, Colorado. Together, they discuss Fusion Academy’s 1:1 teacher/student ratio, their personalization of learning for each student, and the impact these have on student success.

Transitioning from high school to career or college can be challenging to those on the spectrum. In this episode, we interview Jen Wilger of the Temple Grandin School in Boulder, Colorado about the programs and practices the school offers to help students be successful in this important transition.

Moving out of the house can be overwhelming and scary for the autistic adult as well as for parents and caregivers. In this episode we explore different therapeutic therapies and philosophies that can help us understand the anxiety, mindsets, and mental struggles that both autistic adults and caregivers experience during this difficult transition.

The transition from living with parents to having your own place comes with a lot of challenges. One area that does not get a lot of attention for those on the spectrum, is how to communicate with your neighbors, your roommate, your landlord and others in your new home. In this episode we explore the sometimes tricky and complex world of human communication for renters.