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Explore the transformative journey of Rose Griffin, a dedicated speech-language pathologist and board-certified behavior analyst, as she sheds light on the evolving landscape of autism awareness and support. 
From a serendipitous high school career assessment that led her to speech therapy, Rose reflects on her 20-year commitment to empowering individuals with autism, especially those who are non-verbal. 
Her work at the Cleveland Clinic's Learner School has been pivotal, and she shares her insights on the increasing awareness and understanding of autism over the years.

Throughout our conversation, Rose and I tackle the intricacies of supporting autistic individuals, emphasizing the importance of nurturing positive relationships and employing child-led methods. 
We confront the controversies surrounding ABA therapy, highlighting the therapist's role in shaping its impact. 
By sharing poignant stories and professional insights, Rose illustrates the need for a balanced approach that embraces play, connection, and understanding. 
The episode also delves into the emotional experiences of parents and the critical nature of early intervention in shaping positive outcomes.

On a global scale, the discussion broadens to the international support for autism awareness, recognizing the disparities in resources across different countries. Rose underscores the power of online platforms to bridge these gaps, offering crucial guidance to parents and professionals worldwide. 
We spotlight the resources available at abaspeech.org, encouraging listeners to engage with a supportive community that shares their journey. 
Join us for a conversation about the power of acceptance and understanding in fostering a more inclusive world for autistic individuals and their families.

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What happens when a dedicated school social worker and loving mother discovers her own autism diagnosis later in life? 
Meet Kori Andreas, a therapist whose personal and professional journeys provide profound insights into neurodiversity and autism. 
Kori's transition from the public education system to private practice was deeply influenced by her experiences with her daughter's early autism diagnosis and her own self-discovery.
Her story sheds light on the systemic challenges faced by educators and families, particularly regarding the identification and support of neurodivergent students.

Uncover the intricate layers of autism masking, especially among women and gender non-conforming individuals, as Kori opens up about her unique approach to assessments.
Moving beyond standardized tests, she employs in-depth interviews to grasp the complexities of each individual's experience. 
Her late-life recognition of her own autism not only transformed her personal understanding but also enriched her ability to guide others through similar paths. Kori's narrative, intertwined with her daughter's atypical autism presentation, challenges conventional expectations and urges a more individualized perspective on neurodivergence.

From childhood to adulthood, navigating life with autism presents distinct challenges at each stage. 
Kori shares her insights on managing emotional regulation in early years, tackling mental health challenges in adolescence, and confronting the hurdles of adulthood, such as workplace dynamics and personal relationships. 
She passionately advocates for the validity of self-diagnosis, emphasizing how access to information empowers individuals to comprehend their experiences. Through her social media presence and public engagements, Kori continues to foster awareness and understanding, inviting listeners to contribute their stories and join the broader conversation on neurodiversity.

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What if you could navigate the complexities of human emotion with the guidance of a warm, non-judgmental figure? J
oin us as we welcome emotions expert and seasoned traveler John Rushton, who shares his unique creation, Auntie Bronwyn, a fictional character beloved by many for her empathetic insights. 
Drawing from his extensive travels, John reveals how Auntie Bronwyn helps individuals from all walks of life embrace their emotions and embark on a journey of self-discovery. T
hrough his latest book, "The Anthology of Antti Bromwen," and engaging radio stories, John highlights the transformative power of storytelling and empathy in understanding ourselves.

Our exploration also leads us to the digital realm, where an online advice platform mirrors the classic "Dear Abby" style, offering straightforward guidance in a world cluttered by social media noise. 
Listen in as we discuss how this platform has become a haven for authenticity, providing users with practical advice that cuts through societal pressures. 
The discourse delves into the evolution of this space over a decade, underscoring the timelessness of genuine human connection and insight. 
Excitingly, John hints at the potential for these stories to spring to life through animated adaptations, promising a multi-medium experience for the audience.

We round off our conversation by stressing the importance of self-prioritization. John passionately discusses how valuing oneself as the most significant figure in one's life fosters an invincible inner strength that benefits not only the individual but also those around them. 
By embracing self-worth, we enable ourselves to better support others. The episode concludes with a heartfelt exchange of gratitude for the rich discussion, leaving listeners with a renewed perspective on personal value and the shared human experience.

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Award-winning multimedia artist Dez, also known as Loveartpix, joins us to share his remarkable journey of living with autism and challenging societal misconceptions.  
With a confident demeanor that often leads others to question his diagnosis, Dez opens up about the emotional hurdles and stigmas he faces.  
Through his story, we aim to foster a greater understanding of neurodivergence and emphasize the importance of supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. Dez's experience sheds light on the diverse spectrum of autism, encouraging listeners to rethink preconceived notions and embrace a more inclusive perspective.

Navigating the labyrinth of mental health diagnoses, Dez recounts his tumultuous path, initially misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder before his eventual autism diagnosis provided clarity and understanding. 
This revelation was transformative, especially as he prepared for parenthood, and highlights the need for neurodivergent-informed mental health services. 
The episode delves into the additional layers of ADHD and racial trauma, revealing the complexities of Dez's journey and underscoring the necessity for tailored support systems and continued research in these areas.

Art emerges as a beacon of expression and empowerment throughout Dez's life. By harnessing the power of creative outlets like the Pixart app, Dez channels his focus and manages mental exhaustion, finding solace and self-discovery in the process. 
His artistic endeavors are not just personal but also societal, as he works to establish a neurodivergent art focus group in a maximum security prison and prepares for a solo exhibition in Manchester. 
Dez's story is a testament to the transformative power of art, and he invites listeners to share their own stories, reinforcing the message that no one is alone in this journey.

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Imagine uprooting your life multiple times for the love of your child. 
This episode brings you an inspiring narrative of Tanya and her niece Dara, who embarked on a journey from Bulgaria to Belgium in search of better educational opportunities for Tanya's autistic son, Radi. 
We hear about the challenges and victories as Tanya relentlessly pursued a nurturing environment for Radin, moving through Slovakia and the Czech Republic before finally settling in Belgium. 
Radi's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, music's comforting embrace, and the profound impact of understanding and acceptance in autism education.

We delve into the ways society can better support individuals with autism, exploring the use of AI to create personalized educational content and the need for more inclusivity in public spaces. 
Alongside Tanya's story, we discuss broader societal shifts necessary for meaningful change, from offering job opportunities to autistic individuals to fostering a more understanding world for everyone. 
This episode is a call to action for greater awareness and highlights the podcast's role in connecting families with shared experiences. J
oin us as we celebrate Tanya's advocacy, which not only transformed Radi's life but also inspires a global audience to push for inclusivity.

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This episode focuses on the power of storytelling and its role in promoting awareness around autism and mental health during the holiday season. Reflecting on connection and community, we invite listeners to engage and share their experiences.

• Celebrating the impact of shared stories 
• Upcoming initiatives for autism and mental health awareness 
• Importance of community engagement and storytelling 
• Encouragement to spread the word about the podcast's mission

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Unlock the secrets of the mind with our esteemed guest, Dr. Sanam Hafiz, a leading neuropsychologist renowned for her work in trauma, ADHD, learning difficulties, and autism. 
Join us as Dr. Hafiz unfolds her intriguing journey into neuropsychology, revealing a methodology that transcends traditional diagnostic approaches. 
She shares how she crafts a holistic profile for each individual by considering family history, environmental factors, and detailed collaborations with educators. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on the vital role genetics play in mental health, applicable to all ages.

The conversation broadens to address the often-overlooked challenges faced by autistic individuals transitioning into adulthood. Hear compelling stories about the vulnerabilities in this journey, from the threat of online scams to everyday misunderstandings. 
Dr. Hafiz also guides us through essential safety measures and legal processes that can safeguard wellbeing. 
Finally, we dive into the nuanced intersection of giftedness and autism, examining the unique mental health challenges this overlap presents. 
Connect with Dr. Hafiz and engage in a dialogue that promotes a deeper understanding of these complex issues.

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Discover the inspiring journey of JD Barker, a renowned New York Times and international best-selling author, as he shares his personal and professional experiences in our latest episode. 
From his beginnings as a young storyteller to ghostwriting bestsellers and eventually publishing under his own name, JD opens up about the transformative moments in his life, including a late diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. 
With endorsements from literary icons like Stephen King and collaborations with Bram Stoker's estate and James Patterson, JD's story is a testament to perseverance and passion, all while challenging societal perceptions of autism.

Join us as JD recounts how a suggestion from a therapist led to a pivotal autism diagnosis, bringing clarity to his social struggles and strengths. 
Through books, documentaries, and therapy, he embraced this new understanding, transforming his challenges into opportunities for growth and supporting others in the autism community. 
His narrative highlights the balancing act of managing life with autism, particularly as a parent to his daughter who shares the diagnosis, and how these experiences shape his approach to both writing and public engagements.

Gain invaluable insights into parenting a child with autism as JD shares personal anecdotes and practical advice, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a child's interests as potential "superpowers." 
He offers reassurance to families navigating similar paths, encouraging them to view autism not as a limitation but as a unique advantage. 
Through his experiences, JD aims to foster greater awareness and acceptance of autism, inspiring listeners with a story of resilience and hope.

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Join us for a stirring conversation with Justin Peck, a professional race car driver who has turned his personal challenges with class one bipolar disorder into a powerful advocacy for mental health. 
Justin shares his early experiences of feeling different and the painful reality of bullying and lack of support, which many listeners may find relatable. 
His candid reflections offer insights into the evolving understanding within his own family and draw important parallels with the autistic community, shedding light on the broader need for awareness and acceptance.

Racing became more than just a sport for Justin; it transformed into a lifeline. 
He recounts a harrowing experience at 26, when a moment of despair turned into a revelation that led to a crucial diagnosis and a renewed purpose. 
Listeners will find inspiration in Justin's incredible resilience as he navigated economic challenges in the construction industry to pursue his passion for racing. Despite enduring significant physical pain, Justin's journey underscores the healing power of pursuing one's passion and finding a community that offers belonging and support.

As the founder of the National Mental Health Alliance, Justin is on a mission to educate and support those facing mental health challenges, particularly veterans and young men. 
Our discussion emphasizes the value of authentic conversations and the impact they can have on lives. Justin's story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of purpose, and we invite listeners to engage with the content that not only educates but genuinely inspires change.

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Imagine discovering that the challenges your child faces are, in fact, a reflection of your own. 
Junaid Hussain, a family medicine physician, shares his deeply personal journey of navigating autism and ADHD within his family, a path that began with his son's diagnosis at the age of eight and led to his own self-discovery. 
You'll hear about the profound changes and adaptations they've made, such as homeschooling and medication, to better support their son's emotional regulation and impulsivity. 
Junaid’s story is not just about overcoming obstacles but also about embracing the unique journey of acceptance and understanding that comes with raising a neurodivergent child.

We also shed light on the broader societal landscape of autism awareness, starting from the initial hurdles families encounter before a diagnosis is established. 
Junaid discusses how speech and language therapists play a crucial role in helping families understand autism-related behaviors. 
Moreover, we address the urgent need for empathy and awareness not only in society but also within the medical community. Junaid's experiences have fueled his advocacy for improved autism understanding across diverse communities, stressing the importance of media and education in fostering a more empathetic society.

Finally, we offer guidance for those grappling with autism and ADHD diagnoses, whether early in life or later stages. 
The potential overlap between autism and ADHD is explored, emphasizing the value of professional guidance and resources, including insights from experts like Professor Tony Atwood. 
We highlight the importance of self-care for parents to ensure they are well-equipped to support their children effectively. 
This episode is a testament to the power of sharing personal stories, inspiring hope, and building a connected community where everyone feels supported and understood.

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intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild
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