Uniquely Human: The Podcast

Autistic people of all ages are vulnerable to many factors, both internal and external, that may lead to frustration, anxiety, and dysregulation. Dr. Jed Baker’s many publications and clinical innovations have directly addressed these challenges in respectful and insightful ways. We discuss ways to understand such challenges and provide support based on a deeper understanding of the experiences shared by autistic individuals. Jed also discusses his approach to enhancing social understanding and social relationships leading to increased self-esteem, confidence and life satisfaction.

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In commemoration of Father’s Day, we have a discussion with Bob Jones and David LaFrenz. Bob is the father of a 32 year old autistic son, who has been severely impacted by his disability, and needs ongoing support. Bob is a Psychiatric Social Worker and Co-Founder of Cape Cod Village, a residential community-based community that provides support for autistic adults. David is an autistic adult who works as motor vehicle license evaluator in California and has a 15 year old son on the spectrum. Bob and David discuss their journeys as fathers, all they have learned from their sons and the advice they share for fathers and families.

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Ron Sandison is an autistic man with boundless energy and who wears many hats. He is an author, speaker, and does ministry work for faith institutions. We speak with Ron about how his mother recognized and nurtured his interests and enthusiasms, the role of faith in his work, and the advice he gives to parents raising autistic children based on his own experiences.

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The Social Thinking Methodology, developed by Michelle Garcia Winner and her colleagues has helped to change the landscape of approaches to enhance socioemotional abilities for persons with more advanced language who also have significant challenges in social understanding. We discuss Michelle’s deep clinical experience and motivation to develop and continually evolve an approach that supports social competence in a respectful, relationship-based and developmentally informed manner.

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In commemoration of Mother’s Day, Barry and Dave speak with two mothers at very different points of their journeys, 1 ½ years and 34 years following their son’s diagnoses. They share challenges and successes they have experienced, what they have learned, and advice they would give to other mothers and parents.

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Challenges in emotional regulation, and appropriate supports and plans to address those challenges are among the most important aspects of the autistic experience. This concept was first introduced to autism in publications by Barry and his colleagues in 1990, and then as a core domain in the SCERTS Model framework in 2000. Barry and Dave discuss critical issues in emotional regulation, including self- and mutual regulation, and levels of support appropriate for persons of different abilities. Dave provides insights into issues he experiences with emotional regulation, and what has proven helpful for him.

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We have a discussion with Ros Blackburn, an autistic friend, colleague and international speaker from the UK who speaks with great insight about her autistic experience. In Barry's book, Uniquely Human, he shares so much of what he learned from Ros in their travel and presentations together, and Ros expands on her insights in today's discussion with great humor and candor. We surprise Ros when we are joined by the world-renowned actress, Sigourney Weaver, who played an autistic woman in the film "Snowcake". Sigourney modeled her role after Ros, and by sharing time together in the US and UK, they developed a valued friendship. Sigourney and Ros reflect on that time, and all they learned in the process.

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Michael John Carley discusses the great possibilities that sexual behavior offers for persons on the autism spectrum, based on his new book, “The Book of Happy, Positive and Confident Sex for Adults on the Autism Spectrum…and Beyond!” In our discussion, we touch upon the complexities that autistic people face when confronted with societally-imposed fear-based taboos about sex, and how to circumvent such problems to support full engagement in this most human of activities. 

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Spectrum Theatre Ensemble (STE) is a professional company of neurodiverse theatre artists, based in Providence, RI. STE was developed by Clay Martin, Artistic Director, in partnership the Trinity Repertory Company and Brown University. It was co-founded by a group of neurodiverse theatre artists with the belief that theatre provides a unique, collaborative venue that fosters societal understanding and inclusion. STE provides high-quality productions and sensory-friendly consulting. We interview Teddy Lytle, Community Engagement Director, and Daniel Perkins, company actor, about the culture, evolution and innovative activities of STE.

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Disclosure and self-advocacy for autistic people has become two of the topics of greatest interest in the autism self-advocate community, and for professionals, parents and family members as well. Although there has been much discussion, it is difficult to find specific guidance that is informed by people on the spectrum. We discuss these issues with Dr. Stephen Shore, who has provided some of the most specific and thoughtful guidance based on his own experience on the spectrum, and as one of the preeminent scholars in supporting people autistic and disabled children and adults.

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