A great deal of attention is given to different treatment approaches for supporting communication and relationships with children with social learning differences. However, how we actually speak to children in therapeutic and every day interactions, is given relatively less attention. Through her publications and presentations, Linda Murphy has devoted much of her recent work to supporting therapists, educators, and parents in providing more facilitative styles of language that have been shown to support language development and trusting relationships. In discussing the concept of “declarative language” with Barry and Dave, Linda provides specific guidelines and examples that will be helpful to both professionals and parents.

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Neuro-affirming care and the clinical profile of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) are two critical issues that have risen to forefront of autism services and supports for individuals and families. In this lively and deeply informative discussion, Dr. Taylor Day speaks with Barry and Dave about how she understands and addresses these important areas in her clinical practice.

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A recognized significant challenge for autistic and neurodivergent families and individuals and families is maintaining a lifestyle that supports physical health and well-being. Belden Long and Kara Wilkinson, as professionals and with expertise in addressing physical health, report on findings of their research as well as their personal experience in supporting autistic individuals and families. From their work, they provide practical suggestions.

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Ellen Galinsky is a respected and renowned expert in child development, and in this episode, she discusses crucial issues she has researched and worked on directly in supporting healthy cognitive, social and emotional development in children and teens. Barry and Dave discuss a range of developmental issues with Ellen and their relevance in understanding and supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their families.

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Creating Connection in Drumming and Rhythm-based Activities: A Discussion with "Master Teaching Artist" Bob Bloom.

As a “Master Teaching Artist”, Bob Bloom uses drumming, rhythm and singing to create fun and engaging experiences for children and their families, and adults. Specifically, he provides programs to help all children, neurotypical and neurodivergent, become connected to others and their own internal rhythms in activities in schools, community settings and in a variety of venues. In this episode, Bob, Barry and David, all of whom are drummers and musicians discuss the various uses of percussion and rhythm in supporting engagement and learning, with particular consideration for children and individuals who may need extra support.

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Siblings of children and family members with autism and other conditions live and grow up in a unique space in their relationships within the family. Their lived experience may present challenges, as well as unique opportunities for growth in supporting their autistic or neurodivergent sibling. Barry and Dave engage in a wide-ranging discussion with Emily Holl, who is both a sibling and a professional who has focused on sibling issues for much of her life.

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Ezra is a major motion picture that tells the story of a family, across generations, that has a deep love for a young autistic boy. The film authentically conveys the challenges that a family faces when confronted with societal expectations and insensitive professionals who has little understanding or respect for a child that sees the world through a different lens. It also beautifully portrays those rarefied times when other people, even strangers, see the beauty, the honesty, and the inspirational qualities of a young child who has a strong sense of self, and approaches life with eyes wide open. Barry and Dave explore themes of Ezra with Tony Goldwyn, its director, Tony Spiridakis, writer of the screenplay, and Elaine Hall who is a casting consultant for the film.

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The history of autism is replete with diametrically opposed representations of the autistic experience as either a blessing, or a tragedy. These varying beliefs may be held by professionals, family members, and even autistic individuals themselves. Of course, such extreme views do not accurately portray the complexities involved, which often fall somewhere between these two extreme representations. Barry and Dave discuss such complexities with a goal of honoring the experience of each individual, as well as family members.

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Shannon Rosa and Carol Ann Greenburg are parent-professionals and partners in developing and sharing their on-line resource, A Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, one of the very first resources to provide valuable information to the autistic and neurodivergent communities. In their own words, the mission of TPGA is to be a a one-stop source for carefully curated, evidence-based, neurodiversity-steeped information from autistic people, parents, and autism professionals. They emphasize that autism acceptance is not merely noble but necessary—and are separate matters from the autistic and other autism communities’ never-ending fights for medical, legal, social, and educational accommodation. The goal of TPGA is “to help  fast-forward past society’s rampant autism fabrications and negativity, by providing clear, thoughtfully presented, balanced, and referenced information”.  Barry and Dave discuss TPGA in the context of Shannon and Carol’s experiences as parents, and as advocates for the autistic community.

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Episode 103 • Understanding Autism: A Discussion with Autistic Film Producer and Director, Scott Steindorff

Scott Steindorff, an accomplished autistic film producer and director travelled the world to make his new film, “Understanding Autism“. Barry and Dave discuss Scott’s personal experiences leading to his motivation and goals in creating this feature length documentary.

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