We chose play from Affect Autism

This episode we are discussing what's happening with Autism in Canada and what has changed over the years with Seiun Thomas Henderson, an Autism and education specialist at Giant Steps  in Montreal who has been working in the field for over 35 years. He will be speaking at the upcoming  18th Annual Autism Conference called Building Brighter Futures: Celebrating Autistic Voices and Canadian Leadership in Autism in Edmonton later this month.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/09/inclusivity/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

As we embark on the new year, enjoy the audio version of my Floortime documentary series ⁠We Chose Play—a new episode every other week. ⁠We Chose Play is a series documenting my family’s Floortime journey. I hope that each episode will support your Floortime experience! First up is Season 1, Episode 1, called, "In the beginning…" that covers the necessary step we had to take after our son's Autism diagnosis to move forward.

Link to the show notes for this episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/02/wcp-s1e1/ ⁠⁠

Learn more about the Floortime documentary series, We Chose Play and how to see the video version here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/play/

⁠Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content—including the video version of the We Chose Play⁠ Floortime documentary series—and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: https://affectautism.com/support/

This edition of Parent Perspectives features Gina Baker, the mother of two kids in Utah. She has had many professional roles in the past including nursing and case management and her current focus is on raising awareness around supporting her Autistic child when he didn’t fit in any box and when professional services did not help. Her son is 15 and has high support needs, otherwise referred to as “profound autism” by many, and we’ll talk about that. She now does photography and has created a program for parents that focuses on parent self-regulation so that other parents don’t have to go through what she went through: extreme exhaustion, loneliness, depression, suicidality, frustration, and anger. In developing her resilience by taking care of herself, she was better equipped to care for her son and his needs.

Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/12/26/resilience/

Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

* Thank you to Toronto recording artist ⁠Ayria⁠ for the intro/outro song permission.

On Episode 7 of ⁠AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠ do a year-end wrap-up about the first 6 episodes and what's to come in 2026.

Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:53 Introducing highlights from the first 6 episodes

01:23 Daria going through the first 6 episodes

06:02 Turrell's reflections on the first 6 episodes

07:53 Turrell's upcoming ICDL 2026 DIR Conference presentation in New Jersey in March

08:37 Daria's viewpoint about Turrell representing at the conference!

10:00 Daria reflecting on different "manifestations" of Autism

11:44 Neurodivergence + Environment = Outcome

12:40 Turrell on why he loves doing this podcast and connecting with other Autism self-advocates

13:13 Where we'll take this podcast in 2026

13:53 Remembering Kasheena Holder on the 1st anniversary of her death

14:29 Turrell's best learning moments over the first 6 episodes

16:21 Daria's best learning moments over the first 6 episodes

17:50 Daria's learning through DIRFloortime®

18:43 Finding interesting guests for 2026 and sharing our insights on our learning experiences

19:38 Turrell's gratitude

20:00 Daria's gratitude

* Thank you to Hungarian recording artist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Post Analog Disorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the intro/outro music permission: ⁠https://postanalogdisorder.bandcamp.com/album/still-i-rise⁠

On this episode, number 298, DIRFloortime® provider Stacy Duffy, a Special Educator in South Africa joins us to discuss her transformational journey as a teacher from control to connection through DIRFloortime®. Stacey is the mother of two boys who has devoted her career to bridging the gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical people by raising awareness on both sides. She recently presented at the ICDL DIRFloortime® Conference on this topic, and I wanted to share her insights with my audience because I was truly struck by how deeply she captured the heart of what DIR is all about.

Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/12/19/transformation/

Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a new podcast hosted by ⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode, they discuss the journey from exclusion to belonging with Dr. Emile Gouws. Emile is the president of the Board of Directors of the International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL.com) and was non speaking until the age of 15. He now is in his early 30s, has a PhD, and is happily married to an Autistic woman.

Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠

Timestamps:

00:00 Introductions

01:31 On becoming the board president of ICDL

04:17 On parents believing in their children

08:25 Future unknowns about as a parent of a child with high support needs

12:52 Connecting with an Autistic individual, alternative communication methods, and presuming competence

16:12 How parents can tell the difference between alternative ways of communicating being a response to the environment versus initiation of communication

23:18 Emile's experiences in educational settings and the emotional pain of being underestimated

29:47 Autistic trauma and suicidality

33:03 Turrell's reactions to being misunderstood

34:40 We are different, but share the same negative experiences and emotional labour as Autistic individuals

36:55 The Autistic female experience

43:06 The most rewarding part of Autism advocacy

48:00 Wrap Up

Links to Resources:

The International Council on Development and Learning

⁠https://www.icdl.com/about/board⁠

Affect Autism podcast episodes with Emile:

• A Self-Advocate’s Inspiring Journey ⁠https://affectautism.com/2021/02/06/inspiration/⁠
• Examining the Experience of Autistic Students in Higher Education ⁠https://affectautism.com/2021/06/12/self-advocacy/⁠
• The World’s First International Concert to Celebrate Neurodiversity ⁠https://affectautism.com/2022/05/07/diversity/⁠
• Let’s Talk About Autism Inclusion this April ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/03/28/april/⁠

* Thank you to Hungarian recording artist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Post Analog Disorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the intro/outro music permission: ⁠https://postanalogdisorder.bandcamp.com/album/still-i-rise⁠

This edition of Parent Perspectives features returning guest, Michele Abraham-Montgomery, who specializes in Family Services, Autism Resources & Advocacy, Peer Family Coaching, Youth and Young Adult Programming, Peer Best Practices, Modeling Play Therapy Techniques and IEP Reviews and Preparations. Her and her Autistic son, Khylil, created Spectrum Success 911--a nonprofit organization connecting families with programming, community resources, and organizations of support. Chele shares her reflections on watching a new generation of siblings navigate Autism in ways that echo her own children’s early years.

Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/12/05/siblings/⁠

Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

* Thank you to Toronto recording artist Ayria for the intro/outro song permission.

⁠AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a new podcast hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode, they discuss life as a twin to an autistic sibling with Miles Kredich. Miles discusses life as a twin to an Autistic sibling, Ben, who was tragically killed in 2023 at the age of 24. Miles and Ben, both having synaesthesia, were able to connect on a deep level. Miles reflects on growing up with Ben and on Ben's Autistic nature and way of being.

Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/

⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:

00:00 Introductions

02:46 Background about the Kredich family

05:06 Turrell's reflections

06:19 Miles on growing up with his twin brother, including Ben's sensory experience

09:00 Floortime and Autism being misunderstood

09:36 Ben's experience with pitch and his musical world

13:36 Miles' first awareness of his synaesthesia and perfect pitch then connecting with Ben around this

15:55 Ben's interest in Miles' world of experience

17:55 Synaesthesia

19:42 Echolalia and intense passions including Ben's love of being in the water

21:21 Miles' father

21:37 Ben's ear for pitch and controlling his environment through pitch

23:34 Need for accommodation and Ben's echolalia

25:28 The universal experience and embracing our differences

26:50 The label of Autism

27:39 The commonality of Autism experiences and "limbic cues"

29:54 Modifying the environment to accommodate disability

32:12 Autistic experiences with change

36:55 Turrell and Ben's interests

38:12 Funniest memories with Ben

40:31 Meeting in dreams

41:19 Reflections since Ben's passing

44:04 Miles logo created with Ben

45:15 Turrell's wrap up

46:21 Autism Moms

47:20 Resonating example of accommodation

48:29 Closing comments

48:45 Kasheena's birthday memorial

Links to Resources:

• Miles' mother's song Circles Around the Son: youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=ay2lSL8hxvA
• Affect Autism podcast with Kim Kredich: https://affectautism.com/2024/04/26/inclusion/
• Miles' website: https://www.mileskredich.com/ben
• ⁠The Ben Kredich Act is a new Tennessee Law: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2024/07/01/ben-kredich-act-designed-to-prevent-tragedy-for-other-families/74244152007/

• BBC Synaesthesia documentary: https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0cvrn0x/synaesthesia-the-phenomenal-power-of-human-perception
• Synaesthesia: ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia⁠
• Affect Autism podcast with Dr. Stuart Shanker and limbic cues: https://affectautism.com/2018/08/27/self-reg-and-dir/

* Thank you to Hungarian recording artist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Post Analog Disorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the intro/outro music permission: ⁠https://postanalogdisorder.bandcamp.com/album/still-i-rise⁠

On this episode, number 296, we are discussing the culture of play, free play, and outdoor play in natural settings with autistic individuals with two guests in Montréal, Québec. Seiun Thomas Henderson is an Autism and education specialist who has been working in the field for over 35 years. He is currently the Director of Research and Innovation at Giant Steps Interdisciplinary Autism Centre in Montréal, where he leads initiatives that bridge research, practice, and community impact. Margaret Fraser is the co-founder and co-director of Metalude, a nonprofit dedicated to creating more child-friendly, inclusive cities.

Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/11/21/outdoor-play/

Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

⁠AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a new podcast hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode, they discuss Autistic Masking with Dr. Angela Kingdon of The Autistic Culture Podcast, reviewing the CAT-Q (Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire), their scores, and other aspects of Autistic masking including their experiences, self-judgment, and challenges.

Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠

⁠Timestamps:

00:00 Introductions

01:33 Getting into the topic of Autistic Masking

04:13 Masking as survival skills

05:43 Everybody masks

07:37 Personality dynamics with masking

08:42 The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (the CAT-Q )

14:03 Turrell and Daria's CAT-Q scores

15:41 Does the CAT-Q really get at Autistic Masking?

18:40 Angela's Autistic Masking story

27:38 Daria's personal insights

29:45 Turrell's personal insights

31:15 Self-judgment around Autistic masking

36:18 "Finding the strays"

37:03 Angela's challenge to be showing up authentic38:34 Difference between Autistic masking and neurotypical masking/impression management

42:45 Summary

44:45 Angela's new Late Diagnosis Club podcast

45:57 Preview of Episode 5

Links to Resources:

• Angela's Master's dissertation on self-diagnosis versus "official" diagnosis: ⁠https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/is-autistic-self-identification-valid⁠
• The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (the CAT-Q ): ⁠https://embrace-autism.com/cat-q/⁠
• Interpreting your CAT-Q scores: ⁠https://embrace-autism.com/interpreting-your-cat-q-scores/⁠

• Podcast episode with Autistic self-advocate Mickey Rowe on acting: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2023/03/31/strengths/⁠
• Podcast episode on Autistic Masking book with Dr. Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2023/11/24/masking/⁠
• The Autistic Culture podcast: ⁠https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/⁠
• The Late Diagnosis Club podcast: ⁠https://autisticculture.lpages.co/late-diagnosis-club/⁠

* Thank you to Hungarian recording artist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Post Analog Disorder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for the intro/outro music permission: ⁠https://postanalogdisorder.bandcamp.com/album/still-i-rise⁠