The Autism Mom MD Podcast

My guest today is Dr. Katherine Lewitzke. She is the founder and clinical director of Bright Pine Behavioral Health in Michigan. Dr. Lewitzke specializes in neuropsychological testing as well as assisting individuals diagnosed with autism, ADHD, academic difficulties, behavioral concerns, emotional difficulties, and giftedness.Disclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

Happy New Year!! My guest today is Bruno Youn. Bruno was diagnosed with moderate to severe autism when he was 3 years and 7 months old. He graduated from Claremont McKenna College shortly before the pandemic and majored in philosophy, politics and economics. Bruno currently lives in Utah and has been working non-technical roles in the tech industry for the past 2 years. His journey  is a story of hope and the power of believing in yourself! AMMD DisclaimerDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Dr. Josette Thompson. Dr. Thompson is a Family Medicine physician and is teaching faculty for Kaiser Permanente Family Residency Program. She currently precepts in the Behavioral Medicine part of the curriculum. Dr. Thompson is also an ASD mom. Her first child was diagnosed with moderate to severe autism at age 3 years 7 months. AMMD DisclaimerDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

Today’s episode highlights Autism and ADHD. Clinically significant symptoms of ADHD have been reported in 16% to 66% of children with Autism. And yet, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder were not formerly recognized diagnostically as co-occurring conditions until DSM 5 was published in 2013.My guest today is Dr. Dion Metzger. Dr. Metzger is a Board Certified Psychiatrist who manages her own practice in Atlanta, Georgia and is an autism mom. She earned her Doctorate of Medicine from Morehouse School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at Emory University School of Medicine. She also completed medical research at Stanford University School of Medicine and the CDC.  Dr. Metzger is currently on faculty as a professor of psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia and Morehouse School of Medicine. She is a health expert who has been featured on The Doctors, Oprah Winfrey Network, ABC, NBC, HLN, and in the New York Times.  Dr. Metzger’s motto of better mind, better life encourages audiences to prioritize their mental health in life’s balance. She also is the co-author of "The Modern Trophy Wife: How To Achieve Your Life Goals While Thriving at Home", a book that gives women the tools to strengthen, deepen or revitalize themselves and their relationships. Disclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Jen Drucker.  Jen is a single parent and mom to Cassie, her soon to be 21 year-old autistic daughter.  Cassie is nonverbal, but she has found her voice through painting. On this episode Jen shares her autism journey and how it led to Cassie’s Creations. Click on link for Cassie’s Creationshttp://cassies-creations.comAMMD DisclaimerDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Jenny Crawford.  Jenny is an autism mom, and the Executive Director with Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine. The magazine provides information, expert advice, stories, research and amazing content to help parents who are raising a child with autism. It’s applicable to both seasoned and new parents raising a child on the autism spectrum. On this episode Jenny shares her autism journey and how it led to the Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine. Click on link for Autism Advocate Parenting Magazinehttps://www.autismadvocateparentingmagazine.com/free-giftDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Jane Wu. Jane is an autism mom to her daughter, Haylie, a storyboard artist, director and producer. Jane had an upbringing bound by Chinese traditions with big expectations for education and success from her family. With her interest in action movies Jane studied Wushu as a young adult. This along with her extensive knowledge and interest in comic books led to her entry in the Film/TV industry. She has storyboarded action sequences for a total of 8 Marvel films to date as well as the current Disney remake of “Mulan.” Jane is currently Producing, directing on a Netflix animated series for adults called Blue Eye Samurai which will air Fall of 2022.Disclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

Today’s episode highlights ABA therapy.My guest today is Dr. Mamta Kumar. Dr. Kumar is a Board Certified Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine Physician. She is also a wife and mom of two girls, a neurotypical 9 yr old and a former micro preemie born at 24 weeks daughter who is now 6.5 yrs old with autism. On today’s episode, Dr. Kumar shares her family’s journey with ABA therapy. Disclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

Today’s episode highlights adulting on the spectrum.My guest today is Samuel Huber.  Samuel is an autism self advocate and public speaker. Samuel provides an autistic perspective on various topics relating to adulthood on his YouTube channel and Instagram.AMMD DisclaimerDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

Today's episode highlights wandering and elopement.My first guest is Shelly McLaughlin. Shelly is the parent of a teenage son with Asperger’s Syndrome and is a Program Director at Pathfinders for Autism in Maryland. Shelly has developed and conducted Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disability (ASD/IDD) Trainings for various organizations including law enforcement agencies, fire departments, EMS staff, corrections officers, colleges, Exceptional Family Programs, state's attorneys and public defenders, adult medical day programs, restaurants, schools, hotels, libraries, foster care programs, and other professional organizations. Shelly is a certified police instructor by the Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission, CIT certified through Montgomery County Police, and certified in Mental Health First Aid through Harford County Sheriff's Office. My second guest is Officer Laurie Reyes. Officer Reyes has been a Montgomery County Police officer for 23 years. In 2005, she created and implemented what is now called the Montgomery County Police Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Alzheimer's, Dementia Outreach Program and has served in this program since that time. Officer Reyes has received recognition from the White House as a “White House, Champion of Change for Youth and Law Enforcement”. In 2018 she was recognized by the Department of Justice and received the Attorney General’s Award for “Distinguished Service in Policing”. She also received a Governor’s Citation for the creation and continued coordination of the Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach Program.www.PathFindersforAutism.org/resources/safety/www.MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/pol/howdoi/autism-alzheimer-outreach.htmlAMMD DisclaimerDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

When Mike Shelah learned in March 2008 that his three year old son Mikey was diagnosed with Autism it changed his life and the lives of every member of his family. Shortly after, Mike wanted to do something to contribute to the autism community and he began a fundraiser. Because of his volunteer work, Mike was asked to join the Board Of Directors with Pathfinders for Autism in January 2014. Since then, Mike has spoken on radio, television and podcasts about the world of autism, his role as a dad and ways the rest of the world can learn and support the autism community.AMMD DisclaimerDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Diana Lee Inosanto. She is truly an autism warrior mom.  On today’s episode, Diana shares her Autism journey with her son Sebastian.   Diana is the daughter of martial arts legend, Dan Inosanto and is also the goddaughter of global icon, the late Bruce Lee. She is a martial artist, stuntwoman, children’s book author, actress, director and writer. Some of you may know her as the character Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth on season 2 of The Mandalorian on Disney+. Diana Lee Inosanto: http://www.dianaleeinosanto.comFacebook: @theRealDianaLeeInosantoInstagram: @therealdianaleeinosantoTwitter: @TheRealDLIDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

This episode highlights non-public special education and how it’s different from private school. If you have a child with a disability and you are concerned that specialized education needs are not being met in your public school, you have the right to request that the IEP team consider a non-public special education school placement. My guest today is Reenie Kraft.  Reenie is an ASD mom, elementary school teacher, Certified Reading Specialist, a parent special education coach, and was a member of Friends of MANSEF (Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities) for 6 years.Disclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Dr. Jen Trachtenberg and is known to her patients as Dr. Jen. She is a nationally renowned parenting expert, board-certified pediatrician, author, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and an Autism mom. Dr. Jen has appeared numerous times on NBC, the TODAY show, CNN, Fox News, ABC World News Tonight as well as on The View and The Doctors.  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.htmlhttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2775945?resultClick=1https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-01/u-s-hits-milestone-in-pandemic-with-more-vaccinated-than-casesDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

Today’s episode highlights Autism and seizures. Research suggests that about 15-30% of people with Autism experience seizures. Besides headaches, seizures are the most common neurological disorder in kids.My guest today is Gail Rand.  Gail has been passionately involved in the Maryland cannabis laws and regulations since 2013 as a parent advocate on behalf of her son who has epilepsy & autism.  She played an integral role in helping to pass the 2014 legislation in Maryland for the medical cannabis program.  https://pathfindersforautism.org/articles/healthcare/parent-tips-seizures-and-autism/ https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/the-link-between-epilepsy-and-autism-explained/Disclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

Today’s episode highlights siblings of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Siblings face unique challenges and often times play an important role in the long-term care and support of their brother or sister with these disabilities. My guest today is Carolyn Chen. Carolyn was the Sibling Support Coordinator for the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council where she organized the largest statewide conference in 2015 and 2019 for siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities. She is the younger sister by two years to Jennifer, who is learning disabled and is her inspiration to continually strive to be her best self. Disclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Bobby Rubio. Bobby is an Autism dad and Story Artist at Pixar Animation Studios. He’s worked on “Cars 2,” “Monsters University,” “The Good Dinosaur,” and “Incredibles 2.” Bobby also worked on Academy Award®-winning feature films including “Up,” “Brave,” and “Inside Out.” He’s recently worked on Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning feature “Toy Story 4” and is currently working on an upcoming Pixar film. In 2019, Bobby’s directorial debut, the Pixar SparkShort “Float” debuted on Disney+.  “Float” is inspired by Bobby’s real-life journey to fully accept his son Alex, who has autism.  https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/ss/ss6904a1.htm?s_cid=ss6904a1_wDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Mai Hall. Mai is an Early Childhood Specialist at The Parent’s Place of Maryland. She is also a former educator and mentor in preschool and grades K-6, a program manager, and grant writer for nonprofits. Her two children both have Autism and are her reason for advocating for parents.Parentcenterhub.orgPpmd.orgDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Dr. LaTamia White-Green.  She is an autism mom and a medical physician double board certified in pediatric and adult psychiatry.  Dr. Green is also the founder of GET FIT SIS, a health and wellness community where she has helped women improve their physical and mental health. In this episode, Dr. Green discusses her family’s autism journey and gives us some helpful tips and strategies. Disclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com

My guest today is Angie Auldridge. Angie an ASD mom, College Disability Support Services Advisor and Behavioral Intervention Team member as well as a blogger and podcaster.  She serves on numerous committees and boards with the hope of improving the quality of life and services for people with disabilities.Connect with Angie Auldridge at:Blog - www.mightyandthebean.com Podcast - www.embracingholland.com Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html https://www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2020/us-autism-rates-up-10-percent-in-new-cdc-report.html#:~:text=In%20Maryland%2C%20the%20prevalence%20of,as%2024%20months%20of%20age.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180131110351.htmhttps://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-colleges-for-students-with-autism/Statistics on College Students with Disabilitieshttps://www.nccsdclearinghouse.org/stats-college-stds-with-disabilities.html Amendments Act 2008 - documentation for college support  from (AHEAD) Association on Higher Education and Disabilityhttps://www.ahead.org/professional-resources/accommodations/documentationDisclaimer: The podcast is intended for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Please talk to your doctor if you have questions. The views and opinions expressed by me are my own personal opinions.Join us on the Autism Mom MD Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismmommd/) Visit our website at www.AutismMomMD.com