Claim OwnershipThe Understanding Autism Podcast
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often talked about but is easily misunderstood. The Understanding Autism Podcast breaks down the misconceptions around autism for educators, parents and community members to promote awareness and understanding of neurodiverse people. Join hosts Nicole Kubilus, who shares her own personal experiences with autism, and Bret Thayer who shares his views on autism as a parent of an autistic child and an educator in this biweekly podcast.
53 Episodes
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In this episode we continue our mini series on autism and mental health by reviewing Gabor Mate’s book, In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts. While Mate looks at addiction and recovery through the lens of substance abuse, we examine what behavioral addictions and recovery could look like from an autistic person’s point of view.
With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act, it can be difficult to plan for health care costs when you have a disability. In our interview with Richard Burk and Amy Woszczynski, Social Security Disability Determination Examiners for the State of Colorado, we explore the different aspects of accessing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
In our second of two episodes focusing on innovative schools that support life after high school for neurodiverse students, we interview Lindsay Wagner and Amy Faraone about the League School for Autism in Walpole, Massachusetts. They explain how they prepare students for independent living by helping students build self-advocacy strategies and through their innovative community-based vocational program.
There are several schools across the nation that are dedicated to educating neurodiverse students; a few of them address life after high school. One such innovative program in Utah is Scenic View Academy. This on-campus school creates living and working environments that supports students in developing life skills and executive functioning skills that will help them to live independently as adults.
As we continue to explore the connections between ADHD and autism, we interview Kara Fenton, Clinical Research Coordinator, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She describes her own significant struggles and strategies with living independently given her ADHD diagnosis as an adult. In our post interview reflection, we talk about the parallels between the executive functioning challenges for those with ADHD and those with autism.
Many people with autism struggle with executive functioning throughout their lives. Today we interview Brandon Slade, founder of Untapped Learning, as he describes how those with ADHD and autism can manage their executive functioning challenges. Brandon shares his firm belief that neurodiversity is a gift rather than as an obstacle to success.
In Part 2 of our review of the book The Healthy Deviant by Pilar Gerasimo, we examine the remedies, solutions and strategies that will help create a healthy and productive lifestyle that supports the mental health for those on the spectrum.
In our last of our four part series on autism and mental health, we review the book The Healthy Deviant by Pilar Gerasimo. Gerasimo addresses the unhealthy world we live in and offers advice on how to create a healthy and productive lifestyle. We explore how this approach can have a positive impact on one’s physical and mental health for those with autism.
In this episode, we continue our review of Lisa Morgan and Mary Donahue's book, Living With PTSD on the Autism Spectrum. Here, we focus on the impact that constant masking, camouflaging, and the pressure to conform can have long term impacts on mental health. We also discuss strategies around setting boundaries and taking charge of your own mental health.
In part three of our four part series on autism and mental health, we review the book Living With PTSD on the Autism Spectrum by Lisa Morgan and Mary Donahue. Lisa is an autistic adult and Mary is a therapist; together they describe how prolonged exposure to social pressures and environments can actually lead to PTSD. We explore this connection and other situations that might lead to PTSD for those on the spectrum.
In this episode we continue our analysis of Gabor Mate’s book, In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts. We examine what behavioral addictions could look like from an autistic person’s point of view when trying to achieving adult independence.
In this episode we interview Lila Low-Beinart, a licensed therapist in Boulder County, Colorado who specializes in neurodiversity-affirming therapy for sensory neurodivergent teens and adults. With her, we explore the challenges, stigmas, and obstacles that surround the topic of adult independence for neurodivergent people.
The Madison House Autism Foundation’s mission is to promote, model and advocate for the full inclusion of adults with autism in the life of communities everywhere. They also work to expand choices and opportunity in housing, employment and community life. In this episode, we interview Desiree Kameka Galloway, Director of the Autism Housing Network, and get her thoughts on the state of housing for the autistic community today.
Two of the biggest issues in moving towards adult independence are housing and transportation. This is especially difficult for those who are neurodivergent. In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of different types of housing and the transportation challenge. We also explore some innovative housing solutions, including supported independent living communities.
In this episode, we continue our conversation about the role that education plays in preparing neurodivergent students for independence. Joie Laykoff is the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning of Fusion Education Group. Mitch Carver is Head of School for Fusion Academy in Boulder, Colorado. Together, they discuss Fusion Academy’s 1:1 teacher/student ratio, their personalization of learning for each student, and the impact these have on student success.
Transitioning from high school to career or college can be challenging to those on the spectrum. In this episode, we interview Jen Wilger of the Temple Grandin School in Boulder, Colorado about the programs and practices the school offers to help students be successful in this important transition.
Moving out of the house can be overwhelming and scary for the autistic adult as well as for parents and caregivers. In this episode we explore different therapeutic therapies and philosophies that can help us understand the anxiety, mindsets, and mental struggles that both autistic adults and caregivers experience during this difficult transition.
The transition from living with parents to having your own place comes with a lot of challenges. One area that does not get a lot of attention for those on the spectrum, is how to communicate with your neighbors, your roommate, your landlord and others in your new home. In this episode we explore the sometimes tricky and complex world of human communication for renters.
As part of our series on building life skills for independence, Erin Gaskins founder of Room Redefined, shares how she helps her neurodiverse clients organize their space according to their unique needs and goals.
The road to adult independence for our autistic children does not have to start when they are 18 years old. To make this challenging transition easier, teaching our children life skills that they will need when they are adults should begin at an early age. In this episode we explore ways in which parents and schools can help prepare those on the spectrum for living on their own.
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