Spectrum Perspectives

As a doctor, Dr. Abend was surprised to find that when he tried to take his own son to other doctors, they refused to see him because he was autistic. So, when he started a Special Needs sports clinic in his town, he began to invite medical students to help out in order to integrate them into being comfortable with kids with Special Needs. He also started the “Autism Think Tank” where doctors from around the world can get together virtually to discuss a patient to figure out proper medications and diagnosis for autistic patients. Next, he he’s working on a program to help out in the emergency rooms. This episode was recorded in 2022. Sadly, Paul's son passed away from a seizure in 2024.

Melissa shares her experience as a parent of two neurodivergent children, including her 10-year-old son who was diagnosed with PANS PANDAS following multiple infections including strep throat, Lyme disease, and pneumonia. She explained the challenges of distinguishing between PANS PANDAS symptoms and autism or ADHD, describing how her son's behavior suddenly changed with intense anxiety, throat-clearing sensations, and school avoidance. Melissa discussed treatment approaches including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and the importance of finding the right educational environment, noting that her son now attends a flexible democratic school program that works with his special needs. The conversation also covered the connection between neurodivergence and PANS PANDAS, with Melissa emphasizing that many families struggle to get proper diagnosis and treatment, often facing skepticism from traditional medical providers.

Alexandra is the mom of 4 including twins with "non speaking" Autism. They both learned to communicate using S2C (Spelling to Communicate) which uses letter boards. This interview was done with an "audience" of other Autism moms who ask questions, including Katie and Houston who have appeared in several other of out episodes. We also discuss the private screening of the movie "Spellers" which will be on April 30, which is the story of 8 "non speakers" who all learn to communicate using this method. They are looking to change the way the world sees autism.

Jen is a therapist who has been working with the Autistic community since the ‘80’s. She worked as a Behavior Consultant who went into the home to work with the whole family, combining her skills as a psycho-therapist and behavior therapist. Currently she helps families and autistic adults through virtual coaching through her business "Autism 360 Support". She talks about ways to handle melt downs, angry outbursts and when the child goes into crisis mode.

Kristine is a ghost writer, the owner of a publishing company called "Gift and Author Publishing" and the mother of 5 young adults all diagnosed with ASD. When one child was being diagnosed the doctor said, "You do realize your husband is also on the Spectrum, right?" All 5 were born boys, but one son Samuel, identifies as a girl and now goes by the name Serenity. Her other son Jamie was non-verbal until 5 years old, and when he began to speak he spoke through a stuffed bunny in third person. The first thing he spoke was "Jamie is broken." All of her kids are now in their teens and twenties and still living at home because they can't drive and programs for adults are for those with more severe disabilities. At the end Cindy tells Kristine that anytime another mom complains about how rough their one kid is, she'll just have them listen to this podcast! LOL Kristine's website is GiftanAuthor.com