Autism Knows No Borders

What is the #ActuallyAutistic Movement? How can labels change our perspectives about people? Rachel Barcellona, an Autistic Self-Advocate, model, author, and pageant winner, shares her ideas on these topics, as well as the puzzle piece symbol, person-first or identity-first language, and autism representation in the media.  Welcome to Autism Tips &Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you're a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there's something here for you! The following clip is from our conversation with Rachel Barcellona, originally released on May 28, 2020.  Would you like to hear Rachel talking about how pageantry helped her express herself and build confidence? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community.  The Ability Beyond Disabilities, with Rachel Barcellona | TBT Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you acknowledge your mistakes. Brian Middleton is an Autistic Self-Advocate, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the creator of the Bearded Behaviorist, an initiative dedicated to the dissemination of behavior science and the inclusion of trauma-informed care standards in applied behavior analysis and other human services.  In this episode, we talk about: Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult Why Brian thinks autism can be seen as both a disorder and a neurotype The disagreement between the neurodiversity movement and the field of ABA Why stimming and self regulation are important The need for trauma-informed care in behavior analysis Striving for a more compassionate approach to supporting autistic individuals This episode is part two of my conversation with Brian Middleton, which was originally released on October 22, 2020.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

What is ableism? How can someone who means well actually end up harming people with disabilities?  Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you're a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there's something here for you!  The following clip is from our conversation with Haley Moss, an autistic attorney, author, and artist, originally released on July 16, 2020.  Would you like to hear Haley talking about what a sensory overload feels like for her and how her autistic strengths have advanced her career? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community.  Accessibility at the Forefront, with Haley Moss | TBT  Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when what you have to say matters. Would you like to share your experiences with like-minded people who can relate to the same struggles? Are you looking for an easy way to form friendships and not feel isolated? If so, you'll want to listen to this episode, where members of our Global Autism Community talk about how being part of our online space has helped them feel support, connection, and a sense of belonging. This week we are celebrating the 5-year anniversary of this podcast, as well as the 4-year anniversary of our online Global Autism Community!  It's been an eye-opening journey that continues to surprise, inspire, and move us. We've learned so much from self-advocates sharing their experiences, family members talking about acceptance, and professionals discussing best practices in the field of autism services.  We've covered a wide range of topics, such as ableism, bullying, masking, the neurodiversity movement, intersectionality, disability rights, dating, communication, personal growth, cultural humility, and international collaboration, and even controversial topics like person-first vs. identity-first language, the puzzle-piece symbol, and ABA therapy. Five years after launching Autism Knows No Borders, we are more energized than ever to keep going. There are still countless meaningful stories out there, and we want to bring them to you. We will continue to elevate autistic voices. We want their stories to keep traveling across the world, so that more and more people can join us in the cause for autism awareness, acceptance, and hope. A huge thank you to all of our guests for educating us with their unique perspectives, as well as to our team members who keep making this podcast happen: our visual creator, social media manager, and community moderator, Danielle Terrell; our administrative associate, Aldjun Medenilla; and our sound designer and editor, Marc Aliana. And, of course, many thanks to you, our dedicated listeners, for tuning in each week, sharing your takeaways, and ultimately giving meaning to what we're doing.  If you're a new listener, we'd like to welcome you as well!  Our online Global Autism Community has been growing over the past few years. This is a space where members have the possibility to share insights, listen to different perspectives, and create real change in their own communities – whether they're autistic individuals, family members, or service providers.  Special shout out to our community moderators, Danielle Terrell, Hattie-Angelys Fox, Adrian Sanchez, and Bob Schmus. Our moderators monitor posts daily to ensure that our online space remains safe and respectful. If you're interested in joining our moderator team, you can send me a direct message in the community.  Last week, some members of our community got together virtually to celebrate our anniversary and reflect on the podcast's impact over the years. Today you'll hear an excerpt from that special event, featuring our CEO Molly Pinney and Autistic Self-Advocates Hattie-Angelys Fox, Amira Collantes, Adrian Sanchez, Mary Johnston, and Corben Havener. ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or maybe you're a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one?  Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you put out the fire before burning out. Are you looking for tips on how to alleviate stress? Stick around, because today's episode is a Global Autism Community roundtable about Stress Management, featuring Autistic Self-Advocates Hattie-Angelys Fox, Adrian Sanchez, Mary Johnston, and Corben Havener. The CEO of the Global Autism Project, Molly Pinney, also joined us at the end. Among other things, we discuss: Various stress triggers, including personal responsibilities, societal pressures, and the impact of social media Effective strategies for managing stress Engaging in self-care practices Creativity as a tool for stress relief Physical activities to improve mental clarity  Shifting your perspective through positive thinking The importance of sharing experiences with your community and feeling supported by them ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or maybe you're a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one?  Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you love yourself first. Do you struggle with expressing love for others, whether in friendships or romantic relationships? Do you ever feel pressure to live up to unrealistic ideas of love as represented in the media? How would you describe your own relationship with yourself? If you'd like to hear about the many facets of love, particularly in the context of autism and neurodiversity, stick around for today's episode. The following roundtable about Defining Love was facilitated by Global Autism Community moderator Bob Schmus, and it features Autistic Self-Advocates Hattie-Angelys Fox and Adrian Sanchez, as well as community member Danielle Terrell. Among other things, they discuss: Personal definitions of love and its various forms Challenges of expressing love  The impact of media on perceptions of love Self-love as a foundation for healthy relationships The complexities of love in neurodivergent communities Wanting vs. needing someone Respecting differences in relationships Accepting one's own autism Love from parents to children ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or maybe you're a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one?  Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you stick to healthy habits. The start of a new year usually motivates people to realign priorities and establish new routines. Some even pick a guiding word for the year to provide focus. What intentions did you set at the beginning of 2025? Are you staying on track to reach your goals? If you'd like to learn about creating and maintaining habits, stick around for today's episode. The following roundtable was facilitated by Global Autism Community moderator Danielle Terrell, and it features Autistic Self-Advocates Hattie Angelys-Fox, Bob Schmus and Eren Neiderhoffer. Among other things, they discuss: Strategies to set and achieve goals for the new year, which can actually be applied at any other time The importance of community Finding accountability partners and support systems Setting boundaries for well-being ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or maybe you're a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one?  Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when every change brings a new opportunity. Do you struggle with social engagements during the holiday season? What boundaries do you set in order to preserve your mental well-being? If you'd like to learn how to navigate the challenges of seasonal shifts, stick around for today's episode. The following roundtable was facilitated by Global Autism Community moderator Hattie Angelys Fox, and it features Autistic Self-Advocates and new community moderators Bob Schmus and Adrian Sanchez. Among other things, they discuss: Transitioning from summer to winter The challenges and joys of the holiday period How to balance your social interactions  The importance of identifying and setting personal boundaries Sharing food and cultural traditions to enhance community bonds Preparing for travel during the busy holiday period Strategies to maintain mental well-being throughout seasonal changes  ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or maybe you're a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one?  Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when social engagement and self-care are balanced. Do you find it challenging to be surrounded by too many people? What do you prefer: spending time alone or with others? Or do you just struggle to make deeper connections?  If any of this resonates with you or anyone you know, stick around for today's episode. The following roundtable is about Isolation vs Community. It was facilitated by Autistic Self-Advocate and Global Autism Community moderator Hattie-Angelys Fox, and it features Autistic Self-Advocates Adrian Sanchez and Eren Niederhoffer. Our Global Autism Community is an online space where anyone connected to autism can share their perspectives on various topics. Among other things, they discuss: Isolation as a restorative choice The dual nature of isolation How slowing down can help you to understand yourself Tools to balance community and self-care Navigating social situations and the role of humor in connecting with others Public spaces as a neutral ground for social interactions Trust as a prerequisite to meaningful relationships Cultural sensitivity in communication and humor The importance of self-time for mental and emotional well-being Observing social dynamics to enhance one's ability to connect ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or maybe you're a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one?  Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when we build bridges together.  ----more---- This week's episode is part 2 of our 2024 Highlights. Today we'll continue to review some of our favorite moments from this year's episodes, specifically from 177 to 192. Related episodes:  Highlights of 2023: Part Two, with the Global Autism Community Highlights of 2023: Part One, with the Global Autism Community Highlights of 2022: Part One, with the Global Autism Community Highlights of 2022: Part Two, with the Global Autism Community Highlights of 2021: Part One, with the Global Autism Community Highlights of 2021: Part Two, with the Global Autism Community Highlights of 2020, with the Global Autism Community ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey  

Discover what's possible when we build bridges together.  ----more---- We've reached the end of 2024! To celebrate, we'll be reviewing some of our favorite moments from this year. Part 1 will highlight episodes 161 through 176, and Part 2 highlights episodes 177 through 192.  Since we started working on this podcast almost five years ago, we've brought on a wide range of guests, including prominent self-advocates, such as Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Kerry Magro, Rachel Barcellona, and Anthony Ianni; parents like Tiffany Hammond and Bobby Rubio; some of our Global Autism Project partners, such as Mafer Chang from Ecuador and Pooja Panesar from Kenya; and other professionals in the field, such as Michelle Garcia Winner from Social Thinking and Harald Neerland from Autism Europe. If you've been listening to our podcast for a while, this 2024 recap will bring you back to the heartfelt stories we've been hearing from our guests. And if you're joining us for the first time, welcome! This episode will give you a good idea of what Autism Knows No Borders is all about.  Special thanks to our SkillCorps Alumni for helping to put this episode together: Adriana Garcia, Kelly Cotter, Marianne Spiotta, Colleen Dorsey, Danielle Terrell, and Yina Perez. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey  

Discover what's possible when you give to transform lives. This episode is being released a day early in observance of Thanksgiving in the US.  ----more---- Each year our team reflects on what we're grateful for. First of all, we're grateful for you, our listeners, and your continued support. We're also grateful for our podcast guests and their willingness to share their story with us. And of course, we're grateful for our growing Global Autism Community, whose members keep showing up in our online space with commitment to our mission to transform how the world relates to autism. We're also grateful for our larger community of generous donors who help make our work at the Global Autism Project possible. If you'd like to directly support our programs and initiatives, and help us to improve the quality of life of autistic individuals and their families around the world, stay with us for this episode, where our CEO Molly Ola Pinney explains how you can get involved as a monthly-giving Compass member. You'll also hear a few excerpts from members of our Global Autism Community sharing their personal gratitudes.  In other news, we also wanted to let you all know that our host Rachel will be going on maternity leave for a few months, starting in December. We'll still be releasing episodes featuring our Global Autism Community roundtable discussions, as well as throwbacks with relevant insights which we think are worth bringing back from the early days of the podcast. And of course, as tradition follows, we'll soon review and celebrate the year with our 2024 highlights episode. For now, we hope that this Thanksgiving special will inspire you to reflect on what you're grateful for during this holiday season. From all of us at the Global Autism Project, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and hope you can spend some time with your loved ones this weekend.  ----more---- Become a Compass member today and create sustainable change around the world! Every contribution leaves a meaningful impact and expands our reach to underserved communities worldwide. Click here to join Compass! ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you find the right provider. Have you ever struggled to navigate the healthcare system? Autistic individuals often have their own set of challenges when dealing with accessing medical services. If you'd like to learn about your rights as a patient, and how you can advocate for your individual needs, stick around for today's episode. The following roundtable about Healthcare Preparation and Advocacy was facilitated by Global Autism Community moderator Danielle Terrell, and it features Autistic Self-Advocates Amy Smith and Sara van Koningsveld. Among other things, they discuss: The complexity of health insurance plans  The evolving landscape of telehealth How technology can help you organize and track your healthcare information Tools to help manage sensory challenges in overwhelming environments The importance of having a support person with you in medical settings Why all healthcare providers should get continuing education about disability awareness Tips to effectively communicate with your healthcare provider ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or maybe you're a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one? Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love for you to join our next roundtable in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you embrace your true identity.  Are you a late-diagnosed autistic person, or do you know someone who is? If this resonates with you, you'll want to listen to today's conversation, where we touch on how acceptance of one's autism can change over time.  The following Global Autism Community roundtable was facilitated by community moderator Hattie-Angelys Fox, and it features Autistic Self-Advocates Brian MIddleton, Corben Havener, Mary Johnston, Bob Schmus, Amira Collantes, and Adrian Sanchez, as well as community moderator Danielle Terrell. Among other things, we discuss: Finding out about an autism diagnosis at different stages in life How autism presents differently in males and females Whether language matters when identifying as autistic Common challenges that autistics experience in childhood  –like socialization, anxiety, and depression– and how to deal with them Whether masking is ever good Disclosing your autism with friends and family The Pathology Paradigm ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or maybe you're a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one?  Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when your environment fits your needs.  Do you struggle with organizing your physical space? Or have you found systems that work well for your needs? Organization can be a sensitive topic, especially if you feel any shame for not being as organized as you'd want to be.  If you're looking for tips on how to design a space that works for you, stick around, because today's episode is a Global Autism Community roundtable discussion about Organizational and Environmental Management, featuring Autistic Self-Advocates Hattie-Angelys Fox, Amira Collantes, Adrian Sanchez, and Eren Denburg, as well as community member Cheryl Albright. Among other things, we discuss: Decluttering small vs large spaces Organizational styles to support executive-functioning skills How to find tools and systems that work for your brain Sharing spaces with others who have organizational styles different from yours Micro- vs macro-organization How to let go of things that no longer serve you ----more---- Would you like to share your own perspectives by participating in roundtables like this one? Join our online Global Autism Community, a safe and judgment-free space where all kinds of people connected to autism regularly discuss important topics like autistic identity, dating on the spectrum, coping strategies, and many, many more. We'd love to see you over at community.globalautismproject.org.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you show up better for the world.  In today's episode, we're highlighting our recent SkillCorps® trip to Peru. Our SkillCorps® volunteer program is an opportunity for self-advocates, family members, and professionals to travel to Global Autism Project's international partner sites and collaborate with local stakeholders on outreach initiatives in their communities.  This carefully curated 10-day journey includes developing culturally-relevant and sustainable training with our partner staff, listening to local Autistic Self-Advocates and family members to learn about their lived experiences, sharing meals with community members to brainstorm ideas and solutions, and executing a high-impact project to build on existing work being done in the country.  On the ground, this SkillCorps® team worked diligently on a range of tasks for our first ever Latin America Autism Summit, from preparing group presentations to fine-tuning logistical details. We collaborated with our partners at Centro Enigma, from Ecuador, and our local host sponsors at Centro Ann Sullivan del Peru, in order to put together an unforgettable event that forged long-term connections that will last a lifetime. The Latin America Autism Summit is the biggest project a SkillCorps® team has taken on so far.  We also visited several businesses employing autistic adults in the community, hosted a self-advocate dinner to listen to their needs, and built relationships with our new partners at MADI while laying the groundwork for future collaboration.  In this week's episode, you'll hear some of our SkillCorps® Peru team members' personal experiences and takeaways. Special shout out to SkillCorps® Alum and leader Adriana Garcia, who helped guide this professionally diverse team of 23 global visionaries on their transformational journey.  Coming up, you'll hear about:  Memorable moments from the trip Global collaboration Sustainability The Global Autism Project's model of Do With Not For Personal and professional growth Related episode: The Latin America Autism Summit in Lima, Peru ----more---- We'd like to give a shout out to our SkillCorps® 2024 Title Sponsor, Action Behavior Centers. We're excited to be partnering with businesses to create opportunities for employee development and growth through our SkillCorps® program. SkillCorps® Business Partners endorse employee participation in our SkillCorps® volunteer program and provide support to selected employees through granting time-off, providing funds to help team members fundraise, and more!  Thank you, Action Behavior Centers, for being a model organization in the industry. 

Discover what's possible when you make lifelong connections.  For almost 20 years, the Global Autism Project has been providing sustainable clinical, administrative, and leadership training to autism centers around the world seeking guidance. We've also hosted global and regional summits over the last several years, but we were forced to pause these projects during the pandemic.  Last July, we were thrilled to get back into the field and host our first ever Latin America Autism Summit in Lima, Peru. We collaborated with our partners from Centro Enigma, in Ecuador, and our local host sponsors at Centro Ann Sullivan del Peru in order to put together an unforgettable event that inspired connections that will last a lifetime.  On the ground, our SkillCorps® team worked diligently on a range of tasks for this 3-day summit, from preparing group presentations to fine-tuning logistical details. Our SkillCorps® volunteer program is an opportunity for self-advocates, family members, and professionals to travel to our international partner sites and engage with local stakeholders on outreach initiatives specific to their communities. The Latin America Autism Summit is the biggest project a SkillCorps® team has taken on so far.  In today's episode, you'll hear from our CEO, Molly Pinney; our partner at Centro Enigma, Mafer Chang; the founder of Centro Ann Sullivan del Peru, Dr. Liliana Mayo; a Peruvian self-advocate, Amira Collantes; and a QABA representative from Honduras, Nestor Mercadal.  Next week, you'll hear from some of our SkillCorps® team members about their personal experiences and takeaways.  ----more---- Are you a professional eager to stay at the forefront of current best practices and expand your services to reach even more families in need? Or maybe you're a parent looking for support from others who understand your needs? Or maybe you're a self-advocate wanting to share your story and educate others?  Look no further! The European Autism Summit is THE event tailored to address these pressing questions and more. Mark your calendar for April 23rd-25th in 2025, as we gather in Italy, immersed in a dynamic atmosphere buzzing with insightful presentations, invaluable networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops led by industry experts.  Join us at the European Autism Summit! ->>> Call for Sponsors 

Discover what's possible when you're prepared for the environment.  Are you or anyone you know either over-sensitive or under-sensitive to specific sights, sounds, smells, or textures? While this can sometimes be an asset, it can also cause distress or discomfort.  If you're familiar with difficulties in processing everyday sensory information, stick around, because today's episode is a roundtable discussion where we talk about Sensory Challenges, featuring Autistic Self-Advocates Hattie-Angelys Fox, Amy Smith and Adrian Sanchez, as well as fellow members of our online Global Autism Community, Cheryl Albright, Tj Larum and Danielle Terrell.  Among other things, we discuss:  Human sensory systems and needs Hyper- and hypo-sensitivities Levels of burnout and how to recover from it Regulatory strategies for various environments and situations Teaching children how to cope and ask for help Examining someone's overall health to support their sensory issues The importance of collaborating with specialists when writing treatment plans Speech processing and interpreting Supports across the lifetime  Sensory Differences - A Guide for All Audiences ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or maybe you're a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one? Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when the student has a seat at the table.  You might have heard the saying, “Nothing about us without us.” This expression has its origins in Central European political traditions and became popular in disability activism during the 1990s. According to the United Nations, it relies on the principle of full participation, and it has been used by disabled people's organizations throughout the years as part of the global movement to equalize opportunities for, by, and with persons with disabilities.  In today's episode, you'll hear about how “Nothing about us without us” can be applied in special education settings. This Global Autism Community roundtable discussion was led by Michael Gilberg, an autistic special-education and disability-rights attorney based in New York and Connecticut. Other participants were Autistic Self-Advocates Sara Bradford, Corben Havener, Mary Johnston, Jonathan Gardner, and Sara van Koningsveld, as well as fellow community members, Nancy Gardner, Colleen Dorsey, Tj Larum and Danielle Terrell.  Among other things, we discuss:  What is special education Social-emotional learning The difference between an Individualized Education Program and a 504 How attorneys and advocates can support parents The importance of including students at school meetings about them Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or are you a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one? Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone.  Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you find your values.  Have you ever struggled to meet a goal? Was it maybe because you weren't exactly clear on what it was that you wanted in the first place?  If so, you'll want to listen to this episode, which is part 2 of my conversation with Hattie-Angelys Fox. She talks about how she teaches her clients and families to adopt behaviors that align with their goals and values.  Recently diagnosed as autistic, Hattie-Angelys Fox is a certified teacher, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the mother of 2 neurodivergent children. Through her consulting services at Naturally Effective Behavior, Angelys offers a variety of support for individuals and families, including ABA, behavioral support, education & advocacy, educational enrichment, parent training and professional development.  In this conversation, among other things, we discuss: How working with an autistic student as a teacher's assistant influenced Angelys' career path early on Different ways she works with families Angelys' approach to caregiver training Advice for other neurodivergent parents If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take a moment to rate the show and leave a review. You'll be helping us to continue spreading autism awareness and acceptance around the world.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey 

Discover what's possible when you can make mistakes safely.  Have you ever wondered what the benefits of homeschooling are? Have you ever thought that children who are homeschooled are missing out on socialization with their peers?  If you've ever been curious about homeschooling, you'll want to listen to this episode with Hattie-Angelys Fox where she talks about why homeschooling was the right choice for her family. Recently diagnosed as autistic, Hattie-Angelys Fox is a certified teacher, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the mother of 2 neurodivergent children. Through her consulting services at Naturally Effective Behavior, Angelys offers a variety of support for individuals and families, including ABA, behavioral support, education & advocacy, educational enrichment, parent training and professional development.  In this conversation, among other things, we discuss: What it was like for Angelys to receive her autism diagnosis as an adult Struggles with her peers growing up A toxic relationship from high school Finding true partnership in her husband Why Angelys decided to homeschool her children Do you know anyone else who might benefit from this episode? Maybe a parent who is considering if homeschooling is right for their child? I encourage you to share this episode if you'd like to help them out. By doing so, you'll be helping us to improve access to autism services around the world. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when children have a safe place to learn.  In many places around the world where autism services and awareness are limited, center owners have to compete with other businesses who claim to provide certain therapies while, in reality, they're not qualified. Oftentimes, legitimate autism centers must also deal with increasing turnover rates because they can't properly compensate their certified clinicians for the high demands of their job.  Meanwhile, parents feel overwhelmed and confused as they try to distinguish quality services from those that can be ineffective at best, and harmful at worst — sometimes, unfortunately, making the wrong choice. After witnessing first-hand this hugely consequential problem over the last two decades, The Global Autism Project has come up with a solution.  Whether you're a center owner, a professional looking for a job, or a family member of an autistic loved one, you'll want to listen to this episode, where our CEO Molly Ola Pinney makes our most exciting announcement to date, the launch of Global Autism Accreditation! She also explains how this opportunity for centers to become accredited through the only internationally-focused accreditor will revolutionize autism services on a global scale.  In this conversation, among other things, we discuss: How over 20 years of working internationally has prepared us for this moment What defines a Global Autism Center of Distinction Why accreditation matters The path to accreditation and who should apply Do you own or manage an autism center committed to providing high-quality services? By meeting specific standards of excellence, your center can be identified as a regional leader in autism services while building local capacity in your community. Apply for Global Autism Accreditation today and become a Center of Distinction! Details can be found at globalautismproject.org/accredtitaiton. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when empathy is a two-way street.  Have you ever struggled to empathize with someone who experiences the world very differently from you? Maybe because you don't share an interest, or even a first language with them?  If so, you'll want to listen to this episode, which is part 2 of my conversation with Brian Middleton. He talks about how a lack of mutual understanding between autistic and non-autistic people can lead to breakdowns in communication.  Brian Middleton is an Autistic Self-Advocate, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the creator of the Bearded Behaviorist, an initiative dedicated to the dissemination of behavior science and the inclusion of trauma-informed care standards in applied behavior analysis and other human services.  This conversation was part of a special event for our community or SkillCorps volunteers. Other participants include Danielle Terrell, Tara Hannan-Bruecken, Shannon Haynes, Marianne Spiotta, Hailee Perez, and Christina Cairoli.  In this conversation, among other things, we discuss: The Double Empathy Problem The unfair expectation for autistic people to adapt to non-autistic communication How Brian created an adventure room for his students to take a break and feel safe Where the terms “neurodiversity” and “neurotypical” originated Neurodiversity-affirming as an attitudinal approach Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ----more---- Do you know anyone else who might benefit from this episode? Maybe a non-autistic person looking for better ways to communicate with their autistic loved one? We encourage you to share this episode if you'd like to help them out. By doing so, you'll also be helping us to improve access to autism services around the world.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when disability is viewed as a whole.  Have people ever based their perception of you solely on your deficits? Are your strengths and abilities sometimes overlooked because of your differences?  If so, stay with us for this episode, where Brian Middleton talks about how the biopsychosocial model of disability shifts perspectives from a purely medical approach to a more comprehensive one.  Brian Middleton is an Autistic Self-Advocate, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the creator of the Bearded Behaviorist, an initiative dedicated to the dissemination of behavior science and the inclusion of trauma-informed care standards in applied behavior analysis and other human services.  This conversation was part of a special event which we hosted for our community of SkillCorps® volunteers. Other participants include Danielle Terrell, Tara Hannan-Bruecken, Shannon Haynes, Marianne Spiotta, Hailee Perez, and Christina Cairoli.  In this conversation, among other things, we discuss: How Brian attempts to build bridges across both sides of the ABA divide The biopsychosocial model of disability Why pathologizing autism can be harmful Person-first vs identity-first language Transforming the puzzle piece symbol How radical behaviorism wasn't originally developed to “fix” autistic people ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or are you a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one? Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world connect to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey 

Discover what's possible when community deepens understanding.  Do you find social situations difficult to navigate? Have you ever been confused when trying to to engage in a conversation? Whether you're autistic or not, you'll want to listen to this episode, which is part 2 of my conversation with Eren Niederhoffer. He talks about how he's created networking events to help autistic and non-autistic people understand each other better. Eren Niederhoffer is an Autistic Self-Advocate, community networker, and public speaker.  In this conversation, among other things, we discuss: Useful Communication strategies for autistic people Some of Eren's rules for social events How learning about friendships can help you learn about romantic relationships The need to replicate Eren's community model with young children Tips for autistic and non-autistic people about how they can learn from each other  Do you know anyone else who might benefit from listening to this episode? Maybe an autistic person seeking to expand their social circles? I encourage you to share this episode with them if you'd like to help them out. By doing so, you'll also be helping us to improve access to autism services around the world.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey 

Discover what's possible when you lift yourself up to help others.  Have you or anyone you know ever been bullied or abused because of being autistic? If so, you'll want to listen to this episode with Eren Niederhoffer, where he talks about how he's learned to overcome many years of abuse at the hands of his own family. Eren Niederhoffer is an Autistic Self-Advocate, community networker, and public speaker. He is a Board Member of the Atlanta Autism Consortium and the NeuroDiversity TaskForce, as well as the former President of Atlanta Autism Self-Advocacy Network, where he co-created the Atlanta's All-Women's Autism Panel and African-American Autism Panel. In this conversation, among other things, we discuss: Eren's tumultuous relationship with his father and siblings Common struggles autistic people face in social situations, like reading facial cues and nonverbal language When to mask and unmask How Eren has helped his colleagues understand his autism  ----more---- Thank you Izzy0826 for reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! They said: “Thank you for having conversations that will help people grow and think beyond stigmas and misinformation.” 5-star reviews help us continue spreading autism awareness and acceptance around the world. If, like Izzy, you're finding value in Autism Knows No Borders, please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you know your worth.  Have you ever had a difficult time securing a stable job? Do you find that accommodations just don't matter if you're not being treated respectfully? If you or anyone you know has ever had these experiences, stick around, because today's episode is a roundtable discussion where we talk about Employment and Career Development, featuring Autistic Self-Advocates Brian Middleton, Corben Havener, Stephanie De Kremer, Adrian Sanchez, and Christina Kaspersen, as well as fellow members of our online Global Autism Community, Tj Larum and Danielle Terrell.  Among other things, we discuss: Challenges autistic people face when looking for a job Masking in the workplace The medical vs. the social model of disability Utilizing strengths and interests in the workplace Assumptions and expectations regarding social norms Autism self-advocacy and disclosure Tips for Autistic people wanting to prepare for employment ----more---- Are you a self-advocate willing to share your story and educate others? Or a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Or are you a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one? Whatever your connection to autism is, we'd love to hear your takeaways from this episode in our online Global Autism Community, where hundreds of people from all over the world come together to support each other and know that they're not alone. Join us today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when awareness improves access.  Have you ever wondered about the level of autism awareness in countries like Egypt? Are you curious about what governments are doing for their autistic citizens? If so, you'll want to listen to these conversations I had at the 8th International Mental Health Conference in Alexandria, Egypt. You'll hear from several people whom I connected with there, including the Conference President and Secretary General of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment, Menan AbdElmaksoud; the Head of Child & Adolescent Administration, Iman Gaber; the President of the Egyptian Autistic Society, Dahlia Soloman; self-advocate Rami Alhadinziden Sayed; as well as several family members and professionals in the field of autism services. ----more---- Conferences are a great way to network with like-minded advocates while learning new strategies to help your autistic children, clients or students. Are you a professional eager to stay at the forefront of current best practices and wondering how to expand your services to reach even more families? Or a parent looking for support from others who understand your needs? Or maybe you're a self-advocate wanting to share your story and educate others?  The Latin America Autism Summit is THE event tailored to address these pressing questions and much, much more. Mark your calendar for July 10th-12th, when we'll gather in the heart of Lima, Peru, immersed in a dynamic atmosphere buzzing with insightful presentations, invaluable networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops led by industry experts.  Join us at the Latin America Autism Summit, where together we'll live unforgettable moments and forge connections to last a lifetime.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you are in charge of your life.  Do you sometimes wish you had a team of supporters to guide you in the right direction? Maybe you already have trusted friends and family in your close circles.  Either way, you'll want to listen to this episode, which is part 2 of my conversation with Jonathan Gardner. He talks about how supported decision making helped him get through his cancer treatment.  Jonathan Gardner is an Autistic Self-Advocate, cancer survivor, supported decision maker, and motivational speaker. In this conversation, among other things, we discuss: Jonathan being treated as a human being by his medical team Supported decision making as an alternative to guardianship Overcoming the fear of public speaking Tips for other autistic people about not being defined by autism ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you find joy in every day.  Have you ever had to pull through something you thought would be impossible to overcome? Or let go of control in an overwhelming situation?  If you can relate, you'll want to listen to this episode with Jonathan Gardner, where he shares the lessons that helped him through his cancer journey. Jonathan Gardner is an Autistic Self-Advocate, cancer survivor, supported decision maker, and motivational speaker. In this conversation we discuss: Jonathan's strengths and special interests How bullying pushed him to homeschooling What it was like to diagnosed with a rare cancer at only 18 years old Jonathan's emotional journey of receiving treatment His road to recovery ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when humans connect.  Do you want to feel a sense of belonging and express yourself freely and without judgment? Are you looking for a safe space where people accept you for who you are and support you on your journey of advocacy?  If so, you'll want to listen to this episode, where members of our Global Autism Community talk about how being part of our online space has helped them grow. This week we are celebrating the 4-year anniversary of this podcast, as well as the 3-year anniversary of our online Global Autism Community!  It's been an eye-opening journey that continues to surprise, inspire, and move us. We've learned so much from self-advocates sharing their experiences, family members talking about acceptance, and professionals discussing best practices in the field of autism services.  We've covered a wide range of topics, such as ableism, bullying, masking, the neurodiversity movement, intersectionality, disability rights, dating, communication, personal growth, cultural humility, and international collaboration, and even controversial topics like person-first vs. identity-first language, the puzzle-piece symbol, and ABA therapy.  Four years after launching Autism Knows No Borders, we are more energized than ever to keep going. There are still countless meaningful stories out there, and we want to bring them to you. We will continue to elevate autistic voices. We want their stories to keep traveling across the world, so that more and more people can join us in the cause for autism awareness, acceptance, and hope.  A huge thank you to all of our guests for educating us with their unique perspectives, as well as to our team members who keep making this podcast happen: our visual creator, social media manager, and community moderator, Danielle Terrell; and our sound designer and editor, Marc Aliana.  And, of course, many thanks to you, our dedicated listeners, for tuning in each week, sharing your takeaways, and ultimately giving meaning to what we're doing.  If you're a new listener, we'd like to welcome you as well!  Our online Global Autism Community has been growing over the past few years. This is a space where members have the possibility to share insights, listen to different perspectives, and create real change in their own communities – whether they're autistic individuals, family members, or service providers.  Special shout out to another one of our community moderators, Christina Kaspersen who monitors posts daily to ensure that our online space remains safe and respectful. If you're interested in joining our moderator team, you can send me a direct message in the community.  Last week, some members of our community got together virtually to celebrate our anniversary. We played games and got to know each other in a more casual setting. Today you'll hear an excerpt from that special event, featuring Autistic Self-Advocates Sara Bradford, Stephanie De Kremer, Adrian Sanchez, and Christina Kaspersen, as well as fellow community members Cheryl Albright, TJ Larum, and Danielle Terrell.  Are you a self-advocate willing to share your experiences and educate others? Are you a professional seeking to hear directly from autistic voices and improve your practice? Are you a family member hoping to support and empower your loved one? Whatever your role related to autism is, you can join our online Global Autism Community to connect and collaborate with people all over the world.  Sign up today at community.globalautismproject.org. Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you lean into curiosity.  Do you feel trapped in your daily routine and want to feel inspired again? Do you think there's something more you're meant to be doing in the world for the autistic community? Are you a self-advocate or professional looking to develop as a leader, build confidence in your own abilities, and help others do the same?  If so, you'll want to listen to this episode because our SkillCorps® volunteers share how they reconnected with their passion in the field from going on their trip to Kenya.  Just a recap, in case you missed part 1 from last week, SkillCorps® is carefully curated 10-day journey includes developing culturally-relevant and sustainable training with our partner staff, listening to local Autistic Self-Advocates and family members to learn about their lived experiences, sharing meals with community members to brainstorm ideas and solutions, and executing a high-impact project to build on existing work being done in the country.  Last October, we sent a SkillCorps® team to visit our partners at Kaizora in Nairobi, Kenya. In part 2 of this special SkillCorps® Journey episode, you'll hear Team Kenya talk about:  Personal growth Professional development in the field of autism services How traveling with the Global Autism Project inspired the team to create change in their own communities Tips for future SkillCorps® travelers As you probably know if you follow our work closely, we're also sending teams out in the field this July, and we're currently taking SkillCorps® applications for travel in October!  Join us today at skillcorps.globalautismproject.org and use the coupon code “AUTISMPODCAST” to waive the application fee.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when collaboration inspires change.  Do you have a personal or professional connection to autism? Are you looking to collaborate with others and help the autistic community in a meaningful, sustainable way? Do you want to share your insights and make a positive impact on a global scale but don't know where to start?  If so, you'll want to listen to this episode because our SkillCorps® volunteers share how they collaborated with a global team of autism professionals and advocates on their trip to our partner site in Kenya. SkillCorps® is a carefully curated 10-day journey that includes developing culturally-relevant and sustainable training with our partner staff, listening to local Autistic Self-Advocates and family members to learn about their lived experiences, sharing meals with community members to brainstorm ideas and solutions, and executing a high-impact project to build on existing work being done in the country. Last October, we sent a SkillCorps® team to visit our partners at Kaizora in Nairobi, Kenya. Kaizora offers comprehensive services for families, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, vocational training, special education, and social skills.  In this episode you'll hear from Maureen Gathogo, or “Moh” for short, the Operations Manager at Kaizora, Jessie Sheahan, our staff member who led the SkillCorps® team, and the SkillCorps® volunteers themselves. Next week, you'll hear the team talk about their personal growth and takeaways.  In today's episode, we discuss: Clinical training and outreach initiatives completed during the trip Collaboration between professionals from different backgrounds The Global Autism Project's model Do With Not For Cultural humility Sustainable practices in international development As you probably know if you follow our work closely, we're also sending teams out in the field this July, and we're currently taking SkillCorps® applications for travel in October!  Join us today at skillcorps.globalautismproject.org and use the coupon code “AUTISMPODCAST” to waive the application fee.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you belong.  Have you ever heard the phrases, “You don't look autistic,” or “Everyone's a little bit autistic,” or “You can't (fill in the blank) because you're autistic”?  If you or anyone you know has ever felt that their autistic experiences don't matter, this is one episode you'll want to listen to.  We're kicking off Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month with this roundtable discussion about overcoming prejudices and breaking the stigma around autism, facilitated by community moderator Danielle Terrell, and featuring Autistic Self-Advocates Thomas Iland, Brian Middleton, Corben Havener, Mary Johnston, Bob Schmus, Sara Bradford, and Amy Smith, as well as fellow community members, Rosetta Walker and Tj Larum.  Among other things, we discuss:  Ableism in the form of gaslighting Masking as a defense mechanism Breaking stereotypes The Medical vs. the social model of disability Autism in legal situations Limitations set by some medical professionals Would you like to share your own perspectives by participating in roundtables like the this one? Join our online Global Autism Community, a safe and judgment-free space where all kinds of people connected to autism regularly discuss important topics like autistic identity, dating on the spectrum, coping strategies, and many, many more.  Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you let the creative juices flow.  Have you ever experienced a flow state when using music or visual arts as a creative outlet? Or maybe you've been inspired by someone else's work? If you like music and art, stick around, because today's episode is a roundtable discussion where we talk about all things creativity, facilitated by community moderator Danielle Terrell, and featuring Autistic Self-Advocates Andrew Bennett, Stephanie De Kremer, and Christina Kaspersen, as wells as fellow members of our online Global Autism Community, Melissa Badertscher and Tj Larum.  Among other things, we discuss:  How creative projects can enrich lives Different outlets for creativity Interpretation vs improvisation Using creativity to accentuate autistic strengths and develop areas of need Challenges of self-promotion How to overcome imposter syndrome when showcasing work in front of others Would you like to share your own perspectives by participating in roundtables like the this one? Join our online Global Autism Community, a safe and judgment-free space where all kinds of people connected to autism regularly discuss important topics like autistic identity, dating on the spectrum, coping strategies, and many, many more.  Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism.  ----more---- Related episodes: 22. Music Therapy and Autism in Australia, with Pamela Fisher  149. Special Needs Music, with Stephen Flinn  123. Art, Synesthesia, and Software Engineering, with Austin Lubetkin  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you trust your gut.  Has anyone close to you needed support after receiving their child's autism diagnosis? Or maybe you yourself are the parent of a child with autism? If so, you might have felt overwhelmed or isolated when trying to decide what's best for their future.  Professionals like today's guest, Kathryn Petersen, empower parents to recognize that they are the true experts of their children so that they can confidently make the best decisions for their family.  Kathryn is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Founder of 2 Steps Forward Consulting, a company offering early-intervention coaching to help parents navigate the system.  In this second half of this conversation with Kathryn, we discuss:  How Kathryn determines her client's success Kathryn's involvement with the Global Autism Project, and what she's learned about leadership How she applies the Global Autism Project's motto “Do With Not For” in her current practice Tips for families starting their autism journeys Do you know anyone else who might benefit from this episode? For instance, a parent in the early stages of receiving an autism diagnosis for their child? We encourage you to share this episode with at least one other person. By doing so, you'll help them feel supported, and help us improve access to services worldwide.  We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. ----more---- Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when someone holds your hand.  Have you ever tried to look for autism services and found the process long, stressful, or confusing? If you're the parent of a child with autism, you've probably found that the path to available resources is often far from clear.  However, professionals like today's guest, Kathryn Petersen, are committed to making this journey easier.  Kathryn is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Founder of 2 Steps Forward Consulting, a company offering early-intervention coaching to help parents navigate the system.  In this conversation, among other things, we discuss:  Why Kathryn decided to start her consulting company What the autism-diagnosis process typically looks like for parents (from recognizing early signs in their children to receiving services) Common struggles parents face within the system  How parents can collaborate in setting and prioritizing goals What to look for in a service provider Do you know anyone else who might benefit from this episode? For instance, a parent in the early stages of receiving an autism diagnosis for their child? We encourage you to share this episode with at least one other person. By doing so, you'll help them feel supported, and help us improve access to services worldwide.  We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. ----more---- Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when accessibility goes beyond a checklist.  Have you ever come across a website that was difficult to navigate? Were you frustrated that you couldn't accomplish what you wanted to do, whether it was pay a bill, schedule a doctor's visit, or attend a zoom call?  Well, you're definitely not alone. It's not uncommon for neurodivergent people to feel left out of digital spaces. The good news is accessibility guidelines already exist to ensure websites can be easily navigated.  If you want to know about how these standards are upheld, listen to this conversation I had with Maxwell Huffman and Jen Goubeaud, where we delve deep into the work that they do at Aspiritech, a quality-assurance company with over 90% of autistic employees.  Maxwell is Autistic himself and oversees operations across all of Aspiritech's program lines, including software quality assurance, accessibility, and data services. And Jen, who has ADHD, is the program manager for the company's accessibility program line.  In this conversation, among other things, we discuss: Accessibility criteria that websites needs to meet Using screen readers for the visually impaired How a neurodiverse team can help to assess user experience Moments that make Maxwell and Jen feel proud to be working at Aspiritech Tips for employers wanting to increase neurodiversity in the workplace Do you know anyone else who might find value in this episode? Maybe your boss or coworkers would also like to learn how to make your workplace more neurodivergent-friendly. If you'd like to help improve employment conditions for autistic individuals, please take just a few seconds to share this episode with one person who you think will appreciate it.  ----more---- Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when your work environment helps you flourish.  Have you ever been at work and felt like your colleagues just didn't understand you, or maybe didn't even try? Or have you ever worked up the courage to request accommodations, only to then have your needs minimized?  If you want to hear about a company with a work environment just the opposite of that, stay tuned for today's conversation with Maxwell Huffman and Jen Goubeaud, where we discuss how Aspiritech creates opportunities for their neurodivergent employees to thrive.  Maxwell is Autistic himself and oversees operations across all of Aspiritech's program lines, including software quality assurance, accessibility, and data services. And Jen, who has ADHD, is the program manager for the company's accessibility program line.  In this conversation, among other things, we discuss:  How Brenda and Moshe Weitzberg founded Aspiritech to help their son find suitable employment, scaling it up from a kitchen-table start-up to a company with over 100 employees, 90 % of which are Autistic Common accommodations, such as written instructions and hybrid work options Aspiritech's hiring and training process How to match skill sets to a job  If you're enjoying this episode and you don't want to miss part 2, where we'll talk about digital accessibility for neurodivergent individuals, be sure to hit the subscribe button! It will help you stay up-to-date, and it will also help us continue to bring you great guests, like Jen and Maxwell.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when autism representation in the media is accurate.  Have you ever been disappointed by the representation of autism in movies, TV shows, or other media? Or, on the other hand, have you ever resonated with some of the characters with autistic traits that you've seen on screen? Whether you've had one of these experiences or both, stick around, because today's episode is a roundtable discussion where we address the question, “How can the entertainment industry improve their representation of autism?” I'm sure you'll find this conversation as engaging as I did. Among other things, we talked about: How movies like Rainman and other early representations of autism led to inaccurate stereotypes The ethics of Autistic characters being played by Autistic vs. non-Autistic actors  Implicit vs. explicit Autistic characters in shows like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Atypical and The Big Bang Theory The need to increase representation of non-speaking Autistics Participants in this roundtable include Autistic Self-Advocates Andrew Bennett, Michelle Vinokurov, Corben Havener, Mary Johnston, and Christina Kaspersen, and fellow members of our online Global Autism Community Ali Carbone, Cheryl Albright, Tj Larum and Danielle Terrell. ----more---- Would you like to share your own perspectives by participating in roundtables like this one? Join our online Global Autism Community, a safe and judgment-free space where all kinds of people connected to autism regularly discuss important topics like autistic identity, dating on the spectrum, coping strategies, and many, many more.  We'll see you there at community.globalautismproject.org! ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you live label free.  Livia Sara is an Autistic Self-Advocate, eating disorder survivor, author, and the host of the podcast Liv Label Free. Livia is currently working on her fifth book, and her publications include a memoir, Rainbow Girl, and a cookbook titled Nourishing Neurodiversity. She is also a 1:1 coach for autistic people recovering from an eating disorder.  In this conversation, we discuss: Livia's autistic strengths How having an eating disorder led to the journey of discovering her autism Why Livia thinks her eating disorder was a way of masking How to disentangle autistic traits from eating-disorder behaviors Examples of eating disorders that can be linked to autism Tips for autistic people suffering an eating disorder  To learn more about Livia Sara please visit livlabelfree.com. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when passion drives purpose.  In today's episode, we're continuing to highlight our recent SkillCorps® trip to Rwanda. Our SkillCorps® volunteer program is an opportunity for self-advocates, family members, and professionals to travel to our international partner sites and collaborate with local stakeholders on outreach initiatives in their communities.  This carefully curated 10-day journey includes developing culturally-relevant and sustainable training with our partner staff, listening to local Autistic Self-Advocates and family members to learn about their lived experiences, sharing meals with community members to brainstorm ideas and solutions, and executing a high-impact project to build on existing work being done in the country.  In this week's episode, you'll hear our SkillCorps® Rwanda team members' personal experiences and takeaways. Special shout out to SkillCorps Alum and leader Kelly Cotter, who helped me guide this professionally diverse team of 10 global visionaries on this transformational journey. Even though the team members were complete strangers before they met in New York for orientation, by the end of our trip they had formed friendships that will last a lifetime.  Apart from collaborating with our partners at Silver Bells, our SkillCorps team also took in Rwandan culture through a range of activities, such as shopping at a night market, learning a local dance, and visiting an important historical museum. Each day left us surprised, inspired, and moved.  The team had a virtual reunion two weeks after returning from our trip. We reviewed what we had learned and reminisced about some of our experiences.  In today's conversation, we discuss: Memorable moments from the trip Global collaboration Sustainability The Global Autism Project's model of Do With Not For Personal and professional growth Leadership Each team member's post-trip commitment to their own community Tips for future SkillCorps® travelers ----more---- We're currently taking SkillCorps® applications for travel in October 2024!  Join us today at skillcorps.globalautismproject.org and use the coupon code “AUTISMPODCAST” to waive the application fee.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when awareness spreads.  These next two episodes will highlight takeaways from our SkillCorps® volunteer trip to Rwanda last October.  For the last 20 years, the Global Autism Project has been providing sustainable clinical, administrative, and leadership training to autism centers around the world seeking guidance. Our SkillCorps® volunteer program is an opportunity for self-advocates, family members, and professionals to travel to our international partner sites and collaborate with local stakeholders on outreach initiatives specific to their communities.  This carefully curated 10-day journey includes developing culturally-relevant and sustainable training with our partner staff, listening to local Autistic Self-Advocates and family members to learn about their lived experiences, sharing meals with community members to brainstorm ideas and solutions, and executing a high-impact project to build on existing work being done in the country.  Last October, I led our SkillCorps® team to visit our partners at Silver Bells in Kigali, Rwanda. Silver Bells offers comprehensive services for families, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and vocational training.  In today's episode, you'll hear the Founder of Silver Bells, two of the clinical department heads, and several community members who attended the three outreach events we hosted in Kigali.  Next week, you'll hear some of our SkillCorps® volunteers talk about their personal experiences and takeaways.  As you probably know if you follow our work closely, we're also sending teams out in the field this March, and we're currently taking applications for travel in October 2024!  Join us today at skillcorps.globalautismproject.org and use the coupon code “AUTISMPODCAST” to waive the application fee.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when we learn together.  This week's episode is part 2 of our 2023 Highlights! Today we'll continue to review some of our favorite moments from this year's episodes, specifically from 145 to 158. As we were reflecting on these past episodes from 2023, we were overcome with immense gratitude for our community. A huge thank you to our guests for sharing their stories, to you, our listeners, for your continued support, and to our team for all the work behind the scenes.  Special thanks to Anh Ngoc and Danielle Terrell for helping to manage guest communications and social media, and to all of our community moderators this year: Andrew Bennett, Cassidy Hooper, Stephan Guidon, Korey Taylor, and Christina Kasperson for monitoring posts and keeping our online space safe and respectful.  From all of us at the Global Autism Project, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season, and hope you can spend some quality time with your loved ones.  ----more---- Related episodes:  159. Highlights of 2023: Part One, with the Global Autism Community 127. Highlights of 2022: Part One, with the Global Autism Community 128. Highlights of 2022: Part Two, with the Global Autism Community 90. Highlights of 2021: Part One, with the Global Autism Community  91. Highlights of 2021: Part Two, with the Global Autism Community  41. Highlights of 2020, with the Global Autism Community ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when we learn together.  We've reached the end of 2023! To celebrate, we'll be reviewing some of our favorite moments from this year's episodes – there are so many that this will have to be a two-parter! Part 1 will highlight episodes 129 through 144, and next week 145 through 158.  Since we started working on this podcast almost four years ago (which is unbelievable to say out loud!), we've brought on a wide range of guests, including prominent self-advocates, such as Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Stephen Shore, Dr. Kerry Magro, Rachel Barcellona, and Anthony Ianni; parents like Tiffany Hammond and Bobby Rubio; some of our Global Autism Project partners, such as Sangeeta Jain from India and Evas Kyomugisha from Rwanda; and other professionals in the field, such as Michelle Garcia Winner from Social Thinking and Harald Neerland from Autism Europe.  If you've been listening to our podcast for a while, this 2023 recap will bring you back to the heartfelt stories we've been hearing from our guests. And if you're joining us for the first time, welcome! This episode will give you a good idea of what Autism Knows No Borders is all about.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you attend to gratitude.  This episode is being released a day early in observance of Thanksgiving in the US.  Each year our team reflects on what they're grateful for, both personally and professionally. This year we have many reasons to count our blessings, including one special milestone to celebrate: the Global Autism Project's 20-year anniversary!  In this episode our CEO, Molly Ola Pinney, and our Head of University and Training Programs, Ann Beirne, discuss: The Global Autism Project's origin  How we evolved to be what we are today How autism awareness has increased around the world over the last 20 years How the field of ABA has embraced the neurodiversity movement Our motto “Do With Not For” as the foundation to our work Cultivating ownership vs buy-in with a team What Molly and Ann are grateful for during this special occasion You'll also hear a few special excerpts of our staff members sharing their personal gratitudes. We hope that this episode will inspire you to reflect on what you're grateful for this holiday season.  From all of us at the Global Autism Project, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope you can spend some time with your loved ones this weekend.  ----more---- Related episodes: 2. Global Autism Project: Our Mission, with Molly Ola Pinney 56. Do With Not For, with Our CEO Molly Ola Pinney 139. Responsive Skills Training: An Autistic-Informed Curriculum, with Molly Ola Pinney and Ann Beirne ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when you ask for help.  This week's episode is a recording of one of our Global Autism Community exclusive events! The topic of this roundtable was Accommodations and Accessibility at School and Work.  The participants were Autistic Self-Advocate Andrew Bennett, mothers Karen Shapiro and Neena Wagh, and community members Tj Larum and Brenda Canas, and the discussion was facilitated by community moderator Danielle Terrell.  We want to acknowledge Danielle for her commitment to our mission at the Global Autism Project. Soon after discovering our podcast, Danielle joined our online Global Autism Community, participated in our Virtual Leadership Academy course, became a member of our Affiliate program, traveled with us on a SkillCorps® trip to India, and most recently stepped into a role as community moderator. Danielle is also now managing our podcast Instagram and guest communications.  Thank you, Danielle, for all that you do. Your hard work and dedication are helping this podcast and our community grow!  In today's conversation, we discuss:  The importance of knowing your rights when it comes to accommodations How to determine what reasonable accommodations are How accommodations can vary across different cultures Advocacy skills and why they should be taught Empowering parents and students The freedom to disclose or not ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when the glass child heals.  Ali Carbone is a Brooklyn-based writer, and the oldest sibling to three autistic brothers. In her most recent book, What Are You Looking At?, she writes about her journey of finding herself and rewiring her own brain. In this conversation, we discuss: Ali's caretaker role from a young age Her relationship with her parents How being the non-autistic sibling affected her psyche The catalyst to understanding her lost identity Ali's breakthroughs in therapy Her brothers' transition into a group home  Tips for other siblings To learn more about Ali Carbone you can read her memoir or follow her on IG @aliicarbone. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when stories shape behavior.  Sivan Hong is the author and illustrator of the best-selling children's book series Super Fun Day Books, which celebrates the triumphs of neurodiverse children as they face challenges with determination and courage. Her titles include Benny J. and the Horrible Halloween, George J. and the Miserable Monday, Emily D. and the Fearful First Day, and Avery G. and the Scary End of School. Sivan is also the mother of two neurodiverse children, and she herself has ADHD.  In this conversation, we discuss: Sivan's discovery of her neurodivergence at age 47 How audiobooks opened her up to the world of reading Neurodivergent traits that help her writing  The difference between social stories and traditional children's books Why social stories are effective in teaching neurodiverse children to navigate challenging situations The benefits of social stories for every student in the classroom, including neurotypicals An excerpt from one of Sivan's books about Halloween Why she focuses on strengths with her family Tips for other parents To learn more about Sivan Hong, please visit her website at sivanhong.com. ----more---- Resources: A Novel Mind - A database for educators and parents who are looking for the right book for the right child. Dyslexia Linked to Visual Strengths Useful in Astronomy - The study Sivan mentions during the conversation. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when the person is at the center.  This week's episode is a recording of one of our Global Autism Community exclusive events! This roundtable was facilitated by community moderator Korey Taylor, and its topic of discussion was Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices.  The participants were Autistic Self-Advocates Thomas Iland, Brian Middleton, Andrew Bennett, Corben Havener, and Robert Schmus, and community members Rosetta Walker, Danielle Terrell, and Tj Larum. In today's conversation, we discuss: What “affirming” means The harms of being forced to mask Best practices across disciplines Client dignity Autonomy  Assent How to identify an individual's values Roundtable discussions like the one you'll hear today are open exclusively for members of our online Global Autism Community. We select a different theme each month, and our moderators monitor posts daily to ensure that our online space remains safe and respectful.  If you'd like to attend and participate in any of our future events, you can sign up today at community.globalautismproject.org.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what's possible when bonds are rebuilt.  Anthony Sevieri is autistic and Alexis, his older sister, is neurotypical. Some of Anthony's special interests include music and roller coasters.  Alexis is a member of our SkillCorps Alumni community, having traveled with the Global Autism Project to India and Kenya. To learn more about our SkillCorps program, check out episodes 150 & 151.  In this conversation, we discuss: How Anthony and Alexis' parents explained autism to them when they were children Their family dynamics growing up How Anthony would feel during moments of aggression  An incident from high school that led Anthony to writing music Anthony's journey of self-awareness and self-acceptance Alexis's experiences as a sibling How they came to understand each other's perspectives as adults Fun activities they like to do together The risks of using food as a coping mechanism Autistic strengths that Anthony uses at his YMCA job His recent album, including a teaser of one of his songs Alexis' goals to help families with autistic loved ones Tips for autistic and non-autistic siblings ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey