Podcasts about autism support

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Dr. Calum Hartley of Lancaster University talks us through ASD and come of the misconceptions people have about it. We cover Dr. Hartley's research on language development in children with autism and cover some other research with regards to the negative interactions people with autism often face in the criminal justice system.Dr. Calum Hartley: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/psychology/about-us/people/calum-hartleySupport the showSupport us and reach out!https://smoothbrainsociety.comhttps://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSocietyInstagram: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTikTok: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTwitter/X: @SmoothBrainSocFacebook: @thesmoothbrainsocietyMerch and all other links: Linktreeemail: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com

Send us a text Step into the supernatural as we welcome Kelly Haapala, CEO of Own Your Path, Paranormal Talent Manager at Eloise Asylum, and Founder/Director of ParaVenture—a cutting-edge virtual paranormal convention happening on April 5, 2025. This exclusive event brings together top paranormal investigators, researchers, and enthusiasts, with a portion of the proceeds supporting Autism Support of Michigan. Kelly shares her haunting experiences, behind-the-scenes stories, and what to expect at ParaVenture, the ultimate online Paracon for those who crave the unknown. From ghostly encounters to groundbreaking investigations, we dive deep into the world of the supernatural and unexplained. Don't miss this thrilling conversation about one of the most anticipated paranormal events of 2025! Watch the video version here: https://youtube.com/live/65WWE7UQ3UUDon't forget, you can watch us live on Tuesday nights at 8PM CST - U.S. on YouTube and Facebook! Support the Show: Patreon (Bonus Content)Follow us on Social Media: YouTube ChannelFacebook Fan PageInstagram Fan Page X (formerly Twitter)TikTok Fan Page"After Dark with EVP" (Use code "AFTERDARK25" for 25% off an annual subscription)https://bit.ly/46GOmAzSubmit Your Story, Comments, or Questions: theevppod@gmail.com

Dr. Mary Barbera discusses practical strategies for expanding intraverbals, feature function class (FFC), and language skills in children with autism or speech delays. Learn effective techniques to improve your child's conversational abilities, including using songs, real-life objects, and category-based language building. Dr. Mary Barbera also covers fluency training and how to integrate language practice into everyday activities. These actionable steps will help move your child forward in language development.

Stephen Crook, Executive Director at Achieve Kids, explains how the organization supports students with special needs through individualized education, behavioral support, and vocational training. For over 60 years, Achieve Kids has provided a structured and supportive environment where students can develop independence. By working closely with school districts, educators, and families, the organization helps students transition back into public schools or the workforce. Stephen also shares the challenges and rewards of leading a nonprofit in special education, the impact of mentorship on student success, and how Achieve Kids partners with 35+ school districts to fulfill its mission.Stephen Crook, Executive Director at AchieveKids, explains how the organization supports students with special needs through individualized education, behavioral support, and vocational training. For over 60 years, AchieveKids has provided a structured and supportive environment where students can develop independence. By working closely with school districts, educators, and families, the organization helps students transition back into public schools or the workforce. In this special Podcasthon episode, Stephen also shares the challenges and rewards of leading a nonprofit in special education, the impact of mentorship on student success, and how AchieveKids partners with 35+ school districts to fulfill its mission.In this episode, you'll learn:[03:00] How Stephen's journey from psychology research to teaching led him to AchieveKids[07:34] What makes AchieveKids different from traditional special education programs[14:01] A powerful success story of a student overcoming severe behavioral challenges[20:50] Why teacher shortages threaten special education and what's being done about it[23:09] The biggest challenges families face when seeking support for their children[26:04] The future of AchieveKids and how the program is expanding to meet growing needsAbout Stephen CrookStephen Crook is the Executive Director of AchieveKids, a nonprofit school serving students with special needs. With a background in developmental psychology, teaching, and school administration, he has dedicated his career to improving special education programs and advocating for students with disabilities. Before joining AchieveKids, Stephen worked as a therapeutic teacher and school director, helping students with significant behavioral and emotional needs gain the skills to succeed in school and beyond.About AchieveKidsAchieveKids is a nonprofit school that serves students ages 5 to 22 with autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional needs, and developmental challenges. With campuses in Palo Alto and East San Jose, AchieveKids partners with 35+ school districts to provide individualized education, behavioral support, mental health services, and vocational training. The goal is to help every student transition into a more independent and fulfilling life.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

In this episode of the Experience Miracles podcast, Dr. Tony Ebel discusses neurological detoxification—what happens when children begin Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. He explains why detoxes, which can appear as regressions or negative symptoms, are actually positive signs of healing and progress. Dr. Ebel breaks down the mechanisms behind these detoxes, how they affect different body systems, and provides practical guidance for parents to support their children through this process. He emphasizes that these temporary challenges lead to profound improvements in sleep, behavior, digestion, and overall development.[00:01:00] Understanding Neurological DetoxesWhat happens when starting nervous system-focused careWhy some children experience symptoms that appear to be moving in the "wrong direction"How clinical protocols have improved over time for better management of detox reactions[00:08:00] Physical Signs of DetoxificationCommon temporary changes: fatigue, increased mucus, fever, skin breakoutsHow digestion shifts from constipation to more frequent eliminationEmotional and behavioral fluctuations during healing[00:12:00] Autonomic Nervous System FunctionThe role of sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic systemsHow children with chronic illness get stuck in sympathetic dominanceWhy activating the vagus nerve is essential for detoxification[00:17:00] The Perfect Storm Model of Chronic IllnessThe sequence of triggers that lead to autism and chronic illnessEmotional stress during pregnancy and birth trauma as primary factorsHow physical damage to the brainstem creates subluxation[00:26:00] Three Types of Children: The Bull AnalogiesRaging bull: Hyperactive, always moving, won't sit still (ADHD-like)Drunken bull: Struggles with focus, coordination, and processing (ADD-like)Exhausted bull: Shut down, withdrawn nervous systemWhy children need to go through missed developmental stages[00:32:00] The Motor System and Brain DevelopmentThe importance of sequential motor milestonesHow sensory-motor function provides a window into brain functionWhy motor patterns are more connected to brain function than gut function[00:39:00] Supporting Your Child Through DetoxWhy staying consistent with care is crucialPrioritizing sleep and temporarily reducing therapy loadNourishing the body and trusting the process[00:44:00] The Path ForwardWhy leaning in rather than backing off leads to breakthroughsThe "messy middle" leads to the biggest healing breakthroughsAvoiding the addition of too many therapies during detox-- Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @pxdocs Facebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs Network Youtube: The PX Docs For more information, visit PXDocs.com to read informative articles about the power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. Find a PX Doc Office near me: PX DOCS DirectoryTo watch Dr. Tony's 30 min Perfect Storm Webinar: Click HereSubscribe, share, and stay tuned for more incredible episodes unpacking the power of Nervous System focused care for children!

Send us a textWhat if your curiosity led you to an unexpected career path that changes lives every day? Lisa Kuntz, the inspiring director of the Pierce Autism Center at Touro University, shares her remarkable journey into autism support and education with us. Starting with a chance role at the university, Lisa's commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals has helped pave the way for improved insurance coverage and advocacy efforts. Yet, despite these strides, she unveils the persistent barriers families encounter in securing timely assistance and highlights the critical gaps for those who age out of existing support systems.Join us as we navigate through essential conversations on enhancing autism awareness across various sectors. We stress the importance of equipping first responders with the knowledge to handle high-pressure situations involving autistic individuals and share real-life examples of potential misunderstandings. The discussion also covers community initiatives, tackling sensitive topics like bullying and mental health, including suicide and the role of compassionate therapy in providing support. Finally, we expand our focus globally, examining shared experiences and unique challenges faced by families worldwide, and encourage listeners to participate in this ongoing dialogue to support the global autistic community.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

Tony welcomes sisters Sarah Bailey and Karla Cragg, who share a passion for enhancing the social lives of individuals with autism. They introduce their Breaking Social Barriers PEERS program, an evidence-based social skills training course designed specifically for young adults on the autism spectrum. Their program is based on UCLA's acclaimed PEERS treatment model, the only research-backed method proven to help young adults with autism form and maintain meaningful friendships. Sarah and Karla provide an inside look at their curriculum, which offers practical strategies for entering, maintaining, and exiting conversations—along with other essential social skills that set individuals up for success. They emphasize the importance of honoring autistic individuals' authenticity while equipping them with the social tools they may need. The conversation also explores key topics such as the differences between autism and highly sensitive person (HSP) traits, the impact of diagnosis and labeling, and the increasing demand for targeted social skills training. Tune in to discover how Sarah and Karla's approach is making a profound difference in the lives of autistic individuals—whether formally diagnosed or self-identified. Learn more about their evidence-based programs at BreakingSocialBarriers.com. 00:00 Welcome to the Virtual Couch 01:11 Diving into Autism Awareness 02:22 Carla's Journey into Autism Education 05:31 Introducing the Peers Program 08:27 Navigating Social Skills for Young Adults 12:44 Understanding Autism and Neurodiversity 20:43 Navigating Social Interactions with High Functioning Autism 21:27 Teaching the Art of Trading Information 23:30 The Importance of Evidence-Based Social Skills Programs 25:18 Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation 26:24 Course Structure and Content 29:43 Role Playing and Practical Applications 35:56 Enhancing Authentic Social Interactions 38:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

At the Marcus Autism Center, Dr. Kathleen Edmier, BCBA, and Karen Guerra, SLP, work together to bridge the gap between their fields, demonstrating the power of collaboration in supporting individuals with autism. Their work showcases how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) can align their approaches to maximize positive outcomes.For professionals looking to collaborate, the key lies in relationship building and mutual respect. Shifting from a multidisciplinary to an interdisciplinary model allows for deeper integration of tools and strategies, creating a unified approach to intervention. This partnership also enhances the generalization of procedures and plans, ensuring that individuals and their families receive cohesive and effective support.One of the most impactful areas of collaboration is in addressing complex topics such as verbal imitation and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Despite differences in terminology, both disciplines focus on developing essential social skills. Open dialogue between professionals helps them recognize shared goals and complementary strategies, fostering a more effective and comprehensive support system.For SLPs and BCBAs, embracing collaboration means building a synergistic approach that enhances family support. Prioritizing understanding, flexibility, and mutual respect creates a stronger network of care. By adopting the mindset of "having grace for one another," professionals can work together to drive meaningful progress and improve outcomes for those they serve.#autism #speectherapyWhat's Inside:Bridging SLP-BCBA CollaborationInterdisciplinary vs. Multidisciplinary WorkAligning Goals and StrategiesCollaborating on hot button topics in the field. Mentioned In This Episode:ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership 

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, we dive into an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and hope. Christopher Moore, a father of four with three children on the autism spectrum, shares his journey of understanding his children's unique needs and behaviors. After years of trial and error, Moore discovered the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to bridge the communication gap for individuals with autism. Now a doctoral candidate in computer science, Moore is collaborating with researchers at the University of New Orleans to develop groundbreaking AI tools that analyze behavioral patterns in children with autism, translating cues like gestures and eye movements into meaningful insights. Funded by a $300,000 grant, their work aims to empower parents, caregivers, and professionals with a deeper understanding of autism behaviors, offering practical solutions for daily life and critical scenarios alike. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and future of this innovative research. Learn how Moore's project could revolutionize how caregivers interact with individuals on the autism spectrum, ensuring that everyone has a voice, even in the most difficult situations. This episode is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, and anyone passionate about inclusivity and advancing autism support through technology.

In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Sue Larkey, an esteemed "pracademic," joining us to share her wealth of knowledge, combining practical experience and academic research. Sue and our host, Sharon Collon, dive deep into effective strategies for engaging children with ADHD and autism, emphasising the power of humour, and personalised communication techniques. Sue traces her inspiration back to a challenging classroom experience, highlighting the lack of adequate resources and training that many teachers face. Together, Sharon and Sue explore the intricate dynamics between parents, teachers, and children, offering practical tips to foster a supportive and collaborative environment both at home and in school. From the significance of nonverbal communication and the nuanced approach to praise, to addressing rejection sensitivity and preventing teacher burnout, this episode is packed with actionable tips. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, tune in for a compassionate and enlightening discussion that promises to deepen your understanding and enhance your toolkit for supporting neurodiverse children. Let's get started! Timestamps:03:11 Collaboration with parents enhances child support effectiveness.08:26 A teacher advocates for students like children.10:54 Four positives to one negative builds relationships.13:31 Tone affects children's perception of commands.18:39 Teachers struggle to support autistic students effectively.19:47 Birthday party akin to classroom environment challenges.24:44 ADHD is genetic; treat each individual uniquely.27:38 Adults need life systems, not work skills.30:16 Change environment, structure for child readiness.35:44 "Should" indicates comparison; prompts self-reflection.38:19 Praise is individualised; "best" varies per person.41:47 Completion, not praise, motivates ADHD children.43:59 Addressing rejection sensitivity in neurodiverse children.46:48 Reflect on successes and challenges in meetings.49:13 Need regulation from teachers to avoid misperceptions.About Sue: Sue Larkey is a highly respected educator, author, and speaker with extensive experience in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has taught students in both mainstream and special education settings, combining practical experience with extensive research. Sue holds a Master's in Special Education and has completed the research sections of her Doctorate in Education. Sue's podcast, the “Sue Larkey Podcast,” has over 1.4 million downloads across more than 200 episodes and is the #1 ranked Apple Podcast in Australia in the Course category. Her podcast resources are used by leading universities, including Monash University and Canberra University, to train teachers. She also has a global following, with over 135,000 subscribers to her weekly e-newsletter in more than 30 countries and a community of 130,000 Facebook followers. Sue has authored over 18 books aimed at educators, teacher assistants, and parents/carers, and is a former winner of the Naturally Autistic International Award for Community Contribution. She has delivered hundreds of speeches at both international and national conferences, earning recognition as a trusted source of knowledge, compassion, and inspiration for educators, support workers, and families. Connect with Sue:Instagram: @sue.larkeyFacebook: Sue LarkeyWebsite: https://suelarkey.com.au/

In this episode of the Experience Miracles podcast, Dr. Tony Ebel breaks down the neuroscience behind stimming behaviors, explaining how they serve as a compensatory mechanism for an overwhelmed nervous system. He discusses the root causes of stimming, the role of subluxation, and why proper sequencing of therapies is crucial for helping children heal.[00:00:00] Introduction & Definition of StimmingOverview of stimming behaviorsWhy stimming isn't just related to autism[00:02:00] Common Types of StimmingHand flappingFinger flickingBody rockingHead hittingVisual stimulation patterns[00:07:00] The Neuroscience Behind StimmingIntroduction to proprioception vs nociceptionRole of the nervous systemHow subluxation affects behavior[00:15:00] Understanding Sensory ProcessingConnection between sensory issues and stimmingBrain's energy allocationImpact on daily functioning[00:25:00] The Role of ProprioceptionHow movement affects nervous system regulationMost sensitive areas for proprioceptionWhy children seek certain movements[00:31:00] Treatment ApproachesWhy environment modification isn't enoughImportance of addressing root causesRole of chiropractic care[00:40:00] Healing Process & ChallengesUnderstanding healing reactionsWhy symptoms might temporarily increaseNeuro detox explanation[00:45:00] Therapy SequencingWhy doing too much can backfireProper order of interventionsImportance of foundational work first[00:50:00] Closing ThoughtsHope for healingImportance of proper care sequenceResources for parents-- Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @pxdocs Facebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs Network Youtube: The PX Docs For more information, visit PXDocs.com to read informative articles about the power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. To watch Dr. Tony's 30 min Perfect Storm Webinar: Click Here Find a PX Doc Office near me: PX DOCS Directory Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for more incredible episodes unpacking the power of Nervous System focused care for children!

Neurodivergent children and their caregivers face a unique set of challenges in ensuring that they have access to appropriate services supporting dental and oral health. Unfortunately, due to some of these challenges, many children grow up without appropriate supports, and experience long-term negative physical and mental health repercussions. Barry and Dave do a deep dive into these issues with Dr. Rose-Marie Daly, who has a high level of expertise and experience in working with neurodivergent children and supporting their caregivers, and who understands how critical dental and oral health is for each child and the family. Find out more on our website!

Dr. Mary Barbera shares her top 3 pieces of advice for parents and professionals supporting children with autism, from toddlers through teens. Drawing from decades of experience, Dr. Barbera explains the importance of starting with a comprehensive assessment, preventing problem behaviors by fostering positive environments, and building strong collaboration between parents and professionals. 

One of the most important cutting-edge discoveries for autistic and neurodivergent individuals is that non-speakers, many of them previously thought to be intellectually disabled and non-communicative, are now able to demonstrate their knowledge and share their experiences through supported communication. With their guest, psychology professor Dr. Vikram Jaswal, Barry and Dave discuss recent research and our evolving understanding of non-speakers who were and still are so misunderstood.    Learn more about Vikram's work and find valuable resources on our website. 

Bridging the Gaps in Autism Support with Drew Walker | What's What BR In this episode of What's What BR, we welcome Drew Walker, Executive Director of the Capital Area Autism Network (CAAN). Drew explains CAAN's mission to unite community members in Baton Rouge to support and provide education for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Drew discusses the challenges in accessing autism services, especially for adults who often lack support after leaving the school system. The conversation touches on the growing awareness of autism, the importance of early intervention, and the scarcity of specialized providers. Drew invites businesses and community members to engage with CAAN through social media, upcoming stakeholder meetings, and potential collaborations to help bridge service gaps and improve outcomes for autistic individuals and their families.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Understanding the Capital Area Autism Network (CAAN) 02:31 Challenges Faced by the Autism Community 05:19 Awareness and Service Gaps 07:39 Provider Shortages and Community Needs 11:11 Building a Supportive Network 12:43 Engaging Businesses and Future Plans 18:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the "Giant Robots On Tour" podcast, hosts Sami Birnbaum and Rémy Hannequin interview Dan Clark, the Founder and CEO of MindJam, an innovative platform providing emotional and SEN (Special Educational Needs) support for young people through gaming, game design, and digital skills. Sami shares a personal story about how his mother, an educational psychologist, introduced him to MindJam, highlighting its impact and relevance. Dan explains that MindJam was born out of the need to support young people who feel out of place in traditional educational settings, particularly those with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions. By leveraging popular games like Minecraft, MindJam builds trust and engages young people in a medium they enjoy, transforming therapeutic support into a more effective and engaging process. Dan discusses the inception and growth of MindJam, which started during the pandemic when traditional in-person support became impossible. This shift to online sessions via gaming platforms provided a new avenue to connect with young people, enabling them to open up and build trust in a familiar and enjoyable environment. Dan emphasizes that gaming offers numerous benefits, such as enhancing cognitive abilities, fostering social connections, and providing a safe space for expression. Despite the negative stigma around gaming, he points out that it can be a powerful tool for personal development and emotional support. MindJam has grown significantly, now with 110 mentors supporting over 2,000 young people globally, showcasing the scalability and effectiveness of this approach. The conversation also touches on the broader implications and challenges of integrating gaming into therapeutic and educational contexts. Dan highlights the need for societal perception shifts to recognize the positive aspects of gaming, counteracting the negative media portrayal. He underscores the importance of educating parents, educators, and social services about the benefits of gaming and how it can be used constructively. Dan shares inspiring success stories from MindJam, illustrating how gaming can lead to real-world achievements and personal growth. MindJam (https://mindjam.org.uk/) Follw MindJam on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MindJamOfficial), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindjam/), or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mindjamofficial/). Follow Dan Clark on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-clark-58533220b/). Follow thoughtbot on X (https://twitter.com/thoughtbot) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/150727/). Transcript:  SAMI: Right, we are back again. And this is the Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots podcast, the Giant Robots on Tour series coming to you from Europe, West Asia, and Africa, where we explore the design, development, and business of great products. I'm your host Sami Birnbaum. RÉMY: And I'm your other host, Rémy Hannequin. SAMI: Let's get into it, Rémy. Joining us today is Dan Clark, the Founder and CEO of MindJam, a platform that provides online one-to-one sessions, providing emotional and SEN support for young people through gaming, game design, and digital skills. Dan, full disclosure on this one: so, about a month ago, right? I get an email from my mom. Now [laughs], this email says, "You've got to check this guy out. Go and take a look at MindJam." And I'm thinking, mom, I don't get these emails from you. This is not the normal sort of thing I'd get from my mom on your average weekday. And I know in the past, like, I've told her that I'm kind of doing this podcast thing, and I'm starting to regret, like, telling her this. Like, what is she throwing my way? But I get into some research...and maybe for some context, actually, which is helpful because my mom isn't just doing research for the podcast, my mom's an educational psychologist. So, she's been doing that ever since I can remember. I remember growing up as a kid, and that was, I mean, she assessed me numerous times. And she works, I guess, similar kind of to the children or people that you're working with, people with ADHD, autism, neurodivergent children, just often who are struggling in school and trying to find where they fit. And I start doing my research. I look into it, hit the website, hit your LinkedIn. And I'll be, like, totally honest with you: We were both just blown away by what you are doing. And this is coming not only from me, and I work in the tech industry, and I've got a history of slight gaming addictions, which we might touch on, but also coming from my mom who works on the other side and works with all the local authorities. She does the kind of tribunals that they have to do to try and get people into the right schools and kids into the right schools. And, literally, we were blown away, and I nearly got lost as well on your website. I found some kind of gaming streams that you do, and I feel almost like we missed a trick here, Rémy, because we could have done this podcast on Minecraft. It's such a nice flow, right, when you're streaming. DAN: Yeah, it makes it easier when you've got that distraction there as well. You can just chat about it. Thank you so much for inviting me on. It's a pleasure being here and, yeah, I'm glad you kind of understand what we're doing here. MindJam itself is four years old now. But I was doing things before in the pandemic, similar. But once the pandemic hit, that was the key moment where everything went online for my support with young people. And, suddenly, the light bulb came on, and I was like, this is a way in. You know, there are so many young people that are struggling, lost, feel they're stupid, and don't fit in. Yet, actually, they're amazing. But, you know, a standard way of sitting in front of them going, "Tell me why you can't go to school. Why can't you do this?" you know, it doesn't work. They don't trust that person. They've got trauma. They've been, you know, battered down by education and by health services. And so, to suddenly have someone who comes in and goes, "Oh, so you love Minecraft. Oh, I love Minecraft, too. Let's join in. Let's go in a world." And then, you can build that trust to then go, "How's your week been then?" Or, you know, and start talking, and you're just on the same wavelength. And, for me, it was something as soon as I sort of realized, it was like, this is...of course, this makes perfect sense. And then, I looked and saw nobody else is doing it [laughs]. So, I started off MindJam just on my own. At first, very quickly, we got working with lots of...in the UK, we have local authorities, which is the councils around, so seeing there is a real, you know, thing that they would work with us. So, that was great, to be recognized as actually a real service, rather than just someone playing games with kids. It's like, no, this is real. This really works. And then, it quickly got bigger than me, and now we are at 110 mentors working for us, and we're supporting over 2,000 young people all over the world. SAMI: That's incredible. DAN: It's a mission of mine, you know, we'll go more into my sort of history, but I've got two neurodivergent children: both autistic, one's ADHD as well. When you see something that you think is going to work for your child, to then suddenly see it's got, like, a two-year waiting list, which most have, it's heartbreaking, and you know it's going to be too late. So, it's always been my mission with MindJam to keep that waiting list as small as I can, but also, obviously, expanding with quality mentors and all that. So, you know, we generally tend to always say about three months before we can sort of get that support for young people. But yeah, it's something very close to my heart that I'm so passionate about and, yeah, it's been a great journey so far. SAMI: You can tell. It's so interesting because, like you say, when you find something that works for your kids. Because when I was younger, I struggled with separation anxiety a lot in school. So, I would have days when I would really struggle to go to school. During my high school period, I went to the Royal Free, which is down in Hampstead, so not too far from where I grew up and not too far from my school. And my parents...I tried to engage with a therapist. But it's almost like, I don't know if I wasn't cognitively or intellectually developed enough to engage in that way, but it didn't work. Ultimately, I did kind of one or two sessions. I remember filling in some questionnaire and thinking, like, I don't get this. This doesn't make sense. And what you're talking about, if I understand correctly, is you're coming to where the child is at. You're coming to a safe space for them, a place where they feel comfortable. It's almost like a world which is predictable. Whereas the outside world is very scary, right? Especially for people who have generalized anxiety disorder, like I said, autism. It's very challenging. And so, you come to their level, and you say, "Right, let's find a place where we all feel comfortable." And then, we can start to engage. And you say, like, you know, the pandemic was a little bit of a light bulb moment. What's been the biggest barrier then? So, you've found yourself kind of going into this and saying, right, this is something which works. It works for my kids. I want to make this available, accessible. What's been your biggest barrier to getting this off the ground and getting it working? DAN: It's the negative thoughts and the way the media portrays and education portrays gaming, basically. That has been the hardest thing is most parents are on board, but they still feel a little bit ashamed of how social media is on gaming and screen time. And they're very worried that they're not doing the right thing. And we come in a way of also educating. We educate the educators. We do training plans for schools, and for social services, and all sorts because there are so many benefits to gaming that aren't recognized. And, you know, gaming is still generally quite new. It's evolved so much in the last even 10 years. It's insane the way the characters have evolved. And the emotional nature of games now is really complex and, you know, young people and older people can get so much from them. But gaming still, in general, people are still like, "Well, get off that. Do something actually worthwhile." It's like, it's so worthwhile. There's so much, you know, strategy game you've got so much from it. And a fast-paced shooting you've got cognitive abilities. The perfect example I've got is, did you hear a couple of months ago a young lad, I think he was 13, he beat Tetris. SAMI: Yes. DAN: He completed Tetris, which is incredible, you know, it's like, oh, wow. And the first thing the newsreader said to them, the media person interviewing him went, "You should get out more." That's the way she portrayed it, rather than going, "What an achievement it is. You should get outside more." I'm literally like, what? What's going on? You know, again, this kid, you know, he's in the Guinness World of Records. What an achievement. He's famous around the world for doing it. It's like, why is that not seen as such a good thing? You know, so yeah, so that was the hard thing was especially schools, you know, they're very frightened of gaming and of change. And so, trying to help them see that, actually, if you meet a young person where they're at in something they love, then you can help inspire them and help find out why they can't deal with the things, why they can't engage with school, and also inspire them for future learning careers. Even healthy gaming comes from having that understanding of how they're gaming. So, if someone's sat up all night gaming, yeah, we all know it's not great for them. But if you just say, "Gaming's evil. Get off it. You're wasting your time. I'm turning that off," they're going to want to rebel against that. Yet if you come in and go, "Oh, wow, I can see why you were sat up all night doing that. But have you noticed that you're not as good at playing when you're really tired or really hungry?" And if you look at the top e-sports players, they're athletes. They exercise; they eat well; they sleep well. So, you know, if you embrace gaming a bit more, you can get that trust and that bond to then help inspire in other ways. RÉMY: I mean, I could talk about it for a long time. It's really refreshing to hear someone talk about video games in such a positive way and talking about the benefits. And you even mentioned strong players like athletes. It's really refreshing. And I'm wondering, how did this knowledge come up to you in the first place? So, I bet you might be someone enjoying playing games yourself. But how did you see all these benefits yourself? Because, unfortunately, it's not something we talk a lot about. As you mentioned, in the press, we hear about all the negativity. Every time there is a strong event, we blame video games, all that. And we forgot all the stories where the video games enhance people, if they have trouble or not. It can be very beneficial to a lot of people. So, how did you see this value yourself? DAN: Yeah, well, yeah, I've always been a gamer, you know, ever since Spectrum 48K, I think you had. I'm showing my age now, but it was mainly when the Sega Megadrive, and from then, PlayStation onwards were my days. And me and my brother used to have great times together on that as well. You know, it was our bonding. But then I think the biggest light bulb to me...before the pandemic, I was a teacher. And I used to teach music and ICT and computers as well, and having my children as well, and both in school connecting with the young people. Because I was a gamer, I could talk about the games that they're playing with them and to see their eyes light up...and you're on a different wavelength with that young person. They suddenly got this trust in you, and they want to tell you all about what they've done on Minecraft, or what the new season of Fortnite's about. And it was having such a beneficial effect on them and same with my family as well. We, you know, both my children are autistic, and we've got, you know, we have a lot of difficulties around that of bonding together as a family, yet our closest moments have been through gaming together. So, Mario 3D World was the first one I remember with my children playing, and we could play at all levels. So, my son was about four and, you know, he was often in a bubble, killed, and floating back onto the screen again. But, you know, we had a great time. And I was suddenly, like, looking, thinking, this is amazing. You know, nobody hears about this side of it that it's bringing us together. And so, from there, I then started doing after-school gaming clubs, so not coding clubs, nothing like that. It was gaming. And the young people they loved it. It was oversubscribed. Masses of kids came to it. We had all sorts of things from Super Smash Bros, if you know that, to, you know, to PlayStation games, Go Simulator, and everything playing. And we just had a whale of a time, and they could really relax and make friends. And, again, it was all coming from the joy of gaming together, basically. And it's, you know, as much as some people might not like it, it's bigger and bigger. It's the biggest entertainment industry now. And, you know, on the other side of it, there are so many careers in it. If your young person has an interest in gaming, see what they're interested, help it, champion it because it's, yeah, you know, there's such a future there. But yeah, that's my story, basically, and where that sort of light bulb came from. And then, I've done a lot of research into the benefits of gaming and how you can use that for connecting with young people. And, you know, so many games now have characters with, you know, emotional things going off, or, you know, you can talk about feelings even in games like Minecraft where the characters don't talk. But you can be like, how must that person be feeling there? And, you know, you can really bring in real-life situations while gaming and also have a lot of fun, which I think is super important as well, which sometimes gets forgotten about. But, you know, real life is really enhanced by having loads of fun, and gaming's fun. SAMI: Yeah. It's so fascinating. As you're speaking, I'm having this internal dilemma, right? Because, in my head, everything you're saying is true and makes sense. And I believe it, and I've seen it. And then, I probably still harbor those feelings that are almost entrenched, like you're saying, in the media with, you know, the person who completed Tetris. And those sorts of feelings are still, like, a little bit entrenched to me in terms of the negative sides of gaming. Like, I guess I grew up probably similar to you, where it was like, "Well, why aren't you outside more?" and the negative aspect of it. I spoke about this in a different podcast, which I've apologized to my parents for mentioning in public. But when I was in university, it's too late now, I also kind of developed, I would call it probably, like, a small gaming addiction. I don't know where it would sit, but I was doing all-nighters Playing Call of Duty, Modern Warfare. And so, there definitely is a negative side. But I like what you say about, well, actually, you can address that in a healthy way. But then, this week, just this week, which is quite uncanny, my seven-year-old comes, and he says, "Daddy, I really want to get an Xbox, you know, my friend's got one." And he's just starting to get to that cusp of gaming. So, in my head, I say, yeah, like that makes total sense, and I imagine the benefits and the fun time me and him could have on an Xbox. But I still struggle with those feelings of...maybe they're my own worries of, well, but what if he neglects his other stuff? What if he goes into like, yeah, with ADHD, he goes into hyperfocus, and that's all he does? How [laughs] can you counsel me out of this concern? DAN: Well, no, I completely understand, and that is where all our fears come from, especially our generation and how it's put through. But I think young people more and more connect through gaming, whereas I think when we were gamers as young, a lot of stuff wasn't online. So, we weren't playing with our friends. We were playing on our own a lot of the time, whereas it's very social now. Platforms like Roblox and Minecraft are the things that are super social, working together as a team, things like that. But also screen time, I can show you that we've got a whole list of benefits of gaming, actually, that I'll share with you because there's studies that even screen time has been proven not to be detrimental the way we're told it is. And I think we must know that through how we work. Most of us work on screens these days, so. SAMI: Yeah, that's such a point of contention in the house because we currently do only on Fridays. So, they get, like, two hours of screen time. I don't know if that's strict. I don't know where I am on that. Do you have, like, with your own kids, or how do you handle that discipline? So, let's say I get the console, right? I bring it into the house to my seven-year-old. Do I limit it with screen time? How would you approach that sort of thing? DAN: Obviously, with a seven-year-old, it's a little bit different from...mine are now 17 and 14. So, we discuss it more, but yeah, definitely, you know, have boundaries. And also, if you're worried about how they're gaming, maybe have the Xbox in the living room, so instead of gaming in their bedroom, they're gaming when you're around, and it's a shared family activity. And then, it's easier to say, "Well, we're going to be having food in a minute. So, finish up on that game." And you can have all that understanding. But I think also, you know, that other side of things of coming from seeing what they're playing. I talk to parents a lot about this, and they get, you know, they see frustrations in their young people when they're trying to get them off. But they don't realize that maybe they're playing something like Fortnite or something that's a bit more online team-based, where if they pulled them off the game in the middle of the match, it could be detrimental to the team they're working with, their rankings. You know, they could even get banned from the game for a few days, you know. So, understanding and them being able to work time management together, being like, "Well, after this game is finished, this is where we're going, you know, we've got to go out. We've got to do this," you know, there is a give and take there. And I'm not saying there isn't negatives to gaming. We need, you know, everybody needs a break as well. But, again, through the understanding of what they're playing, you can have those conversations. If you're not playing them or watching them and don't understand what the game is about, and what the joy is about, there's going to be a gap between you, you know, where the young person is going to be like, "You don't understand me. You don't understand why I want to play this." My kids, you know, we went from the other [inaudible 17:37] because they've had severe problems at school, both of them, through their neurodivergency, and gaming has really helped them both to regulate. And maybe when you're saying about yourself when you had problems, and maybe there was something else going on. And then, the gaming was a way for you to cope, that safe space to go to that was actually working in a way as a little bit of therapy and keeping you grounded, you know, as well. So, you know, there's two sides to see it. But yeah, definitely, I can understand the worries of staying up all night playing it or not doing your homework and playing it, although I have different things to say about homework. But to say it's not actually beneficial is wrong because, you know, you just got to look at something like Minecraft and the amount a young person can learn, everything from biomes, and blocks, and diamonds, or ores to actual mathematics and things. And it naturally leads onto PCs and learning how to code things and who knows where that's going to lead, to creating something completely new. So, I worry for the ones that are heavily restricted on screen time. I worry that they're being held a little bit back. You know, that might sound a bit controversial for some people. But when most jobs are digital and you're not allowed to learn, I mean, the young people I see they're so gifted at such a young age in understanding digital things that they're going to be at the forefront of the new technology. So, it's almost like, yeah, I think it should be embraced with both hands. RÉMY: There's an incredible opportunity to learn new things through video games and to be happy and to share, like you said. And I bet our audience is already quite open to video games, but we never know it. I think it could be interesting if you could provide, like, a very simple, not comprehensive list of famous games and the kind of skills and benefits they provide you. You mentioned Minecraft; you mentioned creativity. But what kind of games and skills benefits you? You could say for our audience to understand more about the opportunity that is out there. DAN: Yeah, I mean, there are so many. But yeah, so, if we look at your normal shooter game like Call of Duty, and Fortnite, and things like that, that is for cognitive ability. You know, getting those dexterity in your hands and learning those [inaudible 20:11] of pressing buttons is more than you think. It's really training that brain and getting that brain working really quick. It's proven to boost your brain power, your gray matter. It's actually proven that gaming, in general, just boosts your gray matter. I mean, we all know about doing brain training games, but all games using that brain, you know, it's much more advanced than sitting watching TV. But then if you go into more things like puzzle games, so things from your Tetris all the way through to more advanced ones like Portal or strategy games like Civilization and things, there is so much you're doing. You're boosting that brainpower, and you're thinking all the time. But then you can get into...yeah, back onto the shooter games as well, they help with spatial recognition. So, it's actually helping to spot things from a distance: dangers or things to collect. You can see them, and it actually enhances eyesight. It is proven to enhance eyesight, which is great. Decision-making and leadership skills, which is a key thing people talk about for business, is all there when you're in your team of shooters. You're playing Overwatch or you're playing, you know, any game like that. You know, there's always somebody leading or, you know, saying what should be best, seeing the best strategies in there. Problem-solving comes into all sorts so, obviously, in shooters and things again, I'd- say, but also your Minecraft. You know, you've got to create a certain thing to defeat the dragon or whatever you're doing. There's always something, or if you're building something. But then, of course, your high-end puzzle games and even things like Mario. I mean, they get so complex in the problem-solving to overcome a level. Again, the brain power, and the brain power seeing these young people that they're way more advanced than we were playing games. The games are so intricate and so hard now. One you never hear about is social skills until...I think the pandemic helped that a bit. People started to see, oh, Animal Crossing, it's a great way to connect with people. And, you know, and Roblox as much as it gets a lot of bad press, for young people to connect and play, and lot of it is almost like playground role playing play, and they're playing together. You know, there's games just based in Ikea, and they're shopping, and [laughs] things like that. It's really good for them to be doing that. And health and fitness surprisingly, of course, is in gaming. So, obviously, a lot of Nintendo Switch games are sort of standing up, you know, playing switch sports and things, but then virtual reality is huge for that. And if you've ever tried Beat Saber, that's a real workout, which is really good. But there's loads of boxing ones. There's one that kids play now called Gorilla Tag, where, oh my God, that is such a workout. I have mentees that I work with, and then we'll be like, "Oh, Gorilla Tag," an hour of that, I am exhausted. Because you're just flinging your arms around like a gorilla trying to move fast. It's amazing. SAMI: I saw a post you did recently about there's, like, a Greek mythology level on Fortnite, like, an educational aspect [laughs]. It's so funny because I remember playing God of War on the PS2, and I learned so much about Greek mythology. Everything I know comes from God of War. And so, there's also that educational aspect. DAN: Yeah, exactly. You get this deep dive into something, and you really find what you're interested in. So, I've got a kid, and he loves this game called War Thunder, which is all about planes, World War planes, and he can tell me everything about every plane and what country it's made. He can spot it a mile off. You know, "Oh, that's a Russian plane from so and so. Its weak points are here. It was built by so and so." And it's like, you're a genius, and it's all come from, you know, this game's sparked this real interest. And, you know, like I said, Fortnite brings it in, God of War, of course. Assassin's Creed is amazing for things like that, history, it goes from Egypt times. And they even now have walkthroughs in the game where...this needs to be used in schools. I don't know if schools embrace it yet, but you don't have any of this story and the killings and stuff. You just are going through history and walking through the towns and things like that, which is brilliant. The latest one for Assassin's Creed was Vikings, wasn't it? And that was brilliant because that brought in the UK and how it was when the Vikings came over. There's so much stuff. I've got a young person, and he loves this game called For Honor, which is all about medieval sword fights. And he got such an interest in weapons that he's then become a blacksmith. He's enrolled onto a college course apprenticeship being a blacksmith. He wants to be making armory and swords for movies. You know, he said like, "Look, Lord of the Rings, that's all made properly, isn't it?" I mean, that's [inaudible 24:50] SAMI: Wow. DAN: Yeah, it's amazing. One other thing that the games bring, which I think is amazing, is mindfulness as well. There's a huge thing of that. Yeah, like I said, going back to maybe yourself when you were gaming at night, and you maybe needed to destress and maybe take your mind off something, you can get into a game and almost...there's a thing called the grind in the game. Minecraft has it a lot, where you've just got to get yourself a hundred diamonds, or whatever [laughs]. So, it's like, you can almost turn your brain off and just do that, you know, and it can be so super relaxing. And you can get into this thing called flow state. A lot of driving games are like that. If you hit every corner perfectly, you're kind of just in this dream-like state where you just...everything's going well. And that brings a euphoria, too. There's so many good things. But now there's loads of games that are actually based around mindfulness. Tetris is one that's been proven for that. But I don't know if you've heard a more recent one called PowerWash Simulator. Now, this game was one of my most favorite for the last couple of years. All you're doing is washing stuff with a power washer. But the way it works, it gives you a little ding when you've cleaned something properly, like a [vocalization]. And it just...you stand back and look at your job. Honestly, it's amazing. But now Oxford University are doing a full study on it because they realize how beneficial it is to relaxing and chilling out, you know, and just making yourself just feeling happy when you need to just de-stress. It's amazing. RÉMY: I can totally relate. I remember a few years ago, I played GTA 5, and GTA 5 is the kind of game famous for arbitrary violence or all this kind of stuff we hear in the media. But I remember me playing and sometimes I wanted to play just to take a bike and to go on the road and to see a sunset. And, of course, we could argue that I can see the sunset out there, but, in a game, it's just a piece of art. At work, recently, we just had a conversation about beautiful games. So, we weren't interested in all the features or how the game would work but just how beautiful it is. And sometimes we just play video games because they're beautiful. And so, they could provide so much on the intellectual level, on the skills, but also, just as piece of art, just beautiful things made by beautiful artists. DAN: Yeah, it is amazing when you see that. And yeah, I get that completely with GTA. It gets a lot of bad reputation, you know, and story-wise, it is very adult. But, you know, it's the biggest game in the world for a reason. And, you know, like you said, you climb the mountain, you look at the view, you know, it is such a lovely thing to do. There was a game, Red Dead Redemption. I had a young lady I was mentoring, and she was situationally mute, which means, you know, she couldn't talk to anybody. She used to type her responses to me. But she loved Red Dead Redemption, loved horses. And she actually created a group from all around the world, where they would all meet her on a Friday in the game, and she would take them on horse trails. And so, this is all in the game, and she would just take them around to beautiful spots, do nice little jumps with the horses, setting up camp, you know, and, I mean, that's [inaudible 28:08]. It's amazing. And yeah, she ended up making a horse game on Roblox, and that doing really well, and her actually working for Roblox themselves. So, yeah, you know, it all inspires them to work on that. And, I think, sorry, I'm going on tangents here, but also, as you say, appreciating art. There are so many different sides to gaming. A lot of people used to think gaming is just coding, and I don't want to be a coder. That's confusing. I don't want to do that. If you look at the credits that roll on a main game, and they go on for, like, about an hour. There are so many different jobs from artists, storyboard writers, level designers, musicians. There's everything there. The coders are just one part of it. So, as I said before, there are so many career opportunities there, either starting up your own business as a self-employed person or getting involved in it. One I love...a lot of the neurodivergent people I work with [inaudible 29:07] is being a games tester. Because the first thing my son ever does is, if he gets a game, he tries to break it. He tries to find where he can walk through a wall, or something like that. So, it's like that job would be ideal for you. It's like, it's amazing. And that's a job. That's a really important job as well. SAMI: Yeah. When you talk about these stories, they are inspirational. Like, I feel like almost, like, a flutter in my heart as you talk about this kid who maybe felt he has kind of no hope or very little opportunities to actually honing in on this Viking game and then being able to go and become a blacksmith, or this other person you mentioned who's now with Roblox. Yeah, I almost wish, like, they had more publicity around them. And maybe we're kind of doing some of that work now. What would you say is your biggest success story? DAN: I guess MindJam in itself I think is just, I mean, it's way bigger than me now. Obviously, it was born from this idea of giving young people the time and the respect. They are doing something that they love to do and is beneficial. That's what I found was everybody...even when I was teaching, we used to have this connection with the kids, and I used to work one-to-one with the, you know, special education needs, young ones. And a great connection talking about gaming, and their eyes would light up. They would talk about their week, and how they were feeling, and what they achieved. But then it would always be, in the back of my mind, we need to get back onto what we're supposed to be doing and, you know, I need to tick these boxes. And there's always something wanted from them. And it's the same if they go and see a health service. There's always something that they want from that young person. Yet if you just approach them and say, "You know, let's do what you want to do." It's child-led. It's low demand, and let's see where that takes us. That's where we got to discovering about the blacksmith thing. And that's why we've got young people making albums and things with MindJam. You know, it goes anywhere. I've got one young person who shows me Tai Chi, you know, that's our MindJam session. It started off from Rocket League. So, it can really go anywhere. But yeah, sorry, going back to the big success, it is every day now I get a message saying how one of my mentors has helped a young person to help the whole family. That is just the best thing in the world. You know, this is something we've created, and we work hard. We work really hard to make sure we've got the best people. You know, and we're well-trained, and informed, and everything. To hear that it's really making such a difference, and, you know, some people say we're saving lives, and, you know, I just have to pinch myself. Me and my wife we were just like, we can't believe it really how amazing it is. But we're just on a mission now to make sure it's accessible for as many people who need it. SAMI: Yeah, I've seen some of the reviews on your website, and they're heartwarming. But, like, it kind of makes sense, right? Like, for some people, this is the only place that they feel safe. They feel comfortable. You imagine all the cortisol that's going through someone when they're in that fight or flight moment, and there's lots of stress and anxiety. And they enter into a gaming world, and they can escape. And all of a sudden, that reduces. You're dealing with a different person. You're dealing with someone who feels happy, who feels content. And then, you're opening up their mind to have other conversations, you know, like you say. I really recommend it to our listeners. Go and check out the stream. You do kind of...I've seen you've done a few episodes of streaming with other mentors. And it's fascinating to see how all of you, whilst you're playing, are in a conversation about, "Oh, how was your week? And how's that been going?" And, you know, something happened over there. And it's like, you're just in a more of a relaxed state to have those conversations. DAN: Yeah, you know, it's been used before, you know, LEGO therapy is kind of like that. You know, that's what MindJam is in a way is play therapy, but there's so much more you can do with the digital platform. And we're at an amazing age as well, where most bits of software are free. I'll click on like, you know, if they want to look into 3D modeling, it's easy to get a copy of Blender. If you want to get into Unity or Unreal Engine, I mean, there's always into...and it's all, you know, what a wonderful time. When we were younger, if I wanted to get into game design, it was so complicated. You didn't know where to start where, you know, so yeah, it's really amazing. And another thing that I love as well is the mentors that work for us. Most of them are really [inaudible 33:28]. I struggled when I was in my early twenties, and I remember seeing a counselor. And it felt like they had no idea what they were...yeah, they're reading from a textbook, you know, and I remember just really patronizing me. And I was just like, you've got no clue. Whereas I think all the mentors we have all said, "I wish MindJam was around when I was a young person." And I thought, that's the key thing for me, their empathy, their understanding. We don't have to solve it straight away. It's just being there and going, "Yeah, that is hard. Yeah, you know, you'll be okay though. And there's, you know, you're not on your own here." And, you know, I think that is...so many people seem to have to try and heal people straight away. And it's like, no, people just need time to talk, and it's the same as adults as well. Yeah, it could just carry on really to all ages really, couldn't it? SAMI: Yeah. And you've also got that buy-in, right? Whereas, you know, I think of myself perhaps going to therapy at that young age. I didn't really buy into it because I was sitting there with an adult who I didn't really know what we were doing. And I was just kind of there for a conversation. And here you've got...you're doing something that they like, and they enjoy. To put my parent and adult hat back on [laughs] because it's something I want to pick your brains on, right? So, working in the tech industry and working in coding, I've read articles about games, which kind of it says that they're more and more...you see it maybe more on the games on the mobile phone. So, they're employing, like, these kind of gambling tactics, so a lot of the stuff where it's treasure chests. And what is it? On Fortnite, it's the packs. On FIFA, it's also, like, you open up the pack and you see what players you get. So, that sort of stuff I also find scary where I feel like you have from the industry...so, whilst you're using the industry in this way, is the industry itself there to promote and perpetuate the benefits that come from games? Or are they looking, I want to get people in; I want to get them hooked; I want to use these gambling techniques, A/B testing, whatever it is? DAN: From all big companies, we get both sides, obviously. So, you got your unscrupulous ones that, oh, go for it. You loot boxes. But I think more and more, especially with young people, they're more and more aware. They're far more savvy than we are in these things. And the good one is EA with, you know, FIFA. They get review bombed because as soon as someone's putting in loot boxes and things, people are just like, you're just after our money. This is a con. It's pay to win. Mobile games are the worst for it, of course. You know, they're quick cash-making things. Again, instead of, like, saying, "All gaming is evil. We should never do it," it's being aware and being aware of what these games are trying to do, which, again, when you're looking at a young child, is having shared gaming experiences. So, you can go, "Ah, can you see what they're doing here? You know, they've hooked us in. We've played this for two minutes, and we've had free play. And now they're asking us to pay five pounds for extra things. That's a bit of a con, isn't it?" And, you know, you can actually bring that awareness, and then they're not going to fall for things like that. But at the other side of it, I see firsthand...I've luckily enough to work closely with Sony. One of their great companies is called Media Molecule. I don't know if you've heard of them. They did LittleBigPlanet, and lately, they had a game called Dreams, which is actually making games on a PlayStation, which is really cool. But they're so accessible. It's all about, you know, making everybody happy, giving people the keys to creativity, and really help making everything accessible. Again, they worked with this wonderful, wonderful artist who created characters, character designs. They'd never met her. She was so socially anxious. She never could leave her house but was actually one of their top artists that they would send the work, send the brief. She'd send this amazing art back, and then they'd pay her. They didn't have to come into the office nine till five for no reason whatsoever. And there's a lovely side, and, of course, there's a business unscrupulous side. And yeah, again, bring that education of that. This is what I think should be in schools. Instead of avoiding the whole issue, is actually talk about being toxic gamers and what that means, and how to deal with toxic gamers, and how not to be a toxic gamer yourself. For those that don't know toxic gamers, it's just people that are really, really mean to everybody, which seems to be a set thing that people do, especially to a new player. It's like, learn how to encourage people in. And there's now games coming out where they ban people straight away if they're being toxic, and it's all about helping that new player feel like part of the team. But again, yeah, let's say if this was actually brought into education, so then we learn about loot boxes and, you know, pay-to-win type games, then young people would be on that same wavelength. They would get it, either that or it would make gaming so lame that no one would play gaming anymore because it's in schools [laughs]. Like, oh, it sucks now [laughs]. SAMI: Yeah, I think that that way that you embrace kind of what gaming is and you say, well, actually, we can see that it's got a benefit. We can see that it's positive. How do we get the absolute most out of this? How can we not hide, stick our heads in the sand to the issues that might be there? And how can we then say, "Let's use this?" And I think, I mean, my mom will be listening to this podcast for sure. But I think it's something which it's quite disruptive what you're doing. I really do feel that way kind of dabbling in gaming, working as a consultant in the coding industry. I actually teach neurodivergent kids as well on the side. And I'm actually mentoring another kid in coding as well. And what you're doing, as I said at the beginning, it's mind-blowing, and we could talk to you for hours. We have a little chat on this podcast, which listeners can't see. And I asked Rémy, like, "Do you have any questions before you want to wrap up?" And Rémy was just like, "I just want to keep listening. I'm loving it." And I'm exactly...I feel like we can listen to...I think me and Rémy game and we dabble here and there as well ourselves. So, it's definitely something which speaks to us so much. But I've got to thank you so much for your time, for taking the time to jump on with us, give us such an insight into the work that you're doing with MindJam. Let's talk about the BAFTA Young Game Designers Award Ceremony Open Day. Give us some info. DAN: Oh yeah. Well, this is a lovely thing. I've luckily enough to be involved with BAFTA on this for a few years. An early success of MindJam was I was nominated as Mentor of The Year and finalist for Mentor of The Year for BAFTA in 2021. And they run this thing called Young Games Designers every year, and it's brilliant because they do...it's two sides to it. One is actually making a game, but then, of course, not all young people are ready to make a game. And, you know, so the other side is a games concept where you could just send in sketches, ideas, things like that. And that's really accessible for lots of young people we work with, of course. But yeah, in July, I don't have the date; it's early July, we have the award ceremony, which is on this Saturday. But then on the Sunday at BAFTA in London, it's an open day for families to come. You have to apply and get a ticket. I'm sure you guys can put the link on here later on. But yeah, MindJam will be there, but there's loads of game places. I think TT Games will be there who make the LEGO games. And there's all sorts of...we have D&D there. We have all sorts and talks on how to get into the industry and things like that. So, it's really a great thing to come to if you're a young person who's interested in gaming. SAMI: That's really cool. So, parents, if you're listening, save up all that screen time so you can use it. A month's worth of screen time [chuckles] at the BAFTA Awards, Young Game Designers Awards Ceremony in the Open Day in London. If people want to get hold of you, Dan, where's the best place? They've heard this. They're inspired. They feel like they've got someone who would benefit from your services. Where's the best place to get in touch? DAN: If you go to our website, it's mindjam.org.uk, and you can email us at hello@mindjam.org.uk. And I think you said this podcast is international, isn't it? So, we do offer sessions all around the world. We have mentors in America, in Australia, in Japan, all over the place basically. MindJam is universal. So, wherever you are, get in touch. And if you're interested in being a mentor as well, get in touch as well, so... SAMI: Definitely, I highly recommend. And I've already got people I can think of that I'm going to be passing your details on to. Listeners, listeners, listeners, our lovely listeners, no one likes missing out on things. Remember that flight you missed? The train that passed you by? Your partner's birthday? I've been there, by the way; I missed one recently. It's a horrible feeling. I cannot deal with you missing out on these things, but I can make sure that this feeling doesn't come about when it comes to our podcast. So, move your thumb. Yes, you, move your thumb. Hit that subscribe button. I can guarantee you, you will never miss one of our podcasts. And you'll hear amazing guests, just like Dan, as we get them in, and we have great chats together on the Giant Robots on Tour podcast. You can find notes and a complete transcript for this episode at giantrobots.fm. If you have questions or comments, you can email us at hosts@giantrobots.fm. This podcast is brought to you by thoughtbot and produced and edited by Mandy Moore. Check her out at mandymoore.tech. Thanks for listening. See you next time. Bye.   AD: Did you know thoughtbot has a referral program? If you introduce us to someone looking for a design or development partner, we will compensate you if they decide to work with us. More info on our website at: tbot.io/referral. Or you can email us at: referrals@thoughtbot.com with any questions.

Sarah Milko and Lisa Ponticello are co-founders of AutismUp, an organization committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with autism and their families.Since establishing AutismUp in 2004, Sarah and Lisa tirelessly worked to provide support and resources to indiviudals with autism and thier families. In this episode, they share:- how they started AutismUp to support each other and how it's grown to now support over 37,000 families- how they created programs they wished existed for thier kids with autism and now they offer more than 80 classes- why it's important to support them through their lifecycle with innovative programs and initiatives- and more!Enjoy!AutismUp:https://autismup.org/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AutismUpInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/autismuprocPurchase my book A Mother's Guide Through Autism:https://amothersguidethroughautismbook.com/bookSign up to get news and updates from me: https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com#autismparenting #mothersguidethroughautism Theme song: "Look at the clouds" by Tristan Lohengrintristanlohengrin.bandcamp.com

Joe is joined by Audrey Byrnes and Cyril Killeen from the Dóchas Midwest Autism Support group to discuss the importance of providing jobs for adults with autism in Limerick. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Clare Autism support group is calling for a major overhaul of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services following a damming report into patient experiences. A new survey by advocacy group 'Families for reform of CAMHS' found that 70% of parents with autistic children said their child's health deteriorated while on a waiting list. The report also found 42% of parents reported their autistic child was turned away while experiencing suicidal ideation. Ennis Voices for Autism Secretary Gearóid Mannion says the situation is deeply concerning.

Struggling with picky eating in your child? You're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Mary Barbera discusses the common causes of picky eating, the link between autism and selective eating, and the potential for serious issues like failure to thrive. Learn seven practical tips to address picky eating, including conducting assessments, creating an easy-medium-hard food list, stopping snacking between meals, introducing nutrient-dense foods, maintaining a consistent feeding schedule, and gradually introducing new foods. 

Dr. Christine Reeve is a seasoned educator and a leader in developing strategies and resources for students with autism. With a passion ignited by her extensive experience, she founded Autism Classroom Resources, a platform dedicated to supporting educators and families. In this week's episode she is sharing all of her knowledge with us, including some incredible tips for those new teachers. In this episode you will learn:   The journey that led Dr. Reeve to specialize in autism education. Key strategies for setting up an autism-friendly classroom environment. Techniques for managing challenging behaviors and promoting positive outcomes. The importance of collaboration among educators, parents, and support staff. Effective methods for integrating social skills development into daily activities. How to create an inclusive classroom culture that fosters belonging. Recommended resources and professional development opportunities for educators looking to deepen their understanding of autism. Links and Resources Autism Classroom ResourcesFree Resources LibraryDays of the Week Free Response CardsBlog on Autism Classroom SetupResources for Setting Up ClassroomsSpecial Educator AcademyThe National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & PracticeThe Autism Standards Project Connect with Dr. Reeve   Facebook Tik Tok Website   Connect with Dawn   Find me on IG Find me on Tik Tok Etsy Shop TpT Store Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! Leave a Review If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

In this engaging episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude welcomes Patrick Paul, a dynamic leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, at the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation conference. Patrick, the seasoned Executive Director/CEO of Anderson Center for Autism, and shares his comprehensive journey from being a CPA conducting audits for the organization to leading it. He delves into the challenges and successes faced by those with autism, particularly around accessing healthcare and the risk of diagnostic overshadowing—a critical issue highlighted by a recent Joint Commission alert. Throughout the discussion, Patrick outlines the extensive services his organization offers, from residential schooling for children to international training programs that attract professionals worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of integrated care and the need for medical professionals to understand and swiftly respond to the health needs of non-verbal individuals. Closing the episode, Patrick shares inspiring insights and experiences, emphasizing the potential within crisis to drive innovation and change in healthcare for individuals with developmental disabilities.

In this engaging episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escude welcomes Patrick Paul, a dynamic leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, at the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation conference. Patrick, the seasoned Executive Director/CEO of Anderson Center for Autism, and shares his comprehensive journey from being a CPA conducting audits for the organization to leading it. He delves into the challenges and successes faced by those with autism, particularly around accessing healthcare and the risk of diagnostic overshadowing—a critical issue highlighted by a recent Joint Commission alert. Throughout the discussion, Patrick outlines the extensive services his organization offers, from residential schooling for children to international training programs that attract professionals worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of integrated care and the need for medical professionals to understand and swiftly respond to the health needs of non-verbal individuals. Closing the episode, Patrick shares inspiring insights and experiences, emphasizing the potential within crisis to drive innovation and change in healthcare for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Send us a Text Message.Imagine discovering the key to unlocking new levels of connection and learning for those with autism—a key covered in fur and filled with unconditional love. That's exactly what AJ Cullen Langell brings to light in our heartwarming episode as she recounts the story of Autism Barks. AJ, a special education teacher, witnessed firsthand the incredible influence her dog, Ella, had on her students, catalyzing the creation of an initiative that intertwines her passion for canines with her dedication to the autism community. We delve into the distinctions among service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals, unraveling the specialized roles each plays in supporting individuals with autism.Through AJ's lens, we're taken on a journey that explores not only the enchanting bond between humans and dogs but also the intricate process of tailoring a service dog's training to the needs of their autistic companions. Our conversation traverses the complexities involved in acquiring a service dog, from the hefty financial commitment to the extensive training, often spanning up to two years. Moreover, we examine the delicate balance of ensuring the well-being of both the individual and their canine helper, debunking the myth that service dogs are a panacea. AJ's experiences illuminate the transformative capacities of these remarkable creatures and the dedication required to craft such finely attuned partnerships.Our exchange concludes with a candid discussion on the power of advocacy and research in animal-assisted interventions, aimed at broadening acceptance and understanding within educational and medical circles. Sharing stories of triumph and trial, AJ and I underscore the necessity of combatting biases and fostering a more inclusive view of autism. By weaving connections with organizations that share our vision, we advocate for recognizing therapy animals as invaluable allies in the lives of those on the autism spectrum. We invite you to tune in and perhaps even share your own encounters with the healing presence of pets in the journey with autism.https://tonymantor.comhttps://Facebook.com/tonymantorhttps://instagram.com/tonymantorhttps://twitter.com/tonymantorhttps://youtube.com/tonymantormusicintro/outro music bed written by T. WildWhy Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI)

Honey Rinicella is the Executive Director of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special needs (MAPS), and proud parent of 23 year old twins with autism. Prior to her onboarding with MAPS, Honey spent nearly two decades working leadership roles for Non-Profits, supporting families and parents in the Autism/Special needs community. She has seen the lives of her children transform under the care of a MAPS physician, which in turn has sparked her passion to grow the organization. The MAPS mission is to equip dedicated professionals in delivering the best possible care to children, teens, and young adults with special needs and complex medical conditions. Honey's commitment is to ensure every child has the chance to achieve their full potential through this enhanced care; She knows first hand that a properly educated practitioner is the true key to unlocking that potential in anyone with Special Needs.Vincent Rinicella is a 23-year-old nonspeaker who had been a prisoner in his mind for 18 years. Fortunately, this changed when he was introduced to a newer communication method, which finally allowed him to break free from his silence. Through hard work and dedication, Vincent can now share his feelings, needs, opinions, and insight, which in turn has brought a whole new meaning and reward to his life, as well as to those he loves. Vincent is a published author of poetry and short stories, creator and writer of a blog (The Unfiltered Mind of Vincent), and has become a passionate advocate for bringing forth change in our community. He believes it's critically important to help ensure all nonspeakers are given the chance he had, so they too can break free and live a life of their own choosing.Spellers The Movie (Must Watch!!)MAPS (Physicians and Practitioners) MAPS (Parents and Caregivers)Follow me at The MD Autism Project for more content. InstagramFacebook YouTube

In this episode, host Shannon Urquiola goes deep into the complex world of disciplining children on the autism spectrum. She begins by emphasizing the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations for all children, particularly for those on the spectrum who may struggle with understanding unwritten social rules. She provides practical strategies for parents, such as using visual aids and consistent consequences, to help their children navigate these boundaries effectively. Throughout the episode, Shannon illustrates these strategies with specific scenarios that parents commonly encounter, such as managing public meltdowns and handling homework battles. By empowering parents with practical tools and strategies, Shannon aims to help you navigate the unique journey of disciplining children on the autism spectrum with confidence, compassion, and above all consistency. If you want to learn strategies and tools that you can use to improve your life along this autism parenting journey, be sure to get over and get registered for our FREE Course, Unburdened; Finding Balance Living Alongside Autism  ⁠www.notyouraverageautismmom.com/freecourse ⁠ It is a self-paced video course that will help you reduce your stress and overwhelm and show up better every day. Additional Resources: Follow us on Facebook so you won't miss an upcoming Community Collective - Creating Collaborations Together https://www.facebook.com/NotYourAverageAutismMom2020  If there is a specific topic that you would like us to talk about on the podcast, email us directly at info@notyouraverageautismmom.com Episode 148: Shifting Perspective; Looking Through A Different Lens Episode 48. Differentiating a Speech Delay and/or Autism --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-urquiola/support

Welcome to "Parenting the Intensity!"In this episode, host Anouk sits down with special guest Sarah Young, a homeschooling mom and parent advocacy coach, to discuss the critical topic of advocating for children's needs, especially when faced with the complexities of obtaining special accommodations and support in school. Sarah shares her personal journey of advocating for her children, offering practical tips and strategies for navigating the educational system and empowering parents to stand up for their children's rights. Join us as we delve into the world of advocacy, understanding individual needs, and building partnerships with educators to create the best outcomes for our exceptional children.3 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Advocacy Without a Diagnosis: Navigating Access to Services: Advocacy is essential in accessing services for children without a formal diagnosis, as waiting lists for public services can be lengthy and evaluations may require the child to struggle before receiving necessary references. Sarah emphasizes the importance of standing up for children's needs through proactive communication with schools and healthcare providers.2️⃣ Empowering parents with Strategies for School Support: Anouk and Sarah stress the need for open communication and creative solutions for children's needs in schools, and Sarah shares strategies for effective communication and documentation.3️⃣ Tailoring Support to Individual Children's Needs: Sarah discusses her experience advocating for her child's accommodations and emphasizes the need for understanding individual children's needs, regardless of formal diagnoses."Advocating for your child and understanding that whether you have a diagnosis or not, you still have rights and your child still is entitled to all the support and understanding they should have."Connect with Sarah:Website: https://www.sarahyoungllc.com/calmingthechaosThe Calming the Chaos Collective: https://www.facebook.com/TheCalmingTheChaosCollectiveInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/calming_the_chaos_collective/Resources mentioned:ADHD and Autism: Support for Neurodivergent Moms and Kids (aheartforallstudents.com)Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for future episodes and leave a rating and review, that helps us get in front of more parents. Don't forget to check out the resources mentioned on our website at www.parentingtheintensity.caJoin the "Parenting the Intensity Community" to find the right things that works for YOUR child and adapt them to YOUR reality.To be able to enjoy your life and kids, not always being afraid of the next outburstTake a deep breath, keep going, we're all in this together!Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi from Pixabay

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it's in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere. Claire Dees/Spectrum Autism Support Group Claire Dees is the Executive Director and co-founder of Spectrum Autism Support Group, a local non-profit organization, providing support, education and resources for individuals and families impacted by autism. […] The post Claire Dees, Executive Director of Spectrum Autism Support Group appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it's in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere. Claire Dees/Spectrum Autism Support Group Claire Dees is the Executive Director and co-founder of Spectrum Autism Support Group, a local non-profit organization, providing support, education and resources for individuals and families impacted by autism. […]

In this episode I talk about the different support need levels of Autism, why functioning labels are harmful and the pizza graph of Autism traits.

Claire Dees & Laura Vladick/Spectrum Autism Support Group Spectrum Autism Support Group was established in 1998 to provide support, education and resources for individuals and families impacted by autism. They currently serve over 1,500 families in Gwinnett County and the surrounding Metro Atlanta area and have become a well-known resource in the Autism community. Support […] The post Claire Dees and Laura Vladick with Spectrum Autism Support Group appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

answering YOUR questions on today's episode!a parent requested for me to share about the services that are provided through my private practice. and since this is often a common question, I decided to dedicate a Q+A episode to it! I dive into my concierge model, explain how pricing works, and describe the high level of care your child (and your family given The Whole Family Approachᵀᴹ) would receive. we review the three current services offered: diagnostic evaluation, 1:1 therapy, and group therapy.⚡️if you want to learn more, schedule a free consult call here or email admin@drtaylorday.com if you have questions. you can also visit drtaylorday.com.NOTE: at the time of recording (July 2023), I am currently able to practice in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. additionally, SC and ND are expected to be added in the coming month! international families will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on your country's regulations.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES⚡️ don't forget to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss any of the free content I share! currently episodes are being published three times per week.⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>Instagram @the.dr.tayTikTok @the.dr.tayLinkedIn @the-dr-tayDISCLAIMER >> anything shared on this podcast should not be considered clinical advice, and you should consult with your team of medical, mental health, and developmental providers if you need support.

Join us on Autism Live for a special episode of "Let's Talk Movies" with hosts Moira and Shannon. In this episode, they will be discussing a variety of films including "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny", "Asteroid City", "No Hard Feelings", "Rock Hudson: All that Heaven Allowed", "Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Come Off", "Wham!", "Speedcubers", and "Sleepless in Seattle". Tune in to hear their unique perspectives and insights on these films. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes. #AutismLive #LetsTalkMovies #IndianaJones   More Let's Talk Movies https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzpc1lUvttW8MTSjMQSMG8VBgY-J3AhDS Click Here to Download the Autism Live App on Iphone Autism Network Website  Shannon Penrod's book is out now! Order from the link below! Autism Live's Link Tree Order the book written by the host of Autism Live, Shannon Penrod!  Click Here for Autism Live on Apple Podcast  Autism Network Toy Guide Autism Live on Twitch Autism Live on Spotify Autism Live on IHeartRadio Autism Live on Amazon Audible

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert in the field of autism and behavioral analysis. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or just someone interested in understanding more about autism and ABA, this episode promises to be enlightening. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest content. Your engagement helps us reach more people and spread inspiration and information about autism. #AskDrDoreen #ABAControversy #AutismAwareness #BehavioralAnalysis #AutismSupport #AutismEducation #AutismParenting #ABATherapy Click here to watch this episode on YouTube! Ask Dr. Doreen Website Autism Network Website TikTok: @AskDrDoreen Instagram: @AskDrDoreen YouTube: Ask Dr. Doreen

It's the time of year where things will explode in the sky, but not everyone will “OOH!” and “Ahh!” Some people will find it a sensory nightmare. Some parents will despair about their children who are literally overwhelmed by the sensory cavalcade of the season. Shannon Penrod takes the time to share 10 things that can help you to avoid sensory meltdowns whenever they have the potential to happen, including the 4th of July. Learn about how to prepare yourself and your child so everyone can be included, without overload. #SensoryAwareness #InclusiveCelebrations #AvoidMeltdowns Watch this episode on YouTube by clicking Here! Autism Network Website  Shannon Penrod's book is out now! Order from the link below! Autism Live's Link Tree Order the book written by the host of Autism Live, Shannon Penrod!  Click Here for Autism Live on Apple Podcast  Autism Network Toy Guide Autism Live on Twitch Autism Live on Spotify Autism Live on IHeartRadio Autism Live on Amazon Audible

The Main Thing: One of our primary goals here at Two Adoptive Mamas is to take a deep dive when we need one. When Andrea Pollack's name came across our desk, we knew we needed this for Episode 087. While Andrea's work is not specific to families navigating foster care and adoption, her work resonates with the needs of many parenting kids from hard places. Oftentimes we're not ready or willing to throw up our hands and sound the alarm for help, but Andrea's approach will remind us that finding the right resources and support is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our families. Together we're taking a close look at what it means to support parents of children with an autism diagnosis. Andrea's expertise and personal experience have empowered her to make a difference in the lives of those longing to see their families thrive amidst the challenges that an autism diagnosis can bring. Her heart, passion, and commitment to education make for an informative episode that we hope will empower families to find the support they need.  Episode Resources:For more with Andrea and Parenting Autism Coaching, click HERE.Check out our 2 A.M. resource page HERE.2 A.M. Connect:If you enjoyed today's episode, or know someone who could benefit from our show, the best thing you can do is leave us a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. We're grateful to host the Two Adoptive Mamas podcast for a fourth season!Learn more about how you can support our ongoing work through our Patreon HERE.  As always, it's been fun! Until we meet again, remember, you've got this mama.

Sponosored byCentrapeak: https://centrapeak.com/#ref=63d16332251e5Promo Code: Redefine20#centrapeak In this thought-provoking episode, join us as we explore the fascinating world of the brain and its intricate connection with the human body. Our guest, Dr. Nick Nolan, shares his expertise and experiences in the realm of functional neurology, focusing on therapy for individuals with autism.Dr. Nolan's personal journey began with a heartfelt mission to find ways to support his younger brother, who is on the autism spectrum. Through his extensive research and exploration, he discovered the potential of functional neurology in enhancing the lives of individuals with autism.Throughout the episode, we gain a deeper understanding of autism from a neurological perspective. Dr. Nolan explains the neurological characteristics of autism, shedding light on how it affects cognitive and sensory processing, communication, and social interactions. It is important to note that Dr. Nolan explicitly emphasizes that he does not offer a cure for autism. Rather, he explores different therapeutic approaches and treatments that can help improve the quality of life for individuals on the spectrum.We delve into the realm of functional neurology, a discipline that focuses on optimizing brain function and promoting neuroplasticity. Dr. Nolan shares his insights on various therapeutic modalities, such as sensory integration techniques, vestibular stimulation, and cognitive exercises. These interventions aim to address specific challenges individuals with autism may face and help them better navigate their daily lives.Throughout the episode, it is crucial to note that the focus is on offering support, empowering individuals with autism, and providing strategies to enhance their overall well-being. Dr. Nolan's expertise and compassionate approach to therapy serve as a source of inspiration and hope for families and individuals seeking alternative avenues for autism support.Please be advised that this episode does not propose a cure for autism, and it is vital to consult with qualified professionals and medical experts for comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and guidance.Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the complexities of the brain, the impact of autism from a neurological standpoint, and the potential of functional neurology in providing support and improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dr. Nick Nolan's insights and therapeutic approaches are not intended as a cure for autism but as potential strategies to support individuals on the spectrum. It is essential to consult with qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis, treatment, and guidance regarding autism and related therapies.#brainfunction #neurology #autismawareness #functionalneurology #therapyapproaches #neurodiversity #sensoryintegration #cognitivetherapies #autismtreatments #supportingautism #neuroplasticity #wellbeing #autismspectrum #autismtherapySupport the show

In this episode of the Autism in Black Podcast, Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, is joined by Dr. Berry, a board certified physician, and host of the Lunch and Learn Podcast. Dr. Berry is a father of two beautiful autistic children, one with ADHD, and is an advocate for the Black community in health care. Dr. Berry and Maria Davis-Pierre discuss the recent 3rd Annual Autism in Black Conference, including the speakers, sessions, and overall guest experience. Dr. Berry also emphasizes the importance of attending events like the Autism in Black Conference to gain knowledge, build community, and receive support. The conference was designed to provide education and empowerment to parents and caregivers of Black autistic children, as well as autistic individuals themselves. Listeners will learn about the new AIB membership and the 2024 Autism In Black Conference. Dr. Berry discusses the importance of breaking down stigmas surrounding autism in the Black community and the need for increased representation and visibility of Black autistic individuals in the media. To learn more about Dr. Berry and his work, visit his website, www.drberrypierre.com Links for Dr. Berry: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drberrypierretv Instagram: @drberrypierre Twitter: @drberrypierre Dr. Pierre's Health Check: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbCy1lT0fuCyKL1G3QRu64Q  Clubhouse: @drberrypierre To support and connect with Autism in Black: Visit the website at www.autisminblack.org Like and follow on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter: @‌autisminblack Like on Facebook: @‌autisminblk You are also invited to join the Autism In Black year-round community, which offers networking, resources, advocacy, and support. To join, visit www.autisminblack.org/membership  Autism in Black is also selling tickets for the 2024 conference at an early bird rate, with the theme "Bridging the Gap." The conference will take place virtually from April 19-21, 2024, providing attendees the opportunity to participate from the comfort of their own homes. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and empower yourself. Purchase your ticket today at https://www.autisminblack.org/conference2024  And don't forget to use the official hashtag for the podcast, #aibpod, when sharing your thoughts and feedback on social media. Thank you for tuning in to the Autism in Black Podcast! Note: Replays of the 3rd Annual Autism in Black Conference can be accessed by visiting the Autism in Black website. www.autisminblack.org/conference2023replay    And don't forget to use the official hashtag for the podcast, #aibpod, when sharing your thoughts and feedback on social media. Thank you for tuning in to the Autism in Black Podcast!

After hearing Inky Johnson speak, Ashlee Moore decided she wanted to do something special. After receiving an autism diagnosis for her 2-year-old son, Brodie, Ashlee says she's now healing out loud so others don't have to suffer in silence. With that she formed Resilient Warriors, a group for moms who have children living with autism.

After hearing Inky Johnson speak, Ashlee Moore decided she wanted to do something special. After receiving an autism diagnosis for her 2-year-old son, Brodie, Ashlee says she's now healing out loud so others don't have to suffer in silence. With that she formed Resilient Warriors, a group for moms who have children living with autism.

Hour 27 of The Autism Network Podcastathon Matt Asner and Navah Paskowitz-Asner host this hour with updates about the many programs currently available at The Ed Asner Family Center, including their new Adult Day Program! https://teafc.org https://twitter.com/EdAsnerCenter https://www.facebook.com/edasnerfamilycenter https://www.youtube.com/@EdAsnerFamilyCenter https://www.tiktok.com/@edasnerfamilycenter  

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the world, and Sheriff Kevin Rambosk wanted to know how the Collier County Sheriff's Office can better serve that segment of our community. In 2021, Sheriff Rambosk created CCSO's Autism Support Project. In this episode we examine how our innovative and proactive approach is protecting vulnerable citizens by training first responders to provide specialized care.

Neal Lichter, Program Director, joined Pathfinders for Autism in October of 2013.   As a trainer, Neal has provided an Understanding of ASD training since 2014.  Audiences include students from Kindergarten-college, educators, police, first responders, medical personnel, and many others across the state of Maryland.  Neal is also responsible for helping to plan many of the workshops that Pathfinders for Autism collaborates on around Maryland. Neal is married, with two sons, one of which has Autism. Contact Info:Pathfinders for Autismnlichter@pfamd.orgResource Center:443.330.5341 nstokes@pfamd.org

A few links to help on your learning journey! Autism Society Autism in Women and Girls (Organization for Autism Research) The Color of Autism Foundation Autism in Adulthood Kris McElroy Article (from the Art of Autism) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inscribinginclusion/support

In this episode I get a chance to talk with Liav Caspi about rethinking how you do your Secure Software Development Lifecycle. Liav is one of the co-founders of Legit Security and got his start in the Israel Intelligence (Unit 800) scene many years ago. He and his other co-founders worked for a well known Static Application Security Testing (SAST) company I know very well. They then branched off a few years back to form what is now called Legit Security.Talking PointsWhy your current Secure Software Development Lifecycle process needs to changeWhat is Secure Software Development Management?What about Securing Infrastructure as Code?Application Security Management is more than just looking at Open Source libraries a development team uses (looking at your entire development ecosystem)What do you need to do to get to a 'Golden Pipeline'?Additionally, I asked him his thoughts about a recent conversation that Jim Kuiphof and I had on the topic and how it needs to move into more of a Secure Software Development Management (SSDM) strategy.Episode Sponsor:This episode was sponsored by Legit Security. Legit Security is a Secure Software Development Lifecycle solution based out of Israel. Proceeds from this sponsorship will be going toward our last planned donation to the Autism Support of Kent County Michigan.

In this episode I not only have a great guest but have a great co-host as well. I had a chance to talk with Kassandra Murphy and Rich Worth about advancing your Security Information and Event Manager. Kassie talks to the importance of standardizing your data sets to increase your searchability (e.g. especially useful when sending data to your managed security operations partner). Rich will be talking to 'real world' use cases and the importance of alert aggregating and risk based alerts. Kassandra is a Senior Consulting Solutions Engineer at Splunk. Rich is the Lead Security Operation Center Analyst for Corewell Health. Talking Points:Data hygiene is the 1st stepNormalizing data as it applies to data security and being able to better search across your entire data setTechnical challenges like alert fatigueTech is advancing but still a view of security as a check the box or an after thoughAll data is security data!There are easier to way to align your data flows to things like the MITRE or NIST6 phase of logging maturity:CollectingMaturingEnriching  (collation of the end point data threat landscape) ExpandingAutomation (what are repeatable processes that can be moved to save money and time) Advance Detection (via machine learning)Episode Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Splunk. Splunk is a security observability solutions provider based out of San Francisco California.Proceeds from this episode will be going to different Autism charities - Autism Alliance of Michigan and Autism Support of Kent County

In this episode I get to talk with Daniel Post about data classification and data governance. Dan is a Senior Sales Engineer for Varonis. He has been in the industry for a while and has knowledge that we break down into 'bite sized' chunks to make it easier for your staff to consume.Talking Points:Where does a company first start their Data Classification and Governance journey?What are some of the challenges that a company can expect when it comes to data classification?What are you seeing in the field right now that makes it hard for companies in their data governance program?Now that data lives in the 'Hybrid' world, how does data governance work when you have data on network drives like Isilon and cloud drives like Microsoft or Box?Does it integrate with a CMDB/ticketing system like Service Now or Service Desk, so your GRC team can take 'action' on it?Podcast Sponsor: The sponsor for this episode is Varonis. Varonis is a cybersecurity solutions company that is very mature in the Data Classification and Governance space. They are based out of good ole' New York City! Proceeds from this sponsorship will be going to the Autism Support of Kent County Michigan. Pam and her team help parents with finding support idea/solutions for their children with Autism. More information here - https://www.autismsupportofkentcounty.org/

LEARN MY TOP 3 AUTISM SUPPORT STRATEGIES free autism masterclass for parents and caregivers. This is my ultimate free master class to help you understand your autistic kid better and get them more support from a confident perspective. You can do anything you put your mind to and it's time for me to buddy up and help you create a better experience. REGISTER FREE HERE: https://www.theaspieworld.com/steps/ NOTE! There is limited space available so please register now! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theaspieworld/support

We, autism moms, have had quite a year of ups and downs. Listen in as we reunite on this tell-all update episode. Fear not, the squirrels and laughter are back for an all-around rockin' good time...as usual. Follow us on all the things:WEBSITEInstagramTwitterFacebookYouTubeWant to sponsor an episode or two? Let's chat: disorderlyblondes@gmail.com Support the show

#113 | Tim talks with Sgt. Dan McDonald of the Collier County Sheriff's Office about the Autism Support Project. Sgt. McDonald was instrumental in starting this project with the 3 objectives of training, education and support for those impacted by autism. Autism is the fastest growing childhood disability in the United States. The project is titled: Autism Support Project offers assistance, support and referral of resources to any childhood disability. Visit the Collier County Sheriff's Office at https://www.colliersheriff.org/ for more information.