Podcasts about developmental disabilities

Sara Hart Weir Executive Director Kansas Council On Developmental Disabilities | 10-1-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sept. 29, 2026 - New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer talks about the research arm of the office, the Institute for Basic Research, which was written into state law in 1958 with the goal of improving the diagnosing, prevention and treatment of developmental disabilities.

A recent survey of autistic adults found that nearly half don't feel it's safe to disclose their autism at work. But at one nonprofit in Port Washington, that concern is nonexistent. Fifteen years ago, Patrick Bardsley, started Spectrum Designs, a custom apparel company, with just two employees and a sewing machine in a barn. Today, Spectrum Designs operates four locations in New York, New Jersey and Florida, and is on track to generate $10 million in revenue this year. Spectrum Designs is also a non-profit, employing a workforce of 100 that is 70% autistic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Edward Mitchell was a victim of a hit-and-run bicycle accident in 2003 when he was hit by a truck, thrown into a ditch, and found by his little brother. Edward has quadriplegia with an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C5 and C6 levels. Edward obtained his bachelor's degree in 2009 from Lane College, a private HBCU, and his MBA in 2011 from Union University. That hasn't slowed him down; he works as Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee while serving on numerous boards. In 2018, Edward was selected as an inaugural ABLE Advisor for the Able National Resource Center. ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. In the summer of 2018, Edward was confirmed by the Republicans & Democrats of T.N. to testify before the Washington, D.C., Senate Special Committee on Aging. The hearing was titled, “Supporting Economic Stability & Self-Sufficiency as Americans with Disabilities ​and their Families.Timeline of the conversation.​01:00 Edward Mitchell's backstory.​01:41 What are Able Accounts?​04:51 Home and Community-Based Services and the Role it plays in the Disability Community.06:08 Disability Advocacy Organizations in TN: Disability Rights TN, Tennessee Disability Coalition, ARC TN, and Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities​08:24 Centers of Independent Living10:10 Statewide Independent Living Council11:50 Conclusion

Last month, Gov. Laura Kelly announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services had approved Kansas's new Community Supports Waiver. The waiver will expand home and community-based services to 500 Kansans for up to $20,000 per year. It's a major expansion of an effort to keep individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with their families and integrated in their communities. Here to explain it all is Robin Lohman. Lohman lives in Iola and is an Assistant I/DD Director with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. In this week's episode, Lohman breaks down what the waiver is, how it works, and why it's so important.

Your child should not have to become a different kind of learner just to prove that they can learn. Dr. Emily King is back on the podcast, this time to celebrate the release of her first book, The Neurodivergent Learner. Emily is a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent of two neurodivergent kids, so she has spent a lot of time on pretty much every side of the school-family-provider table. At the heart of the book is an idea I love: your child's path is the right path. Neurodivergent kids do not always develop or learn according to the timelines and expectations built into traditional school systems. And instead of spending all of our energy trying to squeeze the square peg into the round hole, Emily asks a much more useful question: Why does the hole have to be round? We talk about the difference between something that is truly disabling and something that is simply different. A movement, sound, learning style, or way of regulating may only become a problem because of the expectations of the room. That distinction matters because it changes what we try to fix and what we might need to accept, accommodate, or understand differently. Emily also gives us one of my favorite images from this conversation: strategies are the sprinkles on top. Before we start throwing visual schedules, sticker charts, scripts, and other strategies at a kid, we need a foundation. Does the child feel safe? Does the pace work for their brain? Are they interested and engaged? Is their nervous system actually available for learning? And safety is not determined by whether the adult looks around the classroom and thinks, "This seems perfectly lovely to me." The child's nervous system gets the deciding vote. We talk about the kids whose dysregulation is impossible to miss, but also the compliant, perfectionistic, people-pleasing kids who look great at school and completely unravel at home. That difference between environments does not mean the problem is not real. The difference itself may be the clue. This is where parents, teachers, and providers have to get curious together. What is working? Where is it working? When does the child run out of steam? What changes between doing math at 1:30 at school and trying to do more math at 4:30 at home? Sometimes the strategy really is deciding that this kid has done enough math today. Most importantly, Emily wants us to protect our kids' relationship with learning. School is one place to learn, but it is not the only place. Kids learn through their interests, activities, relationships, travel, cooking, stories, and all the other experiences that make them curious about the world. As I tell Emily in this episode, The Neurodivergent Learner feels like a giant permission slip to follow your child's signals, be the detective, and advocate collaboratively for what they need. Because learning does not have to look the same for every child. Neither does success. Key Takeaways Neurodivergent children do not always develop or learn according to traditional timelines, and success may mean following the child's developmental path rather than forcing the expected one. Some things about neurodivergence are differences, not problems. The challenge may come from the expectations of the environment rather than from the child themselves. Strategies are the "sprinkles on top." Before adding tools or interventions, adults need to look at foundational needs like sensory safety, relational safety, pacing, and engagement. Safety is determined by the child's nervous system, not by whether the adults in the room believe the environment should feel safe. Dysregulation is not always loud or disruptive. Perfectionism, people-pleasing, compliance, and holding everything together at school can also be signs that a child is struggling. A child who looks fine at school and falls apart at home is giving us important information. The difference between settings may help explain where their energy and coping capacity are being used up. When something is not working, parents, teachers, and providers need to stay curious together instead of dismissing the concern because it does not appear everywhere. Pacing matters. A child who is bored because learning is moving too slowly and a child who is overwhelmed because it is moving too quickly may both disengage for very different reasons. Protecting a child's lifelong relationship with learning matters more than forcing them through one particular academic path, especially when school has already become a source of stress or burnout. School is only one place where learning happens. Interests, relationships, extracurriculars, travel, cooking, and everyday experiences can all be meaningful ways neurodivergent kids build knowledge and skills. About Dr. Emily King Dr. Emily King is a Child Psychologist and former School Psychologist who has worked with neurodivergent children and teens for more than 20 years. She received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she worked at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. She began her career supporting K-12 students in Houston public schools and has worked in private practice in North Carolina since 2010, supporting neurodivergent youth, their families, and teachers. Dr. Emily hosts the Learn with Dr. Emily Substack, where she shares blogs and parent workshops, and is the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom®, a professional development curriculum for educators. She has been featured on MSNBC's Morning Joe and quoted in The New York Times. Her first book, The Neurodivergent Learner, is available August 25, 2026. About Your Host, Gabriele Nicolet I'm Gabriele Nicolet, toddler whisperer, speech therapist, parenting life coach, and host of Complicated Kids. Each week, I share practical, relationship-based strategies for raising kids with big feelings, big needs, and beautifully different brains. My goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving by building connection, confidence, and clarity at home. Complicated Kids Resources and Links

Today, we'll talk about friendships for adults with developmental disabilities and where to start. Many adults with a disability are surrounded mostly by paid people. What is often missing are freely given relationships, the people who are not paid to be there. In this video, you'll discover:

Jane Fischer is a wife, mother of three adult children, and grandmother of four. She has been married to her husband, Al, for more than fifty years. She taught elementary school before deciding to stay at home and raise her children. After twenty years, she earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from Montclair University, with certifications as a Teacher of the Handicapped, and a Learning Consultant. Jane felt strongly that children with special needs have an opportunity to attend religious school so she spearheaded the formation of a special class in her Temple. Suzy was the first child to be Bat-Mitzvah in the class. Jane is very involved with Jespy House, a nonprofit organization that enables adults with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to lead independent lives. Jane and Al purchased a home in 2004 for Suzy and four other Jespy clients, which enabled them to live an "independent" life with the necessary support. Today, Suzy lives in a condo with adult supervision. In episode 697 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out about Jane's journey from elementary school teacher to special education advocate and now author of the new book "If You Knew Suzy", why Suzy's story has the power to change the way people think, what Jane means when she says "predictions are not promises", what she would tell someone who feels like life isn't going according to plan, what advice she would give siblings of someone with disabilities, how students can make their campus more welcoming for students with disabilities, advice for students who want to become advocates but don't know where to start, how not to experience burnout as a caregiver, and what Suzy would want our college students to know. Enjoy!

Oregon State University researchers found that training and caring for family cats may increase activity and responsibility among children with developmental disabilities.

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Corinne Melon, Managing Director, Phamaly Theatre Company, talks about accessible theater for people with disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41468]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Chantel Burkitt, Senior Clinical Scientist, and Todd Dalberg, Pediatrician and Palliative Medicine Physician, Gilette Children's Hospital, discuss how to assess and manage pain for people with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41471]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Corinne Melon, Managing Director, Phamaly Theatre Company, talks about accessible theater for people with disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41468]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Chantel Burkitt, Senior Clinical Scientist, and Todd Dalberg, Pediatrician and Palliative Medicine Physician, Gilette Children's Hospital, discuss how to assess and manage pain for people with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41471]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Corinne Melon, Managing Director, Phamaly Theatre Company, talks about accessible theater for people with disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41468]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Chantel Burkitt, Senior Clinical Scientist, and Todd Dalberg, Pediatrician and Palliative Medicine Physician, Gilette Children's Hospital, discuss how to assess and manage pain for people with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41471]

ADHS ist eine weit verbreitete psychische Störung mit den Hauptsymptomen der Unaufmerksamkeit und/oder Hyperaktivität und Impulsivität. Doch welche Auswirkungen hat die ADHS auf sprachliche und kommunikative Fähigkeiten eines Menschen?In dieser Folge von Sprachpfade schauen wir uns an, was die Sprachwissenschaft über sprachlich-kommunikative Fähigkeiten bei Menschen mit ADHS weiß. Dabei geht es unter anderem um Gesprächsführung, Redefluss, das Erzählen von Geschichten sowie das Verständnis von Ironie, Metaphern und anderen Formen nicht-wörtlicher Sprache. Wir fragen, ob und in welchen Bereichen Menschen mit ADHS tatsächlich sprachliche oder pragmatische Beeinträchtigungen zeigen, und beschreiben, welche Einflussfaktoren in der aktuellen Forschung diskutiert werden. Außerdem werfen wir einen Blick auf die Unterschiede zwischen Kindern und Erwachsenen mit ADHS und diskutieren, warum die Forschung zu diesem Thema mitunter schwierig zu interpretieren ist.Ein spannender Sprachpfad an der Schnittstelle von Sprachwissenschaft, Psychologie und Neurodivergenz. Hört gerne rein und teilt uns mit, welche Beobachtungen ihr im Alltag bereits gemacht habt.Ein Podcast von Anton und Jakob.Ein Podcast von Anton und Jakob. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sprachpfade ---Literatur:Zur ADHS:Faraone, Stephen V., Tobias Banaschewski, David Coghill, Yi Zheng, Joseph Biederman, Mark A. Bellgrove, Jeffrey H. Newcorn, et al. 2021. The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 128. 789–818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022.Steinhausen, Hans-Christoph, Manfred Döpfner, Martin Holtmann, Alexandra Philipsen & Aribert Rothenberger. 2024. Handbuch ADHS. W. Kohlhammer GmbH. https://doi.org/10.17433/978-3-17-044010-4.Leitlinie zur ADHS: https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/028-045l_S3_KF_Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-Hyperaktivit%C3%A4tsstoerung-ADHS-Kinder-Jugendliche-Erwachsene_205-05.pdf (Die Leitlinie befindet sich aktuell in der Konsultationsphase und ist noch nicht veröffentlicht, Stand: 12.07.2026). Sprachliche und pragmatische Fähigkeiten bei Personen (insbesondere Kindern) mit ADHS: Caillies, Stéphanie, Vincine Bertot, Jacques Motte, Christine Raynaud & Michel Abely. 2014. Social cognition in ADHD: Irony understanding and recursive theory of mind. Research in Developmental Disabilities 35(11). 3191–3198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2014.08.002.Carruthers, Sophie, Lauren Taylor, Hafiza Sadiq & Gail Tripp. 2022. The profile of pragmatic language impairments in children with ADHD: A systematic review. Development and Psychopathology 34(5). 1938–1960. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579421000328.Green, Benita C., Katherine A. Johnson & Lesley Bretherton. 2014. Pragmatic language difficulties in children with hyperactivity and attention problems: an integrated review. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders 49(1). 15–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12056.Kessler, Paige B. & Toshikazu Ikuta. 2023. Pragmatic Deficits in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Attention Disorders 27(8). 812–821. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547231161534.Korrel, Hannah, Kathryn L. Mueller, Tim Silk, Vicki Anderson & Emma Sciberras. 2017. Research Review: Language problems in children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – a systematic meta-analytic review. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 58(6). 640–654. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12688.Kyriacou, Marianna, Cecilie Rummelhoff & Franziska Köder. 2025. Irony Processing in Adults with ADHD: Evidence From Eye-Tracking and Executive Attention Tasks. Journal of Attention Disorders 29(9). 724–744. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547251333819.Kyriacou, Marianna & Franziska Köder. 2023. Exploring the pragmatic competence of adults with ADHD: an eye-tracking reading study on the processing of irony. OSF. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HR2FD.Staikova, Ekaterina, Hilary Gomes, Vivien Tartter, Allyssa McCabe & Jeffrey M. Halperin. 2013. Pragmatic deficits and social impairment in children with ADHD. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 54(12). 1275–1283. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12082.Väisänen, Raija, Soile Loukusa, Irma Moilanen & Anneli Yliherva. 2014. Language and pragmatic profile in children with ADHD measured by Children's Communication Checklist 2nd edition. Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology. Taylor & Francis 39(4). 179–187. https://doi.org/10.3109/14015439.2013.784802.Vassiliu, Chrysoula, Angeliki Mouzaki, Faye Antoniou, Asimina M. Ralli, Vassiliki Diamanti, Sophia Papaioannou & Napoleon Katsos. 2022. Development of Structural and Pragmatic Language Skills in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Communication Disorders Quarterly. SAGE Publications Inc 44(4). 15257401221114062. https://doi.org/10.1177/15257401221114062. Zum kindlichen Spracherwerb siehe Kauschke, Christina. 2012. Kindlicher Spracherwerb im Deutschen: Verläufe, Forschungsmethoden, Erklärungsansätze. De Gruyter. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110283891. Weitere Links:Informationen zur ADHS im Deutschlandfunk Kultur: https://www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de/adhs-trend-diagnose-therapie-100.html#Modediagnose.Titelthema „ADHS“ im Spiegel: https://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/index-2025-3.htmlWeiterführende Informationen zur ADHS: https://adhs-deutschland.de/ Gegenüber Themenvorschlägen für die kommenden Ausflüge in die Sprachwissenschaft und Anregungen jeder Art sind wir stets offen. Wir freuen uns auf euer Feedback! Schreibt uns dazu einfach an oder in die DMs: anton.sprachpfade@protonmail.com oder jakob.sprachpfade@protonmail.com ---Grafiken und Musik von Elias Kündiger https://on.soundcloud.com/ySNQ6

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, moderator Judy Mark and panelists Elizabeth Barrios Gomez, Mulugeta Tadele, Kyungshil Choi discuss the challenges and solutions for serving immigrant clients. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41467]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Althea Robinson Shelton, Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses sleep in children with neurodevelopmental differences. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41466]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, moderator Judy Mark and panelists Elizabeth Barrios Gomez, Mulugeta Tadele, Kyungshil Choi discuss the challenges and solutions for serving immigrant clients. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41467]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Althea Robinson Shelton, Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses sleep in children with neurodevelopmental differences. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41466]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Althea Robinson Shelton, Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses sleep in children with neurodevelopmental differences. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41466]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, moderator Judy Mark and panelists Elizabeth Barrios Gomez, Mulugeta Tadele, Kyungshil Choi discuss the challenges and solutions for serving immigrant clients. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41467]

The intersection of schizophrenia and an acute mental health crisis typically involves a profound, overwhelming disruption of cognitive processing, emotional stability, and grasp on reality. During these periods, symptoms of the disorder such as hallucinations or delusions frequently intensify, leaving someone unable to distinguish internal psychiatric distress from the external reality. This internal chaos is often compounded by severe agitation, a sudden withdrawal from social support systems, or a complete breakdown in the ability to communicate, which can rapidly escalate into a dangerous medical and social emergency. Helping a family member experiencing a mental health crisis is an incredibly stressful and frightening situation. Safety, both yours and theirs, is the immediate priority. In this episode, host Rachel Star Withers, a diagnosed schizophrenic, and co-host Gabe Howard discuss how to navigate an active schizophrenia mental health crisis while prioritizing safety for everyone involved. Guest Touray Beaton, Jr., director of emergency and community based services with the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, joins. He breaks down how the South Carolina Mental Health Mobile Crisis responds so you can know what to expect. Touray Beaton, Jr. is the Director of Emergency and Community Based Services for the Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (Website: https://bhdd.sc.gov/office-mental-health/services/mobile-services/mobile-crisis) BHDD Office of Mental Health Mobile Crisis clinicians provide 24/7/365 day community-based crisis response anywhere in South Carolina. Our goal is to provide patients throughout the state with immediate access to crisis services and the most appropriate level of care. Our experienced and highly trained master's level clinicians work directly with local mental health centers, law enforcement, emergency service centers, and community providers to help address the crisis situation and to stabilize individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Our host, Rachel Star Withers, (Link: www.rachelstarlive.com) is an entertainer, international speaker, video producer, and schizophrenic. She has appeared on MTV's Ridiculousness, TruTV, NBC's America's Got Talent, Marvel's Black Panther, TUBI's #shockfight, Goliath: Playing with Reality, and is the host of the HealthLine podcast “Inside Schizophrenia”. She grew up seeing monsters, hearing people in the walls, and having intense urges to hurt herself. Rachel creates videos documenting her schizophrenia, ways to manage, and letting others like her know they are not alone and can still live an amazing life. She has created a kid's mental health comic line, The Adventures of ____. (Learn more at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fearless-Unstoppable-Light-Ambitious/dp/B0FHWK4ZHS ) Fun Fact: She has wrestled alligators. Our cohost, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. He also hosts the twice Webby honored podcast, Inside Bipolar, with Dr. Nicole Washington. To learn more about Gabe, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Jane Tobias, Associate Professor, Jefferson College of Nursing, discusses environmental health for children with disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41465]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Bhooma Aravamuthan, Medical and Research Director, Cerebral Palsy and Mobility Center, Washington University in St. Louis, discusses evidence-based approaches for treating spasticity and dystonia management. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41464]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Jane Tobias, Associate Professor, Jefferson College of Nursing, discusses environmental health for children with disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41465]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Bhooma Aravamuthan, Medical and Research Director, Cerebral Palsy and Mobility Center, Washington University in St. Louis, discusses evidence-based approaches for treating spasticity and dystonia management. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41464]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Bhooma Aravamuthan, Medical and Research Director, Cerebral Palsy and Mobility Center, Washington University in St. Louis, discusses evidence-based approaches for treating spasticity and dystonia management. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41464]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Jane Tobias, Associate Professor, Jefferson College of Nursing, discusses environmental health for children with disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41465]

Send us Fan MailSend us Fan MailIn this heartfelt episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we have an inspiring conversation with Wendy Ernzen, a dedicated mother, advocate, and host of the podcast *Let's Plant Houses*. Wendy shares her personal journey as a parent of a daughter with autism, shedding light on the unique challenges families face when navigating support systems that often fall short.Wendy opens up about her daughter's diagnosis and the profound impact it had on her life and career. She discusses the importance of advocacy and the need for parents to connect with one another to share resources and experiences. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain insight into the realities of parenting a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the hurdles of securing appropriate educational and therapeutic support.The conversation delves into the significance of storytelling and lived experiences in fostering empathy and understanding within communities. Wendy emphasizes the need for honest discussions about the challenges faced by families and how these narratives can drive change in support systems.As Wendy reflects on her podcast, she shares her vision for cultivating a community where families feel seen, heard, and supported. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in advocacy, parenting, and the power of shared experiences.What You'll Learn in This Episode:- The journey of parenting a child with autism and the impact on family dynamics- Strategies for navigating educational and support systems- The importance of community and connection among parents- How storytelling can foster empathy and drive change- Insights into future trends in support systems for individuals with disabilitiesFor more information on Wendy Ernzen and her podcast, visit letsplanthouses.com and connect with her on LinkedIn.Support the show

Cuyahoga County voters are likely to decide new property taxes on the November ballot to help fund the social safety net and services for people with developmental disabilities. The county will seek a renewal, with an increase, for Health and Human Services. County Council gave that plan a first reading this week. The same day, Council gave final approval for a separate levy to fund the Board of Developmental Disabilities. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority will wait until the spring ballot, May 2027, to ask voters for a sales tax increase. Cleveland City Council's safety committee changed its tune, voting 5-2 this week to approve a contract extension for Flock surveillance cameras. A while back the same committee voted no. Next week, the full council will vote. Vocal opposition to the license plate-reading cameras contends they can be used to violate rights, while police say they're vital crime-fighting tools. The architect of Senate Bill 1, which sought to remove what Republican lawmakers called liberal bias on college campuses, now wants to make it mandatory for students to take a course through the intellectual diversity center the bill created. Republican Sen. Jerry Cirino of Kirtland has introduced Senate Bill 461 which requires the 3-credit-hour American civic literacy course. Gov. Mike DeWine signed off on 14 bills this week, from hardening Medicaid fraud protections to making failure to identify yourself during a traffic stop a crime. He also signed off on a requirement that high schools teach a conservative-backed curriculum known as the Success Sequence — graduate, get a job, get married, then have children. Lakewood officials are asking state regulators to investigate FirstEnergy again after another round of prolonged power outages left thousands of customers without electricity during last week's extreme heat. We will discuss these stories and more news of the week on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” Guests:- Andrew Meyer, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media- Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media- Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, moderator Megan Cvitanovic leads a discussion with panelists Zorahida Preciado, Colette Patt, and Mechelle Johnson about resources for people with developmental disabilities who are living with aging parents. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41460]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, moderator Megan Cvitanovic leads a discussion with panelists Zorahida Preciado, Colette Patt, and Mechelle Johnson about resources for people with developmental disabilities who are living with aging parents. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41460]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, moderator Megan Cvitanovic leads a discussion with panelists Zorahida Preciado, Colette Patt, and Mechelle Johnson about resources for people with developmental disabilities who are living with aging parents. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41460]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, California State Senator Scott Wiener discusses healthcare access. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41455]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Peter Bulova, Professor of General Internal Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, discusses dementia in people with Down Syndrome. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41458]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, California State Senator Scott Wiener discusses healthcare access. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41455]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Peter Bulova, Professor of General Internal Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, discusses dementia in people with Down Syndrome. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41458]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Peter Bulova, Professor of General Internal Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, discusses dementia in people with Down Syndrome. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41458]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, California State Senator Scott Wiener discusses healthcare access. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41455]

Dr. Paca Lipovac, a longtime leader in the developmental disabilities field, shares how a personal connection—her niece's disability—drew her into a 26‑year career dedicated to improving care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She describes her work overseeing highly complex, medically fragile populations at Richmond Community Services, emphasizing the importance of creating "enviable lives" that mirror the dignity and opportunities anyone would want. Lipovac highlights major systemic challenges, including an expensive and fragmented U.S. healthcare system, inadequate Medicaid reimbursement, and a lack of provider training in IDD care, all of which limit access to necessary services. To address staffing shortages and improve care quality, she outlines innovative solutions such as partnering with colleges to train her own nurses and recruiting international direct support professionals, achieving strong retention and better continuity of care. She concludes with core principles for improving the field: treat people with disabilities first and foremost as people, act with deep respect, and build supportive "village-like" communities that foster meaningful relationships and better lives.

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Kavitha Murthi,Assistant Professor, Rutgers University, discusses occupational therapy for autistic people. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41463]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Paul Glassman, Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Community Engagement, College of Dental Medicine, California Northstate University, discusses dental care for people with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41462]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Paul Glassman, Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Community Engagement, College of Dental Medicine, California Northstate University, discusses dental care for people with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41462]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Kavitha Murthi,Assistant Professor, Rutgers University, discusses occupational therapy for autistic people. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41463]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Claudia Center, Legal Director, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund talks about the health policy landscape. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41453]

Double double your behavior. Double double your analysis. Oh no single podcast, ABA Inside Track freshens your brain like... Double research, double discussion, Come on and double listen. ABA Inside Track, ABA inside Track...episode.   This episode is available for 1.0 DUAL-DIAGNOSIS/LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Nussbaum, N.L. (2012). ADHD and female specific concerns: A review of the literature and clinical implications. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16, 87-100. doi: 10.1177/1087054711416909 Kurtz, P. F., Chin, M. D., Robinson, A. N., O'Connor, J. T., & Hagopian, L. P. (2015). Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior exhibited by children with fragile X syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 43, 150-166. doi: 10/1016/j.ridd.2015.06.010 Lambert, J. M., Parikh, N., Stankiewicz, K. C., Houchins‐Juarez, N. J., Morales, V. A., Sweeney, E. M., & Milam, M. E. (2019). Decreasing food stealing of a child with prader-willi syndrome through function based differential reinforcement. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 721-728. doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-3747-y If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

As the summer weather turns its bright face towards New England, we find ourselves wrapping up another year of book club...just in time to start planning for NEXT YEAR'S BOOK CLUB!! Get your phone loaded with all the podcasts you need for the beach with this month's new episodes. First, we open up a themed grab bag with articles all related to participants with dual-diagnoses. Then we dig into the details of concept formation with Dr. Catherine Williams to find out exactly how you should really be teaching new things. Last, get prepared for your annual medical check-up with an episode all about medical toleration procedures. And as if that wasn't enough, Patrons gain access to our Summer Book Club pick, "Adventures in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis" featuring an interview with Dr. MerrilI Winston in addition to our regular book club shenanigans. If you work in the school setting (or are getting ready to work in the school setting) you do not want to miss out. Interested in selecting all of next year's Book Club selections? Then be sure to fill out our new poll to let us know what we should be packing in our summer go-bags for next year's episodes. Articles for June 2026 (DUAL DIAGNOSIS) A Very Dual-Diagnosis Grab Bag (Summer 2026 Grab Bag) Nussbaum, N.L. (2012). ADHD and female specific concerns: A review of the literature and clinical implications. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16, 87-100. doi: 10.1177/1087054711416909 Kurtz, P. F., Chin, M. D., Robinson, A. N., O'Connor, J. T., & Hagopian, L. P. (2015). Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior exhibited by children with fragile X syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 43, 150-166. doi: 10/1016/j.ridd.2015.06.010 Lambert, J. M., Parikh, N., Stankiewicz, K. C., Houchins‐Juarez, N. J., Morales, V. A., Sweeney, E. M., & Milam, M. E. (2019). Decreasing food stealing of a child with prader-willi syndrome through function based differential reinforcement. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 721-728. doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-3747-y Conceptual Learning w/ Dr. Catherine Williams Williams, C.L., St. Peter, C.C., Perone, M., Aguilar, M., Cederberg, B.A., Gregersen, D.J., & Richardson, E.J. (2025). Using must-have and can-have features to improve conceptual learning. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 124, e70037. doi: 10.1002/jeab.70037 Williams, C.L. & Roop, J.C. (2025). Instruction consisting of a rule and set of examples and nonexamples reliably teaches concepts. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 124, e70061. doi: 10.1002/jeab.70061 Medical Toleration Cuvo, A., Raegan, A., L., Ackerlund, J., Huckfledt, R., & Kelly, C. (2010). Training children with autism spectrum disorders to be compliant with a physical exam. Research in Autism Spectrum Disoders, 4, 168-185. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2009.09.001 Dowdy, A., Tincani, M., Nipe, T., & Weiss. M. J. (2018). Effects of reinforcement without extinction on increasing compliance with nail cutting: A systematic replication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 924-930. doi: 10.1002/jaba.484 Slifer, K. J., Avis, K. T., & Frutchey, R. A. (2008). Behavioral intervention to increase compliance with electroencephalographic procedures in children with developmental disabilities. Epilepsy Behavior, 13, 189-195. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.01.013 Adventures in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis Book Club (feat. Dr. Merril Winston) Winston, M. (2016). Adventures in special education and applied behavior analysis. Sloan Publishing.

In this episode, I'm joined by Drs. Brandon May and Maggie Pavone, and Kate Heersink to talk about how we can better support healthier lifestyles for individuals with developmental disabilities. We start by digging into how each of them came to this work. Maggie shares some early experiences working as a direct support professional, where she began to notice patterns between food-related variables and challenging behavior. Brandon talks about coming into behavior analysis through the health and fitness world, and seeing firsthand how difficult it was to support individuals in building healthier routines without a clear behavioral framework. Kate adds her perspective from working with individuals with brain injury, where the connection between physical health and overall functioning is hard to ignore. We also spend some time acknowledging that this isn't entirely new territory. There's a solid body of work—both within and outside of behavior analysis—focused on physical activity and health for individuals with disabilities. At the same time, there's still a gap when it comes to practical, easy-to-implement tools that can be used by the people doing the day-to-day work. From there, we get into the early development of the Fit 4 All program and how it's currently being implemented in a day program setting for adults with developmental disabilities. Kate walks through what a typical session looks like, including: Starting the day by ensuring wearable tech (e.g., a Fitbit) is in place Using a token system tied to individualized goals (hydration, movement, functional fitness, and nutrition skills) Embedding physical activity throughout the day (walking, fitness videos, etc.) Teaching basic nutrition concepts using structured learning trials Incorporating functional skills like cooking where appropriate One of the things I appreciated about this approach is how integrated it is. Rather than treating exercise or nutrition as separate, isolated targets, they're woven into the flow of the day and supported through clear contingencies and reinforcement systems. We also talk about the importance of working within real-world environments. This isn't about creating tightly controlled, clinic-based interventions—it's about meeting people where they are and building systems that can be implemented by direct support staff, teachers, and caregivers in the settings where individuals actually live and spend their time. This is very much a "boots on the ground" application of behavior analysis—figuring out how to increase things like step count, heart rate, and water consumption in ways that are practical, sustainable, and individualized. And like a lot of good ABA work, it involves ongoing problem-solving—adjusting activities, testing different approaches, and using data to guide decisions. If you're a BCBA, or someone working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, this conversation is a good reminder that health and wellness is an area where our science has a lot to offer—and probably more room to grow.

#709: Keith Wargo has spent decades navigating one of the most daunting financial planning challenges a family can face: raising a child with a developmental disability. He joins us to share what families need to know. The financial stakes are significant. Keith, who is the CEO of Autism Speaks, estimates lifetime care costs for a person with a developmental disability can run between $1.4 and $2.4 million - and that figure may be conservative. Yet many families put off financial planning because the day-to-day demands of caregiving leave little room for anything else. One of the first things Keith walks us through is the federal benefits system. Medicaid and SSI are the primary lifelines for many families, but qualifying takes time - for Keith's family, it took three years of meetings and paperwork. There's also a critical detail: SSI requires the individual to have no more than $2,000 in assets in their name. A well-intentioned inheritance from a grandparent can wipe out eligibility overnight. That's why Keith recommends a special needs trust for most families. Assets held in the trust don't count against federal benefit limits. He also recommends pairing the trust with a "second to die" life insurance policy - one that pays out after both parents are gone - to help fund it. ABLE accounts round out the toolkit. Similar to a 529 plan, they allow tax-free contributions of up to $20,000 per year for a person with a qualifying disability. The funds cover everyday expenses like food, transportation, and entertainment. Unused 529 funds can also be rolled into an ABLE account, up to $20,000 per year. Keith also addresses trustee succession - who manages the money after the parents are gone, and who steps in after that person. His advice: start building a network early, revisit the plan every few years, and bring siblings into the financial conversation sooner than feels necessary. Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (00:00) The Financial Reality of Developmental Disabilities (02:00) Caregiving's financial toll on families (03:41) Keith's background (04:26) His son AJ's diagnosis and journey (07:08) Rights and services end at age 22 (08:06) Medicaid, SSI, and SSDI explained (14:12) The $2,000 asset limit for SSI eligibility (14:33) Why special needs trusts matter (16:04) Life insurance as a funding tool (23:08) Planning two retirements simultaneously (25:04) ABLE accounts - the basics (27:06) ABLE account balance limits by state (36:35) Employment opportunities for neurodiverse workers (42:11) Fraud and safety risks to be aware of (51:15) Trustee succession planning (53:22) Rolling 529 funds into ABLE accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices