*THROWBACK EPISODE* This conversation with Sangeeta Jain was originally released on November 5, 2020. We're re-releasing it today because we're excited to share that our recent SkillCorps® trip to India was a huge success! Stay tuned for a future episode highlighting some special moments from that trip.  We are currently accepting SkillCorps® applications for travel in March 2024! Begin your journey today at globalautismproject.org/skillcorps. As a listener of our show, take advantage of the coupon code AUTISMPODCAST to waive the application fee.  ----more---- Discover what’s possible when you create what you’re looking for. Sangeeta Jain is the mother of a 21-year-old young man with autism, Suvrat. Her older daughter Shreya was featured in episode 6 of this podcast, where she talked about growing up with a sibling on the spectrum. Sangeeta is also the vice-principal at SOREM, a school for children with disabilities in Chandigarh, India.  The Global Autism Project partnered with SOREM in 2010. We have since sent close to 30 SkillCorps volunteer teams to provide hands-on sustainable training to their teachers and staff.  In this conversation, we discuss: The level of understanding of autism in India and the lack of standardization in the services available there What Sangeeta envisions for Suvrat's future The relationship between her two children How SOREM has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic What Sangeeta has learned about leadership over the years A special anecdote from when a particular SkillCorps volunteer team visited India For more information about SOREM, please visit their website http://soremspecialchildren.org and follow them on Instagram @soremcare36.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what’s possible when identity is fluid.  This week’s episode is a recording of one of our Global Autism Community exclusive events! This roundtable was facilitated by community moderator Andrew Bennett, and its topic of discussion was Autistic Identity. The participants were Autistic Self-Advocates Thomas Iland, Sara Bradford, and Michael Gilberg, and community members Rosetta Walker, Vanya Umenjoh, and Korey Taylor. In today’s conversation, we discuss: What is identity and what gives us ours Person-first vs. identity-first language Autistic with a capital “A” Why autistics value identity What is “normal” Respecting someone else’s identity Masking The difference between fitting in and belonging How to encourage society to be more inclusive The importance of empowering young autistics to become self-advocates Roundtable discussions like the one you’ll hear today are open exclusively for members of our online Global Autism Community. We select a different theme each month, and our moderators monitor posts daily to ensure that our online space remains safe and respectful. If you’d like to attend and participate in any of our future events, you can sign up today at community.globalautismproject.org. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what’s possible when certification is just the beginning.  The CEO of Global Autism Project, Molly Ola Pinney, is joined by the Co-Founder of the International Behavior Analysis Organization, Dr. Michael Mueller. The IBAO certifies practitioners to ensure ethical practices, protect consumers, and maintain appropriate educational standards in the field of ABA around the world.  A board certified behavior analyst, Mike has authored 11 books, including Behavior Analytic Consultation to Schools, and the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS), a seven-volume series to guide in the assessment of teaching everyday life skills to learners of all ages. He has also published dozens of research articles and served on the editorial board of several prestigious journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, the School Psychology Review, and the Journal of Evidence Based Practices for Schools, to name a few. In this conversation, we discuss: What prompted the start of the IBAO Former barriers to certification, including cost and accessibility How the IBAO makes certification more attainable for practitioners who don’t hold a Master’s degree Ethical considerations to addressing cultural differences The distinction between certification and licensure Collaboration between Global Autism Project and the IBAO Tips for ABA practitioners To learn more about Dr. Michael Mueller and the IBAO, please visit theibao.com.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

*THROWBACK EPISODE* This conversation with Tiffany Hammond was originally released on January 14, 2021. We're re-releasing it today to highlight some of Tiffany’s recent accomplishments. Her book A Day With No Words was released this last May and has since reached The New York Times #1 Best Seller for Children’s Picture Books. This colorful and engaging picture book for young readers shares what life can look like for families who communicate in a nonverbal way, utilizing tools (like tablets) to embrace their unique method of "speaking." ----more---- Discover what’s possible when your life is not defined by a single identity.  Tiffany Hammond is an autism self-advocate, a mother to two boys on the spectrum, and the voice behind the blog Fidgets and Fries. As a Black and autistic woman, Tiffany aims to educate others about autism and intersectional advocacy.  In this conversation, we discuss: How Tiffany became aware of her differences The guilt she felt after her first son was diagnosed How Tiffany finally accepted her own autism The journey of her advocacy work How she feels about being an Instagram influencer Why Tiffany felt conflicted about her sudden social media growth after the death of George Floyd The division within the autism community The overlap between intersectionality and neurodiversity To learn more about Tiffany Hammond, please visit:  Instagram: @fidgets.and.fries  Twitter: fidgetsandfries  Website: fidgetsandfries.com  Patreon: patreon.com/tiffanyhammond  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what’s possible when belonging allows us to be who we are.  An Autistic Self-Advocate and BCaBA from Texas, Andrew Bennett has been a dedicated member of our community since 2019, and currently serves as a moderator in our online Global Autism Community. He contributed to our Responsive Skills Training as a committee member, and has traveled on two SkillCorps® volunteer trips, first to the Czech Republic and more recently to Kenya.  Our SkillCorps® volunteer program is an opportunity for self-advocates, family members, and professionals to travel to our international partner sites and collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure that all autistic individuals around the world have access to quality education, services, and employment.  Responsive Skills Training, or RST, is a curriculum co-created with the Autistic community to transform the way in which services are provided across the world. If you’d like to learn more about RST, please listen to episode 139 with co-creator Ann Beirne and our CEO Molly Pinney.   In this conversation, we discuss: Andrew’s special interests, which include cooking and writing poetry Why Andrew decided to join the RST committee  His definitions of “inclusion” and “affirming,” and how they apply to neurodiversity-affirming practice in ABA  How to help an autistic person unmask Situations in which Andrew has felt “dis-affirmed”  Andrew’s experience as an autistic SkillCorps® volunteer  Tips for other self-advocates thinking of going on a SkillCorps® trip  To learn more about our SkillCorps® program, check out episodes 100 and 132, featuring SkillCorps® volunteers that have been to our partner sites in Saudi Arabia and India. Listen to them talk about their transformative experiences and see what SkillCorps® can offer you!  Begin your journey today at globalautismproject.org/skillcorps. As a listener of our show, take advantage of the coupon code AUTISMPODCAST (no space and all caps) to waive the application fee.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what’s possible when you seek to understand.  Dr. Gwen Palafox is a licensed psychologist with a focus on helping teens and young adults find their most fulfilled and joyful lives. She has been supporting disabled and neurodivergent individuals for over two decades, and is also the host of the podcast Dr. Gwen Empowered.  In today’s conversation, we discuss: Why Gwen is passionate about working with autistic individuals Some common challenges autistic adolescents face when forming their identity How to find a sense of belonging in the right environments How neurotypicals can interact with autistic people from a trauma-informed perspective Characteristics of dually-diagnosed autism and ADHD Self-acceptance, masking and burnout The medical model vs the social model of disability Gwen’s podcast Dr. Gwen Empowered Her ideas to cultivate a meaningful life, including employment and relationships To learn more about Dr. Gwen Palafox, please visit meaningfulgrowth.com. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

*THROWBACK EPISODE* This conversation with Bobby Rubio was originally released on March 11, 2021. We are re-releasing it today to highlight a father's path to accepting his child's autism diagnosis.  Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! ----more---- Discover what’s possible when a child can fly free. Bobby Rubio is the writer and director of the Pixar SparkShort Float, which is a short animated film inspired by his relationship with his autistic son, Alex. Float is available for streaming on Disney+.  Bobby is known for his work on Hercules, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and Incredibles 2, which earned him an Annie Awards nomination for Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production. Bobby is also the creator and owner of his independent comics and intellectual properties: Alcatraz High, 4 Gun Conclusion, and Neighborhood Legend.  In today’s conversation, we discuss: Bobby’s journey of accepting his son’s autism The creative process of producing Float The stigma of mental health within the Filipino community Tips for parents whose children have received an autism diagnosis  To learn more about Bobby Rubio, you can check out his Instagram: @bobbyrubio. ----more----We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too.  Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our Facebook group: Autism Knows No Borders  Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project ----more----We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey.

Discover what’s possible when family comes first.  This week’s episode is a recording of one of our Global Autism Community exclusive events! The topic of this roundtable discussion was Family Dynamics. Participating in this event were Autistic Self-Advocates Mary Johnston and Corben Havener, as well as autism sibling and occupational therapist Cheryl Albright. In today’s conversation, we discuss: Parent-child relationships What it’s like to have neurodivergent or neurotypical parents  Why divorce rates are high among parents of autistic children Sibling relationships How to support adolescents transitioning into adulthood Choosing a life partner Starting your own family Taking care of aging parents The importance of creating plans for elder adulthood Roundtable discussions like the one you’ll hear today are open exclusively for members of our online Global Autism Community. We select a different theme each month, and our moderators monitor posts daily to ensure that our online space remains safe and respectful. If you’d like to attend and participate in any of our future events, you can sign up today at community.globalautismproject.org.  ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

Discover what’s possible when you listen before you practice. Both Liz Lefebre and Amy Evans are Board Certified Behavior Analysts with specializations in Precision Teaching, Fluency Based Instruction, Instructional Design, and Assent Based Treatment. They are also the Co-Founders of Octave, an organization dedicated to improving skill sets of behavior analysts, teachers, and instructional designers.  In today’s conversation, we discuss: Why Liz and Amy decided to start Octave What Octave’s values and mission are What Precision Teaching, Instructional Design, and Assent Based Treatment are  What Liz and Amy have learned from listening to autistic voices and how that has affected their programming  Why practitioners should move away from “traditional ABA" and undo the training that they might have undergone What some of the potential barriers to ethical practices in ABA are How to increase a client’s appetite for learning Advice for other practitioners To learn more about Liz Lefebre and Amy Evans, please visit octavetraining.com.  Related episodes: 139. Responsive Skills Training: An Autistic-Informed Curriculum, with Molly Ola Pinney and Ann Beirne 35. The Do Better Movement, with Dr. Megan Miller ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey

*THROWBACK EPISODE* This conversation with Brandy Collins and Crystal Thompson was originally released on July 9, 2020. We are re-releasing it today to highlight their takeaways from participating in our SkillCorps® program. Although SkillCorps® has changed since this conversation was recorded, you’ll still be able to get a feel of the personal transformation that happens from going on one of our trips.  We are currently accepting SkillCorps® applications for travel in October 2023! Begin your journey today at globalautismproject.org/skillcorps. As a listener of our show, take advantage of the coupon code AUTISMPODCAST to waive the application fee.  ----more---- Discover what’s possible when cultural humility prompts curiosity and understanding.  This week's guests are Brandy Collins and Crystal Thompson.  Brandy is the founder and owner of Guiding Light Concepts, an autism center in Killeen, Texas. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, or BCBA, and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist with over 12 years of counseling experience. Brandy has dedicated her life to advocating for children and young adults in her community.  Crystal is the founder and owner of Believe Autism in Jacksonville, Florida. Also a BCBA, Crystal combines her passion to help children with autism and their families with her love for dance, as well as provides various opportunities through art classes, tutoring, and support groups.  Brandy and Crystal are members of our SkillCorps® Alumni community, having traveled with the Global Autism Project on SkillCorps volunteer trips to several of our partner sites, including SOREM in India and Rumah Tiara in Indonesia — which you may remember from episodes 6 and 16.  SkillCorps® is an opportunity for self-advocates, professionals, and family members to travel to our partner sites around the world and work directly with local communities on initiatives around outreach, awareness, and employment for autistic adults.  You’ll hear us mention Leadership Academy, which is a workshop our organization provides to prepare future SkillCorps trip leaders. Another term I use in the interview is RBT, which stands for Registered Behavior Technician. This is the direct-care level position that usually works 1:1 with clients.  In today's episode, Brandy and Crystal candidly share their experiences as Black women in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, In this conversation, we discuss: How Brandy and Crystal have grown both personally and professionally from participating in our SkillCorps volunteer trips Their takeaways on supervision, teamwork, and cultural humility Brandy and Crystal’s experiences as Black women in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis Their views on how the stigma around disabilities makes it harder for families in under-resourced areas to access services  Some of their ideas to make the field more diverse ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you’d like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey