EPISODE 66: Behavioral Health Therapy for ASD With Sean Inderbitzen   INTRO: Hi, everyone! Welcome back to My Autism Tribe. We’ll be speaking with Sean Inderbitzen on today’s show. He’s a mental health clinician who is on the autism spectrum, and reached out a couple of weeks ago because he wanted to share his voice. It makes me so happy when people reach out to me – it truly does. I want to make sure that everyone is able to share their voice, because that’s how we learn, how we expand and stretch ourselves, and at the end of the day – accept one another regardless if our views and opinions may sometimes vary from others. Thanks so much for listening!   SEGMENT: Sean was diagnosed with autism at the age of 18, and is now a practicing behavioral health therapist. He’s so passionate about helping his clients, and letting others know about the importance of having counseling services available to people who have autism. He notes, however, that in a study 43 out of 44 clinicians are not comfortable in counseling patients on the spectrum. It’s pretty special that Sean has this personal experience as a way to relate and empathize with those lives that he touches. Please welcome Sean to our show!   CONCLUSION: “The process of therapy for clinicians who work with individuals on the spectrum requires a unique subset of therapeutic skill that is not always taught in graduate training. While it’s important to utilize all of the common microskills (like showing empathy, active listening, open-ended questioning) with the ASD population, it’s also important to recognize these individuals may have an additional set of needs for the therapy room. For example, they may not have the cognitive capacity to follow metaphors and/or analogies that are often used in therapy.” Providing continuing professional development for clinicians will help increase the number of competent professionals in providing these appropriate services, and I’m so happy that individuals like Sean Inderbitzen are advocating. Thanks so much for being a part of My Autism Tribe, and I’ll see ya soon!   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Email: [email protected] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYJdX4NCous https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYgqa_FbTok

EPISODE 65: NEURODIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE With Joseph Riddle   INTRO: There are really important skills that people with autism have, that make them, in some cases, the best employees you could have. This is something that small businesses could benefit from, and is already something that many large corporations are already using to their advantage. Today, we’re speaking with Joseph Riddle, the Director of The Neurodiversity in the Workplace team, a dedicated group of talented individuals who work tirelessly for the people they serve. Thanks so much for listening!   SEGMENT: Because of certain traits of autism, individuals with autism often have trouble getting past the interview stage for a job or maintaining a position once they are hired. Joseph Riddle has led a team to design and partner in implementing hiring programs for neurodiverse individuals. Companies such as SAP and their Autism at Work program, Dell, and Bank of America have participated in hiring programs allowing the creation of a network of employers and talented individuals on the spectrum. These companies, with support from Joe and his team, are leading the way in demonstrating to the American workforce that neurodiverse talent is both valuable and productive.   CONCLUSION: Few resources have been allocated to understanding autistic adults. According to a 2017 report from the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, only 2 percent of autism research funding goes into understanding the developmental disorder for the adult population. Autism isn’t just something for young individuals, and more needs to be done to propel and prepare this population. With organizations like Neurodiversity in the Workplace, we can not only become inspired, but also determined to make the workforce a better and more welcoming environment for our loved ones. Thanks so much for being a part of My Autism Tribe, and I’ll see you soon.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Email: [email protected]   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeurodiversityInTheWorkplace/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurodiversityintheworkplace/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/4Neurodiversity

EPISODE 64: ENHANCING LIVES FOR FAMILIES OF AUTISM With Rachelle Vartanian   INTRO: Hi, everyone! Thanks for connecting with this week’s podcast featuring Rachelle Vartanian. She’s the founder and president of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center, a former special education teacher, and mother of a teenager on the autism spectrum. If this is your first time here, welcome! If you are a returning listener, thanks for coming back! We truly do appreciate it. Be sure to check us out on your social platforms, and if you’re enjoying this podcast, we’d love your rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts – it helps make our voices stronger. Let’s get started!   SEGMENT: The Living and Learning Enrichment Center is based in Northville, Michigan and their mission is to help individuals with autism and related challenges reach their full potential in work, relationships and in the community. They have summer camps, art and music classes, clubs, social and professional skills groups. It’s really impressive what they’re doing, and I’m excited to speak with the founder today – Rachelle. Let’s give her a warm welcome.   CONCLUSION: The unemployment rate for individuals with autism is upwards of 90%. With training like that provided by the Living and Learning Enrichment Center, job training, real world job experiences can be achieved for those individuals with autism and other special needs. It’s truly special what these organizations are doing, and it’s my hope that more organizations will begin doing the same. Thanks for being a part of My Autism Tribe, and I’ll see ya soon!   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Website: https://www.livingandlearningcenter.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingandlearningenrichmentcenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingandlearningcenter/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/livelearncenter Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/livinglearnllc/boards/

EPISODE 63: Co-occurring Conditions in Autism With Brad Ferguson of Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri   INTRO: Hi, everyone! Welcome back to My Autism Tribe. I hope everyone is hanging in there. School is out, so no more of the Non-Traditional Instruction in our home, however, we are going a little crazier as the days go on. Regardless, thanks for checking back in, and if this is your first time, welcome. I hope you find a piece of your autism advocacy here. Today’s guest is Dr. Brad Ferguson, an Assistant Research Professor in the Departments of Health Psychology, and Radiology at the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri. I wonder if he has all of this on a business card (laugh). I’m really pumped about the information that he’s going to share today, so please stay tuned. Don’t forget to check us out on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter platforms, and if you’re enjoying this podcast we sure would love a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps make our voices stronger. Thanks for listening!   SEGMENT: Dr. Ferguson has been conducting research in autism for over 12 years, and his main research focus over that period of time has been the study of co-occurring conditions in autism, mainly gastrointestinal problems and problem behaviors. His goal is to find out why many autistic individuals have co-occurring conditions so that they can be addressed, which will ultimately lead to increased quality of life. Let’s welcome Dr. Ferguson to our show.   CONCLUSION: There are so many organizations out there that are doing amazing research on autism-related topics – many of them that I’m just discovering. These people are devoting their lives to make sure we are making positive strides, gaining more information than we had yesterday, in order to make improvements in the lives of those we love so much. Thanks for being a part of My Autism Tribe, and I’ll talk to you soon!   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: thompsoncenter.missouri.edu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheThompsonCenter/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mutcautism/

EPISODE 62: EXCEPTIONAL MINDS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM With guest Corinne Levitt   INTRO: Hello, and welcome back! Today we’re speaking with Corinne Levitt, a special educator and author of a new book called “Exceptional Minds Across the Autism Spectrum”. Her background in learning disability psycholinguistics, and the arts has enabled her to “teach to the talent” while encouraging her students to discover and explore their potential. She’s a fascinating woman, and I’m excited for her to share her story. Stay tuned and follow us on our social media platforms to engage or ask questions. Thanks for listening!   SEGMENT: Corinne Levitt wrote her latest book in recognition of the need to promote the important role an enriched educational experience can have on the lives of students who stand to benefit the most from best educational practices. Let’s welcome Corinne to our show today.   CONCLUSION: As Corinne has stated, “more than money, resources, or even teaching methods, it is our attitude toward those who seem different that influences our expectations and limits learning opportunities for growth and development. It’s our attitude and understanding that shape our vision. But attitudes and mindsets can change, and when that happens, we can move closer to understanding the struggles and learning challenges of individuals with exceptionalities.” I hope this podcast finds you and your family safe and healthy. Keep up the great work, and I’ll talk with you soon!   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: www.teachexceptionalminds.com

EPISODE 61: CBD FOR AUTISM With guest Dr. Rachna Patel   INTRO: Hi, everyone! First and foremost, I want to thank everyone out there who has been patient with me these last couple of months. It turns out that working a 9-5 job, homeschooling my son, and running a nonprofit with these podcasts is a lot harder than I thought. Just know, that I’m doing my very best to bring you the most relevant information, from people within the autism community, to the best of my ability. Today, I’m speaking with Dr. Patel, who is a world-recognized expert in the field of Cannabinoid Medicine. CBD is something that we hear about all the time, but maybe perhaps, we still have very limited knowledge on. Stay tuned to hear Dr. Patel share information on CBD products, what to expect when using CBD products, while also dispelling some of our fears that we may have. Thanks for listening! SEGMENT: I’ve personally looked into CBD products, not only for myself, but also for my son. I’ve had conversations with many families on their use of CBD. Dr. Patel is with a company called Doc Patels, a company that produces CBD products made from industrial hemp plants derived on American farms which produce 100% 0.00% THC Broad Spectrum CBD products through their patented process. Their team of 30 engineers, scientists, a psychiatrist and even a dentist, along with their manufacturing partner, consist of Doc Patels. Let’s welcome Dr. Patel to our show. CONCLUSION: As families are looking for natural, healthy ways to help their loved ones, and even themselves, I hope you find this information helpful in your decision-making process. Every path is different, but whatever path you choose, know that we are here to support you along the way. Thanks so much for listening, and I’ll talk to you soon!   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: www.DocPatels.com

EPISODE 60: AUTISM ISN’T BLACK AND WHITE With Erin Clemens   INTRO: Hi, everyone! As you know, April is Autism Awareness month, as we continue to raise autism awareness, and promote autism acceptance and inclusion in our communities (although it may look a bit different now), I wanted to feature yet another autism advocate. This week’s episode features guest Erin Clemens. Erin is an awesome young woman on the autism spectrum. When she’s not working, she’s volunteering and helping others. She graduated from college last year, and is interested in pursuing a career in dog training. She’s an absolute pleasure to speak with, and full of so much knowledge and insight. Stay tuned to hear her story.   SEGMENT: Today, we’re providing a stronger voice to another powerful autism advocate, Erin Clemens. She’s a public speaker, and author of a book called “I Have Asperger’s”. Let’s give a warm welcome to this delightful young woman.   CONCLUSION: It’s important that we listen to those voices that can provide personal experiences. There are varying opinions, and often times, these opinions may not align with another person’s opinions. That’s ok, because autism isn’t black and white…it’s a spectrum…and we are all on different journeys, and I’m so glad that Erin was able to share her’s. Thanks so much for being a part of my army…My Autism Tribe. Stay healthy, stay safe, keep your chin up, and I’ll see you here next week!   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ERIN: Website: https://erinclemens.wixsite.com/erin-clemens Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.clemens.58 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AspergerSadie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspergersadie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/erinclem

EPISODE 59: A CONVERSATION WITH MY SON   INTRO: Hi everyone! Welcome to this week’s podcast. Hope you guys are hanging in there and staying healthy. I’ve definitely had small moments of anxiety these last several weeks, but am trying to stay positive and trying to keep a routine as much as possible. As many of you, I’m working my 9-5 job from home, while homeschooling my son, and producing this podcast. The last couple of episodes, you might have even heard my son in the background as I’ve been recording from my kitchen table instead of my makeshift and more sound-proof studio off of my bedroom, otherwise known as a closet. Lots of glamour here folks. Try to remain calm. So, as I’ve recorded these podcasts out in the open, my son has become more and more curious as to what in the world I’ve been doing. We’ve had our own little recording sessions with the microphone where he sings his favorite song, talks in different cartoon voices. It’s super cute, and so I thought I might try to actually interview him, and I use the word “interview” extremely loosely. So, bear with us, and thanks for listening! SEGMENT: There was a point in time where I didn’t know if I would ever truly know my son’s voice. I remember actually walking through a store one time and hearing a parent tell their child to shut up, and it took every ounce of mama bear energy in me to not go over to them and tell them our family’s story. And maybe I should, but I didn’t. Instead, my heart broke knowing that I would do absolutely anything to hear my son say anything, and here was this parent telling their child they didn’t want to hear what they had to say. Anyway, as I’ve said before, the My Autism Tribe platform was started because I made a promise to my son that I would be his voice and that voice I wanted to become stronger. Fast forward several years later, and my son is speaking, and there hasn’t been one time…I don’t exaggerate, not ONE time where I wished that he would not speak. His voice is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard, and so without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to my son, Alex. Hi, honey. I thought that maybe everyone would like to get to know you better, so I’m going to ask you some questions, ok? What’s your name? Alex What’s your favorite color? Red What’s your favorite food? Bacon Do you have a favorite dinosaur? Brachiosaurus Who’s my favorite boy in the whole world? Me Would you like to sing a song? What about that song that you made up the other day? The Scoop song? (sings) CONCLUSION: Thank you for sharing this experience with me. I know this isn’t the lengthy podcast that I’m used to doing, but I thought, “Why not? Why not take advantage of this quarantine to do something that is new?” Thank you for sharing this special moment with me, and for listening to the sweet sound of my son’s voice. A sound that I will never once take for granted, but will do my best to make stronger. I hope everyone out there is staying healthy at home. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next week!

EPISODE 58: Autism as a Stress Adaptation With Lori Hogenkamp   INTRO: Hi there, everyone! Welcome to this week’s podcast episode featuring autism advocate and consultant Lori Hogenkamp. Lori is on the autism spectrum, and has studied neuroscience and stress-related behaviors for over 20 years. Her love of science drives her passion for understanding the complex patterns of abilities and disabilities of those on the autism spectrum. Stay tuned to listen to her incredible story, and so much great information from her research.   If you’re enjoying this podcast, can I ask you of a favor? Could you rate and review My Autism Tribe wherever you listen to podcasts. It allows us to make our voices stronger by extending our reach. Send me a message if you want, and let me know if there is a subject that you’d like to hear about. Don’t forget to check us out on all of the My Autism Tribe social platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.   SEGMENT: Lori Hogenkamp explores the idea “Autism as a Stress Adaptation” and publicly speaks to parents, adults, teachers and healthcare professionals about using advanced physics to develop Stress Models to help understand and create innovative solutions for autistics, their environment and their families. She uses her knowledge to develop innovative Stress Management programs and seminars for professional, education and health organizations.   CONCLUSION: I hope that everyone out there is staying safe and healthy. If you need someone to listen, if you have a question or concern, we’re here for you. Let us know how we can help…how I can help. I know that everyone is doing a great job, even though we may not feel like it sometimes. Keep up the great work, and I’ll see you next week! Be well.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Twitter: https://twitter.com/peripheralminds?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-hogenkamp-44205410 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeripheralMindsofAutism/    Blog: https://peripheralmindsofautism.com/presentation/

EPISODE 57: ADJUSTING TO A NEW NORMAL   INTRO: Hi there! Welcome to this week’s My Autism Tribe podcast. To be honest, I’m struggling to remember what day it is, and who I was before this COVID19 quarantine existed. I’m almost positive that I’m a day late in posting this podcast, and 100% sure that I have a pile of clean clothes still in the dryer from 3 days ago that I have yet to fold and put away. The struggle is so real. I hope everyone out there is adulting at least a little better than me right now. Stay tuned as I share how we’re trying to find our new normal. And if you have a couple of minutes and aren’t watching the latest episode of Tiger King, or Frozen 2 for the 100th time, might you give our podcast a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts? We could sure use some cheering up right about now. I kid…no, but seriously. It would be greatly appreciated. SEGMENT: It has been a little over two weeks since I’ve been working 100% from home, and since my son has been homeschooled. And I’m just being real…I’ve been struggling with feelings of anxiety as a single mama in keeping it all together. The first week was SUPER tough, for both my son and myself. We picked up a packet of homework from my son’s school, and I pulled all my files from my office so I could migrate under my home’s roof. I thought at the time that this wouldn’t be so bad, and it’s not because it could be a lot worse…I know that…but the anxiety starts settling in when I begin thinking about the unknown timeline. How long will we be in quarantine? How much will my son regress? How in the world am I going to work at full capacity, while also homeschooling my son, while also maintaining some of his therapy sessions, and while also making sure that my son doesn’t feel neglected because I’m not able to spend the amount of time that I would like with him? So many questions! Other parents and I have been having conversations about this, and there’s one common theme. We all feel like we’re failing…every single day. Even though this temporarily makes me feel better about my current situation, it also makes me sad and frustrated. Now, more than ever, we parents are being tasked we rise above all doubt in our parenting efforts. We’re taking on roles that we don’t have degrees or certifications for. We’re wearing multiple hats all day, changing them up as needed to fill the title that we’ve been given in any given hour. We’re more than parents. We’re teachers, therapists, playmates. I woke up this morning and again felt anxious about fulfilling my roles today, and I heard these words. “Susan, the more you feel anxious, the more you feel stressed, the more you feel in despair, the less you will be able to give.” I felt a calmness come over me. I’ve been able to approach today with a new set of lenses. Maybe this is just me making the adjustment to my new sense of normal. So, I made a list of things that I miss…not because I want to dwell on the things that I can’t have right now, but to give me something to look forward to. Taking my son to the park. There are only so many days that I feel like these walls will be standing. That at any moment, my son will morph full-on into a flying squirrel. If not him, most undoubtedly me. Our space is beginning to feel extremely small. Seeing the faces of other family members…actually their faces…not on FaceTime…not on Zoom…but being able to touch their sweet faces and give them kisses. Hanging out with friends. Meeting up with them for dinner at our favorite restaurants, and getting my son together with his friends for play dates. Going to the movies. I’m a big fan of Netflix, and Hulu, and Disney Plus…but there’s something that I’m craving about going to the big screen and catching the latest flick. Hanging out at the pool. Well, we’re still in our early spring in the U.S. so the pools aren’t open yet, but I sure do hope that when they do open, we will be out of quarantine. Call me crazy, but I love the smell of chlorine paired with fresh cut grass. Surely, I’m not the only one. Going to the zoo and the aquarium. If my son could move and set up residence at either of these two places he would, and even if my home will feel like a zoo in another few weeks, it will hardly be the same. He’s already making the itinerary of what exhibits he wants to see first. To see his smile when we get to go back – it will make all of this crazy stuff worth it. I understand that most of these are first world problems. There are so many people in our world that will never get to experience these. Which makes me believe that we are truly “resetting our priorities”. Don’t you think that maybe we took so much for granted? We spent so much time behind the windshield going to work, taking our children to therapy, and then back to work, and then to other appointments…maybe we just needed to slow down and truly learn to appreciate all that we have. We don’t NEED many things to live, and we truly don’t need many things to be happy. My son is a perfect example for me. He struggles sometimes, and yet he continues to have the most gorgeous smile…one that can light up any room. So…I’ll continue to do my best and give myself grace when I feel like I’ve failed. I’ve learned that I’m not a very good Kindergarten teacher. I’m not the best therapist for my son, but you know what? I’m a mom, who loves her son so much, and at the very least, I will make sure that my son is happy, healthy, and feels love every single day. That, I feel, is what I can control the most. The rest…well…this time will pass and as cliché as it is, it will make us stronger. I truly believe that. Thanks so much for being a part of My Autism Tribe. Hang in there, and I’ll see you next week!