Uniquely Human: The Podcast

Ezrais a major motion picture that tells the story of a family, across generations, that has a deep love for a young autistic boy. The film authentically conveys the challenges that a family faces when confronted with societal expectations and insensitive professionals who has little understanding or respect for a child that sees the world through a different lens. It also beautifully portrays those rarefied times when other people, even strangers, see the beauty, the honesty, and the inspirational qualities of a young child who has a strong sense of self, and approaches life with eyes wide open. Barry and Dave explore themes of Ezra withTony Goldwyn, its director,Tony Spiridakis, writer of the screenplay, andElaine Hallwho is a casting consultant for the film.

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The history of autism is replete with diametrically opposed representations of the autistic experience as either a blessing, or a tragedy. These varying beliefs may be held by professionals, family members, and even autistic individuals themselves. Of course, such extreme views do not accurately portray the complexities involved, which often fall somewhere between these two extreme representations.BarryandDavediscuss such complexities with a goal of honoring the experience of each individual, as well as family members.

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Shannon RosaandCarol Ann Greenburgare parent-professionals and partners in developing and sharing their on-line resource,A Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, one of the very first resources to provide valuable information to the autistic and neurodivergent communities. In their own words, the mission of TPGA is to be a a one-stop source for carefully curated, evidence-based, neurodiversity-steeped information from autistic people, parents, and autism professionals. They emphasize that autism acceptance is not merely noble but necessary—and are separate matters from the autistic and other autism communities’ never-ending fights for medical, legal, social, and educational accommodation. The goal of TPGA is “to help fast-forward past society’s rampant autism fabrications and negativity, by providing clear, thoughtfully presented, balanced, and referenced information”. Barry and Dave discuss TPGA in the context of Shannon and Carol’s experiences as parents, and as advocates for the autistic community.

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Episode 103 • Understanding Autism: A Discussion with Autistic Film Producer and Director, Scott Steindorff

Scott Steindorff, an accomplished autistic film producer and director travelled the world to make his new film, “Understanding Autism“. Barry and Dave discuss Scott’s personal experiences leading to his motivation and goals in creating this feature length documentary.

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Episode 102 - Insights into Neurodivergence Following Brain Surgery:A Discussion with Jacki Edry, Autism Advocate, Parent and Cancer Survivor.

Jacki Edry’spersonal journey as a brain surgery survivor and parent of autistic and neurodivergent children provides unique insight into the neurodivergent experience. Additionally, her courage and persistence during her ongoing process of recovery, and her desire to help others based on her experience is an incredible story from which we all can learn. Jacki shares her journey with Barry and Dave, and all she has learned that may be of benefit to neurodivergent individuals and their families.

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One of the least understood, and most marginalized groups of autistic people are those who are non-speaking, or who have minimal or unreliable speech due to neurologically-based motor speech disorders. Nonspeakers’ “voices” are now being heard, and what they have to say is shattering erroneous stereotypes about those for whom speech is not their primary mode of communication. Harmful beliefs about how speech and behavior are accurate reflections of a person’s intelligence and social awareness are being discarded. We initially spoke three years ago withIan Nordling, a young autistic man who has benefitted from Spelling to Communicate (S2C), andElizabeth Vosseller, who developed (S2C). In this episode, we get an update on progress for non-speakers.

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We are celebrating our 100th Episode! We couldn't have done this without you, our Uniquely Human Community. Thank you!

Love on the Spectrumis an Emmy award-winning Netflix reality TV show that follows young adults on the autism spectrum as they explore dating, love, and relationships. The show is based on an Australian version of the same name. Dave and Barry joinElaine Hall, who consults to the show and helped with casting, and withSteveandDavid, two autistic cast members, in a discussion of their experiences on the show, and the importance of relationships in their lives.

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A great and harmful myth perpetuated for decades is that autistic people are incapable of deep connection, empathy, and loving relationships with others. Over the years, diagnostic criteria have included wording to this effect. We now know that this generalization is
inaccurate, largely due to an understanding that autistic children and adults may “show up” in different ways in relationships. As with all people, however, the desire to connect and develop trusting and loving relationships is clearly a part of the autistic experience. DaveandBarry discuss these issues from a historical, clinical, and first person perspective.

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Temple Grandin on Understanding Different Minds: Its importance in Education, Life Skills and Eventual Employment for Younger Autistic Individuals

One of the many groundbreaking contributions thatDr. Temple Grandinhas made in her career is increasing awareness of different learning styles demonstrated by autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Her work has been applied in enhancing employment opportunities and education for older autistic individuals, but less so for younger children. In her new book,Different Kinds of Minds, she reaches out to younger children, their families and educators on this essential topic. In this far-reaching discussion, Barry, Dave and Temple discuss the longer term implications of her work for autistic individuals, and society in general.

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In recent years, there has been increasing interest in a range of medical conditions experienced by individuals diagnosed with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, diagnosed and undiagnosed, may present with complex conditions that cause considerable discomfort and pain, and that have a significant detrimental impact on quality of life. In some cases, concerns about medical conditions may be the “gateway” issues that lead to a diagnosis of autism, in previously undiagnosed individuals. However, many physicians are not trained to explore the complex and at times, puzzling interactions between medical conditions and neurodivergence.Dr. Lenz, with a career of “in the trenches” expertise, discusses these issues with Barry and Dave with a focus on compassionate medical care and life-style changes that best support autistic and neurodivergent people.

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