Uniquely Human: The Podcast

In the complex process of developing relationships, things can go so right in some situations and so wrong in others—right, when time spent together engenders trust and builds positive and collaborative relationships; wrong, when encounters create mistrust, suspicion, and even anger (typically for the parents, but sometimes for professionals as well). Autism is a passionate affair for all involved, and in this episode, Barry and Dave discuss some of the challenges as well as solutions for building trusting parent-professional relationships. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we will explore the multi-dimensional nature of the autistic experience in individuals who also may have identity differences related to race, gender identity and ethnicity. Our guest, Dr. Morenikè Giwa-Onaiwu shares her expertise and knowledge as an educator, prolific author, and tireless advocate, as well as her personal experiences as an African American mother of autistic children.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carol Gray is one of the most respected and creative educators with decades of experience in supporting autistic individuals. Barry and Dave chat with Carol about her influential career and her philosophy about educating students on the autism spectrum. The purposes and the appropriate use of Social Stories, as well as how Social Stories have been misused are reviewed in a lively discussion.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There remains a great deal of controversy and divisiveness around how autism is viewed. This has a direct impact on the stigma that historically has become associated with the word autism or ASD. Is autism a "disease" that needs to be cured, or is it a human condition, characterized by strengths and challenges, that is as much a part of a person as is their gender and racial identity? Is it something that a person has, or is it more about who a person is?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barry and Dave are joined by Dr. Richard Grinker to discuss his new book, "Nobody's Normal," and how culture has created a stigma of mental illness.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barry and Dave discuss the process of building trust between autistic and neurotypical people. Barry shares 8 proven strategies to help clinicians, educators, and other professionals earn a trusting relationship with autistic people and their families.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael John Carley joins us to discuss the importance of respecting autism culture in school and at work.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Temple Grandin, an influential author, speaker, and professor of animal science, shares her insights on autism and personal success. She emphasizes the importance of life skills and hands-on experiences for autistic individuals transitioning to adulthood. The conversation explores how understanding diverse cognitive styles can enhance teamwork and connection. Additionally, Temple stresses the significance of pursuing personal passions and fostering empathy, advocating for a more inclusive perspective on growth and fulfillment.

The holidays can be such a fun and spiritual time of year for a lot of us, but there are also challenges, especially if you or a family member is autistic. We hear from two guests with interesting perspectives on how to enjoy family time at the holidays in a neurodiverse family. Kristy Forbes joins us from Australia, and Dave’s wife Kristen spills the tea on their own family’s strategies for enjoying the holidays together. And, hear a special performance from our autistic friend, Conner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Life imitates art and inspires the artist. Barry and Dave are joined by two parent-visionaries, Elaine Hall and Michael Kregler, to explore the value of neurodiversity in artistic expression, and the many roles artistic expression plays in our neurodiversity. We learn about The Miracle Project and hear from TMP veteran, Dom, about their new Broadway-On-Demand feature project.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.