Episódios

  • Dr. Mary Jones joins Dr. Stephanie Holmes to discuss her topic as a speaker for Springbrook's Converge Autism Conference. The topic was on Implicit Bias and How it Contributes to Delayed Diagnoses of Autism in Black and Other Minority Youths. Today Dr. Stephanie discusses some of the key points of Dr. Mary's workshop. Dr. Mary shares how the clinician's bias may keep children of color from proper diagnosis and access to resources. Dr. Mary is passionate about this topic from both a professional and lived experience.

  • Join the CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network, Kristin Walker, (where the Converge Autism podcast started) as she shares her newly received Autism 1 diagnosis. Dr. Stephanie Holmes sits down for a very personal and raw interview with Kristin. This is a behind the scenes of what so many women are discovering and often later in life about their Neurodivergence.

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  • Today we talk about a few topics: Autobiographical memory, developing a sense of self, motivation, and neuroplasticity in the autistic brain. Dr. Hull's research on video gaming is part of his strategies with his clients on the spectrum.

    Dr. Kevin Hull owns and operates Hull and Associates, P.A. a private practice in Lakeland, Florida. Dr. Hull is a licensed counselor who has worked with children and adolescents and their families on the Autism spectrum since 2001. He conducts weekly individual and group therapy sessions with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Dr. Hull has been a professor for 18 years and is currently an Associate Faculty with Liberty University. Dr. Hull has published Play Therapy and Asperger’s Syndrome: Helping Children and Adolescents Grow, Connect, and Heal through the Art of Play (2011, Jason Aronson); Bridge Building: Creating Connection and Relationship between Parents and Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum (2012, Liberty Press); Group Therapy Techniques with Children, Adolescents, and Adults on the Autism Spectrum (2014, Jason Aronson); and Where There is Despair, Hope (2015, Liberty Mountain Publishing), a novel about play therapy. He has also published several chapters for textbooks and journal articles. Dr. Hull specializes in using electronic devices in group and individual play therapy and his dissertation work examined the use of video/computer games as a play therapy tool with children with emotional difficulties. Dr. Hull enjoys open water swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, playing golf, long walks, biking, and spending time with his wife, Wendy and their four children.

    https://drkevinhull.com/

  • Uncover the unexpected truth about autistic burnout and its impact on individuals in a revealing conversation with Larissa Minner. Learn how societal changes and individual strategies can prevent burnout and lead to a more inclusive world. Stay tuned to discover the eye-opening insights that challenge what you thought you knew about autism and burnout.

    Growing up as a neurodivergent individual, Larissa Minner's journey to understanding autistic burnout was a rollercoaster of misdiagnoses and challenges. From being misunderstood and mistreated due to misdiagnoses such as intellectual disability and bipolar disorder, to finally finding clarity with a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD, her story paints a picture of resilience and self-discovery. Through her own experiences and delving into extensive research, Larissa not only identified the signs of autistic burnout in herself but also recognized its pervasive impact on the neurodivergent community. Her compelling narrative sheds light on the importance of recognizing the individual nature of autistic burnout and the critical role of societal changes in prevention and management. Larissa's journey is a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery and the urgency for inclusive environments that support the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals.,Larissa Minner's path to understanding autistic burnout is a poignant narrative of perseverance and self-discovery. From grappling with misdiagnoses of intellectual disability and bipolar disorder to finally receiving a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD, Larissa's journey is a testament to the transformative power of accurate identification. Her personal experiences and deep dive into research not only enabled her to recognize the signs of autistic burnout within herself but also fueled her passion for advocating societal changes to prevent and manage it effectively. Larissa's compelling story underscores the individual nature of autistic burnout and the crucial role of inclusive environments in supporting neurodivergent individuals. Her unwavering resilience and commitment to fostering understanding and change serve as an inspiring call to action for creating environments that honor the diverse needs of the neurodivergent community.
    Larissa Minner's LinkedIn page for more information on her work and advocacy efforts.Larissa Minner's website, larissaminner.com, for access to infographics and video content related to autism and neurodiversity.Consider exploring resources on universal design and sensory-friendly environments to prevent and manage autistic burnout.Look into early education on disability and autism to foster understanding and inclusion from a young age.Explore self-advocacy strategies and tools for managing autistic burnout, such as visual schedules, apps for sensory support, and remote work options for inclusive environments.

  • Join Jeremy Rochford and host, Kristin Walker, as they discuss his new podcast, his coaching, his comedy, and both their journey's on the Autism Spectrum.

    Jeremy Rochford is a later in life diagnosed Autistic/ADHD’r who is raising two Neurodivergent Children with his “NT” wife Charity. Through guest interviews and “Team Rochford,” you’ll hear firsthand the challenges and benefits of being on the spectrum as well as practical advice for those who are Neurodivergent or love someone who is. Join us and experience why “NeuroFm” is called the least depressing Neurodivergent podcast in the world.

    https://www.jeremyrochford.com/

  • Join Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Peter Vermeulen for a discussion about happiness, well-being regulation, and dealing with stress.

    Peter is the founder, director, CEO, lecturer, consultant, website developer, and secretary. Occasionally, Peter even does the cleaning of the office of Autism in Context, the senior Autism lecturer and consultant for Autisme Centraal, and the Chief Editor of “Sterk in Autisme!”, a bimonthly magazine of Autisme Centraal. Autisme Centraal is responsible for autism awareness campaigns and ‘autism friendliness’ support activities throughout Europe. He is a Member of the Editorial Board of ‘Tijdschrift voor Orthopedagogiek, Kinderpsychiatrie en Klinische Psychologie” (Journal of Special Education, Child Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology of the University of Leuven, Belgium) (currently Chief Editor of that Journal), a reviewer for Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders; Journal of Intellectual Disability – Diagnosis and Treatment.

    When Peter is not presenting, writing, driving or flying around for his job, he can usually be found on one of his 4 bicycles, trying to imitate Tour de France winners, hereby being oblivious to his age and physical state. When tired from cycling, he can be found at home, with his wife and their dog (which actually is more a Gremlin than a dog). Or he is playing with his grandchild. Because the Gremlin loves the beach, Peter often spends his weekends at the seaside, savouring seafood and – being a descendant of a brewing family – enjoying a good beer.

    www.petervermeulen.be

  • Join us for Part 2!

    A lot more people are realizing well into their 50s, 60s, and even older that they are on the Autism spectrum. Today Dr. Stephanie and Dan interview 2 retired couples and speak to their new stage in life as empty nesters.

    We have four guests with us. Carol and Greg are newly retired. You may recognize Greg’s voice, who has been on several of our Just the Guys segments. Greg is 63 and retired after a 35-year career as a consulting geologist. Married to Carol, he was diagnosed around age 55. Carol and he have three children. Carol is in her fourth year of retirement after a 32-year career as a speech-language pathologist.

    We also have Marian and Tom, who have been retired for a few more years, and have some advice for preparing intentionally for retirement (most think only financially) but on how to do retirement relationally and not just individual goals. Marian has a Bachelor’s in Nursing and a Master’s in Special Education. The mother of two wonderful sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Tom retired from a successful dental career 2 ½ years ago at age 67 and was identified on the spectrum between the ages of 55-60.

    Research links mentioned:
    https://www.opastpublishers.com/open-access-articles/neuro-diverse-christian-couples-autism-religion-marriage-an-exploratory-qualitative-study.pdf

    https://juniperpublishers.com/gjidd/pdf/GJIDD.MS.ID.555829.pdf

  • A lot more people are realizing well into their 50s, 60s, and even older that they are on the Autism spectrum. Today Dr. Stephanie and Dan interview 2 retired couples and speak to their new stage in life as empty nesters.

    We have four guests with us. Carol and Greg are newly retired. You may recognize Greg’s voice, who has been on several of our Just the Guys segments. Greg is 63 and retired after a 35-year career as a consulting geologist. Married to Carol, he was diagnosed around age 55. Carol and he have three children. Carol is in her fourth year of retirement after a 32-year career as a speech-language pathologist.

    We also have Marian and Tom, who have been retired for a few more years, and have some advice for preparing intentionally for retirement (most think only financially) but on how to do retirement relationally and not just individual goals. Marian has a Bachelor’s in Nursing and a Master’s in Special Education. The mother of two wonderful sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Tom retired from a successful dental career 2 ½ years ago at age 67 and was identified on the spectrum between the ages of 55-60.

    Research links mentioned:
    https://www.opastpublishers.com/open-access-articles/neuro-diverse-christian-couples-autism-religion-marriage-an-exploratory-qualitative-study.pdf

    https://juniperpublishers.com/gjidd/pdf/GJIDD.MS.ID.555829.pdf

  • Join Kristin and Dr. Mary Jones (from the Dr. Mary Show) as they discuss Autism advocacy with Dr. Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu. Dr. Morénike (she/they) is a global advocate, educator, disabled person of color, non-binary woman, and parent in a neurodiverse, multicultural, twice-exceptional serodifferent biological and adoptive family. A prolific writer and social scientist/activist whose work focuses on intersectional justice, meaningful community involvement, human rights, and inclusion, Morénike is recognized as a leader in various disability justice endeavors, including serving as founder/principal consultant of Advocacy Without Borders, a grassroots intersectional non-profit initiative offering DEIA, education, advocacy, keynotes/lectures, training, research, expert review, and related projects. Morénike co-chairs the Equity, Justice, and Representation Advisory Committee of the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) and is also a member of several executive boards, a collaborator with various like-minded organizations, and a highly sought after public speaker, trainer, and consultant who has presented at the White House, the United Nations, and numerous peer-reviewed international conferences.

    Notable publications of Morénike's include various chapter contributions and peer-reviewed articles as well as co-editing AWN’s groundbreaking anthologies Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity and the initial edition of All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism. Morénike, who has also been featured in the NY Times, NBC's Today Show, the BBC, NPR, and other media outlets, is the author of the forthcoming Open Access monograph A Neurodiversity and Gentle Parenting Journey...in Color.







    Web: www.MorenikeGO.com | www.AdvocacyWithoutBorders.org | www.Linktr.ee/MorenikeGO
    Contact: [email protected] | @MorenikeGO (Social media)

  • Step into the world of Heather Florio, as she unveils the unexpected twist that shaped her journey of self-acceptance. A twist that shattered her belief that something was inherently wrong with her, and instead revealed the beauty of her unique neurodiversity. Brace yourself for a tale of resilience, as Heather shares the captivating story of how she found solace in the pages of books and used her insatiable thirst for knowledge to navigate the labyrinth of social interactions. Get ready to be inspired, as the open loop begs the question: How did Heather's newfound understanding forever change her trajectory?

    In this episode, Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest, shares her personal journey and strategies for navigating life with autism. From excelling in college through distance learning to finding solace in meditation, Heather's experiences offer valuable insights for individuals with autism. She discusses her challenges with sleep and hyperfocusing tendencies, providing practical tips and tools she uses to manage her company and daily life. Heather's passion for her work and dedication to helping others with chronic health conditions shine through, emphasizing the importance of finding meaningful work that aligns with personal values. Her story highlights the difficulties individuals with autism and ADHD face and the importance of finding coping mechanisms and support. Whether you're seeking self-acceptance or strategies for navigating social situations, Heather's journey offers relatable experiences and practical advice that can benefit you in various aspects of life, including education, careers, and social interactions.

    https://desertharvest.com/

  • Join Emily and Reid for an indepth discussion about Autism and the Land Down Under!

    Emily Bourke MLC the Assistant Minister for Autism in Australia, Emily holds a unique position as the only individual in the world dedicated solely to advocating for the autistic and autism community within the government. Elected to the Upper House in the South Australian Parliament in 2018, Emily has been actively involved in formulating and implementing policies to promote autism inclusion in education and the workforce. Her initiatives include the placement of autism inclusion teachers in public primary schools, with 99% of schools now benefiting from this program. Additionally, Emily has spearheaded efforts to enhance teacher training at universities, ensuring educators have the necessary skills to support students with disabilities. Through her unwavering commitment and dedication, Emily has made significant strides in advancing opportunities and empowerment for individuals with autism. Her work continues to be instrumental in fostering a more inclusive society for all.
    Emily Bourke, Assistant Minister for Autism in South Australia, is a passionate advocate for autism inclusion in the workforce and education. Her journey began when she was elected into the Upper House of the South Australian Parliament in 2018. Recognizing the need for a dedicated focus on autism, Emily was appointed to the unique position of Assistant Minister for autism, the first of its kind in the world. This position was created in response to years of advocacy from the autistic and autism community, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with autism in areas like education and employment. Emily’s role allows her to represent the entire state of South Australia and work towards creating policies that promote inclusivity and empower individuals with autism. She is committed to making a lasting impact by implementing initiatives such as the introduction of autism inclusion teachers in public primary schools and incorporating autism education modules in teacher training programs. Emily’s efforts have garnered attention not just within Australia, but also internationally, as she strives to bring about positive change and improve the lives of individuals with autism.


    The Resources Emily Mentioned:
    https://sa.alp.org.au/alp_people/emily-bourke/https://www.officeforautism.sa.gov.au/autism-workshttps://twitter.com/emsbourkehttps://www.facebook.com/EmilyBourkeMLC/

  • A late autism diagnosis brings a family closer together, but what happens when the unexpected strikes? Tune in as Sara Bradford shares her journey of discovery, love, and growth, leaving us wondering: will their newfound bond withstand the challenges ahead?
    Sara Bradford is a remarkable individual whose journey of self-discovery and late diagnosis has brought her to the forefront of the autism community. As a mother, wife, and late-diagnosed autistic herself, Sara brings a unique perspective to the table. Her experience of raising a son on the spectrum, combined with her own personal journey of self-discovery, led her to dive into the world of children's book authorship, podcasting, and founding a non-profit organization. With her warm and relatable personality, Sara is dedicated to celebrating and elevating the voices of individuals with autism. Her insights on family bonding and navigating life on the spectrum are invaluable for late-diagnosed adults and parents alike. Join us on Inside the Asperger Studios to hear Sara's inspiring story and gain a fresh perspective on family relationships and autism.

    Sara Bradford, a late-diagnosed autistic and mother of two, shares her journey of self-discovery and how it strengthened her family bonds. After her son's autism diagnosis, followed by her husband and daughter, Sara began to question her own place on the spectrum. Curiosity led her to get tested, and the results brought a sense of relief and unity to their already close-knit family. As a stay-at-home mom, Sara found new purpose in advocating for autism awareness through her podcast, the SG Child Show, and writing children's books. She discovered a passion for uplifting voices and shifting perspectives, both within her family and the world. Through her upcoming nonprofit, SJ Child Global Network, Sara aims to provide resources and employment training for individuals on the spectrum, including her son. Her journey of self-discovery has not only deepened her understanding of autism but also strengthened the love and connection within her family. Sara's story serves as an inspiration for late-diagnosed adults seeking to strengthen their own family relationships and find their place in the world.
    Saras Resources:
    https://sjchilds.org/https://linkfly.to/30124nzS2q5

  • Join Dr. Stephanie Holmes and Kristin as they talk about her new book, speaking and podcasting at the annual Converge Autism conference, and exciting new developments in the world of Autism.

    Stephanie's new book, Embracing the Autism Spectrum: Finding Joy & Hope Navigating the NeuroDiverse Family Journey, invites readers on a transformative journey into the realm of neurodiversity. Whether you're a family living with autism, an educator seeking to enhance your inclusive practices, or a dedicated advocate, this book offers invaluable insights and strategies to promote healthy neurodiverse marriages and families.

    Drawing from her background as a former licensed professional counselor (LPC), an ordained minister, an author, and a certified autism specialist, Dr. Holmes weaves a narrative that bridges the gap between personal experience and professional expertise. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Campbell University, her Master's in counseling from Liberty University, and her doctorate in education from Abilene Christian University, equipping her with a deep understanding of the complexities of neurodiversity.

    As a mother whose world shifted when her daughter Sydney was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, Dr. Holmes transitioned from a thriving marriage and family therapy practice to a mission of advocating for neurodiverse individuals. This book encapsulates her journey, offering practical guidance for families moving from merely surviving to thriving.

    'Embracing the Autism Spectrum' is not only a resource for families but also an eye-opening guide for educators. Dr. Holmes and her family shed light on the unique challenges and complexities that neurodiverse families face, enabling educators and leaders to serve every member of their communities more effectively and inclusively.

  • Join our often host, Reid Miles of Inside the Aspergers Studio podcast with guest Michael Barton. Michael reveals his newfound understanding of the purpose of small talk, helping individuals with Asperger's syndrome navigate social interactions. However, just as Michael begins to find comfort in small talk, a shocking revelation leaves him questioning everything he thought he knew. Will he be able to overcome this unexpected obstacle?

    Barton shares his struggles with small talk and how he used to see it as meaningless chatter. However, he later discovered that small talk serves as a way to gauge if the other person is interested in having a more in-depth conversation. Recognizing this purpose has helped Barton navigate small talk, even though he admits he still finds it challenging. This episode provides valuable insights into the difficulties individuals with Asperger's face in social interactions and offers tips for improving communication skills.,Reid Miles sits down with Michael Barton, an author and speaker with Asperger's syndrome, to explore the challenges individuals with Asperger's face in communication. Barton shares his personal experiences with small talk and how he used to view it as empty chatter. However, he now understands that small talk serves as a way to test the waters and gauge if the other person is open to deeper conversation.

    This episode provides a fresh perspective on the purpose of small talk and offers valuable insights for individuals on the spectrum looking to improve their communication skills. Barton's candid discussions about his struggles and newfound understanding make this episode relatable and informative for anyone interested in understanding the communication challenges faced by individuals with Autism.

    You've got to gradually and slowly expose yourself to new experiences which can be uncomfortable, and then with time you become more comfortable with them. - Michael Barton

    https://www.michaelbarton.org.uk/

  • Join Dan Holmes (husband of Dr. Stephanie Holmes) and Just the Guys with a group of men on the spectrum and they talk about theory of mind. Just the Guys get together and talk about topics from the spectrum point of view.

  • Today, MHNR podcaster and certified autism specialist. Dr. Stephanie C Holmes talks about navigating the upcoming holidays with a spouse or child on the spectrum.

    We want to be inclusive to our family members with differing needs while creating memorable holiday moments.

  • Join Dan and his friends as they discuss navigating the holidays when you are on the Autism Spectrum!

    Dan by career is a Senior VP or IT at a large company based in Atlanta, GA. Dan has been coaching executive leaders and students for nearly 10 years, but after a late in life diagnosis with Asperger's (now Autism Spectrum) he coaches men of who are on the spectrum on work, and life issues. He and his wife, Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes, who has often hosted Converge Autism Radio.

    Dan is a Certified Master Life Coach with ICCI.

    NOTE: Some of the mysteries of Christmas are discussed in the spoiler alert that you may not want to listen to this episode around children under 12 to preserve Christmas magic.

  • Join Kristin and Stacey Ledbetter, CEO and Founder of NFlyte. The organization and software was born out of the founder’s personal need for an app to help her teenage autistic daughter navigate the path towards independence. Before NFlyte, there was not a solution in the market that served neurodiverse young adults—helping them stay on task and enable families to be connected and track progress without being overbearing in their lives.

    www.nflyte.com

  • Meet Sarah Wayland, an accomplished researcher-turned autism advocate whose life was forever changed when she realized that her children were interacting with the world in ways uncharted by textbooks. Inspired by their journey, Sarah founded Guiding Exceptional Parents, utilizing her expertise to assist others navigate the often confusing landscape of autism. A certified Relationship Development Intervention consultant, she dedicates her time to fostering connections between parents and their children. With the publication of her enlightening book Is this Autism?, she continues to contribute to the understanding of autism and further the conversation.

    Sarah Wayland's journey to understanding autism was unconventional, yet profound. With a background in researching language acquisition, she noticed something unique about her own children. They were learning language in ways that contradicted the theories she was familiar with, sparking her curiosity. As it turned out, her children were autistic, and they were processing the world in their own unique ways. This was a wake-up call for Sarah. This realization presented a fascinating puzzle for her to solve, leading her to support other parents navigating similar paths. Always passionate about helping others, she used her knowledge to become a certified relationship development intervention consultant. Sarah's remarkable journey underscores the importance of looking past standard theories to understand and appreciate individual differences and strengths.,The story of Sarah Wayland is a testament to the power of empathy and understanding. Her children's autism diagnosis lit a beacon that guided her to a new, enlightening path. She utilized her background in linguistics research to better understand her children's unique way of learning language, a stark contrast from conventional theories. This turned into a mission: to support other parents on their journey with their autistic children. She chose to become a certified relationship development intervention consultant, focusing on enabling parents to reconnect with their children and understand them better. Sarah's story highlights that every individual has unique strengths and that embracing these differences can lead to remarkable growth and connection.

    Instead of focusing on remediating all the things that are not going well, let's put autistic students in jobs that play to their strengths.

  • Have you heard these myths about late autism diagnosis and self-discovery?

    Myth 1: It's too late to get diagnosed as an adult. Myth 2: Autism only affects children.
    Myth 3: Self-discovery ends with a diagnosis.

    In this episode, our guest Rich Stevenson will debunk these myths and share his personal journey of late autism diagnosis, self-discovery, and the ongoing process of understanding and acceptance.
    Growing up in the UK, Rich Stevenson had always been a lively, animated child. His boundless energy and vivacity made it easy to overlook the more subtle markers that hinted at something different about him. Fast forward a few years, and he found himself on a journey of self-discovery, fueled by the diagnosis of his son with autism. Through this experience, Rich found himself navigating unfamiliar terrain, both as a father and as an individual. The realization of his own autism, a diagnosis confirmed in his mid-thirties, presented more questions than answers. Yet, it was during this time of introspection that he realized the power of storytelling and community. He started the 'Inside the Orange' and later 'Advocate to Autistic' podcasts, platforms that served as a conduit for sharing personal experiences, insights, and resources. These ventures were not just about Rich’s journey, but about creating a space for others to share their stories and feel less alone in their experiences.,Life took a surprising turn for Rich Stevenson when his youngest son, a happy and bubbly toddler, was diagnosed with autism. As a father, Rich found himself in a sea of challenges, fears, and uncertainties. Yet, he faced them head-on, adapting his life around his son's needs. The struggles and triumphs he encountered in raising his son subsequently led him on an unexpected path of self-discovery, culminating in his own autism diagnosis later in life. The knowledge was both an answer and a question, a resolution and a mystery. Unraveling that mystery inspired him to share his journey with the world, initiating conversations about autism through his podcasts, 'Inside the Orange' and 'Advocate to Autistic'. Rich’s voice not only resonates with his own experiences but weaves together the collective experiences of a broader community, offering solace, guidance, and a shared sense of belonging.