Janeen Herskovitz has worn two hats over two decades, as a mother of an adult son and a daughter who are neurodivergent, and as a therapist and former special educator who supports families, parents and neurodivergent individuals. Initially, she took the path of attempting to cure her son and questioned if vaccinations caused her son’s autism, but …

As a board certified cognitive specialist, author Bea Moise’s work with families and neurodivergent individuals is personally informed through her own lived experiences. Her newest book, Neurodiversity and Technology, presents clear strategies to support neurodivergent children with healthy technology use. In this high-energy discussion with Bea, w…

Eric Garcia is one of the very few autistic and neurodivergent journalists on the national scene, based in Washington, DC and covering congress and the Trump administration. Barry, Dave and Eric discuss his role as an autistic journalist, and his coverage of Washington, DC politics, and current stories that impact the autistic and neurodivergent co…

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Ross Greene believes that many approaches that are used with students with challenging or concerning behaviors have taken the wrong approach to helping students learn and develop trust in their learning environments and others. As the founder of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model, his goal is to change d…

As they have entered their fourth year as partners in Uniquely Human: The Podcast, Barry and Dave are still astounded by its success and how much our wonderful and loyal audience keep asking for more. But one perplexing question has remained unanswered, why does it work? Barry and Dave reflect on this issue, and believe the answer can be found, in …

As a trans autistic man, and a social psychology professor, Dr. Devon Price is intimately familiar with issues of masking, and the impact that masking may have on the social and emotional well-being of individuals. In this episode, Devon, Dave and Barry delve deeply into these issues and discusses skills that Devon believes are critical for helping…

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Indigenous cultures often have a very different view of raising children who receive diagnoses of autism or other neurodivergent conditions. These differences impact how families and children are supported, but also may result in difficulties when families need to interface with non-indigenous cultural professionals and systems to acquire services …

Two of the major priorities that are now being addressed in the autism and neurodivergent communities are the development of friendships and social relationships, and how to address bullying. Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Clinical Professor at UCLA, has focused on both of these issues over the past two decades, from a research as well as a programming pe…

Neurodivergent children and their caregivers face unique challenges when a child needs to be brought into hospitals or similar medical settings. Unfortunately, many physicians working in emergency medicine and in hospital settings have little training in supporting children and families under the circumstances. Barry and Dave discuss these issues w…

One of the most exciting areas of innovation over the past few decades for children and adults with communication challenges and their families is augmentative and alternative communication options. Barry and Dave discuss a wide range of issues related to AAC with Rachel Madel, a speech-language pathologist who focuses on AAC in her LA – based prac…

Polyvagal theory has emerged over the past few decades as an important construct in psychology and neurophysiology to help explain human reactions, especially when a person is under stress. It addresses a deeper, neurological basis to for understanding fight, flight and freeze responses, that have been misunderstood for years when observed in neuro…

Emotional regulation is being embraced by parents, neurodivergent individuals educators and therapists as an important concept underlying respectful and developmentally informed practices for supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals. As founder and Director of Children's Autism Services of Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Terri Duncan, CCC-SLP…

Neurodivergent children and their caregivers face a unique set of challenges in ensuring that they have access to appropriate services supporting dental and oral health. Unfortunately, due to some of these challenges, many children grow up without appropriate supports, and experience long-term negative physical and mental health repercussions. Barr…

As a deeply reflective, and insightful individual, Becca Lory Hector has constructed a life and career of sharing what she has learned about growing up autistic, without a diagnosis until adulthood. With her engaging new autobiographical work, she once again demonstrates that lived experience is the best teacher, especially when shared generously w…

One of the most important cutting-edge discoveries for autistic and neurodivergent individuals is that non-speakers, many of them previously thought to be intellectually disabled and non-communicative, are now able to demonstrate their knowledge and share their experiences through supported communication. With their guest, psychology professor Dr. …

Gestalt language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition: A Discussion with Marge Blanc, CCC-SLP, and Alex Zachos, CCC-SLP Gestalt language processing and natural language acquisition are topics that have received a great deal of attention in recent years, grounded in research that goes back to the 1970s. These concepts have helped to explain a…

Strategies for Successful Transitions Back to School for Parents and Professionals a conversation with Dave and Barry Supporting successful transitions back to school is critical for maximizing success for the whole school year. Join us as we throw back to episode 31st, where Dave and Barry shared a lively discussion about challenges and creative s…

A great deal of attention is given to different treatment approaches for supporting communication and relationships with children with social learning differences. However, how we actually speak to children in therapeutic and every day interactions, is given relatively less attention. Through her publications and presentations, Linda Murphy has dev…

Neuro-affirming care and the clinical profile of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) are two critical issues that have risen to forefront of autism services and supports for individuals and families. In this lively and deeply informative discussion, Dr. Taylor Day speaks with Barry and Dave about how she understands and addresses these important ar…

A recognized significant challenge for autistic and neurodivergent families and individuals and families is maintaining a lifestyle that supports physical health and well-being. Belden Long and Kara Wilkinson, as professionals and with expertise in addressing physical health, report on findings of their research as well as their personal experience…

Ellen Galinsky is a respected and renowned expert in child development, and in this episode, she discusses crucial issues she has researched and worked on directly in supporting healthy cognitive, social and emotional development in children and teens. Barry and Dave discuss a range of developmental issues with Ellen and their relevance in understa…

Creating Connection in Drumming and Rhythm-based Activities: A Discussion with "Master Teaching Artist" Bob Bloom. As a “Master Teaching Artist”, Bob Bloom uses drumming, rhythm and singing to create fun and engaging experiences for children and their families, and adults. Specifically, he provides programs to help all children, neurotypical and ne…

Siblings of children and family members with autism and other conditions live and grow up in a unique space in their relationships within the family. Their lived experience may present challenges, as well as unique opportunities for growth in supporting their autistic or neurodivergent sibling. Barry and Dave engage in a wide-ranging discussion wit…

Ezra is 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…

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 s…

Shannon Rosa and Carol Ann Greenburg are 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 car…

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 f…

Episode 102 - Insights into Neurodivergence Following Brain Surgery: A Discussion with Jacki Edry, Autism Advocate, Parent and Cancer Survivor. Jacki Edry’s personal journey as a brain surgery survivor and parent of autistic and neurodivergent children provides unique insight into the neurodivergent experience. Additionally, her courage and persist…

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 pr…

We are celebrating our 100th Episode! We couldn't have done this without you, our Uniquely Human Community. Thank you! Love on the Spectrum is 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. Da…

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 …

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 that Dr. Temple Grandin has made in her career is increasing awareness of different learning styles demonstrated by autistic and neurodivergent individuals. H…

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 de…

Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral, both neurodivergent professionals and parents of neurodivergent children bring a unique perspective to the challenges and gifts of raising children of color. Based on their new book, Parenting at the Intersections, we discuss the barriers that families of color face over and above those encountered by all families who …

How to Dance in Ohio is a heart-filled new musical that explores what it means to belong, the courage it takes to put yourself out in the world, and the universal need to connect. The musical follows the challenges and triumphs faced by a group of seven autistic young adults at a counseling center in Columbus, Ohio. The center arranges a spring for…

In his first description of autism, Leo Kanner noted that “insistence on preservation of sameness” was a distinguishing characteristic of autistic individuals. This may be manifest in a number of characteristics including “resistance to change” and the need to maintain routines that have been established in daily activities. Often such patterns may…

Autistic and other neurodivergent people of all ages are vulnerable to many factors, both internal and external, that may lead to anxiety and phobias. Dr. Karen Levine’s publications and clinical innovations have directly addressed these challenges in respectful and insightful ways. We discuss ways to understand such challenges and provide support …

One of the most challenging behavioral patterns observed in neurodivergent individuals with developmental challenges (and, in fact, all children!), is when they verbally or nonverbally communicate “NO”. In fact, the term “Non-compliance” has been the most frequently used phrase when characterizing refusal or protest behavior, and such behavior most…

Dr. Mary Doherty founded Autistic Doctors international to unify autistic voices who work in medical and health care to “have a seat at the table” in establishing policies and practices sensitive to the needs of neurodivergent individuals. She believes that the lived experience of autistic professionals is essential to shift medical and healthcare …

Amanda Diekman discusses and provides examples of the approach she refers to as “Low Demand Parenting” and presents this approach in contrast to advice often given to parents of autistic and other neurodivergent children. With her lived experience as a mother of three neurodivergent children, and as an autistic person, she challenges many mainstrea…

It is widely recognized, but unfortunately, that most attention is paid to understanding and supporting autistic individuals in their childhood years, but much less so in middle-aged and older individuals. The result is a critical need for understanding of the experience of autism in older and late-diagnosed individuals, both from a research and su…

Dr. Peter Vermeulen, a Belgian Psychologist, is an important international voice in his constructive criticism of popular views on understanding the autistic experience. He is one of the rare professionals who dedicates much of his time and effort to applying the most recent research on human cognition to thinking deeply about the inner experiences…

The experience of autism creates complex relationships for many in a shared community, that can result in misunderstandings and even anger directed to others. People in these relationships include autistic individuals, parents, family members, educators, therapists, and many significant others. That said, there is also great potential for loving, m…

An understanding of the experiences of non-speakers, or those with minimal speech, is an essential part of the neurodiversity movement. With the appropriate supports, including AAC technology, non-speakers who were silent for years, are now capable of sharing their experiences and their feelings about being misunderstood and too often mistreated. E…

Chris Antao is the lead Surf Therapist, Trainer and EMT at his non-profit, Gnome Surf Therapy. He has grown Gnome Surf into the fastest growing Surf Therapy Organization globally. As founder and Executive Director, Chris has completed over 3,000 hours surfing with athletes of various ages and abilities, making him one of the most experienced Surf T…

Jory Fleming is an accomplished academic, a Rhodes Scholar and a delightful person who has many interests and passions. He also has a unique ability to reflect on his own thought processes and discuss the complexities of the autistic mind in a manner that is both engaging and enlightening. Barry and Dave have a fascinating discussion with Jory abou…

EPISODE 83 - A Discussion with Terra Vance: Autistic Social Activist and Founder of NeuroClastic Terra Vance discusses her work in developing NeuroClastic, the social justice on-line community that brings awareness and action to many social justice issues faced by neurodivergent and marginalized individuals. In this episode, she shares her backgrou…

John Summers is an historian, and the father of a 12-year-old autistic son. He holds strong feelings about Applied Behavior Analysis after many years of stressful experiences for his son, and for him as a father. He also has major concerns about the institutionalization of ABA in autism treatment, and bureaucracies that hold significant power over …