Welcome to Autism Conversations, which was designed to provide families, caregivers, and individuals with autism with accessible support and information to assist them through their journey. For more information regarding these podcasts, and/or if you would like access to additional resources and supports, please check out the Autism Programs’ portal: https://cdd.health.unm.edu/autismportal/ You can also send us an email at [email protected]
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NM-ABC: Support for Providers to Improve Youth Mental Health Care
31:39
31:39
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31:39During this conversation, you will learn about the foundation and history of the New Mexico Access to Behavioral Health for Children Program (NM-ABC). In 2004, it was recognized that there was a massive shortage of pediatric mental healthcare specialists in the country and, specifically, the State of New Mexico. The staff of NM-ABC has been incredi…
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The Importance of Voting – The Accessible Voting Process
26:24
26:24
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26:24This conversation focuses on numerous ways to support people with disabilities to have access to voting, which is a privilege for all Americans. Enjoy the conversation while learning about the ease of registering to vote, absentee ballot requirements, and accommodations that have been made available online through the local Poll Workers’ guide. Man…
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NM START: Supporting Individuals with Autism to Manage Critical Situations
22:04
22:04
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22:04What do you do if you or a loved one with autism and other mental health needs comes across a situation that is we talk with the lead team of New Mexico START. A New Mexico evidence-based, community crisis prevention and intervention service that provides the necessary supports for individuals to successfully manage challenging life experiences due…
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This is a special recording of a panel discussion of the Imagine Autism Virtual Workshop that focused on Adult Life, which was hosted by the Autism Programs at the UNM Center for Development and Disability. Six autistic adults share their own experiences about their diagnosis of autism; life with friends, family and general social relationships. Th…
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Getting a job is an exciting process for anyone. It is the beginning of a new chapter in a person’s life, as individuals get out into the community and build life skills. Autonomy includes making money and being able to manage it towards short/long term goals. Being able to access things that you desire and/or need gives you a sense of gaining inde…
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Expectations of a Parent – Fathers Navigating the Autism Journey
53:08
53:08
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53:08On this episode of Autism Conversations, our facilitator leads an incredible discussion with three fathers who share their perspectives and share advice regarding their child’s journey. In this podcast, the fathers discuss the diagnosis of autism and how they have navigated service systems. They share heartfelt discussions on how they received valu…
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Self-Advocates and Transition to Adulthood
1:27:53
1:27:53
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1:27:53We proudly present our latest podcast, which addresses transitioning into adulthood. We all go through transitions in life. Let’s listen to the personal journeys of four autistic self-advocates who share things they wish they knew, as they themselves transitioned to adulthood. While uniquely their own, together, their stories will offer insights an…
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The Autism Journey: Self Advocate Stories of Living With Autism
1:01:56
1:01:56
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1:01:56March 17, 2023 - The value of a shared story is immeasurable. In this episode of Autism Conversations, we hear from four autistic self-advocates who graciously share their personal stories and advocacy insights. Please join us for this opportunity to listen and learn from these honest voices and powerful stories.…
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Caregivers and Transition into Adulthood (Part 1)
44:36
44:36
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44:36We are proud to present this podcast, which addresses transitioning into adulthood. We all go through transitions in life. For young adults on the spectrum, some just happen to require a bit more work and persistence. Please join us as we share some inspiring stories from the caregiver’s point of view and how their resilience proved to be successfu…
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Increased Computer Usage during COVID. How is it Affecting Families with Autism?
42:27
42:27
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42:27This podcast focuses on the importance in maintaining a healthy balance of social activity outside the virtual world of technology for individuals with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Debra Montana, and her guests as they share a powerful conversation that includes creative ideas and strategies to help our loved ones with autism. Debra’s speci…
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The Importance of Exercise, as an Evidence-Based Practice, for Individuals with Autism
27:28
27:28
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27:28This podcast addresses the importance of consistent exercise and activity for a healthy lifestyle for individuals with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Jayme Swalby, as she has an informative discussion with UNM Health Education Consultant, Lauren Lewis, Education Consultant, Felicia Nevarez and Autism Programs administrative staff member and s…
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Family Disaster Plan for Families Living with Autism
40:28
40:28
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40:28This podcast focuses on how to plan and have items you may need in the event of an emergency while being respectful of special considerations for our family members with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Jayme Swalby, as she has a conversation with Lisa McNiven with the New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability, Roselyn Cintron and Barbara …
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Siblings, COVID and Autism: Finding a Balance
32:53
32:53
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32:53This podcast addresses issues that our siblings of children with autism have to face during a pandemic. Please join our Facilitator, Debra Montana and her podcast partner, Jayme Swalby, as they share a conversation with Psychologist, BCBA and lecturer at the UNM College of Education, Dr. Megan Martins; family leader, advocate and Coordinator of Rec…
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Understanding Guilt in Parents of Children with Autism
47:35
47:35
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47:35This podcast addresses various complex factors that trigger feelings of guilt in parents with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Lauriann King, and her guests: Social Worker, Tory Everhart; Dr. Julia Oppenheimer, Director of ECEP and family leader, advocate and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Amy Hall Rodriguez. This conversation focuses on add…
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Staying Connected Through Technology During a Quarantine
22:28
22:28
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22:28This podcast addresses inquiries from various communities in New Mexico. Facilitator, Debbie Montana, and her guests Senior Program Therapist, Jayme Swalby; Education Consultant, Kayla Tuton; Technical Analyst II, Michael Riblett and family leader and advocate from Elevate the Spectrum, Kristina Martinez, respond to feedback received by the communi…
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A Different World Awaits Re-Entry Considerations Post Quarantine
44:51
44:51
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44:51We are pleased to present our podcast, which addresses inquiries from various communities in New Mexico. Facilitator, Lauriann King, and her guests Dr. Seema Jacob, Dr. Peggy Maclean, Education Consultant, Felicia Nevarez and Counselor/Social Worker, Dana Demos-Curtis address real life concerns from people just like you. Listen how this group of pr…
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Social Distancing: What does it mean for Navajo Families?
33:20
33:20
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33:20We are proud to present our latest podcast, which specifically addresses inquiries from our Native American communities. You will not want to miss this informative discussion. Facilitator, Jayme Swalby, Speech Language Pathologist, Christine Vining, Social Worker, Kristy Adakai-Tinney and Program Specialist, Lyn Wilson-King address inquiries from t…
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Wait, I’m Not a Therapist! Balancing Telehealth Services and Home Life: Part B
5:31
5:31
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5:31Presenters Jayme Swalby, Gay Finlayson and Lisa Kalberg focus on the many challenges faced while balancing working at home and providing therapy to a child with autism, which is part of learning how to exist in the worldwide new normal. Albeit challenging, we are all doing the best we can juggling different roles at the same time in one place…home.…
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Wait, I’m Not a Therapist! Balancing Telehealth Services and Home Life: Part A
18:04
18:04
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18:04Presenters Jayme Swalby, Gay Finlayson and Lisa Kalberg focus on the many challenges faced while balancing working at home and providing therapy to a child with autism, which is part of learning how to exist in the worldwide new normal. Albeit challenging, we are all doing the best we can juggling different roles at the same time in one place…home.…
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Decreasing Stress While Living with Autism and Social Distancing
38:26
38:26
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38:26Facilitator Jayme Swalby and her guests, Dr. Mary Beth Graham, Dr. Michelle Iemolo, Dr. Seema Jacobs and Occupational Therapist, Kristen Red-Horse discuss a common denominator that most families are facing in current times…stress exhibited while living with autism. A quote stated during the discussion sets the tone for this informative podcast – It…
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Navigating Relationships: From Friendships to Romance
43:53
43:53
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43:53This podcast is a collaboration with Otero County Advocates for Developmental Disabilities to provide direct supports to their local community. Jayme Swalby, our facilitator leads an informative conversation with panelists Thea Kavanaugh, Certified Health Education Specialist; Natalie “Nan” Kossar, Special Education Teacher; Michael Swalby, Self-Ad…
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Stress, Mental Health and Coping: Embracing community and finding understanding
30:13
30:13
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30:13We are proud to present this podcast, which is in direct support and collaboration with the Deming, New Mexico community. Lyn Wilson-King, our facilitator, and the panel, Dr. Ann Branscum; counselor and social worker, Dana Demos-Curtis; and education and outreach manager, Lisa Kalberg share in a discussion that focuses on managing priorities by wei…
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Things You Wish You Knew – a panel of Family Leaders, Advocates and Family Specialists with the Autism Programs
28:25
28:25
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28:25We are pleased to share this podcast, which is a being brought to you by the Autism Programs at the UNM Center for Development and Disability; it is funded by the New Mexico Department of Health and is committed to supporting autism communities all across New Mexico. Debbie Montana, our facilitator, and the panel, Jennifer Sanchez, Nicole Tenny and…
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Self-Care: Ideas to support your loved one and yourself!
53:40
53:40
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53:40We are pleased to share this podcast, which is in direct support and collaboration with Four Corners Families with Autism Support Group. Jayme Swalby, our facilitator, and the panel, Lynette Torivio, Mariah Montoya, Tory Everhart and Lisa Kalberg share in a discussion that focuses on balancing self-care and supports for a family living with autism …
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