Uniquely Human: The Podcast
Uniquely Human: the Podcast expands the conversation on autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of autistic individuals and thought leaders in providing insightful, cutting-edge and practical information about the autistic experience. Hosted by Barry Prizant and Dave Finch.
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De-pathologizing Series EP 4 – Autism: A Blessing?? A Tragedy?? with Barry and Dave
05/10/2024
De-pathologizing Series EP 4 – Autism: A Blessing?? A Tragedy?? with Barry and Dave
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. and discuss such complexities with a goal of honoring the experience of each individual, as well as family members.
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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism, with Shannon Rosa and Carol Ann Greenburg
04/26/2024
Thinking Person's Guide to Autism, with Shannon Rosa and Carol Ann Greenburg
and 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 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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Understanding Autism, with Scott Steindorff
04/12/2024
Understanding Autism, with Scott Steindorff
Episode 103 • Understanding Autism: A Discussion with Autistic Film Producer and Director, Scott Steindorff , an accomplished autistic film producer and director travelled the world to make his new film, ““. Barry and Dave discuss Scott’s personal experiences leading to his motivation and goals in creating this feature length documentary.
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Neurodivergence Following Brain Surgery: A Discussion with Jacki Edry
03/29/2024
Neurodivergence Following Brain Surgery: A Discussion with Jacki Edry
Episode 102 - Insights into Neurodivergence Following Brain Surgery: A Discussion with Jacki Edry, Autism Advocate, Parent and Cancer Survivor. 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 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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Progress for Nonspeakers: A 3 Year Follow-up with Elizabeth Vosseller and Ian Nordling
03/15/2024
Progress for Nonspeakers: A 3 Year Follow-up with Elizabeth Vosseller and Ian Nordling
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 with , a young autistic man who has benefitted from Spelling to Communicate (S2C), and, who developed (S2C). In this episode, we get an update on progress for non-speakers.
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Love on the Spectrum: Meet Elaine, Steve and David!
03/01/2024
Love on the Spectrum: Meet Elaine, Steve and David!
We are celebrating our 100th Episode! We couldn't have done this without you, our Uniquely Human Community. Thank you! 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. Dave and Barry join , who consults to the show and helped with casting, and with and , 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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De-pathologizing Series #3 – Autism and Relationships, with Dave and Barry
02/16/2024
De-pathologizing Series #3 – Autism and Relationships, with Dave and Barry
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. and discuss these issues from a historical, clinical, and first person perspective.
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Temple Grandin on Understanding Different Minds
02/02/2024
Temple Grandin on Understanding Different Minds
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 has 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, , 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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Neurodivergence, Chronic Pain (Fibromyalgia) and Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Michael Lenz
01/19/2024
Neurodivergence, Chronic Pain (Fibromyalgia) and Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Michael Lenz
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. , 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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Raising Neurodivergent Children of Color: with Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral
01/05/2024
Raising Neurodivergent Children of Color: with Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral
and , 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, , we discuss the barriers that families of color face over and above those encountered by all families who have children with neurodevelopmental differences, as well as all that can be learned in each family’s journey.
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Autism on Broadway: "How to Dance in Ohio" Makes History
12/22/2023
Autism on Broadway: "How to Dance in Ohio" Makes History
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 formal dance, and encourages them as they encounter love, fear, stress, excitement, and hope along the path to human connection. We speak with , Founder and Executive Director of that honored the cast and crew with the DJF Foundation Adult Autism award, and with , book author and lyricist, and , Assistant Music Director and member of the show’s access team.
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De-pathologizing Series EP 2 – Exploring the "Deep Why" of Control - with Barry and Dave
12/08/2023
De-pathologizing Series EP 2 – Exploring the "Deep Why" of Control - with Barry and Dave
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 be manifest throughout the lifespan and too often, are described primarily as problematic and as a “symptom” of autism. But what if rather than viewing “control” through the lens of pathology, we consider the “deep why”. That is, from the perspective of the person who is viewed as controlling, what functions might be served by such patterns? and discuss the issue of control from their own personal experiences.
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Anxiety, Phobias, and the Therapeutic Use of Humor - with Dr. Karen Levine
11/24/2023
Anxiety, Phobias, and the Therapeutic Use of Humor - with Dr. Karen Levine
Autistic and other neurodivergent people of all ages are vulnerable to many factors, both internal and external, that may lead to anxiety and phobias. publications and clinical innovations have directly addressed these challenges in respectful and insightful ways. We discuss ways to understand such challenges and provide support based on a deeper understanding of the experiences shared by autistic individuals and neurodivergent individuals. Karen discusses her approach focusing on relationships, affective support, and the use of humor in co-regulation .
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De-pathologizing Series EP 1 – The Many Meanings of NO - with Barry and Dave
11/10/2023
De-pathologizing Series EP 1 – The Many Meanings of NO - with Barry and Dave
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 often raises the “ire” of an adult partner. In approaches that focusing only on the surface behavior, and do not explore the “deep why”, reducing “non-compliant” behavior is often targeted in behavior plans for children. However, when a child communicates “NO”, the picture may be much more complex than it first appears. In this first episode or our de-pathologizing series, and explore these complexities.
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Autistic Doctors International, with Dr. Mary Doherty.
10/28/2023
Autistic Doctors International, with 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 practices to be more effective and neuroaffirming. Barry and Dave discuss these issues with Mary.
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Low-demand Parenting: with Amanda Diekman
10/13/2023
Low-demand Parenting: with 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 mainstream beliefs about raising children, especially those who are defined as having behavioral patterns perceived as problematic by others. Her work prioritizes building trusting relationships focused on supporting the emotional growth and well-being of children.
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Aging and Autism: with Christine Jenkins, Autistic Advocate
09/29/2023
Aging and Autism: with Christine Jenkins, Autistic Advocate
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 support need perspective. These issues are discussed with , an autistic advocate and professional with expertise and personal experience in this much needed area of focus.
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The Predictive Mind, Neuroharmony and the H.A.P.P.Y Program, with Dr. Peter Vermeulen
09/15/2023
The Predictive Mind, Neuroharmony and the H.A.P.P.Y Program, with 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 of autistic people. And he does so in the service of making direct links to implications and strategies for support. In this episode, Barry and Dave discuss some of Peter’s thought-provoking perspectives.
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Gratitude and the autistic experience, with Elaine Hall
09/01/2023
Gratitude and the autistic experience, with Elaine Hall
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, mutually supportive and trusting relationships, but that takes work. wears many hats, as a neurodivergent parent-professional, author, speaker, and consultant in film and TV. Despite significant barriers for her and her son, she has navigated and has thrived on her journey with grace and deep gratitude that is a gift to so many. Dave and Barry join Elaine in a discussion of the experience of feeling gratitude, and the importance of sharing those feelings with others.
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A Conversation with Elizabeth Bonker, a University Valedictorian and a Dedicated Advocate for Non-speakers
08/18/2023
A Conversation with Elizabeth Bonker, a University Valedictorian and a Dedicated Advocate for Non-speakers
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. , a non-speaking autistic woman, discusses her journey and her commitment to educating society and supporting the millions of neurodivergent non-speaking individuals, so many of whom have so much potential to contribute to an inclusive, humane society when provided with effective means to communicate. Note from the hosts: Questions were submitted to Elizabeth ahead of time due to the length of time it takes to formulate and type responses. This is a common procedure when non-speakers are asked to respond to interview questions or are on panels and giving presentations at conferences.
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Talking Surf Therapy with Chris Antao, Founder of Gnome Surf Therapy
08/04/2023
Talking Surf Therapy with Chris Antao, Founder of Gnome Surf Therapy
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 Therapists globally. He was an early contributor to the International Surf Therapy Organization, where he helped mold best practices in surf therapy. He majored in Psychology at Sacred Heart University with a focus on Child Development. Since then, Chris has established Gnome Surf as a strong value-based organization for children and adults of all abilities focusing on inclusion, acceptance, diversity and equality.
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A Discussion about Being Human with Jory Fleming
07/21/2023
A Discussion about Being Human with 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 about his personal journey, and his deep interests and special talents in a manner that provides helpful insights into understanding the autistic experience and supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
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Terra Vance: Autistic Social Activist and Founder of NeuroClastic
07/07/2023
Terra Vance: Autistic Social Activist and Founder of NeuroClastic
EPISODE 83 - A Discussion with Terra Vance: Autistic Social Activist and Founder of NeuroClastic discusses her work in developing , 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 background leading to her focus on social justice issues, and her current efforts to support individuals who too often have few resources to experience and obtain equitable support and justice.
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A Father, A Son and the ABA Machine - with John Summers
06/23/2023
A Father, A Son and the ABA Machine - with 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 how disabled individuals are educated and treated. John discusses these issues from the perspective of an historian interested in the development and domination of systems for disabled people, that are too often dehumanizing , as well as the from his experience as an engaged and loving father working to do the best for his son.
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Autism and Language-Based Learning Disabilities, with Dr. Daniel Franklin
06/09/2023
Autism and Language-Based Learning Disabilities, with Dr. Daniel Franklin
Autistic individuals often experience, a complex array of co-occurring conditions that impact academic achievement, including language-based learning disabilities, dyslexia and ADHD. Dr. , a specialist in language-based learning disabilities and other neurodivergent conditions shares his expertise clinical and research expertise, and provides practical suggestions to support students and older individuals.
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Autism and Human–Animal Relationships, with Becca Lory Hector
05/26/2023
Autism and Human–Animal Relationships, with Becca Lory Hector
We all know that relationships with non-human animals play an important role in quality of life for all people, and especially so for autistic and neurodivergent people. With a lifetime of experience in such relationships, shares her professional expertise and discusses her personal experiences as an Autistic Professional, with special attention to the obligation we all have in forming and nurturing mutually satisfying relationships and connections with non-human animals.
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Autism is a Journey, NOT a Verdict: A Conversation with Barry and Dave
05/12/2023
Autism is a Journey, NOT a Verdict: A Conversation with Barry and Dave
A parent’s perspective and reaction to receiving an autism diagnosis is often shaped by how autism is presented to them, their previous experiences and preconceptions about autism, or a combination of the two. The same may be true for an autistic person receiving a diagnosis for the first time. Too often, a major source of stress and misunderstanding is when autism is presented as a verdict. That is, the diagnosis in and of itself will determine the quality of life for a child, person, or family, too often in terms of a struggle, or a dire prognosis that may include a listing of the stressors that would be experienced. However, an alternative perspective is viewing the experience of autism as a journey, which opens up the possibility of potential for growth for the child, older person, and family. In this episode of Uniquely Human: The Podcast, and discuss these radically different approaches to understanding the experience of autism.
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Feeding and Nutritional Issues with Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals - with Yaffi Lvova
04/28/2023
Feeding and Nutritional Issues with Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals - with Yaffi Lvova
Nutrition and feeding are common issues of concern for parents of autistic family members, and for autistic people themselves. With appropriate nutrition, quality of life is improved due to enhanced physical and mental health and improved relationships with those who play a role in supporting good nutrition and successful feeding interactions. , a neurodivergent Dietitian Nutritionist provides crucial information and advice for family members and autistic people.
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Autism, Eating Disorders and Sensory Processing - with Kim Clairy, Autistic OT
04/14/2023
Autism, Eating Disorders and Sensory Processing - with Kim Clairy, Autistic OT
is an autistic occupational therapist who brings a variety of perspectives in educating others about autism, eating disorders, and sensory processing conditions. Initially diagnosed with a severe eating disorder, she faced a healthcare system that was ill-prepared to understand the complexities of her conditions, and that prescribed treatments that were not only not helpful, but in some ways, damaging. With the support of her husband, and a passion to be self-educated, she has emerged as a powerful voice and advocate for supporting others with complex conditions co-occurring with their autism. Kim shares details of her journey and provides helpful guidance for families and their autistic family members.
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Does Being Black Come before Being Autistic? - with Tiffany Hammond
03/31/2023
Does Being Black Come before Being Autistic? - with Tiffany Hammond
wears many hats. First, she is the loving mother of two autistic children, a developmental psychologist who provides professional consultation and she has a huge network with her Instagram following on . Based on her experiences as both a professional and a mother, as well as the way she has been treated herself as an autistic person, she has become a fierce, social justice activist. She also is a talented writer. We discuss issues she feels passionately about, as well as her forthcoming book, inspired by her son, .
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