The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio

    Understanding Social Thinking and 2e: Giftedness, Asperger’s, ADHD Join us as we talk with Michelle Garcia Winner, speech language pathologist, author, international speaker and pioneer of the concept social thinking. Michelle specializes in bright kids who think and learn differently. Her keen insights and practical strategies have been extremely helpful to parents and educators alike. We will discuss social thinking, giftedness, 2e, Asperger’s and   Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, specializes in the treatment of individuals with social-cognitive deficits: those with diagnoses such as high-functioning autism, Asperger Syndrome and nonverbal learning disorder. She began teaching Social Thinking® in 1995 to brighter students when she went to work for a high school district as the district’s speech language pathologist. Social Thinking was born out of necessity as a way to reach those “bright but socially clueless students” that needed more information than just what social skill to use. They needed to know why they should bother to use that skill. She runs a clinic, has authored numerous books including her latest critically acclaimed book, Social Thinking at Work and speaks internationally. She coined the term Social Thinking and pioneered the related treatment approach. She was awarded a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition in 2008  

"Neurodiversity" by Dr Armstrong - Brilliance "Neurodiversity - Discovering the Extraordinary gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and other brain differences. This book has it all - what research tells us about the specific strengths for each disorder - why disability labels are culturally relative - how to take advantage of assistive technology - career paths that emphasize the gifts of neurodiverse adults - why inclusive classrooms offer the best learning experience. Honestly - I read about three or four books a week - all wonderful - this one - this one is the ONE! Join us on our Blog Talk Radio Tonight 9pm est with Dr Thomas Armstrong EXTRAORDINARY!

  Join us as we talk this week with world renowned author, journalist and parent, Adam Feinstein. Adam’s book A History of Autism: Conversations with the Pioneers outlines the history and development of the concept of the autistic spectrum.  His interviews with leading professionals, parents, and adults with autistic conditions reveals the controversies between professionals and the problems that still exist for families in different countries, as well as the progress that has been made. As the administrator for the acclaimed annual Awares international online autism conference Adam brings a unique global perspective to both parents and professionals. His research and resources on ASD are a wellspring of information for anyone involved with 2e children and their families.     Adam Feinstein is the editor of two autism-related websites, AutismConnect (www.autismconnect.org.uk) and Awares (www.awares.org), both run by Autism Cymru, Wales’s national charity for autism. He also runs the acclaimed annual Awares international online autism conference. He writes extensively on autism for a range of publications, including The Guardian, broadcasts for the BBC, and gives talks at conferences around the world. He is the founder and editor of Looking Up, the monthly international autism newsletter (www.lookingupautism.org), and has contributed to the UK Medical Research Council’s Autism Review. He has a son with autism.    

Look who's here!!!! Daniel H. Pink is the author of four provocative bestselling books about the changing world of work. He uses 50 years of behavioral science to overturn the conventional wisdom about human motivation and offer a more effective path to high performance. Daniel is one of the most renowned motivational speakers of our time. He worked with Vice President Al Gore in the capacity of chief speechwriter from 1995–97, and before that as an aide to Secretary of Labor Robert Reich. TED featured his presentation - he is incredible - take a look> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rrkrvAUbU9Y#at=813

  What if everything you were ever told about dieting was WRONG!  What if some extra body fat was actually good for you? Why eating less and exercising more may not work? Learn how to find foods you like that will keep you satisfied and never feel hungry.    Dr Barry Sears creator of The Zone Diet is a leading authority on the dietary control of hormonal response.  Weight gain is a big problem for the special needs community both for children and for parents.  Join us as we discuss Toxic Fat -Stress, cortisol, hormones and weight gain- Medication Weight Gain for our children - the impotance of Omega Oils and Antioxidants and MOTIVATION to make the healthy lifestyle change.   

  This week we are talking with Jennifer Cook O’ Toole, author, parent and educator of “Asperkids”. Join us as she shares insightful practical advice to help kids with Asperger’s syndrome navigate the hidden snares of social interactions. Jennifer’s unique insider advantage helps parents and professionals understand and teach children with Asperger’s syndrome and related social emotional difficulties. Jennifer Cook O’ Toole was diagnosed as an Aspie in adulthood, is the mother of three Asperkids, and the wife of an Aspie, an award-winning Special Educator and two-time author of brand-new books for and about Asperkids (Asperkids: An Insider’s Guide to Loving, Understanding and Teaching Children with Asperger Syndrome, and upcoming The Asperkids’ (Secret) Book of Social Rules: A Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Guidelines for Teens and Tween

The Judicial Event - Here Come The Judges! 9:00 pm est "Judge Alex Ferrer and Judge Glenda Hatchett" Judge Alex Ferrer host of "Judge Alex" took on the bullies with his Anti-Bullying Campaign and joins us to discuss the importance of adult actions in protecting our children and how your child's behavior may lead them down a path of destruction. Hear what you, the parent, need to know to keep your teen out of his courtroom. 9:30 Judge Glenda Hatchett Host of Court TV Show "Judge Hatchett" joins me to inspire us to "Dare to Take Charge" How to Live Your Life On Purpsose a fantastic book about overcoming adversity and making the changes we all need to succeed and find happiness. Also to be discussed, her no nonsense approach to parenting "Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say" Two terrific advocates for todays children and teens.

  This week we continue our conversation on ASD and DSM-5 with leading autism expert and bestselling author Dr. Fred Volkmar director of The Yale Child Development Center. Dr. Volkmar will address the overall rate of autism (1-88) and the percentage that is made up of the Asperger’s/high functioning population. He will also explain the likely effects that the proposed changes to the autism category in DSM-5 will have on this group. Dr. Volkmar’s views about the impact of the new criteria on the high-functioning population continue to generate much controversy and conversation in the field of autism. Dr  Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., a renowned expert on autism and other childhood mental disorders, is professor of child psychiatry, pediatrics and psychology at Yale University, in New Haven, Conn., where he also directs Yale’s Child Study Center. He is chief of child psychiatry at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  Dr. Volkmar has a long standing interest in the assessment and classification of autism and related disorders. He was the coordinator of the International Field Trial for autism and related disorders and is the primary author of the DSM-IV autism and pervasive developmental disorders section. He is the author of several hundred scientific papers and chapters as well as a number of books including A Practical Guide to Autism: What Every Parent, Family Member, and Teacher Needs to Know, Asperger's Syndrome, Health Care for Children on the Autism Spectrum,  and the Handbook of Autism. He has served as associate editor of the Journal of Autism, The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and the American Journal of Psychiatry and currently is the editor of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

  The publication of DSM5 will no doubt bring changes that will affect twice-exceptional children, especially those with Aspergers Disorder.  Drs. Lorna Wing and Judith Gould, world renowned experts and pioneers of the autism spectrum discuss the upcoming changes in the DSM.   Dr. Lorna Wing, Although officially retired  continues to act as Consultant to the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism. She has 40 years of experience in the field of autism and learning disabilities through her work with the Medical Research Council Social Psychiatry Unit, London. Her published work on the subject of autism has challenged and changed the thinking in the field. In the early days she questioned that Kanner's autism was a single separate entity and through her research work with Judith Gould led to the now accepted concept of a spectrum of autism. It was Dr Wing who, in 1981, coined the term "Asperger syndrome" Her book The Autistic Spectrum, for parents and professionals, has been translated into many languages and it remains a valuable source of information and advice. As a founder member of The National Autistic Society she continues to support the work of the charity Dr. Judith Gould is Director of the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism. She is a Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist with nearly 40 years' experience, specialising in autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. She has published widely in the field of autism spectrum disorders and her research work with Lorna Wing led to the now-accepted concept of a spectrum of autistic conditions. In addition to the diagnostic training at the Centre, Dr Gould is involved in training in autism spectrum disorders and related conditions both within the UK and overseas. Her current interest is autism in girls and women and also the reclassification of autism spectrum disorders  

  Children with X & Y Variations are often diagnosed before birth and are known to have an increased incidence of both Developmental Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. Therefore, infants with X & Y Variations provide a unique opportunity for observing the very early manifestations and the natural evolution of Developmental Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. By monitoring and helping guide the care of these infants, Dr. Samango-Sprouse has been able to both study and assist in the early treatment of Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. Her experience, knowledge, unique education and insight is invaluable to The Focus Foundation, as is her recognition of the integration between a child's mind and learning style, and the importance of movement and motor skills as a framework of all of learning.

As parents, the two of us (Diane and Rebecca) sought answers as to why our own children were trapped by an alphabet soup of labels despite their obvious abilities. While we researched and wrote Bright Not Broken, we realized that we were asking questions no other book has addressed:  Why does the DSM system lead to an alphabet soup of labels? Could it be that our system is fundamentally flawed or incapable of meeting the needs of practicing clinicians and parents?  If not clinicians and caregivers, whom does the DSM system serve?Join us for the second in a two-part series on the DSM.  Featuring Drs. William Sheehan and Stephen Thurber, Part 2 explores some of the challenges the DSM presents for practicing clinicians and parents/caregivers, and addresses some of the questions we raise in our book including, questioning the Validity of the ADHD Diagnosis.GUEST BIO’S: Dr. William Sheehan and Dr. Steven Thurber

  The MetLife Center for Special Needs PlanningSM helps you to take steps to provide lifetime quality care that your dependent with special needs requires. Planning for the future of an individual with special needs requires in-depth knowledge of the federal laws as they pertain to government benefit eligibility and legal documents such as special needs trusts and guardianships. There are important financial considerations as well for providing not just lifetime care, but quality of life. In planning for the future of your dependent, remember that you are the primary expert, but you may also need to turn to a number of other experts for assistance on such things as special needs estate planning. Though many of these issues can seem overwhelming, it is important you take the time with those experts today to provide for your loved one’s tomorrow.   

Join Rebecca Banks and Diane Kennedy as they discuss how the upcoming changes to the DSM will dramatically affect Twice Exceptional Children and Teens with Autism and ADHD.   Somewhere in your journey with your own child, you have no doubt encountered the DSM and it awesome power to dictate the diagnoses, medications, therapies, and educational services your child receives.  Parents of twice-exceptional children are in a highly vulnerable position, balancing extraordinary concern for their children with the necessity of placing their trust in the DSM and the professionals who use it.  But how much do parents really understand this powerful system? Join us for the first in a two-part series on the DSM—the system that impacts every professional and parent caring for a twice-exceptional child. Part 1 offers a “layman’s guide” to the DSM system. In this show, we offer an easy to understand overview of the evolution, design, and criteria for the DSM system, setting the stage to examine the controversies and challenges this system poses for professionals and parents.

Dr Lucy Miller founder Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, author of groundbreaking "Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder" and developer of nationally standardized the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP) to assess preschool children with developmental disorders including Sensory Processing Disorder. Carol Kranowitz author of the best selling book "The Out Of Sync Child" and "Growing an Insync child" along with Hartley Steiner author of Gabrielle Making Sense of School join Marianne Russo to discuss recent misrepresentations of Sensory Processing disorder.

Dr Temple Grandin - Author, Advocate, One of Time Magazines Most Infuential People Of The Year - Emmy Award Winning HBO Movie "Thinking In Pictures" surprised me with a phone call and we took it to the airwaves. This is Temple Grandin's third appearance on the show. "The principal emotion experienced by autistic people is fear"~ TG Join Temple Grandin and Marianne as they discuss Fear and the Autistic child followed