The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio

Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks   Giftedness, 2e and Overexcitabilities This week Dr. Linda Silverman joins us to explore giftedness. Dr. Silverman, gifted expert and founder of The Gifted Development Center in Colorado, understands the complexity and challenges of giftedness as few, perhaps, do. Join us as she shares her insights about the intellectual, developmental, emotional characteristics, and overexcitabilities of gifted children and adults.  Linda Kreger Silverman , Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist. She directs the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development, and its subsidiary, the Gifted Development Center, in Denver, Colorado. She has authored a number of books including, Upside-Down Brilliance: The Visual-Spatial Learner, and soon to be released Giftedness 101. (in press) Dr. Silverman founded the only journal on adult giftedness, Advanced Development. Currently, she is conducting research on profoundly gifted children, the visual-spatial learner, and comparative assessment of the gifted on different instruments.

Dr Ross Greene returns as our guest. His first book "The Explosive Child" is considered the bible to parents with explosive and behaviorally challenged children. His second book "Lost At School" uses his unique model of care, Collaborative Problem Solving, to teach parents, educators and the child or teen themselves how to resolve issues and succeed. Absolutely, hands down the best book and program I have ever seen for dealing with explosive children. 

  Dr Allen Frances Chair of the DSM-IV Task Force returns to discuss the confusion and concerns over the soon to be released DSMV.  How will the changes impact your child?  What do the changes mean for your childs accommodations?  Why are so many additions and revisions causing so much controversy?   The DSM is one of the most powerful manuals of our time.  The criteria within determines not only the diagnosis and labels but the treatments and funding for our children.   Join the man who has been outspoken and steadfast in his beliefs about the state of the DSM and how it will impact our lives. 

Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized authority on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. The apples don't fall far from the trees - join us to discuss adult and child ADHD.  Untreated ADHD in a child continues into adulthood with struggles in relationships, careers and every aspect of life.  Executive functioning skills are key, learn tips and acquire tools to overcome deficits. Join us with the most respected expert in the world along with special co-host Laura Rolands the ADHD Coach to discuss this common and treatable disorder.  

  Meet the hosts Diane M. Kennedy and Rebecca S. Banks, the authors of Bright Not Broken,with contributor, Temple Grandin, have a combination of personal and professional experience with learning and developmental disabilities. Kennedy and Banks hosts of Bright Not Broken are mothers, as well as professionals who previously collaborated on the bookThe ADHD Autism Connection, and each has multiple children who are twice exceptional.  “Twice exceptional” “a relatively recent term that refers to children who have dual ‘exceptionalities’—that is, exceptional gifts (creative, academic, intellectual, or physical abilities) along with a learning or developmental disability.” ‘Who They Are,’ ‘Why They’re Stuck,’ and finally, ‘How to Help Them.’

JBRF investigators are currently conducting studies in the fields of phenomenology (diagnosis), neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing, and molecular genetics. Through their novel Web site, and the screening instruments JBRF researchers have developed, they have been able to collect information on thousands of children with the disorder. This is the largest data base in the world, and it has allowed them to develop a fine-grained view of the illness.  A novel phenotype, cutting edge research and the passion and dedication of Dr Papolos and his team have given children with bipolar disorder and their families hope and promise. Join Dr Papolos and Inger Sjogren, executive director on their third appearance with updates and an exciting announcement.     

  Join us as we talk about twice-exceptional children with Drs. James Webb and Edward Amend, psychologists and experts on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth. James T. Webb, Ph.D., has been recognized as one of the 25 most influential psychologists nationally on gifted education. In 1981, Dr. Webb established SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted Children, Inc.), a national nonprofit organization that provides information, training, conferences and workshops, and he remains as Chair of SENG’s Professional Advisory Committee.   Edward R. Amend, Psy.D. , is a Clinical Psychologist at Amend Psychological Services, focuses on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth and their families. Dr. Amend has served on the Board of Directors of SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted) for five years. Drs. Webb and Amend co-authored Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger’s Depression and Other Disorders  which addresses many of the issues gifted children, adults and their families face.

  Steven Kurtz, PhD, ABPP, is one of the nation’s leading clinicians in the treatment of children’s behavioral problems and disorders, particularly attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the social anxiety disorder selective mutism (SM). He is a widely respected clinical researcher and child psychologist, one of fifteen master trainers in parent-child interaction therapy endorsed by PCIT International, and a dedicated advocate for children with special needs.

  Senior Director, Anxiety & Mood Disorders Center; Director, Intensive Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Program CHILD MIND INSTITUTE Jerome Bubrick, PhD, is a nationally renowned cognitive and behavioral psychologist who specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He is widely recognized for developing one of the world’s most intensive pediatric programs for OCD, and over the past decade he has been a pioneer in the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment of children and teens with OCD and related anxiety disorders. A dedicated advocate for children and their families, Dr. Bubrick is a significant public voice educating parents and teachers about the fear at the roots of anxiety—and how it’s effectively treated.  

We are honored to have Dr Grandin return for her fifth appearance on The Coffee Klatch.  "Different Not Less " the phrase made famous by Dr Grandin's mother Eustacia Cutler in the HBO biopic Thinking In Pictures the story of Temple Grandins life, is the title of her latest book.  Inspiring stories of achievement and successful employment from adults with Autism, Aspergers and ADHD is one of the most empowering books I have had the pleasure to read.  In this latest release Dr Grandin shares stories of adversity and triumph from those with autism spectrum disorders.  Heart wrenching and overwhelmingly inspirational stories that give hope and validation for those who have fought for their success and independence will give hope to millions.  The always informative, gracious and quite funny Dr Grandin is a national treasure.  She just keeps getting better and better!

    The New York Times story Autism Wars has a lot of people talking - Wednesday a very special event - Thinking Persons Guide To Autism editors take the mic discussing cross-disability solidarity. The NYT story featured two of the guests/editors and they join us tonight.  Guests:  Shannon Rosa Jennifer Myers Carol Greenburg Emily Willingham  Kassiane Sibley  Christa Dahlstrom Considered among the most respected and admired autism advocates in the country, these women bring incredible knowledge in all areas of autism parenting, advocacy, techonology and community awareness. 

  Dana Commandatore is the mother of an autistic boy hoping for a better quality of life for autistic people and their families.  Through her creation of Rethinking Autism with her husband and actor Michael Broderick, she has started the converstation of acceptance that brings awareness.  Changing The Coversation One Video At A Time!   Join Dana as she hosts this very special interview with her husband, actor Michael Broderick discussing his involvement in Rethinking Autism videos and advice for father's of newly diagnosed children.  Through their powerful videos, Dana and Michael are not only changing the conversation but changing the world's view of Autism                                                                                  

  Alex Plank is a busy young man. Creating one of the most subscribed to and successful web sites for those with Asperger's and Autism isn't enough for him. In addition to creating and running WrongPlanet.net, Alex has a very active speakiing schedule.  But the thing that has Alex's passion right now is his current work - a film documentary. Alex, and his co-producer, Noah Trevino, will be with us on Monday, April 16 at 9PM EDT to discuss their important work documenting the terrible state of Autism in France. 

    Listen to Wendy Fournier, President of the National Autism Association.  The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential. With greater autism numbers comes greater need for services. Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover autism services. NAA’s Helping Hand Program was developed as a financial aid tool for families that need it most. The program helps qualified families pay for medical and therapy services used to treat adults and children diagnosed with autism. Wandering, elopement, safety education for parents and teachers is paramount to the organizaion.   Protecting from abuse of Restraint and Seclusion will also be discussed. 

  Autism Movement Therapy is focused on serving the autism community by supporting autism research and through cognitive re-mapping, Joanne Lara's successful Autism Movement Therapy® is an interhemispheric SENSORY INTEGRATION technique incorporating movement and music in collaboration with Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in meeting and achieving their speech and language, social and academic IEP goals.   "Programs like Joanne's Autism Movement Therapy offer opportunities for our kids to develop the necessary and fundamental skills that benefit all our kids.  Art saved my life!" - Temple Grandin, PhD Joanne Lara seamlessly combines artistry with science as she takes the viewer through easy to understand, easy to implement movement exercises and activities for children with special needs. I highly recommend her aut-erobics DVD to any one who works with children on the autism spectrum." - Elaine Hall, Founder of The Miracle Project (Autism: The Musical), Author: Now I See the Moon: a mother, a son, a miracle