Autism Podcast

Shannon and I interview Geradine Wurzberg director of the film Wretches and Jabberers. The film is about the world travels of two middle-aged autistic men with severe communication difficulties. They travel to Sri Lanka, Japan and Finland to meet other adults with autism and to share more information about autism to different parts of the world. From IMDB: In 'Wretches & Jabberers and Stories from the Road', two men with autism embark on a global quest to change prevailing attitudes about disability and intelligence. With limited speech, Tracy Thresher, 42, and Larry Bissonnette, 52, both faced lives of mute isolation in mental institutions or adult disability centers. When they learned as adults to communicate by typing, their lives changed dramatically. Their world tour message is that the same possibility exists for others like themselves. At each stop, they dissect public attitudes about autism and issue a hopeful challenge to reconsider competency and the future. Along the way, they reunite with old friends from the USA, expand the isolated world of a talented young painter and make new allies in their cause. Listen now!

Today I had a great talk with Dan Tedesco of HandHold Adaptive and the new iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) app called AutismTrack . I talked with Dan a while back in episode 86 about their first product, iPrompts. One of the things I enjoy most about our conversations is the facsinating picture Dan paints for the future of these handheld devices and how they can help individuals with ASD. Here is more about AutismTrack from their website: AutismTrack™ A new app from the makers of iPrompts®! Featured by Apple as "New and Noteworthy" AutismTrack™ is a portable, customizable data tracking tool that empowers caregivers of those with autism to easily track interventions, behaviors and symptoms. Checkboxes allow daily recording of any therapy, medicine or diet. Simple "sliders" allow rating of any behavior or symptom (e.g., eye contact, aggression and echolalic speech). With multiple reporting features, this information can then be reviewed and shared, to help parents and other caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) answer the ongoing and ever-puzzling question: "What seems to be working, and what's not?" Listen Now

The other day I came across an article called “Aging with Autism.” It talks about adults with autism and working. As my son ages (he is ten now) I more often think about his future and how it will all play out. So I contacted the Dr. Scott for an interview. Shannon and I discussed the Adult Autism and Employment Guide that he wrote (find it here) as well as his March 3-4, 2011 conference on autism and employment. Listen now

Shannon and I talk with Marty Kelly who has twice made the trip to Central America for stem cell transplants for her autistic son. After the first trip, Marty noticed significant gains in many areas and decided to make a recent, repeat trip. We discuss the process of how stem cells work and the procedure used for her son. Marty feels, and explains, that there is no downside to a stem cell transplant other than it not working. However, stem cell transplants are not allowed to be done in the USA and the Mayo Clinic writes on their website that: ” A stem cell transplant poses many risks of complications, some potentially fatal. Although some people experience few problems with a transplant, others must endure frequent tests and repeated hospitalizations.” For more information, see here and here. Listen Now

Shannon and I talk with Dr. Bob Sears author of the The Autism Book and The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child. We cover a range of topics that focus on Autism: Seven Critical Tips Every Parent Needs to Know More about Dr. Sears from his website: Robert W. Sears, MD, is a father of three, board-certified in Pediatrics, and a co-author in the Sears Parenting Library. “Dr. Bob”, as he likes to be called by his little patients, earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1995. He did his pediatric internship and residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, finishing in 1998. Dr. Bob is the proud father of three active boys, Andrew, age 15, Alex, age 12, and Joshua age 6. He and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Dana Point, CA. In his spare time Dr. Bob enjoys surfing the California waves, mountain biking, playing bass guitar with his teenage son guitarist, and trying to keep up with his three children. Listen Now.

Autismpodcast your audio connection to autism HomeAbout UsContact Episode 93 | Photographer Megan Drane of Fire Fly Nights Photography (Edit) - May 30th, 2010 Posted in Podcast May, 30 2010 No Comments » Megan's Son Shannon Johnson and I talk with Megan Drane of Fire Fly Nights Photography. Megan, a professional photographer, has a young son with autism. Realizing that there is a need out there for quality photos of families that have a child with autism, Megan moved into fill that gap. We discuss her patient, flexible approach she uses to grab some fantastic photos. We also get into the range of emotions and feelings she comes across as she meets parents looking to get, perhaps, their first family photo shoot with a photographer who empathizes with their situation. Listen Now

I conduct a follow up discussion with Dr. Paul Law about the Interactive Autism Network (IAN). My first podcast with Dr. Law took place three years ago when the program was in its infancy. Dr. Law also has a son with autism. We discuss some of the latest studies that have come forth from IAN as well as where it might all lead to in the future. More about IAN from their Website: The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) is an innovative online project bringing together tens of thousands of people nationwide affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and hundreds of researchers in a search for answers. Listen Now

Lori Boll and I talk with Dr. Tracy Alloway about working memory versus long term memory. We have an interesting discussion working memory (think short term) and how it relates to people with autism. We also discuss her working memory enhancing program called Jungle Learning. Here is more about Tracy from her website: Tracy Packiam Alloway, PhD, is the Director of the Center for Memory and Learning in the Lifespan at the University of Stirling, UK. She is the author of over 75 scientific articles and books on working memory and learning, and has developed the world’s first standardized working-memory tests for educators published by Pearson. Her research has received widespread international coverage, appearing in outlets such as the Guardian, Daily Mail, Scientific American, Forbes, US News, ABC News, and NBC. She is much in demand international speaker in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. She is an advisor to the World Bank on the importance of working memory. Listen

Shannon Johnson and I speak with Dr. Susan Wilczynski of the National Autism Center. We cover a range of topics including evidence based practices. We pay particular attention to an educators' field guide the National Autism Center put together for educators of children on the autism spectrum. You can see a copy of that guide here. Here is some more about Dr. Wilczynski from her website: Dr. Wilczynski is the Executive Director of the National Autism Center. In her role as Chair of the National Standards Project, she has worked in collaboration with experts from around the country in order to establish national standards for the treatment of individuals on the autism spectrum. Under Dr. Wilczynski’s leadership, the National Autism Center has recently published Evidence-based Practice and Autism in the Schools. This resource manual for educators is being distributed to school systems across the country. It is the first in a series of manuals to support families, educators, physicians, and service providers. Listen Now

Shannon and I talk with Max and Zak of Autism Ambassadors These two fine young man (along with others) have developed-- and are developing -- programs in schools around the world designed to help students with autism. Their program encourages autism awareness and promotes relationships between typical students and those with autism. Zak and Max hope to have well over 100 Autism Ambassador programs up and running before the end of 2010 Contact information: zak@autismambassadors.orgmax.sauberman@autismambassadors.orginfo@autismambassadors.orgFor more information about songs for autism, check out singsos.org Listen Now

Shannon Johnson and I speak with Beth Maloney, author of Saving Sammy. We discuss the relationship between strep infections and OCD. In Beth's words: "When my middle son was twelve, he was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and then Tourette Syndrome. Confined to our home by the horror of his illness, a lifelong placement seemed his likely fate -- until I learned that a strep infection might be the cause (a disorder known as PANDAS). Most doctors said I was wrong; but I was right, and two doctors helped me cure him. He is now fully recovered." Listen Now

Shannon Johnson and I talk with Dr. Ross Greene, author of The Explosive Child. We have a wide ranging conversation about "explosive" children and how best to work with children that do not easily transition from one activity to another. This podcast does not specifically apply to children with autism. Listen Now PermaLink

I talk with Dan Tedesco of HandHold Adaptive about iPrompts, their new iPod Touch/iPhone application for people with special needs. In their own words "iPrompts: [is] the portable, customizable, visual prompting tool for those with special needs." Basically the app lets me put together a visual schedule (think Teacch )for my son on my iPod Touch. I can import pictures and customize it as needed. Great product. We also discuss HandHold Adaptive's other products they have in the pipeline. Listen Now

Shannon Johnson (Foggyrock.com ) and I talk with Polly Tommey about her successful billboard campaign to meet with British Prime Minister, Gordan Brown. Polly is scheduled to meet with him soon. Polly also runs the Autism Trust which is a foundation committed to putting together regional centers for people with autism. Lastly, Polly is the editor-in-chief of the online magazine, Autism File Listen Now

Shannon Johnson and I talk with Chiropractic Neurologists Drs. Robert Melillo and Peter Scire. Dr. Melillo is the author of the book Disconnected Kids and founder of the Brain Balance Centers. We discuss his book and therapies that relate to his form of treatment. The discussion gets a bit heated at times. Listen Now