Autism Empowerment Radio show

Autism Empowerment Radio

Summary: Autism Empowerment is your source for Acceptance, Enrichment, Inspiration and Empowerment within the Autism and Asperger communities. Our non-profit organization supports individuals with AS & ASDs of all ages, all abilities. Visit AutismEmpowerment.org today! Autism Empowerment Radio depends on public support to provide our free programs and services. Listen in and let your light shine!

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  • Artist: Autism Empowerment Radio
  • Copyright: Copyright Karen Krejcha (C/O Blogtalkradio)

Podcasts:

 Musical Prodigy Colin Brennan sings for Autism Empowerment | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:02:00

You are in for a musical treat as we welcome back Colin Brennan, a delightful and talented 10 year old singing sensation on the autism spectrum from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Colin is joined by Gordon, his very supportive and loving dad. They will be talking with Karen at Autism Empowerment Radio about a number of exciting events that have happened in Colin's life since our last interview in September 2012. Colin was one of just 14 performing artists around the globe chosen to perform in New York City last October for the McCarton Foundation's annual Genius of Autism Event. He was also recently chosen to play the part of Andrew in Pigment, a musical by Stephen Geddes. Very exciting! Colin does not let Autism define him but he does think it gives him some pretty cool superpowers! He could sing before he could talk! Check out Colin's story at YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/gurdy44 Follow him at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colin-Brennan-Music/159123847466775 Listen to his own radio show: Colin Brennan Music - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/colin-brennan-music Colin and Gordon are also big supporters of philanthrophy and have pledged a copy of Colin's latest CD to any Autism Empowerment Radio listener who makes a tax-deductible donation to Autism Empowerment. They'll even ship the CD so 100% of your donation directly supports the programs and services that our non-profit provides.

 Helping Youth with Autism / Asperger's Expand their Empathy | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:46:00

People often think that Asperger's Syndrome and other forms of autism prevent children from developing empathy.  This mistaken and misunderstood belief hurts the Autism & Asperger's community and their allies. People who hold this thought mistakenly believe that individuals with Asperger's or other forms of autism are violent or uncaring because of a lack of empathy. What is true is that people with Aspergers sometimes have a hard time seeing things from other people’s perspectives. Thus, a child (or adult) with Aspergers might understand that someone is sad or angry and feel bad that the person is in pain but not necessarily understand why. He or she might have great compassion and intense feelings that are overwhelming.  As the parent of a child on the autism spectrum, one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the ability to look at things from other people’s point of view. This ability may not come naturally, but Asperger's Communication Coach, former Special Education teacher and successful freelance writer, Jack Ori says it certainly can be taught.  Listen in to Autism Empowerment Radio as Jack shares strategies to help youth with Autism / Asperger's develop and expand their empathy muscles.   

 Columbia River Miracle League: Baseball for All in Vancouver | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:46:00

Every Child Deserves A Chance to Play Baseball. This is the mission of the Columbia River Miracle League and the mission of Miracle Leagues throughout the country. Join us today at Autism Empowerment Radio as we interview Craig Mills, League Director and Ralph Heiser, League President and learn about the impact this amazing league makes within both the autism community and the special needs community at large. This Southwest Washington non-profit (soon to be renamed the Miracle League of Vancouver, Washington) first started in 2008 with seven players. In 2013, as they plan to begin their Spring season, they have over 120. Players wear uniforms, have coaches, buddies (often volunteers from local high school and college baseball teams) and a tremendous amount of fun. Regardless of physical or developmental ability (there are a wide range of disabilities represented), the Columbia River Miracle League provides a fun, family-friendly atmosphere where every player gets to bat, everyone is safe, everyone scores and every player wins.  Their current goal is to expand and have a specialized rubberized field at Pacific Community Park in Vancouver, WA. The non-profit is hoping to raise $300,000 for this dream to come true.  Autism Empowerment & The Miracle League of Vancouver know the value of community connections and collaboration. Autism Empowerment and The Miracle League of Vancouver are hoping to partner together to host a 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids with special needs and their families on March 30th, 2013. Listen in today and learn more about these incredible gentlemen and their plans for the Miracle League of Vancouver, Washington. http://www.columbiarivermiracleleague.org

 Kim Gallo: Playtime with Zeebu - Think, Communicate, Connect | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:45:00

Think, Communicate, Connect! That is the tagline for Playtime with Zeebu, an innovative, educational and fun series of puppets, DVDs and activity workbooks created by Kimberly Gallo, dedicated mom and elementary school teacher. Autism Empowerment Radio is excited to have Kimberly on air today to talk about the story behind Playtime with Zeebu. She will share how her love and desire for a deeper connection with her two sons on the autism spectrum led her to create a colorful, engaging and fun family of puppets that helps parents connect with their children and helps teach children how to better understand social learning concepts. Kim will talk about her series of products which have received endorsements from many, including well known author & , Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP SocialThinking.com For more information about Playtime with Zeebu, to join their Zeebu Kid's Club or to connect with Kim, please visit: http://www.playtimewithzeebu.com  

 Autism Empowerment - Looking Back at 2012 & Ahead to 2013 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:59:00

Tune in today with Karen & John at Autism Empowerment as we share some exciting news about our plans with Autism Empowerment in 2013. (Listen in to the whole show as we have a special announcement!) We will also be reflecting on 2012, thanking our supporters and sharing many of the highlights of the year including panels, training, special events and the launch of new programs. Autism Empowerment promotes our four key foundational pillars of Accept, Enrich, Inspire and Empower. We aim to serve individuals and families of all ages and abilities within the Autism and Asperger communities. Would you like to be a part of positive change in Autism & Asperger Acceptance in 2013? Want to hear about the exciting launch of a brand new program? Be sure to tune in... Also... we will be giving special thanks to many of the individuals and organizations that supported us throughout the year! As a non-profit public charity, we can't move forward without your support! Let's end 2012 with a bang and start 2013 with an even bigger bang! http://www.autismempowerment.org http://www.facebook.com/autismempowerment Twitter: @AutismEmpowermt

 Autism & Aspergers Empowerment - How You Can Help | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:33:00

Have you ever felt a calling or desire to make a positive difference in the world? To be part of something bigger than yourself? To feel the joy that comes when you've helped make someone else's day brighter? To feel that you are making a contribution to society and doing something significant with your life? Near the end of the year, if you're like us, you receive a LOT of emails, phone calls and mailed requests for donations of money to your favorite charities. Honestly, it can be a bit overwhelming because there are truly SO many good causes. We are but one organization out there... however we are a passionate one that is currently volunteer driven and absolutely dedicated toward growth, positivity and making a huge impact within the Autism & Asperger communities. Our message is one of positivity, hope, acceptance, enrichment, inspiration and empowerment.  Yet we can't do this alone. We need help raising money, sharing our mission, upgrading our website and doing the good work that we were meant to do. We believe that everyone has something positive to be able to contribute whether that be volunteer time, in-kind donations of items you're not using, technical expertise, legal expertise and yes... financial support. We need people who are passionate, driven and called to serve. We are looking for individuals who want to help change the world. That isn't too much to ask right?  :-) Join in today on Autism Empowerment Radio and listen to Karen speak from the heart about the vision of Autism Empowerment and learn the different ways you can help get involved in making a positive difference in the Autism and Asperger communities! THANK YOU!  

 Inspiration from the Autism Spectrum - Holiday Fun with Ryan | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:41:00

Exuberant, effervescent Ryan is returning to Autism Empowerment Radio to put us in the holiday mood and share some spirited fun. Ryan, a 6 1/2 year old Tiger Cub scout in first grade shares what he loves best about the holidays and what these special days mean to him. He'll be sharing fun family traditions, personal observations and a great deal of random musings.  Ryan is a joy! He'll likely also be sharing that he wants a hippopotamus for Christmas because only a hippopotamus will do. Other Christmas carols are likely to pop up as well. Ryan loves maps, cars, news, computers and music. Be sure to tune in for this fun interview!

 Autism & Asperger's - Making Sense of Violence & Tragedy | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:46:00

Trying to make sense of  a horrible crime is often beyond logical processing and yet we try to do it anyway. We might question faith. We may look for scapegoats.  We demand change and yet we're unclear on what exactly needs reform and how to implement it. As we try to process, images run through our heads. Thoughts we would rather not deal with surface despite attempts to redirect. Maybe we deflect our emotions. Maybe we break down in raw emotion so deep that we wonder if the hurt will ever stop. We internalize. We externalize. We grasp at straws. We wonder about cause, effect and correlation.  The tragic Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings on 12/14/12 leave us searching for answers. They bring us as a community together mourning the loss of lives. The question is raised? Did Adam Lanza have Asperger's Syndrome? Was he on the autism spectrum? Was he mentally ill? Was he sociopathic? Was he schizophrenic? Did he just snap? What were the signs? How could this have been prevented? Individuals are searching for answers. That includes men and women, teenage and youth living daily with autism and Asperger's and co-morbid conditions. We fear an autism and violence correlation and how that will impact the way others view us and our children.  We fear speaking up because of stigmatization. Autism Empowerment believes in promoting Acceptance, Enrichment, Inspiration and Empowerment within the Autism and Asperger communities. We work daily to destigmatize ASDs.  Today John with Autism Empowerment interviews Karen Krejcha, Executive Director. She is a mom of two sons on the autism spectrum and has an Asperger's diagnosis. She has been carefully following the news and listening to the cries of men, women and children within and outside the autism community. She wants our community to come together in support. Please listen in.    

 Helping Youth with Autism Grieve - Karla Helbert Interview | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:03:00

Children, teenagers and adults on the autism spectrum can struggle to cope with the loss of a loved one, and the complicated and painful emotions of bereavement.  Today Autism Empowerment welcomes Karla Helbert, a licensed professional counselor with over 16 years of experience in working with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Karla recently wrote a book released in Fall 2012 entitled, "Finding Your Own Way to Grieve, A Creative Activity Workbook for Kids and Teens on the Autism Spectrum" published through Jessica Kingsley Publishers and available through jkp.com, bookstores and at Karla's website, www.karlahelbert.com. This timely and interactive book explains death in concrete terms that children with autism will understand. It explores feelings that they may encounter as a part of bereavement and offers creative and expressive activities that help with the healing process, including writing, arts and crafts, cooking, movement, relaxation and remembrance activities. Encouraging children with autism to express their loss through discussion, personal reflection and creativity, this book is ideal for children and teens to work through by themselves or with the support of a family member or professional. Karla operates a private psychotherapy practice with a focus on loss, grief and bereavement and specializes in therapy for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. As a bereaved mother and a trained therapist, she has a deep personal as well as a clinical understanding of the difficult issues facing those grieving the deaths of loved ones. Her book has received exceptional reviews within the Autism / Asperger communities. Please listen in as we learn more about a tough and timely topic to tackle.  

 Developmental Disabilities Legislative Advocacy Trip to WA | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:48:00

Interested in Autism and Developmental Disabilities Advocacy in Washington? So is Autism Empowerment!   Tune in as John interviews Autism Empowerment Executive Director, Karen Krejcha as she talks about her recent weekend in Olympia. As part of a year long Disabilities Leadership Development Program, she traveled to Olympia with other self-advocates, parents and professionals. She had the opportunity to receive training, network with other advocates and no-profits, tour the State Capitol, share lunch with local legislators, learn about the legislative process and practice advocacy skills and testifying before Congress. We will chat about a variety of topics of interest that came up during the training including Seclusion / Aversion rooms in Washington schools, the No Paid Services Caseload, Respite Care, Companion Homes, Vocational Traning and help for individuals experiencing cultural communication barriers.  Even if you don't live in Washington, you will likely find this show valuable in terms of understanding more about what kind of services our government provides versus what is provided through the private sector. http://www.autismempowerment.org http://www.facebook.com/autismempowerment  

 Aspergers, Asperkids & Social Rules - When the Obvious Isn't | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:01:00

Being a teen or tween isn't easy for anyone but it can be especially tough for children  on the autism spectrum with Asperger syndrome. Listen in today to a friendly, thought-provoking conversation between Award Winning Author, Aspie, Advocate and Mom, Jennifer Cook O'Toole and Karen  Krejcha at Autism Empowerment Radio. We'll be talking about confusing Social Rules for life and in particular, when the "Obvious" isn't so obvious after all. Jennifer Cook O'Toole, a very popular repeat guest at Autism Empowerment Radio is the author of "The Asperkid's SECRET Book of Social Rules, The Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines for Tweens and Teens with Asperger Syndrome" Her book includes 138 Need-to-know Rules in Bullet Points for you to peruse and go back to for reminders whenever you want and 31 mini-chapters about those Need-To-Knows. We'll be asking Jennifer about some of those Need-To-Knows especially in the areas of friendships, understanding our emotions, social niceties and self-worth. O'Toole speaks domestically and internationally, keynoting in October for the UK's National Autistic Society and Ireland's SHINE Charity. She is also the public voice for Autism Brainstorm, a recurring columnist for Autism Asperger's Digest and the founder of Asperkids, LLC, a multi-media social education company. The Asperkid's SECRET Book of Social Rules was published in 2012 through Jessica Kingsley Publishers and is now available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online venues. http://www.asperkids.com    

 Asperger Syndrome & Asperkids - Jennifer O'Toole 7.19 Replay | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:31:00

This is a rebroadcast of our first interview with Jennifer Cook O'Toole on July 19th, 2012. Jennifer will be back on air with us for a new interview on November 27th, 2012 at 10 a.m. PST.  Come listen in as Karen with Autism Empowerment Radio interviews award-winning teacher, parent, author and mom, Jennifer Cook OToole about her book, Asperkids - An Insiders Guide to Loving, Understanding and Teaching Children with Asperger Syndrome.  This exciting book is full of effective and fun ways of engaging with children with Aspergers Syndrome. With originality and insight, Jennifer explains how theory of mind difficulties in autism create the need for concrete forms of communication, and she provides a treasure trove of ways to inspire imagination through sensory experience. In particular, she reveals the untapped power of special interests, showing how to harness them to ensure academic, social and emotional growth. Jennifer Cook OToole is the winner of the 2012 Temple Grandin Award, GRASPs 2012 DSM Medal, is an Expert Columnist for Modern Parent Magazine and was nominated for Disneys American Teacher of the Year. Author. Advocate. Aspie. Mom. http://www.asperkids.com http://www.facebook.com/asperkids   

 New Sci-Fi Fantasy Book with Hero on the Autism Spectrum | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:46:00

Hello! This is a rebroadcast of our 11/13/12 interview with a new show title. Autism Empowerment welcomes back Vancouver, WA author and musician, Brian Tashima to talk about recent endorsements and buzz for his young adult Sci-Fi fantasy novel, Secret of the Songshell. Brian's autism-friendly book is gaining popularity with teens and adults on and off the autism spectrum. Also gaining notice is Brian's charitable nature. Brian donates a portion of the sale of each book to Autism Empowerment and regularly volunteers with and supports the local Autism & Asperger community. Listen in as we talk with Brian about recent events and learn about future plans for the Spectraland series. (Hint: Hes already well into book 2!) If you like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, youll love Brian Tashima! Recent reviews: "Inspiring for the younger set and a kindred voice for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders" - Kirkus "I feel that Brian Tashima has succeeded in creating a great fictional "aspie" hero and I would recommend this book to people on and off the autism spectrum, to teachers and librarians and carers and lovers of fantasy fiction" - Gavin Bollard, Life With Aspergers blogger "A fun, exciting and creative adventure... I never wanted to put the book down." - Grub Street Reads http://www.thespectralandsaga.com  

 What to Do if your Child with ASD is Not Focusing in School | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:46:00

Many people on the autism spectrum have difficulty with focusing and concentration for a variety of reasons. Children with autism or Asperger's may experience sensory overstimulation, become overwhelmed or frustrated with schoolwork or not be engaged enough with the material to want to focus on it. Autism Communications Coach and previous Special Education teacher, Jack Ori joins Karen at Autism Empowerment Radio to talk about strategies you can implement when your child with an ASD is not focusing in school.  We will be talking about a variety of accommodations at home and at school. We will also briefly talk about the personal and sometimes controversial decision to consider medication in certain circumstances.  This decision is a personal decision that should be made by parents with the help of a child's pediatrician and/or autism specialist. Tune in for strategies to help you child feel more success in school as well as strategies for starting and completing homework.  Jack Ori is the founder of SJA Advocacy and is a Communications Coach and freelance writer. He can be reached at: thesjadvocate@sja-advocacy.com or via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/youcancallmejack or at http://www.facebook.com/writingcoach.SJ

 Secret of the Songshell 11/13 Author Interview Brian Tashima | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 00:46:00

Autism Empowerment welcomes back Vancouver, WA author and musician, Brian Tashima to talk about recent endorsements and buzz for his young adult Sci-Fi fantasy novel, Secret of the Songshell. Brian's autism-friendly book is gaining popularity with teens and adults on and off the autism spectrum. Also gaining notice is Brian's charitable nature. Brian donates a portion of the sale of each book to Autism Empowerment and regularly volunteers with and supports the local Autism & Asperger community. Listen in as we talk with Brian about recent events and learn about future plans for the Spectraland series. (Hint: He's already well into book 2!) If you like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, you'll love Brian Tashima! Recent reviews: "Inspiring for the younger set and a kindred voice for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders" - Kirkus "I feel that Brian Tashima has succeeded in creating a great fictional "aspie" hero and I would recommend this book to people on and off the autism spectrum, to teachers and librarians and carers and lovers of fantasy fiction" - Gavin Bollard, Life With Aspergers blogger "A fun, exciting and creative adventure... I never wanted to put the book down." - Grub Street Reads http://www.thespectralandsaga.com 

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