Autism Knows No Borders

How do intersectionality and neurodiversity overlap? In this clip, Tiffany Hammond talks about how the two frameworks can be analyzed together. Tiffany Hammond is an Autistic Self-Advocate, the mother of two boys on the spectrum, and the voice behind the blog Fidgets and Fries. As a Black and autistic woman, Tiffany aims to educate others about autism and intersectional advocacy. Her book A Day Wi...

Discover what’s possible when you see the glass half full. What is it like to raise a daughter who is on the autism spectrum? If you’re curious about the experience from a father’s perspective, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Russell Allen. Russell is an American singer best known as the vocalist of Symphony X , a band which is universally considered one of the top-tier progressive meta...

What’s the best way to foster motivation for learning in children? In this clip, Robert Schramm explains how parents and professionals can build trust with children, creating a foundation where they feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Robert Schramm is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, former special-education instructor, and published author. His book The 7 Steps to Earning Instructional...

Discover what’s possible when you connect peer to peer.  Why is it important for peer support groups to be led by autistic individuals? Autistic Self-Advocate Stephane Guidon shares what has worked for his peer groups at the National Autistic Society, the largest autism charity in the UK, dedicated to creating a society that works for autistic people. This episode is part 2 of our conversation, or...

How does supported decision-making compare to guardianship? In this clip, Autistic Self-Advocate Jonathan Gardner talks about how supported decision-making helped him get through his cancer treatment. Jonathan a motivational speaker, cancer survivor, and supported decision-maker.  Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Kn...

Discover what’s possible when you connect peer to peer.  What makes a peer support group effective, and what should autistic individuals consider when looking for one? Autistic Self-Advocate Stephane Guidon shares what has worked for his peer groups at the National Autistic Society, the largest autism charity in the UK, dedicated to creating a society that works for autistic people. Originally fro...

How can an autistic individual with limited access to high-tech devices still be able to express themselves using AAC? Chris McDonald, the Founder and CEO of PicSeePal, talks about the benefits of a light-tech communication tool for all ages, abilities, and settings. Chris is an educator, designer, and social entrepreneur from Sydney, Australia.  Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highli...

Discover what’s possible when you shift the narrative. What if autism were not a set of deficits but a different way of being human?  Whether you’re autistic yourself, care for someone who is, or serve autistic individuals as your profession, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Dr. Barry Prizant. Dr. Barry Prizant is a Speech-Language Pathologist, clinical scholar, consultant, and researche...

How can a job coach support and empower an autistic employee? In this clip, Autistic Self-Advocate Stephanie De Kremer and her job coach Russell Botting share their ideas on this topic. At the time of this recording, Stephanie and Russell were employees at Auticon, a company that employs over 200 adults on the autism spectrum as IT consultants.  Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlig...

Discover what’s possible when you learn to regulate – and you regulate to learn. How do you regulate your emotions? Whether you’re autistic or not, if you’re curious about practical strategies for emotional regulation, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Dr. Barry Prizant. Dr. Barry Prizant is a Speech-Language Pathologist, clinical scholar, consultant, and researcher. He co-developed the S...

What are different types of community engagement and social learning that can come out of homeschooling? In this clip, Autistic Self-Advocate Hattie-Angelys Fox shares her ideas on this topic. Angelys is a certified teacher, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the mother of two neurodivergent children.  Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from pre...

Discover what’s possible when your responses are truly aligned with your intentions. What is the key to understanding and connecting with your child? If you’re the parent of a neurodivergent child, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Lafaya Mitchell. Lafaya is the mother of three children, two of whom are autistic. In this conversation, we discuss: The...

How might autism affect someone’s musical strengths? Rawan Tuffaha and Spenser Murray from The ASD Band share their personal experiences as well as tips for other autistic people who may be interested in joining a band.  The ASD Band is comprised of musicians on the autism spectrum who use their talents to raise awareness and break stereotypes.  Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlig...

Discover what’s possible when your responses are truly aligned with your intentions. How can understanding family dynamics transform parent-child relationships? If you’re the parent of a neurodivergent child, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Lafaya Mitchell, where she shares her innovative relational approach to supporting neurodiverse children and...

What are some strategies to stay motivated when trying to reach your goals? In this clip, Global Autism Community members share their ideas on this topic. This roundtable discussion about Self-Development and Accountability was hosted by community moderator Michelle Vinokurov, and participants included Christina Kaspersen, Robert Schmus, Danielle Terrell, Andrew Bennett, and Corben Havener.  Welco...

Discover what’s possible when you support from the start. What factors make the biggest difference in the quality of life of autistic individuals? Whether you’re autistic yourself, or care for an autistic loved one, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Dr. Catherine Lord. She shares some of the findings from her own groundbreaking longitudinal study, which began in 1990 and continues to foll...

What are some misconceptions about AAC and speech development? AAC user Tiffany Joseph shares her ideas on this topic and discusses how to empower non-speaking autistic individuals. Tiffany Joseph is the digital creator behind the IG account Nigh Functioning Autism. She uses her platform to promote the changes she wants to see in the world regarding disability and intersectionality. The voice you’...

Discover what’s possible when diagnosis opens doors. What are considered the “gold standard” tools for diagnosing autism?  If you’re curious about the history of autism diagnoses and observational assessments, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Dr. Catherine Lord. Dr. Lord is an American psychologist and researcher. She currently serves as a member of the International Advisory Board for T...

What’s the understanding and level of awareness of autism in Rwanda? Evas Kyomugisha, our Global Autism Project Partner from Rwanda, talks about the stigma around autism in Rwanda, the different levels of autism acceptance among parents at her center, and how she tries to inspire hope for their children’s futures. Evas is the founder and owner of Silver Bells, an autism center in Kigali. Silver Be...

Discover what’s possible when values inform the method. How can we bridge the gap between autistic communities and traditional therapies? If you’ve ever wondered, you’ll want to listen to part two of my conversation with Autistic BCBA Mari Cerda, which was originally released on April 22, 2021. Mari provides professional-development training for teachers and schools on various neurodiversity-affir...

What does it mean to affirm someone’s identity? Here’s Andrew talking about the importance of affirming autistic identity and supporting people who might be masking. Andrew has been a dedicated member of our community since 2019. He served as a moderator in our online Global Autism Community, contributed to our Responsive Skills Training, and traveled on two SkillCorps® volunteer trips, first to t...

Discover what’s possible when values inform the method. What does a culturally-informed approach to ABA look like? If you’re interested in the intersection between neurodiversity, race, and community, you’ll want to listen to this conversation with Autistic BCBA Mari Cerda, which was originally released on April 22, 2021. Mari provides professional development training for teachers and schools on...

What’s the difference between explicit and implicit autistic characters? Here’s Corben Havener discussing explicit and implicit (or “coded”) autistic characters as two different ways of portraying neurodiversity in media.  The following clip is from a roundtable discussion with our Global Autism Community, where Autistic self-advocates shared their opinions on how autism is represented in the medi...

Discover what’s possible when you foster inclusion. How can companies create a neurodiverse-friendly working environment? What should autistic employees look for in a job? Whether you’re an employer or a job seeker, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Grant Harris.  Grant Harris is an Autistic Self-Advocate, consultant, speaker, and author. He helps organizations achieve organizational exce...

How can someone control a computer with their mind?  In this episode, Austin Lubetkin talks about his patent for the first interface that would allow a fully paralyzed individual to type and control a computer with their brain.  Austin is an Autistic artist, aerospace-software engineer, and inventor. He has synesthesia, a phenomenon in which stimuli that would typically activate one sense can stim...