Speaking of the Spectrum - An Autism Podcast

In our Season 2 finale, fueled by coffee, donuts, and a big dose of gratitude, we take a look back at the amazing journey of this season. We start with a heartfelt thank you to our listeners and a reminder of how you can support our work by donating to the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region . One of our biggest highlights? A viral Instagram reel , now at over 1 million views , sharing Islam’s be...

In the penultimate episode of this Season, titled " Directing the Spectrum ", we're joined by Nathan Briggs , the Executive Director of Autism Society Greater Hudson Region (ASGHR) . Nathan shares his inspiring origin story, which, despite not having a direct connection to autism, is deeply rooted by an individual in his early life. We dive into Nathan's vision for the organization by the end of t...

In this powerful episode, we are joined by NY State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara , a dedicated autism dad and lifelong advocate for the cause. Angelo shares his personal journey as a second-generation immigrant, detailing how his background in civil engineering and service in the Army Reserves laid the foundation for his transition into politics—all inspired by his son, Michael, who is on the s...

In this episode, we welcome our guest Mary Kavaney , affectionately known as "Wonder Woman" for her dedication as a board member and director of our swim program, ASAP . Mary shares insights into how ASAP is empowering autistic children to learn swimming—a crucial skill to address drowning, the leading cause of death among autistic children. We dive into the misconceptions around teaching these ki...

In this episode of Speaking of the Spectrum, we sit down with Chris Banks, the President and CEO of the national Autism Society of America . We met Chris at our Autism Society Soiree for Autism, where he shared his love for the Saratoga racetrack. Now, he's joining us to discuss his leadership at the helm of the Autism Society, especially during the disruptive COVID pandemic. Chris shares his visi...

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Arboe , an autistic motivational speaker and driving advocate dedicated to improving the lives of those on the autism spectrum. Andrew shares his journey, offering valuable insights from his work with various organizations across the country. We open the conversation by addressing the importance of self-care for parents raising autistic children—reminding ca...

In this inspiring episode of Speaking of the Spectrum, we dive deep into the heart of neurodiversity with our incredible guest, Priya Winston . Priya, a licensed master social worker, Director of Curriculum and Clinical Support at T ransitions USA , and passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, shares her personal journey of self-discovery and success as a neurodiverse individual. From h...

In this episode titled "Broadening the Spectrum", hosts Shahrukh Sultan and Joe Templin delve into the complex world of mental health, particularly how society—and individuals—cope with challenges such as autism, anxiety, and more. They explore the pressing need for better mental health education and training at home and in schools. Shahrukh, sharing insights from his experiences, raises...

Welcome back to "Speaking of the Spectrum" for the Season 2 premiere! The show has a fresh new look, and so does co-host Joe, who’s traded in his Hawaiian shirts for a clean-shaven style. Shahrukh and Joe dive into their summer adventures, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of parenting on the autism spectrum. Shahrukh shares a story about a power outage that led to an unexpected r...

In this episode of Speaking of the Spectrum, our hosts dive into the profound lessons we can learn about patience, resilience, and pacing—both on and off the racetrack. Shahrukh & Joe share insights from their own experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique rhythms of life with autism. Shahrukh also revisits his mother tongue, Urdu, to explore the power...

As we bid farewell to our inaugural season, "Speaking of the Spectrum" takes a moment to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked on together. In the season finale, aptly titled " Introspecting the Spectrum ," Shahrukh and Joe revisit the path they've traveled since the beginning. They reminisce about the highlights of the season, sharing laughter and...

The penultimate episode of our first season, " Just In the Spectrum " , delves into a myriad of topics, offering a rich and enlightening discussion for our listeners. Kicking off the episode, Shahrukh and Joe address the common struggle of insomnia, not only for individuals on the spectrum but also for autism parents. They introduce a bio-hack involving music to combat sleep deprivation,...

In this episode of "Speaking of the Spectrum," we kick off by helping Shahrukh make #joesgems go viral while sharing heartwarming feedback received from viewers and listeners. Exploring the crucial connection between a utism and sleep, the hosts discuss how sleep deprivation or insomnia can impact social interactions and daily routines. They shed light on the challenges faced by individu...

Welcome to " Recruiting the Spectrum ," a dynamic episode of "Speaking of the Spectrum" where hosts Shahrukh Sultan and Joe Templin delve into the intricacies of fostering inclusive workplaces and physical fitness for individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism and Physical Fitness: Dive into the intersection of autism and physical fitness, addressing the lack of physical activi...

Welcome to a powerful episode of "Speaking of the Spectrum" titled " De-Stigmatizing the Spectrum ." Join hosts Shahrukh Sultan and Joe Templin as they dive deep into the significant topic of stigma within autism families, with special guest Medina Faizy-Hashemi . In this edition, we navigate the complexities of relationships, community, and society. Gain insights into the chal...

Welcome to another empowering episode of "Speaking of the Spectrum" titled " Empowering the Spectrum ." Join hosts Shahrukh Sultan and Joe Templin for a three-course exploration of autism insights and stories. Appetizers Discover the origin of the word "autism" and gain insights into the prevalence of autism among children. Delve into the reality of the divorce rate a...

Dive into the calming waves of " Surfing the Spectrum ," the latest episode of "Speaking of the Spectrum" with hosts Shahrukh Sultan and Joe Templin. In this insightful discussion, we explore drawing inspiration from religion to maintain composure during meltdowns and challenge the stigma surrounding the initial revelation of a child's autism diagnosis. Discover the profoun...

Welcome to another intriguing episode of "Speaking of the Spectrum" titled " Un-Puzzling the Spectrum ." Join co-hosts Joe Templin and Shahrukh Sultan as they skillfully navigate the intricate landscape of parenting, solving puzzles to understand and support both the child on the spectrum and their neurotypical siblings. As we explore the fascinating world of autism, be prepare...

In this edition, we continue Speaking of the Spectrum as we draw inspiration from the Air Force to navigate life on the autism spectrum and uncover another intriguing fact about autism that will reshape your understanding of this diverse spectrum. Our exploration of the unexpected continues! Joining us as a special guest is Lisa Audi , who shares her remarkable journey of starting a one-of-a-kind...

Welcome to the first episode of "Speaking of the Spectrum" – " Piloting the Spectrum ." Co-hosts Shahrukh Sultan & Joe Templin kick things off by introducing the podcast and giving you a glimpse into the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region . In this episode, we share some interesting facts about autism, highlight an autism hero shattering expectations, and discuss mind-blo...