Autism Knows No Borders

Discover what’s possible when connections go deeper.  This week’s episode features our recent cohort of Global Autism Community moderators: Self-Advocates Michelle Vinokurov, Corben Havener, and Mary Johnston.  In June 2022, Michelle, Corben, and Mary joined our team of moderators, which also included Liz Castillo, who was unable to join this recording. The team usually meets to discuss the commun...

Discover what’s possible when we grow stronger together.  This week’s episode is part 2 of our 2022 Highlights. Today we’ll continue to review some of our favorite moments from this year’s episodes, specifically from 110 to 126.  A huge thank you to our guests for sharing their stories, to our listeners for your continued support, and to our team for all the work behind the scenes.  Special thanks...

Discover what’s possible when we grow stronger together.  We reached the end of 2022! To celebrate, we’ll be reviewing some of my favorite moments from this year’s episodes – there were so many that this will have to be a two-parter! Part 1 will highlight episodes 92 through 109, and next week 110 through 126.  Since we started working on this podcast almost three years ago, we’ve brought on a wid...

Discover what’s possible when all minds are put to use.  Today we’re bringing back a special guest, Dr. Temple Grandin. My first interview with Dr. Grandin was almost two years ago. She has since released a new book, Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions .  Dr. Grandin is well known for both her pioneering autism advocacy and her lifelong ded...

Discover what’s possible when you balance your body and stretch your mind.  Cheryl Albright is an occupational therapist, certified yoga instructor, and autism sibling. She is the owner of Soul to Soul Yoga, a studio offering yoga therapy for adults and children of all abilities.  In today’s conversation, we discuss: What occupational therapy is How Cheryl became involved in the field Why she appl...

Discover what’s possible when you relentlessly shoot for your goals.  Anthony Ianni is an Autistic Self-Advocate, a sought-after motivational speaker, and a former basketball star.  As the NCAA’s first Division 1 college basketball player with autism, playing for Michigan State University, Anthony surpassed all limitations that doctors had predicted for his life. He currently works for the Michiga...

Discover what’s possible when you count your blessings.  This episode is being released a day early in observance of Thanksgiving in the US.  Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude. The more you can bring your attention to things you feel grateful for, the more you’ll notice other things to feel grateful for.  According to research conducted at the Greater Good Science Center in Berk...

Discover what’s possible when health extends beyond the body.  This week’s episode is a recording of one of our Global Autism Community exclusive events!  The topic of this roundtable discussion was Health and Wellness. It was hosted by community moderator Mary Johnston. A 21-year-old Autistic Self-Advocate from New Hampshire, Mary hosts a blog called Autistic Rainbow 15 where she shares LGBTQ+ an...

Discover what’s possible when art is in the eye of the beholder… and a few other senses.  Austin Lubetkin is an Autistic artist, aerospace-software engineer, and inventor. Austin has synesthesia, a perceptual phenomenon in which stimuli that would typically stimulate one sense can activate other senses at the same time. This has allowed him to create unique and accessible art experiences, some eve...

Discover what’s possible when you step into who you can be.  This week’s episode is a recording of one of our Global Autism Community exclusive events! The topic of this roundtable discussion was Self-Development and Accountability. It was hosted by community moderator Michelle Vinokurov. Based in Florida, Michelle is an Autistic Self-Advocate, a paraprofessional and a Registered Behavior Technici...

Discover what’s possible when team members effectively collaborate to transform people’s lives. Pooja Panesar is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the first professional to practice Applied Behavior Analysis in East Africa. Brooke Jedidah is a Speech and Language Pathologist, Psychologist and Clinical Child Neuropsychologist. Both of these phenomenal leaders are Co-Directors of Kaizora Cente...

Discover what’s possible when parents mobilize to build a community of ambassadors.  Mafer Chang is the founder of Centro Enigma, an autism center in Ecuador.  The Global Autism Project has been partnered with Centro Enigma since 2018. We have since sent 4 SkillCorps teams to collaborate with their teachers and provide training in Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA.  Since opening her first center...

Discover what’s possible when capabilities are more than meets the eye.  Tiffany Joseph is an Autistic Self-Advocate, a single mother of three, and 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. Tiffany sometimes uses an Alternative Augmentative Communication d...

Discover what’s possible when you turn your vision into reality.  Today we’re bringing back the CEO and Founder of the Global Autism Project , Molly Ola Pinney.  For almost 20 years, the Global Autism Project has been providing sustainable training, coaching, and community for center directors, therapists, and caregivers around the world.  As we enter our second decade, our organization is opening...

Discover what’s possible when difference becomes an asset.  Haley Moss is an attorney, author, artist, speaker, and autism self-advocate. At only 30 years old, she has already published four books. The first is titled Middle School: The Stuff Nobody Tells you About , the second is A Freshman Survival Guide for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Stuff Nobody Tells you About , the...

Discover what’s possible when conversations move forward.  This week’s episode is a recording of one of our Global Autism Community exclusive events.  The theme of this roundtable discussion was Controversial Topics. It was hosted live at The 1 in 44 Tour virtual summit, organized by Sara Bradford of The SJ Childs Show .  Participating in this event were Autistic Self-Advocates Stephanie De Kremer...

Discover what’s possible when someone lifts her mask and embraces true beauty.  Rachel Barcellona is an Autism Self-Advocate, model, author, singer, actress, and pageant winner. She is also a SkillCorps Alumni, having traveled with the Global Autism Project on a volunteer trip to the Czech Republic in 2018.  Since getting diagnosed at three years old, Rachel tried to fit in with neurotypical socie...

Discover what’s possible when communication is made available.  An educator, designer, and social entrepreneur from Sydney, Australia, Chris McDonald is the Founder and CEO of PicSeePal, a light-tech communication tool for all ages, abilities, and settings. In today’s conversation, we discuss: The level of autism acceptance and inclusion in Australia  Why Chris is passionate about working with the...

Discover what’s possible when you learn to accept yourself.  Mary Johnston is a 21-year-old Autistic Self-Advocate from New Hampshire. She hosts a blog called Autistic Rainbow 15 where she shares LGBTQ+ and disability-friendly tips, as well as information about inclusion and disability rights. A long-time member of our online Global Autism Community , Mary recently joined the moderator team to hel...

Discover what’s possible when the learning environment is set up for growth and success.  Sasha Long is a former special education teacher, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the Founder and President of The Autism Helper, a company that shares resources and strategies online for parents and teachers of children with autism. Sasha has a unique perspective with experience on both sides of coll...

Discover what’s possible when you’re ready to have fun.  This week’s episode is a recording of one of our Global Autism Community exclusive events! The topic of this roundtable discussion was Summer Travel and Holidays. It was hosted by community moderator Corben Havener. Corben is an Autistic Self-Advocate from Indiana who joined our moderator team this last June.  Participating in this event wer...

Discover what's possible when you're on the inside looking out.  Sara Bradford is an Autistic Self-Advocate, children’s book author, and the CEO of SJ Childs LLC, an autism-consulting business that supports families. She also hosts her own podcast, The SJ Childs Show. Her husband and their three children are also on the spectrum.  In today’s conversation, we discuss: Sara’s recent discovery of her...

Discover what’s possible when stigma is shattered by courage.  Evas Kyomugisha is the founder and owner of Silver Bells, an autism center in Kigali, Rwanda. Silver Bells offers comprehensive services for families, including Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Music Therapy.  The Global Autism Project partnered with Silver Bells in April 2019. We have...

Discover what’s possible when you choose acceptance.  This week’s episode is a recording of one of our Global Autism Community exclusive events.  The topic of this roundtable discussion was Inclusion and Acceptance. It was hosted by community moderator David Sharif, just a few days before his sudden passing last April. I was unable to attend this event, so I had asked David to fill in for me. He d...

Discover what’s possible when curiosity sparks creation.  Today Cassie Harden Scott is back on the show. You may remember her from episode 23 with Rusty Hornig-Rohan and episode 42 with the rest of the Global Autism Project staff.  As our Director of Outreach, Cassie works closely with our international partners to help spread autism awareness and acceptance in their communities. She also designs...