All Autism Talk

In this episode we are joined by Coach Alex Sachs of the KEEN program in Phoenix.  As a former professional soccer player and Olympic medal winner, Alex brings her great passion for sports to serving the special needs community.   KEEN Phoenix (Kids Enjoying Exercise Now) is a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young...

Jennifer Cook is the winner of the 2014 Autism Society of America’s Temple Grandin Outstanding Book of the Year Award, the 2012 Temple Grandin Award for global contributions, a recipient of GRASP’s 2012 Distinguished Spectrumite Medal for excellence in parenting, 2012 AuKids Speaker of the Year, and Godiva’s Woman of the Year. She is one of North Carolina’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2014 and Au...

This week we discuss a topic that is extremely important to many parents of young kids with autism, social skills and ability. Most parents are familiar with the social challenges faced by our kids on the spectrum but not everyone knows helpful strategies that will support better social function. This week, host Rob Haupt is pleased to welcome Dr. Ann Densmore, Ed. D. CCC SLP/A, certified speech p...

All parents face daily obstacles, but parents of children with autism experience increased challenges that can result in overwhelming anxiety, depression, self-doubt and sadness. Ultimately, these parents are husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, family and friends who simply wish to experience more fulfilling and satisfying lives with their children. Dr. Darren Sush is a clinical psychologist and b...

Join us for this fascinating conversation about the benefits of speech therapy and who could benefit from it.  In this episode, Odelia Mirzadeh breaks down typical child development as well as some of the red flags that could indicate you may want explore speech therapy.   Odelia Mirzadeh is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.  She began her career working in an Early Intervention Program, at...

We are excited to welcome back V. Mark Durand to discuss the important topic of educating our medical professionals outside of the specialized field of autism.   Dr. Durand's book Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Guide for General Practititioners is aimed at helping clinicians screen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), treat higher functioning individuals with ASD, and assist family members. ...

In this episode we explore some of the perceptions of individuals with disabilities.  Our guest, Mary Jacob is the Executive Director of Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center and Families Helping Families of Jefferson.  She is the mother of two daughters with disabilities and spent the past 25 years advocating for inclusive education opportunities and services for her daughters as well...

This week on Autism Spectrum Radio we are looking at some of the remarkable efforts by parents for parents.  Parent advocates in communities all over the country are creating offerings that help facilitate education and access to much needed resources. Sarah Paulson is the founder and Executive Director of Connecting for Kids. She has an MBA from University of Chicago in Finance and Strategic Mana...

Dina Kimmel studied Business at CSUN, but it is her mother's intuition combined with her entrepreneurial spirit that led to the creation of We Rock The Spectrum Kid's Gym. After her second child Gabriel was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dina began to research ways to facilitate her son's development. Dina found that with early intervention many children were making significant improveme...

This week on Autism Spectrum Radio we will discuss a question that concerns all parents and caregiver at some point: What are the challenges and opportunities as children with autism become adolescents and adults? The specific nature of how to manage these changes and the best way to prepare for the future will be the focus of this episode. Join us as we explore the different facets of how familie...

Trish Kane, Director of Programs, provides support and resources through research, field work and personal experience. Trish develops the PFA workshop series by identifying and coordinating partners, topics and speakers. She also organizes family fun events throughout Maryland to bring enjoyment and social opportunities for families. In addition to her work with Pathfinders, Trish is on the Board...

Dr. Bernier joins Autism Spectrum Radio to discuss the latest research about autism and what it means to the 1 in 68 now being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Bernier is a licensed clinical psychologist, the Clinical Director of the Seattle Children’s Autism Center, and an Associate Professor at the University of Washington. He received his PhD at the University of Washington, his cli...

Mindee Pinto currently teaches early childhood special education, specializing with children diagnosed on the autism spectrum, in Palatine Illinois. Mrs. Pinto holds a bachelors degree in speech/language pathology and masters degree in early childhood special education. She lives with her husband Michael in Deerfield Illinois, with a their beautiful daughter Jillian. Judy Cohen has been employed b...

Today on Autism Spectrum Radio we continue to explore the significance of the new CDC statistics for autism diagnosis.  We are happy to welcome back Areva Martin, Media Expert and Host, Author and Award Winning Attorney and Autism Advocate.  Areva Is Founder and President of Special Needs Network, Inc., one of CA’s leading autism nonprofit organizations. Areva Martin is known to audiences around t...

Sara Gershfeld is a blog contributor for the Huffington Post, and the author of this wee's blog entitled  “April in Autism, is Awareness Enough?” Sara works as Behavior Analysis & Performance Improvement Consultant and is also the founder of Love My Provider. LoveMyProvider emerged in 2011 with a mission to help passionate parents find meaningful providers for their special needs child. They a...

This week on Autism Spectrum Radio we are are talking with some of the best experts when it comes to life with autism...parents and self advocates. Our host Rob Haupt is excited to welcome three of the authors of The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism. Join us for a lively and informative discussion about the importance of good treatment and how to choose it, as well as valuable insights on advocac...

We continue our discussion of a wide range of topics that relate to the autism community. One thing that every family touched by autism needs is hope. Encouraging words and stories of another’s success can go a long way in helping a parent ready themselves for new challenge and another day. This week, Rob is excited to welcome author Nancy Burrows to our show to share stories from the latest editi...

This week we explore a sensitive and perhaps under addressed topic, the experience of grief and loss for children and teens with autism. In the course of life, it is inevitable that we are all touched by the loss of a loved one and yet it is not a topic we may think to prepare for. Families with a child who has autism can easily be caught at a loss for what to do or how to best support their child...

This week, we we explore the important role of our autism dads. Host Rob Haupt is excited to welcome Author, advocate and TV Personality Rodney Peete to the show. NFL veteran quarterback Rodney Peete, best known for his leadership and a winning attitude. Winner of the 1988 “Johnny Unitas Award” for Best Senior Quarterback, and the 1988 Pac-10 Player of the Year. He spent 16 successful years in the...

Our guest Julie Diep :  I am the founder and Executive Director of OC Autism.  Our mission is "to ensure the highest standard of care in our community."  We believe in empowering parents and professions with the necessary tools to succeed. I have a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from Loma Linda University (LLU) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from National U...

This week we examine the misconceptions and challenges for non-verbal individuals with autism.  Technology continues to expand the options of communication for non-verbal individuals but there is still a need for more advocacy and opportunity to share their voice. We are excited to welcome author Ido Kedar to the show to discuss (through voice output) his book Ido in Autismland, Climbing Out of Au...

Are you attending the 32nd annual Western CalABA Conference? Dr. Daniel Shabani, President of the California Association of Behavior Analysis visits Autism Spectrum Radio to tell us why the experience is valuable for parents. The California Association for Behavior Analysis will host the 32nd Annual Western Regional Conference on Behavior Analysis February 28 – March 2, 2014. The conference offers...

This week we are thrilled to welcome arguably the most famous person in the autism community, Temple Grandin, Ph. D. Dr. Grandin has been advocating for individuals with autism for more than 30 years. In 2010, Grandin delivered the TED talk “The world needs all kinds of minds.” Grandin’s own experience with autism has informed her numerous books on the subject including My Life in Pictures which w...

From bedtime tantrums to bedwetting, sleep problems can be one of the biggest sources of worry and frustration for parents of children with special needs. V. Mark Durand joins our show to share insights from his updated book, Sleep Better! Dr. Durand will discuss widely tested, easy-to-use techniques that work for all children, with and without disabilities. Psychologist and father Mark Durand hel...

Caroline Wilson, RN, BSN, Nurse, Special Needs Advocate & Executive Director Caroline and her husband Dean are the parents of two adults on the autism spectrum, Merritt, age 25 and Eliza, age 23. Born and raised in Southern California, Caroline received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at California State University, Long Beach and worked as a Medical, Surgical, Oncology, and Labor and Deliver...