I Should Say That Out Loud

"Everything's a little scary until you understand it," is how J.D. Barker sums up the end of this incredible interview. In this episode of 'I Should Say That Out Loud,' host Donna Brendel engages in a deep conversation with bestselling author J.D. Barker about his journey as an autistic individual and how it has shaped his writing career. They explore the influence of Barker&...

In this engaging conversation, host Donna Brendel interviews artist Grant Maniér, who shares his journey with autism and how it has shaped his artistic expression. Grant discusses the therapeutic nature of his art, the materials he uses, and the messages he conveys through his work. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy, overcoming challenges, and using art as a means of communication. The c...

In this incredibly honest and vulnerable conversation, host Donna Brendel speaks with Dalisse Sequeiros, an author and digital specialist from Barcelona, about her journey as a mother of two autistic children and her mission to create children's books that provide representation and understanding of autism. They discuss the importance of social stories, anticipating changes, communication betw...

In this episode, Donna Brendel explores what she calls the 'Floating Balloon Concept,' which illustrates the process of internalizing and encoding thoughts before projecting them outward through speech or the written word. She discusses the following concepts:- the challenges of grasping abstract ideas,- why memorization doesn't always work or stick, - the importance of personal experi...

In this mostly joyous while slightly emotional episode, Donna Brendel shares her journey as a late-diagnosed woman on the autism spectrum, focusing on the culmination of several of her projects this year. She focuses on the word project, specifically planning an undertaking, as she has been quietly doing for many years now, but is ready to say out loud and share her progress and continued goals. A...

In this episode, Part III or her series on Autistic Trends and Data from the past 115 years, Donna Brendel delves into and intertwines insights from 21st century authors and researchers with the 20th century expert pioneers in Part II of this series. She starts with Ido Kedar's book and shares his beautiful and poignant voice after transforming from non-verbal to verbal through modern therapie...

In this episode, Part II of Trends & Data, Donna Brendel explores the origins of current trends by delving back to early 20th century experts and pioneers in teaching, child and adult psychology, and child development. She begins with the Montessori Method, discussing its historical significance and impact on education. She highlights the contributions of the pioneers of child psychology, Jean...

In this episode, host Donna Brendel explores the importance of projecting autistic trends and data from both her perspective and personal experience, as well as from experts and other autistic authors going back 115 years! In this segment, Part I of a three-part series, she will delve into personal experiences and broader trends related to autism, neurodivergence, and burnout. She discusses the im...

In this guest interview episode, Donna Brendel was privileged to spend an afternoon with Cindy Bentley. Cindy graciously, openly, and honestly shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in foster care and institutions to becoming a world-renowned Special Olympics athlete and advocate for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. She discusses the importance of love, s...

In this episode, Donna Brendel introduces the fourth season of her podcast, focusing on the word 'project' as a central theme for the year. She discusses her personal journey with autism, the importance of communication, and how projecting thoughts and emotions can enhance relationships. Throughout the episode, she explores various definitions of 'project' and shares her plans for...

In this heartfelt holiday edition, Donna Brendel reflects on her personal journey of understanding the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of faith, friendship, and gratitude. She shares her experiences as an autistic person and how her relationship with Jesus has shaped her understanding of the holidays. Donna encourages listeners to connect more deeply with their loved ones and...

In this second Holiday Edition episode, Donna Brendel discusses the challenges faced by autistic individuals during social gatherings, particularly during the holiday season. She shares personal stories that illustrate the anxiety and discomfort that can arise in social situations, as well as strategies for making these experiences more enjoyable. Donna emphasizes the importance of familiar enviro...

In this holiday edition of "I Should Say That Out Loud," Donna Brendel shares insights on celebrating holidays as an autistic person and in an autistic family. She discusses the challenges of gift giving, the importance of creating inclusive family traditions, and the need to balance holiday activities with the sensory needs of autistic individuals. Donna emphasizes the value of patience, creativi...

In this engaging conversation, Donna interviews Jackie Schuld, ATR-BC, REAT, an autistic art therapist. Jackie shares her journey into art therapy, the importance of creative expression, and her experiences living abroad. She discusses her current sabbatical, the role of art in therapy, and her upcoming book project focusing on the joys of being autistic. Jackie also reflects on three of her books...

Donna Brendel, a late diagnosed autistic woman, shares her struggles with expressing her thoughts and ideas out loud. She introduces her podcast, 'I Should Say That Out Loud,' as a platform for herself and others to share their thoughts and experiences. Donna discusses her inspiration from other podcasters and YouTubers, such as Taylor Heaton, Jordan Peterson, and Justin Root. She outlines...

In this conversation, Autistic Friends, Donna (from USA  @IShouldSayThatOutLoud  ) and Orion (from Australia  @orionkelly  ) discuss how autism affects individuals physically, including the impact on self-care and the tendency to forget basic needs. They also explore the challenges of explaining special interests versus hobbies and the importance of understanding and acceptance from family and fri...

Autistic Friends Orion  @orionkelly  and Donna  @IShouldSayThatOutLoud  discuss several pages and topics from Orion's book "Autism Feels...An Earthling's Guide." There's so much more to share in a conversation between friends than can be fit into a book, including shared experiences between friends. Orion discusses the importance of including autistic voices in parenting and the workforce. He emph...

In this week's conversation, Donna Brendel (USA) introduces and interviews her friend from across the globe, @orionkelly Orion Kelly (Australia), a content creator, podcaster, author, and advocate for autism. They did into Orion's book, "Autism Feels: An Earthling's Guide" and page by page reminisce through shared experiences of childhood costumes, attachment to things, bully...

In this week's conversation, Donna Brendel (USA) introduces and interviews her friend from across the globe,  @orionkelly  Orion Kelly (Australia), a content creator, podcaster, author, and advocate for autism. They have a blast discussing their friendship, their experiences with autism, and the importance of sharing their stories. They also talk about their respective books and the challenges...

In this episode, Donna Brendel shares her research on autism and developmental disabilities. She discusses the findings of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM Network) and highlights the increasing prevalence of autism in children. She also emphasizes the importance of outdoor recreation for children with disabilities and the benefits it provides for their physical a...

In this episode, Donna Brendel shares an overview of her book, "Autistic Revelations: Body Edition," which explores her head-to-toe surgeries and the life lessons she learned from them. She discusses the physical and emotional scars she carries and the importance of speaking up for oneself. Donna shares tid-bits of each chapter, including additional content not found in the book. She hig...

In this episode, Donna Brendel shares her thoughts on various topics, including her writing journey, her love for nature and outdoor activities, and the concept of the mycelial network. She also discusses her memoir and the importance of self-care. Donna then explores the book 'The Reason I Jump' by Naoki Higashida and highlights the connection between nature and autistic health. She empha...

After a long break since Season 2 I'm ready to launch Season 3 of I Should Say That Out Loud and announce my first memoir Autistic Revelations: Body Edition - What My Head-to-Toe Surgeries Have Taught Me About Life and Autism. I will be sharing excerpts from my book this season as well as inviting guests to share about the fascinating way that autism affects our bodies.

Have you ever struggled in the workplace? I had a marvelous time interviewing my first guest this season, Genie Love, who is a Neurodiversity Coach for businesses, organizations and individuals. The topics we discussed, including the three pillars of her program, especially mindfulness, as well as other topics, are beneficial for anyone with autism, ADHD and/or ADD. And I think even neurotypical f...

What do I mean when I say, "I Should Say That Out Loud"? what exactly should I say out loud? This is the topic of this month's theme. And this week I talk about things I believe we should say to protect ourselves. It's difficult for me and for many people with autism to say certain things that are needed to be said in order to protect ourselves. I only learned how to stand up for...