The Eye on Autism Podcast

Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of the Eye on Autism podcast, brought to you by Brightway Living & Learning – formerly Developmental Disabilities Institute. I’m your host, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michael Romas. Summer is right around the corner, and if you are looking for something autism-friendly to do with your family, you won’t want to miss today’s conversation. We are explo...

Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of the Eye on Autism podcast, brought to you by Brightway Living & Learning – formerly Developmental Disabilities Institute, proudly continuing a 65-year legacy of supporting children and adults on their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. I’m your host, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michael Romas. This new name reflects our continued comm...

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and what better time to unveil a cutting-edge project in the Autism field. This project is designed to create the first-ever Enhancing Mental Health Practice for Autistic Adults Collaborative Team (EMPAACT). EMPAACT is meant to be a collaborative, multi-stakeholder team of autistic adults with high mental health needs, researchers, family members, and professional...

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, host Dr. Michael Romas speaks with DDI Board Chairman Joseph W. Schmidt, ESQ. and DDI Assistant Residential Manager Bankole Olaofe on the importance of raising awareness for those living with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Host:  Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical Psychologist Guest Name & Title:  Consuelo Senior, LMSW, CSE, MACM, Director of YAI Knowledge Description / Links to Further Info:  https://www.yai.org/people/consuelo-senior Mental Health Clinician, Adjunct Professor, International Consultant, Sexuality and Disability Expert, Transformational Speaker Consuelo Senior has over 27 years of experience working in...

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on the [ EYE] on Autism Podcast , Dr. Michael Romas continues his discussion with neurodivergent communication specialist and author Tim Goldstein. Together, they explore the deep connection between autism and anxiety, why traditional labels like “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent” may be limiting, and how reframing autism through human traits can lead to gr...

In this episode of the [ Eye] on Autism Podcast , clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Romas sits down with Dr. Dana Reinecke , a NYS-licensed psychologist and behavioral analyst, to explore how the holiday season impacts children and adults on the autism spectrum. Dr. Reinecke breaks down why changes in routines, sensory overload, unfamiliar environments, and emotional transitions can be especially...

In this powerful episode of the [ EYE] on Autism podcast, Dr. Michael Romas speaks with neurodiverse communication specialist and author Tim Goldstein, who was diagnosed with autism at age 54. Tim opens up about how late diagnosis reshaped his understanding of himself, his communication, and his relationships. He shares candid insights into perception, emotion, inclusion, and the challenges of nav...

Clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Romas talks with DDI job development coordinator Wendy Elsen about what supported employment really looks like for autistic adults—vocational profiles, task analysis, job tryouts, employer partnerships, and the critical role of job coaches. Hear real success stories, strategies for reducing anxiety, and why hiring neurodiverse talent makes strong business sense. F...

On this Eye on Autism episode, host Dr. Michael Romis speaks with two DDI education leaders about making back-to-school transitions smoother for autistic students and their families. They break down practical tools—social stories, visual schedules, classroom routines, sensory supports—and explain the ABCs of behavior and MEATS functions in plain language. We also cover parent training, inclusion,...