Uniquely Human: The Podcast

EPISODE 156 HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN: HIS NEURODIVERGENT JOURNEY, AS SHARED BY AUTISTIC CHILDREN’S AUTHOR, SANDRA NICKEL It is now widely accepted that Hans Christian Anderson, renowned Danish author of children’s books, was autistic. Sandra Nickel, an award-winning and autistic children’s author brings Andersen’s story to life in a beautiful book, “The Real Ugly Duckling”. Sandra, Barry and Dave discuss her motivation for writing her book, and the special qualities of his life’s journey that can be so enlightening and affirming for children, adults, and all people who have, or who even may not have neurodivergent individuals in their lives. Learn more on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EPISODE 155 CRUCIAL ISSUES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN AUTISM AND NEURODIVERSITY: A DISCUSSION WITH AUTISTIC PARENT-PROFESSIONAL SARA BRADFORD (AKA SJ CHILDS) Sarah Bradford (aka SJ Childs) is a parent professional, who has a wide range of contact with the autistic and neurodivergent community through her more than 600 interviews in her podcast and annual summits. Barry and Dave discuss a range of issues with her to tap into her knowledge-base and the ability she has to have a thumb on the pulse of areas of need, as well as future directions in supporting the community she is immersed in as a parent and professional. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barry and Jess Texeira have a discussion with Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, a special education teacher and author who shared her experiences as an autistic gestalt processor. Jamie explained how her holistic, relationship-based approach to teaching has helped improve outcomes for her students, particularly those who process language and information in a gestalt manner. She emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting students’ unique ways of learning and communicating, rather than trying to fit them into traditional academic molds. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by gestalt processors, including trauma and misdiagnosis, as well as the need for more inclusive and supportive educational practices. Find more info on our Website Check out the episodes on this special series. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barry and his guest David Kaufer engage in a “no holds barred” critique of the small group of naysayers who have challenged the rights of non-and minimally, speaking people to have access to their preferred and most effective modes of communication. David shares his knowledge from two perspectives, a dad whose teenage son has experienced success with assisted communication, and as an author and advocate for autistic individuals who has a sharp eye for calling out the misinformation and hypocrisy of those who challenge the lived experience of countless non-speakers, family members and professionals. As part 2 of this three-part series, we also specify how evidence-based practice has been misrepresented by the naysayers. Learn more on our website Check out the episodes on this special series See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Application and Misapplication of Evidence-based Practice: Part 1 of 3 Episodes on Non-Speakers and Gestalt Language Processing Barry is joined by Jess Teixeira, certified speech- language pathologist and a member of the Uniquely Human Podcast in defining and discussing the concept and practice of evidence-based practice (EBP). In particular, the discussion focuses on the application and misapplication of EBP specific to two issues of significance for autistic and neurodivergent individuals – approaches to support non-speakers, and therapy approaches for children who are gestalt language processors. This episode serves as the foundation for the two following episodes that address each of these issues in greater depth. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barry and Dave discuss neurodivergence across generations in a family, with Rebecca Rosenzweig and her mother Dr. Karen Carson exploring how neurodivergent traits have been present in both maternal and paternal lines, with Karen sharing her late-in-life diagnosis of autism and ADHD, while Rebecca discussed her diagnosis and the challenges of sensory processing differences. They share personal stories about accommodations and support within their family, including how Karen’s intuitive understanding of Rebecca’s needs helped create a supportive home environment. The conversation also covered the importance of recognizing neurodivergence without pathologizing natural behaviors, and the need to balance masking with authentic self-expression, particularly in different social and professional contexts. Find out more on our Website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I have a discussion with Saulo Barbosa, a 43-year-old Brazilian autistic police officer, to discuss his experiences and insights about neurodivergence in law enforcement in his home country of Brazil. Saulo shared how my book, “Uniquely Human” inspired him to transform his approach to policing and develop training programs that focus on understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. The conversation also addressed the impact of the book on Saulo’s life and work, including his current activities in training police officers across Brazil and the importance of autistic people connecting with each other Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave and Barry reflect on the themes and highlights from Uniquely Human: The Podcast in 2025, with their typical insight and good humor. They emphasized themes of collaboration and diversity among their guests. They address specific topics including the importance of early developmental support for neurodivergent children, educational inclusion, and cultural perspectives, while also touching on unique profiles and creative supports for neurodivergent individuals. The hosts shared personal insights gained from their guests and expressed their commitment to continuing the podcast in 2026, inspired by the knowledge and connections formed throughout the year. Check out the episode on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Ross is a professional who has experienced success as an entrepreneur in different businesses, especially regarding music education. When his son was diagnosed with autism and high support needs, including co-occurring medical conditions, his life and that of his family changed dramatically. Barry and Dave and Matt discuss the decisions he made and the path he decided to take to deal with the challenges he experienced and to best support his son and family. Learn more on Our Website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An area of great interest is understanding the experience of highly sensitive people, also known as empaths. There are many overlapping characteristics of highly sensitive people with individuals who have neurodivergent profiles (with or without formal diagnoses). Dr. Judith Orloff is a recognized expert in this area and Barry, Dave and Judith discuss the best ways to understand and support empaths, as well as her new book for children, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. Find out more on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode of the Uniquely Human: The Podcast features Nina Schiarizzi-Tobin and Vanessa Harwood discussing innovative supports for neurodivergent college students, highlighting the START program at the University of Rhode Island. The conversation explores common challenges neurodivergent students face upon entering college, the specific support needs, and how these compare to those of neurotypical students. The episode also delves into the mission of the START program and its role in fostering community and inclusion. Find out more and access the transcripts on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As an occupational therapist with expertise in child development, Dr. Carrie Alvarado has the unique ability to discuss interrelationships between sensory processing and the development of trustworthy connections with young children. Carrie, Barry and Dave explore the implications of “sensoriaffective” integration in supporting parents of young neurodivergent children. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Rivera has experienced the need for, and benefits of mentoring in his own life, and has applied his lived experiences to setting up a non-profit for mentoring others. Barry and Dave discuss the various benefits of mentoring with David, and specifically, “Mentoring Autistic Minds”, the non-profit he has created that welcomes autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals to benefit from a community that provides opportunities for mentoring relationships. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kate Reynolds , also known as the Lavender Librarian, is the founder and director of Storytime Solidarity. Based in Ontario, Canada, Kate has been working in public libraries since 2010. She is also a sought after international keynote speaker, trained opera singer, patient advocate, writer, and content creator with a large social media following. Kate’s international advocacy has brought her to high-level events in Sweden, Hungary, Canada, and the United States. Kate holds masters degrees in musicology and library science at Western University as well as a bachelor of music in vocal performance at the University of Windsor. Openly disabled and autistic, Kate is working to make the world a kinder place, one storytime at a time. Learn more on our Website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julie Green is a professional writer, a mother, and is a late diagnosed autistic women. She, Dave, and Barry discuss what led to her late diagnosis, and the insights she has as an autistic person in raising her now teenage autistic son. Julie has also published professionally on parenting issues and discusses the process of writing a memoir that focuses on motherhood and autism, while simultaneously deepening her understanding of her own autism. Learn more on our Website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a parent, Daria Brown had some difficult decisions to make about choosing the right path for her young autistic child and her family. She chose a developmental relationship- based approach as it resonated with her as the best fit for her child. That choice led to a professional career in supporting parents, and also to her own late diagnosis as an autistic person. Barry and Dave discussed this choice with Daria, and how her journey has evolved. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barry and Dave engage in a lively and wide-ranging discussion with educational specialist, Dr. Shelley Moore, internationally known for her progressive and value-based approach for educating neurodivergent students, and indeed, all students. The focus of the discussion is on changes that are needed to help educational systems to be neuro-affirming, inclusive, strength-based, and respectful of different learning styles. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sam Young is a neurodivergent professional educator who has established Young Scholars Academy, an online community for 2E students and individuals who are exceptionally gifted and exceptionally challenged. Sam, Dave and Barry have a lively discussion on topics ranging from different learning styles, to limitations of public education for 2E students, to the highest priorities and strategies to support 2E students and individuals. Learn more on Our Website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EPISODE 138 The Development of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center – An Innovative Neuro-Affirming Community, with Rachelle Vartanian. Rachelle Vartanian is the Founder and President of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center, a community that supports neurodivergent individuals and their families in many ways. She began her journey as a special education teacher, and then as a parent, who now has as an adult son on the autism spectrum. These experiences have allowed her to clearly see the priorities that are needed to support individuals like her son and others, and she, Barry and Dave discuss her journey and her innovative center. FIND OUT MORE ON OUR WEBSITE See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tara Phillips, a speech-language pathologist and Founder of Autism Little Learners, interviewed Barry as a prelude to Barry’s keynote address on her podcast for the Preschool Autism Summit, with more than 40,000 professionals, parents, and autistic individuals registered. As Barry was so impressed by this interview, and given that he often receives requests for more specific information about his career path, he asked Tara for permission and she graciously agreed to allow this interview to be rebroadcast on Uniquely Human: The Podcast. Learn more on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.