Location:
United States
Genres:
Education Podcasts
Description:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often talked about but is easily misunderstood. The Understanding Autism Podcast breaks down the misconceptions around autism for educators, parents and community members to promote awareness and understanding of neurodiverse people. Join hosts Nicole Kubilus, who shares her own personal experiences with autism, and Bret Thayer who shares his views on autism as a parent of an autistic child and an educator in this biweekly podcast.
Twitter:
@bathayer
Language:
English
Contact:
8025526010
Episodes
Season 2 Episode 35: Interview With Alley Joel and Rebecca Seiden of Boulder County Department of Human Services
10/21/2024
Successful housing programs for neurodiverse people can be based on publicly funded initiatives. In 2002, voters in Boulder County, Colorado passed one such measure authorizing the building of housing units and supports for the intellectually disabled in their community. Our interview explores the goals and scope of this innovative program and how it aims to serve the needs of the autistic and intellectually disabled community of Boulder County.
Duration:01:36:45
Season 2 Episode 34: Interview With Desiree Kameka Galloway, Director of the Autism Housing Network
10/7/2024
The Madison House Autism Foundation’s mission is to promote, model and advocate for the full inclusion of adults with autism in the life of communities everywhere. They also work to expand choices and opportunity in housing, employment and community life. In this episode, we interview Desiree Kameka Galloway, Director of the Autism Housing Network, and get her thoughts on the state of housing for the autistic community today.
Duration:01:53:19
Season 2 Episode 33: Housing and Transportation
9/23/2024
Two of the biggest issues in moving towards adult independence are housing and transportation. This is especially difficult for those who are neurodivergent. In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of different types of housing and the transportation challenge. We also explore some innovative housing solutions, including supported independent living communities.
Duration:02:01:31
Season 2: Episode 32: Interview With Joie Laykoff and Mitch Carver of Fusion Academy
9/9/2024
In this episode, we continue our conversation about the role that education plays in preparing neurodivergent students for independence. Joie Laykoff is the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning of Fusion Education Group. Mitch Carver is Head of School for Fusion Academy in Boulder, Colorado. Together, they discuss Fusion Academy’s 1:1 teacher/student ratio, their personalization of learning for each student, and the impact these have on student success.
Duration:01:16:29
Season 2 Episode 31: Interview With Jen Wilger of the Temple Grandin School
8/26/2024
Transitioning from high school to career or college can be challenging to those on the spectrum. In this episode, we interview Jen Wilger of the Temple Grandin School in Boulder, Colorado about the programs and practices the school offers to help students be successful in this important transition.
Duration:01:17:37
Season 2 Episode 30: Transitioning to Living Alone
8/14/2024
Moving out of the house can be overwhelming and scary for the autistic adult as well as for parents and caregivers. In this episode we explore different therapeutic therapies and philosophies that can help us understand the anxiety, mindsets, and mental struggles that both autistic adults and caregivers experience during this difficult transition.
Duration:02:21:47
Season 2 Episode 29: Moving Out and Communicating With Those in Your Residence
7/29/2024
The transition from living with parents to having your own place comes with a lot of challenges. One area that does not get a lot of attention for those on the spectrum, is how to communicate with your neighbors, your roommate, your landlord and others in your new home. In this episode we explore the sometimes tricky and complex world of human communication for renters.
Duration:02:32:52
Season 2 Episode 28: Interview with Erin Gaskins of Room Redefined
7/15/2024
As part of our series on building life skills for independence, Erin Gaskins founder of Room Redefined, shares how she helps her neurodiverse clients organize their space according to their unique needs and goals.
Duration:01:25:15
Season 2 Episode 27: Practicing Life Skills and Routines
7/1/2024
The road to adult independence for our autistic children does not have to start when they are 18 years old. To make this challenging transition easier, teaching our children life skills that they will need when they are adults should begin at an early age. In this episode we explore ways in which parents and schools can help prepare those on the spectrum for living on their own.
Duration:02:20:01
Season 2 Episode 26: Parenting Autistic Children in Their Journey Towards Independence
6/17/2024
Parenting an autistic child is never easy. Is loving our child enough or is there more to raising a capable child? In the first part of this two part episode, we interview Lori Thayer, wife of co-host Bret Thayer on her thoughts and advice about raising an autistic step-son. Next, we interview Dr. Deborah Winking, author of Raising Capable Kids on her new book and advice that she has for parents in supporting, encouraging, and empowering our children to be capable.
Duration:02:28:44
Season 2 Episode 25: Parent's & School's Role In Adult Independence
6/3/2024
Helping our children to become independent adults can be a challenge for any parent. How we support and communicate with our child about their independence journey can make all the difference. In this episode, we look at different ways of thinking and communicating about independence and we examine a school transition plan, assessments and resources.
Duration:02:24:02
Season 2 Episode 24: Interview with Gail Suitor of Ignite Change Makers
5/20/2024
Our first guest of the second season, Gail Suitor, founder of Ignite Change Makers, talks about her dedication in supporting educators, students and families in finding innovative ways to educate and support neurodiverse students and adults.
Duration:01:13:00
Season 2 Episode 23: Creating An Adult Independence Plan
5/6/2024
Transitions can be scary. For those on the spectrum, making the transition from living with parents to being on their own can be an intimidating process. But every successful long term goal comes with a plan of action. In this episode, we explore what a ten year adult independence plan can look like for an young autistic adult and the roles that parents can play in this process.
Duration:01:33:41
Understanding Autism Podcast Season 2 Trailer
4/22/2024
We can't believe that Season 2 of the Understanding Autism Podcast is actually right around the corner! Here we explain our focus for Season 2 and some guests and content that we are excited to share with our audience.
Duration:00:05:45
Season 1 Episode 22 Part 2: Season 1 Retrospective
3/18/2024
In this our final episode of season 1, we continue to reflect on how we created the Understanding Autism Podcast. This episode focuses on recording and editing platforms, making your podcast unique, using social media and networking, and considering monetization. We also share our goals and vision for season two.
Duration:01:33:02
Season 1 Episode 22: Season 1 Retrospective (Part 1)
3/4/2024
In this next to final episode, we reflect on the amazing journey we both experienced in producing the Understanding Autism Podcast. While our previous episodes focused on autistic behaviors, this episode focuses on the nuts and bolts of producing a podcast: from the germination of an idea to structuring the show, to basic technical equipment, and to website and logo construction.
Duration:01:28:56
Season 1 Episode 21: Interview with Katelyn Szymanski on Suicide Ideation
2/20/2024
In this episode, we interview licensed social worker and QPR Gatekeeper Instructor, Katelyn Szymanski on the research and advocacy work she has done around suicide awareness and prevention for the neurodiverse community in Maryland.
Duration:01:21:05
Season 1 Episode 20: Autism and Suicidal Ideation
2/5/2024
In this episode we explore the sensitive topic of suicide. How does autism impact suicidal thoughts? What social and cultural factors might contribute to thoughts of suicide? Nicole shares her own struggles with this topic and shares resources and strategies that helped her overcome thoughts of suicide.
Duration:02:11:16
Season 1 Episode 19: Autism and Shaming
1/22/2024
Neurodiverse people often know they are different and that they may stand out from neurotypical people. But how does society treat those that are different? This episode explores the sensitive issue around shame, stigma and the resulting trauma that can occur. We also review examples of shame informed therapy.
Duration:03:02:48
Season 1 Episode 18: Autism and Perfectionism
1/8/2024
Perfectionism, or the tendency to demand flawless behavior or performance, is a challenge many with autism struggle with. In this episode, we examine the root causes of perfectionism, how perfectionism impacts those with autism, and some generally recommended solutions for addressing perfectionism.
Duration:02:17:22