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9/6/2020

Hello autism friends, this is Craig.


Due to some non-Covid complications, I've been unable to produce any updated Ask Dr. Tony shows. Hopefully the situation will clear and we'll be back on track with more programs, but for the time being we're on hiatus. Apologies. 

In the meantime, Dr. Tony and Dr. Michelle Garnett are hosting some "Ask the Experts" Q&A programs that are available for free viewing at the Attwood and Garnett Events page on Facebook.

You can find those videos and more, here:


www.facebook.com/tonyattwoodmichellegarnett/videos/?ref=page_internal



Ask Dr. Tony - Pandemics! Unemployment! Race riots! More Anxiety! Successfully living with even more stress.
6/16/2020

​
The questions included in this episode characterize the anxiety being experienced in real time by many with ASD in response to current events. It was recorded June 15, 2020.

Subjects addressed in this episode:
​
Anxiety and Autism
- Dealing with it - Starts at
1:10
- Changing routines - Starts at 2:32
- Monitoring your anxiety level - Starts at
4:45
- Watch your diet - Starts at
8:33

Staying Safe
- Dealing with the Police - Starts at
9:54
- Living with OCD - Starts at
12:16

Pandemic "silver linings"
- Best Shopping Experience - Starts at
13:46
- Skype and Zoom - Starts at
15:30

Stress, anxiety and addiction
- PTSD and cannabis - Starts at
16:36
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - Starts at
22:50
- ASD, alcohol and drugs - Starts at
26:03
​
Intimacy, dating, sex and marriage
- Stress and relationships - Starts at
30:58

"Ask Dr. Tony" - On Coronavirus/COVID-19, Autism and Anxiety
3/25/2020
Anxiety is Contagious - Starts at :59

Fear of Uncertainty Causes Anxiety - Starts at 2:50
- Increases autistic behaviors - Starts at 3:09
- May increase sensory sensitivity - Starts at 3:24
- Routines/rituals can reduce anxiety - Starts at 3:34

Other Forms of Anxiety May Increase - Starts at 3:51
- OCD - Starts at 4:13

Panic Attacks - Starts at 4:43

Antidotes to Anxiety - Starts at 7:02

​COVID-19 Social Stories and Videos - Starts at 7:11

Autism Medical Factor - Starts at 8:57
- Perceiving low levels of illness/discomfort - Starts at 9:05

Dealing with Change - Starts at 9:50
- Adapting new routines - Starts at 10:08

Stress Management Recommendations - Starts at 11:23
"An Interesting Variation" - Starts at 13:10
Scientists and Autism - Starts at 13:30

Here are Dr. Attwood's notes from this episode.
​Click on DOWNLOAD FILE and print on your computer.​
 
dr_tony_attwood_on_covid_19.pdf
File Size: 78 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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"Ask Dr. Tony" - March 2020
2/24/20
Subjects Addressed in this Episode:

Living with Autism
- Culture's Impact - Starts at :43

Faking it, Masking it
- Coming Out - Starts at
4:18
- Keeping Friends - Starts at 7:27
- Fear of Mistakes - Starts at 11:15
- Perfectionism - Starts at 15:46

Anxiety
- OCD and ADHD - Starts at
18:39

Getting, Keeping a Job
- Burnout - Starts at
21:38
- Time Management - Starts at 28:25

Women, Autism, PTSD
- Misdiagnosis! - Starts at
29:56
- Trauma and PTSD - Starts at 34:25

The Polyvagal Theory
- Therapies - Starts at
36:50

Intimacy Dating, Sex & Marriage
- Aspies and Infidelity - Starts at
38:52

Aging Aspies
- What to Expect with Age - Starts at
42:24

Viewer Comment on Intellectual Orgasm
- Sapiosexual - Starts at
50:27

Ask Dr. Tony (the book) wins recognition!
The best Autism books of all time
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​Ask Dr. Tony made it to the Best Autism Books of All Time

I'm happy to announce that my book, "Ask Dr. Tony: Answers from the World's Leading Authority on Asperger's Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism", made it to BookAuthority's Best Autism Books of All Time:
https://bookauthority.org/books/best-autism-books?t=19icy7&s=award&book=1941765807

BookAuthority collects and ranks the best books in the world, and it is a great honor to get this kind of recognition. Thank you for all your support!
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

"Ask Dr. Tony" - September 2019
9/26/19
9/26/19 - September 26, 2019:
Subjects Addressed in this Episode:

Getting a Diagnosis  
  - Apprehension - Starts at :58
  - ASD and Anorexia - Starts at 3:27
  - ASD and Borderline Personality Disorder - Starts at 6:59

Making and Keeping Friends    
  - Dealing with Toxic People - Starts at 13:13

Empathetic Attunement - Starts at 16:49  
   
Getting and Keeping a Job - Starts at 19:04

Depression   
  - Self Injurious Behavior - Starts at 20:38

Sensory Issues    
  - Sensitive to Electronics and More - Starts at 27:08

Gender Dysphoria - Starts at 30:55    

Intimacy Dating, Sex & Marriage - Starts at 33:33   

Dr. Attwood Comments on Greta Thunberg - Starts at 42:45


​​"Ask Dr. Tony" - June 2019

6/25/19
6/25/19 - June 2019:
Subjects Addressed in this Episode:
Personal Management Issues
- Blurting out in Class - Starts at
0:51
- Binge Eating- Starts at 2:43
- Asperger's and Chronic Fatigue - Starts at 4:33

Anxiety
- Medical Cannabis - Starts at
7:23
- Twins and School - Starts at 9:21

Sensory Issues
- Hypo and Hyper in One Person? - Starts at
12:32

Self-Esteem/Self-Identity
- Feeling Younger than Actual Age - Starts at
14:44

Intimacy/Dating/Sex/Relationships
- Making Relationships Work - Starts at
17:13

Living With Autism
- ASD and Intuition (Empathetic Attunement) - Starts at
23:36
- PTSD and Self Care - Starts at 27:32
- Emotional Abuse - Start at 32:03
- ASD Parenting Skills - Start at 33:50
- A Curious Tic - Starts at 38:41

Faking It
- Tired of Masks - Starts at
41:44

Dr. T's Audiobooks - Starts at 45:56
Why Get a Diagnosis - Starts at 47:50

Previous questions to Dr. Attwood have been incorporated into a book titled "Ask Dr. Tony", published by Future Horizons and is now available at a book store near you (or online).


​"Ask Dr. Tony" - April 2019
3/27/19
3/28/19 - April 2019:
Subjects Addressed in this Episode:

Personal Management Issues
- Drugs and Coping with Life - Starts at
2:40

Dealing with Change
- Changing Tasks - Starts at
6:30

Self-Esteem/Self-Identity and "Faking It"
- Finding Myself - Starts at
8:46

Intimacy, Dating, Sex and Marriage
- Discussing Issues - Starts at
11:08
- Dating Tips - Starts at 15:53
- Breaking Up with an Aspie - Starts at 17:47

Gender Dysphoria
- Find out "Why?" - Starts at
20:20

Meltdowns
- Tips to Diffuse - Starts at
24:54

Anxiety
- What's Causing? - Starts at
29:29
- Meds and School - Starts at 32:05

Living With Autism
- Is it Increasing? - Starts at
35:45
- Companion Animals - Starts at 38:32
- Autism and PTSD - Start at 40:37

Thriving with Autism
- Not. Giving. Up. - Starts at
42:14

Previous questions to Dr. Attwood have been incorporated into a book titled "Ask Dr. Tony", published by Future Horizons and is now available at a book store near you (or online).



​"Ask Dr. Tony" - Addiction/Depression/Jail
2/26/19
2/26/19 - Addiction/Depression/Jail

This is a very sensitive topic and one that hits home with Dr. Tony and his son, Will.  Will has since gone on to write a book about his personal experiences:  Asperger's Syndrome and Jail:  A Survival Guide. In this conversation, Dr. Tony address his learnings from these events, first-hand. 

​Subjects Addressed in this Addition/Depression/Jail "deep dive" (single subject) Episode:

Causes of Addiction - Starts at
2:12
Addiction and ASD - Starts at 4:29
Addiction and Computer Games - Starts at 7:50
Addiction, Computer Games and Depression - Starts at 8:28
​Strategies to overcome Addiction - Starts at 12:32


​"Ask Dr. Tony" - 
ASD in the Workplace (a deep dive)
11/19/18
11/19/18 - ASD in the Workplace  

​Subjects Addressed in this ASD in the Workplace "deep dive" (single subject) 


"Thriving Now" - A Curriculum
- What is this Program? - Starts at 0:42 
Why Jobs Are Good For You - Starts at
1:29 
Finding and Keeping a Job - Starts at
1:53 
- Understanding and Explaining YOU - Starts at
2:43 
ASD Employee Qualities and Attributes - Starts at
3:11 
ASD Employee Skills and Talents
- Jobs for Techies - Starts at
3:48
- Jobs for Creatives - Starts at 4:05 
- Jobs for Caregivers - Starts at
4:42 
Understanding Office Politics - Starts at
5:18


​"Ask Dr. Tony" - On Gender Dysphoria (a deep dive)
11/13/18
11/13/18 - On Gender Dysphoria:
Subjects Addressed in this Gender Dysphoria "deep dive" (single subject) Episode:

Gender Dysphoria
What is it? - Starts at 0:49
​What Does Gender Dysphoria Feel Like? - Starts at 2:02
What Might Be the Cause? Role Fulfillment? Sexual Attraction? - Starts at 3:14
How Should Parents Respond to a Child Experiencing Gender Dysphoria? - Starts at 7:08
How Should Parents Discuss Gender Dysphoria with Family? - Starts at 8:52
​Advice for those Experiencing Gender Dysphoria - Starts at 10:22



​
​"Ask Dr. Tony" - Dallas Sessions Part 1: 

10/23/18​


10/23/18 - Dallas Sessions Part 1:
Subjects Addressed in this Episode:

Anxiety - Starts at
1:46
Managing and Keeping Friends
- Borderline Personality and ASD - Starts at
10:38
About Dr. Hans Asperger - Starts at 12:23
"Faking It" - Starts at 16:26
Living with Autism
- Circadian Sleep Disorders - Starts at
18:47
Personal Management
​- Changing Thoughts Plus Emotions - Starts at
22:04

"Ask Dr. Tony" - The Book - Is Here!

​10/15/18 - Dr. Tony Attwood and Craig Evans are pleased to introduce "Ask Dr. Tony," ​their second book together. The book is a compilation of fifty episodes of the Autism Hangout question-and-answer program video series in which Dr. Tony Attwood directly addresses the most pressing questions of those touched by autism. It also includes bonus sections of questions and answers from specific groups such as parents, teachers, public servants, social workers, and more. This book is an invaluable resource to keep helpful information present and available to the public. Craig and Dr. Tony's mutual goal? Thriving with autism!
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Reviews:

“There’s a reason I watch videos with the captions turned on: catching the nuance of tone, the challenge of perspective, the speed of banter, and the import of content all at once is like isolating notes in a score the very first time the music plays. Which is why this book is so ingenious. Craig Evans has repackaged the fleeting flurry of video, transcribing and regifting Dr. Attwood’s insight and heart so that audiences can engineer their own learning pace and style. Plainly written and alive with conversation, it’s a great resource for empowering engagement, spurring independent thinking, and supporting active incorporation.”
Jennifer Cook O’Toole

“Who in the autism community has ever wished for a direct line to Dr. Tony Attwood? Or has spent time wondering what Dr. Attwood would think about the problems and situations that frustrate our lives as people with autism? This book is full of thoughtfully crafted questions originally asked by the autism community and answered through discussion between Dr. Attwood and C. Evans with care and concern.
​ It is a gift.”

Lisa Morgan

​“Over twenty-five years ago, a fragile mother of two wrote three letters to Dr. Tony, praying for a moment of his time during his visit and to get the answer to the question, ‘Could I have autism?’ He pulled her out of the line, sat her down on the back of the stage, and gently gave her the answer. This book is that moment given repeatedly, answering many people’s pressing questions. With Craig Evans, Tony Attwood addresses the questions you’ve been needing answered the same way―kindly, gently, and with patience.”
​Dena L. Gassner, MSW, adjunct professor

“Distilled from years of discussion on the “Ask Dr. Tony” show, Craig and Tony gift the autism community with easy-to-understand explanations combined with practical solutions for addressing some of the most vexing challenges facing individuals on the autism spectrum. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking greater appreciation of ASD individuals as an expression of the diversity of the human gene pool. In summary, the best of Dr. Tony Attwood brought to you by Craig Evans!”
Stephen Mark Shore, EdD

“Absolutely smashing! Dr. Tony Attwood’s advice is world-class. He completely understands the ASD mind and covers a wide range of much-needed advice for everyday life. As one of the Aspie mentors in Been There. Done That. Try This!, I highly recommend this book to those on the autism spectrum as well as parents and all involved with autism. Tony and Craig have knocked it out of the park!”
Anita Lesko, BSN, RN, MS, CRNA

“This collection of interviews between Dr. Tony Attwood, who steadfastly remains the most revered expert in Asperger’s syndrome, and the insightful and positive author Craig Evans is wonderful! It’s an easy read that delivers difficult concepts eloquently and respectfully.”
Liane Holliday Willey, EdD


New Book for 2018!


​I'm DELIGHTED to report that Dr. Tony and I are teaming up (again!) for another book!  This time it's to document (in print) the wisdom he's been sharing for years through the "Ask Dr. Tony" video series!  It seemed the natural thing to do since there's an archive of close to 40 programs at the youtube Autism Hangout channel.  And now that we've started the series back up again, there's even more to come!  
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Click on the picture above for a short video of how this last idea came about.  It was very similar to what launched "Been There. Done That. Try This! (hint... it was an after-thought after the interview).  Watch the idea and the launch as it happened

We're humbled and honored that Future Horizons will be publishing this book of wisdom.  Watch here for updates!"

"Ask Dr. Tony" Returns!



12/11/17 - December 2017 Episode now posted!  
Subjects Addressed in this Episode (December 2017): 

Being Diagnosed for Aspergers/HFA
- Online References/Self Diagnosis - Starts at 
1:03
- Directory of Professionals That Test for ASD - Starts at 3:08
- What Constitutes An Accurate Test? - Starts at 4:19
- Is There A Best Age For Testing? - Starts at 6:46 
- How Do I Tell Others About My Autism Diagnosis? - Starts at 8:02
- How Do I Tell Others They May Have Autism? - Starts at 9:56
- Am I Doing The Wrong Thing NOT Telling My Child? - Starts at 11:14
- Getting Family Members to Accept ASD Behavior - Starts at 13:55
- Motor Mannerisms and Social Acceptance - Starts at 16:32 
- Bullying - Starts at 
18:49

Meltdowns
- Anger Towards a Sibling - Starts at 
21:44
- Is Sensory Seeking Behavior and Self Harm Related? - Starts at 25:24 

Getting and Keeping a Job
- Job Programs and Developing Social Skills - Starts at 
28:41
- Social Isolation, Anxiety, Depression. CBT Help - Starts at 30:53

Making and Keeping Friends
- Recognizing 'Good' and 'Bad' People - Starts at 
32:03
- Working With Groups of People - Starts at 35:08

Living with Autism
- Do ASD Issues Get Worse With Age? - Starts at 
37:51
- Managing Pain - Starts at 40:01
- How Can I Make People Understand me - Part 1 - Starts at 41:48
- How Can I Make People Understand me - Part 2 - Starts at 43:34
- Dealing With Disturbing, Intrusive Thoughts - PTSD - Starts at 45:45
- Understanding the Death of a Loved One - Starts at 47:34
- Addicted to Drugs. What's a Parent To Do? - Starts at 50:11
- Deal With Noises, 'Acting Normal', Recharging - Starts at 54:41
​- Can I Get an Appointment With You Dr. T? - Starts at 56:41

Here is information and hyperlinks (where available) to the references Dr. Tony mentions in the show:
Autism Research Center -
https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/...
Ritvo Autism Asperger Assessment Schedule Revised (RAADS-R)
Jessica Kinglsey Publishing -
http://www.jkp.com
Minds and Hearts Clinic -
http://www.mindsandhearts.net
​Dr. Karen McKibben - Portland Autism Center

9/21/17 - September 2017 Episode now posted!
The "Ask Dr. Tony!" show returns! This episode includes his responses to questions about:

Being Diagnosed for Asperger's/HFA
- Starts at :43 
- Avoidant Personality Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder
- Starts at :43

Disclosing a Diagnosis - Starts at 7:32
- Understanding Asperger's/HFA

Getting and Keeping a Job - Starts at :13:55

Meltdowns - Starts at 18:25
- Does discipline work?

Sensory Issues - Starts at 22:39
- Toe walking

Intimacy, Dating, Sex and Marriage - Starts at 25:02
- Social and sexual maturity PTSD

Living with Autism - Starts at 32:50
- Gender Dysphoria
- Trouble with "closure" and "why?"

​We're hoping to post new "Ask Dr. Tony" programs every 6-8 weeks. If you'd like to submit a question, please fill out the "Question Form" found at www.autismhangout.com. Due to the high number of questions received, we may not be able to include them all.

10/6/17 - "Found in Translation" documentary about Dr. Tony Attwood now posted!
Professor Tony Attwood believes the "out of the box" thought processes of people on the autism spectrum will solve the world's big problems. He is credited with being the first clinical psychologist to present Asperger's syndrome not as something to be "fixed " but as a gift, evidenced in many of the great inventors and artists throughout history. But while Professor Attwood has reached the top of his field, he reveals in this episode of Australian Story the personal cost of a missed diagnosis in his own family. Early in his career, he didn't see the signs of Asperger's in his son Will. The consequences were devastating for everyone.

First-hand Advice from the World's Leading Authority
on Asperger's Syndrome, Dr. Tony Attwood
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Dr. Tony Attwood would like to personally address your questions about successfully living with the challenges and gifts of Asperger's.  This site is dedicated to fielding questions and addressing issues via a free, semi-monthly video posted here at Autism Hangout.
In 2008, Dr. Tony Attwood and Autism Hangout host Craig Evans started the ​"Ask Dr. Tony" program... a 10-30 minute video interview where Dr. Attwood addressed up to 12 select questions submitted by the 2,500 members of Autism Hangout. Forty-seven of those original shows can be found here.
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​Due to the program's popularity (some shows have received over 50,000 views), and the ongoing need to quickly share insights, learnings and helpful techniques with the autism community, Dr. Tony and Craig are teaming up again to address your questions ​about living a successful life on the spectrum.


The new "Ask Dr. Tony" show will feature a more refined focus based on the book Been There. Done That. Try This!



​In 2012, Dr. Attwood, Craig Evans and Aspie Mentor Anita Lesko collaborated with over 30 noted “Aspie Mentors” including Temple Grandin, Dr. Stephen Shore, Jennifer Cook O'Toole and Liane Holliday-Willey to prepare a book of “Aspie Mentor Wisdom”. ​

The "Aspie Mentors" – those whose life experience authorizes them to say they’d “Been there, Done that,” and can recommend “Try this” to successfully navigate a specific challenge - address each of 
the 17 most stressing, pressing issues faced by those living with Asperger’s 
(see list below). ​
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