DISCUSSION FORUM

Here's another chance to learn insights about autism from those that have "been there!"


This is the introduction to the series.
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=48

I'm delighted to tell you about "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders"... another Autism Hangout exclusive. This Feature Program series personally introduces you to today's autism thought leaders. In each program, I ask these news makers to share their "three key learnings about autism."

I was fortunate enough to attend an ANSWER Conference earlier this week where Dena Gassner, Dr. Jed Baker, Lisa King and Paul Johnson were presenting.

ANSWER stands for: Asperger's Network Support Well-being Education Research. More at their web site: www.aspergersmn.org

Here are the news makers from that excellent conference in their individual segments:


Dena Gassner talking about understanding both sides of the spectrum.
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=51


Dr. Jed Baker talking about social skills training.
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=52


Lisa King talking about autism and a successful college experience.
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=50


Paul Johnson talking about life as a counselor and one on the spectrum.
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=49

And here are the first of the podcasts:


Dr. Esther Hess describes her background, experience and current work regarding the benefits of floor time.
http://www.autismhangout.com/myhang...p?musicID=38


Dr. Stephen Shore talks about his remarkable development as a child with autism (how his parents treatment has helped him), his key learnings and the focus of his books and research.
http://www.autismhangout.com/myhang...p?musicID=37

There are MANY more installments to come! What I can't see or capture on video, I will be recording for play back on podcasts. Stay tuned!



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 10/16/2008 :  19:40:08  

Great stuff...and at 8 min., the Dr Jed Baker interview was within my available time limit. I plan to listen to the others ASAP and then fwd them on to staff in my school district.

Thanks for the info in video form!

DeAnne

With God, all things are possible.

Posted - 11/14/2008 :  09:55:19      

Here are three (of 4) new Podcasts in the "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders" series.



Dr. Glenn McGee, Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Bioethics addresses his concerns for the effects autism will have on society.

Here's the link to his Podcast:
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=71

Wow! Was this ever fun! Dr. McGee is not only a forward-thinking academic with his bioethics sights clearly focused on autism, he's a compassionate father to a son on the spectrum. Don't miss this candid conversation on what's in-store for autism and society.

For more information on Dr. McGee, visit:

bioethics.net
blog.bioethics.net
T: 888.360.AJOB
Email: mcgee@bioethics.org

--------------------------



And national speaker on autism, Ruth Elaine Hane shares a warm and personal story of her discovery of being on the spectrum (at the age of 54). Ruth Elaine also talks about her motivation as is a national advocate for all people with autism.

Here's the link to Ruth Elaine's Podcast:
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=72

She is a contributing author to Ask and Tell, Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum and Sharing Our Stories.

To contact Ruth Elaine, write: ruthelaine.hane@gmail.com

NO SPAM PLEASE!!

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Dr. Valerie Paradiz is an author, educator and advocate for autism. Dr. Paradiz' work encourages fostering of the emerging autistic self-advocate and the celebration and preservation of autistic identity.

Here's the link to Dr. Paradiz's Podcast:
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=73

For more information on Dr. Paradiz, go to:

www.valerieparadiz.com
or write: val@valerieparadiz.com

Watch for a future Podcast (in 2009) featuring her new books from Autism Asperger Publishing!




Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 11/17/2008 :  14:40:12      

11/17/08 - New Podcast today!

Meet Pat Pulice!



Pat is the Director of Autism Services at the renowned Fraser Organization in Minneapolis, MN. Pat got her start working with kids with autism while finishing up her degree. She's been at the one of the premier schools for differently-abled kids of all ages ever since (Fraser).

Pat's Podcast here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...programs.asp

For more information on Fraser's autism services, go to: www.fraser.org

T: 612.331.9413

Or write Pat at: pat@fraser.org


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 11/19/2008 :  07:31:06      

Journalist, videographer, author and father of Jack, Robert Parish joins us to talk about autism not as a "disorder," but as a "difference."



UPDATE! 1/7/09 - Robert posts a NEW video about Jack. See it here:
http://www.autismhangout.com/video/...tID=0&id=174

------------------

Hear Robert's Podcast: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=76

One conversation is never going to be enough with Robert. As you'll quickly see, he's is full of optimism and hope for all kids with autism. We didn't get to talk much about his books (present or future) or even his video programs, really. But we did learn his philosophies on life... and the value of a great attitude. We'll be doing more with Robert, soon.

This conversation was really great fun. Enjoy!

Here's Robert's latest book, Embracing Autism.



For more on Robert Parish, visit: www.comebackjack.com

Contact information is available there as well.



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 11/20/2008 :  14:51:49      

Meet the inspirations behind the movie "Mozart and the Whale." Jerry and Mary are both gifted individuals, one in mathematics, the other in art and music. They also both have Asperger's. This conversation took place in their bathroom, for good reason! Jerry and Mary love birds (as pets). They share their space (and conversations) with 11 of them. One in particular (a cockatoo named Shane) makes a cameo appearance in our chat as he looks for Mary and almost finds her in the bathtub.



Podcast link here:
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=77


What wonderful people! Thanks, Jerry and Mary for being a part of Autism Hangout!

Oh, and here are Jerry's answers to the questions I asked:
------------------
Craig,

Below find text answers to your questions from me.
Jerry Newport

1. What was your introduction to autism?

I was introduced to autism by three personal events. The first was in 1968 when I was walking up the stairs of my fraternity house at Michigan. Some brothers were talking about me and just kept talking as I walked by, assuming I was in too much of a fog to notice. The last comment I heard was "You don't suppose old Newport is one of those idiot savants, do you?" followed by nervous laughter.

The next day, I went to the library and found an article about a pair of institutionalized autistic savants in France, who did remarkable things with numbers. Other than my own numerical ability, I just couldn't relate to them and forgot about the incident. In 1987, I was a library clerk at an elementary school in Santa Monica and met a nonverbal ten year old autistic student. He loved trucks so I used to have every book about trucks waiting for him when he came to the library. It calmed him down as well as an old record player I let him use. But once again, I felt no sense of personal identity except for my love of spinning objects.

Finally in 1989, a friend advised me to see "Rain Man." It was re-released when it won some academy awards. My friend, Dr Linda Nickell worked with autistic children while getting her masters degree in educational psychology from University of Michigan. She was not sure if autism fit me but thought the movie might help me understand my life at just shy of forty one.

If somebody else had said this I might have ignored it but Linda is somebody whose professional opinions are to be taken seriously. So I saw the movie. The funniest moment was when Raymond Babbitt was asked to multiply 4,343 by 1,234. I was in the second row of the theater and said the answer, 5,359,262 faster than it came from Raymond. Other people looked back at me as if to say, " We haven't seen the movie before." In general, I identified with enough of Raymond's behavior and special skills to leave the movie wondering if there might be something between normal and autism that would fit me.

"Rain Man" made me feel that even if I didn't belong in the autism category that I might have insight that could help families and people with it. I joined the Autism Society of Los Angles in 1991 and their board of directors in 1992. In 1993, I joined the board of directors of the chapter's service agency, Jay Nolan Inc. That year, two other ASA chapters from Long Beach and San Gabriel Valley helped me start an adult support group, AGUA (Adult
Gathering, United and Autistic) I met my future wife, Mary there and we married in 1994.
In 1995, both of us were diagnosed with asperger syndrome.

2. What is your current focus (relative to autism) and what are you hoping to find or resolve?

I am more interested now in researching the latter stages of autistic life. Not much is known about our mortality and other features of getting older. I believe that most of the issues that NT seniors consider are issues for us in our way. I am sixty now and trying to figure out a way to go back to college and study aging and disabilities. If I live long enough, I will apply that education to improving life potential for my older peers.

My other autism interest is to document how various peers use humor to gain more comfort about themselves and educate and entertain others. People have often asked me where my sense of humor comes from as they don't expect it from autistic people. I have met some outstanding autistic comedians of all ages during the last decade and wonder what we have in common.

I must share that I also want to accomplish something that has nothing to do with autism.
What that will be, I don't know but I think there is much more to life than being an autism
"celibrity." A lot more. For one thing, I have really gotten to enjoy my recent shifts as a taxi driver. Most of my passengers just know me as "Gerald" and nothing of autism but they value me as a reliable driver and acquaintance.

3. What have been your 3 greatest learnings about autism?

In the beginning, I made a common mistake of thinking that my personal experience defined the universe of autism. This happens to many parents and newly diagnosed people.
Thanks to a lot of patient people who endured my original opinions, I have learned that autism is a very diverse way of living.

As a result, I have more respect now for the uniqueness of each person in our autism family and am less inclined to assume that my views apply to every person.

Finally, I believe that autism is a lifetime part of a person and not all of that is a negative thing.

4. Where can people go to find more information on your work?

Mary and I have a website at www.realmozart-whale.com It needs an update but it is a good start.

5. How do people contact you?

The best way to contact us is through my e-mail address:

wholphin48@hotmail.com
---------------------

For more information or to contact Jerry and Mary, visit: www.realmozart-whale.com
Jerry's email is: wholphin48@hotmail.com




Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 11/22/2008 :  08:15:46      

Meet Allen Samson, administrator of Ogden Manor Home - a "board and care" facility in LA. Allen's 28 years of experience in caring for differently-abled people in a group home setting is positive, upbeat and encouraging. Compassionate people like Allen assure us our loved ones will experience a rich, full life, once they leave home.



Hear Allen's Podcast here:
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=78

For more information on Allen, call: 323.650.6588

You can also write to Allen at:
Ogden Manor
904 N. Ogden Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90046-7310


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 11/23/2008 :  17:08:45      

Dr. Jane Brown is very concerned about people with autism having a successful college experience. So much so, her new two volume book filled with insights, checklists, contacts and encouragement is due in January of 2009. Hear this candid discussion and learn 6 points to address in preparing, selecting and succeeding in college.



Here Dr. Brown here:
http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=79


It's comforting to know there are folks like Dr. Brown to help guide the way to a successful college experience!

For more information on Dr. Brown, her services and her book, visit: www.collegeautismspectrum.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/03/2008 :  13:38:51      

Author Adonya Wong talks about her new book "In My Mind: The World Through the Eyes of Autism."



Hear Adonya's Podcast here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=80

Like most parents of kids with autism, Adonya's experience has been both challenging and rewarding. In this Podcast, Adonya talks about her son Nicholas, the inspiration for her book. And how she, like most parents of kids on the spectrum is working toward helping others better understand and develop their kids.

For more information on Adonya's book, go to: www.throughtheeyesofautism.com

You can read her blog and contact her at: www.throughtheeyesofautism.wordpress.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/04/2008 :  06:22:33      

Meet practitioner, Dr. Sarita Freedman. Dr. Freedman is based in Calabasas, CA working with parents and siblings of children with autism as well as kids with autism. She also works with couples where one is on the spectrum.



In Part 1, Dr. Freedman discusses her 3 Key Learnings about autism.
Listen to Part 1: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=81


In Part 2, she addresses diagnostic dilemmas associated with a diagnosis of autism and its impact on the family.
Listen to Part 2: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=82


In Part 3 she discusses "ten strategies to promote positive emotional development in children with autism.
Listen to Part 3: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=83

Don't miss this series!

Free copies of the papers discussed in Parts 2 and 3 are available to those who write.

Dr. Freedman can be reached by emailing sfreedmanphd@sbcglobal.net

Her phone # is: 818.999.9330



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/05/2008 :  08:50:20      

"God has a purpose for children with autism!"
Kelly Langston

Author, blogger and mom to Alec, Kelly Langston is a woman of great faith. In this Podcast, Kelly talks about her upcoming book Autism's Hidden Blessings: Discovering God's Promises for Autistic Children and their Families (Kregel Publishing - Release; March 2009).


Hear Kelly here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=84

You don't have to be a person of great faith to listen to Kelly's inspirational wisdom, but it is solidly rooted in the Bible. As she points out, "God's biggest blessings can be behind the biggest giants." Hear her talk about getting past the trials of discouragement and helplessness to living the extraordinary adventure. Kelly knows "God has a unique and marvelous purpose for children with autism." She has filled her book with scriptural promises for your child's worth, future and your own wisdom in understanding God's greater plan. "How great the power of His love!"

Learn more about Kelly here: www.autismshiddenblessings.com

Kelly's blog is: www.walkingwithalec.com



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/15/2008 :  16:55:48      

Teacher, researcher, author and curriculum designer Dr. Paula Kluth talks with passion about successfully teaching and reaching kids with disabilities... especially with autism.



Hear Dr. Kluth, here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=85

Based on attitude alone, it's no small surprise Dr. Kluth's work has proven successful! Paula is an optimistic, resourceful educator. Her latest book "Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Support and Honor the Interests of Students with Autism" demonstrates the proven power of her common sense approach to teaching (by starting at a comfort level... with the child's special interest). Paula also talks about the goal of inclusion as an ideal state.

Thanks to the enthusiasm of author/researchers such as Dr. Paula Kluth, educators worldwide are now learning how to best open up our kids to the world around them.

For more information on Dr. Kluth, visit: www.paulakluth.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/15/2008 :  20:05:51      

Researcher, clinician, humanitarian Dr. Tony Attwood weighs in with his 3 Key Learnings on autism.



For those in-the-know in autism, this man is well known. Dr. Attwood literally wrote the book on understanding Asperger's. Now meet the man behind the credentials. Tony is warm, witty, charming... and delightfully excited about his clients. He sees those with Asperger's as the treasures they are. And his work to assist them in living the fullest life possible continues.

Hear Dr. Tony Attwood here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=87

Don't miss this experience. Tony's passion is contagious... as is his hope and encouragement for our kids.

For more on Dr. Tony Attwood, visit: www.tonyattwood.com.au


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/30/2008 :  09:32:56      

MaryTara Wurmser is an autism safety advocate, the Kids and Family Category Lead at Epinions.com and publisher of the Bon Bon Gazette. She's recently done even more notable work on publicizing how to keep our kids with autism safe.

Hear MaryTara here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=88

In this candid conversation, MaryTara discusses her life with Alex and her advocacy for safety issues related to kids with autism. Thoughtout this discussion MaryTara clearly demonstrates how humor and a good attitude can help you meet the challenges of life with autism.

For more information of safety issues for kids with autism, and a great read on what's current in the autism field, stop by her blog, the Bon Bon Gazette - http://www.bonbongazette.com/ .

You can also see some of MaryTara's current articles at Epinions.com - http://www.epinions.com/user-marytara



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/31/2008 :  07:55:42      

Meet Bonnie Sayers... a whirlwind of excited, positive energy! Bonnie is an autism advocate, a prolific blogger, mom to two boys on the spectrum and the organizer of Twitter's Autism Day! And this is a partial list of her involvement!

Hear Bonnie here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=90

In this conversation, it's easy to understand that Bonnie is programmed to help us all learn all we can about autism. And she can do it in any medium! Whether it's using an existing template (blogs, epinion forums) or new technologies (such as Twitter), Bonnie is compelled to bring the autism community together share common experiences and wisdom.

You can find out lots more about Bonnie and her causes here:

http://autismspectrumdisorders.bellaonline.com
http://autismfamiily.blogspot.com - Autism Family Adventures Blog
http://autismfamily.tumblr.com - listing of autism twitter members
http://www.epinions.com/user-bonniesayers - product reviews, top 50 member
http://www.bellaonline.com/ebooks/ebook131 - Educational Autism Tips for Families ebook
http://foodiemama.com/Feeding-Teens/ - Editor
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/grou...ngPECSCards/
http://bonniesayers.blogspot.com - Insurance topics
http://autismfamilies.gather.com/
http://www.cafemom.com/group/20863 - Autism Resources Group
http://pecsclub.ning.com/ - used to brainstorm Autism twitter day,now for autism book swap
http://twitter.com/autismfamily - my profile page



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 02/18/2009 :  08:04:45      

Dr. Solomon talks about the success of P.L.A.Y therapy and how it differs from (and enhances) A.B.A. He also touches on the importance of early diagnosis and a "choice" in treatments. Don't miss the wisdom of his 20 years of practice in treating autism.

Hear him here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=94

For more information on Dr. Solomon and P.L.A.Y., go to: www.playproject.org

This is VERY encouraging!


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 02/26/2009 :  11:00:49      

Here's an extraordinary story about an extraordinary family.



If you want to know what a hero looks like, look no further than John Kirton. John and his equally heroic wife (Robin) are parents to 6 kids with autism. The best news is, they make it work! Hear John's frank discussion (and wisdom) about life with autism.

Hear John here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=95


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 03/23/2009 :  15:10:15      

It seems like EVERY TIME I get a chance to interview the current roster of Autism Thought Leaders, I end up being even MORE impressed (and humbled). What wonderful, thoughtful people there are out there dealing with autism.



The latest Autism Advocate I've interviewed in this series is film-maker (author, and rock 'n roll paralegal) Keri Bowers. Most of you may know her through her work with her son Taylor in the development of the seminal autism film, "Normal People Scare Me."

Don't miss this lively, enlightening and encouraging conversation with autism's own (self-proclaimed) Energizer Bunny! :)

Hear Keri here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=97

Keri is a dynamo!

Craig


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 03/25/2009 :  17:56:37      

I love my job. I get to meet the most interesting and delightful people. Today's "Key Learnings about Autism" guest was just one more example.

Meet Donna Williams.



Donna Williams is quite delightful. She's an artist, composer, musician, screenwriter and autism advocate. She's also on the spectrum.

Donna tells her story, beginning with her as a "feral" child, unable to comprehend or interpret the world outside of her patterns of sound and color. As she grew, and the diagnosis and prognosis of her condition became more grim, Donna describes the "Helen Keller" moments of understanding that at first intrigued, then drew her into a foreign world to live, prosper and contribute.

Donna is nothing short of remarkable. Of all the interviews I've conducted with Autism Thought Leaders, this is the one that gives me the most hope for our kids.

Watch Donna's SKYPE interview, here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=98

For more info on Donna, go to: www.donnawilliams.net


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 03/27/2009 :  12:24:19      

Meet Joanne Lara. From her early roots as a dancer, experiencing autism first in college, Joanne has become one of the country's leading experts in the use of music and dance to facilitate the development of communication skills and cognitive awareness.



Joanne's "aut-erobics DVD" is winning accolades from experts and parents alike.

In this "Key Learnings" interview, hear Joanne talk about her passion for these kids and how her special skills as a dancer have helped them flourish.

Hear Joanne here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id2=99

For more information on Joanne and aut-erobics, see: www.theautismexpert.com




Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 03/31/2009 :  15:16:00      

Karen Simmons is doing all she can to bring news about autism to the world.



As the author of 4 books and 2 CDs on the subject, Karen is also founder and CEO of Autism Today, autism's premier magazine. In this very candid Podcast, Karen's passion and compassion show as she talks about her love of special needs kids and their families. She also shares 5 very-thought-out Key Learnings about autism.

Hear Karen, here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=100

To reach Karen, go to: www.autismtoday.com

Thank you, Karen!


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 04/13/2009 :  13:36:22      

As parents of kids with special needs, we're all advocates for autism. But beyond schools, churches and communities, some of us take on even bigger advocacy challenges.

Wayne Rohde of Oklahoma is one such autism advocate. As the father of Nicholas, Nick's Law has now become synonymous with the growing national call for insurance coverage of autism.



Wayne is passionate and tireless in his efforts to pass Oklahoma legislation for this much needed relief. As any parent of a child with autism will tell you, the emotional and financial strains are enormous. Insurance coverage is called for.

Hear Wayne talk about his experiences, his Key Learnings and what you can do to help pass Nick's Law in your state.

http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=105

For more on Wayne and Nick's Law, visit his blog at: nickslawok.blogspot.com



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 04/21/2009 :  22:27:15      

Julie Heinks is the author of "Andrew's Story: One Boy's Journey Back From Autism." This is a story of a mother's unconditional love and hope. In discovering a way to return Andrew to the happy child he was, Julie documents her trials, challenges and successes. This book is must reading for those recently discovering their child is on the spectrum.

Hear Julie's interview, here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=107

For more information on Julie and her book, visit: www.julieheinks.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 10/19/2009 :  10:39:02      

"Can The World Afford Autistic Spectrum Disorder?" - A Book by Dr. Digby Tantam

Dr. Digby Tantam is one of the world's leading authorities on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger's syndrome. In his newest book - "Can The World Afford Autistic Spectrum Disorder?"- his provocative title is not focused on the financial implications of autism.. but rather on the value of the contributions those with the condition can make to society ("we desperately need them!").



In this positive book, Dr. Digby also believes whatever debilitation is associated with Asperger's is less about the personal affects of the condition, but more about how poorly society accommodates them.

More on Dr. Digby here: www.dilemmas.org

More on the book here: www.jkp.com



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 04/02/2010 :  12:21:10      

"A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Schools." Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Meet author, educator, researcher and autism expert, Dr. Lee A. Wilkinson.

In this "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders" Feature Program interview, Dr. Wilkinson describes his efforts in preparing this new "best practices" book for teachers and educators.

Hear Dr. Lee here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=131



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 06/04/2010 :  00:33:01  

Wow! Was this e'er fun! Dr. McGee is not only a forward-thinking pedagogue with his bioethics sights clearly convergent on autism, he's a caring ascendant to a son on the spectrum. Don't missy this outspoken conversation on what's in-store for autism and elite.
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[url=http://iepgoals.net]IEP Goals[/url]