Self-advocate and Different Brains intern Julia Futo discusses growing up with DCD.

(26 minutes) Julia faced difficulties early on in life with trying to perform everyday tasks. Before she was five years old, she was diagnosed with two learning disabilities: Encephalopathy and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). She struggled in school for a long time, but that changed when she took journalism in high school and learned how to become an advocate. She is currently in college and hopes to help others find their voices.

For Different Brains articles written by Julia: https://www.differentbrains.org/a-day-in-the-life-of-someone-with-developmental-coordination-disorder/ 

To see Julia’s “Neurodiversity and the Coronavirus” project: https://www.differentbrains.org/neurodiversity-the-coronavirus/ 

Julia’s article for EP Magazine can be seen here: https://www.epmagazine.com/blog/being-a-neurodiverse-advocate 


For more info: https://cee.engr.uconn.edu/include 

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DCD & Me: Living with Developmental Coordination Disorder, featuring Julia Futo | EDB 237

UChicago’s Dr. Peggy Mason discusses her work on the neurobiological basis of empathy.

(VIDEO - 33 mins) Dr. Mason grew up in the Washington DC area and worked in taxidermy at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History during middle and high school. She received her BA in Biology in 1983 and her PhD in Neuroscience in 1987, both from Harvard. After postdoctoral work at the University of California – San Francisco, she joined the faculty at the University of Chicago in 1992. Dr Mason is now Professor of Neurobiology. For more than 20 years, Dr Mason’s research was focused on the cellular mechanisms of pain modulation. In the last ten plus years, Dr Mason has turned her energies to the biology of empathy and helping behavior in rats. Dr Mason taught medical students for 25 years and wrote a textbook for medical students, now in its second edition (Medical Neurobiology, Oxford University Press, 2nd edition, 2017). Dr Mason started the Neuroscience major at UChicago and was awarded the Quantrell Award, the nation’s oldest prize for undergraduate teaching, in 2018. More broadly, Dr Mason is a neuroevangelist, interested in teaching neurobiology to anyone that will listen. 

For more about Dr. Mason: https://thebrainissocool.com/ 

Her Coursera course “Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life” can be seen here: https://www.coursera.org/course/neurobio 


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The Neurobiology of Empathy, with UChicago's Dr Peggy Mason | EDB 248

Therapist and self-advocate Sean Inderbitzen discusses PTSD on the autism spectrum.

(VIDEO - 24 mins) Sean is a Behavioral Health Therapist, and lives with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has a caseload with 33% of his patients that live with ASD and varying co-morbid psychiatric conditions. Prior to being a mental health clinician, he was a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist for Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for 3 years. He was also appointed by Governor Walker to the Statewide Independent Living Council of Wisconsin. He is an incoming member to the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, and provides training on motivational interviewing, ASD and employment, and ASD and co-morbid psychiatric conditions.

For more about Sean’s work:
http://seaninderbitzen.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/sean-inderbitzen-msw-apsw-member-of-mint-a844141b1 

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Autism & PTSD, with Sean Inderbitzen | EDB 254

PDA North America founder Diane Gould discusses the “Pathological Demand Avoidance”, and its occurrence along the autism spectrum.

(VIDEO - 30 mins) Diane is a therapist, consultant, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked for both private agencies and school systems.  She has served as a consultant and been a guest lecturer for many area school districts, parent associations and private agencies. She is proud to be the first American professional with a certification in Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome. 

To find out more about Diane’s work, visit:
http://www.dianegouldtherapy.com/
http://www.pdanorthamerica.com/
 

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Autism & PDA: Understanding Demand Avoidance, with Diane Gould | EDB 268

Self-advocate Ryan Lundy shares his experiences with NVLD - Nonverbal Learning Disorder.

Ryan Lundy is a self-advocate for NVLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder / Disability). He is also a teacher’s assistant at the Els Center for Excellence with Autism, and a special ambassador for the NVLD Project, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, building support, and creating helpful solutions for children, adolescents, and adults with NVLD.

To find out more about the NVLD Project, visit: https://nvldproject.org/ 

To get in touch with Ryan, email him at: rhlundy85@gmail.com


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Understanding NVLD, with Ryan Lundy | EDB 272

Educator & musician Joseph Lento discusses how he thinks the education system can better serve neurodiverse students.

Joseph Lento is an educator and a Conservatory-trained professional Musician. He is licensed by NYS as a Teacher of Orchestral Music and School District Administration and began his career in 1984. In 1999 he was named NYC Bronx County High School Teacher of the Year. In 2014 President Barack Obama named him a National Teacher of Arts and Humanities. Joseph is called on frequently by local Radio Hosts, NY Cable TV and local T.V. News stations as an expert on Music, Special Needs students and curriculum development. 

Joseph can be emailed at JSLMaestro@gmail.com 

You can also check out the blogs he has written for us here: http://differentbrains.org/author/joseph-lento/


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Rethinking Education: Making School Work for Every Brain, with Joseph Lento | EDB 307

Evolve Learning Community’s Christina Sullivan discusses how the micro-school gives unique support to students that have struggled in traditional classrooms. 

Christina Sullivan is Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Evolve Learning Community (ELC), and provides individual therapy, coaching, training, and consultation in the community. From ELC’s website: “ELC is a progressive and inclusive homeschool drop-off program that supports cognitively average to above average middle and high school students who are neurodivergent, gifted, have anxiety or mild learning differences. We also provide in-person and virtual tutoring and one-on-one classes for learners ages 5-18.”

Christina Sullivan, MSW (Master in Social Work), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), ADHD-CCSP (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Certified Clinical Services Specialist), earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from University of Maryland at College Park and a Master’s in Social Work degree from Barry University in Miami. She is also the mother of a now-adult son diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder,

For more about ELC: https://www.evolvelearningcommunity.com/ 

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Individualized Learning for the Neurodivergent, with Christina Sullivan | EDB 311

Cynthia Hammer, self-advocate & founder of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, shares her experiences with the disorder, and how it can differ from other types of ADHD.

Cynthia Hammer is the Founder and Executive Director of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, and author of the book She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1972. For many years she was a stay-at-home mom raising three sons while her husband spent long days at work as a general surgeon. She started a non-profit organization in 1993 to help adults with ADHD, and she recently started a different non-profit, the Inattentive ADHd Coalition to create more awareness of Inattentive ADHD. 

For more about the Inattentive ADHD Coalition: www.iadhd.org 

To learn more about Cynthia’s book: https://a.co/d/h8EpdXI 


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Living with Inattentive ADHD, with Cynthia Hammer | EDB 312

Canine Assisted Therapy’s Courtney Trzcinski, Laura Rogers, and Gracie share what therapy animals do, and how they positively impact those with social and health challenges. 

Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc. is a pet therapy organization located in Broward County, Florida. Their mission is to improve the health and well-being of people in need through the healing power of the human-animal bond. From their website: “Utilizing our certified handlers and their therapy dogs, we are dedicated to providing pet therapy to children and adults who have developmental, emotional, or physical challenges, as well as those in need of comfort and companionship.”

Courtney Trzcinski is the director of outreach and development at Canine Assisted Therapy. Laura Rogers is a volunteer dog handler there, where she shares her dog Gracie with the community. 

For more about Canine Assisted Therapy: https://catdogs.org/ 

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How Therapy Animals Help, with the Canine Assisted Therapy team | EDB 320

9Muses Art Center’s Nicole Storrs shares how their drop-in center is helping people with mental health challenges. 

9Muses Art Center is a drop-in center located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They are a program of Mental Health America of Southeast Florida providing free peer-driven behavioral health support to adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders. The center has a fully functioning studio for fine arts classes and ceramic art. Participants may choose from a broad array of visual and performing arts. Classes and personalized instruction along with individual studio time allow members to create according to their own personal “muse." Evidenced-based wellness activities and anxiety and depression support groups are held weekly. Members can engage in stimulating activity, free from the stigma of mental illness.

The center has been promoting wellness for over 20 years and functions successfully as a peer-run organization. Members are free to come and go as they please, participate in any art classes, support groups, and wellness activities they wish, or sit and enjoy coffee and conversation with other members. Positive interaction creates a sense of empowerment and promotes mental health. Come join us! See what a Muse can do for you...

For more about 9Muses: https://9musesartcenter.org/ 

For more information about programs by Mental Health America of Southeast Florida: https://www.mhasefl.org/ 


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9Muses: Supporting Mental Health Through Art & Peer Support, with Nicole Storrs | EDB 323

Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s Anna Diaz & Luis Martinez share facts about seizure disorders, and how the Alliance is working to increase awareness and support.

Anna Diaz is a Social Service Aide for the Epilepsy Alliance Florida (EAF), and is herself an epilepsy self-advocate. Luis Martinez is a Community Resource Specialist for EAF. 

Established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), EAF is the principal agency for epilepsy programs and services sponsored by the State of Florida, servicing over half a million Floridians who live with the condition. For most of our history we were known as Epilepsy Foundation of Florida but in July 2018 we formally changed our name as we co –founded Epilepsy Alliance America, a nation-wide network of community-based epilepsy organizations. EAF also serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizures at the local, county, state and national level.

For more about EAF: https://epilepsyalliancefl.org/ 


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Understanding Epilepsy, with Anna Diaz & Luis Martinez of Epilepsy Alliance Florida | EDB 324

Cheryl Checkers and Dr. Christopher Kye shares their experience working with autistic patients experiencing mental health challenges.  

Cheryl Checkers is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Board-Certified Counselor, and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist who specializes in working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum and their loved ones. She is the President of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Palm Beach County (NAMI PBC). Cheryl also is a clinical consultant for Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FAU CARD).She received her Master of Science Degree in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is both a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board-Certified Counselor. She also holds advanced certifications as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Clinical ADHD Treatment Professional (ADHD-CCSP). 

Dr. Christopher Kye is a distinguished psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in caring for individuals from all walks of life. He is deeply committed to incorporating the latest neuroscience insights to enhance the effectiveness of the treatments he offers. Dr. Kye's clinical practice focuses on the needs of children with autism and individuals with mood disorders who have proven resistant to standard treatments. His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of neuroscience, leveraging his research background to enhance patient care. Dr. Kye regularly shares his knowledge on neuropsychiatric topics at various institutions and conferences, including the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Florida Atlantic University and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. His presentations often focus on the practical application of neuroscience in clinical settings, aiming to improve patient outcomes by better understanding brain-behavior relationships. Dr. Kye is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Society of Biological Psychiatry and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. His commitment to advancing the field is also evident in his role on the Associate Board of Directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Palm Beach County, where he was honored with the 2015 Exemplary Psychiatrist Award.

For more about Cheryl: https://www.cherylcheckers.com/ 

For more about Dr. Kye: https://www.christopherkyemd.com/ 

For more about FAU CARD: https://www.fau.edu/education/centersandprograms/card/ 

FAU CARD’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/FAUCARD 

For more about NAMI PBC: https://namipbc.org/


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Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum, with Cheryl Checkers & Dr Christopher Kye | EDB 325

Autism self-advocate, author, and speaker Sam Farmer discusses replacing internalized ableism with self-acceptance. 

Sam Farmer is an information technology consultant, neurodiversity community self-advocate, writer, author and public speaker. Identified later in life as autistic, he writes articles, records podcasts and presents at libraries, conferences and for corporations and autism community organizations, sharing stories of lived experiences and his opinions on a variety of topics of relevance to the neurodiversity and disability communities. A Long Walk Down a Winding Road - Small Steps, Challenges, & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens is his first book. Hei is also Lead Self-Advocate at Floreo, which uses virtual reality to teach social, communication, behavioral, and life skills to neurodiverse individuals and others who can benefit from practicing these skills. 

For more about Sam’s work and his new book: https://www.samfarmerauthor.com/ 

For more about Floreo: https://floreovr.com/ 



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Autism & Self-Acceptance, with Sam Farmer | EDB 327

Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC explains why trauma should be looked at through an intersectional lens. 

Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert. She has worked in the social services field for over 12 years in a variety of capacities ranging from advocacy, direct service, and macro-focused positions. She is also a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging expert who aims to address the systemic barriers to equity in our community. Throughout her varied roles, Aisha has worked with marginalized populations within South Florida specifically those with severe and persistent mental illness, the forensic population in the criminal justice system and those incarcerated in local jail facilities, individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, youth in the welfare system and those in the department of juvenile justice, and individuals who are involuntarily hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act and Marchman Act laws. 

She currently works for United Way of Broward County as the Director of Training Initiatives where she facilitates and moderates community-wide trainings and professional development workshops focused on mental health awareness and education, racial and cultural trauma, substance use issues, as well as diversity, inclusion and social equity. Aisha also serves as a Suicidologist for the American Association of Suicidology where she conducts Psychological Autopsy trainings for national and international groups. She has worked with FAU Sandler School of Social Work for a number of years to offer professional development workshops such as these in order to enhance professional and clinical skills for our community agencies and providers.

For more information about the United Way of Broward County: https://www.unitedwaybroward.org/ 

For more about American Association of Suicidology: https://suicidology.org/ 



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Recognizing Intersectional Trauma, with Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC | EDB 328

Linda J. Silver, M.S., Ed.S. discusses Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and her career ensuring appropriate accommodations for students. 

Linda J. Silver, M.S., Ed.S. is the Executive Director and Founder of Silver & Associates Educational Consulting Solutions. She is an expert in the field of Section 504, an award winning certified school counselor, a nationally recognized speaker and published author advocating for students with disabilities. Linda’s training and work experiences have given her a unique perspective on children, schools and school district dynamics. Linda has been a Teacher, Guidance Director, Educational Leader, District Guidance Coordinator. She was selected to work at the school district level in administrative positions serving grades Pre-K to 12 for Broward County Schools, Ft. Lauderdale, FL the 6th largest school district in the United States. In her roles as the School District Section 504/ADA Specialist and as the School District Guidance Coordinator for the School Board of Broward County, Florida she oversaw over 340 schools with over 265,000 students.

Silver & Associates Educational Consulting Solutions provides expert educational consultation services to parents and schools districts; ensuring equal access to education for all students and helping transform students’ lives.

For more information about Linda’s work: https://www.504advocacy.com/ 


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Section 504: Understanding the Law Being School Accommodations, with Linda Silver | EDB 330

PDA expert and autism self-advocate Diane Gould, LCSW discusses Pervasive Demand Avoidance (previously known as Pathological Demand Avoidance).  

Diane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that specializes in serving autistic individuals. As the Executive Director and Founder of PDA North America, she founded the annual PDA North America conference held in Chicago that has changed the lives of hundreds of PDA (pathological demand avoidance/persistent drive for autonomy) families. She co-authored the book Navigating PDA in America with Ruth Fidler which was published in June 2024. In April 2024, Diane was diagnosed as autistic.

Diane has a private practice in the suburbs of Chicago, where she serves neurodivergent children, adults and their families. Over the last 40 plus years, she has worked for both private agencies and school systems. Diane has always been facinated by human behavior and has worked to better understand and support individuals with distressed behavior over the years. She currently focuses her practice on providing consultation and training. She works primarily with parents and regularly attends school meetings with them. Diane loves to train educators and therapists so they can better serve their students and clients.

It was the understanding of behavior, autism and the supportive approach in the PDA literature that first drew her to learn more about PDA. And learning about PDA, led her to begin the new PDA movement in North America. Diane formed PDA North America at the first American PDA conference in March 2020. She is the author of the new book Navigating PDA in America.

For more information about Diane’s work:
https://dianegouldtherapy.com/
https://www.pdanorthamerica.org/ 


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Navigating PDA: Demand Avoidance, Autism & Neurodiversity, with Diane Gould | EDB 331

Canadian ADHD & autism self-advocate and therapist Shawn Smith shares his experiences battling burnout, and offers tips on how ot overcome it.   

Shawn Smith M.Ed., CCC, LCT is an autistic and ADHD Counsellor and psychotherapist, and the founder of Don’t dis-my-ability® Consultation Services Inc. Shawn helps parents, young people, and adults who are neurodivergent (ADHD/Autism/Dyslexic and more).

Prior to his own diagnoses, Shawn struggled at every level of the public education system. It took Shawn 4 years to complete 3 years of high school, 32 attempts to earn the 18 credits required to graduate including failing grade 10 math 4 times. Since then Shawn has experienced a tremendous amount of self-growth in a relatively short period of time and has a unique understanding of his thought process. In 2010, Shawn was accepted to the Master of Education in Counseling Psychology program at the University of New Brunswick on Academic Probation and graduated in 2011 at the top of his class. Shawn is a self-advocate, entrepreneur, innovator, counsellor and psychotherapist specializing in the emerging field of Neurodiversity. Shawn’s work is being recognized internationally and he has been sought after to consult in various industries ranging from non-profit to the world of animation.

For more about Shawn’s work, visit: http://www.ddmacs.ca/ 


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Neurodivergent Burnout, with Shawn Smith | EDB 332

In the first part of our review of 2024, we hear from some of the neurodivergent self-advocates that have appeared on the show, including Shawn Smith, Ali Idriss, Diane Gould & more!

ALI IDRISS  – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/adhd-in-the-er-with-ali-idriss-edb-316/ | for more about their work: https://differentbrains.org/author/ali-idriss/ 

DIANE GOULD – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/navigating-pda-demand-avoidance-autism-neurodiversity-with-diane-gould-edb-331/ | for more about their work: https://dianegouldtherapy.com/ 

ZACHARY TOVIN – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/neurodiversity-self-advocate-spotlight-zachary-tovins-autism-journey-edb-318/ | for more about their work: https://zachtovinphotography.wordpress.com/ 

SHELLY BAER AND JAIRO ARANA – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/project-s-a-l-t-creating-self-advocate-leaders-with-univ-of-miamis-shelly-baer-jairo-arana-edb-319/  | for more about their work: https://med.miami.edu/centers-and-institutes/mailman-center/education/leadership-training-opportunities/salt 

ANNA DIAZ – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/understanding-epilepsy-with-anna-diaz-luis-martinez-of-epilepsy-alliance-florida-edb-324/ | for more about their work: https://epilepsyalliancefl.org/ 

SHAWN SMITH – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/neurodivergent-burnout-with-shawn-smith-edb-332/ | for more about their work: http://www.ddmacs.ca/

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2024 In Review: The Self-Advocates | EDB 333

In the second part of our review of 2024, we hear from some of the people making a difference for the neurodiversity community including Dr. Jennie Trocchio, Cheryl Checkers, Aisha McDonald & more!

AISHA MCDONALD – full interview pt 1 https://differentbrains.org/recognizing-intersectional-trauma-with-aisha-t-mcdonald-lmhc-edb-328/ / pt 2 https://differentbrains.org/suicide-prevention-mental-health-with-aisha-t-mcdonald-lmhc-edb-329/  | for more about their work: https://www.unitedwaybroward.org/ 

CHERYL CHECKERS AND DR CHRISTOPHER KAY – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/mental-health-on-the-autism-spectrum-with-cheryl-checkers-dr-christopher-kye-edb-325/ | for more about their work: Cheryl: https://www.cherylcheckers.com/   Dr Kye: https://www.christopherkyemd.com/  

NICOLE STORRS  – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/9muses-supporting-mental-health-through-art-peer-support-with-nicole-storrs-edb-323/ | for more about their work: https://9musesartcenter.org/ 

TAINAH GEORGES – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/fusion-academy-success-through-one-on-one-education-with-tainah-georges-edb-321/ | for more about their work: https://www.fusionacademy.com/ 

ANTHONY PACILLIO – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/cai-harnessing-neurodiverse-talent-with-anthony-pacilio-edb-317/ | for more about their work: https://www.cai.io/neurodiverse-solutions/overview 

DR JENNIE TROCCHIO – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/autism-developmental-therapy-with-dr-jennie-trocchio-edb-315/ | for more about their work: https://www.drjennie.co/ 

COURTNEY, LAURA, AND GRACIE FROM CANINE ASSISTED THERAPY – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/how-therapy-animals-help-with-courtney-trzcinski-laura-rogers-gracie-edb-320/ | for more about their work: https://catdogs.org/


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2024 In Review: Supporting Neurodiversity | EDB 334

Autism self-advocate and therapist Megan MacKay discusses her role with Job Corps, and how it can help the neurodivergent population.   

Megan MacKay works as an addiction and trauma psychotherapist. She is a CSAT, LCPC and LPC in the states of Arizona and Montana. Megan is also a Clinical Mental Health Consultant at Trapper Creek Job Corps, and a Board Member for Returning Youth Initiative. She also is a host and Board member for 101.5 KFGM, Missoula Community Radio. 

For more about Megan’s work, visit:
https://www.innerstatehealingandrecovery.com/
https://bloggingforrecovery.wordpress.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmackayaz/ 
Listen to 101.5 KFGM at https://tunein.com/radio/KFGM-1015-s288054/ 


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EDB 335 Megan MacKay pt1

Autism self-advocate and therapist Megan MacKay discusses her work helping those experiencing PTSD and CPTSD.   

Megan MacKay works as an addiction and trauma psychotherapist. She is a CSAT, LCPC and LPC in the states of Arizona and Montana. Megan is also a Clinical Mental Health Consultant at Trapper Creek Job Corps, and a Board Member for Returning Youth Initiative. She also is a host and Board member for 101.5 KFGM, Missoula Community Radio. 

For more about Megan’s work, visit:
https://www.innerstatehealingandrecovery.com/
https://bloggingforrecovery.wordpress.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmackayaz/ 
Listen to 101.5 KFGM at https://www.1015kfgm.org/


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Neurodiversity and Trauma, with Megan MacKay | EDB 336

Self-advocate and author Rebecca Tillou shares the realities of life with FASD, and her journey towards getting a diagnosis at age 33.

Rebecca Tillou is a self-advocate of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which is under the umbrella Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Since being diagnosed at the age of 33, she has become a tireless advocate raising awareness of this often misunderstood condition. She is the author of the auto-biographical book “Tenacity”, and the founder of the virtual 5K for FASD United.

For more about Rebecca and FASD, visit:
https://adultingwithfasdcoms.com/ 
https://fasdunited.org/
http://www.runfasd.org/ 

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Understanding FASD: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, with Rebecca Tillou | EDB 337

Self-advocate Tim Ulmer shares his journey with epilepsy, and talks about his show Epilepsy Gangster.

Tim Ulmer is an epilepsy self-advocate, and author, and the creator and producer of Epilepsy Gangster. Tim also facilitates the prominent support group that he started over a decade ago. He's been a moderator-writer for Health Union's EpilepsyDisease.com where people can read his columns about living with epilepsy (at no charge). He is also the author of the book Involuntary MISSION: In China with a Thorn in the Flesh. In 2024, for his work on Epilepsy Gangster, he was a finalist in Health Union's Social Awareness Awards in the category of "Creative Contributor", and the international Invisible Disabilities Association has selected him to be its first Ambassador who is epileptic. 

For more about Tim’s work, visit: epilepsygangster.com

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EDB 338 Tim Ulmer

Expert and author Terri Duncan explains the importance of emotional regulation, and offers was to support those with emotional disregulation.

Terri Duncan is a Speech Language Pathologist and has worked with Autistic children and a broad range of developmental delays. She is also author of the book Why Emotional Regulation Might Mean EVERYTHING. Terri has her B.A. in Psychology and Linguistics from the University of Ottawa and her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Alberta. She has been consulting in schools, homes and communities for more than 20 years, an interest that began when she worked as an aide with a four-year-old boy with autism in a family’s home. Since that time she has been fascinated by the complexity of autism and the resilience of families dealing with the challenges they face on a daily basis. Terri founded Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton in 2004 and since that time, the organization has become one of the largest service providers in Western Canada serving more than 500 families every year.

For more about Terri’s work, visit: https://childrensautism.ca/ 


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Understanding Emotional Regulation, with Terri Duncan | EDB 339

Actor, voice-over artist, author, and self-advocate Adam Lee Sietz shares how improv comedy helped him navigate ADHD.

Adam Sietz has spent more than a quarter century writing, producing and performing in the Entertainment Business. He has written and performed with the National Lampoon, and written extensively for television, animation, radio, corporate events and various private individuals from top Comedians to CEO's. As a comedian he has worked with some of the best Comics of this generation: Kevin Hart, Sarah Silverman, Dave Chappelle, Louis CK...and some Comedy Legends: Jerry Lewis, Robert Klein, Rodney Dangerfield, Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld. A lifelong impressionist, he swiftly became a highly requested voice-over talent for major national commercial campaigns, well known cartoons and a few of the biggest videogames of all time. As an actor, he's blessed to be cast in Academy Award, Golden Globe Award films and Tony Award nominated Broadway shows. He has been cast by some of the best producers and directors in the business and in more than a few Emmy award winning TV programs.

Adam is also the author of two books: The Funny Is A Factor and Unscripted Success with Improvisational Thinking.

For more about Adam’s work, visit: adamsietz.com  

To see more of Adam’s credits, visit: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0797315/?ref_=nmbio_ov_i 


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Improv & ADHD: Success Thru Improvisational Thinking, with Adam Sietz | EDB 340

Access Built CEO Alex Norman shares the tenants of universal design, his journey to achieve inclusive living.

Alex Norman is the founder and CEO of Access Built, a leading agency helping organizations reimagine environments to be more inclusive. As the author of Boundless: Real Stories and Practical Strategies for Inclusive Living, Alex blends powerful life stories with actionable design strategies. A former global advertising and innovation leader, Alex now helps organizations uncover and remove the “friction points” in the built world. His work, rooted in personal experience and collaboration with design leaders, challenges audiences to see accessibility not as compliance but as a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, and human potential.

For more about Alex’s work, visit: accessbuilt.com 


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What Is Universal Design? with Alex Norman | EDB 341

Host Bea Moise continues her chat with author and accessibility expert Alex Norman.

Alex Norman is the founder and CEO of Access Built, a leading agency helping organizations reimagine environments to be more inclusive. As the author of Boundless: Real Stories and Practical Strategies for Inclusive Living, Alex blends powerful life stories with actionable design strategies. A former global advertising and innovation leader, Alex now helps organizations uncover and remove the “friction points” in the built world. His work, rooted in personal experience and collaboration with design leaders, challenges audiences to see accessibility not as compliance but as a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, and human potential.

For more about Alex’s work, visit: accessbuilt.com 

For more about host Bea Moise, visit: beatricemoise.com 


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A Design for Inclusive Living, with Alex Norman | EDB 342

Clinical psychologist, autism self-advocate, and educational consultant Dr. Eric Endlich shares tips for students transition from high school to college. 

About our guest: Eric Endlich, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants®, manages a diverse, nationwide team of college admissions professionals helping neurodivergent students transition to higher education. He co-teaches the UC Irvine continuing education course for educational consultants, Working with Students with Learning Differences, and co-manages a 27,000-member Facebook group for parents of college-bound neurodivergent students. Dr. Endlich has served on the board and the Learning Differences/Neurodiversity Committee of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and was honored with IECA’s “Making a Difference” award for contributions such as a database of neurodiversity-friendly colleges. A keynote speaker, researcher and professional writer, he is also on the board of the College Autism Network and helped found the Neurodiverse Couples Institute for the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity. Dr. Endlich is regularly interviewed by various media including Forbes, Money magazine, and U.S. News & World Report. Finally, he is a neurodivergent parent and adult himself.
For more about Eric’s work, visit: https://www.topcollegeconsultants.com

For more about host Bea Moise, visit: beatricemoise.com 


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The College Transition: Advice for Neurodivergent Students, with Eric Endlich | EDB 343

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Derrick MacFabe, M.D., assistant professor and director of The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group, and pioneer of the study of the gut’s influence over the brain.

Can The Gut Control The Brain? Bacteria’s Role In Autism with Dr. Derrick MacFabe | EDB 27

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman continues his conversation with psychologist and REBT proponent Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis.

(25 minutes) Debbie is also a private practice mental health counselor in New York City and an adjunct professor at Columbia University. She also delivers lectures, workshops and seminars throughout the US and across the globe about Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Join Hackie and Debbie as they discuss how mindfulness and self-reflection play a role in our health, as well as how traditional and holistic medicine go hand in hand.

For more information about Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis, visit: http://www.debbiejoffeellis.com/

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Understanding REBT, with Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis | EDB 168

EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS is a weekly interview show hosted by neurodiversity advocate Harold "Hackie" Reitman, MD., and presented by DifferentBrains.com. Join us as we speak with some of the most interesting people involved in autism, Asperger's, dyslexia, ADHD, OCD, down syndrome, and any condition that can be considered "neurodiverse." From doctors to judges, teachers to caregivers, scientists to advocates, parents to kids, neurodiverse to neurotypical, we want to tell any story that can offer insight into the difference in our brains.

Exploring Different Brains

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