Exploring Different Brains with Hackie Reitman, M.D.

In this inaugural episode, Dr. Harold “Hackie” Reitman interviews Raun Kaufman, the head of the Autism Treatment Center, and author of the book “Autism Breakthrough.” Raun tells us about growing up with autism, confronts the controversy that has developed around him, details some of his treatments, and discusses the idea that he may give people “false hope.”

Exploring Different Brains

Treating Autism with Raun Kaufman | EDB 01

In this episode, Dr. Reitman speaks with Derek Volk, author of “Chasing The Rabbit,” host of The Derek Volk Show, and father of a son with Asperger’s Syndrome. Derek talks about the arduous task of finding a correct diagnosis, the challenges of someone on the autism spectrum finding employment, and the need for understanding from the general public.

Parenting and Asperger’s Syndrome with Derek Volk | EDB 02

In this episode, Dr. Harold “Hackie” Reitman welcomes Ana Anselma, co-founder of the Social Mind Center in Davie, Florida. Ana tells of her personal connections to neurodiversity, and of the importance of creating safe environments for children with autism and asperger’s syndrome to develop social skills.

Social Skills in the Neurodiverse with Ana Anselma | EDB 03

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman interviews Michael Tolleson, an autistic savant artist. Michael talks about creating gallery worthy paintings in a matter of minutes, his late diagnosis, and the importance of being “unique.”

Autistic Savant Artist Michael Tolleson | EDB 04

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman welcomes Michael Bernick, the former director of California’s labor department. Mr. Bernick discusses his book, “The Autism Job Club,” the work he does for the neurodiverse through AASCEND, and the importance of employment for people on the autism spectrum.

Autism and Employment with Michael Bernick | EDB 05

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. interviews Jim Sporleder, the former principle of Lincoln High School in Walla Walla, Washington. That school and Jim’s tenure there are the subject of the new documentary “Paper Tiger.”

Teaching the Neurodiverse with Jim Sporleder | EDB 06

In this episode, Dr. Hackie Reitman speaks with author and autism advocate Stephen Shore. Stephen was diagnosed as non-verbal and autistic at the age of 4, when doctors suggested his parents institutionalize him. Since then he has gone on an amazing journey that has led him to speaking on behalf of autism and neurodiversity in 49 countries and all but one continent.

Autism Advocate Stephen Shore | EDB 07

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with Debra Muzikar, co-founder of The Art of Autism. Debra discusses her son’s diagnosis, and how his interest in painting has led to the creation of an organization that works to give a voice and outlet to neurodiverse artists.

The Art of Autism with Debra Muzikar | EDB 08

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with Ron Large, author of “Larger Than Life”. Ron discusses his career as an educator, the importance of treating neurodiverse students as individuals, and the life changing experiences chronicled in his book.

The Education Lessons of Ron Large | EDB 09

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. interviews Elizabeth Wilkinson, The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant and founder of Dyslexia Information Day. Elizabeth discusses her own dyslexia, her later-in-life diagnosis of autism, and the work she has done to advocate for the dyslexic in England.

The Dyslexic Dyslexia Consultant Elizabeth Wilkinson | EDB 10

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. interviews Ron Sandison, an author and preacher with autism and savant memory abilities. Ron discusses the importance of parental involvement for the neurodiverse, the benefits of embracing hyper-interests, and his new book “A Parent’s Guide to Autism: Practical Advice. Biblical Wisdom.”

Autism and the Power of Memory with Ron Sandison | EDB 11

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. interviews Mari Nosal, M.Ed., author of “Ten Commandments Of Interacting With Kids On The Autism Spectrum.”

Autism in the Family with Mari Nosal, M.Ed. | EDB 12

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. interviews Susan Kahn, M.Ed., educator and author of the “Sue’s Strategies” series.

Dyslexia Reading Strategies with Susan Kahn, M.Ed. | EDB 13

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. interviews Brian Udell, M.D., medical director of the Children’s Development Center. Dr. Udell, known as “The Autism Doctor,” discusses his history in neonatology, the difficulties the neurodiverse have finding proper diagnoses, sensory issues in doctor offices, and his opinion on the varied theories on the cause of autism.

The Autism Doctor Brian Udell M.D. | EDB 14

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. interviews Eric Zimmerman, founder of The Buddy Project and author of “Anything But Ordinary,” along with Eric’s friend Shawn Jenkins. Eric discusses the Buddy Project’s mission of refurbishing computers for the use of the handicapped, his own experiences being someone on the autism spectrum, and the importance of embracing hyperinterests.

Autism and Hyperinterests with The Buddy Project’s Eric Zimmerman | EDB 15

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. welcomes Dr. Allen Wong, professor and director of the Hospital Dentistry Program at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Dr. Wong discusses his career in special care dentistry, the importance of dentists understanding neurodiversity, and options for how patients with sensory issues can have successful visits to the dentist.

Neurodiversity at the Dentist, with Dr. Allen Wong | EDB 16

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. welcomes Karina Barley, founder of Project Autism Australia and Project Autism USA. Karina discusses her the importance of technology in teaching the neurodiverse, the need for teachers to evolve their methods, and the importance of parental support for the autistic.

Autism in Australia with Karina Barley | EDB 17

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with jail diversion team facilitator William Packard, Ph.D., author of “Intellectual Disability and the Criminal Justice System: Solutions through Collaboration.” Dr. Packard discusses the inordinate amount of intellectually disabled prison inmates, the dangers the criminal justice system can pose for the neurodiverse, and the importance of community involvement in awareness and intervention.

Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System with William Packard, Ph.D. | EDB 18

In this episode, Hackie Reitman, M.D. speaks with Carolyn Naifeh, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Nashville IDD Housing Group. Carolyn discusses the challenges of independent living for the intellectually disabled, the concern parents have over their uniquely abled children’s futures, and the importance for everyone to be exposed to neurodiversity.

Housing and Neurodiversity with Carolyn Naifeh | EDB 19

In this episode, Harold Reitman, M.D. speaks with Anlor Davin, author of the book “Being Seen.” Anlor discusses her late in life diagnosis for autism, the challenges someone on the spectrum can face when raising a child, and the state of neurodiversity acceptance in her birth country of France.

Autism in France with Anlor Davin | EDB 20

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.