Episodes
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Dr Louise Kirz Part II - Autism & Anesthesia
This is a great podcast with Dr. Louise Kirz, who was interviewed with autistic advocate, Sam Way, a few weeks ago. Here, she shares more about anesthesia and the ways someone can advocate for themselves with anesthesiologists and more. Please see synergyautismcenter.com/podcast for more…
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2025 Mini-podcast: More on the Telepathy Tapes
Today, I am expanding on my blog post about The Telepathy Tapes. Please find the original blog post on my website: www.synergyautismcenter.com Ky Dickens actually seems in support of autistic spellers and keyboarders. The podcast, however, is about telepathy. It is not about whether or not...
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Part 1: Anesthesia and Autism Series
Episode #72: Part 1 in our Series on Anesthesia and Autism. In this podcast, I was lucky enough to sit down with both a fabulous anesthesiologist who happens to have two autistic children as well as a wonderful autistic man who is trying to understand an upcoming procedure requiring anesthesia. I...
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Episode #71: Masking and Camouflaging with Blake Baxter
Listen in as I have a conversation with Blake Baxter about the experiences of masking and camouflaging. We discuss what they are and how they manifest in the autistic experience. SHOW NOTES: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/2024/10/episode-71-masking-and-camouflaging.html
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Episode #70: Asperger Controversy Podcast with Blake Baxter
Listen in to an interview with Blake Baxter regarding the diagnosis of Aspergers and the controversy around Aspergers having ties to the Third Reich. Blake shares the reading and research he has done and you can read more in the show notes found at...
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Episode #69: Pathological Demand Avoidance Discussion with Blake Baxter
Part of the Blake Baxter conversation series, listen in was we discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance... AKA Pervasive Drive for Autonomy... a profile for some individuals on the Autism spectrum. Show notes: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/
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Episode #68: Autism & Empathy (Against Empathy) - Conversation with Blake Baxter
Blake Baxter and I dive into the book titled Against Empathy by Paul Bloom. As Blake puts it, "empathy has been weaponized against autism." Listen in to hear more about both autism and the concept of empathy. Show notes: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/
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Episode #67: Blake's late diagnosis story
Listen in to Blake's story of his diagnosis in his 50's and how his life began to make more sense because of it. Show notes: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/
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Episode #66: The beginning of the Blake & Barb Podcasts
My friend, Blake Baxter, shares his diagnosis story and we are collaborating on a podcast series regarding the ambiguous concept of empathy. This is part 1 of our series together as we venture together to figure out what is the definition of empathy and why it is assumed to be missing in those…
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Episode #65: Let's Talk Inclusion For ALL
Amazing Inclusion Discussion with Dr. Pretti-Fronczak & Dr. Julie Causton. I feel blessed to have these two on my podcast to talk about the importance and criticalness of inclusion for all students now rather than later. Research is telling us it is the right way to be ensuring education for our...
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Episode #64: Sam Way's Discovery About Pacing Thanks to the Covid Vaccine
Episode #64: Sam Way's Discovery About Pacing Thanks to the Covid Vaccine Listen in to hear this young man's discovery about how controlling the pacing brought down his anxiety about his covid vaccine.
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Episode #63: Kit Falbo Interview
Kit Falbo is so interesting! He shares how he took his love of stories, science fiction and daydreaming into writing novels. He describes how he develops characters and integrates video games into his plots. He even shares about how his neurodiversity affects him as a novelist and parent. Show...
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Episode #62: Interview with Billy Mayfair
Listen in to my interview with one of the top golfers in the United States discussing his diagnosis of autism as an adult. He shares his story and is vision to support those surrounding people with autism, as well. It was my pleasure to have Billy Mayfair on the Synergy Autism Podcast. Please...
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Episode #61: MP - Challenging behaviors deconstructed
In this podcast, I share with you what to do when your child has challenging behaviors so that everyone on your team is consistent, your child learns positive behaviors, and you have more peaceful days together.
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Episode #60: MP - On the wrong side of the law
It seems there are a few things at play that are landing autistic people on the wrong side of the law. I have now been involved in two sexual assault cases, numerous aggravated assault cases, and two theft cases. Listen in to hear more about how we can keep autistic teens out of trouble with the...
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Episode #59: MP - Perception Chaos
Today, I want to share a bit about what I have learned happens for many autistic individuals and some ideas for alleviating it. This is the experience of what I am calling "perception - chaos." For details on this podcast, please visit:
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Episode #58: MP - The Trouble with Favorites
Today, I thought I’d return to a common dilemma faced by parents and professionals supporting autistic individuals and that is the concept of favorites. Most of us neurotypicals have lots of favorites like favorite colors and favorite foods. But many autistic individuals struggle with the concept...
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Episode #57: Interview with Yasmine White, CEO & Founder of Voices Together
I had a very special guest join us, her name is Yasmine White and she is the founder and CEO of Voices Together which is the largest music therapy organization in North Carolina. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Yasmine by my good friend and colleague, Jonathan Chase who some of you may be...
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Episode #56: MP - Ripple Effect
I have such a deep respect for so many of my adult clients and how they think about things. Over the last couple of weeks, I have spoken to at least 3 different adults about this one concept that just blows my mind. For more details on this podcast, please go to:...
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Episode #55: MP - Get Rid of Wait and Ssee
I used to think the “wait and see” approach only affected little ones before the age of 2 or 3. Parents bringing their children in with concerns about social engagement and medical professionals stating that the child is still within normal limits so let’s “wait & see.” The hope being that the...
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Episode #54: MP - Who's Running The Show?
In this 10 minute podcast, I talk about balancing who is running the show. I have many client children of all ages who will either lead or follow but the in between is challenging. Sharing the lead or switching it up is essential for full well rounded development and well being.
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Episode #53: MP - Grateful for fathers
Short one today to celebrate the awesome fathers out there. Take a listen!
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Episode #52: MP - Personal Agency from Seeing Autism Due Out Summer 2021
Providing choices allows personal agency, while avoiding choices is a recipe for disaster for all humans, autistics included. And while many children who are neurotypical may demand their own control, individuals with autism may need you to offer it to them. Listen in for ideas to give an…
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Episode #51: MP - Sensory Flooding from Seeing Autism Book due out 2021
For years people assumed that autistic people did not feel emotions in themselves or recognize them in others. By consulting with autistic adults, we now know this may be the exact opposite of the truth. They actually feel emotions more intensely than many of us. It is the ability to organize and...
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Episode #50: MP - Early Social Reciprocity
This is the first excerpt from my upcoming book: Seeing Autism - Connection through Understanding due out this Summer 2021. For more details and a transcript, please go to: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/2021/06/episode-50-excerpt-from-seeing-autism.html
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Episode #48: MP - Today/Tomorrow Routine Podcast
Today, I am sharing one of my go-to tips for helping a person understand the passage of time across days as well as engaging with you in a bit of review and even planning. Let's call this the Today/Tomorrow Activity or routine. It's something I recommend doing towards the end of your day together...
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Episode #47: MP - Mothers Day Podcast
Happy Mother’s Day today and everyday to all the moms listening. This podcast was recorded with you in mind. It has been a tough year for everyone but my hat is off to all moms who have taken on the additional demands of stay-at-home orders including online schooling, cooking and cleaning more…
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Episode #46: MP - Autism and Gender Neurodiversity
I’ve been hesitant about doing a podcast this topic. It has been coming up more and more in my work and I still do not feel like I am an expert. But then I realized that as a cisgender and neurotypical Mom, I will actually never consider myself an expert on the topic of AutiGender. I can admit…
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Episode #45: MP-Talking with Teens
Teens with and without autism can be tricky to talk with sometimes. But there are some basic tenants to keep in mind that should make conversations not only more relaxed but more connected and two directional.
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Episode #44: MP - Find Your Playful Side
I have a lot of parents who come to me uncertain as to how to really get into the mindset to play. We are all in our busy lives full of to do lists and schedules. It is hard to get in the moment and relax enough to play and sometimes even when we try, we are left not sure what to do! I created…
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Episode #43: MP - Quick tip for easier transitions
Welcome to another episode of my mini-podcasts. This one is particularly brief and I hope, particularly helpful. Most autists have some difficulty transitioning from one thing to another and may need some support to do so successfully. Listen in to a quick and easy tip that can make it easier.…
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Episode #42: MP - The Importance of Play with Barb O'Neill
In this podcast, Barb O'Neill and I talk about the importance of play for connection in our lives, especially with young children and since this is an autism based podcast, especially young children with autism. I’ve invited Barb O’Neill here for this podcast. She is an expert in play and child...
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Episode #41: MP - Tips for Accessing Adult Resources
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Synergy Autism Podcast. Today, I am interviewing my colleague, Connor Kavanaugh who is the founder of Palladio Consulting here in Portland, Oregon. I’ve really appreciated Connor's approach over the years in his guidance with families not only for…
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Episode #40: MP - Give Others Processing Time
I really enjoyed giving a Facebook live presentation a few months back and people seemed to like it, so I turned it into a podcast! Listen in to this podcast where I review the one practice that can help anyone feel heard, seen, and respected. This simple seeming practice can make a world of...
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Episode #39: MP - Supporting Autistic Adults in Conversation
If you are a job coach, counselor, parent, or guide of any sort seeking support to motivate someone with autism, this podcast is for you. Listen in for 4+ tips for having successful conversations
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Episode #38 MP Visual Conversations
People with autism do well with information provided visually. You have found that, I am sure, with the person you know with autism. They tend to appreciate written schedules and lists, for example. And they tend also to not only better understands information that is provided visually but he…
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Episode #37: MP 50% Rule
For individuals on the spectrum, sharing control within interactions for learning can be limited. If they control the situation, they are not open to new ideas or ways of doing things. If they allow the other person to take complete control, they are passive receivers and do not learn to think…
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Episode #36: MP- Resist The Urge To Solve
Today I’m giving you the golden ticket for helping someone you know think for themselves. That golden ticket is for you to resist the urge to solve problems for someone with autism. And if you, yourself, have autism, you can ask those around you to stop solving problems for you!
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Episode #35: (Mini-Podcast) Riding High
I am talking today about our neurobiological systems working on overdrive and I call this “riding high.” I see most of my clients “riding high” so frequently and so often that it is their norm - so that others around them do not even know it is happening for them. I had an older client once tell...
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Episode #34: (Mini-Podcast) Modeling Relationships At Home
I know you hear it all of the time: it is important to take care of yourself so that you can care for someone else. However, I want to give you even more reason to take care of yourself and introduce you to why couple-care and friendship-care is equally important for modeling a home filled with...
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Episode #33: (Mini-Podcast) Avoiding Yes/No Questions
Avoiding Yes/No Questions Just a quick one today. I’d like to share with you why it is helpful to avoid questions that have a yes or a no answer with people who are autistic. More info here: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/
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Episode #32: (Mini-Podcast) Spoon/Token Theory for Autism
Imagine always feeling drained and unmotivated. Maybe you are the one experiencing this. It would be so frustrating and you would consistently blame yourself for simply not working hard enough or not sleeping well enough or not being motivated enough. But what if it were a biological event that…
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Episode #31 (Mini-Podcast): Emotional Landscapes
In this special mini-podcast, I share a little about the autistic experience as I understand it surrounding emotions and I also provide you with some ideas for ensuring a rich, meaningful, and clear landscape in your home.
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Episode #30: Interview with Autistic Advocate Jonathan Chase on Protesting for the BLM Movement
Episode #30: Interview with Autistic Advocate Jonathan Chase on Protesting for the BLM Movement
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Episode #29: Interview with Dr. Dan Siegel on The Power of Showing Up
Listen in to the interview by Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak of myself and the fabulous Dr. Dan Siegel regarding his book: The Power of Showing Up. We discuss how attachment theory interweaves with autism and brain development.
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Episode #28: Inclusion and the Autistic Child
Barb is joined by Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak in this fabulous episode where we go deep into the complex issue of inclusion. We ask listeners to consider the law while also viewing inclusion through the lens of social justice. Listen in. We think you will feel validated and inspired.
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Episode #27: Allow Processing Time
Barb explains the why behind giving people on the autism spectrum processing time then into how. There are neurological reasons not to mention the emotional benefits of feeling heard and your ideas respected.
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Episode #26: Having and keeping high expectations
Autistic people have fabulous ideas, amazing and wicked senses of humor at times. We need to raise our expectations of their contributions to the world in the smaller day to day moments so that they can thrive. Listen in to hear why and how to assume intent and raise expectations.
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Episode #25: The Essential Nature of Self Care & Self Soothing
Guiding someone with autism (or anyone for that matter) requires you taking care of you! Listen in to this absolute essential core need and WHY it is important for those on spectrum/autistic individuals.
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Episode #24: How to apply the 4Ss to Autism for Secure Attachments
The book by Tina Payne Bryson and Daniel Siegel is called The Power of Showing Up. It helps us understand the importance of showing up for our kids by highlighting attachment science. The simple acts of showing up and creating secure attachments ensures success in future relationships and life in...