The [EYE] on Autism Podcast

Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of the Eye on Autism podcast, brought to you by Brightway Living & Learning – formerly Developmental Disabilities Institute. I’m your host, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michael Romas. Summer is right around the corner, and if you are looking for something autism-friendly to do with your family, you won’t want to miss today’s conversation.We are exploring a groundbreaking outdoor space designed specifically for the neurodivergent community. Joining us today is Loren Penman, the visionary co-founder of the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park. Located in upstate New York, this first-of-its-kind trail offers deep nature experiences with sensory-integrated stations, quiet zones, and accessible design. Loren is here to tell us to how this incredible trail came to life, how it supports families, and why inclusive outdoor recreation matters so much.Learn more here : https://autismnaturetrail.com/

Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of the Eye on Autism podcast, brought to you by Brightway Living & Learning – formerly Developmental Disabilities Institute, proudly continuing a 65-year legacy of supporting children and adults on their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. I’m your host, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michael Romas.This new name reflects our continued commitment to innovation, inclusion and the people and families we support – while honoring the strong foundation we’ve built over the past six and a half decades.Now let’s get right into it. May is Mental Health Awareness Month – so today we’re taking time to focus on something that touches every one of us – mental health. Here at Brightway, we believe that mental health is essential to both the overall well-being of our employees and the people and families we support.Joining me today is Melissa Ortiz, the Psychology Coordinator in our Children’s Residential Program and Mary Ingargiola, our Employee Engagement Manager. Thank you both for joining us.Host: Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical PsychologistGuest 1: Mary Ingargiola, Employee Engagement ManagerGuest 2: Melissa Ortiz, Children’s Residential Program, Psychology Coordinator 

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and what better time to unveil a cutting-edge project in the Autism field. This project is designed to create the first-ever Enhancing Mental Health Practice for Autistic Adults Collaborative Team (EMPAACT). EMPAACT is meant to be a collaborative, multi-stakeholder team of autistic adults with high mental health needs, researchers, family members, and professionals. Together, EMPAACT aims to create resources and identify community priorities to increase capacity for autistic mental health research and practice.

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, host Dr. Michael Romas speaks with DDI Board Chairman Joseph W. Schmidt, ESQ. and DDI Assistant Residential Manager Bankole Olaofe on the importance of raising awareness for those living with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Host: Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical PsychologistGuest Name & Title: Consuelo Senior, LMSW, CSE, MACM, Director of YAI KnowledgeDescription / Links to Further Info: https://www.yai.org/people/consuelo-seniorMental Health Clinician, Adjunct Professor, International Consultant, Sexuality and Disability Expert, Transformational SpeakerConsuelo Senior has over 27 years of experience working in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health. She has trained and developed curricula for a wide range of topics of importance to the disability field and is certified in areas of Sexuality, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Grief and Loss. She has trained extensively on Dual Diagnosis (MH & I/DD), Aging, Dementia/Alzheimer, Professional Development, Leadership, Effective Teaching, Supporting People with Profound Disabilities and Complex Needs, Diversity and Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, and Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset.Consuelo is published in The Autism Spectrum News and is also a contributor to the UNFPA published International Technical and Programmatic Guidance on Out of School Comprehensive Sexuality Education. She also has been cited/featured in training materials for the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities-Workforce Transformation, the New York University Review of Law & Social Change, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, Broadly VICE Magazine, The Atlantic Magazine, and other publications.

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on the [EYE] on Autism Podcast, Dr. Michael Romas continues his discussion with neurodivergent communication specialist and author Tim Goldstein. Together, they explore the deep connection between autism and anxiety, why traditional labels like “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent” may be limiting, and how reframing autism through human traits can lead to greater understanding and inclusion.Tim introduces transformative concepts such as neurodistinct, neurouniform, and the neurocloud, challenging outdated models of autism and mental health. This episode offers valuable insights for autistic individuals, families, clinicians, educators, and anyone interested in neurodiversity, anxiety management, and inclusive thinking.If you’re seeking thoughtful, experience-based discussion on autism, identity, employment, communication, and advocacy—this conversation will resonate deeply.Learn more: https://www.ddiny.org#Autism #Neurodiversity #AutismAndAnxiety #Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #AutismPodcast #InclusiveThinking #AutisticAdults #NeurodiversityAcceptance #AutismAdvocacy #HumanTraits #AnxietyDisorders #AutismAwareness #PsychologyPodcast #NeurodiversityAtWork

In this episode of the [Eye] on Autism Podcast, clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Romas sits down with Dr. Dana Reinecke, a NYS-licensed psychologist and behavioral analyst, to explore how the holiday season impacts children and adults on the autism spectrum.Dr. Reinecke breaks down why changes in routines, sensory overload, unfamiliar environments, and emotional transitions can be especially challenging — and offers practical strategies families, caregivers, and staff can use to create predictability and emotional safety.Topics include visual supports, social stories, communication systems, coping with sensory overload, preparing extended family, managing transitions back to school or residential programs, and understanding the emotional “blues” that often follow the holiday season.This conversation is packed with evidence-based insights to help families and professionals make the holidays more meaningful, manageable, and supportive for autistic individuals of all ages.If you find this content helpful, please like, subscribe, and share to help build a more inclusive world.Learn more or support DDI’s mission: ddiny.org

In this powerful episode of the [EYE] on Autism podcast, Dr. Michael Romas speaks with neurodiverse communication specialist and author Tim Goldstein, who was diagnosed with autism at age 54. Tim opens up about how late diagnosis reshaped his understanding of himself, his communication, and his relationships. He shares candid insights into perception, emotion, inclusion, and the challenges of navigating the world without the emotional “meta-sense” most people rely on. From vocal coaching to cognitive processing to reading social cues, Tim offers a rare, deeply personal look into the autistic experience—and why understanding neurodiversity matters more than ever. Join us for Part 1 of an eye-opening, thought-provoking conversation.#AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #LateDiagnosisAutism #AutismPodcast #Neurodivergent #AutisticAdults #AutismEducation #InclusionMatters #DevelopmentalDisabilities #MentalHealthAwareness #NeurodivergentVoices #SocialCommunication #AutismSupport #EyeOnAutism

Clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Romas talks with DDI job development coordinator Wendy Elsen about what supported employment really looks like for autistic adults—vocational profiles, task analysis, job tryouts, employer partnerships, and the critical role of job coaches. Hear real success stories, strategies for reducing anxiety, and why hiring neurodiverse talent makes strong business sense. For families, educators, employers, and self-advocates.#Autism #Neurodiversity #SupportedEmployment #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveHiring #AutismEmployment #AutisticAdults #JobCoach #WorkplaceAccommodations #WorkforceInclusion #VocationalRehabilitation #AnxietySupport #JobPlacement #EyeOnAutism #EyeOnAutismPodcast

On this Eye on Autism episode, host Dr. Michael Romis speaks with two DDI education leaders about making back-to-school transitions smoother for autistic students and their families. They break down practical tools—social stories, visual schedules, classroom routines, sensory supports—and explain the ABCs of behavior and MEATS functions in plain language. We also cover parent training, inclusion, reinforcement strategies, and community integration across preschool and school-age programs on Long Island. Subscribe for monthly conversations that inform, inspire, and support autistic people, families, educators, and staff.#Autism #Neurodiversity #BackToSchool #AutismEducation #SpecialEducation #EarlyChildhood #ParentTraining #BehaviorSupport #ABA #SocialStories #VisualSchedules #SensorySupports #Inclusion #DDI #LongIsland