In Other Words

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Founder and Executive Director of Jazz Hands for Autism. Jazz Hands for Autism provides music education for autistic individuals and training for educators. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Nweke about how music performance can help autistic learners develop resilience, courage, and social connection.Together, they discuss:The difference between listening to music and performing musicHow music performance can have a positive impact on autistic learners and their caregiversThe Jazz Hands Educator Training program Show Notes:To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZE94jhxuHcTo view the entire presentation, You Can't Have Inclusion Without Music: How Performance Based Music Education Transforms Outcomes for Autistic Learners and Creates Systems-Level Change visit https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentationsLearn more about Jazz Hands for Autism and the work they do: https://www.jazzhandsforautism.org/Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Patrcia Renno, a clinical psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles CAN Clinic and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA who works with children and adults with autism. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Renno about people with autism who also struggle with anxiety. Together, they discuss: The most common types of anxiety seen in autistic individuals What CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is and how it can helpHow Modified CBT can work better for people with autismResources for people with autism who also struggle with anxiety Listen now to hear Dr. Renno explain how CBT has strong evidence for treating anxiety in individuals with autism. Show Notes: To view the entire presentation “ Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorder” with captions, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentations To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: youtube.com/watch?v=NGNJhD7HouE&feature=youtu.beTo view the Autism and Anxiety resources discussed in today's episode, visit:https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/in_other_words_autism_and_anxiety_resources.pdfLearn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.This episode features Dr. Claudia Dunn, a leading researcher in social-emotional learning (SEL) and educational equity. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Dunn about a social-emotional, equity-focused approach to supporting children with disabilities and their families.Together, they discuss: - What Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) families are and the role of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in special education- What barriers affect families’ participation in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) meetings- How culture, language, and policy shape access and equity- Why centering family voices mattersIn Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.This episode features Dr. Claudia Dunn, a leading researcher in social-emotional learning (SEL) and educational equity. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Dunn about a social-emotional, equity-focused approach to supporting children with disabilities and their families.Together, they discuss: - What Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) families are and the role of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in special education- What barriers affect families’ participation in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) meetings- How culture, language, and policy shape access and equity- Why centering family voices mattersListen now to hear Dr. Dunn explain how centering family voices and lived experience can improve systems and create more inclusive support.Show Notes:To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: https://youtu.be/1XeQiYBCp2gTo view the entire presentation “Centering Voices, Strengths, and Healing: A Social-Emotional and Equity-Focused Approach to Supporting Children with Disabilities and Their Families” with captions, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentationsLearn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.This episode features Dr. Ingrid Tien, a BRIDGES-funded postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Tien about sex and gender-based diagnostic disparities in Autism. Together, they discuss: - How sex and gender are represented differently in autism research- How stereotypes and testing biases affect autistic diagnoses- How to take meaningful and impactful steps toward developing inclusive and accurate assessmentsListen now to hear Dr. Tien explain how sex and gender shape autism diagnosis and why inclusive assessment matters for achieving equitable care for everyone.Show Notes:To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPqFFSCE7oUTo view the entire presentation, Sex and Gender Based Disparities in the Autistm Diagnostic System visit https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentationsLearn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.This episode features Dr. Connie Kasari, Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Psychology at UCLA, and host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center.Dr. Kasari's research focuses on creating and testing new autism interventions for use in schools and clinics, especially to support young children’s communication and social interactions. Holly and Dr. Kasari explore:Evidence-based intervention strategies for autistic childrenHow early interventions, such as JASPER and AACdevices, can help children with autism develop language, play, and social skills Why language is such an important goal for early interventionShow Notes:To view this podcast episode with full captions, visit: https://youtu.be/K2QX_tOKV6QTo view the entire presentation, Early Intervention: Progress, Gaps and What's Next, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentationsLearn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion.This episode features Dr. Samara Wolpe, a neuro-affirming autism researcher, clinician, and postdoctoral fellow at the UCLA PEERS Clinic, and host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center.The journey into adulthood can be challenging for many, but autistic individuals often face unique barriers when services and supports end after high school. Holly and Dr. Wolpe explore:Why the transition to adulthood can be difficultWhat supports and strategies are most effectiveHow schools, colleges, and workplaces can be more inclusiveThe importance of centering autistic voices in research and policyShow Notes:To view the entire presentation, Navigating the Transition to Adulthood: Perspectives of Autistic Individuals, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentationsLearn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-languageconversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director of California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLATarjan Center, talks with Aaron about employment for people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities.Together, they discuss:o  What having a job means for people with disabilitieso  Barriers to finding and keeping a jobo  How the State Council partners with employers and communities to improve access to employmento  Advice for employers about hiring people with disabilitieso  What makes him hopeful about the future of inclusive employment in CaliforniaListen now to hear more about how employment for people with disabilities is a civil right and empowers people to lead change in their communities and workplaces.Show Notes:  Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjanView recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-languageconversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Pete Cervinka, Director of California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Host Russell Lehmann, International Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLATarjan Center, talks with Pete about his vision for the future of developmental services in California.Together, they discuss:What services in California could look like in the next 10–15 yearsHow DDS is working toward fairness for people of all backgrounds, languages, and incomesThe challenges the system faces as the needs of people with disabilities changeWhat updates and new ideas are most neededExciting new projects and reasons to be hopeful for the futurePete shares how data, family, and culture all play a role in building better, community-based supports for every stage of life.Listen now to hear how California’s developmental-services system is evolving to better support people with disabilities and their families.Show Notes:Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjanView recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-languageconversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Blake Warner, Postdoctoral Fellow at the UCLA Tarjan Center and Chief Clinical Fellow at the PEERS® Clinic. Dr. Warner’s work focuses on advocacy, inclusion, and supporting equality for neurodiverse people, including those with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLATarjan Center, talks with Dr. Warner about the common myths surrounding sexuality on the autism spectrum.Together, they discuss:Why open conversations about dating and sexuality matter for autistic peopleCommon myths about autism and relationships —and why they’re not trueHow sex and relationship education can promoteconfidence and safetyBarriers that can make dating difficult forautistic individualsWays to build healthy, respectful relationshipsResources and programs that provide helpfulsupportListen now to hear Dr. Warner share why everyone deserves to learn about relationships and have the chance to build healthy, happy connections. Show Notes:• Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan• View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities• Learn more about the UCLA PEERS clinic: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-languageconversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Maya Ayoub, a child neurologist at UCLA Children’s Hospital and faculty member at the UCLATarjan Center. Host Russell Lehmann, International Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Ayoub about how communication develops and how we can support people with different communication needs.Together, they discuss:o  How autistic and neurodivergent individuals learn and use language in unique wayso  What communication support is and the different types of communication supportso  What research shows us about who benefits from these supportso  Barriers that can make it hard for people to get the communication help they needo  How families, teachers, doctors and therapists can work as a team to support communicationo  What is in store for the future that will help make communication easier for people with disabilitiesListen now to hear how hear more about how understanding and supporting all forms of communication helps build connection and inclusion.Show Notes:Learn more about the UCLATarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan    View recordings and slidesfrom the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-languageconversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Catherine Lord, the George Tarjan Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Education at UCLA’sDavid Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Lord is a clinical psychologist whose groundbreaking work has shaped how autism is understood and diagnosed across the lifespan. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Lord about her research of individuals with autism across the lifespan. Together, they discuss:o  How autism can be identified as early as age 2o  What long-term studies show about autism development from childhood to adulthoodo  How emotions, reading and comprehension rates relate to growth and independence o  Why family, caregivers and environment are key to supporto  What hopeful and realistic approaches to autism look like todayListen now to hear Dr. Lord share insights from her decades of research, training, and clinical work, highlighting how early diagnosis and support can help individuals with autism reach their full potential.Show Notes:Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan  View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental DisabilitiesTo read more about Dr. Lord and her research: https://seis.ucla.edu/faculty/catherine-lord/

Welcome back to another episode! In today’s episode, Holly Oliver interviews Dr. Kelsey Oliver.Dr. Oliver is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst and has studied psychology, special education, and mental health. Dr. Oliver works with teachers, service providers, and families to help them improve the lives of people with disabilities including autism.Today, we discussed ECHO Autism Hawaiʻi:, a pilot program for supporting autism providers from Hawaiʻi in family-centered care.For more information, please visit our website: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

Welcome back to another episode! In today’s episode, Holly interviews Dr. Christine Moody and Christine Tolbert. Dr. Moody works at the UCLA Tarjan Center, where shehelps improve college and job opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities. She works closely with state programs like the California Community College Chancellor's Office and California Department of Rehabilitation to make sure these systems better support these young adults. Dr.Moody led the data analysis on the 2023 Self-Determination Program Evaluation on behalf the UCLA Tarjan Center and evaluation partners. Christine Tolbert is the Statewide Manager for the Self-Determination Program at the CaliforniaState Council on Developmental Disabilities. She leads training and orientation for the program across the state, working closely with the Department of Developmental Services.Today we discussed what the California Self-Determination Program, participant feedback, and what is being done to improve the program.For more information, please visit our website: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

Welcome back to another episode! In today’s episode, Holly interviews Dr. Nicole Murray.Dr. Murray is a licensed neuropsychologist in New York, DC, and Ontario, Canada, and an expert in adult ADHD. She helps professionals and executives understand how ADHD impacts focus, emotions, and productivity. She has two decades of experience in clinical practice and teaching. In her lecture, she talked about the connection between ADHD and emotional regulation. She offered ways to manage frustration, impulsivity, and feeling overwhelmed.Today, we discussed the neuroscience behind ADHD and some strategies for emotional regulation for adults with ADHD.For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org

Welcome back to another episode! In today’s episode, Holly interviews Dr. Laurie Stephens.Dr Stephens is a psychologist who has been helping autistic people for over thirty years. She is a leader in the field of Affirming Psychotherapy, which uses the social model of disability, which focuses on acceptance and highlighting the talents and skills of autistic people. She is the Senior Director of ASD and clinical programs at the Help Group. This includes the Young Learners Preschool, an evidence-based, comprehensive, early intervention school program designed to serve children between 2.9 and 5 years of age with autism spectrum disorder, and Kaleidoscope, which serves LGBTQ+ children, youth, young adults, and their families, and the Training Department which provides education and resources.Today, we discussed how people with autism are all different and that affirming therapy does not try to fix or change an autistic person to be unautistic, but rather, it can help to make the autistic client feel better.For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org

Welcome back to another episode! In today’s episode, Holly interviews Dr. Alan Martino. He is an Assistant Professor in the Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies program in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary. He researches disability and sexuality and leads the Disability and Sexuality Lab at the University of Calgary.   Today, we discussed the romantic, sexual, and intimate relationships of people with disabilities. We also examined why society often treats the topic of sexuality differently for neurotypicals compared to people with disabilities, and the harmful stereotypes that affect their expression of intimacy. For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org

Welcome back to another episode! In today’s episode, Kecia interviews Dr. Endlich. Eric Endlich, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants®, guides neurodivergent students nationwide through the college application process. He co-teaches the UC Irvine continuing education course for educational consultants, Working with Students with Learning Differences, and co-manages an 18,000-member Facebook group for parents of college-bound neurodivergent students. Dr. Endlich has served on the Learning Differences/Neurodiversity and Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Committees 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 national presenter and professional writer, he is also a researcher on a project to develop college readiness software for autistic high school students and a study to enhance student-teacher relationships for autistic children. Finally, he is a neurodivergent parent and adult. Today, we discussed his recent lecture for the Tarjan's Center Distinguished Lecture Series he had in November. For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org

Welcome back to another episode! In today’s episode, Holly interviews Blake Warner, a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior in the Program for Education Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) Clinic and the Tarjan Center. In this episode they discuss what UCEDD is, TEL is, how to promote advocacy, the new Leadership Academy at UCLA, and more! Below is a list of organizations mentioned in the podcast with their websites. Click or copy the link for more information: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:41280b6c-8a3f-356e-883a-c49aa06148fa For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org.

Welcome back to another episode! In today’s episode, Holly interviews Dr. Lauren Clark, a Professor and Shapiro Family Endowed Chair in Developmental Disability Studies in Nursing at UCLA. She teaches community-engaged learning experiences in partnership with the disability community. Her courses are designed to model accessibility in healthcare professions education. Today, Dr. Clark discussed her student's findings on sexual education, accessibility to health services for individuals with disabilities, and more! Resources and links mentioned by Dr. Clark: https://www.ncd.gov/ https://www.disabilityrightsca.org https://dredf.org https://www.npr.org/2024/06/18/g-s1-4991/social-security-ssi-marriage-penalty For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org.

Welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, Holly interviews Tarjan Center's Distinguished Lecture Speakers from April: Nurit Benry, Nicole Rosen, and Maira Tafolla. Nicole, Nurit, and Maira are all apart of Dr. Catherine Lord’s lab at the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART). This podcast episode they discuss the barriers low-income Latinx families experience in the autism diagnostic process and what providers can do to help! Previous recorded distinguished lecture series can be watched here: https://www.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2023-2024-presentations

Welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, Kecia interviews our recent distinguished lecture speaker, Dr. Iyer. Sai Iyer, MD is a board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician and Health Sciences Assistant Professor, Dept. of Pediatrics at UCLA and serves as the Ronald and Susan Cohen Term Chair in Childhood Development and Cerebral Palsy. Dr. Iyer is also the Associate Medical Director of the UCLA High-risk Infant Follow-up (HRIF) Program. The overarching goal of her research is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and intervention for developmental delays, promote positive parent-child interactions and develop a deeper understanding of how we can help young children reach their developmental potential. Referenced websites: https://steps2home.org/ For more information, please visit our website: https://www.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

Welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, Holly interviews Dr. Ben Schwartzman, a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University and the Principal Investigator for the Tennessee Employment Pathways Project. Dr. Schwartzman specializes in helping transition-aged individuals with IDD and their families navigate the process of connecting to paid employment. Today, Dr. Schwartzman explains his work and how he got started. For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org

Welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, Holly interviews Dr. Giselle Salinas, a postdoctoral fellow at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior in the Program for Education Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) Clinic. Dr. Salinas earned her doctorate at UC Riverside in Special Education, where she studied the high school transition planning experiences of young adults with autism and/or intellectual disability (ID) and their parents. As a graduate student, Dr. Salinas worked closely with Spanish-speaking families at a free autism screening clinic, where she guided families in special education advocacy and autism assessments. Her research interests revolve around the transition to adulthood for young adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including the experiences of culturally diverse populations. For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org

Welcome back to another episode! In today’s episode, Kecia interviews Dr. Joseph “Jojo” Armendarez, a licensed clinical psychologist at Bridges of the Mind in West Sacramento, California. Dr. JoJo is dedicated to helping individuals and families who speak Spanish and English. His expertise is in the assessment and intervention of individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other co-occurring mental health conditions.  For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org.

Welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, Kecia interviews Dr. Megan Beardmore, a licensed school psychologist with expertise in assessment and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and emotion dysregulation. Dr. Beardmore has received specialized postdoctoral training from The Help Group and UCLA. Currently, Dr. Beardmore works at Spectrum Psych, splitting her time between conducting psychological evaluations and providing outpatient therapy. Her focus in assessment tends to target psychoeducational, social-emotional, and autism-specific referrals. In therapy, she draws upon a flexible, integrative blend of evidence-based and holistic interventions. For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org.

Welcome back to another episode! In today's episode, Kecia interviews Dr. Kyle Sterrett, a postdoctoral scholar and a clinical psychology trainee at the Semel Institute the UCLA Tarjan Center. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of treatment response and how we measure progress for children with neurodevelopmental disorders enrolled in early intervention programs and classrooms. He focuses on interventions developed for children with little to no spoken language. Today, he will be talking about measuring treatment response in children with autism spectrum disorder at risk for long-term spoken language delays. For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org. 

Welcome back to another episode of In Other Words! In this episode we interview Dr. Rolanda Gott, professor of Pediatrics at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Gott’s clinical interest and expertise is in evaluation and treatment of children with autism. Dr. Gott is proactive in expanding training for medical students and other trainees on inclusive health for individuals with Developmental disabilities. In collaboration with Special Olympics International, Dr. Gott has developed Healthy Start toolkit funded by CDC. This online toolkit provides information and support for caregivers with a newly diagnosed child with Global Developmental Delay or Intellectual Disability.  For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org.

Welcome back to another episode of In Other Words! In this episode, Kecia interviews Dr. Kelly Vitzthum about her lecture titled, Special Care Dentistry for Individuals with Disabilities: Changes in Education, Policy & Care Delivery. Dr. Vitzthum is a dentist, dental public health advocate, and expert. She graduated from UCLA School of Dentistry and completed her residency program at the Special Patient Care Dentistry under Dr. Sung. Currently, she is working on establishing a patient advisory committee with caregivers and patient self-advocates to improve dental care at UCLA. Dr. Vitzthum also hopes to create desensitization videos for the special health care needs populations to use in the Special Patient Care clinics. For more information, please visit our website: tarjancenter.org.  

Welcome to the third episode of In Other Words... We interview Dr. Jamie Barstein a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as autism across the lifespan. Dr. Barstein leads sex education groups for adolescents and young adults with ASD and is passionate about developing effective sex education programming and supports for neurodivergent adults. In this episode, she reflects on her previous work and her talk, "Let's Talk about Sex... Education! Sexuality and Sex Education for Neurodivergent Individuals." Listen to learn more! 

Welcome to the second episode of the UCLA Tarjan Center's podcast In Other Words! Today, we have invited Dr. Elina Veytsman to speak about her research and recent lecture entitled “Navigating the Road from Adolescence to Adulthood for Youth with and without Developmental Disabilities: Parent Perspectives.” Dr. Elina Veytsman is a postdoctoral clinical psychology fellow at the UCLA PEERS Clinic, where she facilitates social skills, career skills, and dating skills programs for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their parents, and trains mental health professionals and educators in the implementation of these programs.  Dr. Veytsman earned her PhD in School Psychology at UC Riverside, where she studied the experience of parents of youth with developmental disabilities during their transition out of high school and into adulthood. Dr. Veytsman recently completed her Doctoral Psychology Internship at The Help Group, where she conducted individual therapy, parent training, and diagnostic assessments for youth with a range of neurodevelopmental conditions.  Dr. Veytsman has conducted the PEERS program in both group and individual formats across clinical and school settings, and has researched the efficacy of the PEERS intervention for Latinx teens with ASD in the Inland Empire. In addition to publishing her research in top journals (e.g., the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders), Dr. Veytsman has presented at conferences around the world and has received several awards for her research, including the American Psychological Association’s student research award.

Thank you for listening to the first episode of the UCLA Tarjan Center Podcast, a series where we interview our speakers from the UCLA Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series. Please join Kecia Weller, Self-Advocate for the Tarjan Center, as she interviews our first lecturers Dr. Camille Wilson, Sapna Shetty, and Dr. Jasper Estabillo. In their lecture titled, “Using Silence to Hear the Voices of the AAPI Community in Autism Diagnosis and Treatment,” our three lecturers cover the cultural complexities of working with AAPI families in clinical settings, and describe cultural considerations for diagnosis and treatments of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this episode, they explain the motivation for their research, the goal of their talk, and takeaways from the talk that be applied to our lives and experiences.