27 APR 2024 · Dr. Holmes discusses key points to de-escalation with Jonas Cooper, MSW. De-escalating challenging behaviors or big emotions is a critical skill for both the student/child and adults! Becoming confident and regulated with these skills is helpful.

25 APR 2024 · Dan Holmes and "Just the Guys" talk about spring and summer sensory issues as adults on the autism spectrum. It can be very helpful to understand sensory issues by hearing what adults on the spectrum have found to work around sensory issues for themselves or children as the season changes.

11 APR 2024 · Dr. Mary Jones joins Dr. Stephanie Holmes to discuss her topic as a speaker for Springbrook's Converge Autism Conference. The topic was on Implicit Bias and How it Contributes to Delayed Diagnoses of Autism in Black and Other Minority Youths. Today Dr. Stephanie discusses some of the key points of Dr. Mary's workshop. Dr. Mary shares how the clinician's bias may keep children of color from proper diagnosis and access to resources. Dr. Mary is passionate about this topic from both a professional and lived experience.

3 APR 2024 · Join the CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network, Kristin Walker, (where the Converge Autism podcast started) as she shares her newly received Autism 1 diagnosis. Dr. Stephanie Holmes sits down for a very personal and raw interview with Kristin. This is a behind the scenes of what so many women are discovering and often later in life about their Neurodivergence.

22 MAR 2024 · Today we talk about a few topics: Autobiographical memory, developing a sense of self, motivation, and neuroplasticity in the autistic brain. Dr. Hull's research on video gaming is part of his strategies with his clients on the spectrum. Dr. Kevin Hull owns and operates Hull and Associates, P.A. a private practice in Lakeland, Florida. Dr. Hull is a licensed counselor who has worked with children and adolescents and their families on the Autism spectrum since 2001. He conducts weekly individual and group therapy sessions with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Dr. Hull has been a professor for 18 years and is currently an Associate Faculty with Liberty University. Dr. Hull has published Play Therapy and Asperger’s Syndrome: Helping Children and Adolescents Grow, Connect, and Heal through the Art of Play (2011, Jason Aronson); Bridge Building: Creating Connection and Relationship between Parents and Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum (2012, Liberty Press); Group Therapy Techniques with Children, Adolescents, and Adults on the Autism Spectrum (2014, Jason Aronson); and Where There is Despair, Hope (2015, Liberty Mountain Publishing), a novel about play therapy. He has also published several chapters for textbooks and journal articles. Dr. Hull specializes in using electronic devices in group and individual play therapy and his dissertation work examined the use of video/computer games as a play therapy tool with children with emotional difficulties. Dr. Hull enjoys open water swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, playing golf, long walks, biking, and spending time with his wife, Wendy and their four children. https://drkevinhull.com/

20 MAR 2024 · Uncover the unexpected truth about autistic burnout and its impact on individuals in a revealing conversation with Larissa Minner. Learn how societal changes and individual strategies can prevent burnout and lead to a more inclusive world. Stay tuned to discover the eye-opening insights that challenge what you thought you knew about autism and burnout. Growing up as a neurodivergent individual, Larissa Minner's journey to understanding autistic burnout was a rollercoaster of misdiagnoses and challenges. From being misunderstood and mistreated due to misdiagnoses such as intellectual disability and bipolar disorder, to finally finding clarity with a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD, her story paints a picture of resilience and self-discovery. Through her own experiences and delving into extensive research, Larissa not only identified the signs of autistic burnout in herself but also recognized its pervasive impact on the neurodivergent community. Her compelling narrative sheds light on the importance of recognizing the individual nature of autistic burnout and the critical role of societal changes in prevention and management. Larissa's journey is a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery and the urgency for inclusive environments that support the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals.,Larissa Minner's path to understanding autistic burnout is a poignant narrative of perseverance and self-discovery. From grappling with misdiagnoses of intellectual disability and bipolar disorder to finally receiving a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD, Larissa's journey is a testament to the transformative power of accurate identification. Her personal experiences and deep dive into research not only enabled her to recognize the signs of autistic burnout within herself but also fueled her passion for advocating societal changes to prevent and manage it effectively. Larissa's compelling story underscores the individual nature of autistic burnout and the crucial role of inclusive environments in supporting neurodivergent individuals. Her unwavering resilience and commitment to fostering understanding and change serve as an inspiring call to action for creating environments that honor the diverse needs of the neurodivergent community. - Larissa Minner's LinkedIn page for more information on her work and advocacy efforts. - Larissa Minner's website,http://larissaminner.com/, for access to infographics and video content related to autism and neurodiversity. - Consider exploring resources on universal design and sensory-friendly environments to prevent and manage autistic burnout. - Look into early education on disability and autism to foster understanding and inclusion from a young age. - Explore self-advocacy strategies and tools for managing autistic burnout, such as visual schedules, apps for sensory support, and remote work options for inclusive environments.

13 MAR 2024 · Join Jeremy Rochford and host, Kristin Walker, as they discuss his new podcast, his coaching, his comedy, and both their journey's on the Autism Spectrum. Jeremy Rochford is a later in life diagnosed Autistic/ADHD’r who is raising two Neurodivergent Children with his “NT” wife Charity. Through guest interviews and “Team Rochford,” you’ll hear firsthand the challenges and benefits of being on the spectrum as well as practical advice for those who are Neurodivergent or love someone who is. Join us and experience why “NeuroFm” is called the least depressing Neurodivergent podcast in the world. https://www.jeremyrochford.com/

4 MAR 2024 · Join Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Peter Vermeulen for a discussion about happiness, well-being regulation, and dealing with stress. Peter is the founder, director, CEO, lecturer, consultant, website developer, and secretary. Occasionally, Peter even does the cleaning of the office of Autism in Context, the senior Autism lecturer and consultant for Autisme Centraal, and the Chief Editor of “Sterk in Autisme!”, a bimonthly magazine of Autisme Centraal. Autisme Centraal is responsible for autism awareness campaigns and ‘autism friendliness’ support activities throughout Europe. He is a Member of the Editorial Board of ‘Tijdschrift voor Orthopedagogiek, Kinderpsychiatrie en Klinische Psychologie” (Journal of Special Education, Child Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology of the University of Leuven, Belgium) (currently Chief Editor of that Journal), a reviewer for Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders; Journal of Intellectual Disability – Diagnosis and Treatment. When Peter is not presenting, writing, driving or flying around for his job, he can usually be found on one of his 4 bicycles, trying to imitate Tour de France winners, hereby being oblivious to his age and physical state. When tired from cycling, he can be found at home, with his wife and their dog (which actually is more a Gremlin than a dog). Or he is playing with his grandchild. Because the Gremlin loves the beach, Peter often spends his weekends at the seaside, savouring seafood and – being a descendant of a brewing family – enjoying a good beer. http://www.petervermeulen.be/

27 FEB 2024 · Join us for Part 2! A lot more people are realizing well into their 50s, 60s, and even older that they are on the Autism spectrum. Today Dr. Stephanie and Dan interview 2 retired couples and speak to their new stage in life as empty nesters. We have four guests with us. Carol and Greg are newly retired. You may recognize Greg’s voice, who has been on several of our Just the Guys segments. Greg is 63 and retired after a 35-year career as a consulting geologist. Married to Carol, he was diagnosed around age 55. Carol and he have three children. Carol is in her fourth year of retirement after a 32-year career as a speech-language pathologist. We also have Marian and Tom, who have been retired for a few more years, and have some advice for preparing intentionally for retirement (most think only financially) but on how to do retirement relationally and not just individual goals. Marian has a Bachelor’s in Nursing and a Master’s in Special Education. The mother of two wonderful sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Tom retired from a successful dental career 2 ½ years ago at age 67 and was identified on the spectrum between the ages of 55-60. Research links mentioned: https://www.opastpublishers.com/open-access-articles/neuro-diverse-christian-couples-autism-religion-marriage-an-exploratory-qualitative-study.pdf https://juniperpublishers.com/gjidd/pdf/GJIDD.MS.ID.555829.pdf

16 FEB 2024 · A lot more people are realizing well into their 50s, 60s, and even older that they are on the Autism spectrum. Today Dr. Stephanie and Dan interview 2 retired couples and speak to their new stage in life as empty nesters. We have four guests with us. Carol and Greg are newly retired. You may recognize Greg’s voice, who has been on several of our Just the Guys segments. Greg is 63 and retired after a 35-year career as a consulting geologist. Married to Carol, he was diagnosed around age 55. Carol and he have three children. Carol is in her fourth year of retirement after a 32-year career as a speech-language pathologist. We also have Marian and Tom, who have been retired for a few more years, and have some advice for preparing intentionally for retirement (most think only financially) but on how to do retirement relationally and not just individual goals. Marian has a Bachelor’s in Nursing and a Master’s in Special Education. The mother of two wonderful sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law. Tom retired from a successful dental career 2 ½ years ago at age 67 and was identified on the spectrum between the ages of 55-60. Research links mentioned: https://www.opastpublishers.com/open-access-articles/neuro-diverse-christian-couples-autism-religion-marriage-an-exploratory-qualitative-study.pdf https://juniperpublishers.com/gjidd/pdf/GJIDD.MS.ID.555829.pdf