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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often talked about but is easily misunderstood. The Understanding Autism Podcast breaks down the misconceptions around autism for educators, parents and community members to promote awareness and understanding of neurodiverse people. Join hosts Nicole Kubilus, who shares her own personal experiences with autism, and Bret Thayer who shares his views on autism as a parent of an autistic child and an educator in this biweekly podcast.
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Season 2 Episode 28: Interview with Erin Gaskins of Room Redefined
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As part of our series on building life skills for independence, Erin Gaskins founder of Room Redefined, shares how she helps her neurodiverse clients organize their space according to their unique needs and goals.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 2 Episode 27: Practicing Life Skills and Routines
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The road to adult independence for our autistic children does not have to start when they are 18 years old. To make this challenging transition easier, teaching our children life skills that they will need when they are adults should begin at an early age. In this episode we explore ways in which parents and schools can help prepare those on the sp…
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Season 2 Episode 26: Parenting Autistic Children in Their Journey Towards Independence
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Parenting an autistic child is never easy. Is loving our child enough or is there more to raising a capable child? In the first part of this two part episode, we interview Lori Thayer, wife of co-host Bret Thayer on her thoughts and advice about raising an autistic step-son. Next, we interview Dr. Deborah Winking, author of Raising Capable Kids on …
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Season 2 Episode 25: Parent's & School's Role In Adult Independence
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Helping our children to become independent adults can be a challenge for any parent. How we support and communicate with our child about their independence journey can make all the difference. In this episode, we look at different ways of thinking and communicating about independence and we examine a school transition plan, assessments and resource…
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Season 2 Episode 24: Interview with Gail Suitor of Ignite Change Makers
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Our first guest of the second season, Gail Suitor, founder of Ignite Change Makers, talks about her dedication in supporting educators, students and families in finding innovative ways to educate and support neurodiverse students and adults.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 2 Episode 23: Creating An Adult Independence Plan
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Transitions can be scary. For those on the spectrum, making the transition from living with parents to being on their own can be an intimidating process. But every successful long term goal comes with a plan of action. In this episode, we explore what a ten year adult independence plan can look like for an young autistic adult and the roles that pa…
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Understanding Autism Podcast Season 2 Trailer
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We can't believe that Season 2 of the Understanding Autism Podcast is actually right around the corner! Here we explain our focus for Season 2 and some guests and content that we are excited to share with our audience.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 22 Part 2: Season 1 Retrospective
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In this our final episode of season 1, we continue to reflect on how we created the Understanding Autism Podcast. This episode focuses on recording and editing platforms, making your podcast unique, using social media and networking, and considering monetization. We also share our goals and vision for season two.…
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Season 1 Episode 22: Season 1 Retrospective (Part 1)
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In this next to final episode, we reflect on the amazing journey we both experienced in producing the Understanding Autism Podcast. While our previous episodes focused on autistic behaviors, this episode focuses on the nuts and bolts of producing a podcast: from the germination of an idea to structuring the show, to basic technical equipment, and t…
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Season 1 Episode 21: Interview with Katelyn Szymanski on Suicide Ideation
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In this episode, we interview licensed social worker and QPR Gatekeeper Instructor, Katelyn Szymanski on the research and advocacy work she has done around suicide awareness and prevention for the neurodiverse community in Maryland.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 20: Autism and Suicidal Ideation
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In this episode we explore the sensitive topic of suicide. How does autism impact suicidal thoughts? What social and cultural factors might contribute to thoughts of suicide? Nicole shares her own struggles with this topic and shares resources and strategies that helped her overcome thoughts of suicide.…
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Season 1 Episode 19: Autism and Shaming
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Neurodiverse people often know they are different and that they may stand out from neurotypical people. But how does society treat those that are different? This episode explores the sensitive issue around shame, stigma and the resulting trauma that can occur. We also review examples of shame informed therapy.…
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Season 1 Episode 18: Autism and Perfectionism
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Perfectionism, or the tendency to demand flawless behavior or performance, is a challenge many with autism struggle with. In this episode, we examine the root causes of perfectionism, how perfectionism impacts those with autism, and some generally recommended solutions for addressing perfectionism.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 17: Autism and Depression
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Depression can be a real concern for many of us especially around the holidays, but how do people on the spectrum experience depression? In this episode we explore the causes, experiences, and treatments for autistic people and depression.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 16: Autism and Anxiety
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Anxiety is a common occurrence for all of us, but how does a person on the spectrum experience anxiety? In this episode, we will explore the link between autism and anxiety and focus on autistic experiences with anxiety.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 15: An Autistic’s Relationship With Food
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Many people on the spectrum struggle with food. What might look like picky eating habits to the neurotypical person, is actually an autistic person’s complex relationship with food. In this episode, we explore what causes ‘picky eating’, what diets that people with autism adopt, food and social gatherings, and resources for those who struggle with …
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While many of us struggle with phobias that impact our lives, emetophobia, or fear of vomiting, can be extremely debilitating. In this episode, Nicole shares her personal experience with this phobia and the strategies she used to overcome it.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 13: Autism and Phobias
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Many people can suffer from phobias but how exactly are autistic people impacted by phobias and what are some methods to cope with them? In this podcast we explore causes of phobias and some strategies on how to manage and overcome them.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 12: Transition Stress
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Managing transitions can be extremely frustrating for neurotypical people as well as those on the autism spectrum. In this episode we explore why change creates stress, how this may manifest into resistance to change, and some solutions around managing the stress around transitions.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 11: Autism and Masking
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People with autism often experience bullying at school or stigmatization at work. That is one reason why many people on the spectrum "mask" their autistic behaviors from neurotypical people. In this episode we explore the reasons behind masking, the physical and mental health consequences of masking, and the benefits of unmasking.…
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Season 1 Episode 10: Object Permanence and Working Memory
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As an autistic person, are you someone who constantly misplaces objects and lose your cool when you’re trying to find it? In this episode we examine why object permanence and working memory are such challenges for people with autism and what can be done to address it.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 9 Part 2: Low Frustration Tolerance
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A common challenge that many autistic people face is tolerating unpleasant or stressful situations. In part 2 of this episode, we will discuss how low frustration tolerance impacts teachers and classrooms, how to support neurodiverse students, and how employers and employees can work through low frustration tolerance in the workplace.…
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Season 1 Episode 9: Low Frustration Tolerance (Part 1)
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A common challenge that many autistic people face is tolerating unpleasant or stressful situations. In part one of this episode, we will explore the signs and causes of low frustration tolerance and what can be done to build tolerance around frustrating situations.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Some autistic people experience the feeling of being 'stuck'. This can manifest itself in the form of thinking patterns, speech, and body movements. In this episode we examine what perseveration is and tips on how manage this experience.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 7: Fixations and Special Interests
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One characteristic of autistic people is that they can develop a strong fixation on a topic or special interest, often at the expense of other tasks. Is this healthy? Why does this occur more among autistic people than with neurotypical people? What if these fixations are dangerous? In this episode, we explore these questions.…
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Season 1 Episode 6 Part 2: Sensory Processing Disorder
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In Part 2 of this episode, we focus on treatments for Sensory Processing Disorder, how SPD can impact socializing for those with autism, and SPD resources for adults with autism.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 6: Sensory Processing Disorder (Part 1)
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Some autistic people are highly sensitive to the world around them. Textures, sights, sounds, noises, and smells, can lead to overwhelm, and in some cases, physical pain. In Part 1 of this episode we explore the reasons behind Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), its impacts, and assessments that can help.…
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Season 1 Episode 5 Part 2: Meltdowns, Shutdowns, and Self-Harming Behaviors
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In Part 2 of this episode, Nicole shares her experiences with meltdowns, shutdowns, and self-harming behaviors as an adult. We also offer some advice for managing these behaviors for teachers, parents, and autistic people in the workplace.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 5: Meltdowns, Shutdowns, and Self-Harming Behaviors (Part 1)
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Some of the more alarming autistic behaviors for parents and caregivers are meltdowns, shutdowns, and self-harming behaviors. In Part 1 of this episode we explore what these behaviors are and why they may occur.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Season 1 Episode 4: Stimming and Fidgeting
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Many people with autism stim or fidget. In this episode, we explore the reasons behind this behavior and its importance to those on the spectrum.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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People with autism can experience a great deal of stress making eye contact. In this episode we explore why those on the spectrum avoid eye contact and offer some solutions in managing this behavior.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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What exactly is autism? In this show we examine various definitions of autism and how these definitions shape our understanding of what autism is.By Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer
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Our first podcast episode! In this episode Nicole Kubilus (diagnosed with autism at age 2) and Bret Thayer (parent of an autistic child and former teacher) explain who they are, how they met and their purpose in launching this podcast.By Bret Thayer, Nicole Kubilus
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