Episodios

  • Detecting Autism Among the Ever Broadening Spectrum
    May 24 2025
    Join Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Saulnier as they discuss her presentation at the Converge Autism Summit on broadening the autism spectrum.

    https://nacsatl.com/

    They will discuss:
    • The key features of autism

    • How Autism symptoms are expressed differently in male and female

    • The role of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in misdiagnosis of autism

    • Common overlaps and differential diagnosis

    Dr. Saulnier obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She trained and worked at the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade before relocating to Emory University School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, where she directed a large-scale clinical research program. In 2018, she opened her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, where she specializes in diagnostic assessment, as well as teaching and training for autism spectrum and related disorders. Dr. Saulnier has published over 50 articles, written two books, and she is an author on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition.
    Looking for Assessment in GA? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/neurodevelopmental-assessment-consulting-svc-decatur-ga/409874
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    56 m
  • A Holistic Approach of Care
    May 21 2025
    Converge Autism Summit and Converge Autism Radio are sponsored by Springbrook Behavioral Health. Have you ever wondered what exactly Springbrook does? Join Dr. Stephanie as she talks with Scott Compton about Springbrook to discuss the unique approach to care for kids and teens on the spectrum who are in crisis.

    Scott Compton serves as the Regional Director of Business Development at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health. In this role, he is instrumental in organizing the annual National Converge Autism Summit, a prominent event that brings together professionals, educators, clinicians, and families to discuss various aspects of autism, including diagnosis, therapy, education, and advocacy. The 2025 summit was held on March 4–5 in Greenville, South Carolina, featuring keynote speakers such as Dani Bowman and Dr. Robert Naseef.

    www.convergeautism.com
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    45 m
  • Neurodiversity Training for Relationship Coaching Matters!
    May 12 2025
    Panelist from all over the world who work with neurodivergent relationships including Dr. Stephanie Holmes. Can neurodiverse relationships work? Does autism "ruin families" (spoiler alert- no). Does neurodiversity training matter when looking for a coach or counselor to help your neurodiverse marriage or relationship? YES!
    Listen in with our host, Dr. Stephanie Holmes is part of a panel of neurodiverse relationship experts across the globe!

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    45 m
  • Embracing NeuroDiversity and Creativity
    Apr 29 2025
    Today Dr. Stephanie interviews Dani Bowman from Love on the Spectrum. We will talk about her involvement with the show and how she built her company DaniMation.

    More about our Guest: Dani Bowman, BFA, MBAPresident, DaniMation Entertainment. Dani Bowman, an individual on the autism spectrum, established her company, DaniMation Entertainment, in 2009. Over the years, she has spearheaded summer animation camps and conducted personalized online 1:1 sessions, diligently educating, elevating, and empowering her students on the autism spectrum. With her guidance, she has successfully helped more than 2,500 students explore the transformation of their passions into viable careers.In her own educational journey, Dani obtained a BFA in Animation in 2018 and further pursued her ambitions with an MBA in Global Strategy and Leadership in 2020. Beyond her academic achievements, she also became a valued cast member on the Netflix series "Love on the Spectrum." Dani's remarkable story showcases how dedication, talent, and resilience can lead to fulfilling accomplishments regardless of individual challenges.

    Embracing Neurodiversity and Creativity: Dani Bowman's Journey from Animation Aficionado to Social Entrepreneur

    In her keynote speech at Converge Autism Summit, Dani Bowman, animator, educator, and entrepreneur, takes us on the remarkable journey that began at age three and led her to become the CEO of DaniMation. From her beginnings as a passionate animator at age of 14 to her present role as an industry leader in diversity-led employment, Dani shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs and reflects on her responsibility as a leader to inspire and mentor others on the autism spectrum. She sheds light on the company's commitment to social impact, emphasizing the positive influence that creative expression can have on the lives of neurodiverse individuals regardless of how they've been affected by their condition.



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    33 m
  • Neurodivergence: A Buddhist Perspective
    Apr 23 2025
    Join Kristin, Toni and Melinda for a deep dive into the world of Autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence within Buddhist communities.

    Toni Boucher started working with individuals on the spectrum over 35 years ago as a foster care and emergency respite provider. As the director of the CARE Clinic where she provided autism evaluations and determined eligibility for The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs- Autism Division, she discovered the need for further research and information about females on the spectrum and began training professionals how to identify and support neurodivergent women. Her book Autism Translated is the result of the wisdom and insights her clients have shared with her throughout these years. Today Toni is a speaker, writer and consultant. She runs numerous social groups and programs for teens and adults on the spectrum and coaches high-achieving adults. She is the founder of The Creative Community and Career Center for Autism, where members help each other thrive in a safe, sensory friendly environment.

    www.toniboucher.net and www.neurodiverse.com

    MELINDA EDWARDS, MD is a mother, writer and physician in Charleston, South Carolina. She attended medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency in psychiatry at Stanford Medical Center. She has studied complementary and alternative medicine with Andrew Weil, MD, researched the effects of MDMA on PTSD with Michael Mithoefer, MD, and is a columnist for Autism Parenting Magazine. Dr. Edwards is the author of the amazon best-seller Psyche & Spirit: How a Psychiatrist Found Divinity Through Her Lifelong Quest for Truth and Her Daughter’s Autism.As a child of medical missionaries, Dr. Edwards grew up in a Mayan Indian village in Guatemala, Central America. Early in life she experienced an inner pull to a deeper truth. Her journey has taken her through various spiritual practices, including meditation retreats, guidance from spiritual teachers, travel to India, and living in spiritual communities. Her quest led to the ongoing discovery of the sacred in all. Inspired by her journey with her daughter Saachi, Dr. Edwards founded the 501c3 nonprofit organization Living Darshan to foster a deeper understanding of autism in the world.

    www.melindaedwardsmd.comwww.livingdarshan.org
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Planning Ahead for Two Lifetimes
    Apr 9 2025
    Join Dr. Stephanie as she discusses financial planning with Converge Autism Summit speaker, Ryan Platt. We invite you to learn more about Special Needs Planning including Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, Guardianship, Government Benefits, Tax Implications, Future Caregiving and more!

    About our Guest:

    Ryan founded A Special Needs Plan in 2005 and has been a pioneer in his field. He completed his Special Care Planner Certification at the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA, and his background includes advanced training in estate and tax planning, special needs trusts, government programs, and the emotional dynamics of working with people and families with loved ones with special needs. He’s passionate about meeting with families, learning their concerns, understanding their values, and helping them reach their goals. He excels in creating plans that help secure the needs of two generations.

    www.aspecialneedsplan.com


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    36 m
  • NeuroDiverse Marriages Require NeuroDiverse Training
    Apr 7 2025
    Dr. Stephanie Holmes and Dr. Sean Hirt discuss their clinical training and how neither were trained in neurodiversity despite the update in thinking about the Autism Spectrum (DSM-IV Asperger's). Dr. Holmes and Dr. Hirt discuss that applying neurotypical marriage models to Neurodiverse couples is not only not helpful but potentially harmful. Dr. Hirt discusses the role of the central nervous system and its impact on regulation and how typical marriage work may disrupt both partners.

    About Our Guest:
    Dr. Hirt has an array of clinical experience in a variety of settings including private practice, residential treatment centers, non-public schools, and emergency shelters. He is particularly sought out for his expertise in treating and addressing anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, behavioral issues, and autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents. Other areas of focus include substance abuse, life-transition issues & trauma-related disorders.
    In therapy, Dr. Hirt uses empirically driven modalities to address the client’s needs. He derives techniques from client-centered, cognitive-behavioral theory, attachment theory, as well as family systems. Dr. Hirt works closely with all clients to develop an integrative, yet client-centered approach to treatment. More specifically, Dr. Hirt works with individuals to assist in developing the abilities and resources needed to reach goals, overcome hardships, and improve life satisfaction. When not working, you will often find him at parks and trails with family and friends. Dr. Hirt enjoys hiking, biking, running, and/or rock climbing! He also enjoys watching sports and traveling. Although his favorite pastime of all is spending time with his wife, daughters, and dog (Frank).Looking for Assessment:

    https://www.hirtpsychology.com/sean-hirt
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    48 m
  • Special Education Advocacy
    Mar 17 2025
    Join Dr. Stephanie and Tiffany in an interactive discussion which will help you delve deeper into understanding your rights as a parent with a school-age child with disabilities. You will have a solid understanding of the variety of support plans, how to navigate the school teams, and how to ensure your child is getting everything they need to be successful within school!



    About our Guest:Tiffany Yandle is a non-attorney Special Education Advocate and President of In Bloom Advocacy. She has a 15+ year history of teaching Special Education and school administration in North Carolina public schools. She is passionate about reaching an equitable, personalized education for all students. She specializes in Special Education Laws and regulations, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Community Engagement in schools, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.


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    45 m
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