These conversations have taken me all over the map (literally) — hover a pin to see who I talked to and where, or scroll down to read through all of them.
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Innovations in Autism: Dr. Blythe Corbett’s SENSE Theatre®
Dr. Blythe Corbett brings a unique perspective to the world of autism research. From her early work as a paramedic and actor to her current role as a psychologist and leading autism researcher in the SENSE (Social Emotional NeuroScience Endocrinology) Lab, Dr. Corbett has constantly returned to the same question: how do we better understand…
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Navigating College Admissions with Dr. Eric Endlich
For many high school students, the college admissions process is both exciting and overwhelming. For autistic and other neurodivergent students, however, that journey can present unique challenges, from navigating self-advocacy to deciding whether or not to disclose a diagnosis. Dr. Eric Endlich, a clinical psychologist turned college admissions consultant, has dedicated his career to helping…
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Discovering the Vision of Dr. David Ruttenberg in Autism Tech
Dr. David Ruttenberg is truly the Jack of all trades. From child piano prodigy to GRAMMY™️-producer to Amazon best-selling author to earning two undergraduate degrees in electrical engineering and music, Dr. Ruttenberg has done it all. The ultimate career, however, was becoming a father at age 40. As older parents, Dr. Ruttenberg and his wife…
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Autism Personal Coach Founder Doug Blecher on Identity, Support, and Universal Design
As the founder of Autism Personal Coach, Doug Blecher has spent over a decade helping autistic adults navigate the complexities of everyday life through personalized support. At its core, his work is about cultivating self-trust, celebrating joy, and reshaping how we think about connection and community. My conversation with Doug explores not only what support…
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Empowering Neurodivergent Children: Dr. Rebecca Shaffer on Emotional Regulation
I recently interviewed Dr. Rebecca Shaffer, a clinical psychologist at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Dr. Shaffer has dedicated her career to understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism and Fragile X. Join me as we delve into Dr. Shaffer’s insights on the individualized nature of intervention strategies and the transformative impact of equipping…
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The Role of AI in Autism: Dr. Zachary Warren’s Perspective
In the rapidly evolving landscape of autism research and intervention, Dr. Zachary Warren, a clinical psychologist and leading expert at Vanderbilt University, has dedicated nearly two decades to developing systems that promote early detection and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. In this interview, Dr. Warren shares his insights on the transformative potential of…
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Dr. Debra Bercovici on Neurodiversity and Mental Health
Dr. Debra Bercovici’s journey shows the importance of resilience and self-discovery. As a Professor at the University of Toronto, she brings an impressive academic background but beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Bercovici is a registered psychotherapist, blending scientific expertise with therapeutic practice. Diagnosed with autism at 28, Dr. Bercovici’s lived experiences deeply inform her work…
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Amy Gravino: Advocating for Autism and Sexuality Awareness
As a prominent advocate for sexuality in autism, Amy Gravino has channeled her own frustrating experiences and romantic expertise into her dream job. Amy’s advocacy journey began when she was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (now Autism Level 1) in 1994. Despite challenges associated with her diagnosis, she persevered, earning her degree in Applied Behavior Analysis,…
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Innovative Therapies – A Podcast with Dr. Maja Mataric
Dr. Maja Mataric is at the forefront of innovative therapies for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Combining her skills in engineering and her passions in helping people, she has worked for over 20 years to improve human quality of life. To improve human life, she has created human-centered technologies, including socially-assistive robots for those with…
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Addressing Suicide Risk in Autistic Youth: Key Insights from Dr. Jessica Schwartzman
Dr. Jessica Schwartzman’s research goes above and beyond when it comes to helping improve the quality of life of the neurodiverse community. She has researched critical real-world problems, such as COVID and suicide, as they have affected adolescents with autism and studied them to find solutions to such serious current issues. She is a professional…
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Occupational Therapy’s Role in Autism: Dr. Baranek’s Perspectives
Whenever I’ve interviewed a researcher specialized in studying autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, most of them recommend that I continue my interview series with Dr. Grace Baranek, a globally renowned professional in sensory characteristics and occupational therapy in children with autism spectrum disorder. She has co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in several prestigious journals,…
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A Future-Focused Approach to Help Improve Quality of Life – A Conversation with Dr. Sneha Kohli Mathur
Dr. Sneha Kohli Mathur is an ally. She created a company, Spectrum Success, to provide adolescents and adults on the Autism Spectrum with numerous services to improve their quality of life. They offer consultation services for parents, adults, colleges, and parents. A founding member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion SIG in ABA, Dr. Mathur…
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All for LUV – A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Liberatore
Dr. Lisa Liberatore is not only a supportive Mom and talented doctor. She is one of the strongest advocates for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and has really taken the necessary steps to improve the quality of life for her son on the autism spectrum, Michael. With the help of her husband, Dr. Dimitri Kessaris, Dr.…
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Early Intervention and Training The Community – A Conversation with Dr. Connie Kasari
If you look up the most influential autism researchers, Dr. Connie Kasari Ph.D., Professor of Human Development and Psychology at UCLA is on that list. A founding member of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at UCLA, Dr. Kasari aims to develop new and evidence-based intervention strategies for children with ASD that can be…
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Mom & Philanthropist – A Conversation with Mrs. Jennifer Frist
Mrs. Jennifer Frist is not only a strong advocate for those on the autism spectrum, but she is also a loving Mom of an adult with the disorder. As her son grew older, her and her husband started to grow worried about whether he would be able to find meaningful work and live on his…
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A Perspective from a Father and Scientist – A Conversation with Dr. Kevin Pelphrey
Dr. Kevin Pelphrey is a Harrison-Wood Jefferson Scholars Foundation Professor of Neurology at the University of Virginia. A leader in groundbreaking autism research, Dr. Pelphrey uses neuroscience to develop tools for detection and autism treatment and to continue helping people like his two children, who are both diagnosed with autism. His research aims to understand…
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Keith Wargo: Leading Autism Speaks Into a New Era
This past October, Keith Wargo became the president and CEO of Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to aiding individuals on the spectrum and their families. Responsible for the management of Autism Speaks, Wargo works to guarantee that the mission of the organization is being fulfilled. Autism Speaks is working to promote greater understanding and acceptance,…
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Early Interventions in Autism: A Conversation with Dr. Geraldine Dawson
As a researcher, one thing I have always been fascinated with, is how the autistic brain differs from the neurotypical brain. How specific environmental stimuli in the brain of an autistic child compares to the response occurring in a neurotypically-developing child. Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Dr. Geraldine Dawson, the…
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Innovative Solutions from the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation – An Interview with Dr. Keivan Stassun
Unlike my previous interviews focusing primarily on autism research, I wanted to change things up and address the lack of neurodiversity in the workplace and what some organizations and universities are doing to develop new programs that address this issue. A staggering 75% of adults with autism are unemployed. The Frist Center for Autism and…
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The Importance of Person-First Language: Dr. Rebecca Landa’s Perspective
Dr. Rebecca Landa is a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University and a highly influential autism researcher. She also founded the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Her research has focused mainly on the neuropsychological communication and language processes of autism throughout an…
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Understanding Autism Through Research – An Interview with Dr. Wendy Chung
I recently had the wonderful opportunity to interview Dr. Wendy Chung, the director of clinical research at SPARK and a supervisor of education in human genetics at Columbia University Medical School as well as a Kennedy Family Professor of Pediatrics in Medicine. By managing the research study of autistic individuals, Dr. Chung evaluates opportunities to…