Roy Richard Grinker is a Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs at George Washington University and author. He joins us to share insights from his latest book, Nobody’s Normal: How Culture Created the Stigma of Mental Illness. In this discussion, we explore how various stigmas around diagnosis are formed - and can be dismantled. As Richard shares, ”Look at the history of autism, when mothers were blamed and autism was only looked at in negative terms... We don’t end up in a very...

Kari Luther Rosbeck, President & CEO, TSC Alliance, and Steven L. Roberds, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, TSC Alliance join us for a discussion about Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSCA) a rare genetic disorder. This is an incredibly educational conversation on how this disease is identified and treated.  About 50% of those diagnosed with TSC, will also have a diagnosis of autism. Even if your child is not at risk for TSC, the thoughtful approach to treatment and resources can be valuable...

Dr. Temple Grandin returns to the podcast to discuss her latest book, Navigating Autism which is a collaboration with psychologist Debra Moore who has done extensive work with children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum. This episode highlights Dr. Grandin’s powerful personal insights and wisdom with practical support and help from Dr. Moore. This lively conversation delves into a number of topics from how to teach basic skills to how to best identify and stretch your child’s strengths...

Corina Jimenez-Gomez, faculty at Auburn University, and Lauren Beaulieu a behavior analyst for 20 years join us to discuss the importance of culturally responsive services in ABA. Along with their extensive work educating others in this area, they each bring their personal experiences to this important conversation. Corina is a mother and Venezuelan native now living in Alabama. Lauren also shares insights she has gained from her marriage to an Italian immigrant. There is so much rich...

Jennifer Cook was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at the age of 35 and is raising three children on the spectrum. She is the author of seven bestselling, award-winning books. This lively conversation had our host, Katherine Johnson laughing and crying. Jennifer provides perspective on why diagnosis has been widely missed in girls and women and promotes her philosophy of helping others, “Move from feeling like a mistake to feeling like a miracle”.   For More...

Holly Lechniak Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Outreach Director for the AARTS (Autism Assessment, Research, Treatment, and Services) Center at Rush University Medical Center, joins us to share about the work of SPARK. This national study is working towards accelerating research, as well as our understanding of autism.  Holly shares, “Autism, as compared to other fields, is still relatively new in the area of research. There is still much to learn in order to continue to improve...

Dr. Fred Volkmar, a professor at Yale University with over 40 years in the field of autism-related studies, joins us to provide perspective on how far we have come in the diagnosis, research, and services for individuals with autism.  With all the gains, there is still a great need for more research.  As Dr. Volkmar put it, “I think until we get more parents pushing for work on adults, we’re just not going to see it. You have to put your money where your mouth is and I think the federal...

Dr. Danquah-Brobby is an international psychologist and board certified behavior analyst currently serving as the ABA Chair for the Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Washington, DC Campus. Paula joins us to talk about a variety of topics related to the education, professional progression, and interests of behavior analysts.  From teaching young learners to working internationally, this conversation highlights the many opportunities to diversify your work and experiences in the field...

Devon Sundberg, M.S., BCBA is the founder of the groundbreaking (and long overdue) Women in Behavior Analysis Conference (WIBA).  Devon shares how raising three daughters helped open her eyes to how gendered life can be (including party food). Having previously founded an ABA company (BACA) with her husband, Devon was acutely aware of the need for more awareness of the women in her field. Devon shared,  "The research shows, this is a field full of women and yet we haven’t received the...

Dan McManmon is President of the College Internship Program, also known as CIP, one of the world’s most comprehensive transition programs for young adults on the autism spectrum and learning differences. CIP operates full-year and summer programs at 5 center locations nationwide, offering specialized programs and services that help empower students to pursue higher education, employment, and independent living in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. For More...

Dr. Ronit Molko acts as an advisor to investors, service providers, clinical organizations, and communities, providing cutting-edge insights into the rapidly expanding field of behavioral healthcare. Dr. Molko helps leaders and delivery teams understand current trends and best practices, navigate complex care intersections, design innovative solutions, and identify and pursue intelligent behavioral health investment opportunities. Dr. Molko also serves on numerous nonprofit and for-profit...

Christopher Banks has a comprehensive background in human services and the healthcare arena, where he’s had a successful record of increasing fundraising efforts, measurably improving revenue strategies, and being a transformational leader committed to diversity and cultural growth. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Development and Community Engagement at Charles E. Smith Life Communities in Rockville, Maryland; here, he provided leadership in the development, implementation and...

Annette Estes is a Research Professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences and Department of Psychology at the University of Washington. She holds the Susan & Richard Fade Endowed Chair and is the Director of the University of Washington Autism Center. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Washington. Her research is carried out at the UW Autism Center and Center on Human Development and Disability. Dr. Estes has conducted intervention studies for very young children...

Ira L. Cohen, PhD, specializes in autism and behavioral assessment. He received his PhD in psychobiology from Rutgers University in 1974 under the supervision of Dr. Michael R. D’Amato. He was an NIH post-doctoral fellow in experimental psychopathology and behavior therapy at NYU Medical Center from 1975-1977. He was then employed as a research psychologist at NYU Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Magda Campbell, where he worked with children with autism from...

Dr. Sterling is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in ASD and coexisting conditions, including anxiety and depression. She earned her B.S. in Psychobiology from UCLA and her M.S./Ph.D. from the University of Washington. She completed her Clinical Internship in Developmental Disabilities at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. During her Postdoctoral Fellowship at UCLA, Dr. Sterling was awarded funding from the NIH to conduct research on the physiology of anxiety...

Adrienne Bradley graduated from Central Michigan University, in 2014 with a Bachelors in Exercise Science, and a minor in Psychology. After college she began working within the public school systems, where she found there was a need for services with students who were diagnosed with Autism. This is where her love for Applied Behavior Analysis began. In December 2016, Adrienne began her masters at Wayne State University. She graduated in December 2018 with a masters in Education Psychology,...

Elena Bulfone is a member of the Board of the Regional Council for People with Disabilities, autism division. She has also served on the Conference of Italian Regions to the interinstitutional working group on autism as well as the  Council of People with Disabilities supporting museum accessibility. She has also partnered on the European project SIMPL for people with autism and intellectual disabilities. Elena's passion and expertise on special education and inclusion has lead to...

Dr. Barry Prizant is a speech-language pathologist with close to 50 years experience as a researcher and international consultant for autistic individuals and their families. He is a Visiting Scholar at Brown University and Director, Childhood Communication Services. Publications include The SCERTS Model manuals, an educational approach implemented in more than a dozen countries, four books and 130 scholarly chapters and articles. Barry has presented more than 900 seminars and keynote...

Stephanie M. Peterson, Ph.D., is Professor Psychology and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University.  She earned her doctorate in Special Education at The University of Iowa in 1994.  Previously, she taught at Gonzaga University, Utah State University, The Ohio State University, and Idaho State University.  Dr. Becky Eldridge, BCBA-D, is the Clinical Director of WMU’s Kalamazoo Autism Center.  She obtained her master’s degree from the University of Chicago focusing...

Simon Baron-Cohen is a Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry University of Cambridge and Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge. He is Director of the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge. He is author of Mindblindness, The Essential Difference, Prenatal Testosterone in Mind, and Zero Degrees of Empathy. He has edited scholarly anthologies including Understanding Other Minds. He has written books for parents and teachers including Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts. He...

Tyra P. Sellers, JD, PhD, BCBA-D is the Director of Ethics at the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She earned a B.A. in Philosophy and M.A. in Special Education from San Francisco State University, a J.D. from the University of San Francisco and a Ph.D. from Utah State University. Her professional and research interests focus on professional ethics, training and supervision, assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior, variability, and verbal behavior. Dr. Sellers has over 20...

Albert Knapp, PsyD, BCBA-D, RPT-S, received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Argosy University, Orange County. He is a Clinical Psychologist in California, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Dr. Knapp completed his doctoral research on studying the effect of autism spectrum disorders on parental stress, anxiety, and coping. He has presented his research findings at multiple professional conferences. Dr. Knapp has taught...

Adrienne Bradley graduated from Central Michigan University, in 2014 with a Bachelors in Exercise Science, and a minor in Psychology. After college she began working within the public school systems, where she found there was a need for services with students who were diagnosed with Autism. This is where her love for Applied Behavior Analysis began. In December 2016, Adrienne began her masters at Wayne State University. She graduated in December 2018 with a masters in Education Psychology,...

A licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Dr. Debra Berry Malmberg is an Associate Professor of Psychology at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where she teaches graduate and undergraduate coursework in behavior analysis and clinical psychology. Dr. Malmberg is the founding Director of the CSUN Autism Clinic, a research and treatment clinic for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Dr. Malmberg received her BA from Davidson College and...