Autism Annex: The STAR Autism Support Podcast
The Autism Annex podcast explores current trends and issues in autism and other developmental disabilities. We bring stories and resources to teachers, administrators, parents, and families, presenting data and research as well as helpful and practical insights.
Episodes
33 episodes
Siblings Beyond Labels: Nikki and Robby
Nikki Donnelly was 11 when her brother Robby was born, and they soon became inseparable. Robby, who has autism and an intellectual disability, and Nikki, who is neurotypical, share stories of their adventures, the dynamics of growing up i...
•
39:24
Body and Brain: Autism and Kinesiology
Dr. Martin Block explains the importance of inclusion in physical education and sports for children and adults with autism and other disabilities. Dr. Block is Professor of Kinesiology at the University of Virginia, where he directs the K...
•
33:19
Autism and Occupational Therapy: Part 2
We welcome pediatric occupational therapist Kristin Wittmayer, who discusses the role of OT and sensory integration in addressing the sensory challenges experienced by many children on the autism spectrum.
•
22:06
Autism and Occupational Therapy: Part 1
Episode 1 of a 2-part series exploring the impact of occupational therapy (OT) in the lives of individuals with autism. Parent and autism professional Kaleen Schultz shares stories from her family’s journey with OT and highlights its bene...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 9
•
23:54
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics with Dr. Randall Phelps
Randall Phelps, M.D., Ph.D., is the director of the Fellowship in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Oregon Health & Science University. An expert in assessing and caring for children with developmental disabilities, Dr. Phelps di...
•
21:45
Autism and Accessible Dentistry
Dennis Dunne, DDS, and STAR trainer (and parent) Julia Rockwell share stories and tips on dental care for children on the spectrum.
•
25:30
Reframing Behavior
Behavior is an important form of communication, but what if behavior puts the wellbeing of students with autism and others at risk? Dr. Lisa Kemmerer unpacks this tricky topic through research, compassion, and evidence-based strategies.
•
Season 3
•
Episode 2
•
32:05
Assistive Technology for All
Jessica Smith has a passion for cats, Legos, and assistive technology (AT). A decade after being diagnosed with autism in second grade, she has now completed high school and strives to use AT to improve the lives of others.
•
Season 3
•
Episode 1
•
18:05
Team Cash in College: Year One
Cash Frankhouser tells the story of his first year at Drexel University, where he studies civil engineering and participates in the Center for Autism and Neurodiversity. Along with his parents Eric and Deb, Cash shares his triumphs, trial...
•
36:21
Summer Interlude: A Fifth-Grader Weighs In
Amid the summer months we check in with John, a fifth-grader with autism. John shares his summer plans with us, along with what he wishes his classmates knew about autism.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 5
•
8:20
Autism Abroad Part 1: Dispatches From Portugal
Part 1 of a two-part series on international special education and support for children with autism. Fernando Barbosa—parent, educator, and founder of the non-profit FOCUS CRL in Porto and Vale de Cambra—tells the story from Portugal.&nbs...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 2
•
39:02
Self-Acceptance on the Spectrum
Adria Nassim was diagnosed with autism in her mid-teens, and is now a prolific author, speaker, and advocate for children and adults with disabilities. She reflects on her writing and advocacy, her diagnosis, and the gifts of self-knowledge and...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 1
•
34:08
Can’t Read, Can’t Write: Author and Disability Advocate Michael Jacques
Michael Jacques is an author and an advocate for people with disabilities regionally and nationally throughout Canada. He wrote his first book, Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book, entirely through speech-to-text technology. In this episode...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 15
•
15:38
Neuroscience and Genetics: Dr. Geschwind on the Science of Autism
Dr. Daniel Geschwind is a distinguished professor of neurology, psychiatry, and human genetics at UCLA, and one of the world’s leading experts in autism science. In this episode he explains what we can learn about autism and the brain thr...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 14
•
26:07
Generalizing Skills: Closing the Gap between School and Home
Generalization is the ability to use skills in a variety of situations—a tricky proposition for children on the autism spectrum. Misten Daniels is an educator, a contributor to the SOLER curriculum, and a proud parent of neurodiverse chil...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 13
•
18:32
Autism and Mental Health: Making Connections for Life (re-release)
This month we revisit a favorite episode from last season. Licensed psychologist Dr. Matt Lundeberg discusses autism diagnoses, mental health, and the connections that matter for life.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 12
•
24:21
"Traveling Different:" A Conversation with Dawn M. Barclay
Author Dawn M. Barclay discusses her new book, "Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse." Tune in for valuable insights, travel tips, and stories from the road.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 11
•
17:57
“Understanding and Giving a Voice”: An Interview with Danyale Sturdivant
Danyale Sturdivant founded Living Autism Out Loud out of professional social work and personal experience advocating for her son on the autism spectrum. She outlines steps for improving caregiver/family relations through cultural responsi...
•
20:44
Teaching Social Communication: Insights into Parent and Caregiver Training
Brooke Ingersoll and Anna Dvortcsak, co-authors of Project imPACT, discuss their comprehensive social skills training curriculum for families of young children with autism.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 6
•
24:51
Love, Dating, and Autism with Amy Gravino
Amy Gravino is a specialist in dating, relationships, and sexuality on the autism spectrum.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 4
•
19:58
Parents, Caregivers, and Advocacy: Stephanie and Josh’s Story
Hear Stephanie Archibald and her son Josh’s remarkable story of transition, trial and error, and the important role of parents and caregivers in advocacy roles.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 3
•
24:11
Social and Emotional Connections: Mental Health Insights with Dr. Matt Lundeberg
Licensed psychologist Matt Lundeberg returns to speak on social skills and autism, and the profound impact that social skills can have on our mental and emotional health.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 2
•
31:52
Better Hearing and Speech: Speech-Language Pathology and You
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness about communication challenges. This month's episode highlights the role of speech-language pathology in the classroom--tune in to hear from experts in th...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
27:04
Continued Conversations with Adria Nassim
Join Adria Nassim for a second episode, focusing on questions from Autism Annex podcast listeners! Adria is an author, educator, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, based in Bloomington, Indiana. She writes the blog ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
29:36