Spectrum Perspectives

Candice Duggar- Bullied, Broken, Redeemed- Part 1

Candice's oldest son was bullied in school to the point that he tried to commit suicide. Then her younger son, who has Autism, was also bullied. As a result she began to homeschool them both and now has a ministry called "Bullied, Broken, Redeemed" where she helps families and travels the country doing public speaking engagements talking about bullying prevention. 

Darya Jones- Autistic Woman is now fluent in sarcasm

Darya is a young woman with Autism. She describes growing up having awkward social skills, trouble making friends and having to learn what humor and sarcasm were. She talks about how she annoyed people because whatever she was obsesses with was the only thing she would talk about. Now as an adult she has learned how to read social cues, understand humor, and says she is now fluent in sarcasm!

Michele Unruh-Autistic girl bullied growing up in Canada

What's it like being Autistic growing up in public school? Not fun. Listen to Michelle talk about growing up in Canada in a self contained classroom and how she was treated by other kids in school and what life is like now after graduation.

Eileen Lamb- Autistic, Autism Mom, Blogger, Bullied online

The Autism community has become quite divided with Adults with Autism verses parents of kids with Autism. There are many heated debates on Facebook pages between the two groups. Since Eileen has a large platform on Instagram and Facebook, it has made her a target with Autistic adults making threats and insults toward her as a mom. But the ironic thing is, Eileen is also on the Spectrum herself, so technically she fits into both categories. In Part 2 of her interview we talk about the division, and about her son Charlie entering school for the first time. 

Eileen Lamb-Autistic, Autism Mom, Blogger, bullied online

Eileen is a young mom and blogger of the "Autism Cafe" which has a huge following on Instagram and Facebook. When her son Charlie was diagnosed with Autism, she herself was tested for Autism and she found out that she in fact is also on the Autism Spectrum herself. Doctors recommended that she put her son into ABA Therapy, but when she read about it online she feared what it would be. But her fears were relieved as her son thrived at the therapy center and he began to communicate, which in turn took away a lot of his frustration. 

Becca Lory-Advocate diagnosed with Autism as an adult.

Welcome back for part 2 of my fascinating interview with Becca Lory, an adult with Autism. In Part 1 we talked about how girls don't usually get diagnosed with Autism and professionals tend to miss it. Here in Part 2, I’ll be asking Becca about subjects that have really divided the Autism community. Why do they prefer to be called “Autistic” rather than “Someone with Autism”. Why do they call ABA Therapy “abuse” and why do they hate the organization "Autism Speaks"? She has some really graceful and intelligent responses that are worth listening to. 

Becca Lory- Advocate diagnosed with Autism as an adult

Becca is a woman who was diagnosed with autism as an adult. She agreed to come on and talk about some controversial subjects within the Autism community. The divide between Autistic Adults and Parents of kids with Autism is as divisive as Democrats verses Republicans. In today's episode, I’ll be talking to Becca Lory who actually has Autism herself. I ask her some hard hitting questions about some subjects that have divided the Autism community. In part 1 we’ll discuss her being diagnosed with Autism as a 36 year old adult, and why people with Autism deal with depression and even suicide. Be sure to tune in to Part 2 when we get to the heavy subjects. 

Johanna & Aidan-Special Needs Attorney & Mom

Johanna continues to talk about visitations with Aidan at his group home, her practice as a Special Needs attorney and her non-profit "Fight 4 Autism". 

Johanna & Aidan-Special Needs Attorney & Mom- Part 1

Johanna is an autism mom, and also a Special Needs Attorney in New Jersey. She talks about Aidan's diagnosis, then we get into a discussion about puberty. Aiden was always hungry, was overweight, and attacked his mother because he wanted food. She slept on a recliner each night to make sure he didn't have a seizure. Find out why she called herself "The Poop Whisperer"! Their lives changed dramatically for the better when Aidan moved into a group home. 

Pam Martorana- Autism Center at St. Joseph's Hospital NJ

Pam runs the Binder Autism Center at St. Joseph's Hospital in New Jersey, where they have services and activities for the whole family, not just the child with Autism.