Autism Conversations: Recent Episodes
UNM Autism Programs
Welcome to Autism Conversations, which was designed to provide families, caregivers, and individuals with autism with accessible support and information to assist them through their journey.
This conversation focuses on numerous ways to support people with disabilities to have access to voting, which is a privilege for all Americans. Enjoy the conversation while learning about the ease of registering to vote, absentee ballot requirements, and accommodations that have been made available online through the local Poll Workers’ guide. Many accommodations were discussed in detail including adaptive voting machines, curbside voting, and transportation to the polls. Specific requirements have also been made available to ensure that voters have privacy and autonomy. All of these amenities are provided so that everybody can insert their ballot to be read and counted. Remember that your voice matters and your vote counts!
Links:
How to Vote in New Mexico
Voting Resources
What do you do if you or a loved one with autism and other mental health needs comes across a situation that is we talk with the lead team of New Mexico START. A New Mexico evidence-based, community crisis prevention and intervention service that provides the necessary supports for individuals to successfully manage challenging life experiences due to mental health conditions.
Join us as we go in-depth with the team’s backstory on what they do to provide services in the disability community. Get personal insights and successes they have encountered through NM START. We believe this conversation will encourage you to reach out if you need a strong support system.
Links:
NM START Referral Flyer
This is a special recording of a panel discussion of the Imagine Autism Virtual Workshop that focused on Adult Life, which was hosted by the Autism Programs at the UNM Center for Development and Disability. Six autistic adults share their own experiences about their diagnosis of autism; life with friends, family and general social relationships. The conversation touches on employment and housing, and what would have been helpful to know when younger.
Getting a job is an exciting process for anyone. It is the beginning of a new chapter in a person’s life, as individuals get out into the community and build life skills. Autonomy includes making money and being able to manage it towards short/long term goals. Being able to access things that you desire and/or need gives you a sense of gaining independence. For individuals with autism, it can be exciting, overwhelming and scary at the same time.
Our facilitator has an incredible discussion with three autistic self-advocates. Listen to how they share their personal insights and wisdom regarding the process of getting a job, and the obstacles they faced along the way.
Please join us in this discussion and learn about the ups and downs we all face when it comes to getting a job, and the responsibilities associated with the process whether or not you have autism.
On this episode of Autism Conversations, our facilitator leads an incredible discussion with three fathers who share their perspectives and share advice regarding their child’s journey. In this podcast, the fathers discuss the diagnosis of autism and how they have navigated service systems. They share heartfelt discussions on how they received valuable support along the way from their loved ones. The support was necessary to get them through the challenging times, as well as sharing in the celebration of triumphs. The information the fathers share on how to be a successful advocate for your autistic child is beneficial in supporting those making the same journey. We believe you will enjoy this podcast that is full of hope and encouragement. Please take a listen and join us in this beautiful conversation of a father’s perspective of their family’s autism journey.
We proudly present our
latest podcast, which addresses transitioning into adulthood. We all go through
transitions in life. Let’s listen to the personal journeys of four autistic
self-advocates who share things they wish they knew, as they themselves
transitioned to adulthood. While uniquely their own, together, their stories
will offer insights and opportunities for learning, and we hope that this
conversation will support you on your own journey.
We proudly present our latest podcast, which addresses transitioning into adulthood. We all go through transitions in life. Let’s listen to the personal journeys of four autistic self-advocates who share things they wish they knew, as they themselves transitioned to adulthood. While uniquely their own, together, their stories will offer insights and opportunities for learning, and we hope that this conversation will support you on your own journey.
March 17, 2023 - The value of a shared story is immeasurable. In this episode of Autism Conversations, we hear from four autistic self-advocates who graciously share their personal stories and advocacy insights. Please join us for this opportunity to listen and learn from these honest voices and powerful stories.
We are proud to present this podcast, which addresses
transitioning into adulthood. We all go through transitions in life. For young
adults on the spectrum, some just happen to require a bit more work and persistence.
Please join us as we share some inspiring stories from the caregiver’s point of
view and how their resilience proved to be successful in their child’s journey
of navigating life into adulthood.
This
podcast focuses on the importance in maintaining a healthy balance of social
activity outside the virtual world of technology for individuals with autism.Please
join our Facilitator, Debra Montana, and her guests as they share a powerful
conversation that includes creative ideas and strategies to help our loved ones
with autism. Debra’s special guests include Dr. Mary Rice, Professor of
Literacy in the Department of Language, Literacy and Culture at the University
of New Mexico. Megan Garrigan, BCBA with Prism Autism Services, Family Leader,
Advocate and a graduate of Partners in Policymaking. Diana Stone, Family
Leader, Advocate, Founding Member and Events Chairperson at Elevate the
Spectrum and a graduate of Partners in Policymaking and Rolanda Maez, Board
Certified Behavior Analyst with Prism Autism Services, Family Leader, Advocate
and graduate of Partners in Policymaking. This discussion focuses on the importance
of recognizing how the heavy use of electronics affects families living with
autism, and ways to incorporate strategies in maintaining a healthy balance of
socializing outside the use of technology. Listen to how you can successfully
support your loved ones and create ways to socialize together outside of the
virtual world of technology.
This
podcast addresses the importance of consistent exercise and activity for a
healthy lifestyle for individuals with autism. Please join our Facilitator,
Jayme Swalby, as she has an informative discussion with UNM Health Education
Consultant, Lauren Lewis, Education Consultant, Felicia Nevarez and Autism
Programs administrative staff member and self-advocate, Marit Rawley. This
discussion focuses on ways to incorporate wellness and fitness to maintain a
healthy weight, reduce stress and/or anxiety while increasing social
connections for those living with autism. Listen to how you can set yourself up
for success. Be consistent, start small and make a joyful movement that
will make you feel good!
This
podcast focuses on how to plan and have items you may need in the event of an
emergency while being respectful of special considerations for our family
members with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Jayme Swalby, as she has a
conversation with Lisa McNiven with the New Mexico Governor’s Commission on
Disability, Roselyn Cintron and Barbara Ibanez, Health Educators with the
Autism Programs. This discussion focuses on addressing necessary advanced
planning for families living with an individual diagnosed with autism.
Preparation is key in the event of a disaster. Learn how to have a
conversation with your family that includes what is important for each
individual member to take; listen and respect each other’s perspective. Take
note and make a list of what is needed for your GO BAG.
Be prepared and be safe.
This podcast
addresses issues that our siblings of children with autism have to face during
a pandemic. Please join our Facilitator, Debra Montana and her podcast partner,
Jayme Swalby, as they share a conversation with Psychologist, BCBA and lecturer
at the UNM College of Education, Dr. Megan Martins; family leader, advocate and
Coordinator of Recreational Services of the Autism Programs, Mariah Montoya; and
a previous graduate of Partners in Policymaking, a UNM Occupational Therapy
Graduate Student, family leader, and advocate, Marissa Swalby. This discussion
focuses on addressing several issues that siblings face when attempting to
balance self-care and support for their siblings with autism spectrum
disorder. We understand and agree that during a pandemic, everything feels much more difficult to balance. Listen to how this amazing group of professionals discuss not only how to
address those issues, but they compassionately remind us of ways to practice
self-care and to be more patient with ourselves.
This
podcast addresses various complex factors that trigger feelings of guilt in
parents with autism. Please join our Facilitator, Lauriann King, and her
guests: Social Worker, Tory Everhart; Dr. Julia Oppenheimer, Director of ECEP
and family leader, advocate and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Amy Hall
Rodriguez. This conversation focuses on addressing several issues that cause
parents to have feelings of guilt. We can all agree that during a pandemic,
everything feels much more challenging. Listen to how this group of
professionals discuss not only how to address those issues, but they
compassionately remind us all that we are all doing the best we can.
This podcast
addresses inquiries from various communities in New Mexico. Facilitator, Debbie
Montana, and her guests Senior Program Therapist, Jayme Swalby; Education
Consultant, Kayla Tuton; Technical Analyst II, Michael Riblett and family
leader and advocate from Elevate the Spectrum, Kristina Martinez, respond to
feedback received by the community regarding creative ways to stay connected
through technology during this climate. As the coronavirus forces us to stay at
home, this lack of in-person human contact can cause concerns around mental
health due to stress and isolation. Staying connected can be challenging for
families living with autism. That factor coupled with social distancing,
connection can be more problematic. However, there are many creative and fun
ways to stay connected. Reach out and connect with someone today!
We are
pleased to present our podcast, which addresses inquiries from various
communities in New Mexico. Facilitator, Lauriann King, and her guests Dr. Seema
Jacob, Dr. Peggy Maclean, Education Consultant, Felicia Nevarez and
Counselor/Social Worker, Dana Demos-Curtis address real life concerns from
people just like you. Listen how this group of professionals discuss the how
parents of children with autism are facing anxieties and fears associated with
the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen on how they problem-solve issues related to mask
wearing, social distancing, isolation and loneliness in this informative podcast.
Our incredible team of professionals also address concerns related to children
with autism that have weakened immune systems that are considered high risk.
We are proud
to present our latest podcast, which specifically addresses inquiries from our
Native American communities. You will not want to miss this informative
discussion. Facilitator, Jayme Swalby, Speech Language Pathologist, Christine
Vining, Social Worker, Kristy Adakai-Tinney and Program Specialist, Lyn
Wilson-King address inquiries from the Native communities and discuss the
effects of social distancing, which is part of the new normal.
Listen to how the practice of social distancing may not be effective in all
cultures and learn the reasons why in this informative podcast. This is an
opportunity to grasp the real challenges that are part of a larger picture.
Tune in and learn how the lack of infrastructure for native communities
makes it impossible to handle this nationally widespread virus.
Presenters
Jayme Swalby, Gay Finlayson and Lisa Kalberg focus on the many challenges faced
while balancing working at home and providing therapy to a child with autism,
which is part of learning how to exist in the worldwide new normal.
Albeit challenging, we are all doing the best we can juggling different roles
at the same time in one place…home. Listen how the presenters discuss
prioritizing your own mental health and self-care in order to be more effective,
which includes being kinder to yourself and remembering that we are all doing
the best that we can.
Presenters
Jayme Swalby, Gay Finlayson and Lisa Kalberg focus on the many challenges faced
while balancing working at home and providing therapy to a child with autism,
which is part of learning how to exist in the worldwide new normal.
Albeit challenging, we are all doing the best we can juggling different roles
at the same time in one place…home. Listen how the presenters discuss
prioritizing your own mental health and self-care in order to be more effective,
which includes being kinder to yourself and remembering that we are all doing
the best that we can.
Facilitator
Jayme Swalby and her guests, Dr. Mary Beth Graham, Dr. Michelle Iemolo, Dr.
Seema Jacobs and Occupational Therapist, Kristen Red-Horse discuss a common
denominator that most families are facing in current times…stress exhibited
while living with autism. A quote stated during the discussion sets the tone
for this informative podcast – It’s not what’s wrong with you. It’s what’s happening to
you.”We can relate to various stressors such as changes in
routines, not being able to access therapies face-to-face, but most of all from
feeling a loss of control and not knowing what the future holds. We can all
take something meaningful from this enlightening podcast. The most important
thing for our loved ones with autism is to engage together in family activities
that are simple, light and fun for everyone.
This podcast is a collaboration with Otero County
Advocates for Developmental Disabilities to provide direct supports to their
local community. Jayme Swalby, our facilitator leads an informative conversation
with panelists Thea Kavanaugh, Certified Health Education Specialist; Natalie
“Nan” Kossar, Special Education Teacher; Michael Swalby, Self-Advocate; and
Laurel Deans, Self-Advocate at the New Mexico DDPC Planning Council. Their
discussion focuses on the need for understanding and appreciating the
differences between friendships and romantic relationships. We are reminded
that we are all sexual beings; it is normal to have thoughts, feelings and
desires. Listen to this profound discussion on the importance of providing safe
opportunities to respectfully and properly model communication about mutual
trust, intimacy, boundaries and expectations with your loved ones with autism.
We are proud
to present this podcast, which is in direct support and collaboration with the
Deming, New Mexico community. Lyn Wilson-King, our facilitator, and the panel,
Dr. Ann Branscum; counselor and social worker, Dana Demos-Curtis; and education
and outreach manager, Lisa Kalberg share in a discussion that focuses on
managing priorities by weighing what is most important for you and your child.
Trusting instincts and trusting yourself is key when moving forward with
balance for a family living with autism spectrum disorder. This group of
professionals give us permission to seek the simple yet effective ways of
supporting ourselves and our family, in an effort to cope with stressors.
We are
pleased to share this podcast, which is a being brought to you by the
Autism Programs at the UNM Center for Development and Disability; it is funded
by the New Mexico Department of Health and is committed to supporting autism
communities all across New Mexico. Debbie Montana, our facilitator, and the
panel, Jennifer Sanchez, Nicole Tenny and Lynette Torivio
share a heartfelt discussion about their personal experiences and things they
wish they knew when their children were diagnosed with autism. Listen to their
compassionate discussion of shared memories when facing new challenges, which
gives us a sense of permission to feel what we feel.
We are pleased to share this podcast, which is in direct
support and collaboration with Four Corners Families with Autism Support Group.
Jayme Swalby, our facilitator, and the panel, Lynette Torivio, Mariah Montoya,
Tory Everhart and Lisa Kalberg share in a discussion that focuses on balancing
self-care and supports for a family living with autism spectrum disorder. This
group of professionals discuss not only how to address those issues, but they
compassionately remind all of us that we are all doing the best we can.