Autism Annex: The STAR Support Podcast: Recent Episodes
STAR Autism Support
Autism Annex 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.
In this special episode, we’re pleased to announce the launch of SOLER Essentials, a groundbreaking social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum designed for elementary students with autism and other social learning challenges. Featuring insights from the curriculum’s creators, we explore how SOLER Essentials’ evidence-based, practical approach transforms SEL instruction by breaking down complex skills, providing extensive visual supports, and equipping educators with everything they need to make important social-emotional instruction accessible for all students.
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At just four years old, Rob Foster’s parents were told that as a person on the autism spectrum, he might never speak, let alone read. Now trained singer and actor, a voracious reader and deep thinker, and a college graduate, Rob returns to the podcast with a message of inspiration and hope. He shares his extraordinary journey of defying expectations, the pivotal role Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) played in his development, and how those early lessons continue to shape his adult life. With insight, vulnerability, and hope, Rob offers a powerful perspective on autism, resilience, and the transformative power of support and self-belief.
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The groundbreaking new musical How to Dance in Ohio brings autism representation to the Broadway stage. Inspired by the acclaimed HBO documentary of the same name and featuring seven autistic actors, the musical follows a group of young adults on the autism spectrum as they prepare for a life-changing spring formal. Composer Jacob Yandura, director Sammi Cannold, and actress Madison Kopec take us behind the scenes of How to Dance in Ohio to explore its heartfelt storytelling, powerful performances, and inclusive celebration of neurodiversity.
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Armani Williams is the first openly autistic NASCAR driver. From his early love for racing to breaking barriers in the sport, Armani shares how he turned challenges into strengths on and off the track. He discusses his passion for advocacy, the unique ways he approaches racing, and his mission to inspire others in the autism community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about determination, representation, and speed!
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TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) is a Colorado-based nonprofit focused on empowering individuals with autism through education in the skilled trades. Founder Danny Combs shares how TACT tackles the high unemployment rate in the autism community by equipping individuals with the skills needed for rewarding careers in fields that capitalize on their unique strengths.
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Dr. Temple Grandin, Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, has had a unique and profound influence on the world’s understanding of autism and neurodiversity. As one of the most prominent voices for autism, and named one of Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People, Dr. Grandin shares insights into the diversity of the human mind, her experiences as an autistic individual and visual thinker, and the ways in which understanding and embracing the spectrum of neurodiversity can enrich society as a whole.
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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 in a neurodiverse family, and the unexpected ways that disability has helped shape their lives for the better.
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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 Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities (KID) program.
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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.
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 benefits in the life of her teenage son.
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 discusses autism, the diagnoses process, and the importance of time with patients.
Dennis Dunne, DDS, and STAR trainer (and parent) Julia Rockwell share stories and tips on dental care for children on the spectrum.
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.
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.
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, trials—and his incredible passion for mass transit.
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.
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 self-acceptance.
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 Michael shares his journey with autism and disability, his personal challenges and successes, and the power of perseverance.
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 through cutting-edge neuroscience and genetic research.
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 children; she brings all three perspectives into focus in a conversation with Johnandrew Slominski.
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.
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.
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 responsiveness, and advocates for BIPOC parents of children with autism.
Brooke Ingersoll and Anna Dvortcsak, co-authors of Project imPACT, discuss their comprehensive social skills training curriculum for families of young children with autism.
Amid the summer months we check in with John, a fifth-grader with autism, who shares his takes on autism and summer activities.
Amy Gravino is a specialist in dating, relationships, and sexuality on the autism spectrum.
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.
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.
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 the field!
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 Adria's Notebook for Indiana University and is a regular columnist for the Bloomington Herald-Times.
Join Cash, Eric, and Deborah Frankhouser as they talk about autism in their family from early childhood through high school graduation. Cash weighs in on his experience and future goals in public transportation, and his parents discuss the power of "Team Cash".
This episode's guest is Adria Nassim. Adria is a research assistant with the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, and she contributes regularly to publications in Bloomington, Indiana. This month's episode is a conversation between Adria and host Johnandrew Slominski on topics of disability rights, advocacy, and inclusion.
To read more of Adria's work, visit the Bloomington, Indiana Herald-Times, as well as Adria's Notebook.
Learn about the connections between autism and mental health on this month’s episode! Dr. Matt Lundeberg, licensed psychologist with Oregon Autism Evaluations, speaks about autism diagnoses for adolescents and adults, mental health concerns for people with autism, and challenges that face the autism and LGBTQ+ community.
How do routines function in our everyday lives, and how can we harness the power of routines to better serve students with autism and other disabilities? Guests Mark Howard (Training Specialist at STAR Autism Support), Doriliz Vila (Board President, Centro de Estimulación Integral) and Tiffany Goire (Program Coordinator, CEI) join host Johnandrew Slominski to discuss the extraordinary power of routines.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) intersect in powerful ways to shape our human experience. Guest David Adams, CEO of The Urban Assembly, unpacks these ideas in philosophy and practice.
Ruth Eyres, who has enjoyed a decades-long career in special education, has completed cutting-edge research on sexuality education for students with autism and other developmental disabilities. On this episode, Dr. Eyres joins host Johnandrew Slominski in a conversation about the current state of sexuality education in the United States and some evidence-based practices for moving forward.
Join host Johnandrew Slominski and guests Rob Foster and Peter Krug as they discuss growing up and entering adulthood with autism.
The 2020-2021 school year presented a host of challenges for teachers, students, and families alike. On this episode we explore the ways that people have persevered in spite of mounting difficulties, and we identify opportunities for growth and improvement that have emerged.
Join host Johnandrew Slominski and guests Lillian Gonzalez, Nate Marsden, and Alicia Balfrey.
How do needs change for children with autism as they enter adolescence and young adulthood? What steps can communities take to support (and benefit from) people who learn differently? Join the conversation in this month's episode featuring teachers Alan Alabaso, John Gill, Carolyn Macchia, Jen Mattera, and Jennie Willis.
In our first episode, we take an inside look at the history of autism research, current trends in education for children with autism, and what makes STAR Autism Support tick.