Autism Knows No Borders

Discover what’s possible when success is measured in belonging.

What does good preparation for the transition to adulthood look like?

Stick around and find out by the end of this episode, which is part two of my conversation with Cammie McGovern, originally released on September 16, 2021.

Cammie McGovern is the mother of a 25-year-old autistic man and the author of several books about disabilities, including Hard Landings: Looking into the Future of a Child with Autism, her latest title at the time of this recording.

Among other things, we discuss:

• Essential skills parents should prioritize when preparing their kids for adulthood
• Proactive steps for parents whose children are approaching this stage in life
• The importance of sexual education
• Tips for parents of newly diagnosed autistic children

To learn more about Cammie McGovern, please visit cammiemcgovern.com.

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Discover what’s possible when success is measured in belonging.

What happens to autism services after an autistic person turns 22? The transition into adulthood can be very complex for autistic individuals. In the US, aging out of the school system means losing access to most social, educational, and vocational resources. And, unfortunately, only 15% of adults with disabilities find paid employment. 

If you’re the parent of an autistic child, you’ll want to listen to this throwback episode with mother and author Cammie McGovern, where she talks about redefining success for autistic adults. This episode was originally released on September 16, 2021.

At the time of recording, Cammie had just published a book titled Hard Landings: Looking into the Future of a Child with Autism. She has also authored three novels for adults, including Eye Contact; two books for young adults, Say What You Will and A Step Toward Falling; and two books for middle-grade readers, Just My Luck and Chester and Gus. All of them feature young characters with a variety of disabilities. Cammie is also one of the founders of Whole Children and Milestones, a resource center for children and young adults with disabilities, and their families, in Hadley, Massachusetts.

In today’s conversation, we discuss:

• The “Disability Cliff” for autistic adults who turn 22
• Varying types of autism services available for adults in the US
• The shift away from institutional settings and sheltered workshops towards community-based services
• The overlooked value of congregate settings

To learn more about Cammie McGovern, please visit cammiemcgovern.com.

How can we increase autism representation in the media?

In this clip, Dr. Kerry Magro talks about how autism has been portrayed in the media over the last few decades, as well as about his work as an entertainment consultant on the films Jane Wants a Boyfriend and Joyful Noise, starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, and on the HBO series Mrs. Fletcher.

Kerry is the author of Defining Autism From The Heart, Autism and Falling in Love, I Will Light It Up Blue, and Autistics on Autism: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams. He also contributed to College for Students with Disabilities: We Do Belong (featuring other prominent advocates such as Temple Grandin and Stephen M. Shore), presented a TEDx talk titled “What happens to children with autism when they become adults?”, and currently blogs for several organizations, including Autism Speaks and The Mighty. 

His non-profit organization, KFM Making a Difference, aims to break down barriers for people with special needs by granting college scholarships to adults with autism.

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Kerry Magro was originally released on March 18, 2021.

Would you like to hear Kerry’s tips for autistic individuals and their families preparing for adulthood? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

Autism Representation in the Media, with Dr. Kerry Magro | TBT

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

Discover what’s possible when family, school and community unite.

How can better education and training lead to safer, more inclusive communities for autistic individuals?

This episode is part two of my conversation with Jennifer Kaufman, a former special-education school principal and the grandmother of a boy on the spectrum. We discuss what it takes to create communities where autistic individuals are understood and supported—from the classroom to emergency situations.

We also touch on:

• Best practices in education for autistic students
• Common misconceptions about autism in education
• Jennifer’s training for first responders to support neurodiverse individuals in high-stress situations
• Creating inclusive environments through universal design
• The importance of building strong, collaborative relationships among families, schools, and communities
• Tips for grandparents of autistic children

To learn more about Jennifer Kaufman and her work, please visit Grandparenting on the Spectrum.

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What does it mean to be “normal”?

In this clip, Michael talking about redefining the meaning of “normal” and what he wishes neurotypical and autistic people understood about each other.

Michael Gilberg, a special education and disability rights attorney. Having grown up with undiagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome, Michael draws from his personal experiences in order to help his clients with first-hand insights and empathy.

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Michael Gilberg was originally released on February 25, 2021.

Would you like to know what Jamiel would have done differently in the early years of his son’s diagnosis? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

Special Education and Disability Rights, with Michael Gilberg

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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Discover what’s possible when families learn together.

How can grandparents become one of the greatest sources of support for families raising an autistic child?

If you’re curious about a grandmother’s perspective, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Jennifer Kaufman. Drawing from her roles as both a former principal at special education schools and the grandmother of a boy on the spectrum, Jennifer provides practical strategies and heartfelt insights to help grandparents connect with their autistic grandchildren. She is also the author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey From Both Sides of the Desk. 

This episode is part one of our conversation, and we discuss:

• Common mistakes grandparents make even with the best intentions
• Understanding the unique mother-daughter dynamic
• How Jennifer realized what her daughter actually needed from her
• Strategies for effective communication with other family members
• Establishing healthy boundaries between generations
• How grandparents can provide meaningful support without overstepping

To learn more about Jennifer Kaufman and her work, please visit Grandparenting on the Spectrum.

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What are the benefits of social stories for neurodiverse children?

In this clip, author and illustrator Sivan Hong talks about the difference between social stories and traditional children’s books, why social stories are effective in teaching neurodiverse children to navigate challenging situations, and the benefits of social stories for every student in the classroom, including neurotypicals.

Sivan Hong’s best-selling children’s book series, The Super Fun Day Books, celebrates the triumphs of neurodiverse children as they face challenges with determination and courage. Her titles include Benny J. and the Horrible Halloween, George J. and the Miserable Monday, Emily D. and the Fearful First Day, and Avery G. and the Scary End of School. Sivan is also the mother of two neurodiverse children, and she herself has ADHD. 

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Sivan Hong was originally released on October 26, 2023.

Thanks for tuning in to Autism Knows No Borders. Would you like to hear Sivan read an excerpt from one of her books about Halloween? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

The Power of Social Stories, with Sivan Hong

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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How can autistic individuals benefit from learning to play an instrument?

In this clip, music instructor Stephen Flinn talks about how music can help autistic students boost their focus, improve listening and communication skills, build confidence, manage stress, and strengthen motor and cognitive development.

As a master trainer of the Rhythmic Arts Project curriculum, Stephen facilitates percussion-ensemble classes to students of all diagnoses. He has been featured in many international publications, including the Modern Drummer and DownBeat magazines, and published his first book, Contemporary Urban Percussion, in 2016. Stephen has also appeared on over 40 commercial releases of creative music and has toured extensively throughout Europe, Japan, and the United States.

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Stephen Flinn was originally released on August 10, 2023.

Would you like to learn about how to use drums to communicate with non-speakers? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

Special Needs Music, with Stephen Flinn

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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Discover what’s possible when constraint unlocks opportunity. 

How do perceptions of autism vary across India? 

If you’re curious about the role that family, culture, and community play in autism support, you’ll want to listen to this throwback episode with Jayashree Ramesh. Jayashree is the Founder and Director of the Academy for Severe Handicaps and Autism, ASHA for short, in Bangalore, India. 

The Global Autism Project partnered with ASHA in 2018 and we’ve since sent four volunteer teams to their center through our SkillCorps® volunteer program. SkillCorps® is an opportunity for autism service providers and self-advocates to travel to our international partner sites and collaborate with their local teachers and therapists on clinical, administrative and leadership goals.

We are currently accepting SkillCorps® applications for travel in 2027. Begin your journey today at globalautismproject.org/skillcorps. As a listener of our show, take advantage of the coupon code AUTISMPODCAST (no space and all caps) to waive the application fee.

In part 1 of this conversation, originally released in July of 2021, we discuss:

• The varying perspectives of autism across India
• How Indian mothers and fathers accept autism differently
• What Jayashree loves about working with the autistic population
• Barriers she’s had to overcome to develop her center
• How to engage families in supporting their autistic loved ones
• Cultural perspectives on community support

To learn more about Jayashree and ASHA, please visit ashaforautism.com.

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Have you ever tried to impersonate someone’s voice for fun?

In this clip, Autistic Self-Advocate Scott Edgar shares how he turned a hobby into a career of voice acting and where he gets his inspiration from.

Scott Edgar was featured in London’s Autism’s Got Talent and has participated in the Special Olympics – competing in basketball, bowling, and powerlifting. 

Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you’re a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there’s something here for you!

This conversation with Scott Edgar was originally released on March 10, 2022.

Would you like to hear about Scott’s experience participating in the Special Olympics? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. 

Voice Acting and Special Olympics, with Scott Edgar

Let’s work together to transform how the world relates to autism.

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