Autism Knows No Borders

Discover what’s possible when parents connect.

These next two episodes will highlight takeaways from our SkillCorps® volunteer trip to Italy last July.

For over 20 years, the Global Autism Project has been providing sustainable clinical, administrative, and leadership training to autism centers around the world seeking guidance. Our SkillCorps® volunteer program is an opportunity for self-advocates and professionals to travel to our international partner sites and collaborate with their local teachers and therapists on clinical needs and outreach initiatives specific to their communities.

This carefully curated 2-week journey includes developing culturally-relevant and sustainable training with our partner staff, listening to local Autistic Self-Advocates and family members to learn about their lived experiences, sharing meals with community members to brainstorm ideas and solutions, and executing a high-impact project to build on existing work being done in the country.

Last July, I led one of our SkillCorps® teams to visit our partners at Errepiù in Reggio Emilia, Italy for the first time ever. This association oversees several Learning and Research Centers throughout Italy, offering evidence-based educational interventions to children, adolescents, and young adults, helping to improve their quality of life. 

In today’s episode, you’ll hear the Co-Founder of Errepiù, Fabiola Casarini, talk about the current landscape of autism services in Italy and her experience hosting our SkillCorps volunteers. You’ll also hear a clip from disability attorney Laura Andrao, who attended the parent outreach event we co-hosted at Scuola delle Stelle in Rubiera.

In next week’s episode, some of our SkillCorps® volunteers will share their personal experiences from the trip. 

As you probably know if you follow our work closely, we’re currently taking applications for travel in June 2027! 

Join us today at skillcorps.globalautismproject.org and use the coupon code “AUTISMPODCAST” to waive the application fee. 

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How does a mother’s love inspire her to keep searching for the quality autism services her son deserves?

In this clip, Jie Bing Zhang talks about her autism journey, from receiving her son’s diagnosis to supporting his independence as an autistic adult.

Mrs. Zhang is one of our Global Autism Project partners and the founder of Huicong Children Rehabilitation Center in Nanchang, China. She is the mother of a 25-year-old autistic man. 

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 Jie Bing Zhang was originally released on April 1, 2021.

Would you like to hear more about autism awareness and services in China? 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. 

Empowering Parents in China, with Jie Bing Zhang

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

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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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