Autism Knows No Borders

Discover what’s possible when you break the silence.

What is the understanding of autism in Afghanistan? And the availability of services in Canada?

If you’re curious about autism support and awareness around the world, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Hilai Nasib.

Originally from Afghanistan and currently living in Canada, Hilai Nasib is the mother of a 10 year old son with autism. She advocates about autism on social media, hoping to destigmatize autism in Afghan communities. 

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

• Hilai’s process of getting her son’s diagnosis
• Early intervention and availability of services in Canada
• What Hilai envisions for her son’s future
• How cultural beliefs about mental health impact autism awareness
• What ultimately encouraged Hilai to open up about her son’s autism
• Her journey as an autism advocate

You can follow Hilai on Instagram @fresh.soul.

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How can you make autism-friendly accommodations while traveling?

In this clip, Dina Farmer shares her ideas on this topic as well as how to help kids feel more included in the trip planning process.

Dina is a Certified Autism-Travel Professional, the Founder of Lily & Magnolia Travel, and the mother of an autistic boy. Her goal is to help parents plan autism-friendly family vacations while avoiding stress and overwhelm.

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 Dina Farmer was originally released on January 27, 2022.

Would you like to hear ideas of budget-friendly travel for families with autistic loved ones? 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-Friendly Travel, with Dina Farmer

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

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Discover what’s possible when autism is not a broken version of normal.

What is neurodiversity and why do so many autistic people embrace it?

Stick around for this episode, which is part two of my conversation with Jude Morrow, originally released on June 17, 2021.

Jude Morrow is an autism self-advocate, TEDx speaker, author, and the founder of Neurodiversity Training International, an autism mentoring, training, consultancy, and motivational platform. 

Among other things, we discuss:

• The neurodiversity movement and its implications
• Why, according to Jude, society should move away from the medical model and embrace the neurodiversity movement
• The problem with labels when it comes to disorders and disabilities
• Consultation services offered at Neurodiversity Training International
• Tips for anyone wanting to be an ally of the neurodiversity movement

To learn more about Jude Morrow and his work, please visit https://neurodiversity-training.net/.

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How does a father change his attitude about his son’s autism diagnosis?

In this clip, Jamiel Owens talks about what it was like to learn about his son’s autism and how he shifted his perspective from grief to acceptance.

Jamiel Owens is the host and creator of The Ausome Show, a co-host of The Ben & Jay Show, and a self-described all-around public server. As the father of a young adolescent boy with autism, Jamiel encourages other fathers to open up about their feelings regarding their child’s diagnosis. 

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 Jamiel Owens was originally released on August 27, 2020.

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. 

 

A Father’s Path to Autism Acceptance, with Jamiel Owens

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

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Discover what’s possible when you nurture passions and talents first.

How can shifting the focus from deficits to strengths impact the way that autistic children view themselves?

If you’re the parent of an autistic child, or you work with children on the spectrum, you’ll want to listen to this throwback episode with Jude Morrow, where he talks about the importance of nurturing strengths. This episode was originally released on June 17, 2021.

Based in Ireland, Jude Morrow is an autism self-advocate, TEDx speaker, and author. He is also the founder of Neurodiversity Training International, an autism mentoring, training, consultancy, and motivational platform. NTI works with non-profit and Fortune 500 companies using a strengths-based approach to change perceptions and attitudes. Jude’s publications include Why Does Daddy Always Look So Sad? and Loving Your Place on the Spectrum.

 

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Autism awareness and acceptance in Ireland
• What it was like for Jude to grow up feeling that something was wrong with him
• Accepting his autism as a result of becoming a parent
• Lessons learned from parenting as an autistic person
• Autistic problem-solving and communication skills

To learn more about Jude Morrow and his work, please visit https://neurodiversity-training.net/.

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Want to learn about meaningful support across the lifespan for autistic individuals in Canada?

In this clip, David Bodanis talks about the support they offer at Jake’s House, a charitable organization based in Canada. 

David Bodanis is the father of three young men, two of which are on the autism spectrum. Cofounded with his wife Irene, Jake’s House offers four core initiatives: annual holiday parties, the Legends Mentoring Program, employment mentoring, and inclusive housing solutions. 

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 David Bodanis was originally released on January 21, 2021.

Would you like to know how David has collaborated with organizations to come up with housing solutions for autistic individuals? 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. 

Support Across the Lifespan at Jake's House in Canada, with David Bodanis

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

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Discover what’s possible when every note carries hope.

What if the world could see an autistic daughter through her father’s eyes?

This episode is part two of my conversation with Russell Allen, where we talk about the creative process behind his recently released acoustic song titled “Love Her Like I Do”, about his autistic daughter Ava.

Russell is an American singer best known as the vocalist of Symphony X, a band which is universally considered one of the top-tier progressive metal acts in the world. He’s also one of the main vocalists in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and has collaborated with numerous metal supergroups of international acclaim.

Among other things, we discuss:

• The story behind “Love Her Like I Do”
• Russell’s therapeutic journey through writing and releasing the song
• What Ava herself thought of the song
• Lessons learned from parenting an autistic child
• Tips for parents just beginning their autism journey

Listen to the song “Love Her Like I Do” here on Spotify and Apple Music. 

You can follow Russell on Instagram @sirrussellallen.

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How do intersectionality and neurodiversity overlap?

In this clip, Tiffany Hammond talks about how the two frameworks can be analyzed together.

Tiffany Hammond is an Autistic Self-Advocate, the mother of two boys on the spectrum, and the voice behind the blog Fidgets and Fries. As a Black and autistic woman, Tiffany aims to educate others about autism and intersectional advocacy. Her book A Day With No Words became a New York Times #1 Best Seller. 

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 Tiffany Hammond was originally released on January 14, 2021.

Would you like to hear about how Tiffany overcame guilt after her first son’s autism diagnosis, and how she  finally accepted her own autism? 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. 

Social Media and Intersectional Advocacy, with Tiffany Hammond

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

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Discover what’s possible when you see the glass half full.

What is it like to raise a daughter who is on the autism spectrum?

If you’re curious about the experience from a father’s perspective, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Russell Allen.

Russell is an American singer best known as the vocalist of Symphony X, a band which is universally considered one of the top-tier progressive metal acts in the world. He’s also one of the main vocalists in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and has collaborated with numerous metal supergroups of international acclaim.

Russell recently released an acoustic song titled “Love Her Like I Do”, about his autistic daughter Ava.

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

• What it was like for Russell to receive his daughter’s autism diagnosis
• Ava’s interests and talents
• The importance of early intervention when it comes to autism services
• Controversies around labels like “high-functioning” and “low-functioning”
• Future plans for Ava’s independence as an autistic adult

Listen to the song “Love Her Like I Do” here on Spotify and Apple Music. 

You can follow Russell on Instagram @sirrussellallen.

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What’s the best way to foster motivation for learning in children?

In this clip, Robert Schramm explains how parents and professionals can build trust with children, creating a foundation where they feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Robert Schramm is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, former special-education instructor, and published author. His book The 7 Steps to Earning Instructional Control —based on the principles of behavior – outlines how to foster motivated learners in the home, school, and clinic settings. 

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 Robert Schramm was originally released on November 19, 2020.

Would you like to learn the other 4 steps to earning instructional control? 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 7 Steps to Successful Parenting and ABA in Germany, with Robert and Nadine Schramm

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

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