Joyriding In Autismland: Autism Podcast with Kid Gigawatt

36 Jessica Kupferman | On ADHD, autism, and comb-overs. Jun 13, 2014

Hold onto your comb-overs, people! Today we're chatting with entrepreneur, business coach, and fellow podcaster Jessica Kupferman. Jessica has a teenaged son with high functioning autism, and she is VERY funny.

Jessica talks about having ADHD, Nate's late autism diagnosis, and what it's changed for them.

Here are Jessica's deets:

Website: Lady Business

Podcast: Lady Business Radio

Facebook: Lady Business Central

Twitter: Jessica Kupferman

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

35 Jen Turrell | On ABA, staffing up, and first plane rides Jun 06, 2014

Jen Turrell is mom to two daughters on the spectrum, and is the author of the new book Help! My Child Has Autism: A Parent's Guide to Start, Fund, and Maintain an Evidence Based Intervention.

We chat about ABA, staffing up, and first plane rides.

The particulars:

Autism Website: Able Interventions

Book: Help! My Child Has Autism

Personal Website: Jen and Stew

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

34 Officer Matt Brown | On why registering our kids saves lives, and on summertime safety on the spectrum May 30, 2014

Hey guys! So summer is coming, even though you wouldn't really be feeling it yet if you are up in Maine with us, and I wanted to do an episode about safety issues and autism. This is super important because statistically, most accidents involving people on the spectrum happen in the warmer months. I'm excited to be speaking today with Federal Law Enforcement Officer, autism parent, and autism first responder trainer Matt Brown.

We talk about why it is sooooo important to register kids with autism with the local and state police departments. <--Hint: it literally saves lives.

Check out Officer Brown's website at http://www.aset911.com, and print out the registration form here: http://aset911.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/autism-registration-form-shortened.pdf

You can find our show notes at http://www.joyridinginautismland.com/34

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

33 Kid Gigawatt | On 3 things that made us better autism parents, plus 5 coping tools for bumpy days May 24, 2014

Thrilled to be joined by my husband to discuss three things we feel have made us better autism parents people. I hope listening to these will get you thinking about how your past experiences relate to the spectrum.

Don't skip the last bit, where I list out our five favorite coping tools (spoiler alert: one of these may involve Jon Stewart, but I can neither confirm nor deny.) <--it's true!

Here is the link-o-rama mentioned on the episode:

Kid Gigawatt website: http://www.kidgigawatt.com

Kid Gigawatt blog, called Thread & Wing: Navigating Autismland: http://kidgigawatt.com/blogs/news

Kid Gigawatt movie teaser: http://www.bitly.com/kgfilm

And... why are we doing this? http://kidgigawatt.com/blogs/news/10835741-romans-holiday

DSM 5: http://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx <--you can also use this as a fast-acting sleeping aid

My Autism Team: http://www.myautismteam.com

Jon Stewart: http://thedailyshow.cc.com

Email me at kelley@kidgigawatt.com with any suggestions, comments or additions to my lists- I already like you for being here! :)

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

32 Patty Pacelli | On preparing younger kiddos for the workforce, what makes some people with autism fantastic hires, some of the best and worst jobs for people with autism, and about helpful work accommodations. May 16, 2014

Today I'm excited to speak to author Patty Pacelli, whose young adult son has autism. She advocates for people on the spectrum to achieve their career dreams and contribute their exceptional talents to the workforce, and has just written a book entitled Six Word Lessons for Autism Friendly Workplaces.

We chat about preparing younger kiddos for the workforce, what makes some people with autism fantastic hires, some of the best and worst jobs for people with autism, and about helpful work accommodations.

In case you're thinking about picking up the book here's a chapter summary1. The Need for Autism Friendly Workplaces2. Career Preparation for Parents and Children3. How to Find the Best Jobs4. ADA Laws and Rules for Work5. Best Interview Practices for the Employer6. Interview Tips for People with Autism7. Reasonable Accommodations for Employers to Offer8. Accommodations that can Help Autistic Employees9. Benefits of Hiring People with Autism10. Be Aware of Unique Autistic Traits11. Social Expectations for Workers with Autism

And here are Patty's deets:

Website: http://www.growingupautistic.comBook: http://www.growingupautistic.com/six-word-lessons-for-autism-friendly-workplaces.htmlFast Company article: http://www.fastcompany.com/3028536/leadership-now/how-to-build-an-autism-friendly-workplaceEntrepreneur article: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233281

Kelley

31 Kyle Crawford | On his new autism book, customized education, inclusion, laughing, and magical moments. (<--dolphins included!) May 09, 2014

Kyle's work in autism spans direct services, research, and administration. He worked one-on-one with adults on the spectrum in Santa Barbara, CA, focusing on improvements in quality of life, employment, health, and social networks. For two years, while pursuing his Master's of Social Work, he worked for a multi-million dollar state and federally funded psychosocial intervention research project at the University of Pittsburgh for adults with autism that aims to be a new standard in adult autism services. And he's author to the recent book, Connect: Findings for a New Era of Autism.Here are all the deets on Kyle:

Website: http://www.autismstat.org
Book: https://gumroad.com/l/connect/beta
New Venture: http://spot.launchrock.com
Twitter: @autismstat

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

30 Kelley Fitch | On episodes 1-29 - a quick guide May 03, 2014

Today's episode is a bit different, because I won't be doing any interviewing - I'm flying solo. It's been a rough week for us all, because my father-in-law died on Monday afternoon, and he was just a great guy. A coach, a teacher, a veteran, a lifelong athlete, and a kind and gentle man.

I'm feeling nostalgic, so I wanted to give a look back and give you guys a quick guide to our previous episodes to help you find a good one you might have missed.   

The episodes from the parent perspective are: 

Numbers 4 & 5 with Keri Bowers, fillmaker and art therapist on raising a son on the spectrum  Number 7 with Dan Korins on his son, who has an amazing voice  Number 8 with Rupert Isaacson, NYT best-selling author and filmmaker of "The Horse Boy" Number 12 with my husband Jeff Waites, on raising the Romanator  Number 14 with Wayne Gilpin, author, and autism book and magazine publisher  Number 18 with Kara Wilson, on raising a daughter with Asperger's  Number 21 with Margret Ericsdottir, filmmaker and mom of a nonverbal teenaged boy  Number 28 with Cynthia Lord, NYT best-selling children's author, and mom to a young adult son with autism Number 29 with Julie Cole, entrepreneur and mother of 6 kids, the oldest of whom has autism  

Writing from the first-hand perspective of autism

Episode 2 with Temple Grandin, autism rock star Episodes 9 & 10 with Jennifer McIlwee Myers, Aspie and author Episode 23 with Tom Angleberger, Aspie, NYT best-selling author of a series of kids books with Aspie main characters  

The sibling perspective is highlighted with my own kids in episode 6  

Authors- we have a bunch in the parent category (Rupert Isaacson, Wayne Gilpin, Cynthia Lord), but also: 

Episode 3 with James Ball, chair of the national Autism Society and autism behavioral consultant  Episode 20 with scholar, NYT best-selling author and speaker Andrew Solomon 

And then there are therapists and therapies on 

Episode 13 with Alisa Anderson on adaptive ski  Episode 16 with Sarah Bronson on therapeutic horseback riding Episode 17 with Jill Schacht on occupational therapy  Episode 19 with Elizabeth Mortati on art therapy  Episode 25 with Rachel See on music therapy

  School & Home focused: 

We talk in-home support in number 11 with Lauren O'Neil  We talk school inclusion in episode 24 with Tim Villegas  

Episode 22 with Eric Tivers is about how ADHD tends to co-occur with autism  

And then there are two episodes not specifically related to autism, but to being different:

Episode 1 with NYT best-selling author, wine expert and social media guru Gary Vaynerchuk  Episode 27 with NYT best-selling author, magazine publisher, super nice guy, and business consultant Chris Brogan  

And the last episodes I haven't mentioned are about Kid Gigawatt (that's us!) 

Number 15 is about why we sell t-shirts to microfund therapies for kiddos with autism  Number 26 is about the road trip documentary movie we're making this summer  

And today is episode 30, so there you have it! And after 4 planes and a funeral, what I'd really love more than anything, is to hear from you. Please email me your funny stories from Autismland, I'd love to put together an episode together just with some of the bright spots. So when we're feeling a bit blue, we can have a good laugh. Email me at kelley@kidgigawatt.com- I'm counting on you! :) 

Kelley

PS Here's a link to the blog post I mentioned on the podcast, Remembering Opa.

29 Julie Cole | On labels, raising 6 kids, and running a successful business Apr 25, 2014

Today, I'm so excited to speak to Mabel's Labels founder, blogger, and mama to many, Julie Cole. Julie's business has been featured on the Huffington Post, The View, InStyle Magazine, Forbes, and many others, and her oldest of 6 kids has autism.

You can get Mabel's Label's through their website or at Target. For those of you with runners (I'm lookin' at you, Roman!), I'm gonna encourage you to check out these handy disposable ID bracelets - especially if you're planning to go somewhere magical like Disney, and want to make it out the other side with your kid.

Here's the link to the excellent summer camp guide that I mentioned on the podcast - Julie wrote this backed by her experience in choosing camps for her own kids, and it picks apart how to consider your child's unique character and interests, figuring out what's left in your wallet, and finding the right environment for them.

Also, here are links to her blog post Nice Things You Say That Annoy Me, and her hilariously well-reasoned 6 Reasons to Have 6 Kids, that originally appeared in the Huffington Post.

Here are Julie's deets all in one place:Website: http://www.mabelslabels.comPersonal Blog: http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/blogs/julie-cole-the-baby-machineBusiness Blog: www.mabelhood.com/JulieColeFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MabelhoodTwitter profile: https://twitter.com/mabelhoodPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mabelslabels

Best quote ever? "Labels are for clothes."

Kelley

28 Cynthia Lord | on her Newberry award-winning book, Rules, and what's next Apr 18, 2014

Today I am super excited to speak to fellow Mainer and Newberry award-winning author of the book Rules, Cynthia Lord. We chat about writing a book with autism at the center, her new books coming out this year, and some ideas for making libraries more inclusive for kiddos on the spectrum.

My favorite rule for David: "Sometimes people laugh when they like you, but sometimes they laugh to hurt you." So true!

Grab your copy through your local independent bookseller here.You can find Cynthia's website at cynthialord.com, and she's also on Facebook and Twitter.

Kelley

PS A link to my blog post on our top 15 audiobooks.

PPS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

27 Chris Brogan | On being a freak, a misfit, and a weirdo - and how that can make you a successful entrepreneur Apr 11, 2014

Named one of Forbes' top 30 Twitter influencers in 2013, social media rockstar, best-selling author, publisher, speaker, business consultant and super nice guy Chris Brogan is today's guest. We chat about the inspiration behind his new book, The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth: Entrepreneurship for Weirdos, Misfits, and World Dominators.

I met Chris at the Agents of Change social media conference in Portland Maine last year, where he was the keynote speaker. He hung around after his talk, and later in the afternoon, he walked up to a little group of us to tell me that he liked my lightning bolt t-shirt. So I sent him one, and he sent me back a superhero selfie. (FANCY)

Last month, when I read that his new book was coming out, I congratulated him over Twitter, and then he decided to tweet about Kid Gigawatt for a month solid. I pushed my luck by asking to interview him about his new book, and he said yes. Hooray!

And then, on his 44th birthday, he wrote this post sending folks our way: http://www.chrisbrogan.com/on-the-occasion-of-my-44th-birthday Whatttttt? I really wouldn't be surprised if he came over to mow our lawn next. (Hint: he really is a superhero.)

Here are all his deets:

Business website: http://www.humanbusinessworks.com
Personal website: http://www.chrisbrogan.com
Owner Magazine: http://ownermag.com
Twitter profile: https://twitter.com/chrisbrogan
Instagram profile: http://instagram.com/nothinglost#
Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/broganchris

And check out his brand new book through your local independent bookseller, The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth. #proudfreak

Kelley

26 Kid Gigawatt's Roman Holidays | On our summer road trip documentary plans Apr 05, 2014

On road tripping from Portland Maine to Portland Oregon this summer, and our plans to make a documentary movie. Check out the deets here.

Kelley

25 Rachel See | On the differences between music lessons and music therapy, customizing client sessions, and the benefits for our kiddos on the spectrum Mar 28, 2014

Thrilled to be speaking with Rachel See today- she's a licensed music therapist, and has a private practice in Austin, Texas.

We chat about the differences between music lessons and music therapy, how she customizes a client's sessions to work on their specific treatment plan goals, and the benefits for our kiddos on the spectrum.

Rachel's practice can be found here, and she also has two unbelievable cute ebooks for sale worth checking out: Listen, Sing, Speak: Children's Songs for Speech, Language, and Hearing Goals, and Children's Songs for Therapy.

For a little background on music therapy, check out my blog post here.

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

24 Tim Villegas | On what true inclusion looks like, IDEA, and the Least Restrictive Environment Mar 21, 2014

Super excited to chat today with Tim Villegas, special education teacher, blogger, podcaster, founder of the thinkinclusive.us website, and crusader for the true inclusion of kids with disabilities.

Catch up with Tim on Facebook and on Twitter.

23 Tom Angleberger | On making Asperger's his superpower, and on being a NY Times best-selling author Mar 14, 2014

I'm stoked to be speaking with Tom Angleberger today, New York Times best selling author of the Star Wars-inspired book series that began with Origami Yoda in 2010. The series stars a middle schooler named Dwight, whose Yoda paper finger puppet is both wise and weird.

Tom's self-proclaimed superpower is Asperger's, and we chat about how wearing a fake chicken on his head made him invincible on stage, going back to speak at his own middle school, and his favorite Star Wars character.

You. Must. Listen to the Horton Halfpott audiobook. I command you! The narrator is among the best I've heard, and trust me, we've listened to a metric ton of audiobooks. Love it, you will.

Check out Tom's fan site at Origami Yoda, and learn how to make an emergency Yoda finger puppet in only 5 folds here. If you've got a little more time, give this one a whirl, and may the force be with you.

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

22 Eric Tivers | On treating ADHD from both sides of the couch, forgetting your Mom's birthday, and the neurological equivalent of the polar vortex Mar 08, 2014

Stoked to be chatting with Eric Tivers, licensed Clinical Social Worker, coach, consultant, and counselor for ADHD and High Functioning Autism.

We chat about what led him to an ADHD diagnosis in college, and what happens when autism is comorbid with ADHD. (<-- See also: polar vortex.)

Eric has a new podcast coming out soon, ADHD Rewired, and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

21 Margret Ericsdottir | On raising a teenager with nonverbal autism, her documentary movie, and partnering with Kate Winslet Feb 28, 2014

So inspired to speak to Icelandic filmmaker Marget Ericsdottir, whose teenage son, Keli, has nonverbal autism. Margret's moving documentary, A Mother's Courage, follows her quest to understand autism, and ultimately leads to her son being able to communicate via a letter board. Initially thought to be mentally disabled with the intelligence of a two year old, Keli is now a mainstreamed high school student with a 3.9 GPA.

Margret's English voiceover for the film was provided by Kate Winslet, and the two ladies forged a strong bond, collaborating on a book, The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism, and co-founding the nonprofit The Golden Hat Foundation. The foundation seeks to raise autism awareness and establish "innovative post-high school living campuses designed to truly honor all autistic individuals - not just those considered "higher-functioning" - by creating an environment that supports and respects their individual needs and strengths."

They are organizing a walk for autism on May 17th - find all the details here, and keep up with them on Facebook here.

Kelley

20 Andrew Solomon | On the fantasy of normal, neurodiversity, and the horizontal identity of autism Feb 21, 2014

Thrilled to be interviewing Andrew Solomon today, author of the 2012 National Book Critics Circle Award winning book, Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity, which explores ideas of abilities, disabilities, illness and identities in extraordinary children born to ordinary parents. His tome represents a decade of researching and interviewing parents raising kids with dwarfism, Downs Syndrome, autism, or schizophrenia, children born deaf, as well as prodigies, children conceived in rape, transgendered children, and kids who grow up to become criminals.

His appearances on Far From the Tree include The Moth Radio Hour, a Ted Talk, The Colbert Report, and a Fresh Air interview with Terry Gross. We chat about neurodiversity, the fantasy of normal, and being kind to everyone you meet.

Check out Mr. Solomon's intelligent article on the Autism Rights Movement here, and keep up with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

19 Elizabeth Mortati | On art therapy, outsider art, and directing The Art Department in Portland, Maine Feb 14, 2014

Liz Mortati founded and directs The Art Department in Portland, Maine - they provide art therapy and working space to adults with disabilities, and sell the artists' work in their gallery space.

After graduating from college, Liz worked at San Francisco-based nonprofit arts organization Creativity Explored, which became the inspiration for her work once she returned to Maine. Initially connecting with Creative Trails, she worked with them to develop an arts program that became The Art Department.

We chat about outsider art, the progress the artists have made, and some of her favorite projects so far. Keep up with The Art Department on YouTube and on Facebook - they are doing incredible work!

Kelley

PS Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

18 Kara Wilson | On parenting a hilarious daughter with Asperger's, and the importance of humor in getting through Feb 07, 2014

I'm stoked to be chatting with Kara Wilson today. Kara has a 6 year-old daughter with Asperger's, and pens a fantastic blog called Karacteristic: Stirred, Not Shaken.<--LOVE.

I discovered her hilarious short story Welcome to Asperger's Island in the 2011 book Wit and Wisdom from the Parents of Special Needs Kids: Mostly True Stories of Life on the Spectrum. I read the story for you at the end of the episode. Heads on your desks, people- it's story time!

Catch Kara on Twitter @ellieswords, and on the world wide web at http://karacteristic.com. Did I mention that you MUST follow her on Twitter? That's where you can read gems like this from her daughter:

Ellie ‏@ellieswords

Mom, if I don't have school tomorrow, maybe you could look up what the "f" word is for me. #overmydeadbody #onlysix #NOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooo

Nice try, Ellie. Nice try. *wink!*

Kelley

17 Jill Schacht | On Occupational Therapy, itchy sweaters, and getting to know kids on the spectrum Jan 31, 2014

Today, I speak with certified Occupational Therapist, Jill Schacht. I am also prepared to knight her with the highly coveted UNP certification.*

Jill has worked with the Romanator for over a year, and with all of his anxiety issues, he has never - not once - not RUN to the car at OT time. This is a small miracle. But no wonder, given Jill's fun and positive disposition.

We chat about how she became an OT, tips and tricks for redirecting kiddos towards completing non-preferred tasks. (Spoiler alert: turns out you have to take time to really get to know what really motivates that particular kid before you can make them do your bidding. Whattttt? Why does everything have to be so hard? *kicks door frame*). It appears that my internal voices have learned to type. Be very afraid!

Enjoy it here y'all: Joyriding in Autismland

Kelley

*Unbelievably Nice Person

PS If you're lucky enough to live near Portland, and find yourself in need of an OT, you can find Jill at Storeysmith Pediatric Clinic.

16 Sarah Bronson | On therapeutic horseback riding, and orchestrating as Executive Director of Riding to the Top in Windham Maine Jan 24, 2014

Stoked to be speaking today with Sarah Bronson, Executive Director of Riding to the Top, a nonprofit therapeutic horseback riding center in Windham, Maine. Riding to the Top has been a Premier Accredited Center by PATH International (the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) since 2000, and is where my little (Roman) cowboy has been riding for years.

We chat about the human-horse connection, what sort of activities they focus on, and why running the farm is like orchestrating a symphony with multiple moving parts.

Click here to listen, subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes: Joyriding in Autismland

Kelley

For more deets on the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding, click on over here for an article by yours truly: http://kidgigawatt.com/blogs/news/9447577-animal-therapy-spotlight-horseback-riding

15 Kid Gigawatt | On who we are, why autism therapies are so important, and why we do what we do Jan 17, 2014

Today's episode is all about Kid Gigawatt, and I'm here with my husband and Kid Gigawatt co-founder, Jeff Waites.

We chat about autism stats, what therapies actually ARE, and why they're important.

Also, your mother knows when you're not paying attention in church. Just sayin'.

Kelley

PS Check out the yeti on skis, who is on our new tees at http://kidgigawatt.com/pages/yeti :)

14 Wayne Gilpin | On laughing with autism, on becoming the powerhouse autism publishing company in America, and on his late son Alex Jan 10, 2014

Wayne Gilpin began his publishing career by bringing car repair and law books to market. When his son Alex was diagnosed with autism, he joined the Autism Society of America, and became its president in 1987. Alex was 15 when the first edition of Wayne Gilpin’s lighthearted self-published book was released in 1993, Laughing & Loving with Autism: A Collection of “Real Life” Warm & Humorous Stories. The 500 copies he conservatively printed sold out in just 3 days.

He founded Future Horizons in 1996, dedicated to publishing books relating to autism, and by now they have published over 140 books as well a truly excellent bi-monthly magazine, Autism Asperger’s Digest. Future Horizons organizes educational autism conferences all over the globe, featuring renowned speakers and experts such as Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Tony Attwood, Dr. Jed Baker, Jennifer McIlwee Myers, and Dr. James Ball.

Alex passed away in 2008, but shared an apartment as a young adult with a friend with autism in North Carolina. There’s a fantastic article from the Chapel Hill News here on how they successfully navigated this living arrangement.

13 Alisa Anderson | On directing the adaptive ski program at Smuggler's Notch in Vermont, and the benefits of hitting the slopes on the spectrum Jan 03, 2014

Alisa Anderson, director of adaptive ski programs at Smuggler's Notch in Vermont, on how she started taching kids with disabilties to ski, why it's not about IF we're going to ski, it's HOW, her team of Special Olympic skiers, and about how sometimes, the biggest barrier to getting a kiddo on skis are the parents.

12 Jeff Waites | On Kid Gigawatt, having a son on the spectrum, and positive ions Dec 27, 2013

My husband, Jeff, about having a kiddo on the spectrum, superpowers, positive ions, and the extended version at the record store.

11 Lauren O'Neil | On In-Home Support, having a brother on the spectrum, and working with the Romanator for over a year Dec 20, 2013

Episode number 11 is with my boyo Roman's fantabulous In-Home Support staff, Lauren O'Neil, who has worked with Romi for a little over a year in our messy... chaotic... loud... *ahem* lively home.

Her little brother also has autism, and we chat about how she started working on behavioral plans in people's homes, and how autism has amped up both her patience - and her intolerance - at the same time. (<-- This will totally make sense!)

In Maine, In-Home Support is funded through Mainecare, which is everyone else's Medicaid. Your local Department of Health & Human Services will have all the applications and info. And even if you are over-income for Medicaid, you can still qualify for benefits via the Katie Beckett Fund. (It's a cold comfort, I know. But at least it'll save you some post-tax dolladollabills...)

Kelley

PS Here's a link to an article from the New York Times on who Katie Beckett was, and how she's so positively impacted families who have kids with disabilities.

10 Jennifer McIlwee Myers {Part 2} | On Aspies, Normies, Thor, the zombie apocalypse, and manscaping. Dec 13, 2013

Ok guys, if you need a laugh, this is the interview for you.

I first heard Jennifer McIlwee Myers speak at this year's Portland Autism Conference, and I cackled laughed. Inappropriately loudly.

Then I laughed the entire way through this interview, AND I laughed again a week later while editing the audio. I am a fan.

Jennifer was diagnosed with Asperger's as an adult, is married to an Aspie, has a sister with Asperger's, and a brother with Autism.

She co-wrote Asperger's and Girls in 2006, and wrote How to Teach Life Skills to Kids with Autism or Asperger's in 2010.

Her new book, Growing Up with Sensory Issues will be released in July, 2014.

We chat about surgical strike shoe shopping at Nordstrom, the zombie apocalypse, manscaping (<-- involuntary body shudder), what NOT to get her for Christmas, headphones on planes, the Thor triple feature, and why autism moms would make the best Green Berets.

I HIGHLY recommend following her on Facebook at Aspie at Large, and on Twitter @JenntheAspie.

Kelley

09 Jennifer McIlwee Myers {Part 1} | On autism in girls, and her family's prodigious coping skills. Dec 13, 2013