Navigating the Spectrum with Michele Portlock

Latest Episodes:

E60 - Brynne Dunning and the Value of Occupational Therapy May 09, 2022

Show notes

Brynne is the owner of Made to Play Pediatric Therapy. She has been an Occupational Therapist for 7 years and has practiced in just about every pediatric setting possible. At Made to Play, she offers clinic and home-based OT to children 0 to 21 years of age in the Denver Metro area. Brynne believes in meeting the sensory needs of each child through play, and in the power of connection.

E59- Dr. Marc Avner (Pediatrician)- Discusses Autism Diagnosis from a Pediatrician's Perspective May 01, 2022

Show notes

Dr. Marc Avner has been our family pediatrician for nearly ten years now. I have recognized his interest and love for all the children he cares for, but particularly those with additional needs. Together we discuss the importance of developmental milestones and how those milestones may signal the need for autism testing. Dr. Marc talks about traits he often sees in young children prior to an autism diagnosis and then what supports practices can provide for their patients upon receiving an autism diagnosis.

Dr. Marc is full of knowledge, experience, and compassion, and you will appreciate what you learn from him during this discussion. Thank you Dr. Marc!

E58- Kendra Cope, Speech Language Pathologist, Discusses Speech and Language Development Apr 24, 2022

Show notes

Kendra is a speech-language pathologist that has been practicing in the field since 2014. She is highly intelligent, witty, and engaging. Kendra shares her insight into the differences between speech and language and what this may look like for an individual struggling with speech, language, or both. You'll be drawn in by her charismatic personality and the level of knowledge she shares in a meaningful and understandable way.

E57- Emily McAllister and the Autism Diagnosis Experience Apr 17, 2022

Show notes

Emily McAllister is a certified life coach and co-founder of Lead with Love Coaching, LLC. She is also a mother and a champion for helping people find their individual worth. She utilizes the science and psychology-based program of Clarity Point in working with her clients, specifically parents, youth, and young adults, who are trying to navigate their faith as well as LGBTQ+ neuro-diversity issues.

Emily is all heart and, her experiences in life as a mother of an autistic young adult have led her to a place where she helps others navigate their neurodivergent experiences and struggles. She leads with love and helps others to move from fear-based thinking toward love-based thinking.

E56- Dr. Kristin Wegner Discusses Neurodivergence through Her Award Winning Book Series for Children Apr 10, 2022

Show notes

Dr. Kristin Wegner is knowledgeable and well-versed in neurodiversity. She is neurodivergent herself, which leads to a greater understanding of her profession. Kristin earned her master's degree in special education and then began to work in the field of behavior. She fell in love with the opportunity she had to work with autistic children. She went back to school to become a clinical psychologist, and then started her own company which she has been running for the past few decades.

Kristin has also written an award-winning book series called Brody the Lion. Through Brody's experiences, children with additional needs get to learn about self-regulation and other important life skills.

E55- Anthony Pacilio and Employing Neurodivergent Individuals through CAI Neurodiverse Solutions Apr 03, 2022

Show notes

If you have ever worried about the employment future of your neurodivergent child, then this episode is just for you. Anthony Pacilio is recognized domestically and internationally as an expert in neurodiverse employment and currently serves as Vice President of CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. Anthony discusses the Talent Discovery program implemented with the goal of getting to know the strengths of each neurodivergent individual seeking employment opportunities. And what I like best is the humanity that exists within CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. After you listen, you can check out CAI Neurodiverse Solutions by going to CAI.io. Make sure to listen and share. This information is a game-changer for so many neurodivergent individuals seeking meaningful and accommodating employment.

E54- Brielle Williams and Her Post High School Accommodations Mar 25, 2022

Show notes

Brielle is autistic and is currently attending college. Together we talk about accommodations she receives from her University and specific opportunities she has had due in part to being autistic. Brielle is witty, honest, hilarious, and a solid communicator. She is my oldest child, and we've been through some challenging experiences together in the past. I am so proud of who she is and in her mission to educate others about autism.

E53- Danish Mumtaz and Autism in Pakistan Mar 06, 2022

Show notes

Danish Mumtaz is a father to an autistic teenage son living in Pakistan. Danish has tapped into his own skillsets to create a social media platform centered on autism. Together, Danish and I discuss needs within the autism community at large, and how legislation is needed to help bring more resources to autistic families, as well as awareness within communities.

Danish is dynamic and passionate about being the father to an autistic teenage son. He inspires others to do better by reaching out and informing those around him. This is a fantastic listen.

E52- Marisa Bentley and Creating Linc-d, an Online Artist Platform for Autistic and Disabled Individuals Feb 27, 2022

Show notes

Linc-d was created by Marisa Bentley to connect the autistic and disabled community together through art. Marisa's website includes her Artists in Residence and the many forms of art media each artist has for sale through Linc'd. Artists of all abilities are welcome and can send their art to Linc'd and then watch Marissa turn their art into sellable products such as mugs, notecards, socks, and much more. This is a resource I just had to share. Statistics show that up to 80% of the autistic community is unemployed. Linc-d gives artists an opportunity to share their talents and make a little money in the process. Take a listen and feel inspired!

E51- Kirsten Hobbs and Raising Three Autistic Boys Feb 20, 2022

Show notes

Kirsten Hobbs is a wife and mother of four boys, three of which are autistic. Her boys are ages 18, 15, 13, and 8. Together we talk about how autism presents differently in each individual. We also discuss the impact autism has had on her youngest, neurotypical child. Kirsten is open and honest about the challenges and the beauty. Take a listen and find out for yourself.

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