27 JUN 2024 · Join Dr. Stephanie Holmes as she meets Kelley Ryals at the AACC conference during her poster presentation on Autism and Trauma. I wanted to have her as a guest to discuss when it is autism & trauma and when trauma is misdiagnosed as autism. We talk, about ADHD, ASD, Trauma distinguishing them apart and when they are combined.  Kelley's bio in her own words: Her focus is on helping you navigate the difficult times in life. her biggest joy is watching an individual become happier, healthier, and more productive. She is a 58 years old, a mother of five, and a grandmother of 2. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor education and supervision with Liberty University because she wants to see as many well-trained therapists out there as possible. Kelley's Bio Below: Autism Specialist, EMDR, Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism and ADHD testing, Couples, Children, Play therapy, Foster Adoptive issues trained in TBRI. IFS Level 1 trained, Level 2 Sand Tray Therapy, Level 2 Gottman trained, member of EMDRIA , the ACA and the AACC. Free Trauma and Grief groups are offered. Find out more at: https://krcounseling.org/

17 JUN 2024 · Today Dr. Holmes discusses the PEERS curriculum and its design for social-relational skills for teens and young adults on the spectrum or other communication challenges. PEERS starts with basics in communication and with growth and choice of what skills are motivating to the individual from learning social media communication to building friendships and romantic relationships. Find out more about PEERS and Life Behavior Consulting at https://lifebehaviorconsulting.com/our-team-1

12 JUN 2024 · Dr. Holmes discusses promoting safety and independence for young adults on the autism spectrum. Brody Swift and Julie O'Connor are OTRs with Springbrook Behavioral Health and they walk you through skills that are needed for young adults on the spectrum to live as independently as possible whether it is outside of the home or if they need to remain at home. Helping your young adult achieve autonomy, competence, and relatedness are keys to a fulfilling life and mental health! www.convergeautism.com

5 JUN 2024 · oin Kristin and Angel Wilson as they discuss her work in the Autism field as an educator and infant and toddler developmental specialist.  The Four A's of Autism are: Awareness, Acceptance, Affirmation and Advocacy. Angel Wilson, M.S., after 15 years in the autism field, she had pretty much done it all. From Therapist, to Developmental Specialist, Supervisor, Trainer, Assessor, Interventionist, she learned and saw a LOT. What she noticed, though, were the concerns coming from families and providers alike; a lot of people knew OF autism, but didn't really know ABOUT autism. This was especially true in minority communities or providers with a large percentage of minority students or clients.​ She decided to answer this call. As this business continues to grow, she hopes you will join her in advocating for autism awareness and acceptance across the board, regardless of color or culture.  www.sparcguidance.com

31 MAY 2024 · Today we talk about a few topics: Autobiographical memory, developing a sense of self, motivation, and neuroplasticity in the autistic brain. Dr. Hull's research on video gaming is part of his strategies with his clients on the spectrum. The blogs I mention today are found on his website. Dr. Kevin Hull owns and operates Hull and Associates, P.A. a private practice in Lakeland, Florida. Dr. Hull is a licensed counselor who has worked with children and adolescents and their families on the Autism spectrum since 2001. He conducts weekly individual and group therapy sessions with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Dr. Hull has been a professor for 18 years and is currently an Associate Faculty with Liberty University. Dr. Hull has published Play Therapy and Asperger’s Syndrome: Helping Children and Adolescents Grow, Connect, and Heal through the Art of Play (2011, Jason Aronson); Bridge Building: Creating Connection and Relationship between Parents and Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum (2012, Liberty Press); Group Therapy Techniques with Children, Adolescents, and Adults on the Autism Spectrum (2014, Jason Aronson); and Where There is Despair, Hope (2015, Liberty Mountain Publishing), a novel about play therapy. He has also published several chapters for textbooks and journal articles. Dr. Hull specializes in using electronic devices in group and individual play therapy and his dissertation work examined the use of video/computer games as a play therapy tool with children with emotional difficulties. Dr. Hull enjoys open water swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, playing golf, long walks, biking, and spending time with his wife, Wendy and their four children. https://drkevinhull.com/

26 MAY 2024 · Join Kristin from Mental Health News Radio for a discusion with Jana M. Smith about emotional dysregulation and the effect this has on those of us on the Autism spectrum. More about Jana at www.janamsmith.com.

22 MAY 2024 · Get ready to dive into the world of parenting a child with autism, as we follow Adrienne John’s journey and the challenges she faces. From sensory issues to energy regulation, Adrienne’s son’s unique interests and struggles will keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when she thought she had found a solution, a new challenge arose, leaving her questioning what to do next. Adrienne John, a dedicated zookeeper and mother, shares her heartfelt journey of raising her energetic and hyperactive son, Xander, who has been diagnosed with autism. From the early signs of regression in language development to sensory challenges and hyperactivity, Adrienne vividly describes the struggles and emotional toll of parenting a child with autism. Her openness about the impact on family dynamics and the overwhelming nature of daily routines creates a relatable narrative. Adrienne’s touching account of her son’s journey, from early diagnosis to ongoing cognitive and behavioral studies, offers a raw insight into the complexities of raising a child with autism. Despite the challenges, Adrienne’s determination and commitment to seeking support for Xander’s development shine through, providing a beacon of hope for other parents navigating similar paths. Her story resonates with the emotional highs and lows of parenting a child with autism, fostering a sense of understanding and unity among those facing similar experiences. 

13 MAY 2024 · Dr. Stephanie interviews Rosemarie Griffin about her workshop on joint attention. Joint attention is an essential skill for clinicians, teachers, and parents to address for the autistic child/student. Joint attention involves shared attention between at least 2 people on an object or even with both people knowing they are attending to the same entity. More about Rose Griffin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abaspeech/

11 MAY 2024 · Join Dr. Stephanie Holmes and Dr. Donna Berghauser as they discuss the different types of autism evaluations across the lifespan of individuals. - When do you need a full psychological evaluation? - When might you only need an autism assessment? Tune in as they chat during the annual https://www.convergeautism.com conference!

29 APR 2024 · Dr. Holmes discusses key points to de-escalation with Jonas Cooper, MSW. De-escalating challenging behaviors or big emotions is a critical skill for both the student/child and adults! Becoming confident and regulated with these skills is helpful.