Shows
Autistic: Beyond the LabelWhatever It Takes: Theresa's StoryIf your autistic child has meltdowns, displays unusualbehaviours, and scores low on psychometric tests, is it reasonable to hope that he or she can have a bright future? What about success in post- secondary education or a chance at a satisfying career? In thisepisode of Autistic: Beyond the Label, I will explore these questions with Theresa, a dental hygienist from Ontario, Canada who is the mom of two grown boys, the oldest one, Michael, being autistic. What is clear in listening to the story of Theresa and her autistic son, is that where you begin in your...
2025-12-221h 24
Autistic: Beyond the LabelFall Down 7 Tiimes, Get Up 8This full length episode follows from the October 26 previewepisode titled Higashida’s Alphabet Grid. In this review of Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8, advocate Beth McBarnett joins me, Dr. Dana Colarusso, in a methodical consideration of this work as both a unique portrait of one man's experience of autism in his own words (published pre-AI, no less!), and a starlit sky of guidance for understanding autism from the inside out. Along the way, we marvel at the evidence of one man's transformation from non-verbal autistic to a far-reaching authorial voice.Bi...
2025-12-0234 min
Autistic: Beyond the LabelInsights on Occupational Therapy: An Interview with Cathy Vey, OTCathy Vey is a Canadian Occupational Therapist registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. She isa member of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists. Cathy has over 20 years of experience providing occupational therapy services for infants, children, and adolescents with a wide range of needs and abilities. She has also worked with other groups such as Veterans. In this episode of Autistic Beyond the Label, podcast host Dr. Dana Colarusso interviews Cathy Vey about what occupational therapy is and how it can help autistic kids. Cathy Vey shares her knowledge of how occupational therapists tailor the ther...
2025-11-0728 minAutistic: Beyond the LabelA Spooky Autistic Tale called The Framed Women of Ardemore HouseScary tales with autistic heroines? In this review of The Framed Women of Ardemore House Dr. Dana Colarusso explores relatively new literary phenomenon of the autistic heroine. In this case, the female protagonist Jo Jones is victim, suspect, and investigator, all three. Yet as an autistic character she lends a new perspective on the roles neurodivergent individuals can play in both life and art. The mix of strengths and weaknesses, sensory, neurological, and social, in the atypical heroine make for a refreshing take on the familiar mystery novel formula. Along the way, we look at one of the character's...
2025-11-0113 minAutistic: Beyond the LabelHigashida's Alphabet GridThe Alphabet Grid is a key to understanding Naoki Higashida's sequel to The Reason I Jump, titled Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8. In this introduction to the upcoming review of his sequel, guest Beth McBarnett helps us describe the importance of the alphabet grid for appreciating the significance of Higashida's work. As David Mitchell explains in his introduction to the sequel, unlocking communication in nonverbal autistic individuals can help us question possible assumptions about the link between cognitive and communicative barriers.Podcast by Dana Colarusso with guest narrator Beth McBarnett.Music created by and used...
2025-10-2609 minAutistic: Beyond the LabelTwo Surprising Books by Young Autistic AuthorsHave you ever wondered what is going on inside the minds of autistic kids? Is there a way we can find clues to the reasons behind their actions? More and more, autism researchers are turning to the first hand accounts of autistic children themselves. Two early harbingers of this trend are Daniel Safanski's How to Talk to An Autistic Kid and Naoki Hagoshida's The Reason I Jump. Taking a sidetrip from science and psychology to explore anecdotal accounts of autistic individuals themselves can yield deeply helpful and meaningful insights.How to Talk to An Autistic Kid by...
2025-09-0117 min
Autistic: Beyond the LabelHum Breathe Sing: Discovering Music Therapy with Roxanne ChristianWhat is music therapy? Can it help kids with autism? In this episode, I interview Roxanne Christian, an international board certified music therapist, who shares her journey into music therapy and the profound impact it can have on emotional well-being, particularly for children on the autism spectrum. Roxanne discusses the applications and modalities of music therapy, its tailored approach to individual needs, and the therapeutic power of music beyond just listening. She emphasizes the importance of using voice as medicine, the role of breath work, and the significance of gratitude in therapy. The conversation highlights the growing awareness of...
2025-07-2948 min
Autistic: Beyond the LabelHum, Breathe, Sing: Discovering Music TherapyWhat is music therapy? Can it help kids with autism? In this episode, I interview Roxanne Christian, an international board certified music therapist, who shares her journey into music therapy and its profound impact it can have on emotional well-being, particularly for children on the autism spectrum. Roxanne discusses the principles of music therapy, its tailored approach to individual needs, and the therapeutic power of music beyond just listening. She emphasizes the importance of using voice as medicine, the role of breath work, and the significance of gratitude in therapy. Our conversation highlights the growing awareness of music therapy...
2025-07-2848 minAutistic: Beyond the LabelAtypical Characters and Their Helper GuidesIn this episode, we will look at changes in how the mediaportray atypical characters and their helper guides in books, films and tvshows. Among some famous neurodivergent characters, like Sheldon Cooper, in BigBang Theory, there is no mention of a diagnosis. Nevertheless, there is anunmistakeable pattern of traits and behaviours consistent with Asperger’s. Thecomedy we find in modern day characterizations of people on the spectrum, orhaving similar sensory issues, (Monk, Geek Girl, Young Sheldon, Sam Gardner) isa far cry from the dark, tragic depictions of atypical characters in classicbooks like Of Mice and Men and Lord of the Fl...
2025-07-0331 min
Autistic: Beyond the LabelPart 2 Interview with Dr. Temple GrandinWelcome to Part 2 of my interview with Dr. Temple Grandin. Based initially on a discussion of her recent book Autism and Adolescence, in this second half of our conversation, we discuss issues that branch across many of her works, including Visual Thinking, The Loving Push, and The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships. Along the way we explore questions such as overcoming barriers to communication and cognitive tasks for non verbal autistics, the balance of medication, meditation and other options for coexisting conditions with autism, and the early pathways to employment, as well as the important role autistic individuals have...
2025-06-2829 minAutistic: Beyond the Label7 Keys to Unlock Autism: Making Miracles in the ClassroomBook review with host Dana Colarusso and guest narrator Beth McBarnett.In this book review episode, we will explore the 7 Keys to Unlock Autism by Elaine Hall and Diane Isaacs. We start by looking at the story behind the story, how the authors' experience in media arts and shared experience raising autistic children led to The Miracle Project and Autism: the Musical. We then consider how parenting, therapeutic and creative insights inform the seven keys methodology, as focused on our own inward readiness to see things through the eyes of the autistic child. Seven Keys...
2025-06-0122 min
Autistic: Beyond the LabelInterview with Dr. Temple Grandin Part OneIn this conversation, Dr. Grandin tells us about her unique journey as an autistic person who has made significant contributions to both the cattle industry and autism advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of teaching life skills to teens on the spectrum, and shares insights on social skills, communication challenges, mental health, and the significance of personal interests in career development. Grandin also addresses sensory sensitivities and offers strategies for supporting non-verbal autistic teens, highlighting the need for engagement and participation in various activities.This is part one of a two-part episode based on an interview with Temple...
2025-05-3028 minAutistic: Beyond the LabelMy Big Autism Reading Adventure and 3 Mini ReviewsIn this episode of Autistic Beyond the Label, host Dana Colarusso shares her personal journey through autism literature, discussing key insights from various books that have shaped her understanding of autism. She emphasizes the importance of communication, sensory processing, and the unique experiences of autistic individuals. The episode features reviews of 'More Than Words' and 'To Siri with Love,' as well as an exploration of Temple Grandin's 'The Autistic Brain,' highlighting the evolving understanding of autism and the significance of recognizing individual strengths.Key topics:As a parent of an autistic...
2025-05-0131 min
Autistic: Beyond the LabelDiscovering and Shaping the Care Community: An Interview with Beth McBarnettBeth McBarnett, Ambassador at Grandview Kids and a parent support worker at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, describes her journey from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to life after an Autism Diagnosis for her son. Keywords: autism, parenting, support, diagnosis, family, resilience, community, milestones, patience, advocacySummary: In this conversation, Beth McBarnett shares her journey as a mother of an autistic child, discussing the challenges and triumphs she faced after her son Aaron's diagnosis. She reflects on her experiences in the NICU, the importance of finding support and resources, and the impact of community on...
2025-04-2821 minAutistic: Beyond the LabelIntroducing Autistic: Beyond the LabelKeywords:autism, empathy, learning community, support, diagnosis, parenting, resources, understanding, awareness, transformationSummary: In this introductory episode of 'Autistic Beyond the Label', Dana Colarusso shares her insights and experiences as a parent of an autistic child and a teacher. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating the complexities of autism. The episode highlights the need for a supportive learning community that connects parents, professionals, and autistic individuals to share resources and strategies. Dana invites listeners to join her on this journey towards a deeper understanding of autism, with the first...
2025-04-0606 min