Supporting the Spectrum

Thompson Center

Welcome to Supporting the Spectrum: a podcast designed to bring you news about research, services, and supports for children with autism and non-typical neurodevelopment and their families. Supporting the Spectrum is hosted by the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders Training and Education Division (TED). This podcast is brought to you by Training Experts in Autism for Missouri (TEAM) project sponsored by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Though the topics discussed are geared towards families and professionals providing direct support to individuals with autism, we encourage all to listen. We hope that the conversations shared will provide insight and generate new ideas on how we as a community can create and embrace more inclusive experiences for all. read less

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Season 3: Epsiode 3 - Autism & Advocacy: A Conversation with Siblings

Season 3: Epsiode 3 - Autism & Advocacy: A Conversation with Siblings

In this insightful episode of "Supporting the Spectrum,” our hosts sit down for an engaging conversation with Matthew Leach, an autism self-advocate, and his sister, Hayley Leach, who holds the title of Miss Missouri 2023. This episode explores the unique dynamics of their sibling relationship, their individual journeys, and their shared mission of raising awareness and promoting acceptance of individuals with autism.

Episodes

Season 3: Epsiode 3 - Autism & Advocacy: A Conversation with Siblings

Season 3: Epsiode 3 - Autism & Advocacy: A Conversation with Siblings

In this insightful episode of "Supporting the Spectrum,” our hosts sit down for an engaging conversation with Matthew Leach, an autism self-advocate, and his sister, Hayley Leach, who holds the title of Miss Missouri 2023. This episode explores the unique dynamics of their sibling relationship, their individual journeys, and their shared mission of raising awareness and promoting acceptance of individuals with autism.

Season 3: Episode 2 - Autism: A Conversation Between Young Adults & Their Parents

Season 3: Episode 2 - Autism: A Conversation Between Young Adults & Their Parents

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum we bring you a unique conversation between two young adults with autism and their parents. Listen in as Jordan and Taylor interview their mothers, Latisha and Anna, to shine a light on their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Listeners will also learn about a program Jordan and Taylor are participating in called ACE.

Season 3: Episode 1 - Teachers Supporting Autistic Students

Season 3: Episode 1 - Teachers Supporting Autistic Students

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Season 2: Episode 12- Water Safety for Children with Autism

Season 2: Episode 12- Water Safety for Children with Autism

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Season 2: Episode 11 - How We Talk About Autism

Season 2: Episode 11 - How We Talk About Autism

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Season 2: Episode 10 - The Parent’s Experience

Season 2: Episode 10 - The Parent’s Experience

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Season 2: Episode 9 - The Thompson Foundation for Autism and Neurodevelopment

Season 2: Episode 9 - The Thompson Foundation for Autism and Neurodevelopment

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes

Season 2: Episode 8 - Autism in Infancy

Season 2: Episode 8 - Autism in Infancy

Join a Study - Thompson Center (missouri.edu)Theme music Beautiful Dreamer written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes

Season 2: Episode 7 - SibWorks Sibling Workshop

Season 2: Episode 7 - SibWorks Sibling Workshop

Support for Siblings of People with Disability in Australia - Siblings Australia Theme music Beautiful Dreamer written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.

Season 2: Episode 6- Supporting Neurodivergent Children During the Holiday Season

Season 2: Episode 6- Supporting Neurodivergent Children During the Holiday Season

Theme music Beautiful Dreamer written by Louis Nevins and performed by Fumes.Christmas on the Moon written by Louis Nevins and performed by Malone.

Season 2: Episode 5- Promoting Independence

Season 2: Episode 5- Promoting Independence

From a very young age, we all desire independence. The same is true for individuals with autism. While it may take time to learn certain skills, individuals with autism can live positive and fulfilled lives. In this episode, we will learn ways to help support autistic individuals gain independence and live their best life.

Season 2: Episode 4- The Waitlist

Season 2: Episode 4- The Waitlist

The beginning of an individual’s autism journey starts with an autism evaluation. The evaluation process requires specific assessments and trained individuals to give the assessment. Because of this intricate process, it can take some time to get an appointment. In this episode, we explore the barriers of the waitlist to receive an evaluation, including what causes the waitlist, what do to while you wait, and what is being done to shorten the wait.

Season 2: Episode 3- What’s an ADOS?

Season 2: Episode 3- What’s an ADOS?

ADOS-2 Clinical Training The Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders offers Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) clinical and research trainings. All trainings will be conducted by an independent trainer. See below for more information on upcoming trainings. ADOS-2 - Thompson Center (missouri.edu)

Season 2: Episode 2 - Halloween!!!

Season 2: Episode 2 - Halloween!!!

2022 MU Thompson Center Autism Conference - https://tcautismconf.com/

Season 2: Episode 1 - Myths of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Season 2: Episode 1 - Myths of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder, also referred to as ASD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect an individual's communication skills, emotional development, learning, memory, and self-control. The characteristics of ASD can be mild to severe, which is why many refer to autism as a spectrum. Through the work of doctors, researchers, and self-advocates our understanding of autism is rapidly evolving. Today, Dr. Benjamin Black, MD from the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center will be joining us to myth bust some common mistruths that are often said about ASD.

30: Regional Center Support

30: Regional Center Support

https://www.bcfr.org/our-services/eligibility/DMH Eligibility Information:https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/individual-family-guardian-infoOffice of Autism/Autism Project info:https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/autism/projectsMap of Missouri Association of County Developmental Disability Services (MACDDS). Some County Boards contract with DMH to provide county based Targeted Case Management services (like BCFR). You can click on the yellow counties and it will take you to that County Board’s website. https://macdds.org/services/member-county-boards/

29: Constipation

29: Constipation

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Shawna Shelton, registered nurse and nurse clinician at the University of Missouri’s Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, discusses common causes and treatment approaches for constipation.

28: The ABA Controversy

28: The ABA Controversy

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Cortney Fish, a licensed behavior analyst at the Thompson Center, discusses the debate of using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Common concerns related to the use of ABA are explained and misperceptions clarified.

27: STRIVE, a Post-Secondary Program for Transition Skills Development

27: STRIVE, a Post-Secondary Program for Transition Skills Development

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Jaclyn Benigno, STRIVE Program Coordinator and Cortney Fish, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Training Core Manager at the Thompson Center, share about the program Self-Determined Transition Readiness Through Individual Vocational Experiences (STRIVE). Benigno and Fish provide information about the program, discuss its success, and share additional transition resources.

26: Vocational Rehabilitation

26: Vocational Rehabilitation

In this episode of Supporting the Spectrum, Luke Daily, a licensed social worker and Assistant District Supervisor at Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), discusses how VR provides individuals with disabilities support towards employment goals. He provides an overview of the services available through VR, information on how and when to access those services, and additional resources to consider while preparing for transition.