The Understanding Autism Podcast

Nicole Kubilus, Bret Thayer

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often talked about but is easily misunderstood. The Understanding Autism Podcast breaks down the misconceptions around autism for educators, parents and community members to promote awareness and understanding of neurodiverse people. Join hosts Nicole Kubilus, who shares her own personal experiences with autism, and Bret Thayer who shares his views on autism as a parent of an autistic child and an educator in this biweekly podcast. read less

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Understanding Autism Podcast Season 2 Trailer

Understanding Autism Podcast Season 2 Trailer

We can't believe that Season 2 of the Understanding Autism Podcast is actually right around the corner! Here we explain our focus for Season 2 and some guests and content that we are excited to share with our audience.

Episodes

Season 2 Episode 24: Interview with Gail Suitor of Ignite Change Makers

Season 2 Episode 24: Interview with Gail Suitor of Ignite Change Makers

Our first guest of the second season, Gail Suitor, founder of Ignite Change Makers, talks about her dedication in supporting educators, students and families in finding innovative ways to educate and support neurodiverse students and adults.

Season 2 Episode 23: Creating An Adult Independence Plan

Season 2 Episode 23: Creating An Adult Independence Plan

Transitions can be scary. For those on the spectrum, making the transition from living with parents to being on their own can be an intimidating process. But every successful long term goal comes with a plan of action. In this episode, we explore what a ten year adult independence plan can look like for an young autistic adult and the roles that parents can play in this process.

Understanding Autism Podcast Season 2 Trailer

Understanding Autism Podcast Season 2 Trailer

We can't believe that Season 2 of the Understanding Autism Podcast is actually right around the corner! Here we explain our focus for Season 2 and some guests and content that we are excited to share with our audience.

Season 1 Episode 22 Part 2: Season 1 Retrospective

Season 1 Episode 22 Part 2: Season 1 Retrospective

In this our final episode of season 1, we continue to reflect on how we created the Understanding Autism Podcast. This episode focuses on recording and editing platforms, making your podcast unique, using social media and networking, and considering monetization. We also share our goals and vision for season two.

Season 1 Episode 22: Season 1 Retrospective (Part 1)

Season 1 Episode 22: Season 1 Retrospective (Part 1)

In this next to final episode, we reflect on the amazing journey we both experienced in producing the Understanding Autism Podcast. While our previous episodes focused on autistic behaviors, this episode focuses on the nuts and bolts of producing a podcast: from the germination of an idea to structuring the show, to basic technical equipment, and to website and logo construction.

Season 1 Episode 21: Interview with Katelyn Szymanski on Suicide Ideation

Season 1 Episode 21: Interview with Katelyn Szymanski on Suicide Ideation

In this episode, we interview licensed social worker and QPR Gatekeeper Instructor, Katelyn Szymanski on the research and advocacy work she has done around suicide awareness and prevention for the neurodiverse community in Maryland.

Season 1 Episode 20: Autism and Suicidal Ideation

Season 1 Episode 20: Autism and Suicidal Ideation

In this episode we explore the sensitive topic of suicide. How does autism impact suicidal thoughts? What social and cultural factors might contribute to thoughts of suicide? Nicole shares her own struggles with this topic and shares resources and strategies that helped her overcome thoughts of suicide.

Season 1 Episode 19: Autism and Shaming

Season 1 Episode 19: Autism and Shaming

Neurodiverse people often know they are different and that they may stand out from neurotypical people. But how does society treat those that are different? This episode explores the sensitive issue around shame, stigma and the resulting trauma that can occur. We also review examples of shame informed therapy.

Season 1 Episode 18: Autism and Perfectionism

Season 1 Episode 18: Autism and Perfectionism

Perfectionism, or the tendency to demand flawless behavior or performance, is a challenge many with autism struggle with. In this episode, we examine the root causes of perfectionism, how perfectionism impacts those with autism, and some generally recommended solutions for addressing perfectionism.

Season 1 Episode 17: Autism and Depression

Season 1 Episode 17: Autism and Depression

Depression can be a real concern for many of us especially around the holidays, but how do people on the spectrum experience depression? In this episode we explore the causes, experiences, and treatments for autistic people and depression.

Season 1 Episode 16: Autism and Anxiety

Season 1 Episode 16: Autism and Anxiety

Anxiety is a common occurrence for all of us, but how does a person on the spectrum experience anxiety? In this episode, we will explore the link between autism and anxiety and focus on autistic experiences with anxiety.

Season 1 Episode 15: An Autistic’s Relationship With Food

Season 1 Episode 15: An Autistic’s Relationship With Food

Many people on the spectrum struggle with food. What might look like picky eating habits to the neurotypical person, is actually an autistic person’s complex relationship with food. In this episode, we explore what causes ‘picky eating’, what diets that people with autism adopt, food and social gatherings, and resources for those who struggle with food.

Season 1 Episode 14: Emetophobia

Season 1 Episode 14: Emetophobia

While many of us struggle with phobias that impact our lives, emetophobia, or fear of vomiting, can be extremely debilitating. In this episode, Nicole shares her personal experience with this phobia and the strategies she used to overcome it.

Season 1 Episode 13: Autism and Phobias

Season 1 Episode 13: Autism and Phobias

Many people can suffer from phobias but how exactly are autistic people impacted by phobias and what are some methods to cope with them? In this podcast we explore causes of phobias and some strategies on how to manage and overcome them.

Season 1 Episode 12: Transition Stress

Season 1 Episode 12: Transition Stress

Managing transitions can be extremely frustrating for neurotypical people as well as those on the autism spectrum. In this episode we explore why change creates stress, how this may manifest into resistance to change, and some solutions around managing the stress around transitions.

Season 1 Episode 11: Autism and Masking

Season 1 Episode 11: Autism and Masking

People with autism often experience bullying at school or stigmatization at work. That is one reason why many people on the spectrum "mask" their autistic behaviors from neurotypical people. In this episode we explore the reasons behind masking, the physical and mental health consequences of masking, and the benefits of unmasking.

Season 1 Episode 10: Object Permanence and Working Memory

Season 1 Episode 10: Object Permanence and Working Memory

As an autistic person, are you someone who constantly misplaces objects and lose your cool when you’re trying to find it? In this episode we examine why object permanence and working memory are such challenges for people with autism and what can be done to address it.

Season 1 Episode 9 Part 2: Low Frustration Tolerance

Season 1 Episode 9 Part 2: Low Frustration Tolerance

A common challenge that many autistic people face is tolerating unpleasant or stressful situations. In part 2 of this episode, we will discuss how low frustration tolerance impacts teachers and classrooms, how to support neurodiverse students, and how employers and employees can work through low frustration tolerance in the workplace.

Season 1 Episode 9: Low Frustration Tolerance (Part 1)

Season 1 Episode 9: Low Frustration Tolerance (Part 1)

A common challenge that many autistic people face is tolerating unpleasant or stressful situations. In part one of this episode, we will explore the signs and causes of low frustration tolerance and what can be done to build tolerance around frustrating situations.

Season 1 Episode 8: Perseverations

Season 1 Episode 8: Perseverations

Some autistic people experience the feeling of being 'stuck'. This can manifest itself in the form of thinking patterns, speech, and body movements. In this episode we examine what perseveration is and tips on how manage this experience.