Listen in as I have a conversation with Blake Baxter about the experiences of masking and camouflaging. We discuss what they are and how they manifest in the autistic experience.SHOW NOTES: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/2024/10/episode-71-masking-and-camouflaging.htmlBarbara Avila

Listen in to an interview with Blake Baxter regarding the diagnosis of Aspergers and the controversy around Aspergers having ties to the Third Reich. Blake shares the reading and research he has done and you can read more in the show notes found at https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/2024/10/episode-70-aspergers-controversy-with.html…

Part of the Blake Baxter conversation series, listen in was we discuss Pathological Demand Avoidance... AKA Pervasive Drive for Autonomy... a profile for some individuals on the Autism spectrum.Show notes: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/Barbara Avila

Blake Baxter and I dive into the book titled Against Empathy by Paul Bloom. As Blake puts it, "empathy has been weaponized against autism." Listen in to hear more about both autism and the concept of empathy.Show notes: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/Barbara Avila

Listen in to Blake's story of his diagnosis in his 50's and how his life began to make more sense because of it.Show notes: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/Barbara Avila

My friend, Blake Baxter, shares his diagnosis story and we are collaborating on a podcast series regarding the ambiguous concept of empathy. This is part 1 of our series together as we venture together to figure out what is the definition of empathy and why it is assumed to be missing in those with autism when we have seriously different experience…

Amazing Inclusion Discussion with Dr. Pretti-Fronczak & Dr. Julie Causton. I feel blessed to have these two on my podcast to talk about the importance and criticalness of inclusion for all students now rather than later. Research is telling us it is the right way to be ensuring education for our children. Let's get our schools, classrooms, and stud…

Episode #64: Sam Way's Discovery About Pacing Thanks to the Covid VaccineListen in to hear this young man's discovery about how controlling the pacing brought down his anxiety about his covid vaccine.Barbara Avila

Kit Falbo is so interesting! He shares how he took his love of stories, science fiction and daydreaming into writing novels. He describes how he develops characters and integrates video games into his plots. He even shares about how his neurodiversity affects him as a novelist and parent.Show notes can be found here: https://synergyautismpodcast.bl…

Listen in to my interview with one of the top golfers in the United States discussing his diagnosis of autism as an adult. He shares his story and is vision to support those surrounding people with autism, as well. It was my pleasure to have Billy Mayfair on the Synergy Autism Podcast. Please enjoy!For show notes: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogs…

In this podcast, I share with you what to do when your child has challenging behaviors so that everyone on your team is consistent, your child learns positive behaviors, and you have more peaceful days together.Barbara Avila

It seems there are a few things at play that are landing autistic people on the wrong side of the law. I have now been involved in two sexual assault cases, numerous aggravated assault cases, and two theft cases. Listen in to hear more about how we can keep autistic teens out of trouble with the law.…

Today, I want to share a bit about what I have learned happens for many autistic individuals and some ideas for alleviating it. This is the experience of what I am calling "perception - chaos." For details on this podcast, please visit:Barbara Avila

Today, I thought I’d return to a common dilemma faced by parents and professionals supporting autistic individuals and that is the concept of favorites. Most of us neurotypicals have lots of favorites like favorite colors and favorite foods. But many autistic individuals struggle with the concept of favorites and may be unable to answer the questio…

I had a very special guest join us, her name is Yasmine White and she is the founder and CEO of Voices Together which is the largest music therapy organization in North Carolina.I was lucky enough to be introduced to Yasmine by my good friend and colleague, Jonathan Chase who some of you may be familiar with from previous podcasts. Yasmine and I ha…

I have such a deep respect for so many of my adult clients and how they think about things. Over the last couple of weeks, I have spoken to at least 3 different adults about this one concept that just blows my mind.For more details on this podcast, please go to: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/2021/07/episode-56-mp-paralyzed-by-ripple-eff…

I used to think the “wait and see” approach only affected little ones before the age of 2 or 3. Parents bringing their children in with concerns about social engagement and medical professionals stating that the child is still within normal limits so let’s “wait & see.” The hope being that the child would outgrow the lack of engagement, not yet say…

In this 10 minute podcast, I talk about balancing who is running the show. I have many client children of all ages who will either lead or follow but the in between is challenging. Sharing the lead or switching it up is essential for full well rounded development and well being.Barbara Avila

Short one today to celebrate the awesome fathers out there. Take a listen!Barbara Avila

Providing choices allows personal agency, while avoiding choices is a recipe for disaster for all humans, autistics included. And while many children who are neurotypical may demand their own control, individuals with autism may need you to offer it to them. Listen in for ideas to give an autistic someone you love control and personal agency.…

For years people assumed that autistic people did not feel emotions in themselves or recognize them in others. By consulting with autistic adults, we now know this may be the exact opposite of the truth. They actually feel emotions more intensely than many of us. It is the ability to organize and make sense of those emotions in themselves and other…

This is the first excerpt from my upcoming book: Seeing Autism - Connection through Understanding due out this Summer 2021. For more details and a transcript, please go to: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/2021/06/episode-50-excerpt-from-seeing-autism.htmlBarbara Avila

Today, I am sharing one of my go-to tips for helping a person understand the passage of time across days as well as engaging with you in a bit of review and even planning.Let's call this the Today/Tomorrow Activity or routine. It's something I recommend doing towards the end of your day together and typically for parents to do with their children o…

Happy Mother’s Day today and everyday to all the moms listening. This podcast was recorded with you in mind. It has been a tough year for everyone but my hat is off to all moms who have taken on the additional demands of stay-at-home orders including online schooling, cooking and cleaning more, and enduring the emotional roller coasters of all thos…

I’ve been hesitant about doing a podcast this topic. It has been coming up more and more in my work and I still do not feel like I am an expert. But then I realized that as a cisgender and neurotypical Mom, I will actually never consider myself an expert on the topic of AutiGender. I can admit that and share what has helped me learn and support tho…

Teens with and without autism can be tricky to talk with sometimes. But there are some basic tenants to keep in mind that should make conversations not only more relaxed but more connected and two directional.Barbara Avila

I have a lot of parents who come to me uncertain as to how to really get into the mindset to play. We are all in our busy lives full of to do lists and schedules. It is hard to get in the moment and relax enough to play and sometimes even when we try, we are left not sure what to do! I created this podcast for those of you who are wanting to learn …

Welcome to another episode of my mini-podcasts. This one is particularly brief and I hope, particularly helpful. Most autists have some difficulty transitioning from one thing to another and may need some support to do so successfully. Listen in to a quick and easy tip that can make it easier.For more information, please go to: www.synergyautismcen…

In this podcast, Barb O'Neill and I talk about the importance of play for connection in our lives, especially with young children and since this is an autism based podcast, especially young children with autism.I’ve invited Barb O’Neill here for this podcast. She is an expert in play and child development. I appreciate Barb’s approach in early chil…

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Synergy Autism Podcast. Today, I am interviewing my colleague, Connor Kavanaugh who is the founder of Palladio Consulting here in Portland, Oregon.I’ve really appreciated Connor's approach over the years in his guidance with families not only for setting themselves up for success with their own money but …

I really enjoyed giving a Facebook live presentation a few months back and people seemed to like it, so I turned it into a podcast! Listen in to this podcast where I review the one practice that can help anyone feel heard, seen, and respected. This simple seeming practice can make a world of difference for someone. It builds trust and allows authen…

If you are a job coach, counselor, parent, or guide of any sort seeking support to motivate someone with autism, this podcast is for you. Listen in for 4+ tips for having successful conversationsBarbara Avila

People with autism do well with information provided visually. You have found that, I am sure, with the person you know with autism. They tend to appreciate written schedules and lists, for example. And they tend also to not only better understands information that is provided visually but he also tends to trust it more than what is heard.…

For individuals on the spectrum, sharing control within interactions for learning can be limited. If they control the situation, they are not open to new ideas or ways of doing things. If they allow the other person to take complete control, they are passive receivers and do not learn to think for themselves.…

Today I’m giving you the golden ticket for helping someone you know think for themselves. That golden ticket is for you to resist the urge to solve problems for someone with autism. And if you, yourself, have autism, you can ask those around you to stop solving problems for you!Barbara Avila

I am talking today about our neurobiological systems working on overdrive and I call this “riding high.” I see most of my clients “riding high” so frequently and so often that it is their norm - so that others around them do not even know it is happening for them. I had an older client once tell me, autistics may not know what “safe” really means s…

I know you hear it all of the time: it is important to take care of yourself so that you can care for someone else. However, I want to give you even more reason to take care of yourself and introduce you to why couple-care and friendship-care is equally important for modeling a home filled with rich and satisfying relationships.For more on this pod…

Avoiding Yes/No QuestionsJust a quick one today. I’d like to share with you why it is helpful to avoid questions that have a yes or a no answer with people who are autistic.More info here: https://synergyautismpodcast.blogspot.com/Barbara Avila

Imagine always feeling drained and unmotivated. Maybe you are the one experiencing this. It would be so frustrating and you would consistently blame yourself for simply not working hard enough or not sleeping well enough or not being motivated enough. But what if it were a biological event that you didn’t have enough energy? What if being in a heig…

In this special mini-podcast, I share a little about the autistic experience as I understand it surrounding emotions and I also provide you with some ideas for ensuring a rich, meaningful, and clear landscape in your home.Barbara Avila

Episode #30: Interview with Autistic Advocate Jonathan Chase on Protesting for the BLM MovementBarbara Avila

Listen in to the interview by Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak of myself and the fabulous Dr. Dan Siegel regarding his book: The Power of Showing Up. We discuss how attachment theory interweaves with autism and brain development.Barbara Avila

Barb is joined by Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak in this fabulous episode where we go deep into the complex issue of inclusion. We ask listeners to consider the law while also viewing inclusion through the lens of social justice. Listen in. We think you will feel validated and inspired.Barbara Avila

Barb explains the why behind giving people on the autism spectrum processing time then into how. There are neurological reasons not to mention the emotional benefits of feeling heard and your ideas respected.Barbara Avila

Autistic people have fabulous ideas, amazing and wicked senses of humor at times. We need to raise our expectations of their contributions to the world in the smaller day to day moments so that they can thrive. Listen in to hear why and how to assume intent and raise expectations.Barbara Avila

Guiding someone with autism (or anyone for that matter) requires you taking care of you! Listen in to this absolute essential core need and WHY it is important for those on spectrum/autistic individuals.Barbara Avila

The book by Tina Payne Bryson and Daniel Siegel is called The Power of Showing Up. It helps us understand the importance of showing up for our kids by highlighting attachment science. The simple acts of showing up and creating secure attachments ensures success in future relationships and life in general. So how does this play out with children wit…

Pam Smith and I were lucky enough to have Kathy Shean-Jones and Phoebe MacRae join us for a conversation about their use of the Anat Baniel Method - Neuromovement. They both have practices here in the Portland Metro area and collaborate for and with clients using ABM. In this podcast, they share what lead them to the use of this method as well as e…

In this very special podcast episode, I interview Jonathan Chase (Autistic Advocate, writer, presenter, and consultant) about his experiences with medical and dental appointments. He shares his experiences and some excellent ideas with the audience. The intense sensory experience is and has been overwhelming to say the least.…

Barb and Pam read The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin. We share our thoughts on the book and both agree that Temple Grandin is still amazing and worth not only reading but checking out online on youtube, her site, etc.Barbara Avila