Springbrook's Converge Autism Radio

Today, Dr. Stephanie talks to Dan of the Aspie World! Are we still allowed to say Aspie? Dan talks us through his autism identification and how that led him to build one of the first platforms on social media about adult autism. Hello friends, I want to share something deeply personal—something that completely shifted the trajectory of my life. At 26, I received a formal diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (now Autism Spectrum Disorder), along with ADHD, OCD, and Dyslexia. That moment wasn't about becoming someone new; it was about finally understanding who I always was. For years, I silently battled confusion, overwhelm, and social exhaustion. Masking my discomfort to "fit in" affected my mental and emotional health deeply. A Diagnosis Isn’t a Label—It's a Lens.It provided clarity, showing me that I'm not broken; I'm wired differently. Discovering neurodiversity helped me celebrate my differences and recognize my strengths—creativity, hyperfocus, analytical thinking—as true assets. This revelation inspired me to start The Aspie World, supporting thousands globally in navigating neurodivergent journeys. Our differences drive innovation, empathy, and inclusion, making humanity richer. Remember, your diagnosis is just the beginning of a beautiful, empowered chapter. You are capable, valuable, and not alone. Thank you for joining this journey. With gratitude, Daniel M. Jones Founder of The Aspie World Dan can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKKRcJey93Ms-dL630UNIQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKKRcJey93Ms-dL630UNIQ] Dan's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Autism-Adults-author/dp/1837822336 [https://www.amazon.com/Autism-Adults-author/dp/1837822336] About when I discovered Dan on YT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwXqGjohGg [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwXqGjohGg] Dan defends the term Asperger's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB-cH9Os_J8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB-cH9Os_J8]

Today, Dr. Holmes talks with Occupational Therapist, Kelly Mahler. The topic is interoception! Every neurotype can struggle with it but we find neurodivergent folks can have a few more challenges with interoception. Defined by Kelly's website: Many people notice these feelings in their body with the help of an important sense… a sense called (drum roll please)… interoception. Don’t let the name fool you. The word interoception might not sound very sexy or important. But this sense is a really big deal. Interoception has a huge influence on many areas of our lives like self-regulation, mental health and social connection. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/EbzJ8h6M2zZZxzEYs-beHR8TY6gho23PG3CssYVB6-Yux-fghHsuDh1RxKGN6Trp.szpSKqThQLmOGBiE About our Guest: Kelly Mahler OTD, OTR/L, earned a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. She has been an occupational therapist for 20 years, serving school-aged children and adults. Kelly is the winner of multiple awards, including the 2020 American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging and Innovative Practice Award & a Mom’s Choice Gold Medal. She is an adjunct faculty member at Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA as well as at Misericordia University, Dallas, PA. Kelly is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma & autism. www.kelly-mahler.com

Dr. Stephanie discusses ABA and Autism with Converge Autism Summit speaker Courtney Lasky, PHD candidate.  About the speaker: Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA  Courtney Lasky is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) amd PhD candidate with over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As the Director of Clinical Operations for ABS Kids, she leads clinical teams in providing high-quality, compassionate care to children and families. Recognized as a subject matter expert, Courtney has been featured on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and the Dr. Drew Podcast, where she shares her insights on behavior analysis and its broader applications. She is passionate about leadership, staff training, and fostering psychological safety within clinical teams. Beyond her professional work, Courtney is a dedicated wife and mother of six, living in Irmo, South Carolina. Balancing a thriving career with a full and adventurous family life, she brings both expertise and heart to everything she does.

In this episode, I’m joined by the dynamic duo behind the Spark Launch Podcast—Chaya Mallavaram and Mike Cornell. Chaya is a tech entrepreneur, professional artist, and founder of Spark Launch, where she helps create transformative spaces for neurodivergent learners. Mike is a peer support specialist and lifelong creative who brings a raw, honest voice to mental health advocacy. Together, they’ve launched Spark Launch—a podcast that dives deep into the lived realities of neurodivergent life. From parenting and executive dysfunction to emotional regulation, identity, and creativity, their conversations are as real as they are healing. We talk about why they created this show, how they balance vulnerability with humor, and their shared mission to help others feel less alone. Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that imperfection holds power—and every brain carries a spark worth launching. 🌀 Learn more at sparklaunchpodcast.com [https://sparklaunchpodcast.com]

Join Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Saulnier as they discuss her presentation at the Converge Autism Summit on broadening the autism spectrum. https://nacsatl.com/ They will discuss: * The key features of autism * How Autism symptoms are expressed differently in male and female * The role of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in misdiagnosis of autism * Common overlaps and differential diagnosis Dr. Saulnier obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She trained and worked at the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade before relocating to Emory University School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, where she directed a large-scale clinical research program. In 2018, she opened her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, where she specializes in diagnostic assessment, as well as teaching and training for autism spectrum and related disorders. Dr. Saulnier has published over 50 articles, written two books, and she is an author on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition. Looking for Assessment in GA? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/neurodevelopmental-assessment-consulting-svc-decatur-ga/409874 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/neurodevelopmental-assessment-consulting-svc-decatur-ga/409874]