Uniquely Human: The Podcast

ART19 Uniquely Human

Uniquely Human: the Podcast expands the conversation on autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of autistic and neurodivergent individuals and thought leaders in providing insightful, cutting-edge and practical information about the autistic and neurodivergent experience. Hosted by Barry Prizant and Dave Finch.

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24 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 52 min
English

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#168
Friday · 58 min
Sensory Health: An Essential Concern for Neurodivergent People with Dr. Virginia Spielmann, PhD, OTR/L
EPISODE 168 Sensory Health: An Essential Concern for Neurodivergent People with Dr. Virginia Spielmann, PhD, OTR/L Dr. Virginia Spielmann discusses sensory health and its broader implications with Barry and Dave, beyond just auditory or visual sensitivity issues. She explains how sensory processing affects emotional and physical well-being, emphasizing that everyone processes sensations constantly but may experience challenges in how they integrate sensory information. She explains how neurodivergent individuals often face misinterpretation of their behaviors, with observable actions being labeled as “just behavior” rather than recognized as potential indicators of sensory distress. Virginia concludes by emphasizing that sensory health is a human issue affecting everyone, not just those with neurodivergent conditions, and highlights how differences in sensory processing have contributed to human diversity and expertise throughout history. Find out more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#167
September 25 · 53 min
Chefs on the Spectrum: An Innovative Employment Program for Autistic and Neurodivergent People, with Chef Franklin Becker and Chef Joseph Valentino
Episode 167 Chefs on the Spectrum: An Innovative Employment Program for Autistic and Neurodivergent People, with Chef Franklin Becker and Chef Joseph Valentino This episode features Chef Franklin Becker and Chef Joseph Valentino discussing their work with the Chefs on the Spectrum program at Chef Franklin’s restaurant Point Seven in New York City. Chef Franklin explains how his personal experience as a father of an autistic son inspired him to create the program, which connects autistic adults with meaningful careers in professional kitchens while helping restaurants become more inclusive workplaces. Chef Joe shared his journey from facing job rejections and difficult work environments to thriving as a chef at Point Seven, where he has developed important skills like managing ticket orders and preparing mise en place properly. The discussion highlighted how Joe’s presence has positively impacted the entire kitchen team by teaching tolerance, acceptance, and compassion, while also breaking down stigma about autism in the culinary industry. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#166
September 11 · 48 min
How to Make Health Care Neurodiversity-Affirming, with Dr. Mel Houser
Dr. Mel Houser, MD, physician and founder of the All Brains Belong health care community, explains how current healthcare systems fail neurodivergent people. Dr. Mel explains how traditional healthcare settings create barriers that don’t accommodate neurodivergent needs, and how practices in All Brains Belong, guided by universal design principles, emphasize the importance of elevating lived expertise by telling patients “you are the expert in your body.” The discussion also covered how neurodivergent people often present with intertwined neuroimmune conditions that traditional 10-15 minute medical visits cannot properly address. Dr. Mel concluded by outlining three concrete changes needed in American healthcare systems. Find out more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#165
August 28 · 58 min
Pathological Demand Avoidance: The Lived Experience, with Kendahl Damashek
Episode 165 Pathological Demand Avoidance: The Lived Experience, with Kendahl Damashek Barry and Dave speak with Kendall Damashek, a parent coach and expert on the topic of PDA. Kendall shared her personal and professional insights into PDA, explaining it as a survival drive for autonomy and equality rather than a pathology. She discussed the physiological and nervous system responses that individuals with PDA experience, emphasizing that these are not conscious choices but reactions to perceived threats to autonomy. Kendall addressed common misconceptions, such as labeling PDA behaviors as oppositional or defiant, and highlighted the importance of understanding the internal experience of those with PDA, and she provided practical strategies for parents and caregivers, including giving more autonomy, fostering equality, providing nervous system safety, and lowering demands. Learn more on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#164
August 14 · 46 min
Autism Outdoors Utah: An Innovative Nature-based Family Support Program with Damon and Tarah Bryan
Episode 164 Autism Outdoors Utah: An Innovative Nature-based Family Support Program with Damon and Tarah Bryan Damon and Tarah Bryan, founders of Utah Autism Outdoors, discuss how they created their nature-based program for autistic individuals and their families after their son's autism diagnosis. They discuss how their organization started with simple parent support groups and has grown to include outdoor activities like hiking, river rafting, paddleboarding, and yoga classes in nature. The conversation covered the therapeutic benefits of outdoor activities for regulation and sensory processing, the importance of creating safe spaces for families to connect without judgment, and how they incorporate siblings into their programming. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#163
July 31 · 48 min
ALL ABOUT NONSPEAKERS: REFLECTIONS ON AUTISM SPECTRUM NEWS ISSUE WITH AMY LAURENT AND JEN LEPAPE
Episode 163 ALL ABOUT NONSPEAKERS: REFLECTIONS ON AUTISM SPECTRUM NEWS ISSUE WITH AMY LAURENT AND JEN LEPAPE The discussion focused on the recent issue of Autism Spectrum News dedicated to non-speaking individuals. Topics in the issue included common misunderstandings about supporting non-speakers, including the concept of presuming competence, the role of neuromotor issues, and concerns about communication authenticity and influence. The discussion highlighted that many non-speaking individuals can learn to communicate effectively through methods like spelling and typing, though it requires time and proper support. The guests emphasized that the issue contains 40 articles, including 17 authored or co-authored by non-speakers, covering topics from mental health to legal issues to practical support strategies, demonstrating the complexity of supporting non-speaking individuals beyond simple debates about authenticity. Find out more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#162
July 18 · 48 min
Two Dads Who Connected with Uniquely Human Interview Barry
EPISODE 162 TWO DADS WHO CONNECTED WITH UNIQUELY HUMAN INTERVIEW BARRY. WITH BRAD BROYLES AND NATHAN PALMER, FROM THE POLARIS CONNECTION This episode is a replay of The Polaris Connection, an autism parenting podcast hosted by Brad Broyles and Nathan Palmer. In this episode, they interview Barry with specific attention given to how Uniquely Human has had a positive impact in the way they see their children and support their development. Brad and Nathan are also the founders of Polaris Academy. The podcast offers advice, expert insights, and real-life stories to help families of neurodivergent children navigate special education, therapies, and daily life. Learn more on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#161
July 3 · 1 hr 2 min
Being “Pathologically Genuine”: with Dr. Jim Coleman
EPISODE 161 BEING “PATHOLOGICALLY GENUINE”: A DISCUSSION WITH DR. JIM COLEMAN Jim Coleman, a semi-retired biology professor has had an amazing journey. He discusses his late diagnosis as an autistic person and his journey from feeling like “a banana slug transported into the Mojave Desert” to embracing his neurodiversity. He shared his teaching philosophy of helping every student reach their full potential, noting that over 200 of his students have disclosed being neurodivergent to him. Jim also discussed his work with his therapy dog Brea, who visits schools for autistic children and a community center for people recovering from mental illness. Find out more on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#160
June 19 · 47 min
On Neurotypical and Neurodivergent Relationships, with Dr. Cindy Ariel.
On Neurotypical and Neurodivergent Relationships: A Discussion with Dr. Cindy Ariel Dr. Cindy Ariel is a psychologist specializing in neurodivergent and neurodivergent relationships, and in her discussion with Barry and Dave, she shares insights about the specific challenges and unique qualities of such relationships. Cindy emphasizes that successful relationships require both partners to focus on mutual compatibility rather than trying to fix the other person, and how allowing both partners to be authentic can deepen connection and understanding. Given that relationships are a huge part of Dave’s work, he actively contributes his perspective to the discussion with Cindy. Learn more on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#159
June 5 · 49 min
Sleep Disturbances in Autism and Neurodivergent Conditions, with Dr. Beth Malow
Sleep Disturbances in Autism and Neurodivergent Conditions: A Discussion with Dr. Beth Malow, MD, Neurologist and Sleep Disorder Expert Dr. Malow, discusses how sleep problems affect approximately 80% of individuals on the autism spectrum and family members, emphasizing that improving sleep can positively impact every aspect of an autistic person’s life and the life of the family. She explained that sleep deprivation exacerbates existing challenges and can lead to irritability and impaired social communication, which are already core features of autism. Beth framed sleep as a “window” to help autistic individuals and families, contrasting this positive approach with the common tendency to focus on difficult behavioral patterns when sleep issues occur. Find out more on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#158
May 22 · 54 min
Nature and the Neurodivergent Experience, with Becca Lory Hector
Becca Lory Hector, an autistic self-advocate, has the lived experience of moving through different environments that afford different access to nature, and natural activities. She, Barry, and Dave discuss the benefits of immersion in nature and nature activities and contrast those benefits with the challenges of limited access. They also discuss the importance of awareness and modifying life routines with sensitivity to seasonal changes. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#157
May 8 · 51 min
Culturally Responsive Services for Neurodivergent Children, with Jordyn Montique
Jordyn Montique’s personal and professional experiences created a passion for addressing cultural responsiveness in serving marginalized children with disabilities, and their families. Jordan, Barry and Dave discuss how essential it is to be in culturally, responsive, and for professionals to be aware of their own cultural biases in developing trusting relationships with children and their families. Learn more and access to the transcripts on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#156
April 24 · 38 min
Hans Christian Andersen: His Neurodivergent Journey as Shared by Autistic Children's Author, Sandra Nickel
EPISODE 156 HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN: HIS NEURODIVERGENT JOURNEY, AS SHARED BY AUTISTIC CHILDREN’S AUTHOR, SANDRA NICKEL It is now widely accepted that Hans Christian Anderson, renowned Danish author of children’s books, was autistic. Sandra Nickel, an award-winning and autistic children’s author brings Andersen’s story to life in a beautiful book, “The Real Ugly Duckling”. Sandra, Barry and Dave discuss her motivation for writing her book, and the special qualities of his life’s journey that can be so enlightening and affirming for children, adults, and all people who have, or who even may not have neurodivergent individuals in their lives. Learn more on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#155
April 10 · 42 min
Crucial Issues and Future Directions in Autism and Neurodiversity, with SJ Childs
EPISODE 155 CRUCIAL ISSUES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN AUTISM AND NEURODIVERSITY: A DISCUSSION WITH AUTISTIC PARENT-PROFESSIONAL SARA BRADFORD (AKA SJ CHILDS) Sarah Bradford (aka SJ Childs) is a parent professional, who has a wide range of contact with the autistic and neurodivergent community through her more than 600 interviews in her podcast and annual summits. Barry and Dave discuss a range of issues with her to tap into her knowledge-base and the ability she has to have a thumb on the pulse of areas of need, as well as future directions in supporting the community she is immersed in as a parent and professional. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#154
March 27 · 1 hr 8 min
Part 3 of 3 Series Insights from the Lived Experience of an Autistic Gestalt Processor - with Dr. Jaime Hoerricks
Barry and Jess Texeira have a discussion with Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, a special education teacher and author who shared her experiences as an autistic gestalt processor. Jamie explained how her holistic, relationship-based approach to teaching has helped improve outcomes for her students, particularly those who process language and information in a gestalt manner. She emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting students’ unique ways of learning and communicating, rather than trying to fit them into traditional academic molds. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by gestalt processors, including trauma and misdiagnosis, as well as the need for more inclusive and supportive educational practices. Find more info on our Website Check out the episodes on this special series. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#153
March 13 · 52 min
Part 2 of 3 Series - Assisted Communication with Non-speakers What the Naysayers Get Wrong and The Damage They Cause, with David Kaufer
Barry and his guest David Kaufer engage in a “no holds barred” critique of the small group of naysayers who have challenged the rights of non-and minimally, speaking people to have access to their preferred and most effective modes of communication. David shares his knowledge from two perspectives, a dad whose teenage son has experienced success with assisted communication, and as an author and advocate for autistic individuals who has a sharp eye for calling out the misinformation and hypocrisy of those who challenge the lived experience of countless non-speakers, family members and professionals. As part 2 of this three-part series, we also specify how evidence-based practice has been misrepresented by the naysayers. Learn more on our website Check out the episodes on this special series See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#152
February 27 · 43 min
The Application and Misapplication of Evidence-based Practice: Part 1 of 3 Episodes on Non-Speakers and Gestalt Language Processing
The Application and Misapplication of Evidence-based Practice: Part 1 of 3 Episodes on Non-Speakers and Gestalt Language Processing Barry is joined by Jess Teixeira, certified speech- language pathologist and a member of the Uniquely Human Podcast in defining and discussing the concept and practice of evidence-based practice (EBP). In particular, the discussion focuses on the application and misapplication of EBP specific to two issues of significance for autistic and neurodivergent individuals – approaches to support non-speakers, and therapy approaches for children who are gestalt language processors. This episode serves as the foundation for the two following episodes that address each of these issues in greater depth. Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#151
February 13 · 55 min
Neurodivergence Across Generations: with Daughter and Mom, Rebecca Rosenzweig and Dr. Karen Carson
Barry and Dave discuss neurodivergence across generations in a family, with Rebecca Rosenzweig and her mother Dr. Karen Carson exploring how neurodivergent traits have been present in both maternal and paternal lines, with Karen sharing her late-in-life diagnosis of autism and ADHD, while Rebecca discussed her diagnosis and the challenges of sensory processing differences. They share personal stories about accommodations and support within their family, including how Karen’s intuitive understanding of Rebecca’s needs helped create a supportive home environment. The conversation also covered the importance of recognizing neurodivergence without pathologizing natural behaviors, and the need to balance masking with authentic self-expression, particularly in different social and professional contexts. Find out more on our Website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#150
January 30 · 21 min
A Brazilian Autistic Policeman and Neurodiversity Advocate, with Saulo Barbosa
In this episode, I have a discussion with Saulo Barbosa, a 43-year-old Brazilian autistic police officer, to discuss his experiences and insights about neurodivergence in law enforcement in his home country of Brazil. Saulo shared how my book, “Uniquely Human” inspired him to transform his approach to policing and develop training programs that focus on understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. The conversation also addressed the impact of the book on Saulo’s life and work, including his current activities in training police officers across Brazil and the importance of autistic people connecting with each other Learn more on our website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#149
January 16 · 1 hr 3 min
Uniquely Human: The Podcast: A Fun and Comprehensive Review of 2025 Episodes with Barry and Dave
Dave and Barry reflect on the themes and highlights from Uniquely Human: The Podcast in 2025, with their typical insight and good humor. They emphasized themes of collaboration and diversity among their guests. They address specific topics including the importance of early developmental support for neurodivergent children, educational inclusion, and cultural perspectives, while also touching on unique profiles and creative supports for neurodivergent individuals. The hosts shared personal insights gained from their guests and expressed their commitment to continuing the podcast in 2026, inspired by the knowledge and connections formed throughout the year. Check out the episode on our website! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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