Self-advocate Tim Ulmer shares his journey with epilepsy, and talks about his show Epilepsy Gangster. Tim Ulmer is an epilepsy self-advocate, and author, and the creator and producer of Epilepsy Gangster. Tim also facilitates the prominent support group that he started over a decade ago. He's been a moderator-writer for Health Union's EpilepsyDisease.com where people can read his columns about living with epilepsy (at no charge). He is also the author of the book Involuntary MISSION: In China with a Thorn in the Flesh. In 2024, for his work on Epilepsy Gangster, he was a finalist in Health Union's Social Awareness Awards in the category of "Creative Contributor", and the international Invisible Disabilities Association has selected him to be its first Ambassador who is epileptic. For more about Tim’s work, visit: epilepsygangster.com Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Self-advocate and author Rebecca Tillou shares the realities of life with FASD, and her journey towards getting a diagnosis at age 33. Rebecca Tillou is a self-advocate of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which is under the umbrella Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Since being diagnosed at the age of 33, she has become a tireless advocate raising awareness of this often misunderstood condition. She is the author of the auto-biographical book “Tenacity”, and the founder of the virtual 5K for FASD United. For more about Rebecca and FASD, visit: https://adultingwithfasdcoms.com/ https://fasdunited.org/ http://www.runfasd.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Autism self-advocate and therapist Megan MacKay discusses her work helping those experiencing PTSD and CPTSD. Megan MacKay works as an addiction and trauma psychotherapist. She is a CSAT, LCPC and LPC in the states of Arizona and Montana. Megan is also a Clinical Mental Health Consultant at Trapper Creek Job Corps, and a Board Member for Returning Youth Initiative. She also is a host and Board member for 101.5 KFGM, Missoula Community Radio. For more about Megan’s work, visit: https://www.innerstatehealingandrecovery.com/ https://bloggingforrecovery.wordpress.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmackayaz/ Listen to 101.5 KFGM at https://www.1015kfgm.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Autism self-advocate and therapist Megan MacKay discusses her role with Job Corps, and how it can help the neurodivergent population. Megan MacKay works as an addiction and trauma psychotherapist. She is a CSAT, LCPC and LPC in the states of Arizona and Montana. Megan is also a Clinical Mental Health Consultant at Trapper Creek Job Corps, and a Board Member for Returning Youth Initiative. She also is a host and Board member for 101.5 KFGM, Missoula Community Radio. For more about Megan’s work, visit: https://www.innerstatehealingandrecovery.com/ https://bloggingforrecovery.wordpress.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmackayaz/ Listen to 101.5 KFGM at https://tunein.com/radio/KFGM-1015-s288054/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

In the second part of our review of 2024, we hear from some of the people making a difference for the neurodiversity community including Dr. Jennie Trocchio, Cheryl Checkers, Aisha McDonald & more! AISHA MCDONALD – full interview pt 1 https://differentbrains.org/recognizing-intersectional-trauma-with-aisha-t-mcdonald-lmhc-edb-328/ / pt 2 https://differentbrains.org/suicide-prevention-mental-health-with-aisha-t-mcdonald-lmhc-edb-329/ | for more about their work: https://www.unitedwaybroward.org/ CHERYL CHECKERS AND DR CHRISTOPHER KAY – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/mental-health-on-the-autism-spectrum-with-cheryl-checkers-dr-christopher-kye-edb-325/ | for more about their work: Cheryl: https://www.cherylcheckers.com/ Dr Kye: https://www.christopherkyemd.com/ NICOLE STORRS – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/9muses-supporting-mental-health-through-art-peer-support-with-nicole-storrs-edb-323/ | for more about their work: https://9musesartcenter.org/ TAINAH GEORGES – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/fusion-academy-success-through-one-on-one-education-with-tainah-georges-edb-321/ | for more about their work: https://www.fusionacademy.com/ ANTHONY PACILLIO – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/cai-harnessing-neurodiverse-talent-with-anthony-pacilio-edb-317/ | for more about their work: https://www.cai.io/neurodiverse-solutions/overview DR JENNIE TROCCHIO – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/autism-developmental-therapy-with-dr-jennie-trocchio-edb-315/ | for more about their work: https://www.drjennie.co/ COURTNEY, LAURA, AND GRACIE FROM CANINE ASSISTED THERAPY – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/how-therapy-animals-help-with-courtney-trzcinski-laura-rogers-gracie-edb-320/ | for more about their work: https://catdogs.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

In the first part of our review of 2024, we hear from some of the neurodivergent self-advocates that have appeared on the show, including Shawn Smith, Ali Idriss, Diane Gould & more! ALI IDRISS – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/adhd-in-the-er-with-ali-idriss-edb-316/ | for more about their work: https://differentbrains.org/author/ali-idriss/ DIANE GOULD – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/navigating-pda-demand-avoidance-autism-neurodiversity-with-diane-gould-edb-331/ | for more about their work: https://dianegouldtherapy.com/ ZACHARY TOVIN – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/neurodiversity-self-advocate-spotlight-zachary-tovins-autism-journey-edb-318/ | for more about their work: https://zachtovinphotography.wordpress.com/ SHELLY BAER AND JAIRO ARANA – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/project-s-a-l-t-creating-self-advocate-leaders-with-univ-of-miamis-shelly-baer-jairo-arana-edb-319/ | for more about their work: https://med.miami.edu/centers-and-institutes/mailman-center/education/leadership-training-opportunities/salt ANNA DIAZ – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/understanding-epilepsy-with-anna-diaz-luis-martinez-of-epilepsy-alliance-florida-edb-324/ | for more about their work: https://epilepsyalliancefl.org/ SHAWN SMITH – full interview: https://differentbrains.org/neurodivergent-burnout-with-shawn-smith-edb-332/ | for more about their work: http://www.ddmacs.ca/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Canadian ADHD & autism self-advocate and therapist Shawn Smith shares his experiences battling burnout, and offers tips on how ot overcome it. Shawn Smith M.Ed., CCC, LCT is an autistic and ADHD Counsellor and psychotherapist, and the founder of Don’t dis-my-ability® Consultation Services Inc. Shawn helps parents, young people, and adults who are neurodivergent (ADHD/Autism/Dyslexic and more). Prior to his own diagnoses, Shawn struggled at every level of the public education system. It took Shawn 4 years to complete 3 years of high school, 32 attempts to earn the 18 credits required to graduate including failing grade 10 math 4 times. Since then Shawn has experienced a tremendous amount of self-growth in a relatively short period of time and has a unique understanding of his thought process. In 2010, Shawn was accepted to the Master of Education in Counseling Psychology program at the University of New Brunswick on Academic Probation and graduated in 2011 at the top of his class. Shawn is a self-advocate, entrepreneur, innovator, counsellor and psychotherapist specializing in the emerging field of Neurodiversity. Shawn’s work is being recognized internationally and he has been sought after to consult in various industries ranging from non-profit to the world of animation. For more about Shawn’s work, visit: http://www.ddmacs.ca/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

PDA expert and autism self-advocate Diane Gould, LCSW discusses Pervasive Demand Avoidance (previously known as Pathological Demand Avoidance). Diane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that specializes in serving autistic individuals. As the Executive Director and Founder of PDA North America, she founded the annual PDA North America conference held in Chicago that has changed the lives of hundreds of PDA (pathological demand avoidance/persistent drive for autonomy) families. She co-authored the book Navigating PDA in America with Ruth Fidler which was published in June 2024. In April 2024, Diane was diagnosed as autistic. Diane has a private practice in the suburbs of Chicago, where she serves neurodivergent children, adults and their families. Over the last 40 plus years, she has worked for both private agencies and school systems. Diane has always been facinated by human behavior and has worked to better understand and support individuals with distressed behavior over the years. She currently focuses her practice on providing consultation and training. She works primarily with parents and regularly attends school meetings with them. Diane loves to train educators and therapists so they can better serve their students and clients. It was the understanding of behavior, autism and the supportive approach in the PDA literature that first drew her to learn more about PDA. And learning about PDA, led her to begin the new PDA movement in North America. Diane formed PDA North America at the first American PDA conference in March 2020. She is the author of the new book Navigating PDA in America. For more information about Diane’s work: https://dianegouldtherapy.com/ https://www.pdanorthamerica.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Linda J. Silver, M.S., Ed.S. discusses Section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and her career ensuring appropriate accommodations for students. Linda J. Silver, M.S., Ed.S. is the Executive Director and Founder of Silver & Associates Educational Consulting Solutions. She is an expert in the field of Section 504, an award winning certified school counselor, a nationally recognized speaker and published author advocating for students with disabilities. Linda’s training and work experiences have given her a unique perspective on children, schools and school district dynamics. Linda has been a Teacher, Guidance Director, Educational Leader, District Guidance Coordinator. She was selected to work at the school district level in administrative positions serving grades Pre-K to 12 for Broward County Schools, Ft. Lauderdale, FL the 6th largest school district in the United States. In her roles as the School District Section 504/ADA Specialist and as the School District Guidance Coordinator for the School Board of Broward County, Florida she oversaw over 340 schools with over 265,000 students. Silver & Associates Educational Consulting Solutions provides expert educational consultation services to parents and schools districts; ensuring equal access to education for all students and helping transform students’ lives. For more information about Linda’s work: https://www.504advocacy.com/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC returned to discuss her work as a Suicidologist. and the importance of inclusive mental health. Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert. She has worked in the social services field for over 12 years in a variety of capacities ranging from advocacy, direct service, and macro-focused positions. She is also a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging expert who aims to address the systemic barriers to equity in our community. Throughout her varied roles, Aisha has worked with marginalized populations within South Florida specifically those with severe and persistent mental illness, the forensic population in the criminal justice system and those incarcerated in local jail facilities, individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, youth in the welfare system and those in the department of juvenile justice, and individuals who are involuntarily hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act and Marchman Act laws. She currently works for United Way of Broward County as the Director of Training Initiatives where she facilitates and moderates community-wide trainings and professional development workshops focused on mental health awareness and education, racial and cultural trauma, substance use issues, as well as diversity, inclusion and social equity. Aisha also serves as a Suicidologist for the American Association of Suicidology where she conducts Psychological Autopsy trainings for national and international groups. She has worked with FAU Sandler School of Social Work for a number of years to offer professional development workshops such as these in order to enhance professional and clinical skills for our community agencies and providers. For more information about the United Way of Broward County: https://www.unitedwaybroward.org/ For more about American Association of Suicidology: https://suicidology.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC explains why trauma should be looked at through an intersectional lens. Aisha T. McDonald, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma and Resiliency Expert. She has worked in the social services field for over 12 years in a variety of capacities ranging from advocacy, direct service, and macro-focused positions. She is also a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging expert who aims to address the systemic barriers to equity in our community. Throughout her varied roles, Aisha has worked with marginalized populations within South Florida specifically those with severe and persistent mental illness, the forensic population in the criminal justice system and those incarcerated in local jail facilities, individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, youth in the welfare system and those in the department of juvenile justice, and individuals who are involuntarily hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act and Marchman Act laws. She currently works for United Way of Broward County as the Director of Training Initiatives where she facilitates and moderates community-wide trainings and professional development workshops focused on mental health awareness and education, racial and cultural trauma, substance use issues, as well as diversity, inclusion and social equity. Aisha also serves as a Suicidologist for the American Association of Suicidology where she conducts Psychological Autopsy trainings for national and international groups. She has worked with FAU Sandler School of Social Work for a number of years to offer professional development workshops such as these in order to enhance professional and clinical skills for our community agencies and providers. For more information about the United Way of Broward County: https://www.unitedwaybroward.org/ For more about American Association of Suicidology: https://suicidology.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Autism self-advocate, author, and speaker Sam Farmer discusses replacing internalized ableism with self-acceptance. Sam Farmer is an information technology consultant, neurodiversity community self-advocate, writer, author and public speaker. Identified later in life as autistic, he writes articles, records podcasts and presents at libraries, conferences and for corporations and autism community organizations, sharing stories of lived experiences and his opinions on a variety of topics of relevance to the neurodiversity and disability communities. A Long Walk Down a Winding Road - Small Steps, Challenges, & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens is his first book. Hei is also Lead Self-Advocate at Floreo, which uses virtual reality to teach social, communication, behavioral, and life skills to neurodiverse individuals and others who can benefit from practicing these skills. For more about Sam’s work and his new book: https://www.samfarmerauthor.com/ For more about Floreo: https://floreovr.com/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Dr. Craig Escudé discusses the importance of training doctors to care for the IDD and neurodivergent communities. Dr. Craig Escudé is a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine with over 20 years of clinical experience providing medical care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical conditions. He is the president of IntellectAbility, the mission of which is to “…provide tools and training to those who support people with vulnerabilities, helping them replace risk with health and wellness.” Dr. Escudé’s pursuit of educating clinicians led him to create the Curriculum in IDD Healthcare, the first-of-its-kind eLearn course that teaches the fundamentals of IDD healthcare to physicians, nurses, medical students, and other clinicians. Through this course, his lectures, and his writings, he has taught thousands of clinicians and supporters throughout the United States and beyond. In addition to being regularly published in Exceptional Parent Magazine, he also co-authors “Unlocking Behaviors” article series in Helen: The Journal of Human Exceptionality which sheds light on how many so-called “adverse behaviors” in people with IDD are actually due to treatable medical, environmental or social causes. He also hosts the podcast “IDD Health Matters with Craig Escudé, MD,” where he speaks with a wide range of leaders, self-advocates, agency directors, clinicians, administrators, and others from across the globe involved in designing and facilitating service delivery to people with IDD. For more about Dr. Escudé’s work: https://www.replacingrisk.com/ And look for IDD Health Matters Podcast, including on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IDDHealthMatters/featured Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Cheryl Checkers and Dr. Christopher Kye shares their experience working with autistic patients experiencing mental health challenges. Cheryl Checkers is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Board-Certified Counselor, and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist who specializes in working with teens and adults on the autism spectrum and their loved ones. She is the President of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Palm Beach County (NAMI PBC). Cheryl also is a clinical consultant for Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FAU CARD).She received her Master of Science Degree in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is both a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board-Certified Counselor. She also holds advanced certifications as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Clinical ADHD Treatment Professional (ADHD-CCSP). Dr. Christopher Kye is a distinguished psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in caring for individuals from all walks of life. He is deeply committed to incorporating the latest neuroscience insights to enhance the effectiveness of the treatments he offers. Dr. Kye's clinical practice focuses on the needs of children with autism and individuals with mood disorders who have proven resistant to standard treatments. His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of neuroscience, leveraging his research background to enhance patient care. Dr. Kye regularly shares his knowledge on neuropsychiatric topics at various institutions and conferences, including the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Florida Atlantic University and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. His presentations often focus on the practical application of neuroscience in clinical settings, aiming to improve patient outcomes by better understanding brain-behavior relationships. Dr. Kye is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Society of Biological Psychiatry and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. His commitment to advancing the field is also evident in his role on the Associate Board of Directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Palm Beach County, where he was honored with the 2015 Exemplary Psychiatrist Award. For more about Cheryl: https://www.cherylcheckers.com/ For more about Dr. Kye: https://www.christopherkyemd.com/ For more about FAU CARD: https://www.fau.edu/education/centersandprograms/card/ FAU CARD’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/FAUCARD For more about NAMI PBC: https://namipbc.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Epilepsy Alliance Florida’s Anna Diaz & Luis Martinez share facts about seizure disorders, and how the Alliance is working to increase awareness and support. Anna Diaz is a Social Service Aide for the Epilepsy Alliance Florida (EAF), and is herself an epilepsy self-advocate. Luis Martinez is a Community Resource Specialist for EAF. Established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), EAF is the principal agency for epilepsy programs and services sponsored by the State of Florida, servicing over half a million Floridians who live with the condition. For most of our history we were known as Epilepsy Foundation of Florida but in July 2018 we formally changed our name as we co –founded Epilepsy Alliance America, a nation-wide network of community-based epilepsy organizations. EAF also serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizures at the local, county, state and national level. For more about EAF: https://epilepsyalliancefl.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

9Muses Art Center’s Nicole Storrs shares how their drop-in center is helping people with mental health challenges. 9Muses Art Center is a drop-in center located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They are a program of Mental Health America of Southeast Florida providing free peer-driven behavioral health support to adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders. The center has a fully functioning studio for fine arts classes and ceramic art. Participants may choose from a broad array of visual and performing arts. Classes and personalized instruction along with individual studio time allow members to create according to their own personal “muse." Evidenced-based wellness activities and anxiety and depression support groups are held weekly. Members can engage in stimulating activity, free from the stigma of mental illness. The center has been promoting wellness for over 20 years and functions successfully as a peer-run organization. Members are free to come and go as they please, participate in any art classes, support groups, and wellness activities they wish, or sit and enjoy coffee and conversation with other members. Positive interaction creates a sense of empowerment and promotes mental health. Come join us! See what a Muse can do for you... For more about 9Muses: https://9musesartcenter.org/ For more information about programs by Mental Health America of Southeast Florida: https://www.mhasefl.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Katherine Murphy, CEO of NAMI Palm Beach County, share how the alliance is helping people with mental health challenges in South Florida and throughout the nation. NAMI Palm Beach County is an affiliate of NAMI - THE national Alliance on Mental Illness. From their website: “NAMI PBC is an organization dedicated to providing support, education and advocacy with the goal to empower persons with mental illness and their families. Support groups, information on community resources, advocacy, educational programs (such as Peer-to-Peer and Family-to-Family) and one-on-one peer mentoring are just some of the many services provided by NAMI PBC to Palm Beach County residents. As a nonprofit organization that relies on the generous donations of our members and others, our fundraising events, and that receives grant funds to support programs, all services and programs offered by NAMI PBC are free to those who use them… “…NAMI PBC strives to be the recognized leading organization for improving the quality of life and protecting the rights and interests of those affected by mental illness in Palm Beach County. Elimination of the stigma attached to mental illness is essential to achieve the goals of empowerment, social inclusion and recovery.” For more about NAMI PBC: https://namipbc.org/ Or for information about the national website: https://nami.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Fusion Academy’s Tainah Georges explains how they use a one-student-to-one-teacher model that allows students to achieve academically. Fusion describes itself as: “the world's most personalized middle and high school, with 1-to-1 classes that match your student's pace and preferences, so they can learn better, dive deeper, and never get left behind.” Their Mission statement: “Guided by a fundamental belief in the immense potential within every person, our mission is to help each student flourish – emotionally, socially, and academically – through positive, mentoring relationships and a personalized education experience.” Michelle Rose Gilman founded Fusion Academy out of frustration with the status quo, and a need for personalized education in her community. What began with one campus in Solana Beach, California in 1989 expanded to add a Los Angeles campus in 2010 through the help of what is now Fusion Education Group. Since then, Fusion has expanded to over 80 campuses across the country and changes the lives of thousands of families each year. For more about Fusion Academy: https://www.fusionacademy.com/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

Canine Assisted Therapy’s Courtney Trzcinski, Laura Rogers, and Gracie share what therapy animals do, and how they positively impact those with social and health challenges. Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc. is a pet therapy organization located in Broward County, Florida. Their mission is to improve the health and well-being of people in need through the healing power of the human-animal bond. From their website: “Utilizing our certified handlers and their therapy dogs, we are dedicated to providing pet therapy to children and adults who have developmental, emotional, or physical challenges, as well as those in need of comfort and companionship.” Courtney Trzcinski is the director of outreach and development at Canine Assisted Therapy. Laura Rogers is a volunteer dog handler there, where she shares her dog Gracie with the community. For more about Canine Assisted Therapy: https://catdogs.org/ Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/

University of Miami’s Shelly Baer & Jairo Arana discuss their Self-Advocate Leadership Training (SALT) program. Shelly Baer is a licensed clinical social worker, disability self-advocate, and the director of leadership training initiatives at the University of Miami School of Medicine’s Mailman Center for Child Development. Jairo Arana is a clinical program coordinator at the University of Miami School of Medicine’s Mailman Center for Child Development. Shelly is coordinator and Jairo a graduate of and trainer in the Center’s Self-Advocate Leadership Training program (SALT). Project SALT aims to teach a leadership skills curriculum to individuals with disabilities so that they can learn strategies to advocate for themselves and others and to effect larger systems-level change. The vision of the project: to produce an ever-growing cadre of individuals with the capacity for self-determination and independence and the ability to participate in their communities in meaningful ways. For more about the SALT program: https://med.miami.edu/centers-and-institutes/mailman-center/education/leadership-training-opportunities/salt Follow Different Brains on social media: https://twitter.com/diffbrains https://www.facebook.com/different.brains/ https://www.instagram.com/diffbrains/ Check out more episodes of Exploring Different Brains! http://differentbrains.org/category/edb/