The Eye on Autism Podcast

Brightway Living & Learning

0.0 (0)
Non-Profit
Updated Monthly

Hosted by Brightway’s Dr. Michael Romas, clinical psychologist and former radio host of DDI on Autism, this monthly podcast provides a dynamic platform to explore issues and perspectives that matter to the families, professionals, and communities Brightway serves. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts, practitioners, and thought leaders in the field of developmental disabilities.

May 19

Episode 9: Mental Health Awareness Month

Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of the Eye on Autism podcast, brought to you by Brightway Living & Learning – formerly Developmental Disabilities Institute, proudly continuing a 65-year legacy of supporting children and adults on their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. I’m your host, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michael Romas. This new name reflects our continued commitment to innovation, inclusion and the people and families we support – while honoring the strong foundation we’ve built over the past six and a half decades. Now let’s get right into it. May is Mental Health Awareness Month – so today we’re taking time to focus on something that touches every one of us – mental health. Here at Brightway, we believe that mental health is essential to both the overall well-being of our employees and the people and families we support. Joining me today is Melissa Ortiz, the Psychology Coordinator in our Children’s Residential Program and Mary Ingargiola, our Employee Engagement Manager. Thank you both for joining us. Host: Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical Psychologist Guest 1: Mary Ingargiola, Employee Engagement Manager Guest 2: Melissa Ortiz, Children’s Residential Program, Psychology Coordinator

30 min
Apr 7

Episode 8: Making an EMPAACT

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and what better time to unveil a cutting-edge project in the Autism field. This project is designed to create the first-ever Enhancing Mental Health Practice for Autistic Adults Collaborative Team (EMPAACT). EMPAACT is meant to be a collaborative, multi-stakeholder team of autistic adults with high mental health needs, researchers, family members, and professionals. Together, EMPAACT aims to create resources and identify community priorities to increase capacity for autistic mental health research and practice.

36 min
Mar 3

Episode 7: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, host Dr. Michael Romas speaks with DDI Board Chairman Joseph W. Schmidt, ESQ. and DDI Assistant Residential Manager Bankole Olaofe on the importance of raising awareness for those living with autism and other developmental disabilities.

30 min
Feb 3

Episode 6: At The Heart of It

Host: Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical Psychologist Guest Name & Title: Consuelo Senior, LMSW, CSE, MACM, Director of YAI Knowledge Description / Links to Further Info: https://www.yai.org/people/consuelo-senior Mental Health Clinician, Adjunct Professor, International Consultant, Sexuality and Disability Expert, Transformational Speaker Consuelo Senior has over 27 years of experience working in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health. She has trained and developed curricula for a wide range of topics of importance to the disability field and is certified in areas of Sexuality, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Grief and Loss. She has trained extensively on Dual Diagnosis (MH & I/DD), Aging, Dementia/Alzheimer, Professional Development, Leadership, Effective Teaching, Supporting People with Profound Disabilities and Complex Needs, Diversity and Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, and Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset. Consuelo is published in The Autism Spectrum News and is also a contributor to the UNFPA published International Technical and Programmatic Guidance on Out of School Comprehensive Sexuality Education. She also has been cited/featured in training materials for the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities-Workforce Transformation, the New York University Review of Law & Social Change, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, Broadly VICE Magazine, The Atlantic Magazine, and other publications.

27 min
Jan 6

Finding His Voice at 54: Tim Goldstein on Autism, Emotion & Inclusion (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on the [EYE] on Autism Podcast, Dr. Michael Romas continues his discussion with neurodivergent communication specialist and author Tim Goldstein. Together, they explore the deep connection between autism and anxiety, why traditional labels like “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent” may be limiting, and how reframing autism through human traits can lead to greater understanding and inclusion. Tim introduces transformative concepts such as neurodistinct, neurouniform, and the neurocloud, challenging outdated models of autism and mental health. This episode offers valuable insights for autistic individuals, families, clinicians, educators, and anyone interested in neurodiversity, anxiety management, and inclusive thinking. If you’re seeking thoughtful, experience-based discussion on autism, identity, employment, communication, and advocacy—this conversation will resonate deeply. Learn more: https://www.ddiny.org #Autism #Neurodiversity #AutismAndAnxiety #Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #AutismPodcast #InclusiveThinking #AutisticAdults #NeurodiversityAcceptance #AutismAdvocacy #HumanTraits #AnxietyDisorders #AutismAwareness #PsychologyPodcast #NeurodiversityAtWork

25 min
12/16/2025

Holiday Tips for Autism: Preparing Families, Reducing Stress & Creating Predictability | Eye on Autism

In this episode of the [Eye] on Autism Podcast, clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Romas sits down with Dr. Dana Reinecke, a NYS-licensed psychologist and behavioral analyst, to explore how the holiday season impacts children and adults on the autism spectrum. Dr. Reinecke breaks down why changes in routines, sensory overload, unfamiliar environments, and emotional transitions can be especially challenging — and offers practical strategies families, caregivers, and staff can use to create predictability and emotional safety. Topics include visual supports, social stories, communication systems, coping with sensory overload, preparing extended family, managing transitions back to school or residential programs, and understanding the emotional “blues” that often follow the holiday season. This conversation is packed with evidence-based insights to help families and professionals make the holidays more meaningful, manageable, and supportive for autistic individuals of all ages. If you find this content helpful, please like, subscribe, and share to help build a more inclusive world. Learn more or support DDI’s mission: ddiny.org

30 min
11/25/2025

Finding His Voice at 54: Tim Goldstein on Autism, Emotion & Inclusion

In this powerful episode of the [EYE] on Autism podcast, Dr. Michael Romas speaks with neurodiverse communication specialist and author Tim Goldstein, who was diagnosed with autism at age 54. Tim opens up about how late diagnosis reshaped his understanding of himself, his communication, and his relationships. He shares candid insights into perception, emotion, inclusion, and the challenges of navigating the world without the emotional “meta-sense” most people rely on. From vocal coaching to cognitive processing to reading social cues, Tim offers a rare, deeply personal look into the autistic experience—and why understanding neurodiversity matters more than ever. Join us for Part 1 of an eye-opening, thought-provoking conversation.#AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #LateDiagnosisAutism #AutismPodcast #Neurodivergent #AutisticAdults #AutismEducation #InclusionMatters #DevelopmentalDisabilities #MentalHealthAwareness #NeurodivergentVoices #SocialCommunication #AutismSupport #EyeOnAutism

28 min
10/28/2025

Autism & Work: Inside DDI’s Supported Employment (95% Retention) with Wendy Elsen

Clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Romas talks with DDI job development coordinator Wendy Elsen about what supported employment really looks like for autistic adults—vocational profiles, task analysis, job tryouts, employer partnerships, and the critical role of job coaches. Hear real success stories, strategies for reducing anxiety, and why hiring neurodiverse talent makes strong business sense. For families, educators, employers, and self-advocates. #Autism #Neurodiversity #SupportedEmployment #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveHiring #AutismEmployment #AutisticAdults #JobCoach #WorkplaceAccommodations #WorkforceInclusion #VocationalRehabilitation #AnxietySupport #JobPlacement #EyeOnAutism #EyeOnAutismPodcast

34 min
09/30/2025

Back-to-School Transitions on the Autism Spectrum: Social Stories, Routines, and Behavior Support

On this Eye on Autism episode, host Dr. Michael Romis speaks with two DDI education leaders about making back-to-school transitions smoother for autistic students and their families. They break down practical tools—social stories, visual schedules, classroom routines, sensory supports—and explain the ABCs of behavior and MEATS functions in plain language. We also cover parent training, inclusion, reinforcement strategies, and community integration across preschool and school-age programs on Long Island. Subscribe for monthly conversations that inform, inspire, and support autistic people, families, educators, and staff.#Autism #Neurodiversity #BackToSchool #AutismEducation #SpecialEducation #EarlyChildhood #ParentTraining #BehaviorSupport #ABA #SocialStories #VisualSchedules #SensorySupports #Inclusion #DDI #LongIsland

32 min

9 Episodes

Hosted by Brightway’s Dr. Michael Romas, clinical psychologist and former radio host of DDI on Autism, this monthly podcast provides a dynamic platform to explore issues and perspectives that matter to the families, professionals, and communities Brightway serves. Each episode features in-depth conversations with experts, practitioners, and thought leaders in the field of developmental disabilities.

Creator

Brightway Living & Learning
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Brightway Living & Learning
Show Website

The Eye on Autism Podcast