Autism Explained: The Way We See It

Juming Delmas
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Mental Health

Welcome to Autism Explained: The Way We See It, a podcast focused on real perspectives, real experiences, and honest conversations about autism. This isn’t textbook talk—this is about how autism actually shows up in everyday life. Autism is a spectrum, meaning no two individuals experience the world the same. From communication and behavior to perception and emotional processing, autism looks different for everyone—and that difference deserves understanding, not judgment. In this podcast, we break down what autism is, challenge common misconceptions, and create space for voices that are often overlooked. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone looking to learn, this is where understanding begins. Subscribe for real conversations that shift perspective. Produced by Juming Delmas Studios (JDS) — a premium podcast production company helping creators turn conversations into impact, authority, and growth. This podcast is part of the JDS Podcast Network, a curated network of shows designed to amplify voices, expand reach, and create powerful cross-platform visibility.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    More Capable Than You Think: A Paraprofessional’s View of Autism in the Classroom

    Buzzsprout DescriptionWhat does support for an autistic student actually look like inside the classroom? In this episode of Autism Awareness, paraprofessional Jaya Shelton takes listeners inside her day-to-day work supporting students with autism and other disabilities in the school system. Jaya explains that the ultimate goal of a paraprofessional is not to remain beside a student forever—it is to help that student become as independent, confident, and capable of self-advocacy as possible. From helping students understand classroom concepts and social cues to working toward IEP and behavior-plan goals, paraprofessionals often become an important part of a student's educational journey. But Jaya emphasizes that support should always move toward teaching students how to communicate their needs, ask for help, interact with peers, and navigate the classroom more independently. She also challenges several common misconceptions about autism, including the belief that autistic students are unable to learn or that difficult behaviors simply require more discipline. Jaya explains that autistic students often communicate in different ways—through speech, gestures, ASL, communication devices, or behavior itself. What may appear to be “bad behavior” can sometimes be a student trying to communicate overwhelm, frustration, discomfort, or an unmet need. The conversation also explores the importance of early identification and access to support. Jaya discusses how fear of labeling a child can sometimes prevent families from pursuing an evaluation, potentially delaying access to resources that could help that student succeed. Throughout the episode, Jaya shares encouraging success stories from her own classroom experience, including students making major gains in communication, behavior, memory, academics, and social interaction. She also explains why life skills are such an important part of special education. Students may work on everything from brushing their teeth and folding clothes to sewing, preparing simple food, using manners, and learning how to ask for what they need. For Jaya, the goal is bigger than succeeding in school. It is helping every student develop the skills needed for as much independence as possible—because no one knows what that child's future might hold. Drawing from her own childhood experiences of being diagnosed but not receiving the support she needed, Jaya closes with a simple message for parents, educators, peers, and communities: Be kind. Be patient. Be willing to look beyond what you see on the surface. A person's struggles may not always be visible, but the right support, understanding, and encouragement can make an enormous difference. Listen to this episode of Autism Awareness for an inside look at special education, paraprofessional support, autism in the classroom, communication, life skills, behavior, independence, and the incredible potential of students when someone believes in what they can become.

  2. Aug 5

    Beyond Behavior: Autism, Nutrition, and Gut Health with Greer McGuiness

    In this episode of Autism Explained, the host welcomes Greer McGuiness, a registered dietitian with nearly 20 years of experience, published researcher, autism practitioner, and mother of a 12-year-old son with autism and ARFID. Greer discusses why autism cannot always be understood through genetics or behavior alone. Because every autistic child presents differently, she believes families and professionals may also need to examine nutrition, digestion, nutrient status, the gut microbiome, and other biochemical factors that can affect a child’s comfort, appetite, energy, and daily functioning. The conversation explores the high prevalence of selective eating, sensory feeding challenges, and gastrointestinal issues among children on the spectrum. Greer explains how limited diets may create nutritional gaps and why behavioral changes can sometimes be connected to physical discomfort that a child may not be able to communicate clearly. She also addresses popular dietary interventions, including gluten-free and dairy-free approaches. While some families report meaningful improvements, Greer emphasizes that restrictive diets should be introduced carefully and under the guidance of a licensed practitioner so children continue receiving appropriate nutrition. The episode also examines supplements and testing. Rather than selecting products based on social-media testimonials, Greer encourages parents to work with qualified professionals and consider appropriate conventional or functional laboratory testing before introducing supplements to a developing child. Greer makes an important distinction about the purpose of biomedical support: the goal is not to “cure” or “reverse” autism. Her own son remains autistic. Her focus is helping children feel as healthy, comfortable, nourished, and supported as possible. Learn more and access Greer’s free educational resources at biomedicalhealingforkids.com. The website includes 11 free e-books, including the Microbiome Workbook and the Autism and ADHD Biomedical Workbook, which discusses laboratory tests that may be covered by insurance. You can also join the private Facebook group Biomedical Healing for Kids and follow @biomedicalhealingforkids on Instagram. This episode is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical or nutritional care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing a child’s diet, supplements, medication, or treatment plan.

  3. Jul 22

    A Different Way of Thinking: Autism, Magic, and Finding Your Strengths

    In this episode of Autism Explained, professional magician and disability advocate Cody Clark shares how an early autism diagnosis, an extremely limited prognosis, and one unforgettable moment onstage helped shape his life and career. Cody’s parents first noticed changes in his responsiveness when he was approximately 15 months old. After his autism diagnosis, a pediatrician predicted that Cody would never walk, talk, marry, or hold a job. Rather than allowing that prediction to define their son’s future, Cody’s family continued supporting his development and encouraging his abilities. His path toward magic began at age 11 during a family vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama. When a magician invited Cody onto the stage, he experienced a sense of confidence and empowerment that he had not found through sports or traditional academics. That moment sparked what would become a 22-year career in performance. Cody also reflects on the gradual development of his identity as an autistic advocate. In fourth grade, he began recognizing that autism was not simply a diagnosis attached to him—it was part of how he experienced and understood the world. Later, while attending the University of Louisville, mentor Richard Ryufo encouraged Cody to stop concealing his differences onstage and instead perform with greater honesty. That advice led Cody to create an autism-centered routine that eventually became his signature touring show, A Different Way of Thinking. Through a blend of magic, comedy, storytelling, and influences drawn from classic country songwriting, Cody helps audiences reconsider disability through a strength-based lens. He discusses valuable autistic traits including honesty, emotional sensitivity, hyper-empathy, deep focus, and a strong desire to solve problems. The conversation also explores the double empathy problem and why genuine autism acceptance requires autistic and neurotypical people to meet one another in the middle. Cody compares the communication gap to attempting to install software designed for a PC directly onto a Mac: neither system is defective, but they operate differently. Learn more about Cody’s performances, advocacy work, and touring schedule at codyclarkmagic.com. Follow @codyclarkmagic on all major social platforms.

    A Different Way of Thinking: Autism, Magic, and Finding Your Strengths

  4. Jul 8

    Communication Is More Than Speech with Jessica Yamoah

    In this episode of Autism Explained, pediatric speech and language pathologist Jessica Yamoah, founder of Tech Talk SLP Services, shares guidance for families supporting autistic children through communication, connection, and understanding. Jessica specializes in helping autistic children and their families build meaningful communication through spoken language, Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices, and other forms of connection. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes that communication is not only about talking. It is about relationships, expression, understanding, and helping every child connect with the world around them. The episode explores the importance of presuming potential and recognizing that every child deserves the opportunity to express what they think, feel, want, and need — whether they communicate through speech, gestures, AAC, facial expressions, play, or other forms of connection. Jessica also addresses common misconceptions, including the idea that verbal autistic children do not need communication support. Many highly verbal autistic children may still struggle with the hidden rules of conversation, such as understanding humor, reading facial expressions, joining groups, or navigating social expectations. The conversation also discusses AAC devices and the fear some parents have that using technology will prevent spoken language. Jessica explains that AAC can support and strengthen language development rather than limit it. For parents navigating a new autism diagnosis, Jessica offers a grounding reminder: your child is the same child they were before the diagnosis. The diagnosis should not overshadow the opportunity to connect, understand, and support them. This episode also provides practical advice for building communication at home through everyday moments like playing, reading, cooking, walking, and following a child’s interests. Parents do not have to become their child’s therapist. Instead, they can create more opportunities for connection by waiting, modeling, responding, and celebrating small wins. Progress may look like a new word, but it can also look like a smile, a gesture, a shared moment, or a child using a device to advocate for themselves. The key takeaway: instead of focusing only on what you can teach your child, focus on how you can connect with them. Communication grows best when children feel understood, supported, and unpressured.

  5. Jun 3

    Creating Safe Spaces for Children with Autism with Iris Pendleton

    In this episode of Autism Explained, host Dacia Williams sits down with Iris Pendleton, founder and owner of Camp Summer Garden, for a heartfelt conversation about autism, inclusion, summer camp, after-school support, and creating spaces where neurodivergent children can feel safe, understood, and free to be themselves. Iris shares the story behind Camp Summer Garden, which she founded in 2019 after watching her sister struggle to find the right programs for her niece, who has autism. With a doctoral background in early childhood autism, Iris saw the need for a program that could offer more than supervision. She wanted to build a place where children with autism and other neurodivergent needs could receive intentional support, build friendships, enjoy meaningful activities, and grow socially in an environment designed with them in mind. The conversation explores what makes Camp Summer Garden unique, including its small group sizes, low staff-to-child ratios, and intentional hiring practices. Iris explains why the program keeps groups limited, with approximately 15 children in the after-school program and around 25 in the summer camp, so each child can receive the attention and support they deserve. The camp also prioritizes staff who not only have training and education in autism, but also a genuine heart for working with children. Dacia and Iris also discuss the impact the camp has on families. Parents often report growth in their children’s social skills, confidence, and ability to make lasting friendships. Iris shares sweet and memorable moments from the program, including a child’s excitement over the Artemis space mission and a pretend “five-star” meal created in the camp kitchen. These stories show how powerful play, imagination, structure, and belonging can be for children who may not always feel fully seen in traditional settings. At its heart, this episode is about the importance of creating spaces where autistic and neurodivergent children are not just accommodated, but welcomed. Camp Summer Garden is built around inclusion, connection, patience, and the belief that every child deserves a place to learn, play, socialize, and thrive. Learn more about Camp Summer Garden at campsummergarden.org, on Instagram at @CampSummerGarden_TLH, or on Facebook at Camp Summer Garden. To learn more about the Infinite Spectrum Foundation, visit infinitespectrumfoundation.org. Spectrum Support Groups are held every second Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30, with virtual and in-person options available at infinitespectrumfoundation.org/events.

  6. May 22

    Dyslexia, Autism & Different Abilities with Kea Herron and Bee's Knees Literacy LLC

    In this episode of Autism Explained, host Juming Delmas welcomes Kea Herron and her therapy dog, Charlie Chaplin, for a thoughtful conversation about dyslexia, autism, literacy, and how families can better support neurodivergent learners. Kea breaks down dyslexia in a clear and approachable way, explaining that it affects reading, writing, and spelling, but has nothing to do with intelligence. The conversation reframes dyslexia not simply as a disability, but as a different way of processing language and information. Kea also highlights that many highly successful and creative people have dyslexia, reminding listeners that learning differences can come with powerful strengths. The episode also explores the overlap that can exist between dyslexia and autism. While the two are not the same, many students may experience both, along with related challenges such as dyscalculia, which affects math, and dysgraphia, which affects writing. Juming and Kea discuss why understanding these differences matters so much for parents, teachers, and students who may be searching for the right support. A major focus of the conversation is literacy tutoring and the importance of using structured teaching methods that work for dyslexic learners. Kea discusses the Orton-Gillingham approach, which focuses on sounds, decoding, and helping students build reading skills step by step rather than relying on guessing or picture-based cues. The episode also highlights helpful resources for families, including Bee’s Knees Literacy, Kea’s tutoring business, Understood.org, and the Infinite Spectrum Foundation, which provides support for families and teaches individuals on the spectrum skills like podcast production. Kea also shares the role of animal therapy through Charlie Chaplin’s work with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. This episode is a helpful listen for parents, educators, caregivers, and advocates who want to better understand dyslexia, autism, literacy support, and how to recognize the strengths inside different learning styles.  #AutismExplained #Autism #Dyslexia #Neurodiversity #LearningDifferences #OrtonGillingham #LiteracySupport #SpecialEducation #DyslexiaAwareness #AutismSupport

  7. May 9

    Autism, Understanding, and the Language of Behavior

    In this episode of the Infinite Spectrum Podcast, Cynthia Covington brings a rare and deeply informed perspective to the conversation around autism, education, and neurodivergent support. With three decades of nursing experience, a background in neurology, work as an Exceptional Student Education teacher, and her own journey as a homeschooling parent, Cynthia speaks from the intersection of medicine, education, and lived experience.  Cynthia challenges the way autism is so often framed, encouraging listeners to see it not simply as a disability, but as a different kind of intelligence. She discusses the remarkable strengths many autistic individuals possess, including deep focus, pattern recognition, strong memory, and highly logical systems thinking. Rather than reducing neurodivergent children to their struggles, she invites parents, educators, and communities to better understand how differently wired minds process the world.  A major theme of the episode is the idea that behavior is communication. Cynthia explains that meltdowns and other outward behaviors are often signs of sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, or cognitive energy being redirected, not acts of defiance or bad behavior. She advocates for a calmer, more empathetic approach—one that respects the need for self-regulation and prioritizes understanding over punishment.  The conversation also explores Cynthia’s educational philosophy and the methods she uses in her work with students. She shares how she creates low-pressure learning environments, allows movement and stimming, and even uses tools like avatars to reduce the stress of eye contact. She also introduces her Splash Method, a structured approach that begins with social-emotional readiness before moving into priming and academic instruction.  Cynthia also reflects on why traditional school settings can be so difficult for neurodivergent learners, from bright lights and loud bells to rigid expectations around sitting still and performing in conventional ways. As more families search for flexible, interest-based learning options, she offers insight into why homeschooling and individualized education models are becoming increasingly appealing.  At its heart, this episode is a call for empathy. Whether in schools, homes, or public spaces, Cynthia urges people to meet neurodivergent children with patience, respect, and curiosity rather than judgment. It’s a thoughtful, compassionate conversation about how we can better support autistic individuals by seeing their behaviors, needs, and strengths more clearly.

  8. May 6

    Healing from the Inside Out with Dr. Matthew Zaideman

    In this episode of Infinite Spectrum, we sit down with Dr. Matthew Zaideman, also known as Dr. Z, to talk about the powerful connection between the brain, body, nutrition, and family wellness.  Dr. Zaideman is a chiropractic physician, functional medicine practitioner, clinic owner, and host of Neurotrition, where he helps families better understand the links between neurological health, nutrition, digestion, behavior, and development. His work focuses on supporting children and families navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, and other developmental challenges through a root-cause, whole-body approach.  Throughout the conversation, Dr. Z shares his personal and professional journey, including how his experience as a father shaped his passion for helping families feel more informed, supported, and empowered. The episode explores why symptoms often tell only part of the story, how the brain and body communicate, and why parents deserve practical tools—not confusion—when searching for answers.  Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or someone interested in holistic approaches to neurodivergent support, this episode offers an accessible look at how science, nutrition, and natural healing can work together.  Topics include:   The brain-body connection  Functional medicine and root-cause care  Nutrition’s role in neurological health  Support for autism, ADHD, anxiety, and dyslexia  Empowering families with practical, understandable information  Dr. Z’s personal mission as a practitioner and father  To learn more about Dr. Matthew Zaideman and his work, visit North Florida Spine and Wellness or listen to Neurotrition.

  9. Apr 24

    Autism, Employment & Community: Betty Proctor on Helping Neurodivergent Young Adults Thrive

    In this episode of the Infinite Spectrum Foundation podcast, Betty Proctor shares a deeply personal and practical conversation about autism, parenting, education, employment, and the importance of helping neurodivergent young people build confidence through real-world exposure. As the co-owner of Obsessions Gifts and a leader in the nonprofit IMPACT, Betty brings both lived experience and hands-on community work to the discussion as she reflects on raising her daughter Nijah and helping create pathways for autistic and disabled individuals to grow into adulthood with greater independence and support. Betty talks about Nijah’s developmental journey, including her autism diagnosis in early childhood and the crucial role that support systems played along the way. She highlights how FSU CARD helped provide strategies for everyday life, from reading and routines to dressing and chores, and how steady communication with educators and staff became essential throughout each stage of school. The episode also traces Nijah’s path through preschool, elementary school, junior high, high school, and college, showing how anxiety, bullying, leadership development, safe spaces, and steady encouragement all shaped her progress. A major theme of this episode is transition to adulthood. Betty explains why she chose to leave her job and launch Obsessions Gifts with Nijah, creating a business environment where vocational growth, communication skills, and confidence could develop naturally. Through art, customer interaction, and community events, Nijah was able to move from anxiety and hesitation into a stronger ability to greet customers, present products, and handle money. That progression becomes one of the clearest examples in the episode of what can happen when neurodivergent individuals are given support, patience, and meaningful opportunities instead of being kept on the sidelines. The conversation also speaks directly to parents, educators, and community leaders. Betty emphasizes the importance of gradual exposure, not isolation — helping autistic individuals learn how to function in a world filled with different people, environments, sounds, and expectations. She talks honestly about sensory challenges, panic, and overwhelm, while also encouraging practical tools like accommodations, safe spaces, and noise-canceling headphones. Her message is both realistic and hopeful: growth can be uncomfortable, but community exposure and support are essential because parents will not always be there to do everything forever. The episode also shines a light on the work of IMPACT, which focuses on social communication, work readiness, self-advocacy, vocational rehabilitation, and supported job experience for people with autism and other disabilities. That mission fits squarely into a larger conversation happening right now around autistic adulthood and employment, especially as organizations keep pushing for better transition planning, skill-building, and inclusive job pathways. Overall, this is a warm, grounded, and important episode about what true support looks like — not only in childhood, but in the years when young adults need opportunity, trust, and community connection the most.

  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to Autism Explained: The Way We See It, a podcast focused on real perspectives, real experiences, and honest conversations about autism. This isn’t textbook talk—this is about how autism actually shows up in everyday life. Autism is a spectrum, meaning no two individuals experience the world the same. From communication and behavior to perception and emotional processing, autism looks different for everyone—and that difference deserves understanding, not judgment. In this podcast, we break down what autism is, challenge common misconceptions, and create space for voices that are often overlooked. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone looking to learn, this is where understanding begins. Subscribe for real conversations that shift perspective. Produced by Juming Delmas Studios (JDS) — a premium podcast production company helping creators turn conversations into impact, authority, and growth. This podcast is part of the JDS Podcast Network, a curated network of shows designed to amplify voices, expand reach, and create powerful cross-platform visibility.

Information