Uniquely Normal: A Rob Bernstein Podcast Rob Bernstein

Join me for a conversation with Sahas Kumaraguru. He is part of FIRST, which is an international STEM organization that teaches STEM in a fun way. This includes multiple programs. Some are Lego-oriented and motor-oriented, and some work with hydraulics and pneumatics. This is an incredible way to learn. The topic of our discussion is really how can we introduce and include more neurodiverse students in this program. Through FIRST Sahas feels that so many kids can use their passion for robotics or legos to help more young people to come out of their shells and expand their social group as well as their skillset, while also having a lot of fun!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Kirsten Calloway. We discuss her neurodivergence as being something new in her life with a late-in-life diagnosis and how this has been so eye-opening for her as a woman, a woman of color, and a student of positive psychology. We talk about the fact that so many women in particular go through life without ever being diagnosed with autism. Listen in for so much more, as Kirsten has a lot to bring to this discussion.

Sam Henderson is a 15 year old who has a mind of his own and has all kinds of unique interests. Sometimes there is a disconnect with Sam's interests and what his school wants him to learn. We discuss the school system and how it can be a challenge for anyone that is neurodivergent to feel they are being seen and heard for who they are in their school system.

Sam is also the founder of Autists For Change, which is a grassroots organization that he started. He uses the internet and social media to help share and promote autistic voices. He helps promote the voices of autists in the system, to advocate for improvements to the system. His organization also tries to spread awareness and educate people on autism, so that autism can be better understood and accepted. If you are interested in his mission, or want to join, please visit Sam's website at www.autistsforchange.org

In this episode Rob talks about coming back from vacation and how we might actually need a day or two after to recharge. Especially for people who are on the spectrum, coming back into a routine can be particularly challenging. Why don't we have half days when we come back from vacation during this adjustment period? The idea that we have to all be prepared for this mass adjustment is tough. It's not just waking up early, its getting back into that routine. We have to be patient with this process. Let's all give each other some grace during this adjustment period!

In this episode of Uniquely Normal: A Rob Bernstein Podcast, we flip things around and Marcia Eckerd interviews me on my newly released book "Uniquely Normal Manual". This new manual has specific guidelines and many step by step tools that will actually teach you to use my Bernstein Cognitive Approach for Autism. In the original book, Uniquely Normal I tell you what I do. In the new Uniquely Normal Manual, I teach YOU how to do it. I hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks for listening! 



Who is Dr. Marcia Eckerd?

Dr. Marcia Eckerd is a licensed psychologist since 1985, and was appointed by the State Legislature of CT to serve on the Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Council. She helped establish the Yale-Norwalk Hospital collaboration Pediatric Development and Therapy Center. She trained extensively in psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mind-body medicine, neuropsychological testing and EMDR both for children and adults.

Join us with “What’s New” and “What’s Next” in the field of autism