Our Top Picks: Autism Podcasts for Parents
2020 has presented challenges for most of us, and if there’s anything we’ve learned from this pandemic it’s that we need to look out for and support one another. Here are some of our favorite podcasts that are doing just that for the neurodiverse community.
The Autism Helper Podcast
This one is pretty self-explanatory, The Autism Helper Podcast outlines and evaluates strategies for a multitude of life experiences & situations (ie. task analysis, remote learning techniques, sensory friendly tips) to help improve the day to day lives of individuals with ASD. With more than 100 episodes spanning 3 years, this is one of the more established podcasts within the ASD community. All of the episodes are accompanied with links to external resources relating to the content from that week!
Parenting Autism
Parenting Autism podcast is a bit more personal, instead of hearing tips from professionals, the podcast is hosted by two everyday parents of a six year old child who is on the spectrum. Sandy & Chris Colter share their journey of raising their son Bryce in a sincere and transparent manner. This is an easy-to-relate-to podcast to share with peers who may not be educated on neurodiversity and want to learn more.
Autism Blueprint
Incorporating both professional and personal perspectives on neurodiversity is Janeen Herskovitz of Autism Blueprint. Janeen is an experienced therapist as well as autism mom. Guests featured on the podcast range from other parents to family counselors to relationship coaches, sharing insights on how to improve relationships, better connect with your child, and long term plans for support.
ASF Weekly Science Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Alicia Halliday, The Autism Science Foundation Weekly Science Podcast shares the most up to date & relevant research that relates to ASD. Halliday covers topics (telehealth, cat therapy, the affects of environmental exposure on gene expression, physical activity, etc.) in a matter that makes them less daunting to the everyday individual, spicing up the subject matter with relatable pop culture references.
Tech Forward
While Tech Forward’s podcast is more focused on tech than ASD, we admire and share their mission to amplify the voices of those who are underrepresented in tech related fields. Tech Forward provides listeners with a better perspective of the lack of diversity that operates within the tech industry. The show features inspiring stories of successful figures in the industry who have overcome stigma & discrimination. One of our favorite episodes is “Episode 7: Opening doors in Tech”, which features Oliver Thornton, CEO of Coding Autism, an organization whos mission is to reduce the disproportionately high unemployment rate that faces the ASD community.
