Autism in the Adult

Autism Spectrum: The Challenges of Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is an often-used term in higher levels of education, community agencies, and medical settings. It describes the commitment to encourage students, clients, and patients to take an active role in communicating their needs and plans. There are aspects of self-advocacy that are inherently challenging to those on the spectrum. Join Dr. Regan to learn ways to make self-advocacy empowering rather than overwhelming for those on the spectrum. 
What is Self-Advocacy?
 
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult

Grief Reactions in the Autism Spectrum: Recognizing Signs and Providing Support

Grief reactions can look different for the individual on the autism spectrum than for the neurotypical. Join Dr. Regan to learn how to detect signs of grief in the ASD individual, and how to provide support during seasons of loss. 
 
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult

Autism Diagnosis: A Vital Step Toward Best Outcomes

For those on the autism spectrum, a diagnosis clarifies which of their characteristics are brain-based. This understanding breaks the cycle of relying on repetition, reasoning, and will-power to "do better." Instead, the individual can focus on the strategies that are most likely to improve his/her well-being and relationships. 
 
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult

Name that Emotion: Difficulty Decoding Emotions on the Spectrum

Although many on the spectrum describe sensitivity to emotional atmospheres, the ability to detect specific emotions, understand what triggered the feelings, and identify how to shift emotional states can be a struggle. Join Dr. Regan for this podcast as she breaks down some of the particular challenges and identifies recommendations for relationships. 
 
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult

Autism and Truth-Telling: Four Strategies for Protecting Relationships without Lying

Many individuals on the spectrum feel a deep commitment to facts and truth. This passion can lead to problems when also trying to navigate the relational aspects of a conversation. In this podcast, you'll learn four strategies you can use to protect relationships while remaining committed to the truth in conversations. 
 
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult

My Son Shuts Down When I'm Talking To Him: Listener Request

Dr. Regan answers a listener's questions about communication with her adult son on the spectrum. Have you ever wanted to have better exchanges with someone you know on the spectrum? Or perhaps you're an autistic adult who would like to understand social exchanges and make them more effective. Listen to this podcast to hear why the ASD individual may struggle during conversations, and how to engage in more gratifying exchanges. 
Learn about sequencing and speed from I Love Lucy
Autism and Communication in Relationships blog posts
What is Theory of Mind: videos
 
Dr. Regan's resources:
Books: Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults and Understanding Autistic Behaviors
Website: Autism in the Adult
 

Missed Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum: The Parable of the Elephant

Estimates indicate that about 25% of school children on the autism spectrum are missing a correct diagnosis, and over 90% of adults on the spectrum remain unidentified. In this podcast, Dr. Regan busts the myth that if autism is present, it will be accurately detected and identified in childhood. 
 
Additional resources: 
PDF downloadable document outlining rates of missed diagnosis and the DSM -5 manuals rules about diagnosis in adulthood
Video Content on Autism Diagnosis in Adulthood
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult
Autism Diagnosis in Adulthood: blog posts
Zur Institute CEU course: Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Clinician Needs to Know (including 10 reasons a diagnosis is important at any age)
For the Clinician: Training Courses for Diagnosis of Autism in Adulthood
 

He Can't Be Autistic: He's So Social!

In this podcast, Dr. Regan busts the myth that someone who is talkative cannot be on the autism spectrum.  It is important to understand the difference between "talkative" and "social."  Individuals on the autism spectrum may talk A LOT, and, in this respect, may be described as "social."  However, the autistic struggles to know who to connect with, how to take turns in conversation, what not to say, and when to walk away.
 
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult

The Difference Between Intellect and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Knowing Versus Doing

Dr. Regan explains the differences between intellect and autism, and why the distinction is important for providing the best support to those on the spectrum. 
Dr. Regan's resources:
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult
To learn more about why the term "high functioning autism" and important distinctions between cognitive skills and adaptive behavior, check out this article: Study Calls for an End to High Functioning Label
 
For a laugh, check out these Pinterest Fails: Twenty Hilarious Pinterest Fails

Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Similarities and Differences

This podcast will explain the similar anatomy and behavioral characteristics in ADD and ASD while emphasizing the differences in critical features. Have you been diagnosed with ADD and wonder if you are on the autism spectrum? Dr. Regan explains why the diagnosis of ADD often comes first and why specific assessments are vital in finding the most accurate diagnosis. 
Want more information? Try these resources:
Autism diagnosis in adulthood: blog posts
Free and Paid video content about autism diagnosis in adulthood
The Understanding Autism book series
Audiobook
Website: Autism in the Adult