On today’s show, an exclusive interview with author Laura Schumaker.

You’ll discover:
>>Tips on raising a child with autism
>>How to handle stress when raising or working with a child with autism
>>Keys to keeping your marriage happy and healthy during difficult times
>>How to center yourself during stressful times

Laura Shumaker is an award winning writer and author of A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism. A regular contributor to NPR Perspectives and a columnist for 5 MINUTES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS dot COM, her essays have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times, the East Bay Monthly and in several anthologies.

On today’s show, we feature an exclusive interview with nutritionist and author Donna Gates.

Listen to Discover:
>>How following  Donna’s Body Ecology Diet has reversed symptoms of Autism
>>The causes of Autism and how to restore health
>>The 7 Principles to help remove symptoms associated with Autism
>>The key factors to preventing Autism

Donna Gates, an author, international speaker and nutritional consultant has helped thousands of people not only overcome immune system disorders but also reach the higher level of well-being by developing a world-renowned system of healing.  Her book, The Body Ecology Diet was written after years of research to find a cure for her own candida-related health problems. Frustrated with conventional medicine, she embarked on a long course of study into many different healing concepts, incorporating the most beneficial components of each concept which led to her own cutting edge approach to health and healing.

Much more than a “diet” Body Ecology is a system of Health and Healing. It offers a constantly expanding body of knowledge that focuses on the benefits of establishing and maintaining an inner ecosystem in the intestines with beneficial probiotic microflora.. Eating a mostly plant-based diet with a focus on fermented foods and following the seven Body Ecology principles lays down a foundation for health that is essential to wellness.

Donna’s nutritional knowledge and successful dietary approaches to healing soon led to her focus on Autism.

Since 2002, Ms. Gates has actively worked to develop programs and health innovations that have transformed the lives of autistic children and their families. Ms. Gates established the BEDROK program (Body Ecology Recovering Our Kids), a treatment plan and support group for families who are recovering their children from autism as well as prospective parents to prevent autism. This program, which began with a modest group of six concerned mothers, has grown to more than 1000 families who actively participate in the Body Ecology program and share their successes and challenges in a dynamic online community.

The Body Ecology Diet and Donna Gates are frequently receiving recognition in publications and books and has recently been featured in Fitness Magazine, Living Without Magazine and Palm Beach’s own “Boomer Times” Magazine.  The Body Ecology Diet was also featured and chosen as “the best diet of all” in the newly released Envisioning a Bright Future, Interventions that Work for Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.   Donna is interviewed and featured on radio shows and has been asked by nutritional schools to write workshops and class articles to educate the public on her understanding of the body’s inner ecosystem and its relationship to overall health.  She is well-regarded for introducing Americans to new concepts, new food and insights for using medicinal foods. She pioneered “young coconut kefir”, a healthful, nutrient-rich drink which then led to the development of Coco-Biotic and other popular and highly nutritious probiotic-rich liquids.

The “Body Ecology Diet” book is now in its 10th Edition and is continuing to grow in popularity and demand.  Body Ecology offers highly developed products relating to Donna’s belief in nurturing the inner ecosystem to achieve the highest level of health; a complete system for rebuilding immunity.  Find out more about The Body Ecology Diet and Donna Gates’ calendar of events at her website.

You’ll discover:
>>The Four Agreements and Applying them to Autism
>>Keys to Finding inner love and peace no matter what your circumstance may be
>>How “The Mastery of Love” will inspire and connect you
>>How expectations and assumptions affect children on the spectrum
>>Changing thought processes of “the norm” as related to Autism

As a child, Don Miguel Ruiz, Jr., listened to the stories of his father, who passed on the ancient beliefs of his family through tales his young son could understand. As Miguel Jr. grew older he learned to listen to more than just the words of the story, but to search to find truth and meaning. He was just 14 when he became an apprentice to his father and grandmother, translating her workshops and lessons from Spanish to English. Finding the right words for in both languages to explain faith and its power gave Miguel Jr. a significant understanding of his family’s traditions.

As Miguel Jr. found peace in his own life, he realized that he was ready to share the wisdom of his family’s traditions. When his child received the diagnosis of autism, Miguel Jr. used his father’s teachings to gain a better understanding and perspective on life. Miguel Jr. shares these concepts with us, in an honest and open interview you won’t want to miss.

Don Miguel Ruiz is the international bestselling author of The Voice of Knowledge, The Mastery of Love, and The Four Agreements (a New York Times bestseller for over seven years).

Born into a family of healers in rural Mexico, Ruiz was chosen to carry forward his family’s centuries-old legacy of Toltec wisdom and healing. Instead, distracted by modern life, Ruiz chose to attend medical school and become a surgeon.

Late in the 1970s, a near-death experience changed his life and Ruiz decided to devote himself to mastering the wisdom of the ancient Toltec. To this day, he continues to share these teachings in lectures and journeys to sacred sites around the world.

Ruiz is widely known for transforming complex human issues into simple common sense — a talent which has earned him millions of fans, international acclaim, and a vote of approval from Oprah Winfrey. Sales of his Toltec Wisdom books have soared to more than 7 million copies in the United States alone, and have been translated into more than 30 languages worldwide.

You’ll Discover:
>>Keys to mapping transitions to your child’s future
>>Secrets to teaching your child to communicate emotions
>>Tools to support current and future goals
>>Low-cost success strategies for working with your child

It’s a long road from young, single mother raising a developmentally disabled child, to nationally respected disabilities advocate, spokeswoman, and filmmaker, but Keri Bowers’ mission remains constant: to raise awareness and opportunities within the global disabilities community. Educating others through the medium of film to understand her point of view in “possibilities, disabilities and the arts” is Keri’s goal, and her work begins at home with sons Taylor, 20, and Jace, 14.

Working with her son Taylor, who was diagnosed with “high functioning autism” at 6, and with her son, Jace, with the sibling issues he faced in having a chaotic life as a “sib,” Keri forged an advocacy path that gave rise to a groundbreaking artistic collaboration with her kids and others with disabilities. The result includes three feature length documentaries, and a new project now in development.

The first film written and directed by Keri in collaboration with her son, Taylor, called Normal People Scare Me, is a film about autism. Co-directed by the duo when Taylor was only 15, the documentary was produced by Joey Travolta, who played a key role in mentoring the pair to make the film. Normal People Scare Me includes title song “Locked Inside of Me” performed by double platinum recording artist, Taylor Dayne, and shares a number of moving musical compositions performed by a variety of talented musical artists. A soundtrack for the film, “Dave Koz and Friends” featuring eclectic musical artists as Gregg Field, Joey Travolta (on vocals).

Since its release in April, 2006, Normal People Scare Me has made a BIG splash throughout the world. The film, comprised of 65 interviews Taylor conducted with other autistic individuals, ages 9 to 57, shares life and living with autism from a first-person perspective. The film has been featured on CNN/Paula Zahn Now, PBS/California Connected; Geraldo at Large; The Today Show; Extra, Access Hollywood, The New Naomi Judd Show, with news segments throughout the country on NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX. Magazines, including People, Spectrum, Scholastic, Scholastic Science, and the The Autism Perspective have featured Keri and Taylor’s work in film and public education. The Centers for Disease Control, school districts, universities, colleges, hospitals, and other organizations have used the film for in-service and educational purposes.

Keri’s second release, The Sandwich Kid, a film about siblings of people with disabilities, was created by Keri’s and son, Jace. The film features interviews by Jace with dozens of siblings from a variety of backgrounds, ranging in age from 6 to 59. They describe how living in the midst of disability has affected their lives – the challenging and the triumphs, and the tremendous love and compassion they often offer. “With 650 million people in the world with a disability from mild to severe, siblings have always been the silent heroes. This film tells a part of their story, giving them a voice and the recognition they deserve.” says Keri.

Keri’s newest film, ARTS, is a film about “Possibilities, Disabilities and the Arts.” This documentary delves into the drama, writing, painting, dance, music, and public speaking of an array of fascinating subjects who share incredible talents, gifts, stories, and the arts they love. Each artist has a disability which historically has precluded them from seeking career paths in mainstream society. Keri’s film demonstrates that the ARTS and the immense benefits the arts provide to individuals with disabilities can and should support them to explore career paths and interventions in the arts. Interviews with internationally known artists and luminaries, Temple Grandin, Stephen Shore, Geri Jewell, Donna Williams, Mary Newport, Jerry Newport, Elaine Hall, Stephen Wiltshire, Karen Simmons, and Joey Travolta, among other gifted artists of all abilities and disabilities, show how the arts have the power and impact to create viable and specific interventions for people with disabilities to improve communication, language, social skills, personal relationships, responsibility, self-advocacy, self-esteem, and even career paths.

Keri’s current projects include a newly released workbook, Mapping Transitions to Your Child’s Future. The workbook helps parents and professionals discover & describe what is important to their child or client in everyday life. Keri is currently working on her book, Normal People Scare Me Too; From “Here to There”. The book will show how a young mother overcame her past to discover a present and future of hope and possibility – despite the disability of her young son.

Keri, who was a former paralegal in West Hollywood working with such bands, musicians, and celebrities as Motley Crue, KISS, Blind Melon, Graham Nash, Pamela Anderson, and many others, got a sense of the film business through her work, and will be the first to tell you “I sat, watched, and listened.” After 14 years drafting recording contracts and tour riders, Keri began to build a career on her own. Beginning with the publication of her first book, Single Pregnancy, Single Parenting (1995). While honing her skills as speaker and media guest, in 1998, Keri formed PAUSE4kids, a non-profit organization based in the Conejo Valley area of Southern California.

The organization was formed to serve children with developmental disabilities through the development and facilitation of summer camp programs, social and life skills training, family/sibling support, and advocacy workshops. “Those were the years I paid my dues to learn how to work with other kids besides Taylor. I worked with hundreds of children and realized I had created some interesting techniques to support life and social skill development.

Programs Keri developed include “Art-a-Thon”, an annual, art-based community awareness program; Abilities Awareness, a program designed to educate middle school students about disabilities earned Keri’s work the 2002 Phoebe Apperson Hearst PTA Award for Excellence in Education. The program continues to educate 1200 middle school children each year. Keri has also been an active advocate in policy and legislation in her home State of California. Keri continues to be proactive in her home state of California in legislation and policy reform.

Keri travels extensively – with and without her sons – to provide key note talks and workshops on topics including Screenings of Normal People Scare Me and/or The Sandwich Kid, with a meet the Filmmaker Q&A; “Mapping Transitions to Your Child’s Future,” a talk that includes strategies for creating a written plan of action to support future goals and growth for children with disabilities. Another hot topic is “The Spiritual Nature of Raising a Child with Special Needs” which is a new, but accelerating topic Keri is supporting, along with “The ART of Developing Social and Life Skills” with a focus on “how-to” strategies utilizing the arts for social and life skill development.

From fine art, to music, dance, theater, writing and other expressions of a creative nature, Keri shows how to use these alternative and expressive mediums to develop a comprehensive plan to develop essential life and social skills, self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-determination for persons with disabilities; Perspectives in Guilt, Fear and Other Annoying Roadblocks to Improved Advocacy” This interactive talk walks audience members through interactive and didactic processes to see where fear, guilt, lack of knowledge, and other roadblocks exist to improved advocacy, parenting and teaching. This “hands-on” program goes deep into the underlying reasons we get stuck, and provides ideas on moving to a new level of possibility in advocacy; and “What Professionals Need To Know” Working with a student, a client, or patient with a disability is a delicate balance. How can you create better understanding and awareness of the person’s life and needs? How can you create improved communication and collaborations? Strategies in mirroring, creating a “quick check list” to improve your role as an important part of their professional team.

Keri lives in Thousand Oaks, California, with her son, Jace, 14, and Taylor, now 20.

To learn more about Keri’s other films and projects, visit her website “Normal Films”.

On today’s show, you’ll discover:

>>Specific methods for working with kids on the spectrum in terms of achieving life skills
>>Keys to successful friendship, dating/love, improving daily life for those on the spectrum
>>What you need to know about teaching issues pertaining to sexuality
>>How to recognize and exploit your child’s strengths in difficult social settings
>>What to expect post-college: jobs, housing, managing monthly payments, marriage/relationships

Claire has also published three novels, Same As It Never Was (St Martin), Knitting under the Influence (5 Spot), and The Smart One and the Pretty One (5 Spot). She lives in Los Angeles with her TV writer husband, their four children, two dogs, two turtles, one cat, one mouse, and a frog.

Find out more about Claire at www.clairelazebnik.com

This episode features an exclusive interview with author, autism advocate, and entrepreneur Karen Simmons.

On today’s show, you’ll discover:

>>> What we can learn from Children with Special Needs
>>> The Myths and Misconceptions about Autism Meeting the Challenges of the Teen Years             with Autism
>>> Appreciation for the Gifts and Talents of People with Autism
>>> Humor is Healing:  How to See the Lighter Side of Autism

Karen is the founder of Autism Today, the nation’s leading clearinghouse of information, resources, tools, and experts designed for parents, educators, doctors, therapists, and those who service the community of those afflicted with autism or Aspergers Syndrome. She is also the mother of six children, two with special needs and all of whom are special.

Karen is also the author seven widely cherished titles including Chicken Soup For The Soul: Children with Special Needs, Rainman, Autism Through the Eyes of a Child, The Autism Experience, Stories of Hope and Love, Artism, Art By Those with Autism, Peace of Mind for Autism CD, Autism From The Soul, Surrounded By Miracles and most recently, the 2007 Independent Publisher Book Gold Metal Award Winner for The Official Autism 101 Manual in the health, medicine and nutrition category, is a simplistic, yet comprehensive How To Guide for anyone faced with a new diagnosis of autism.

On today’s episode, you’ll learn about an amazing young man who is making a huge difference in the world of autism!

At just 15 years of age, Zack Gonzalez is doing extraordinary things to spread the word about autism.

You’ll discover:

>>>modalities that helped Zack’s brother overcome some of the symptoms of autism
>>>how to organize events in your town to help spread autism awareness
>>>the secrets to Zack’s success creating “Play Now for Autism”

Zack Gonzalez is a 15 year old Sophomore at Cathedral High School. He has been working with Autism Speaks since February 2009.

Zack is currently a Committee Member for the upcoming Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism this April 2009.  He has been very active in the Autism Community after finding out his 6 year-old brother was diagnosed back in 2004.   Zack is a huge advocate for Autism and is in support of the GFCF Diet and the Green Our Vaccines Proposal.

Zack  attends a variety of Fundraisers and Charity Events for Autism and created his own event, Play Now for Autism (March 29, 2009). He has made speeches, written newspaper articles, and is currently working with author Amalia Starr on an upcoming book.

Zack  also has been working with Actors’ Reps of Hollywood since August 2008 on pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. He is currently working with “Wheels on the Bus” for an upcoming documentary on his family and their experience with Autism.

Zack hopes to one day start his own non-profit organization for Autism.  For more information, visit Play Now for Autism website.

Chantal Sicile-Kira, is an international speaker, author and advocate who has been involved with autism spectrum disorders for over 20 years as both a parent and a professional on both sides of the Atlantic. A bilingual French -American, Chantal raised her autistic son in France, the UK and California. Her experience in the three different countries was the subject of a 22 page article in the French professional journal on education and research for special education, La Nouvelle Revue de l’Adaptation et de la Scolarisation, June 2006, published by INS HEA.

A former researcher on BBC documentaries and a line producer on a TV Series in Paris, Chantal currently hosts radio shows in English and in French on Autism One Radio (an internet based radio station available worldwide at www.autismone.org/radio). Chantal also writes for various publications, including an “Ask Chantal” column for The Autism File (www.autismfile.com) and blogs occasionally on the Huffington Post. In addition, Chantal is the Marketing Director (Us and Canada) for The Autism File. Chantal’s family has been highlighted in the Newsweek cover story “Growing up with Autism’ and featured in the MTV documentary ‘True Life’ series, in “I Have Autism’ which was the recipient of a 2008 Voice Award.

Chantal’s third book Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self Esteem and More: 10 Essential Abilities Every Child Deserves and Needs to Learn (foreword by Temple Grandin, PhD) will be published by Penguin (US) in October 2008, and Random House (UK) in May 2009.

Chantal’s first book, Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and other ASD’s was the recipient of the 2005 Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award, and was nominated for the 2005 PEN / Martha Albrand Award for First Nonfiction. The UK edition was the winner of the 2003 San Diego Book Award for ‘Best in Health.’ Her second book, Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent’s Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders was awarded the 2006 San Diego Book Award for “Best in Health/Fitness.”

 

Born into a large French family, Chantal was brought up bilingual and bicultural in Ohio, New York and California. Family past times included cooking frog legs for breakfast over an open fire during summers spent camping in Louisville, Kentucky. Chantal received her BA in Social Ecology from the University of California at Irvine (UCI). Her first practical experience with autism was at Fairview State Hospital, teaching self-help and community living skills to severely developmentally disabled and autistic adolescents in preparation for their de-institutionalization. Then, as a case manager for Orange County Regional Center for the Developmentally Disabled, Chantal provided information and resources to families.

Little did Chantal know that years later, these work experiences would prove invaluable when her son (now a teenager) was born and eventually diagnosed with autism in Paris, France, where the only treatment on offer was psychoanalysis. Chantal’s struggle to find appropriate treatment for her son led them to move to England, where they became one of the first families in the UK to run a Lovaas-type (based on applied behavior analysis) home program. Having been a service provider in California, and then a parent raising her child and dealing with the ’systems’ in France, United Kingdom and the United States, gives Chantal a unique and well-rounded perspective few people in this field have.

Chantal is active in many non-profits, and served on the Taskforce on Transitional Services & Supports reporting to the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.