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  • Better Understanding Challenging Behavior: A Talk with Larissa Heise, BCBA

    Better Understanding Challenging Behavior: A Talk with Larissa Heise, BCBA
    2025/04/01
    SummaryIn this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism, host Lola Dada-Olley speaks with licensed social worker and BCBA Larissa Heise about the complexities of challenging behavior in neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the definition of challenging behavior, trends observed in recent years, the importance of identifying triggers, and the role of sensory needs. Larissa emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to support, the common misconceptions surrounding challenging behavior, and the importance of understanding the full context before implementing interventions. The conversation also covers strategies for navigating support systems and the significance of insurance in accessing professional help.TakeawaysChallenging behavior varies in definition and context.Challenging behavior often exceeds a family's ability to support.Safety concerns are a primary focus in identifying challenging behavior.Attention-seeking behavior is often misunderstood; it is about connection.Sensory needs can become more complex as individuals grow older.Understanding individual needs is crucial for effective support.Misconceptions about challenging behavior can lead to ineffective interventions.Gradual approaches are necessary for managing triggers and interventions.Reassessing strategies is important when previous methods stop working.Navigating insurance and support systems is essential for accessing help.Chapters00:00 Understanding Challenging Behavior02:59 Trends in Challenging Behavior06:06 Identifying Triggers09:06 Complex Sensory Needs12:00 Misconceptions About Challenging Behavior15:05 Approaching Triggers and Interventions19:04 Reassessing Strategies24:03 Navigating Support Systems35:55 Getting Started with Professional HelpTranscript Lola Dada-Olley (00:02.364)Larissa Heise, thank you. Thank you for being on the Not Your Mama's Autism podcast today.Larissa Heise (00:10.317)Thank you for having me.Lola Dada-Olley (00:13.148)So you are a licensed social worker. You are also a BCBA for those listening who don't understand what that acronym means. In these neurodivergent streets, it means board certified behavioral analyst.I am going to really enjoy this episode talking to you about behavior. So let's talk about challenging behavior. But before we do so, let's do some level setting. Because challenging behavior means different things to different people. So what would you identify as a challenging behavior?Larissa Heise (00:57.485)I'm going to give you my personal definition and then I'm going to give you like what I think out in the world people are like generally having consensus on. Given the work that I do, I work a lot with family, families and very, a very parent centered model of support in the work that we do and some of the programs I supervise, very unique programs actually compared to maybe some other providers who are very family centric kind of approach to treatment.I look at challenging behavior as being something that exceeds the family's ability to support. And that can mean different things for different people. I've had some families who are dealing with the more traditional definition of challenging behavior, which I'm going to share, but I've had other families who, you know, maybe it's not at a level of safety, but they are so overwhelmed. They still don't know what to do. And it's leading toER visits and things like that. But in terms of like what I think most people as a provider, right, most people would kind of agree upon in terms of challenging behavior are behaviors that are at risk of safety concerns. You know, generally we're looking at things where people are harming themselves, are at risk of harming others, are extremely dysregulated to the point where they're having a difficult time day to day.in their lives, whether that's across settings. Typically we are seeing if somebody has kind of challenging behaviors or behaviors of concern, they're exhibiting them across settings and it's really impacting their quality of life usually in multiple ways. So it can look different, right, across age, situations, settings, but that's generally what I think, you know, the provider community is looking at. It's like behaviors that put people at risk of harm.or limit their ability for quality of life.Lola Dada-Olley (02:59.388)Well, thank you for level setting. Cause I think in the past, it might have been what you just described plus behaviors deemed quote unconventional by perhaps neurodifficult. And that to me are not the type of behaviors that should be prioritized in any way as.Larissa Heise (03:11.532)Yeah.Larissa Heise (03:18.111)Yeah, no, there are behaviors that make people uncomfortable. There's behaviors that people don't understand, right? But when we're talking about challenging me, we're talking about, really, I want to anchor it to like safety, safety concerns and things that are impacting the individual's quality of life, not necessarily somebody's perception of quality of ...
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    40 分
  • Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion: A Talk with Dr. Theresa Haskins

    Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion: A Talk with Dr. Theresa Haskins
    2025/03/01
    SummaryDr. Theresa Haskins, a professor, researcher, consultant, corporate executive, mom, wife, and advocate, joins the podcast. She shares her journey as an advocate for her children and a self-advocate. Dr. Haskins discusses the diagnosis process for her children and the challenges they faced. She also talks about her experience studying educational psychology and getting her PhD in education. She emphasizes the importance of choice and autonomy in education and the need for inclusive and differentiated learning approaches. Neuroinclusion means creating environments that respect and accept differences in how individuals engage, communicate, and interact with each other. It involves allowing multiple realities and ways of being to coexist without judgment or the need to change others. To achieve neuroinclusion, it is important to start young by building cultures of inclusion in schools and teaching children to respect and value diversity. Additionally, workplaces should prioritize neuroinclusion by creating equitable opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and allowing all employees to be their authentic selves. Neuroinclusion benefits everyone by fostering authenticity and creating a more accepting and inclusive society.Keywordsadvocate, diagnosis, children, educational psychology, PhD, choice, autonomy, inclusive education, differentiated learning, neuroinclusion, differences, respect, acceptance, diversity, inclusion, communication, engagement, authenticity, workplace, educationTakeawaysDr. Theresa Haskins is an advocate for her children and a self-advocate.She shares her experience with the diagnosis process for her children and the challenges they faced.Studying educational psychology and getting her PhD in education taught her the importance of choice and autonomy in education.Dr. Haskins emphasizes the need for inclusive and differentiated learning approaches. Neuroinclusion means respecting and accepting differences in how individuals engage, communicate, and interact with each other.Starting young by building cultures of inclusion in schools is crucial for promoting neuroinclusion.Workplaces should prioritize neuroinclusion by creating equitable opportunities and allowing all employees to be their authentic selves.Neuroinclusion benefits everyone by fostering authenticity and creating a more accepting and inclusive society.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:16 Discovering Giftedness08:04 The Importance of Choice and Autonomy in Education27:36 The Impact of Psychological Safety on Autistic Inclusion32:20 Increasing Empathy for More Inclusive Classrooms and Workplaces36:25 Corporations vs. Classrooms: The Inclusiveness Divide41:29 The Human Nature of Dividing and the Need for Neuroinclusion43:31 Defining Neuroinclusion: Acceptance and Respect for Differences45:18 Unconscious Bias and the Importance of Neuroinclusion47:58 Neuroinclusion in the Workplace: Authenticity and Equitable OpportunitiesTRANSCRIPTLola (00:02)Hello, welcome. Welcome to the Not Your Mama's Autism podcast. I'm Lola Dada -Olley On the podcast today, we have within our midst, Dr. Theresa Haskins, a woman who wears many, many, many hats. Professor, researcher, consultant, corporate executive, mom, wife, advocate.Welcome. Welcome to the podcast today. Thank you.Theresa Haskins (00:35)Thanks for having me here. I think I'm in good company with a woman who wears many hats.Lola (00:41)Perhaps, perhaps. I guess it takes one to know one, and we're matching, so we're both wearing flip.Theresa Haskins (00:46)Yes, it does. And we matched,and this was not planned, everyone. We just looked fabulous in blue.Lola (00:50)It was, it was, it wasn't, itwasn't. You know, when you're in sync, you're, you're, you're, you're in sync. So background wise, we're kind of alluding to, we have known each other for years, in work circles, we have known ourselves for years. But I'm so interested in just learning more about the, all this multiple, this multiple side of, these multiple sides of you. So you are.Theresa Haskins (01:03)Mm -hmm.Lola (01:21)Where do we even start? You are both an advocate for your children as well as a self advocate yourself. So let's kind of start a little bit at the beginning, depending on what your answer to this is, which diagnosis came first?Theresa Haskins (01:42)Children.Lola (01:43)children. And tell us how you and your children were all ultimately diagnosed.Theresa Haskins (01:52)So it's an interesting thing because it actually does go back to my childhood. I have a son. I do have two sons, but that's not in my childhood. Let's go back and reframe that thought. I had a cousin with classic autism. And this is the early 80s and didn't really know what autism was.had a lot of the stereotypical traits because he had more of a classic profile. He was a larger young man, had some intellectual difficulties, but he would end up graduating from high school. But I just remember him at holidays and family gatherings ...
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    50 分
  • Serving Families in Crisis: A Conversation with Breanna Kelly-Higgs LCSW, BCBA

    Serving Families in Crisis: A Conversation with Breanna Kelly-Higgs LCSW, BCBA
    2025/02/01
    SummaryBreanna Kelly, a licensed social worker and BCBA, shares her journey into the field of autism and her passion for supporting individuals with co-occurring conditions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging the experiences and needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as the significance of cultural competence in providing effective care. Breanna discusses the challenges within the medical system and the need for collaboration and holistic approaches to support individuals with autism and mental health needs. She also highlights the importance of caregiver training and empowerment. Overall, Breanna advocates for systemic changes and increased resources to improve the lives of individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions.TakeawaysUnderstanding and acknowledging the experiences and needs of individuals with disabilities is crucial in providing effective care.Cultural competence and relevance are important in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.The medical system needs reform to better support individuals with co-occurring conditions.Caregiver training and empowerment are essential in helping families navigate the challenges of raising a child with autism.Collaboration and holistic approaches are needed to provide comprehensive care for individuals with autism and mental health needs.Increased resources and systemic changes are necessary to improve the lives of individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:01 Personal Connection and Early Experiences08:49 Challenges within the Medical System12:02 Cultural Competence and Trauma-Informed Care19:00 Empowering Caregivers through Training23:33 Meeting Caregivers Where They Are30:16 Supporting Families and Building Relationships34:05 Reforming the Medical System41:38 Connecting with Others and Finding ResourcesTranscriptLola Dada-Olley (00:02)Brianna Kelly, thank you. Thank you so much for visiting us today on the Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast.Breanna (00:11)Thank you for having me. I'm excited.Lola Dada-Olley (00:16)Me too, me too. I just know you're going to drop the nuggets. The nuggets shall have nuggets. So with that in mind, let's learn a little bit more about you. So you are a true multi -hyphenate. You are a licensed social worker. You're a BCBA. Those not familiar with the term, board certified behavior analyst, and the owner in your spare time of synergy behavioral consulting.Synergy behavioral consulting. But before we get to all these wonderful things, like what you're currently doing now, let's start, let's go back a little bit. Let's start from the beginning. What made you enter this field? Like, do you have a personal connection?Breanna (00:46)Yeah.So it goes back to the early 2000s. And so I was in high school and a freshman in high school actually, and I got invited over to this party that this Christian club was having at my school. And it was at an attached school, which I now know was an alternative school. And it had kids with severely profound, severe and profound disabilities, quote unquote behaviors. There werepregnant girls. at that time, this was scary to me because we would only see these individuals like in between classes. And I went over there and the cha -cha slide, I think was out around that time. And we had the best time ever. Like doing the cha -cha slide, doing all the dances. And I will never forget, cause I was so fearful going over there. Like I just, didn't, I didn't know what to expect.wow, these people are just like me. And it was the bond within the cha -cha slides and all the dances. I was like, these people are just like me. Why was I scared? And that was the catalyst for me. And so I then joined an organization called Best Buddies, which is an international organization that partners at all levels, middle school, high school, college.individuals with intellectual disabilities with peers and we do all these activities. And so I joined that organization. I did that all through high school, went to college. didn't have a chat where we had a chapter, but it wasn't active and I lived it. I was like a college nonprofit person. had, we partnered with a nearby school. And now I think about it. I don't know if we have a school here like that,It was specifically, I think, like kindergarten through 12th grade of kids, disabled kids. They had a post -secondary. Yeah, Tampa. I'm from Tampa. I went to school at Tallahassee. So I was, you know, small college town and I was like, this is what I want to do. Like I woke up every day. I mean, I was in college. I did the school thing, but this was myLola Dada-Olley (03:03)Where did you grow up? You live in Georgia now, right? Okay, Tampa,Breanna (03:24)So I wanted to be a doctor and like halfway through I was like, this is not what I wanna do. I wanna support these individuals and that led me to social work. And in college are really cool. We had a cool assignment. So this is my ...
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    47 分
  • Access to Reproductive Health Care: Autism and Intellectual Disability Edition

    Access to Reproductive Health Care: Autism and Intellectual Disability Edition
    2025/01/01
    SummaryIn this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, Lola Dada-Olley and her husband, Tosan Olley, discuss the complexities of navigating reproductive healthcare for their daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. They share their journey from recognizing the onset of puberty to preparing for their daughter's first period, emphasizing the importance of communication, family support, and collaboration with healthcare providers. The couple reflects on the emotional challenges and milestones they encountered, as well as the long-term considerations for their daughter's reproductive health.TakeawaysNavigating reproductive healthcare is crucial for children with autism.Communication about puberty can be challenging but necessary.Dads play an important role in discussions about reproductive health.Preparation for menstruation involves multiple therapy disciplines.Understanding sensory challenges is key in healthcare planning.Access to reproductive healthcare can significantly impact quality of life.Long-term planning is essential for children with special needs.Collaboration with healthcare providers is vital for effective care.Celebrating milestones is important in the parenting journey.Pre-decisioning helps in managing future healthcare needs.Chapters00:00 Navigating Reproductive Healthcare for Our Daughter02:51 Understanding Puberty and Its Implications11:10 Preparing for the First Period16:25 The Day It Happened20:14 Long-Term Considerations for Reproductive Health25:03 Celebrating Milestones and Future PlanningTranscriptLola Dada-Olley (00:01.395)Welcome, welcome everyone to the Not Your Mama's Autism podcast. I am back yet again with the hubster, the hubby, Tosan Olley. We are talking about a not so light topic about our daughter's reproductive healthcare and the decisions we are starting to make for her in hopes ofher living the highest quality of life possible. For those new to the podcast, we have an 11 -year -old daughter who's minimally verbal, on the autism spectrum, and intellectually disabled. So, this episode will walk through some traditionally seen as uncomfortable topics, things like periods, things like cramps.things like talking it through as a family for a child who has communication challenges. This is naturally a difficult conversation, whether or not your child can traditionally communicate or not. So, our daughter has a history of some sensory challenges associated with the way her autism manifests. So, once she turned 10,And we knew that that next phase was right around the corner. We had to really sit down and think about the type of options she would have, not only based on her autism, but quite frankly, based on her family history that we know of at least when it comes to reproductive health, our family on my side, at least part of my side of the family, we've had a history of fibroids, PCOS, difficult periods.how could that potentially look in a growing child who will one day become a young woman who may not be able to communicate things like pain in a traditional way. So, we are pulling back the covers on this so you all could see some of the conversations my husband and I have had, some of the conversations we've had with her healthcare providers and hopes.Lola Dada-Olley (02:24.707)that we help other families like ours and not just those families but the health care providers that are part of those villages as well. So with that in mind, let's get started. So, this all started when she was 11 now, is it when she was nine going into 10 or maybe 10?Tosan Olley (02:51.336)MmLola Dada-Olley (02:51.971)talk about the endocrinologist. So, we did a blood test on Alero and we sat in her office and she told us that based on the blood tests, puberty is amongst us.Tosan Olley (03:08.648)I think we rewind a little bit. Yes, we did the blood test, but we went into that conversation with the endocrinologist with a little bit at the back of our head that one study showed that puberty seems to be hidden earlier.And even though she was nine going on 10, it felt like, you know, this generation and the generation before and on, you every generation seems to be hidden a little bit earlier. We had noticed some changes in our body. We were trying to make the determination. it, you know, just chubby baby versus, you know, development?Lola Dada-Olley (03:50.211)Yeah.Tosan Olley (04:00.93)So we went in with a.We think we need to confirm, we need your help, we need your input and what have you. So that when she came, when the chronologist came, it was less like, shock. was more like, it's true. know, puberty, know, baby girl is now.Lola Dada-Olley (04:06.413)Yeah. Yeah.Lola Dada-Olley (04:26.935)Yeah, puberty is among us.Tosan Olley (04:34.22)baby woman? Baby lady, not wife woman?Lola Dada-Olley (04:36.191)Gosh, baby, baby. No, baby, baby. Yeah, definitely not quite woman, but she's on the path. She's definitely on the pathTosan Olley (04:46.439)Yeah, and you know, my head, I had a thought in my ...
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    29 分
  • Advocacy in Action: A Talk with Ms. Texas 2024 Annette Addo-Yobo

    Advocacy in Action: A Talk with Ms. Texas 2024 Annette Addo-Yobo
    2024/12/11
    In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism Podcast, host Lola Dada-Olley speaks with Annette Addo-Yobo, the first immigrant-born Miss Texas, about her journey from Ghana to the U.S., her advocacy for autism awareness, and the importance of representation. Annette shares her personal experiences as a sibling caregiver, the cultural stigma surrounding autism, and her aspirations to influence policy and support families navigating the challenges of autism. The conversation highlights the need for better resources, early intervention, and community support for families affected by autism.
    Takeaways
    • Annette's journey from Ghana to becoming Miss Texas is inspiring.
    • Representation in media and pageantry is crucial for marginalized communities.
    • Cultural stigma around autism can hinder family support and understanding.
    • Advocacy is a lifelong commitment, often born from personal experiences.
    • The SPAR Project aims to bridge gaps in autism awareness and resources.
    • Parentification can significantly impact the identity of sibling caregivers.
    • Mental health support is essential for caregivers navigating their roles.
    • Early intervention can change the trajectory of a child's development.
    • Advocacy in Washington, D.C. can lead to meaningful policy changes.
    • Community support is vital for families affected by autism.
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    49 分
  • Navigating the High School Transition: A Talk With My Son

    Navigating the High School Transition: A Talk With My Son
    2024/11/26
    In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, host Lola Dada-Olley engages her son Fela in a heartfelt discussion about the transition from middle school to high school. They explore the various high school options available, the importance of extracurricular activities like band, and the challenges that come with academic rigor. Fela shares his personal experiences and offers advice to other students facing similar transitions, emphasizing the importance of hard work and resilience. The conversation highlights the growth and development that comes with navigating educational choices and personal interests.
    Takeaways
    • Choosing high schools is a significant decision for students.
    • Middle school serves as a preparatory phase for high school.
    • Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in student life.
    • Students should consider their interests when selecting a high school.
    • Academic rigor is important, but students should not fear challenges.
    • Transitioning can be daunting, but support from family helps.
    • It's normal to have concerns about moving to high school.
    • Students should embrace hard work as part of their education.
    • Making new friends is a key aspect of transitioning to high school.
    • Reflecting on past experiences can provide valuable insights for future transitions.
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    18 分
  • Workplace Neuroinclusion Strategy: Some Lessons Learned

    Workplace Neuroinclusion Strategy: Some Lessons Learned
    2024/10/07

    In this episode of Not Your Mama's Autism podcast, Lola Dada-Olley interviews Danielle Meadows, an executive director at JPMorgan Chase, about the importance of disability employment and the initiatives taken by the Business Solution Team (BEST) to promote neuro-inclusion. They discuss the evolution of the BEST program, common misconceptions about disability inclusion, the challenges faced in the employment landscape, and the significance of public policy in supporting individuals with disabilities. The conversation highlights the success stories of employees and the role of job coaches in fostering an inclusive work environment.


    Takeaways


    • Disability Employment Awareness Month is crucial for promoting inclusion.
    • The BEST program focuses on neuro-inclusion strategies globally.
    • Misconceptions about disability often hinder employment opportunities.
    • Transportation remains a significant barrier for individuals with disabilities.
    • Public policy needs to adapt to support working individuals with disabilities.
    • Job coaching is essential for success in the workplace.
    • Collaboration among organizations enhances disability employment efforts.
    • Recognition from institutions like the UN validates the program's success.
    • Success stories demonstrate the potential of individuals with disabilities.
    • The program has grown significantly since its inception in 2019.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Disability Employment Awareness Month

    05:11 Misconceptions About Disability Inclusion

    09:29 Recognition and Growth of the BEST Program

    12:33 Challenges in Disability Employment

    17:26 The Importance of Public Policy

    21:46 The Role of Job Coaches

    26:54 Success Stories and Business Outcomes
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    32 分
  • Reintegrating Our Daughter Into School Life

    Reintegrating Our Daughter Into School Life
    2024/09/24

    In this episode, Lola Dada-Olley and her husband Tosan discuss their journey with their daughter Alero, who is on the autism spectrum. They share their decision-making process regarding Alero's education, including the challenges of navigating special education services, the impact of the pandemic, and the importance of adaptability in parenting. They reflect on their choice to temporarily withdraw Alero from school for therapy and the subsequent decision to reintegrate her into a supportive school environment. The couple emphasizes the significance of building a supportive community and learning from others' experiences in similar situations.
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    34 分