Affect Autism

To start off the year 2026, you'll hear the audio only of one episode of the Floortime documentary "We Chose Play " every other week! This time, it's Season 1, Episode 2, called, "What did we miss?" that covers how parents question themselves and why it's so important to avoid blame. You can learn more about the series at affectautism.com/play or become an Affect Autism member or DIR® Parent Network member to see the full video version of the series at the Support Us menu at affectautism.com. Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/16/wcp-s1e2/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This episode we are discussing what's happening with Autism in Canada and what has changed over the years with Seiun Thomas Henderson, an Autism and education specialist at Giant Steps  in Montreal who has been working in the field for over 35 years. He will be speaking at the upcoming  18th Annual Autism Conference called Building Brighter Futures: Celebrating Autistic Voices and Canadian Leadership in Autism in Edmonton later this month.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/09/inclusivity/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

As we embark on the new year, enjoy the audio version of my Floortime documentary series ⁠We Chose Play—a new episode every other week. ⁠We Chose Play is a series documenting my family’s Floortime journey. I hope that each episode will support your Floortime experience! First up is Season 1, Episode 1, called, "In the beginning…" that covers the necessary step we had to take after our son's Autism diagnosis to move forward. Link to the show notes for this episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/2026/01/02/wcp-s1e1/ ⁠⁠Learn more about the Floortime documentary series, We Chose Play and how to see the video version here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/play/⁠Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content—including the video version of the We Chose Play⁠ Floortime documentary series—and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: https://affectautism.com/support/

This edition of Parent Perspectives features Gina Baker, the mother of two kids in Utah. She has had many professional roles in the past including nursing and case management and her current focus is on raising awareness around supporting her Autistic child when he didn’t fit in any box and when professional services did not help. Her son is 15 and has high support needs, otherwise referred to as “profound autism” by many, and we’ll talk about that. She now does photography and has created a program for parents that focuses on parent self-regulation so that other parents don’t have to go through what she went through: extreme exhaustion, loneliness, depression, suicidality, frustration, and anger. In developing her resilience by taking care of herself, she was better equipped to care for her son and his needs.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/12/26/resilience/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or bec

On Episode 7 of ⁠AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠ do a year-end wrap-up about the first 6 episodes and what's to come in 2026.Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠Timestamps:0:00 Introduction0:53 Introducing highlights from the first 6 episodes01:23 Daria going through the first 6 episodes06:02 Turrell's reflections on the first 6 episodes07:53 Turrell's upcoming ICDL 2026 DIR Conference presentation in New Jersey in March08:37 Daria's viewpoint about Turrell representing at the conference!10:00 Daria reflecting on different "manifestations" of Autism11:44 Neurodivergence + Environment = Outcome12:40 Turrell on why he loves doing this podcast and connecting with other Autism self-advocates13:13 Where we'll take this podcast in 202613:53 Remembering Kasheena Holder on the 1st anniversary of her death14:29 Turrell's best learning moments over the first 6 episodes16:21 Daria's best learning moments over

On this episode, number 298, DIRFloortime® provider Stacy Duffy, a Special Educator in South Africa joins us to discuss her transformational journey as a teacher from control to connection through DIRFloortime®. Stacey is the mother of two boys who has devoted her career to bridging the gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical people by raising awareness on both sides. She recently presented at the ICDL DIRFloortime® Conference on this topic, and I wanted to share her insights with my audience because I was truly struck by how deeply she captured the heart of what DIR is all about.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/12/19/transformation/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

⁠AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a new podcast hosted by ⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode, they discuss the journey from exclusion to belonging with Dr. Emile Gouws.Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠Timestamps: 00:00 Introductions01:31 On becoming the board president of ICDL04:17 On parents believing in their children08:25 Future unknowns about as a parent of a child with high support needs12:52 Connecting with an Autistic individual, alternative communication methods, and presuming competence16:12 How parents can tell the difference between alternative ways of communicating being a response to the environment versus initiation of communication23:18 Emile's experiences in educational settings and the emotional pain of being underestimated29:47 Autistic trauma and suicidality 33:03 Turrell's reactions to being misunderstood 34:40 We are different, but share the same negative experiences and emotional labour as Autistic individuals 36:55 The Autistic femal

This edition of Parent Perspectives features returning guest, Michele Abraham-Montgomery, who specializes in Family Services, Autism Resources & Advocacy, Peer Family Coaching, Youth and Young Adult Programming, Peer Best Practices, Modeling Play Therapy Techniques and IEP Reviews and Preparations. Her and her Autistic son, Khylil, created Spectrum Success 911--a nonprofit organization connecting families with programming, community resources, and organizations of support. Chele shares her reflections on watching a new generation of siblings navigate Autism in ways that echo her own children’s early years.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/12/05/siblings/⁠Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

⁠AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a new podcast hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode, they discuss life as a twin to an autistic sibling with Miles Kredich.Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠⁠⁠Timestamps: 00:00 Introductions02:46 Background about the Kredich family05:06 Turrell's reflections06:19 Miles on growing up with his twin brother, including Ben's sensory experience09:00 Floortime and Autism being misunderstood09:36 Ben's experience with pitch and his musical world 13:36 Miles' first awareness of his synaesthesia and perfect pitch then connecting with Ben around this15:55 Ben's interest in Miles' world of experience17:55 Synaesthesia19:42 Echolalia and intense passions including Ben's love of being in the water21:21 Miles' father21:37 Ben's ear for pitch and controlling his environment through pitch23:34 Need for accommodation and Ben's echolalia25:28 The universal experience and embracing our difference

On this episode, number 296, we are discussing the culture of play, free play, and outdoor play in natural settings with autistic individuals with two guests in Montréal, Québec. Seiun Thomas Henderson is an Autism and education specialist who has been working in the field for over 35 years. He is currently the Director of Research and Innovation at Giant Steps Interdisciplinary Autism Centre in Montréal, where he leads initiatives that bridge research, practice, and community impact. Margaret Fraser is the co-founder and co-director of Metalude, a nonprofit dedicated to creating more child-friendly, inclusive cities.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/11/21/outdoor-play/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

⁠AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a new podcast hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode, they discuss the Autistic Culture Podcast's 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture!Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a new podcast hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode, they discuss the Autistic Culture Podcast's 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture!Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠⁠Timestamps: 00:00 Introductions01:33 Getting into the topic of Autistic Masking04:13 Masking as survival skills05:43 Everybody masks07:37 Personality dynamics with masking08:42 The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (the CAT-Q )14:03 Turrell and Daria's CAT-Q scores15:41 Does the CAT-Q really get at Autistic Masking?18:40 Angela's Autistic Masking story27:38 Daria's personal insights 29:45 Turrell's personal insights 31:15 Self-judgment around Autistic masking36:18 "Fi

This episode, number 295, DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader Kerri Ciskowski joins us to discuss different parent play personas she sees in her clientele. Kerri has been an occupational therapist for 20 years. She does in-home support in central New Jersey through her service Therapy Keeper and now has a DIRFloortime® studio as well for families who are typically raising autistic kids.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/11/07/parent-play-personasConsider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This episode features Clare Kumar who encourages organizations to create "neurologically safe" spaces, cultures, and experiences where their guests can move forward with ease, or "keep calm and carry on." She offers engaging, interactive keynotes and advisory services. She is the host and creator of the Happy Space Podcast - where inclusion meets design.Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/10/24/happy-space/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

⁠AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a new podcast hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠⁠. This episode, they discuss the Autistic Culture Podcast's 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture!Learn more at ⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:32 10 Pillars of Autism03:27 Pillar 1: Bottom-Up Processing 11:34 Reference to Dr. Stephen Shore mentioning "extremes" (in this podcast episode: https://affectautism.com/2025/08/01/pda/)15:49 Pillar 2: Rhythmic Communicating22:55 Pillar 3: Norm Challenging28:43 Pillar 4: World Building36:52 Pillar 5: Pattern Matching39:19 Pillar 6: Game Changing Innovation40:07 Pillar 7: Boldly Creating42:36 Variations in support needs but still Autistic44:33 Pillar 8: Predictably Comforting48:10 Pillar 9: Justice Seeking 51:29 Pillar 10: Passionate Superfanning 56:41 Wrap-Up57:54 Kasheena MomentLinks/Resources (not endorsements; no commission was received for any of these links):Turrell Burgess on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tmauronthespe

This episode features a new empowering podcast called The Affirming Village Podcast. Quoted directly from the Affirming Village podcast description: The Affirming Village podcast is “a black and white neurodivergent mama duo rewriting the IEP narrative with lived experience raising neurodivergent learners. One is still deep in IEPs and school calls; the other has walked the path into adulthood. Both are non-attorney special education advocates, with years of experience, whether in the mental health field or the school system, currently helping families navigate the IEP table with clarity, compassion, and power. While training schools, organizations, and parents to create more neuroaffirming spaces for neurodivergent and disabled learners. This is where professionals meet personal and stories, strategies, and community come together.”Link to the show notes with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the episode here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/10/03/the-affirming-village/Consider joi

AUTISTIC Viewpoints⁠⁠⁠ is a new podcast hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Turrell Burgess⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Daria Brown⁠⁠⁠. Two autistics, very different, yet aligned on many values. Join their conversation by tuning in to hear their viewpoints on topics from DIR® to professional sports, food, and pop culture to neurodivergent relationships and more!Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠https://affectautism.com/autistic-viewpoints/⁠⁠Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and hello00:37 Introduction to our guest, Khylil Robinson01:35 First topic: Dealing with awkward situations02:48 Turrell's dating mixer and football game07:35 Meet-up experiences and Khylil's audio hyposensitivity15:58 Driving and loud music20:05 Board games, arcade games, bowling alleys, night clubs and socializing29:25 10 Pillars of Autistic culture from the Autistic Culture Podcast29:52 Food!39:07 Ausome Ambassadors48:38 Canada Fun Facts!Links/Resources (not endorsements; no commission was received for any of these links):Khylil's organizationKhylil on the WE CHOSE PLAY podcast:Part 1: Taki

This episode features Kelly Bron Johnson in Montreal and Anne Borden King in Toronto. Kelly is a non-binary, Autistic, and Hard of Hearing (HoH) self-advocate and founder of ⁠Completely Inclusive⁠, a social enterprise consultancy devoted to inclusion and accessibility in the workplace. Anne is the co-founder of ⁠Autistics for Autistics⁠, Canada's autistic self-advocacy organization, and the host of ⁠Noncompliant: A Neurodiversity Podcast⁠. Both guests are mothers of autistic teenage sons and authors. We are chatting about their journey and Canadian disability advocacy.Link to the full blog post with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the podcast here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/2025/09/26/action/⁠Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

This episode I'm airing a year-old presentation made by the late, great DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader and phenomenal educator, Kasheena Holder. I hope you will enjoy the tips she provided our DIR® Parent Network with regarding bridging the gap between home and school. For those who knew Kasheena, this will be a wonderful reminder of her warmth, wisdom, and dedication to families. And for those hearing her for the first time, it’s a chance to be inspired by the passion and insight she so generously shared.Link to the full blog post with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the podcast here: https://affectautism.com/2025/09/26/school/Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network or becoming an Affect Autism member for bonus content and support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: ⁠https://affectautism.com/support/

Thank you, Floortimers, for the years of learning! This episode, number 290, the first episode of Season 11, features Sophia Ashman, a DIR practitioner in Los Angeles, California who currently works in preschools and provides in-home therapy. She has been a Floortimer for 25 years and was one of my son's first therapists at his school which is how we met, but we quickly became friends and I miss her tremendously and want her to move back to Canada! The philosophy that she strongly believes in is that the children she works with need to be seen, be heard, and feel understood. Link to the full blog post with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the podcast here: https://affectautism.com/2025/09/19/essential-floortime/Caregivers: Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network for support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: https://www.icdl.com/parents

Carolina Sosa Carrero is an educator in music, movement, and language with a Master’s degree in early intervention and child development. She is the first DIRFloortime® Expert Training Leader in Ecuador! Gaby Cabezas has a Communications and Literature degree with a Master’s in English Language. She is currently working as an English teacher and writes science fiction. Caro and Gaby are both neurodivergent and very enthusiastic about DIRFloortime®! Their goal is to spread DIR® to the Spanish-speaking world through Caro’s work and their new podcast, Ecos Neurodivergentes!Link to the full blog post with links to key discussion points and other ways to view or hear the podcast here: https://affectautism.com/2025/09/12/ecuador/Caregivers: Consider joining our DIR® Parent Network for support from a like-minded community of Floortimers here: https://www.icdl.com/parents