Avsnitt
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Join Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Saulnier as they discuss her presentation on broadening the autism spectrum at the Converge Autism Summit.
They will discuss:
The key features of autism
How Autism symptoms are expressed differently in male and female
The role of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in misdiagnosis of autism
Common overlaps and differential diagnosis
What if someone being assessed doesn't want to be on the spectrum? What do clinicians need to know?
Bio:
Dr. Saulnier obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She trained and worked at the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade before relocating to Emory University School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, where she directed a large-scale clinical research program. In 2018, she opened her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, where she specializes in diagnostic assessment, as well as teaching and training for autism spectrum and related disorders. Dr. Saulnier has published over 50 articles, written two books, and she is an author on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition.
Looking for Assessment in GA?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/neurodevelopmental-assessment-consulting-svc-decatur-ga/409874 -
In this lively conversation, the “Just the Guys” team explores how crucial context can be—whether you’re deciphering a strange image, navigating a complex relationship, or fielding unexpected life events. They kick things off by sharing news of the new book *Uniquely Us* and then dive into fascinating parallels between fooling AI systems with “adversarial examples” and how our assumptions can mislead us in everyday life. By using an analogy of seeing a “penguin in the desert” (something bizarre or out of place), they illustrate how missing details can trigger confusion, misunderstandings, or emotional reactions.
Throughout the discussion, they highlight the importance of curiosity and humility to uncover the “why” behind surprising information—much like slowing down to determine if that shape in the dark is an intruder or just a coat on a chair. They also introduce practical techniques (like the C.A.L.M. method) to help us pause, gather context, and respond gracefully rather than reacting rashly. It’s an honest, lighthearted look at how we can avoid “kicking the penguin” in our personal and professional relationships by learning to seek more information, accept when we’ve made mistakes, and ultimately prioritize connection over “being right.”
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Uniquely Us, a new release about neurodiverse Christian marriages
- Adversarial examples in AI and what they reveal about our own blind spots
- The C.A.L.M. method (Connect, Assess, Lean in, Move forward) for managing emotional triggers
- Why “winning the relationship” matters more than winning any single argument
Have a topic you’d like the guys to unpack? Drop them a note via the show’s website—feedback and questions are always welcome! -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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Today on Coaches' Corner, Dr. Stephanie & Barb Grant, MMFT, talks with Bob Hamp about abuse and recovering from abuse.
What is Abuse? When does a relationship become abusive? How do you recover from that abuse from a victim mindset to a healing and recovery mindset?
Today, we ask:
What is abuse?
Can both partners be abusive?
How do you change your mindset from a victim of abuse to a survivor and healed from abuse?
How does the church and Christian onlookers help or hinder?
What are some interesting dynamics in ND Christian Couples?
What are power differentials, and what does that have to do with abuse?
Uniquely Us is out! Order it here! We discuss abuse in ND Christian Marriages chapters 12 & 13 with a focus on spiritual/religious abuse in marriage!
https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/uniquelyus
Think Differently Academy: https://tdacad.com/
About our guest:
Bob Hamp is a seasoned counselor, author, and spiritual leader known for his unique approach to teaching freedom through a spiritual lens. With three decades in private practice and helping churches worldwide develop Freedom Ministry, Bob’s work focuses on altering thought processes to achieve spiritual healing and wholeness. He speaks frequently and has mentored and coached hundreds of counselors, pastors, and leaders. His teachings emphasize sound theology, God’s healing presence, and the transformative power of freedom (acting & reacting as the person God created you to be), making him a sought-after speaker and counselor who helps individuals and communities find true freedom and spiritual identity.
The viral video mentioned in this podcast today: https://go.tdacad.com/course/understanding-the-dynamics-of-abuse?register=truehttps://go.tdacad.com/course/understanding-the-dynamics-of-abuse?register=truehttps://go.tdacad.com/course/understanding-the-dynamics-of-abuse?register=truehttps://go.tdacad.com/course/understanding-the-dynamics-of-abuse?register=true -
Do you and your spouse have constant communication misfires? As the ND spouse, do you feel interrupted, falsely accused, and often confused about what you said or did that was hurtful to your spouse? As the non-autistic spouse, do you feel unheard, dismissed, that issues remain unsolved, and when the relationship has a rupture, there is no repair? These cycles leave couples frustrated, and by leaving issues unresolved, issues will leave a chasm of disconnection and unresolved issues. Dan & Stephanie role-play two common situations we hear from ND couples. They are not real situations from any couple but are based on the elements that tend to happen in arguments.
Role Play 1: Why are you defending the person I said hurt me? Why can you give validation and empathy to others by not me?
Role Play 2: Stuck in the weeds/details- a collaboration that is not very collaborative but gets stuck on details that are socially or relationally relevant to the topic.
Check out the book Uniquely Us! It is out!
https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/uniquelyus
Remember, Stephanie and Dan have two websites!
www.HolmesASR.com and
www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com
#uniquelyus #autismfaithmarriage #NDCC #neurodiversecouples -
Today, Dr. Stephanie talks with Dr. Natalie about Autism, Burnout, Depression, and Suicidality.
Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht is a clinician in Canada and was diagnosed later in life with both ASD and ADHD. Dr. Natalie will break down burnout, depression, suicidality, and the suicide gene.
Did you know in bee hives there are NT and AS bees?
Topics We Discussed:
Burnout
Suicide Gene
Depression
Protective Factors
Links you may find helpful:
Autistic Burnout Construct
https://embrace-autism.com/autistic-burnout-construct/
We spoke about spoons:
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/the-neurodivergent-spoon-drawer-spoon-theory-for-adhders-and-autists
Autism and bees:
https://embrace-autism.com/honey-bees-understanding-autism-and-social-behaviour/
The Complete Guide to Autism
https://embrace-autism.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-autistic-burnout-book/ -
Part 2! Some of you had questions for Drs. Jeff and Mary so we had them back?
Drs. Jeff and Mary are back to discuss therapeutic separation, addiction, autism, and healing! Some of you had questions, and some of you had criticism, and they are discussed today!
Listen to part one here:
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/autism-addiction-healing-with-therapeutic-separation-s-with-drs-jeff-mary-jones--62412733
Find Dr. Mary at:
Dr. Mary Jones believes there is greatness in each of us and is passionate about equipping and empowering women to reach their fullest potential.
Throughout her life and career, she has had the privilege of working to empower and equip women and girls to be their best selves. Dr. Mary has also completed a study in autism as a specialty through PESI, becoming an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. Her vision is to see women living out their purpose and affecting change in their worlds. She is an NT married to a neurodivergent spouse and the mother of a son on the autism spectrum.
Contact her at: https://drmarycoaches.com/contact-me
Dr. Jones has been featured on our NeuroDiverse Christian Couples (NDCC) podcast.
Listen to her episode HERE! -
Dan and Stephanie start their discussion with the book Building Bounce: How to Grow in Emotional Resilience by Warner & Hinman.
For more resources on this, go to www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com Group Resources—Bounce. We have put together a video for every chapter of Bounce.
The key elements of building resilience are knowing your weight, not breaking under that weight, and building capacity. You can do this through key practices: quitting, appreciation/joy, beliefs and expectations, and growing connection with God and people. Each chapter gives you a joy workout to start your journey toward individual resilience and reliance on God. Your marriage and life situation may not change, so how will you carry that weight without breaking or allowing the situation to transform you versus being transformed and renewed? Then Dan and Stephanie talk about their practices for quieting, joy, and connecting to God and how they connect through Coursey & Coursey's 30 Days of Joy for Busy Married Couples! -
Join Dr. Stephanie as she discusses disability theology and disability ministry with Stephanie O. Hubach, author of Same Lake Different Boat.
Questions Stephanie and Stephanie Discuss:
What is Disability Ministry and Why Does it Matter?
a. How would you define disability ministry?
b. Why doesn’t your definition of disability ministry even have the word disability in it?
c. What is the role of disability ministry in the local church?
d. If disability ministry is “central to the life of the church” what do you mean by that?
e. How does the presence of people with disabilities in a church change the fabric of congregation life?
f. What type of steps need to be taken to help a church that is not disability-friendly to move towards people with disabilities?
g. You refer to the biblical concept of “equal concern” in your philosophy of disability ministry. What does that look like in practice?
About our Guest:
Stephanie Opdahl Hubach
Biographical Information
Stephanie Hubach is a Research Fellow in Disability Ministries and a Visiting Instructor in Educational Ministries in affiliation with Covenant Theological Seminary. From 2007-2016 she served as Mission to North America’s Special Needs Ministries Founding Director. Mission to
North America (MNA) is associated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Steph currently serves on the Wheaton Center on Faith and Disability advisory board and the board of directors for Key Ministry.
She formerly volunteered as a member of the board for The Arc of Lancaster County, chairperson of the Lancaster County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Advisory Board, and president of the board of directors for the Infant Evaluation Program of State College, PA.
Steph is the author of Parenting & Disabilities: Abiding in Gods’ Presence (P&;R Publishing, 2021), Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability (P&;R Publishing, 2006; Revised and Expanded 2020), director of a Christian Education DVD series
based on Same Lake, Different Boat, and author of All Things Possible: Calling Your Church Leadership to Embrace Disability Ministry (Joni and Friends, August 2007).
She has been published in ByFaith magazine, Covenant magazine, Focus on the Family magazine, and Breakpoint online magazine. Steph currently writes for Key Ministry’s Special Needs Parenting blog, which is for parents of children with special needs, and for the Presbyterian Church in America’s enCourage blog. She has been a guest blogger for The Gospel Coalition and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and has been interviewed on a wide variety of podcasts.
Steph also coordinated a writing team for Christianity Today to provide a Disability Ministry Track in The Ministry Essentials Bible, released in September 2014. Stephanie is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College), has an MA in Economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and an MATS from Covenant Theological Seminary.
Steph and her husband, Fred, have been married for 41 years. They have two deeply loved sons, Fred and Tim, the younger of whom has Down syndrome. In 2013, the Hubachs were blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law when Cecelia married Fred, and in 2019, they were thrilled to welcome their first grandchild, Caroline. In 2022, twin grandsons joined the family—Everett and Dietrich. The Hubach family resides in Lancaster County, PA.
Stephanie's Book Same Lake Different Boat-Revised Ed. and other resources:
https://www.stephaniehubach.com/
Dr. Stephanie's Uniquely Us:
https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/uniquelyus -
Today, Dr. Stephanie and Dan Holmes asked Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht about ASD, ADHD, and both.
Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht is a clinician in Canada and was diagnosed later in life with both ASD and ADHD. Dr. Natalie will break down the similarities and differences between ASD, ADHD, and ADHD. She will also discuss the strengths of each neurotype—this is part 1 of our discussion.
Some discussion points from Dr. Natalie:
Co-occurring autism and ADHD can be experienced as
Heightening of some autistic traits
Navigating contradictions of opposing traits
Here are some of the contradictions you may experience as an AuDHD:
You thrive when there’s a set routine (autistic trait), but you struggle to plan and follow a schedule (ADHD trait)
You get very distressed when your friend shows up late to your meeting (autistic trait), but you struggle to arrive at events on time (ADHD trait)
You find engaging in a special interest to be soothing (autistic trait), but you also need to jump between multiple interests to keep you engaged (ADHD trait)
You are meticulous with your plans (autistic trait), but sometimes you overwhelm yourself by making an impulsive decision (ADHD trait)
When you infodump, you have a habit of speaking “too fast” (ADHD trait), but when someone asks you an unrelated question, your responses may be delayed, or you may be unable to speak (autistic trait)
Find out more on Dr. Natalie:
Get the Autism Burnout book we mentioned at:
https://embrace-autism-store.myshopify.com/ -
In this special episode of Just The Guys, host Dan Holmes is joined by renowned authors Dr. Jim Wilder and Marcus Warner for an insightful conversation on attachment, emotional maturity, and resilience within neurodiverse Christian relationships. Drawing from their extensive work and books like "Bounce," "Renovated," "Rare Leadership," and "The Other Half of Church," they explore how attachment goes beyond physical needs to deeply influence our relational and spiritual lives.
The discussion delves into the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in building emotional resilience and managing energy levels in relationships. They offer practical strategies for incremental growth, overcoming fear, and breaking patterns of avoidance and addiction. Whether you're navigating a neurodiverse relationship or seeking a deeper understanding of emotional maturity from a Christian perspective, this episode provides valuable insights and guidance to foster healthier, more resilient connections. -
What is Shame? What is health shame vs toxic shame? What if someone is unaware of their feelings, including shame? Can you heal from shame alone? These are the questions we will be asking Dr. Curt Thompson.
Many of our neurodiverse relationships have shame- either about the diagnosis, about not having the perfect Christian marriage, or not meeting someone's needs- what do we do about that? How can clergy deal with their own shame of not knowing how to help neurodiverse couples?
About our Guest:
Psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson connects our intrinsic desire to be known with the need to tell truer stories about ourselves — showing us how to form deep relationships, discover meaning, and live integrated, creative lives.
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Curt Thompson, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist, author, speaker, and co-host of The Being Known Podcast. He has been in private practice for over 30 years in Falls Church, Virginia, graduated from Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine, and completed his psychiatric residency at Temple University Hospital. He strives to help patients develop flourishing lives by telling their stories more honestly to become more deeply known for creating beauty and goodness in the world. With conviction and humor, he trains clinicians and speaks at workshops, retreats, and conferences, integrating neuroscience, human relationships, and Christian faith. He and his wife, Phyllis, are the parents of two adult children and live in Northern Virginia.
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Psychiatrist Curt Thompson, MD, brings together a dialect of interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) and Christian anthropology to educate and encourage others as they seek to fulfill their intrinsic desire to feel known, valued, and connected. Curt understands that deep, authentic relationships are essential to experiencing a healthier, more purposeful life — but the only way to realize this is
to begin telling our stories more truly.
His unique insights about how the brain affects and processes relationships help people discover a fresh perspective and practical applications to foster healthy and
vibrant lives, allowing them to get unstuck and move toward the next beautiful thing they’re being called to make.
WEBSITE, PODCAST, and SOCIAL MEDIA
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Website www.CurtThompsonMD.com
Podcast www.BeingKnownPodcast.com
Instagram CurtThompsonMD
Facebook CurtThompsonMD
@CurtThompsonMD -
We have guests with us. Carol and Greg Reller join us to discuss Chapter 7 of Uniquely Us on Social Communication and Challenges!
You may recognize Greg’s voice, who has been on several of our Just the Guys segments. Greg is 63 and retired after a 35-year career as a consulting geologist. Married to Carol. He was diagnosed around age 55 with what was then called Asperger's Syndrome. Carol and he have three children. Carol is in her fourth year of retirement after a 32-year career as a speech-language pathologist. Carol has written chapter 7.
Today, Carol and Greg will discuss some of their most common communication misfires and tools and strategies that help!
Pre-order the book today:
https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/uniquelyus
New classes are forming 2-3 spots remain!
Reach out to Stephanie at [email protected] -
Today, Dr. Stephanie is solo hosting with guest Sarah McDugal. Sarah is a coach who was later identified on the autism spectrum. Today, we discuss her divorce from a former minister's wife and the challenges of divorce when you are in ministry.
We discuss types of abuse.
I asked Sarah, does being autistic give anyone a pass in their behavior?
Sarah also discusses the importance of staying or leaving well.
A major point of our discussion is that everyone is responsible for their actions and emotions, regardless of their neurotype!
Sarah's Bio:
I’m Sarah McDugal, co-founder of Wilderness to WILD and the TraumaMAMAs mobile app.
I’m an author, coach, survivor, and TraumaMAMA.
As an autistic woman and survivor of both domestic violence and child sexual assault -- my hyper-focus is developing gentle, proven resources for women who want to heal after toxic and traumatic stress.
I'm trained in:
The Deceptive Sexual Trauma Model, and
APSATS (the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists)
I'm also a certified assessor for the Johns Hopkins Danger Assessment.
Some of my books include:
He Chose Porn Over Me: Women Harmed by Men Who Use Porn
Myths We Believe: Predators We Trust
One Face: Shed the Mask, Own Your Values, and Lead Wisely
My goal is to provide accessible, affordable, authentic tools to guide you out of the wilderness of abuse into the WILD, thriving post-trauma life that waits ahead.
Sarah's Website and Sarah's Resources
www.wildernesstowild.com
the SCOOP - Group Coaching Membership
www.wildernesstowild.com/the-scoop
Righteous or Rotten? How to know if it is biblically bad enough to divorce
https://www.wildernesstowild.com/unholy-fruit-your-wild-guide-to-discerning-toxic-character -
Giving the gift of relational JOY!
Dan and I are continuing to build joy by working through Chris and Jen Coursey's 30 Days of Joy: For Busy Married Couples. Many couples get so obsessed with their needs and focus on "the marriage" that they wonder, "Do you even like this person anymore?" What do you like about your spouse?"
Love is commanded by Scripture, but like is a choice.
In Coursey's book, they said one exercise is to tell each other what you like about each other and whether your spouse calls you to your Christ-like identity. Today, we will talk about relational circuits (RCs) and when they are on and off. Can you tell the difference when they are on and off?
You cannot build joy without your RCs on! -
Just the Guys discussed their experiences with planning surprise events and trips, emphasizing the importance of considering the other person's interests and preferences.
They also shared their experiences with travel planning, highlighting the challenges and stress involved and the need to be more mindful and attentive in daily life. The conversation concluded with the importance of expanding experiences beyond the US context and understanding the unique interests and needs of their children. -
Dr. Stephanie and Meredith discuss social skills groups for adolescents and young adults 14 and older.
Meredith Sinclair is the Executive Director/Founder of LIFE Behavior Consulting, LLC. Meredith holds a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. She is a certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified PEERS for Young Adults Provider, school-based Provider, and Telehealth provider. Meredith loves working with people with Neurodiverse brain styles to help them learn the skills to build their confidence and independence in working on their goals in life, whatever those may be. Meredith's specialty is helping her clients uncover and leverage their strengths and take action steps to apply the skills they learn in the real world. She is an advocate for Neurodiversity in the workplace and believes that anyone who has the desire to work CAN work and have a fulfilling career with the proper support.
Find her at:
https://lifebehaviorconsulting.com/ -
About our Guests:
Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW, and Todd Evans, PhD, MA,
are award-winning authors, speakers, and disability parents. They
earned their MA in Christian educational ministries at Wheaton College
in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church,
camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt
University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own
business. Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and
is a Licensed Master Social Worker experienced in couples, child and
family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling.
About Their Book:
In their upcoming book How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities (Baker Books, May 2024), Kristin and Todd provide the field guide for success. With extreme practicality and empathy, they present research-based skills for fostering a thriving caregiving marriage.
Caregiving parents require an additional set of skills for protecting their marriage amidst emotional, financial, and relational obstacles. Much like on a wilderness adventure, the steps of identifying where you are, setting goals, and planning your path together are vital to the success and enjoyment of the journey. Kristin and Todd apply this easy-to-follow framework in crucial areas such as stress management, communication, problem-solving, and respite to help couples thrive.
Kristin and Todd are available for interviews to discuss topics such as:
• Grieving the continual losses in a caregiving lifestyle
• Prioritizing marital intimacy in an overwhelming schedule
• Supporting each other’s mental, physical, and emotional health
• Fostering a life of joy despite “unhappy” circumstances
https://disabilityparenting.com/
Dr. Holmes says you want to get the book!
Get the book! Visit their site:
https://toddandkristinevans.com/
Get Connected
www.DisabilityParenting.com
Instagram
@disabilityparenting
Facebook
/kristin.evans.5895
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@AuthorKristinEv -
Listeners, you asked! We listened!
Many reached out and wanted to hear from an NT Husband and ND Wife!
Today, we have Gary and Molly, who discuss not only neurodiversity in marriage but also the extra layer and complexity of being a couple in ministry and who would find out about their neurodiversity.
What are the similarities and differences of being the "reverse," so to speak, type of NeuroDiverse Christian Couple?
Gary, being in ministry and having counseled hundreds of couples, what did he say about pastoral training and the need for Christian counseling to have specific training in NeuroDiverse Couples? - Visa fler
