In this Autism Thinks episode, historian John Summers brings a fresh perspective. He is newly affiliated as a research fellow in History and Disability with the think tank New America and has been the President and Editorial Director of Lingua Franca Media. As a historian, he starts from the beginning, bringing context into the bigger picture as he discusses various issues in the realm of autism, from behaviorism and autism care services to transportation needs and adult group homes.  Full Transcript of the Episode - https://bit.ly/3SyE65v ; Music excerpts used in this podcast are from th ..read more

Why is Autism history important and how has this turbulent history had an impact on our current understanding? Award-winning science writer Steve Silberman joins NJACE to offer his insights as we delve into how research has shifted over the years, suggestions for educators and clinicians to help the community, why it’s imperative to listen to autistic adults, what parents should know, and more! As Steve mentions in our discussion, “Everybody who is part of NJACE, and watching this broadcast can do their little bit to push the world forward, and that makes me very hopeful.” Follow us on Facebo ..read more

This week, Dr. Daniel Moreno De Luca tells us more about his work as a Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist, as well as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University. He is physician-scientist, incorporating genetics research into his clinical practice and using the field to bring precision medicine to psychiatry.  What you also may not have seen coming is that he is also a rock star! He delves into his recent song, 'Outer Space', inspired by the autistic children and families who have come to his clinic. JAMA Network Article by Dr. Moreno De Luca — http ..read more

This episode, we focus on Maribel Patiño's story. Maribel is currently a UC San Diego graduate student studying Neuroscience in the Medical Scientist Training Program. Her research involves developing new circuit mapping technology and investigating the efficiency of monosynaptic rabies tracing. She highlights the disparities underrepresented minorities face in pursuing STEM fields, and gives her invaluable advice and wisdom in not letting naysayers deter your pursuit for a fulfilling career ..read more

With the predicaments experienced during the pandemic in the past months, this episode checks in with people in our communities.  This episode shares the stories and thoughts of high school student Adam Tseng, parent and professional at PWC Anne Tseng, and researcher Ji Hye Ryu, PhD graduate from the Rutgers Department of Cognitive Science. They talk about their experiences navigating through unprecedented circumstances and what they are learning from them ..read more

Dr. Emily Reiser joins us this Autism Thinks episode, sharing how she makes innovation dreams come true. As a Senior Manager of Innovation Community Engagement, she helps aspiring entrepreneurs and startups launch new technologies for public health at the Texas Medical Center's innovation arm, TMC Innovation. She describes her role as an interconnector, bringing together startups, entrepreneurs and innovators with clinicians and their patients-- a crucial piece in many different journeys. Further, she speaks more about disparities in healthcare and supporting the disabled community through new ..read more

This episode, Dr. Nadia Rachdaoui continues to share her story. She is the founder of biotechnology company, NutrArgan, and a former faculty member at the Endocrinology Program in the Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University. Her story is a story of a true scientist, a story of obstacles and lessons learned along the way— and at the same time, it’s a story of resilience and hope.  NutrArgan, Biotech company founded by Nadia https://nutrargan.com Dr. Rachdaoui's Open Letter https://sites.google.com/view/mentoring-in-academia/home NIH Re-entry Supplement Links https://grants.nih.go ..read more

In celebration of National Horticultural Therapy week (March 14 - 20, 2021), Rutgers Psychology graduate student, Master Gardener and horticultural therapy intern, Elisabeth Black shares her words of wisdom and experiences with gardening as well as helping her students learn the art and science of gardening.  Elisabeth is also a high school teacher for students with special needs, and teaches several classes with organizations like JoyDew Foundation and schools like New Road School of NJ and Hunterdon Central Regional High School. She is currently studying how horticultural therapy can p ..read more

Learning more about our past ancestors, we can better understand the origins behind the way we think and act. Different traits can be seen passed from one generation to one another in our evolutionary history— Penny Spikins tells us more about how autistic traits have evolved and how they play crucial roles in our survival as a species. As a Professor of Archaeology in York University, she delves into how archaeological evidence can provide reasoning for why neurodivergent cognition or minds came into being, as well as their importance. To Read More about Professor Spikins' work, here’s a lin ..read more

In this episode, stories and thoughts are shared from members of the NJACE team: Director Dr. Elizabeth Torres, Assistant to the Director Richa Rai and Program Manager, Jen Schonger. Their stories resonate with a wide range of perspectives, from managing tasks in graduate studies to balancing work and family, amidst physical distancing.  ..read more