Autism Weekly is a podcast that discusses Autism news, current events, and inclusion. Each week we welcome a guest to the program to share their unique perspective and expertise as it relates to the fascinating world of Autism. We welcome all feedback. Please email podcast@abskids.com.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
What's actually happening in the brain when an autistic individual struggles to shift gears, adapt to change, or break out of a repetitive thought pattern? This week, host Jeffrey Skibitsky sits down with Dr. Lucina Uddin, neuroscientist and director of the Brain Connectivity and Cognition Laboratory at UCLA, to explore one of the most important and least-discussed topics in autism research: cognitive flexibility.
Dr. Uddin breaks down how brain networks switch between internal thinking and external awareness, what happens when that switching system gets overloaded, and why some autistic individuals get stuck in a loop even when they have every skill needed to problem-solve in calmer moments.
She also shares a surprising research finding: bilingual children with autism showed stronger inhibitory skills than their monolingual peers, suggesting that natural language exposure at home may support cognitive flexibility in ways families can start building today.
Resources:
Lucina Q. Uddin, Ph.D. (she/her)
Dr. Uddin's lab at UCLA is currently recruiting children ages 8 to 12 with an autism diagnosis for a paid brain study on bilingualism and cognitive flexibility. Families can earn up to $300 for participating. To learn more or sign up, contact uclabccl@gmail.com or call 323-609-5866.
In this episode:
- What cognitive flexibility is and why it matters for autistic individuals and their families
- The brain networks behind flexible thinking: default mode, salience, and executive systems
- Why anxiety and stress can shut down problem-solving even in high-ability individuals
- What neuroimaging reveals about brain differences in autism and where the science is headed
- The bilingual advantage: what Dr. Uddin's lab discovered and what it means for parents
- How early brain markers visible at six weeks old can predict later social development
- The shift toward precision psychiatry and individualized treatment
Whether you're a parent, clinician, or educator, this episode gives you a new lens for understanding why flexibility can be hard and concrete reasons for hope.
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Mar 20, 2026
Friday Mar 20, 2026
This week, we’re joined by Christopher Carazas, a Paraguayan-American writer whose journey spans continents, cultures, and a lifetime of resilience. Diagnosed as autistic in adulthood, Christopher has navigated the challenges of masking, emotional recovery, and finding his voice after years of silence. His memoir, Now That I’m Still Here, shares a powerful story of survival and hope. Today, we’ll discuss his experiences, the healing power of storytelling, and how to foster inclusion. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Monday Mar 09, 2026
Monday Mar 09, 2026
This week, we’re joined by Dr. Susan Williams White, a renowned clinical psychologist, researcher, and advocate for evidence-based interventions. Dr. White’s work focuses on helping individuals manage intense emotions and anxiety, with a special emphasis on youth with autism. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
This week, we’re joined by Dr. Shulamite Green, an Assistant Professor at UCLA and licensed clinical psychologist specializing in autism, sensory processing, and neurodevelopmental conditions. She leads the UCLA SCAN lab, where her research focuses on how the brain processes sensory information during adolescence. Today, we’ll discuss her findings and how they’re shaping new interventions. Download latest episode!
Resources
Their study is currently recruiting children ages 7-15 across the autism spectrum to participate in a study of sensory processing at UCLA. More information can be found on our website: Click Link here!
UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI)
Shulamite Green, Ph.D. – UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI)
Members by Research Area – UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI)
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
Tuesday Feb 10, 2026
This week, we’re joined by Dr. Lauren Kenworthy, a leading expert in the field of autism and executive functioning. Dr. Kenworthy is the author of Unstuck and On Target, a school-based intervention program proven to help children on the autism spectrum develop critical executive functioning skills. Today we will be discussing how executive functioning impacts learning and daily life for autistic individuals, as well as practical strategies to support these skills at home, in school, and beyond. Download latest episode!
Resources
Lauren Kenworthy, Ph.D.
Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Chief, Division of Pediatric Neuropsychology
Children’s National (Washington DC)
Professor, Pediatrics, Neurology, Psychiatry
George Washington University Medical School
Research Website: https://www.childrensnationalcasd.com
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday Jan 16, 2026
This week, we’re joined by Dr. Brooke Ingersoll, a leading autism researcher and Director of the MSU Autism Research Lab. She’ll be sharing insights on parent-mediated interventions, Project ImPACT, and the RISE study. These topics offer valuable support for families and individuals in the autism community. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
Project Impact Resources
Link to the official Project Impact website or resources where families can learn more about the program, access materials, and explore training opportunities.
2. MSU Autism Research Lab
A link to Dr. Brooke Ingersoll's research lab at Michigan State University, where families can explore her work and related studies.
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
This week, we’re joined by Jill Escher, president of the National Council on Severe Autism, a dedicated advocate, autism research philanthropist, and mom to two children with nonverbal autism. Jill has spent her life working to support individuals and families affected by severe autism.
She’s funded important research, provided housing for adults with developmental disabilities, and raised awareness about the challenges faced by the autism community. Today we will be discussing severe autism, the rising prevalence of autism, the need for long-term care and housing, and better access to treatments for severe behaviors. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
This week, we’re joined by Alix Generous—an autistic advocate, entrepreneur, scientist, and PhD student in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Alix has used her unique perspective to drive innovation in science, technology, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Today we will be discussing her journey, how reframing autism as a difference can inspire better support systems, and her passion for creativity, resilience, and inclusion. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generousalix/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenerousAlix/
My musical “Boogie Woogie & Bugle Boys”: https://cur8.com/22420/project/133958
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Friday Nov 14, 2025
This week, we’re joined by Clara Garcia, Director of Programs, and Melissa Cardona, Senior Resource Specialist at the Autism Society of Inland Empire. Clara brings decades of experience in inclusion and program development, while Melissa, a parent of two children on the spectrum, is passionate about supporting families and building connections.
Together, they’ll share insights on fostering inclusion, creating sensory-friendly programs, and meeting the needs of the autism community. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
Home - Autism Society Inland Empire
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
This week, we’re joined by Dr. Matthew Lerner, a leading researcher and advocate for neurodivergence-affirming practices. Dr. Lerner is the Director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at Drexel University, where his work focuses on improving social development and creating inclusive, participatory interventions for neurodiverse individuals. Today, we’ll explore how these practices can empower autistic individuals and their families while fostering meaningful social connections. Download latest episode to learn more!
Resources
A.J. Drexel Autism Institute | A.J. Drexel Autism Institute | Drexel University
Home | Autism Outcomes | Drexel University
Social Connections & Treatment Lab (SCTL) - Home
Affiliate, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science
Past-Treasurer, International Society for Autism Research
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Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.