Autism inside & out: Guests delve into the latest mind & body health issues & advances

HOUSTON, Texas – Neurodevelopmental issues require a whole-person health approach, including emotional, biological and physical components. On recent episodes of Theories of Mind radio, Paul Louden and guests discussed current strategies and research related to the total well-being of individuals living on the autism spectrum.

With the pervasiveness of social media in the lives of today’s children and young adults, the phenomenon of the schoolyard bully has found a powerful and insidious home online, often targeting society’s most vulnerable members, such as those with neurological disabilities. Paul sat down with Holli Kenley, licensed marriage and family therapist and cyber-bullying expert to discuss ways to constructively and securely deal with hostile online behavior and harassment.

The start of the school year means new teachers, new classmates and new schedules. Diving into an unfamiliar routine can be especially overwhelming for those with autism. Autism spectrum disorder specialist and frequent Theories of Mind guest Kim Isaac-Emery shared strategic tips and precautions in a special back-to-school episode.

Continuing the theme of how to take on the challenges of the neurotypical world, guests Carmen Phillips and Lauren Whidden stopped by to discuss the Social Motion Skills program, an Easter Seals initiative that supports people of all ages who have neurological disabilities, offering strategies to ready individuals for achieving the most independent life possible. The program focuses on personal development, judgment and decision making in real world situations such as classroom or workplace environments.

Following your gut instincts may be a pretty smart thing to do, according Dr. James Adams, President’s Professor and autism researcher at Arizona State University. Adams told Paul and listeners about his team’s research focused on gut microbes and the possible connection between gut bacteria and autism.

Writer Cindy Cline-Flores and Mark Durden of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sat down with Paul to talk about how to reach out to individuals with mood disorders and those who have experienced a loss due to suicide. Cline-Flores is the author of the book Always Hope, which offers life-affirming personal stories from those who have overcome depression and other great obstacles. Durden reminded listeners about the AFSP Greater Houston Area Walk, which takes place in The Woodlands November 7.

The powerful link between mental and physical health was the focus of Paul’s recent conversation with Renee Klovenski, program director of the Greater Houston Area Special Olympics. Klovenski described the organization’s year-round training programs and competitions and their positive impact on special needs athletes and their families. Klovenski encouraged listeners to come out and support athletes during the 15th annual Special Olympics Texas Fall Classic, which takes place October 8-10, at venues in Bryan and College Station.

For more information about these and other episodes, visit www.theoriesofmindradio.com. Listen to “Theories of Mind” Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. on Bloomberg Business News Radio 1110 KTEK-AM, a Wall Street Journal Radio Network, Bloomberg Radio Station in Houston.