DifferentBrains.org is the 501(C)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ALL neurodiversity!
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Different Brains' neurodiverse team produces media (including videos, podcasts, blogs, books, and documentaries) and provides free resources for all neurodiverse conditions — intellectual and developmental differences, neurological problems, and mental health challenges — while helping develop the next generation of advocates. Join us as we share the voices for acceptance, inclusion, awareness, employment, and equality from around the world!
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Wired and Vogue writer Lisa Wood Shapiro discusses writing with dyslexia; Laura Berger presents way to increase happiness at work; Crystal Y. Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP shares her journey as an autism parent; Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT discusses narcissism and love; author Jeff Emmerson shares his struggles with depression; we hear more practical life strategies from autism self-advocates (including Stephen Shore, Ph.D. & Amy Gravino); and much more!
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A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER, HACKIE REITMAN, M.D.:
September is Suicide Prevention month, and one big obstacle to prevention is something we fight a lot here at Different Brains: stigma. Every year, we lose nearly 1 million people world wide to suicide, and it is staggering to think how drastically that number could be reduced if the stigma around depression and maintaining our mental health disappeared tomorrow. If we want that change to happen, everyone of us must make a difference!
Ending the stigma around mental health starts with all of us in our day to day lives. It starts when we are understanding of the different brains of co-workers and the people we meet in day to day life. It starts with us being open minded in conversation about the labels some people may have. It starts with us supporting our friends and families through their own challenges. And, it starts with all of us caring for our OWN mental health, and being proud to say that the health of our brains is just as important as the rest of our bodies. We need to talk openly and honestly about our differences, celebrate those that persevere, and get rid of the fear many face related to getting help.
In our recent Exploring Different Brains interview, mental health self-advocate Jeff Emmerson hit the nail on the head when discussing his battle with depression: “...you’re not alone in this stuff. You can go... you can overcome; you can change the future... Like my wife said, it’s ok to 'wave the white flag' and allow someone else to help you. (It was) the best thing I could have done, and that’s why I’m here on this mission today.”
So let’s all take part in supporting those of us with different brains, and making sure that we are all doing our parts to end the stigma!
-Hackie Reitman, M.D.
President and Founder, Different Brains Inc.
If you are anyone you know is struggling and needs help see your normal mental health provider, visit the Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call them at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For emergencies and imminent danger, call 911.
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As a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization, Different Brains Inc and DifferentBrains.org are only able to function with donations from people like you. Thank you for being a part of the Different Brains community, and for your ongoing support! Please share our site and newsletters with anyone that you feel could benefit from what we are doing. If you have a story you would like us to tell or an organization you want us to highlight, be sure to contact us. And, we are always looking for volunteers and interns over the age of 18! And don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook. If someone forwarded this email to you and you want to sign up, click here! Remember- society needs to understand and embrace neurodiversity for the benefit of ALL of us!
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RECENT INTERVIEWS FROM DIFFERENT BRAINS
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Becoming a Writer with Dyslexia
with Lisa Wood Shapiro
Click the above image for a 86 second preview.
For the full 22 minute interview, click here.
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Accepting Help to Overcome Depression
with Jeff Emmerson
Click the above image for a 41 second preview.
For the full 24 minute interview, click here.
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Don't forget that every episode of
EXPLORING DIFFERENT BRAINS
is also released as a PODCAST:
APPLE STITCHER SOUNDCLOUD
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(36 mins) In this episode, hosts Katherine Cody, Psy.D. and Becca Lory, CAS, BCCS present part 2 of the “Voices from the Spectrum” panel presented at the Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association (AHA) 2018 Conference. The panel covers practical strategies for people with autism, presented by people that are themselves on the spectrum, including: Dena Gassner, M.S.W., PhD cand., Emanuel Frowner, Amy Gravino, M.A., CAS, Stephen Katz, and Stephen Shore, Ed.D.
CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE FOR OUR MOST RECENT EPISODE, OR LOOK FOR IT ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PROVIDER:
Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud
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RECENT BLOGS FROM DIFFERENT BRAINS
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Finding Happiness at Work
by Laura Berger
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Amazing Grace: One Family’s Story of Hope and Autism
by Crystal Y. Sanford, M.Ed., M. A. CCC-SLP
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Mental Health & Relationships: Can a Narcissist Love?
by Darlene Lancer, JD, MFT
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RECENT NEWS FROM DIFFERENT BRAINS
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NBA’s Kevin Love On Battling Anxiety
(3 min 36 sec) In this episode, a man with Down syndrome retires from Wendy’s after 20 yrs. of working, a family looks to raise awareness fro apraxia, NBA star Kevin Love discusses his battle with anxiety, and more!
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Different Brains® is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding and acceptance of the basic variations in the human brain known as neurodiversity; ending the stigma attached to the related diagnoses and treatment; uniting silos of resources and research whose goals could be better achieved through collaboration; offering support to families and caregivers; and improving the lives and maximizing the potential of those whose brains may be different.
The contents of this newsletter and everything on our website is made possible through the generous, tax deductible donations of people like you. If you enjoyed this newsletter please consider contributing to our cause. Neurodiversity awareness and acceptance starts with you!
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