Episode #60: MP - On the Wrong Side of the Law Synergy Autism Podcast · Episode #60: MP - On the wrong side of the law I feel the need to do a podcast on a very important and tough topic today. I'm going to talk about autistic individuals committing crimes. "WHAT!?" you may ask.. People with autism commit crimes? Or, you may be terrified knowing your child, client, or yourself. could end up committing a crime. There are some great websites, trainings, and supports available and I will be sure to share those. This podcast is not meant to replace those excellent resources. I am just an autism specialist who has sadly now seen the inside of jails, juvenile corrections facilities, courtrooms, and the Oregon State Hospital.  It seems there are a few things at play that are landing autistic people on the wrong side of the law. I have now been involve din two sexual assault cases, numerous aggravated assault cases, and two theft cases.  Families experiencing challenges with th

 Episode #59: MP - Perception Chaos Synergy Autism Podcast · Episode #59: MP - Perception Chaos Hello Synergy Autism Podcast Listeners. My name is Barb Avila and this is one of my mini-podcasts for you for 2021.  Today, I want to share a bit about what I have learned happens for many autistic individuals and some ideas for alleviating it. This is the experience of what I am calling "perception - chaos."  You've heard me share and discuss that autistic people often feel flooded and are riding high or are hyper-vigilant much of the time. This is along those lines. Imagine for a moment (or if you are autistic, this may describe your experience) that you are sitting in a crowded room with little to no ability to distinguish between or prioritize sensations coming from both outside and inside your body. You are experiencing a rumbling stomach perhaps while someone is talking next to you. Your emotions are all over the place from sad to hopeful to nervous or anxious. The light

  Episode # 58: MP - The Trouble with Favorites Synergy Autism Podcast · Episode #58: MP - The Trouble with Favorites Hello and welcome to another episode of the Synergy Autism Podcast. I am Barbara Avila and this is one of my 2021 mini podcasts which I produce almost every weekend based on some of the conversations I have in my work with individuals,  families, and professionals. I do want to mention, of course, that my book is out! You can find it anywhere  you purchase your books. It only  currently out in paperback but soon to be out as an ebook.  Today, I thought I’d return to a common dilemma faced by parents and professionals supporting autistic individuals and that is the concept of favorites. Most of us neuro-typicals have lots of favorites like favorite colors and favorite foods. But many autistic individuals struggle with the concept of favorites and may be unable to answer the question “which one is your favorite?” when presented with 2 or 3 nice and positive choices.  W