1 in 31: Autism Today

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Victoria Thiery. Victoria is a writer, producer, and director. She works alongside her husband, Austin. Victoria specializes in character development and final edits, with a keen eye for emotional consistency, narrative cohesion, and refining stories until they feel honest, intentional, and complete. She joins us to discuss their latest project: Know Limits. Know Limits is a narrative television project centered on Colin, an autistic lacrosse superfan who uncovers corruption within professional lacrosse. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://thethierysfeature.com/

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Chip Vincie. Chip's brother has been in the care of Anderson Center for Autism's for over 40 years. Chip joins us to discuss his journey to become his brother's legal guardian in 1999. Chip is an advocate for autonomy, but still helps to make decisions regarding and advocates for his brother when needed! Tune in to learn more, or see Chip's list of resources/helpful documents below. Chip's Guardianship Resources: https://www.nycourts.gov/CourtHelp/Guardianship/17A.shtml - this is a not-bad guide to how the process works and what you need to get together. Includes instructions on the forms and links to downloadable PDFs. Todd Fischlin is great and was my attorney. https://fishlinlaw.com/attorney-profile/ The New York Bar Association Referral Service will give you up to 3 referrals, based on what area of the law you need help with. You can consult with each of them for free for up to 15 minutes to figure out who's the right one for you. There's a suggested donation (the referral service is a nonprofit) but it's low. https://nysba.org/new-york-state-bar-association-lawyer-referral-service/ FORMS: * 17A Guardianship petition - this is the form where you ask to petition to be guardian (or move from standby to main guardian), including the contact info for you, your loved one, and the contact info for anyone who *could* have a competing claim * Combined Oath/Designation - this is a one page form where you swear you'll be a responsible guardian, and also which county surrogates court can accept processes if you're not around * Affidavit of Proposed Guardian - this is where you provide information about yourself - your address, education (where you went to school and what years), why you would be a good guardian Standby Guardianship Forms: The standby guardian will also have to submit these forms: * Combined Oath/Designation * Affidavit of Proposed Guardian * Affidavit of Examining Psychiatrist or Physician - this is what the doctor will have to fill out with the appropriate code for the disability * Waiver of Process Consent - anyone who *could* also become a guardian should fill this out, basically saying "I'm not going to pursue this claim". Ideally, you'd get the person to fill this out ahead of time. In my case, my ex-wife was originally the standby guardian, but we'd divorced and I'd remarried by the time my mother had married. I asked my ex if she would fill out this waiver ahead of time, and she agreed and filled it out, had it notarized, and got it back to me. * Notice of Petition - a one-or-two page form informing the court that you're making this petition for guardianship, and listing the standby guardian(s) (you can have several), and who else should get a notice of petition (if someone could contest your claim) * Affidavit of Mailing of Petition - this basically states that you in fact mailed all the people who should get a notice (like someone who has a potentially competing guardianship claim) - I didn't have to fill this out. * Form 3909 - this is where you have to list all the addresses that you and the standby guardians have lived at for the last 28 years, as well as any aliases you've used, like your maiden name. In my case, I changed my last name to my stepfather's. * To be on the safe side, I included my change of name documentation (I think nowadays they just issue a new birth certificate) * If you're moving from standby to main guardian, you will want to include: -- A copy of the original "Notice of Guardianship" that the state sent the guardian -- the death certificate of the guardian. -- Just as an aside, when someone dies, whoever is stuck with the arrangements should request at least 10 death certificates. The funeral home will give you a certain amount as part of their costs, but will charge you above that. It's not expensive and every bank, insurance company, and other institution will want an original FILING OUT THE FORMS: The good news is that these forms are now available as PDFS that can be filled out on your computer, and some counties have electronic filing. NOTE that these forms change sometimes and so does the number of forms required, so please hit up the website above for the latest info. I would recommend filling out the forms yourself and then letting the lawyer look at them before filing. Filling them out yourself will save you legal fees but getting them to check your work will ensure you're not missing anything.

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Dr. Deven Unadkat DO, MPA, FACEP. Dr. Unadkat is the President & Chief Medical Officer of StationMD. He is also a board-certified emergency physician, recognized physician leader, and a founding partner at StationMD. He has practiced clinically over the past 18 years in large academic centers, community hospitals, free standing emergency centers, and has been delivering care via telehealth to patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) throughout the country. StationMD’s mission is to provide the highest quality of medical care for individuals with I/DD, fostering independence and improving quality of life for our patients and those providing their care. Tune in or learn more at https://stationmd.com/

This weekends 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Michael Gilberg. Michael is known as 'an advocate for children with disabilities who walked in their shoes.'. He has many years of both Special Education and Disability Rights Law and Advocacy Experience. Attorney Gilberg also has his own personal experience as someone on the Autism Spectrum. He received his J.D. from Pace University School of Law in 2007 after receiving both his B.A. and M.P.A. also from Pace University. Attorney Gilberg spent his entire educational career prior to college in special education, despite not ever being given the proper identification and diagnosis. Tune in to learn more about his story, and the services he offers to families, or visit his website: https://www.michaelgilbergesq.com/

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen. Dr. Allen is a thought-leader in the Autism field. She is an Assistant Professor at SUNY Empire State University in the Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Science program and the Assistant Director of the SUNY Empire Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES). She is also a Licensed Psychologist (NY, MD), Licensed Behavior Analyst (NY), Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Dr. Allen discusses many topics including how to support neurodivergent individuals in schools, in the work-force, and in the community. Tune in to learn more!

This weekend's guest is Tiffany McDowell. Tiffany is the owner of Joy Bar Coffee Co., which currently has two locations in High Point, North Carolina. Tiffany and her sister Mallory wanted to create a space where neurotypical, and neurodivergent people could meet, work, feel welcomed, and learn from each other. They also wanted to create employment opportunities for individuals with different abilities through Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). Joy Bar Coffee has also been designated as a Certified Autism Center by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). At Joy Bar Coffee, it’s so much more than a cup of coffee - it’s an opportunity to experience true diversity, appreciation, inclusion, and (most of all) JOY. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://www.joybarcoffee.com/

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Elizabeth Rosenberger. Elizabeth's son attends Anderson Early Learning Academy (AELA) in Latham. AELA is a NYS approved 4410 program that provides children ages 3-5 years of age opportunities to learn in an environment that is developmentally appropriate and teaches the skills needed to be successful in kindergarten. Professionally, Elizabeth is a school counselor, handling IEPs and more at an elementary school in the Capital Region of New York. Tune in to hear more from Elizabeth and her perspective as a parent. Learn more about AELA today: www.andersoncenterforautism.org/anderson-early-learning-academy

This weekend's 1 in 31: Autism Today guest is Alan Day. Alan is the founder and CEO of Autism Double Checked (ADC), an innovative organization committed to making travel more accessible and inclusive for individuals on the autism spectrum. ADC classifies travel companies into three levels of "autism readiness": Autism Aware, Autism Ready, and Autism Double-Checked. At each level, the commitment to inclusivity deepens, and every participant is actively working to welcome guests traveling with autistic family members. Recently, ADC certified Bradley International Airport in Connecticut (the first in the U.S) as Autism Double Checked. Tune in to learn more about their certification process. You can also visit the ADC website to learn more about their service offerings including Autism Passport, Autism Concierge, Autism Stays, and Autism Flies, or see their directory of certified providers: https://autismchecked.com/

This weekend's 1 in 31 guests are Steve Tseckares and Dillon Faulkner. Steve Tseckares is the Executive Director of Backyard Sports Cares , Dillon Faulkner is the President and Chief Operating Officer. Backyard Sports Cares is a nonprofit division of Backyard Sports, the leading provider of community team sports programs for kids of all ages in Westchester County. Recently, they rolled out their BYSC Plus Program which is open to the public and serves children and young adults of all ability levels including individuals with special needs. This program works to build skills, confidence, and self esteem is staffed 1:1 by teacher/coaches and high school peer mentors. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://byardsportscares.org/

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Erica Stanzione. Erica is the Director of Marketing and Development for BluePath Service Dogs. Recently, BluePath Service Dogs received two monetary grants from Anderson Foundation for Autism in support of their Autism Service Dogs program. BluePath works to transform the lives of children with autism through the placement of expertly trained service dogs. Each BluePath dog comes with thousands of hours of training from dedicated volunteers and professional staff. These dogs offer freedom to families, with their primary role being to provide safety for a child while out in public. Families can apply for an autism service dog directly on the BluePath Service Dogs website. Tune in or learn more: https://bluepathservicedogs.org/autism-service-dogs/

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Dr. Jacob Corey. Dr. Corey is an assistant professor of physical therapy at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania. His research focuses on improving health, participation, and quality of life for neurodivergent individuals and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities through mixed methods inquiry, patient-centered intervention design, and implementation science. Dr. Corey is also the co-founder and president of Happy Valley FitLink, a nonprofit organization that provides free wellness classes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently, he received an Anderson Foundation for Autism grant to support his work STRETCH (Supporting, Training, Rehabilitation, Empowerment, Transformation, Community, and Health)-Arc project at Arcadia. Tune in to learn more, or visit: Weekly Fitness Classes | Happyvalleyfitlink | https://www.arcadia.edu/news/anderson-foundation-for-autism-awards-5000-grant-to-arcadia-university/

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Tracy Schober. Tracy is the Executive Director at Autism Society Greater Hudson Region (ASGHR). She leads the organization in five core service areas including Education, Advocacy, Support, Community, and Information & Referral, covering 21 counties in Eastern New York. Tracy joins us to discuss upcoming some of ASGHR's programs, and upcoming events. ASGHR hosts a Mom’s Night Out Social Connection Club. This is a great way to meet other caregivers, exchange ideas, share strategies and resources, make friends, and find a sense of community. ASGHR recently started their BRIGHT (Brave Resilient Inspiring Girls Happening Together) initiative. BRAVE is a social and empowerment program for autistic and neurodiverse pre-teen and teen girls designed to build confidence, friendships, and self-awareness. You can follow ASGHR on Facebook for information on upcoming events, fundraisers, and other advocacy efforts! Learn more about how you can support ASGHR: https://asghr.org/ | Email: [email protected] Tracy's Bio: Tracy is the Executive Director at Autism Society Greater Hudson Region (ASGHR). She leads the organization in five core service areas including Education, Advocacy, Support, Community, and Information & Referral, covering 21 counties in Eastern New York. Previously Tracy had a thirteen-year tenure as an ACA team member, she served as an Admissions Administrator, Supervisor of Medicaid Service Coordination, Senior Admissions Administrator, Director of New Program Development, and ECHO Autism Lead. As Executive Director of ASGHR Tracy continues to develop and implement trainings at local and national levels. Tracy is a doctoral candidate, pursuing her Doctor of Public Administration degree at Capella University. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Marist College, a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from SUNY College at Brockport, and an Associate’s degree in Recreation Leadership from Erie Community College. Tracy earned a certificate as A Social Change Ambassador from the American Association of University Women (member). Tracy is an approved Housing Navigator (NYHRC) and an approved Trainer for Autism Society of America’s Safety on the Spectrum™ - First Responders training. Tracy is also a member of the American Society for Public Administration and the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society. Tracy previously served as Program Manager of Adult Residential Services at COARC, a non-profit disabilities service provider, in Columbia County, NY, where she oversaw multiple Individual Residential Alternatives and apartments. Tracy’s doctoral focus is on housing. She is a proud mom of an adult on the spectrum. Where to listen: The Beacon, WGHQ 92.5FM/920AM Kingston, NY, hvbeacon.com, Sundays, 8:30AM EST WBPM 92.9FM/96.5FM and 1260AM/1420AM Beacon, NY, 929wbpm.com, Sundays, 6:00AM EST WHUD 100.7FM Beacon, NY, WHUD.com, Sundays, 6:00AMEST Oldies, WGNY 98.9/105.3FM and 1220AM New Windsor, NY, WGNYFM.com, Sundays, 7:30AM EST 1 in 31 can be streamed from the following apps: Search ‘1 in 31’ or ‘Anderson Center for Autism’ Amazon Music Apple Podcasts Boomplay iHeart Podbean Podchaser Spotify YouTube Learn more http://andersoncenterforautism.org/1in31 https://www.facebook.com/ASDpodcast

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Jeremy Buzzell. Jeremy is the Manager of Park Accessibility for Visitors and Employees (PAVE) program within the National Park Service. He joins us to discuss the National Park Service's growing inclusivity and accessibility initiatives, aimed at removing barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities and physical impairments. New supports now include social stories and sensory guides for neurodiverse visitors, and additional training for NPS staff that can better respond to families' needs. Individuals with a disability can attain an America the Beautiful Access Pass for free entry to most Federal Recreation Sites. Tune in to learn more or visit: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/accessibility.htm

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Dr. Blake Warner. Dr. Warner is a Chief Clinical Fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Warner works within the Tarjan Center at UCLA, which is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). He received his PhD with a dual specialization in Clinical and Disaster Psychology from the University of South Dakota. Dr. Warner joins us to discuss the PEERS (Program for Education Enrichment of Relational Skills) for Dating Clinic. This new 20-week program aims to demystify the often complex social rules surrounding dating and help participants gain a deeper understanding of relationship dynamics. The PEERS Clinic is currently recruiting participants for the free, 20-week study, set to begin in late January. To learn more, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers You can also contact the clinic directly: 310-26-PEERS or [email protected].

This weekend's 1 in 31 guest is Ashley Quitoni. Ashley is a coach with Crossfit 845. The organization recently created a new program - fitness for all - called Adaptive 845. The 8-week program meets twice a week and helps individuals build strength, confidence, and community! Individuals leave this program feeling empowered, included, and a part of the fitness community. Personalized fitness sessions include tailored workouts for ALL ability levels. Interested in signing up for their next session? Learn more: https://adaptive.crossfit845.com/

Jennifer is the founder of Inclusive Art House, a nonprofit located in Georgia. Jennifer has been a visual artist for over 25 years. She founded Inclusive Art House to empower and uplift disabled and special needs persons. She was inspired by her nephew Isahiah (now 20 years old) who came to live with her and her family in 2020. Isahiah is the focus of Jennifer's book series "Izzy Can't Talk", and has the title Chief of Inspiration within the organization. Jennifer has a new book coming out October 20th, 2025. Books can be purchased at the link below! Learn more: https://inclusivearthouse.com/