the podcast series
season 2—episodes 10–19
“The best way to learn is just from going out and doing something—talking to people, being a part of of an organization, or going to events. It’s not always going to be easy, but the only way to get better at anything is to keep doing it— and have experiences.”
—James
season 5—episodes 40–49
season 4—episodes 30–39
season 3—episodes 20–29
season 2—episodes 10–19
season 1—episodes 1–10
PODCAST EPISODE 19:
PODCAST EPISODE 19:
PODCAST EPISODE 19:
getting in
getting in
2022-23 Update on Choosing the right college
College admissions have changed in some significant ways since the pandemic. Hear important updates from Eric Endlich, a college admissions counselor who works mostly with students on the spectrum. He's got new insights about the relevance of standardized tests now; what colleges are looking for; application and essay strategies and what students on the spectrum should look for when they start applying and visiting schools.
College admissions have changed in some significant ways since the pandemic. Hear important updates from Eric Endlich, a college admissions counselor who works mostly with students on the spectrum. He's got new insights about the relevance of standardized tests now; what colleges are looking for; application and essay strategies and what students on the spectrum should look for when they start applying and visiting schools.
College admissions have changed in some significant ways since the pandemic. Hear important updates from Eric Endlich, a college admissions counselor who works mostly with students on the spectrum. He's got new insights about the relevance of standardized tests now; what colleges are looking for; application and essay strategies and what students on the spectrum should look for when they start applying and visiting schools.
PODCAST EPISODE 18:
PODCAST EPISODE 18:
PODCAST EPISODE 18:
getting in
getting in
getting in
The questions and stresses around college applications, essays, and admissions get a lot of attention every fall. Students on the spectrum may feel especially anxious or challenged about how to approach the process, and whether or not to reveal or even write about their diagnosis. Other questions students have might include: Are there accommodations that kick in as early as the application process? And what about the pros and cons of an in-person visit? To demystify the process, and offer insights on how to take on the admissions process, this episode features a conversation with admissions officials from two very different colleges. Emily Engleschall is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and longtime admissions advisor at UC Riverside and Cathy Finks is the Executive Director of Admissions at the College of Wooster, a smaller private liberal arts college in Wooster, Ohio.
The questions and stresses around college applications, essays, and admissions get a lot of attention every fall. Students on the spectrum may feel especially anxious or challenged about how to approach the process, and whether or not to reveal or even write about their diagnosis. Other questions students have might include: Are there accommodations that kick in as early as the application process? And what about the pros and cons of an in-person visit? To demystify the process, and offer insights on how to take on the admissions process, this episode features a conversation with admissions officials from two very different colleges. Emily Engleschall is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and longtime admissions advisor at UC Riverside and Cathy Finks is the Executive Director of Admissions at the College of Wooster, a smaller private liberal arts college in Wooster, Ohio.
The questions and stresses around college applications, essays, and admissions get a lot of attention every fall. Students on the spectrum may feel especially anxious or challenged about how to approach the process, and whether or not to reveal or even write about their diagnosis. Other questions students have might include: Are there accommodations that kick in as early as the application process? And what about the pros and cons of an in-person visit? To demystify the process, and offer insights on how to take on the admissions process, this episode features a conversation with admissions officials from two very different colleges. Emily Engleschall is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and longtime admissions advisor at UC Riverside and Cathy Finks is the Executive Director of Admissions at the College of Wooster, a smaller private liberal arts college in Wooster, Ohio.
PODCAST EPISODE 17:
PODCAST EPISODE 17:
PODCAST EPISODE 17:
behind the scenes WITH FIRST NONSPEAKING UC BERKELEY GRAD
behind the scenes WITH FIRST NONSPEAKING UC BERKELEY GRAD
behind the scenes WITH FIRST NONSPEAKING UC BERKELEY GRAD
David Teplitz was determined to go to UC Berkeley, and he did it, graduating in May with a degree in political science. David is on the spectrum and has severe apraxia. That means -- in his case-- he is verbal, but doesn't speak. Hear David explain how he got in and managed his class load with the help of many aids and communication devices. David also offers insights about academics, connecting with professors and peers on campus and online, and how he navigated his college experience. He does mention Stanford, too. Spoiler alert: Cal won that game.
David Teplitz was determined to go to UC Berkeley, and he did it, graduating in May with a degree in political science. David is on the spectrum and has severe apraxia. That means -- in his case-- he is verbal, but doesn't speak. Hear David explain how he got in and managed his class load with the help of many aids and communication devices. David also offers insights about academics, connecting with professors and peers on campus and online, and how he navigated his college experience. He does mention Stanford, too. Spoiler alert: Cal won that game.
David Teplitz was determined to go to UC Berkeley, and he did it, graduating in May with a degree in political science. David is on the spectrum and has severe apraxia. That means -- in his case-- he is verbal, but doesn't speak. Hear David explain how he got in and managed his class load with the help of many aids and communication devices. David also offers insights about academics, connecting with professors and peers on campus and online, and how he navigated his college experience. He does mention Stanford, too. Spoiler alert: Cal won that game.
PODCAST EPISODE 16:
PODCAST EPISODE 16:
PODCAST EPISODE 16:
sophomore year 101
sophomore year 101
sophomore year 101
PerI Abrams just got back to campus to start her sophomore year at Hamilton College in upstate New York. Her freshman year was amazing...sort of. She had a great first semester (you can hear all about that in Episode 12) But second semester was rougher. She says little things derailed her and she wound up sleeping in some, skipping a few classes, avoiding social situations and worrying about disappointing her parents, and herself. And then...she got covid. The forced break helped her reboot, though, and have some epiphanies about what she needs to do differently this year. One strategy Peri talks about is making sure there's a support network in place *in case she needs it. She might, she might not, but knowing you have relationships with people on campus who can help makes a difference Peri says. Hear more of Peri's story and insights, plus, how the chocolate milk supply is flowing.
PerI Abrams just got back to campus to start her sophomore year at Hamilton College in upstate New York. Her freshman year was amazing...sort of. She had a great first semester (you can hear all about that in Episode 12) But second semester was rougher. She says little things derailed her and she wound up sleeping in some, skipping a few classes, avoiding social situations and worrying about disappointing her parents, and herself. And then...she got covid. The forced break helped her reboot, though, and have some epiphanies about what she needs to do differently this year. One strategy Peri talks about is making sure there's a support network in place *in case she needs it. She might, she might not, but knowing you have relationships with people on campus who can help makes a difference Peri says. Hear more of Peri's story and insights, plus, how the chocolate milk supply is flowing.
PerI Abrams just got back to campus to start her sophomore year at Hamilton College in upstate New York. Her freshman year was amazing...sort of. She had a great first semester (you can hear all about that in Episode 12) But second semester was rougher. She says little things derailed her and she wound up sleeping in some, skipping a few classes, avoiding social situations and worrying about disappointing her parents, and herself. And then...she got covid. The forced break helped her reboot, though, and have some epiphanies about what she needs to do differently this year. One strategy Peri talks about is making sure there's a support network in place *in case she needs it. She might, she might not, but knowing you have relationships with people on campus who can help makes a difference Peri says. Hear more of Peri's story and insights, plus, how the chocolate milk supply is flowing.
PODCAST EPISODE 15:
Remember Tony? He transferred. Hear all about it.
Remember Tony? He transferred. Hear all about it.
Remember Tony? He transferred. Hear all about it.
Tony Y started this year at the University of Oregon, but he's ending it at Foothill College,
a community college closer to where he's from in Northern California. At the start of his freshman year, he found he loved some things about the U of O and the city of Eugene, but definitely not the weather and maybe not the quarter system. So he decided to see if he might like another school on his original college list, St. Mary's, a smaller private college in California, better. But, he couldn't transfer in the middle of the year, so he moved home and spent the semester at a junior college. He liked it, he felt like the professors were more accessible, and, he plans to enroll at St. Mary's in the fall, maybe even try U of O again, down the line. His advice: if it doesn't feel right, go with your gut.
Tony Y started this year at the University of Oregon, but he's ending it at Foothill College,
a community college closer to where he's from in Northern California. At the start of his freshman year, he found he loved some things about the U of O and the city of Eugene, but definitely not the weather and maybe not the quarter system. So he decided to see if he might like another school on his original college list, St. Mary's, a smaller private college in California, better. But, he couldn't transfer in the middle of the year, so he moved home and spent the semester at a junior college. He liked it, he felt like the professors were more accessible, and, he plans to enroll at St. Mary's in the fall, maybe even try U of O again, down the line. His advice: if it doesn't feel right, go with your gut.
Tony Y started this year at the University of Oregon, but he's ending it at Foothill College,
a community college closer to where he's from in Northern California. At the start of his freshman year, he found he loved some things about the U of O and the city of Eugene, but definitely not the weather and maybe not the quarter system. So he decided to see if he might like another school on his original college list, St. Mary's, a smaller private college in California, better. But, he couldn't transfer in the middle of the year, so he moved home and spent the semester at a junior college. He liked it, he felt like the professors were more accessible, and, he plans to enroll at St. Mary's in the fall, maybe even try U of O again, down the line. His advice: if it doesn't feel right, go with your gut.
PODCAST EPISODE 14:
Grad school & community advocacy
Ben VanHook is a graduate student at George Mason University, studying public policy. He also works in Washington, D.C. as a Programs and Outreach Associate at the Organization for Autism Research, and as the first autistic student representative to the American Psychological Association. In this episode, Ben talks about how his self-advocacy grew into community advocacy, as he navigated his way to and from a high school that could support him; finding an undergraduate program that was a great fit for him at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA., and now, on to graduate school. Finding his own way prompted Ben to think about how he could help others find what works best for them, too. Ben also explains his work on autism appreciation -- not just autism awareness and acceptance of autistic people-- because he believes neurodiversity offers more in every setting.
LISTEN
PODCAST EPISODE 13:
Using campus career services to jumpstart the job search
Jasmine B is looking forward to graduating in May from UC Riverside with a degree in environmental engineering. What she’s not looking forward to is job hunting. For the past five years, she’s been working at a fast-food restaurant to help pay for college, so she has plenty of work experience, but not in her chosen field. Jasmine says her college’s career services advisors have been super helpful and had good news for her: the soft skills she already has in customer service will look good to employers. And she got a lot of help polishing her resume to highlight all she has to offer. Hear Jasmine talk about those resume hacks, her final semesters, and getting ready for the road ahead.
LISTEN
PODCAST EPISODE 12:
Freshman year, 2,719 miles from home. All is well.
Peri A. had to persuade her parents that she’d be just fine if she chose a college far from home. She grew up and went to high school in L.A. But Hamilton College in upstate New York had everything she was looking for – a small school with a strong liberal arts program, accommodations for students on the spectrum, and a sense of community that she loved when she visited. Peri was able to convince her parents that with an aunt and uncle in NYC, she’d have family support near enough if she needed it. Now she’s in her second semester, taking classes in Symbolic and Quantitative Reasoning, Spanish literature, a course in Mythology, and a poetry class. And Peri’s looking forward to a summer internship. She lives in a dorm, in a “split single” room, so she has the space and privacy she craves after long days in class and clubs full of stimulation. Peri also has something to say about the chocolate milk in the dining hall. You’ll want to hear it.
LISTEN
PODCAST EPISODE 11:
coaching from the sidelines
Parents of students on the spectrum are often very involved because that is the only way to make sure school works for your child. Jackie Lorrainne began navigating her son James' school experiences as soon as he was diagnosed in elementary school, and all the way through his college graduation coming up in May of 2022 from the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Along the way she found James a therapeutic middle school and high school, she compromised with him about college choices, and, coached him over the phone about his dorm situation once he got there and eventually decided to transfer to a different university.
LISTEN
PODCAST EPISODE 10:
Plan B was better
James T. had his heart set on attending an historically black college (HBCU). But the dorm set-up and social scene proved challenging. So for the second semester of his freshman year, he transferred to the University of Missouri, St. Louis. He thrived there, socially and academically. He says he "found a home": had an easier time in the dorms with a single room, and participated in a selective internship program. James is now a senior, on track to graduate in the spring. But early on, he bypassed asking for some of the accommodations he was entitled to. James explains how being on the spectrum can make that complicated, and talks about how colleges are figuring it out.
PODCAST EPISODE 19:
2022-23 Update on Choosing the right college
2022-23 Update on Choosing the right college
2022-23 Update on Choosing the right college
College admissions have changed in some significant ways since the pandemic.
PODCAST EPISODE 18:
getting in
getting in
getting in
The questions and stresses around college applications, essays, and admissions get a lot of attention every fall. Students on the spectrum may feel especially anxious or challenged about how to approach the process, and whether or not to reveal or even write about their diagnosis. Other questions students have might include: Are there accommodations that kick in as early as the application process? And what about the pros and cons of an in-person visit? To demystify the process and offer insights especially for students on the spectrum, this episode features conversation with admissions officials from two very different colleges. Emily Engleschall is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Services and longtime admissions advisor at UC Riverside and Cathy Finks is the Executive Director of Admissions at the College of Wooster, a smaller private liberal arts college in Wooster, Ohio.
PODCAST EPISODE 17:
behind the scenes WITH FIRST NONSPEAKING UC BERKELEY GRAD
behind the scenes WITH FIRST NONSPEAKING UC BERKELEY GRAD
behind the scenes WITH FIRST NONSPEAKING UC BERKELEY GRAD
David Teplitz was determined to go to UCBerkeley, and he did it, graduating in May with a degree in political science. David is on the spectrum and has severe apraxia. That means -- in his case-- he is verbal but doesn't speak. Hear David explain how he got in and managed his class load with the help of many aids and communication devices. David also offers insights about academics, connecting with professors and peers on campus and online, and how he navigated his college experience. He does mention Stanford, too. Spoiler alert: Cal won that game.
PODCAST EPISODE 16:
sophomore year 101
sophomore year 101
sophomore year 101
PerI Abrams just got back to campus to start her sophomore year at Hamilton College in upstate New York. Her freshman year was amazing...sort of. She had a great first semester (you can hear all about that in Episode 12). But second semester was rougher. She says little things derailed her and she wound up sleeping in some, skipping a few classes, avoiding social situations, and worrying about disappointing her parents, and herself. And then...she got covid. The forced break helped her reboot, though, and have some epiphanies about what she needs to do differently this year. One strategy Peri talks about is making sure there's a support network in place *in case she needs it. She might, she might not, but knowing you have relationships with people on campus who can help makes a difference, Peri says. Hear more of Peri's story and insights, plus, how the chocolate milk supply is flowing.
PODCAST EPISODE 15:
Remember Tony? He transferred. Hear all about it.
Remember Tony? He transferred. Hear all about it.
Remember Tony? He transferred. Hear all about it.
Tony Y started this year at the University of Oregon, but he's ending it at Foothill College, a community college closer to where he's from in Northern California. At the start of his freshman year, he found he loved some things about the U of O and the city of Eugene, but definitely not the weather and maybe not the quarter system. So he decided to see if he might like another school on his original college list, St. Mary's, a smaller private college in California, better. But, he couldn't transfer in the middle of the year, so he moved home and spent the semester at a junior college. He liked it, he felt like the professors were more accessible, and, he plans to enroll at St. Mary's in the fall, maybe even try U of O again, down the line. His advice: if it doesn't feel right, go with your gut.
PODCAST EPISODE 14:
Grad school & community advocacy
Grad school & community advocacy
Grad school & community advocacy
Ben VanHook is a graduate student at George Mason University, studying public policy. He also works in Washington, D.C. as a Programs and Outreach Associate at the Organization for Autism Research, and as the first autistic student representative to the American Psychological Association. In this episode, Ben talks about how his self-advocacy grew into community advocacy, as he navigated his way to and from a high school that could support him; finding an undergraduate program that was a great fit for him at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA., and now, on to graduate school. Finding his own way prompted Ben to think about how he could help others find what works best for them, too. Ben also explains his work on autism appreciation -- not just autism awareness and acceptance of autistic people-- because he believes neurodiversity offers more in every setting.
PODCAST EPISODE 13:
Using campus career services to jumpstart the job search
Using campus career services to jumpstart the job search
Using campus career services to jumpstart the job search
Jasmine B is looking forward to graduating in May from UC Riverside with a degree in environmental engineering.
What she's not looking forward to is job hunting. For the past five years, she's been working at a fast-food restaurant to help pay for college, so she has plenty of work experience, but not in her chosen field. Jasmine says her college's career services advisors have been super helpful and had good news for her: the soft skills she already has in customer service will look good to employers. And she got a lot of help polishing her resume to highlight all she has to offer. Hear Jasmine talk about those resume hacks, her final semesters, and getting ready for the road ahead.
PODCAST EPISODE 12:
Freshman year, 2,719 miles from home. All is well.
Freshman year, 2,719 miles from home. All is well.
Freshman year, 2,719 miles from home. All is well.
Peri A. had to persuade her parents that she'd be just fine if she chose a college far from home. She grew up and went to high school in L.A. But Hamilton College in upstate New York had everything she was looking for - a small school with a strong liberal arts program, accommodations for students on the spectrum, and a sense of community that she loved when she visited. Peri was able to convince her parents that with an aunt and uncle in NYC, she'd have family support near enough if she needed it. Now she's in her second semester, taking classes in Symbolic and Quantitative Reasoning, Spanish literature, a course in Mythology, and a poetry class. And Peri's looking forward to a summer internship. She lives in a dorm, in a "split single" room, so she has the space and privacy she craves after long days in class and clubs full of stimulation. Peri also has something to say about the chocolate milk in the dining hall. You'll want to hear it.
PODCAST EPISODE 11:
coaching from the sidelines
coaching from the sidelines
coaching from the sidelines
Parents of students on the spectrum are often very involved because that is the only way to make sure school works for your child. Jackie Lorrainne began navigating her son James' school experiences as soon as he was diagnosed in elementary school, and all the way through his college graduation coming up in May of 2022 from the University of Missouri at St. Louis.
Along the way she found James a therapeutic middle school and high school, she compromised with him about college choices, and, coached him over the phone about his dorm situation once he got there and eventually decided to transfer to a different university. Jackie just successfully defended her Ed.D. dissertation, based on her experiences seeking resources and supports as the mother guiding a young Black man with autism seeking success in school. For all of these reasons, this episode is a must-listen.
PODCAST EPISODE 6:
choosing the right college
Choosing the right school can require lots of research, especially when you're on the Spectrum. It's not just finding a college with majors you are interested in, but also figuring out which schools have support services and programs that match your needs. Eric Endlich has created a huge database on his website that lays it all out. He also advises students privately in his college counseling business that he founded because he saw too many students on the spectrum going off to college and having a hard time. He thought he could help, and now he's switched his focus from psychotherapy to college admissions. Hear what he has to say about the range of options out there, and how to choose a college.