The [EYE] on Autism Podcast

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and what better time to unveil a cutting-edge project in the Autism field. This project is designed to create the first-ever Enhancing Mental Health Practice for Autistic Adults Collaborative Team (EMPAACT). EMPAACT is meant to be a collaborative, multi-stakeholder team of autistic adults with high mental health needs, researchers, family members, and professionals. Together, EMPAACT aims to create resources and identify community priorities to increase capacity for autistic mental health research and practice.

Host: Dr. Michael Romas, Clinical PsychologistGuest Name & Title: Consuelo Senior, LMSW, CSE, MACM, Director of YAI KnowledgeDescription / Links to Further Info: https://www.yai.org/people/consuelo-seniorMental Health Clinician, Adjunct Professor, International Consultant, Sexuality and Disability Expert, Transformational SpeakerConsuelo Senior has over 27 years of experience working in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health. She has trained and developed curricula for a wide range of topics of importance to the disability field and is certified in areas of Sexuality, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema Therapy, Grief and Loss. She has trained extensively on Dual Diagnosis (MH & I/DD), Aging, Dementia/Alzheimer, Professional Development, Leadership, Effective Teaching, Supporting People with Profound Disabilities and Complex Needs, Diversity and Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence, and Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset.Consuelo is published in The Autism Spectrum News and is also a contributor to the UNFPA published International Technical and Programmatic Guidance on Out of School Comprehensive Sexuality Education. She also has been cited/featured in training materials for the state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities-Workforce Transformation, the New York University Review of Law & Social Change, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, Broadly VICE Magazine, The Atlantic Magazine, and other publications.

In this episode of the [Eye] on Autism Podcast, clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Romas sits down with Dr. Dana Reinecke, a NYS-licensed psychologist and behavioral analyst, to explore how the holiday season impacts children and adults on the autism spectrum.Dr. Reinecke breaks down why changes in routines, sensory overload, unfamiliar environments, and emotional transitions can be especially challenging — and offers practical strategies families, caregivers, and staff can use to create predictability and emotional safety.Topics include visual supports, social stories, communication systems, coping with sensory overload, preparing extended family, managing transitions back to school or residential programs, and understanding the emotional “blues” that often follow the holiday season.This conversation is packed with evidence-based insights to help families and professionals make the holidays more meaningful, manageable, and supportive for autistic individuals of all ages.If you find this content helpful, please like, subscribe, and share to help build a more inclusive world.Learn more or support DDI’s mission: ddiny.org

Clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Romas talks with DDI job development coordinator Wendy Elsen about what supported employment really looks like for autistic adults—vocational profiles, task analysis, job tryouts, employer partnerships, and the critical role of job coaches. Hear real success stories, strategies for reducing anxiety, and why hiring neurodiverse talent makes strong business sense. For families, educators, employers, and self-advocates.#Autism #Neurodiversity #SupportedEmployment #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveHiring #AutismEmployment #AutisticAdults #JobCoach #WorkplaceAccommodations #WorkforceInclusion #VocationalRehabilitation #AnxietySupport #JobPlacement #EyeOnAutism #EyeOnAutismPodcast