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Spectrumly Speaking

Episode 158

Guest: Cheryl Checkers, LMHC, MCC

Main Idea: Intersection between Mental Health and Autism

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spectrumly-speaking/id1223810038

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Spectrumly Speaking is the podcast dedicated to women on the autism spectrum, produced by Different Brains®. Every other week, join our hosts Haley Moss (an autism self-advocate, attorney, artist, and author) and Dr. Lori Butts (a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist, and licensed attorney) as they discuss topics and news stories, share personal stories, and interview some of the most fascinating voices from the autism community.

Have a question or story for us? E-mail us at SpectrumlySpeaking@gmail.com

Spectrumly Speaking is the podcast dedicated to women on the autism spectrum, produced by Different Brains®. Every other week, join our hosts Haley Moss (an autism self-advocate, attorney, artist, and author) and Dr. Lori Butts (a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist, and licensed attorney) as they discuss topics and news stories, share personal stories, and interview some of the most fascinating voices from the autism community.

Have a question or story for us? E-mail us at SpectrumlySpeaking@gmail.com

Would love to love it.

As an autistic person I would love to listen to this podcast but the audio is so bad in clarity and eve ness I cannot. 😢

A guy on the spectrum

I know this show is geared toward women on the spectrum, however it has been a great help to me as I am struggling to improve my interactions with nuerotypicals and be more accepting of myself.

Thank you for this wonderful podcast!

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‎Spectrumly Speaking is the podcast dedicated to women on the autism spectrum, produced by Different Brains®. Every other week, join our hosts Haley Moss (an autism self-advocate, attorney, artist, and author) and Dr. Lori Butts (a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist, and licensed attorney) a...

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Autism and Mental Health very often co occur

Not much support for both together, it's either one or the other

Cheryl is currently cross training over 400 professionals in Florida

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Cheryl's daughter had struggles with mental health symptoms until she was diagnosed with autism also

In May, Mental Health Awareness Month, Cheryl had autism specific speakers and panels at the NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness)

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Cheryl had a dual perspective as a mental health counselor and parent of an autistic child

Haley Moss (host) offered a perspective as an attorney and someone with diagnosed autism

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Educators and others at the school involved with the student need to realize that autistic students often have co-occurring mental health needs also

Educators should promote awareness to all students and staff so they can create inclusion throughout the school

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Like Cheryl is doing in Florida, schools could cross train educators and staff in their school and community

Schools could have informational events that talked about both mental health and autism and that the often co-occur, include local autism networks and mental health associations

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It made it clear that mental health and autism co-occur in at least 70% of people, so there is a great need to cross train professional to be familiar with both

There needs to be collaboration and integrated support systems to support families and students

I also appreciated the way Cheryl and many parents need to advocate for their children

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How is the cross training of the task force being measured?

How to set up cross training in more states?

How can educators better work with mental health professionals to be sure their students needs are being met?

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Helped to remember to see my students as a whole picture and not just a small piece of who they are.

I need to gain a better understanding of people with an autism diagnosis