PFA Zoomcast Interviews with Rob Long

Introducing our new series – PFA Zoomcast Interviews with Rob Long! PFA board member and 105.7 The Fan morning show host Rob Long interviews leading experts on topics that range from the new autism prevalence rates, wandering and elopement, behavior, diagnoses and the DSM-5, coping at home and more!

Vincent P. Culotta, Ph.D., ABN and Melissa Blackwell, Psy.D.

Drs. Culotta and Blackwell discuss diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)and the importance of intervention following a diagnosis. They also address what parents and caregivers can do to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment. For additional information on the ASD diagnosis in the DSM-5, read “PFA Tips: Staying Ahead of the Game – the DSM-5 and Autism” by Drs. Culotta and Blackwell.

Officer Laurie Reyes

It can be terrifying if the person you are caring for suddenly runs off or is missing. Officer Laurie Reyes discusses the dangers of wandering and elopement, the risks of drowning due to elopement, and what parents and caregivers can do to help keep their loved ones safe. Visit our Safety section for more information on wandering and elopement resources.

Madelyn Dennis

Madelyn Dennis, member of PFA’s Self-Advocate Advisory Committee shares her insights and perspectives as an adult with autism.

Mackenzie L. Boon, Ph.D.

Mackenzie L. Boon, Ph.D., Behavioral Psychologist in the Pediatric Developmental Disabilities Clinic at the Kennedy Krieger Institute discusses anxiety and autism in children and youth. For more information on this topic please read “PFA Tips: Anxiety and ASD in Children and Youth” by Dr. Stuart Varon.

Ami Taubenfeld and Jennifer Langley

Ami and Jennifer discuss parenthood during a pandemic (when schools and day programs are closed).

Chelsea Whitaker, OTR/L

Chelsea Whitaker, OTR/L, Founder and COO, Taking the Lead, Inc. discusses the basics and benefits of hippotherapy. For more information, read PFA Tips: Hippotherapy.

Penelope Kaikis

Penelope discusses the role of Speech Language Pathologists and how speech therapy can work for individuals with autism.

Peter B. Crino, MD, PhD

Peter B. Crino, MD, PhD, Professor and Chairman of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discusses seizures and autism and his work at the University of Maryland Center for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (UMCAND). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Crino, call 410-328-6266. For additional information on seizures and autism, read PFA Tips: Seizures and Autism.

Cathy Goucher, MA, ATR-BC, LCPC, LCPAT

Cathy Goucher, MA, ATR-BC, LCPC, LCPAT, Founder of Make Studio and Art Therapy Program Director at Notre Dame of MD University, discusses the basics and benefits of art therapy. For more information, please read PFA Tips: Art Therapy.

Melissa Ward, MT-BC

Melissa Ward, MT-BC, Founder of Augmenting Ability, discusses the basics and benefits of music therapy. For more information, please read PFA Tips: Music Therapy.

Ryan Permison

Ryan Permison, Host/Producer of The Nerdcast and Member of Nerd Culture shares his insights and perspectives as an adult with autism.

Tom Whalen

Tom Whalen, Member of PFA’s Self-Advocate Advisory Committee and PFA Co-Trainer shares his insights and perspectives as an adult with autism.

Dr. Li-Ching Lee

In March 2020, new autism prevalence rates were announced. PFA board member, and 105.7 The Fan morning show host, Rob Long, interviews Dr. Li-Ching Lee from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health about both the national and Maryland rates. Dr. Lee is the principal investigator for the Maryland Autism Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network which is a group of programs funded by CDC to estimate the number of children with autism and other developmental disabilities living in different areas of the United States. Read more about Autism prevalence rates and the ADDM.