NeuroDiverse Christian Couples

 Continuing our Autism Acceptance Month, today Dr. Stephanie interviews Dani Bowman from Love on the Spectrum. We will talk about her involvement with the show and how she built her company, DaniMation.

Guest: Dani Bowman,BFA, MBA
President, DaniMation Entertainment
Dani Bowman, who is on the autism spectrum, founded her company, DaniMation Entertainment, in 2009. Over the years, she has spearheaded summer animation camps and conducted personalized online 1:1 sessions, diligently educating, elevating, and empowering her students on the autism spectrum. With her guidance, she has successfully helped more than 2,500 students explore the transformation of their passions into viable careers.
 In her educational journey, Dani obtained a BFA in Animation in 2018 and further pursued her ambitions with an MBA in Global Strategy and Leadership in 2020. Beyond her academic achievements, she also became a valued cast member on the Netflix series "Love on the Spectrum." Dani's remarkable story showcases how dedication, talent, and resilience can lead to fulfilling accomplishments regardless of individual challenges.
 Embracing Neurodiversity and Creativity: Dani Bowman's Journey from Animation Aficionado to Social Entrepreneur
In her keynote speech at the Converge Autism Summit, Dani Bowman, an animator, educator, and entrepreneur, takes us on a remarkable journey that began at age three and led her to become the CEO of DaniMation. From her beginnings as a passionate animator at the age of 14 to her present role as an industry leader in diversity-led employment, Dani shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs and reflects on her responsibility as a leader to inspire and mentor others on the autism spectrum. She sheds light on the company's commitment to social impact, emphasizing the positive influence that creative expression can have on the lives of neurodiverse individuals, regardless of how they have been affected by their condition.

For Autism Acceptance and Action Month, we are focusing on the autistic experience. Today, our guests are Kim Clairy, OTR/L, and her husband, William. Kim will be a speaker at the 2025 Converge Autism Summit. Today, Dr. Stephanie talks with Kim about autism and sensory issues and how an occupational therapist can help.

About our Guest:
Kim Clairy OTR/L is a Brenau University graduate with a BS/MS in occupational therapy. Kim has been invited to share her expertise on autism with over 100 organizations in 7 countries. She is a frequent contributor to autism-related projects and podcasts and has contributed to numerous publications on autism. Additionally, Kim is a private consultant and self-advocate who broke through barriers as she defied a healthcare system that said, “Your autism is severe; you need to live in a nursing home.” Her difficult experiences forged a passion for educating others on autism. Through hands-on learning, Kim uses personal experiences and professional expertise to educate on many facets of autism across the lifespan.

Want Kim to come speak at your event?
https://www.kimclairy.com/

In this episode of 'Just the Guys,' Jeremy and Dan pivot from their original plan due to an unexpected airline mishap, turning the moment into a meaningful exploration of their personal and professional insights on coaching from an autistic perspective. They delve into what makes effective coaching, highlighting the importance of adaptability, openness to change, and focusing on potential rather than limitations. The conversation emphasizes the courage required to question long-held beliefs and behaviors, and the necessity of cultivating self-awareness and emotional growth.
 Rich with relatable analogies from sports and personal experiences, Jeremy and Dan discuss overcoming resistance to change, the power of vulnerability, and the critical distinction between being open to new skills versus changing one's core identity. Whether you're seeking personal growth, better relationships, or practical strategies for life’s complexities, this candid discussion offers valuable wisdom for those navigating neurodiverse relationships and personal development.

It is Autism Acceptance and Action Month, and we have Dave Glick as our guest neurodivergent coach and clinician.
Today, Dr. Stephanie and Barbara ask David a few questions about behaviors.

We ask:

• Can you differentiate freeze and fawning?

• What are your thoughts on pervasive demand avoidance?

• What behaviors can actually change?

• Can those on the spectrum learn regulation and relational skills?

 About our Guest & Colleague:
Dave writes on his website: https://triadpsych.org/therapists/david-glick/
My specialties are quite extensive and diverse, as I have two degrees, one in Education and the other in Social Work. I was originally trained in behaviorism and usually merge behavior therapies with personality trait theories. This approach, while demanding, usually produces very positive results for my clients.
 My practice is a safe place where people can share and be open. Once trust is established, it becomes a virtual Swiss army knife, in that the therapy is adaptable and useful regardless of the situation. Essentially, I want my clients to be empowered with a new sense of self and confident in their abilities.

Join Dr. Stephanie and Tiffany in an interactive discussion that will help you delve deeper into understanding your rights as a parent with a school-age child with disabilities. You will have a solid understanding of the variety of support plans, how to navigate the school teams, and how to ensure your child gets everything they need to succeed in school!

About our Guest:
Tiffany Yandle is a non-attorney Special Education Advocate and President of In Bloom Advocacy. She has a 15+ year history of teaching Special Education and school administration in North Carolina public schools. She is passionate about reaching an equitable, personalized education for all students. She specializes in Special Education Laws and regulations, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Community Engagement in schools, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

We all want a marriage that feels like home. We long for a partner who is there for us through all of life's challenges and griefs, who is in on all our inside jokes, who delights in the family we've built together, who looks with hope toward the future with a shared faith and an arm firmly around our shoulders. But how do we get there? What actually works in the real world and honors the picture of marriage found in Scripture?

Based on the findings of their meticulous research, Sheila Wray Gregoire and Dr. Keith Gregoire dispel the pervasive myths about what makes a happy marriage. Rather than relying on gender stereotypes, they look at what actually creates intimacy, emotional health, and connection, asking deeper questions that lead to real healing and growth in your relationship with your spouse.

With enlightening stories, survey results, and practical tools, this book will help readers create a marriage they love. And with the evidence-based, Scripture-honoring advice in this book, that just may be closer than you imagine. Today, Dr. Stephanie talks with Sheila & Keith about the new book The Marriage You Want, and Dr. Stephanie adds in some of the neurodiverse lens.

Dr. Stephanie asks Sheila & Dr. Keith:
What did you find about the marriage triangle (God at the top and husband and wife on the bottom) and how that triangle can get skewed?

You open a chapter with the controversial statement, "You should not prioritize sex in marriage." Talk a bit more about that as authors of books on healthy sexual marital relationships.

What is the unfairness threshold?

How does a couple grow intimacy?

Do Christian books empower men or make them seem fragile and needy?

Dr. Stephanie will do a course based on the new book this summer! Join now!
https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/contact-us

About our Guests:
Sheila Wray Gregoire is the face behind BareMarriage.com as well as a sought-after speaker and an award-winning author of 9 books, including the Great Sex Rescue and She Deserves Better. Sheila is passionate about changing the evangelical conversation about sex and marriage to make it healthy, evidence-based, and biblical.
Dr. Keith Gregoire is a physician and coauthor with Sheila on The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex, a companion to Sheila's award-winning The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex.
The couple lives in Ontario, Canada.

Find out more at: https://baremarriage.com/

Today, Dr. Stephanie is joined by Dan to talk with Dr. Naseef about the impact of passive or engaged fathers on children, especially their autistic children. Dr. Naseef discusses the psyche of a man and how to engage fathers for a positive impact on their marriage, family system, and the autistic child.

About our Guest:
Robert Naseef, Ph.D., has a distinct voice as a psychologist and father of an autistic adult son. He has spoken nationwide and trained professionals internationally in treating autism and other developmental disorders and supporting families. He has a special interest in the psychology of men and fatherhood.

Along with Stephen Shore, Ed.D., Dr. Naseef served as a lead consultant to the Arc of Philadelphia and SAP’s “Autism at Work” program, which involved collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation to develop the curriculum, “Preparing Neurodiverse Youth for the Workplace.”

Dr. Naseef’s 2013 book, Autism in the Family: Caring and Coping Together (Brookes Publishing), integrates advances in research and treatment with clinical experience to help families navigate the emotional landscape and the practical roadmap through the lifespan. Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Parenting a Child with a Disability (1996), his first book, received international recognition. He has appeared on radio and television. He is the co-editor with Cindy N. Ariel of Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism, and Professionals Share Their Wisdom (2006).

In 2008, Robert Naseef was honored by Variety, the Children’s Charity, for his outstanding contributions to the autism community. On World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2017, Dr. Naseef gave a TEDx talk entitled “How autism teaches us about being human,” which you can see on YouTube. Dr. Naseef is also a member of the Panel of Professional Advisors of the Autism Society of America. He also serves on the Leadership Council of the AJ Drexel Autism Institute.

Join Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Saulnier as they discuss her presentation on broadening the autism spectrum at the Converge Autism Summit. 

They will discuss:

• The key features of autism

• How Autism symptoms are expressed differently in male and female

• The role of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in misdiagnosis of autism

• Common overlaps and differential diagnosis

• What if someone being assessed doesn't want to be on the spectrum? What do clinicians need to know?

Bio:
Dr. Saulnier obtained her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut. She trained and worked at the Yale Child Study Center’s Autism Program for nearly a decade before relocating to Emory University School of Medicine and the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, where she directed a large-scale clinical research program. In 2018, she opened her own company, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, where she specializes in diagnostic assessment, as well as teaching and training for autism spectrum and related disorders. Dr. Saulnier has published over 50 articles, written two books, and she is an author on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition.

Looking for Assessment in GA? 
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/neurodevelopmental-assessment-consulting-svc-decatur-ga/409874

In this lively conversation, the “Just the Guys” team explores how crucial context can be—whether you’re deciphering a strange image, navigating a complex relationship, or fielding unexpected life events. They kick things off by sharing news of the new book *Uniquely Us* and then dive into fascinating parallels between fooling AI systems with “adversarial examples” and how our assumptions can mislead us in everyday life. By using an analogy of seeing a “penguin in the desert” (something bizarre or out of place), they illustrate how missing details can trigger confusion, misunderstandings, or emotional reactions.

Throughout the discussion, they highlight the importance of curiosity and humility to uncover the “why” behind surprising information—much like slowing down to determine if that shape in the dark is an intruder or just a coat on a chair. They also introduce practical techniques (like the C.A.L.M. method) to help us pause, gather context, and respond gracefully rather than reacting rashly. It’s an honest, lighthearted look at how we can avoid “kicking the penguin” in our personal and professional relationships by learning to seek more information, accept when we’ve made mistakes, and ultimately prioritize connection over “being right.”

Mentioned in This Episode:
- Uniquely Us, a new release about neurodiverse Christian marriages
- Adversarial examples in AI and what they reveal about our own blind spots
- The C.A.L.M. method (Connect, Assess, Lean in, Move forward) for managing emotional triggers
- Why “winning the relationship” matters more than winning any single argument

Have a topic you’d like the guys to unpack? Drop them a note via the show’s website—feedback and questions are always welcome!