Robert Bernstein - Autism Speech

27/08/2025

Join Us for a Special Yakinar: Real Conversations.
Real Experience. Real Understanding.

Stephen Shore: From Nonspeaking Child to Global Voice

A nonspeaking autistic child whose parents were urged to institutionalize him, Stephen Shore has become an internationally known professor, author, and speaker. This is his story.

When: September 17th at 7:00 pm EST

Register in advance at the link: tinyurl.com/yakinar-2

16/08/2025

Self-Advocacy vs Parental Advocacy: Finding the Balance

As children on the autism spectrum grow and develop, one of the most important conversations we can have is about advocacy—when to speak for them, and when to empower them to speak up for themselves. Join Marcia Eckerd and I as we explore this topic.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or ally, this conversation is a must-watch for understanding how to best support autonomy, confidence, and communication. Watch the full video below!

Please let us know in the comments: How do YOU strike the balance between guiding and empowering?

In this video, we explore the important balance between self-advocacy and parental advocacy for children on the autism spectrum. We’ll discuss what each appr...

13/07/2025

Join me and Stephen Shore tomorrow July 14 talking about how we bring autism and neurodiversity to the mainstream audience.

✅✅Join us on July 14th for our full Yakinar session! Check our channel, LinkedIn, and Facebook for the link. 👉👉 bit.ly/AutismInTheMediaI enjoy watching the...

13/07/2025

✅✅Join us tomorrow - July 14th that 7:00 pm EST for a "Yakinar" session! Click here to register as space is limited: bit.ly/AutismInTheMedia

This is just a quick video where we talk about what our upcoming webinar is going to be all about! Join Marcia Eckerd and I as we speak with my cohost Stephen Shore about this upcoming event!

Key points discussed:

✅Why the media will sometimes amplify certain autistic traits
✅The impact of TV representations on real-life diagnosis and acceptance.
✅The fine line between character storytelling and harmful stereotypes.
✅How pop culture shapes conversations about neurodiversity.

✅✅Join us on July 14th for our full Yakinar session! Check our channel, LinkedIn, and Facebook for the link. 👉👉 bit.ly/AutismInTheMediaWelcome to Everythin...

07/07/2025

🌟 Exciting Event! 🌟

Join Robert J. Bernstein and Stephen Shore on their autism podcast YAKINAR, featuring special guest Martin Brick, as they discuss Autism in the Media!

🗓️ When: July 14th at 7:00pm EST
💻 Where: Online — register in advance at bit.ly/AutismInTheMedia (space is limited!)

Don’t miss this important conversation exploring how autism is represented in the media and what it means for the autism community.

👉 Reserve your spot today!

Autism in the Media

27/06/2025

Welcome back! In this second episode of our series on emotional self-regulation, we move beyond self-awareness and explore practical strategies that neurodivergent individuals—especially those on the autism spectrum—can use to manage emotions, prevent meltdowns, and stay regulated.

In this video we discuss:
✅Common self-regulation techniques (like stimming, pacing, or drawing)
✅How tools like meditation, breathing exercises, and body scans help reduce stress
✅Why daily practice is essential for calming your nervous system
✅How partners, teachers, and caregivers can support self-regulation with empathy and understanding

Whether it's subtle stimming or structured relaxation routines, everyone can learn ways to manage stress before it becomes overwhelming. If you’re looking for real-world emotional regulation tools for autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence, this conversation is for you.

Welcome back to Everything Neurodiversity with Robert Bernstein and Marcia Eckerd! In this second episode of our series on emotional self-regulation, we move...

20/06/2025

Emotional regulation is crucial for mental health, healthy relationships, and overall well-being. It's the ability to manage and respond to emotions in a healthy way, rather than being overwhelmed by them. This skill allows individuals to make thoughtful decisions, communicate effectively, and build resilience.

In this episode, we explore the foundational first step: emotional self-awareness. Why do meltdowns or shutdowns seem to come “out of nowhere”? Why do so many on the autism spectrum struggle to recognize signs of burnout?

Marcia Eckerd and I discuss challenges like alexithymia and interoception difficulties and how tools like visual cues (like a "bean system" or emotional thermometers) can help both children and adults stay in tune with their emotional states before dysregulation hits.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself or a parent, teacher, or therapist, this conversation offers practical insights and real-world strategies to better understand and support emotional awareness and regulation.

We hope you enjoyed this video. Make sure you click the "Like" button and share this video with your friends and others who might also be interested in learning about this video.

Welcome to Everything Neurodiversity with Robert Bernstein and Marcia Eckerd! In this video series, we dive deep into the essential yet often misunderstood t...

07/05/2025

🌟 Did you know?
I’m an Educational and Cognitive Therapist, and I specialize in working with non-speaking children on the autism spectrum.

💻 Did you know it doesn't matter where you live?
I work with children and parents via Zoom every day, supporting families around the world!

📣 Did you know I’m now accepting new clients?
If you’ve been looking for a personalized, thoughtful, responsive approach to language development, I’d love to connect.

My method focuses on teaching language by building on what your child is already doing — no forced drills or pressure. Instead, we start at your child’s level and help them form new associations between their interests and emerging communication. This process takes time, and that’s okay. Development happens at the child’s pace, not on demand.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this approach, feel free to reach out or share this post.

Connect with me: bit.ly/contactrobertbernstein

06/05/2025

📣 NEW DATE! Important Free Seminar for Parents and Caregivers

Join us Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Wilton Library for an invaluable in-person presentation:

Helping Your Child Understand Their Autism: When and How to Explain It

When a child is diagnosed with autism, parents often have many questions:
💬 How do I explain this to my child?
💬 When is the right time?
💬 How might they react?

Clinical psychologist Marcia Eckerd, PhD, and autism therapist Robert Bernstein, will offer expert guidance in this compassionate and informative seminar.

✅ Free to attend
📍 Wilton Library – 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton
🔗 Register at: wiltonlibrary.org

Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with Wilton Library, Wilton Public Schools, and Newtown Sped PTA.

Don’t miss this chance to gain tools and understanding to support your child’s journey.

05/05/2025

In this powerful episode of Everything Neurodiversity, Marcia Eckard and I respond to deeply troubling comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during Autism Awareness Month.

Marcia and I push back against this dangerous rhetoric, explaining why these statements are not only incorrect but also harmful to the autism community and their families. We discuss the diversity within the autism spectrum, the importance of support over stigmatization, and the alarming proposal for a national registry to track autistic individuals — a move that raises serious ethical and civil rights concerns.

In this powerful episode of Everything Neurodiversity, Marcia Eckard and Rob Bernstein respond to deeply troubling comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dur...

05/05/2025

A great quote from Kaelynn Partlow!

05/05/2025

A big thank you to Jade Nash, News 12 Reporter for including me in this story by interviewing me!

A 33-year-old man in Rockland recently released an album to raise awareness about the difficulties of being on the autism spectrum and struggling with addiction.Andrew Ace Greenspan, of Nyack, sang a song he wrote and produced called "Hope to See you Again" for News 12 crews during his interview on Monday. "It's the details of the stuff I did, like popping pills, smoking Mary Jane, running away," Greenspan said.
The song is featured on Greenspan's newest album called "Livin' Rough, Hangin' Tough." The work of art follows his journey to recovery after surviving an overdose while living on the spectrum.

Andrew Ace Greenspan, of Nyack, sang a song he wrote and produced called "Hope to See you Again" for News 12 crews during his interview on Monday.