Gratitude Autistic Experience Elaine Hall

EPISODE 87
Gratitude and the autistic experience:
A Discussion with Elaine Hall

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Show Notes

The experience of autism creates complex relationships for many in a shared community, that can result in misunderstandings and even anger directed to others. People in these relationships include autistic individuals, parents, family members, educators, therapists, and many significant others. That said, there is also great potential for loving, mutually supportive and trusting relationships, but that takes work. Elaine Hall wears many hats, as a neurodivergent parent-professional, author, speaker, and consultant in film and TV. Despite significant barriers for her and her son, she has navigated and has thrived on her journey with grace and deep gratitude that is a gift to so many. Dave and Barry join Elaine in a discussion of the experience of feeling gratitude, and the importance of sharing those feelings with others.

Featuring

Elaine Hall

ELAINE HALL

Elaine Hall, “Coach E”, is an internationally recognized leader and in inclusion and belonging. Her groundbreaking now evidence-based theater and film program, The Miracle Project, was profiled in the Emmy winning HBO documentary Autism: The Musical. Her memoir, Now I See the Moon, was the official selection by the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day in 2011. As one of Hollywood’s first Access Coordinators, Elaine has provided consultation for TV and film production companies including Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Hulu, Sony among others. She is a co-founder of 1IN4 Coalition, which focuses on long-term shifts to increase employment and authentic representation of disabled people. Receiving numerous awards from autism as well as media outlets, Elaine was selected to Forwards “50 most remarkable people in America doing remarkable things in 2020” and was nominated by the LA Magazine as one of Los Angeles’ “most inspiring women who are game changers.” Hall has been featured on CNN, CBS, NPR, in the NY Times, the LA Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, among others and has appeared in Netflix’ Love on the Spectrum and on Amazon’s As We See It. Identifying as neurodivergent herself, and the mother of a non-speaking autistic adult son, she is committed to changing the way the media portrays disability. As a keynote speaker Elaine gives audiences the ability to change their mindset, break through obstacles, and celebrate uniqueness.

Visit Elaine’s Website

Know more about The Miracle Project

Her books:
Now I See The Moon
Seven Keys to Unlock Autism: Making Miracles in the Classroom

To receive a free downloadable copy of Keys to Gratitude by Elaine Hall email Elaine at elaine@elaine-hall.com

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…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) What are the things that Elaine says that she is most grateful for in her work with neurodivergent individuals? Can you relate to her experiences and her feelings about those experiences?

2) Elaine discusses the mental health benefits of expressing gratitude, based upon neuroscience research. What are some of these benefits, and have you observed those benefits for yourself or individuals, you know?

3) After listening to this episode, are you motivated to engage with others in ways you will more freely express gratitude? Do you have any stories to share that illustrates the great benefits of experiencing and expressing gratitude?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.