Peter Vermeulen Predictive Mind Neuroharmony H.A.P.P.Y Program

EPISODE 88
A Discussion with Dr. Peter Vermeulen
on The Predictive Mind, Neuroharmony,
and the H.A.P.P.Y Program

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Show Notes

Dr. Peter Vermeulen, a Belgian Psychologist, is an important international voice in his constructive criticism of popular views of understanding the autistic experience. He is one of the rare professionals who dedicates much of his time and effort in applying the most recent research on human cognition to thinking deeply about the inner experiences of autistic people. And he does so in the service of making direct links to implications and strategies for support. In this episode, Barry and Dave discuss some Peter’s thought-provoking perspectives.

Featuring

Peter Vermeulen

DR. PETER VERMEULEN

Peter Vermeulen, has a PhD in Psychology and Clinical Educational Sciences, and he has more than 35 years of experience in the field of autism. Peter is the Founder of “Autism in Context”, where autism is understood in context. Peter is an internationally respected lecturer/trainer and he presents all over the world. Peter has written more than 15 books and several articles on autism, some of them translated into more than 10 languages. For his more than 30 years of work in the field of autism, he received in 2019 a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Visit “Autism in Context“, Peter’s website

Get useful resources from Peter’s work
The Book: Autism and The Predictive Brain, Absolute Thinking in a Relative World

 

Follow Peter’s work on Facebook

Follow him on Linked in

…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) Peter describes the predictive brain as offering a very different perspective on understanding the autistic experience. He states “Although we feel that our brain is an organ that reacts to what happens in the outside world, that is not the case. In reality, the brain predicts what it thinks is going to happen in the world, so that we can better react to events when they occur. That is, the brain predicts the world”. How does this assertion obligate us to better understand how autistic people think, and the challenges they may face in a world that is uncertain and too often unpredictable? What are your reactions to this hypothesis, and how may it be applied to supporting autistic individuals?

2) What is the H.A.P.P.Y. program, how it is implemented and what is Peter’s mission with the program? What do you see as a potential benefit in applying this program for your students, clients, and family members?

3) Peter states that he has strong opinions about labels. In describing Neuroharmony, he rejects popular dichotomies such as neurotypical and neurodivergent. Why does he feel this way and what are the implications of the popular use of such terms? Do you agree with Peter?

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.