Spin The Spectrum Dj Neurodivergent Autistic

EPISODE 135
Spin the Spectrum:
An Innovative Neuro-affirming DJ Program
for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals

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Show Notes

Spin the Spectrum is an innovative, strength-based program music and DJ program for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Developed by speech language pathologist Courtney Willis, in collaboration with Jay Clipp, a renowned DJ, and Jah born, a Grammy award-winning producer, opportunities are provided for autistic and neurodivergent individuals to engage in music production and creative self expression. Barry and Dave chat with the Spin the Spectrum team about the development and the impact of this program.

Learn more about Spin The Spectrum

Featuring

Spin The Spectrum

Spin The Spectrum Team

Courtney Willis, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Dallas based neurodiversity-affirming speech-language pathologist, educator, and co-founder of Spin the Spectrum, the first DJ academy in the U.S. created specifically for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. She is also the founder of Speech Wings Therapy, where she specializes in motor speech, AAC, and strengths-based approaches for autistic clients. A former chair of the Texas Executive Board for Ethics and Scope of Practice in Speech Pathology, Courtney brings both clinical expertise and creative innovation to her work.

Jay Clipp is a nationally touring open-format DJ with decades of experience, and Jah Born, is a Grammy Award-speech winning producer known for his work with Erykah Badu and The Cannabinoids.

…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) Courtney states that Spin the Spectrum helps to move beyond deficit-based models with a focus on strength-based neurodiversity affirming practices. What are some of the practices in Spin the Spectrum that reflect a strength-based approach?

2) Courtney, Jay and Jah discuss that Spin the Spectrum empowers participants by giving them control over the sensory environment, reducing what Courtney refers to as “social load”, and supports authentic expression. How is this accomplished and why is this important for autistic and neurodivergent individuals?

3)  How does Spin the Spectrum go beyond the studio in supporting community inclusion and changing attitudes and reducing stigma about autism? Do you see any desirable elements of Spin the Spectrum that you would like to incorporate in activities for your children or students, or for yourself?

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.