logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2011
1h 50m

[Unedited] Paul Collins and Jennifer Eld...

ON BEING STUDIOS
About this episode
One child in every 110 in the U.S. is now diagnosed to be somewhere on the spectrum of autism. We step back from public controversies over causes and cures and explore the mystery and meaning of autism in one family’s life, and in history and society. Our guests say that life with their child with autism has deepened their understanding of human nature — of ... Show More
Up next
May 14
Michael Pollan — The Mystery of Consciousness
From Krista: Michael Pollan’s latest book, A World Appears, is an exploration — with scientists and journalists and technologists and spiritual teachers — of what consciousness is, and is not, or might be: from the plants which have always fascinated him, to the new technologies ... Show More
1h 14m
May 7
“The Fierce Urgency of Now” — Michelle Alexander and Lucas Johnson
From Krista: On April 4, 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech at Riverside Church in New York City called “A Time to Break Silence.” This is often referred to as his “Beyond Vietnam” Speech. His own allies criticized it as a risky departure from a focus on civil rights. But ... Show More
1h 16m
Mar 2026
Shai Held — On Love, and Judaism
From Krista: I'm on record bemoaning across the years that “love” is the most watered-down word in the English language. I know that invoking love feels very soft for our hard realms of politics and war. Yet it is an enduring truth that love is the only force as powerful in a hum ... Show More
1h 17m
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2020
Faces of Autism
From April 5, 2007: Oprah talks to parents and siblings of children on the autism spectrum about how this condition affects their lives. Dr. Anshu Batra, a developmental-behavioral pediatric specialist, discusses the three behavioral deficits that define autism, possible causes a ... Show More
39m 53s
Apr 2025
Autism Myths or Inconvenient Truths? 5 autism beliefs that may be stopping growth
In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Host Louloua Smadi El Hajj and guest Krystel Alhayek come together for Autism Awareness Month to unpack 5 common myths about autism that may be standing in the way of real growth—for parents, professionals, and autistic individuals thems ... Show More
36 m
May 2022
Autism and Faith
How easy is it for autistic people to believe in God? The National Autistic Society describe autism as a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. They say 1 in 100 of us may be autistic and the diagnosis of autism has rise ... Show More
27m 56s
Jun 2023
Understanding the behaviors of autistic children, with Barry Prizant
A talk with Barry Prizant (barryprizant.com), author of the influential book Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism, and co-host of the Uniquely Human podcast. The focus is on understanding the experiences and behaviors of autistic people. Topics discussed include: unde ... Show More
1h 9m
Jan 2022
Ep207 - Dr. Temple Grandin | The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum
When Temple Grandin was born in 1947, autism had only just been named. Today it is more prevalent than ever, with one in 88 children diagnosed on the spectrum. Our thinking about it has undergone a transformation in her lifetime: Autism studies have moved from the realm of psycho ... Show More
1 h
Apr 2022
Live more freely with autism, and nurture inclusivity
Autistic people are constantly forced to suppress who they are as a means of pleasing a neurotypical world. Social psychologist Devon Price not only wants to give them permission to take off that mask and be themselves, but believes that doing so allows everyone to lead happier l ... Show More
22m 46s
Sep 2021
Bonus: We're Not Broken
This week we're featuring an episode from Life Kit that focuses on myths surrounding autism, how to talk about it and how to help your autistic loved one live their most fulfilling life.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsors ... Show More
23m 32s
Aug 2023
Life on the Spectrum
Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in adulthood, high school dropout John Elder Robison went on to become a successful business owner, best-selling author and neurodiversity scholar. Join us for this poignant and moving conversation about his life on the spectrum.  
1h 14m
Apr 2022
My autistic child
‘African fathers don’t talk about it’: When Duncan’s son Luka was diagnosed with autism, Duncan knew very little about the condition. His journey to better understand the condition would lead him to reimagine what it means to be a father and to create a space for fathers with chi ... Show More
28m 14s