Jacki Edry on Autistic Radio
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Episode Summary: “Advocacy – Autism, Authors, Parents, Allies” I recently had the pleasure of joining Jules on Autistic Radio – Spectrum Voices, Episode #27. In this
Welcome to Jacki’s Blog! I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts and insights regarding neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, Auditory and Sensory Processing Syndrome, dyslexia, Irlen syndrome), parenting, education, inclusion, healing, faith, and more! I hope you will find them enlightening and inspiring, and looking forward to reading your feedback!
Also, before you finish reading, I invite you to scroll down to the bottom of the page to sign up for my mailing list!
Best wishes, Jacki
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Get Inspired with Jacki Edry on Lesley Kaplan’s “Monday Motivation Spotlight” Podcast
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Tune in to this episode of “Monday Morning Spotlight” with Lesley Kaplan to hear my story as neurodistinct individual, mother, educator, and advocate. From making
Exploring Resilience, Identity, and Advocacy on the “TrailBLAZER Pod” Podcast
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“In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jacki Edry, author, mother of neurodivergent children, and brain tumor survivor, for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, identity, and advocacy. Jackie opens up about her early life, her evolving relationship with Judaism, and her intimate understanding of autism and neurodiversity.
In Search of Light- A Dispatch from Israel
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As the days have become shorter and darker, and Hanukkah, the holiday of lights, is approaching, I decided to write some of my thoughts about
What do your dogs do when they hear the sirens?
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I have a question for all of my Israeli friends who are dog owners: Do your dogs also immediately run to the safe room when
A Soldier’s Story
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A short story about a brief encounter with a group of soldiers on their way to reserve duty in Israel, and how they touched my heart.
Can Sensory Sensitivities Be Reduced Through Exposure?
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This week’s post examines sensory processing and overload and seeks to answer the question: Is it possible to help people become less sensitive to sensory stimuli by gradually exposing them to them while in a completely safe environment, working with someone they trust?
Marriage and Parenting Neurodiverse Children
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Interview on the “Connected For Real” Podcast with Rebbetzin Bat-Chen Grossman Many people feel that marriage and parenting are two of the most beautiful blessings
Coping With Grief
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My apologies. It’s been quite a while since I’ve had the presence of mind to post on my blog. But now, slowly, my mind is
Thoughts and Reflections about Memorial Day
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Today is Memorial Day in Israel, and being that we are a tiny country with a civilian army, it is something that hits close to
Does My Child Have Behavioral Issues or Sensory Challenges?
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In today’s post, I’d like to discuss a painful situation I encountered a few weeks ago. I went to meet a few friends for breakfast,
Tune in to The Uniquely Human Podcast
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I’m thrilled to announce that recently, I was privileged to be a guest on the renowned podcast- hosted by Barry Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, and Dave Finch, “The
“Embracing Acquired Neurodivergence” Presentation by Jacki Edry at CASY Cultural Autism Studies at Yale University
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On January 4th, I had the immense pleasure of sharing my presentation, “Embracing Acquired Neurodivergence,” with the CASY Cultural Autism Studies Online Speaker Series. CASY
Mishpacha Magazine, Family First feature article about Jacki Edry- “Into Their Heads”
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I’m delighted, excited, grateful, and highly honored to share with you that the incredible Barbara Bensoussan wrote an excellent article about me, my book, and
Please, G-d, Bring an End to the War in Israel
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Folks, I have to admit it. I’m having a really hard time keeping myself together. The war has brought me face-to-face with two emotions I
Interview on the ND & Me Podcast
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Many thanks to Richard Peachey for welcoming me as a guest on his podcast “ND & ME.” Tune in to hear our conversation about neurodiversity,
Let’s Talk about Jewish Identity
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In these challenging times, Judaism, Jewish identity, and the right of the State of Israel to exist have become topics of interest. A few years
Hug Someone You Love
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Hug someone you loveTurn off all of the noiseSlowly close your eyesAnd sink into their arms. Let yourself feel something moreThen rage, uncertaintyNumbness and fear.
Thoughts about the War in Israel
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I have had a very difficult few days, between paying a Shiva call (visiting the home of someone whose loved one passed away) at the
The Joys of an Inclusive Sukkot
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Sukkot is one of my favorite Jewish holidays. It has many special halachot (Jewish laws and rituals) that symbolize the unity of Am Israel (the
Shana Tova! Happy Jewish New Year
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For all of you who celebrate the Jewish New Year, Shana Tova! I wish you all Shalom, health, happiness, wealth, and success. May HaShem fulfill
Is “Stimming” Okay?
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A sudden thought just popped into my head, so I thought I’d share it with you. Sometimes I catch myself doing things, and only in
Our Journey with Low-Gain Hearing Aids (LGHAs), Autism, and APD
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Progress update two months after my son began his trial LGHAs About a month ago, I shared a post about my son’s new low-gain hearing
Jacki Edry Speaks about Neurodiversity on ASPIKA TV
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I invite you to tune in to ASPIKA TV and hear me speak from my heart about neurodiversity and neurodivergence, my thoughts about having a positive growth
Let’s Talk about Mental Health and Sadness
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I’d like to talk a little about mental health- or rather, my mental health. I’ve been struggling a bit lately, trying to avoid becoming engulfed
Have you heard about using Low-Gain Hearing Aids to help with Auditory Processing Disorders (APDs)?
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An explanation about the benefits of low-gain hearing aids for auditory processing disorder and Irlen spectral filters for visual processing disorder.
Neurodiversity, Neurodivergence, and the Significance of an Inclusive Community
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I am honored to share this article I wrote for the newly launched Jewish Disability Inclusion News (you can check out their site here) For
A conversation about Neurodiversity and the Senses on the No Limits Podcast by Lisa Jacovsky
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I’d like to invite you to tune in to our engaging conversation on the No Limits Podcast hosted by lisa jacovsky, and learn more about the senses
Interview on the “Extraordinary Jews- The Untold Story of the Frum Neurodiverse Population” Podcast
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I’d like to share with you an engaging conversation with Debbie Ginsberg, who kindly featured me as a guest on her newly launched podcast “Extraordinary
Announcing: A Journey into the World of Neurodiversity Presentation and Discussion with Jacki Edry
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Are you interested in learning about neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, Sensory and Auditory Processing Disorder, dyslexia, Irlen Syndrome, and more? Are you curious about the relationship between sensory
Accessibility in Education Panel Discussion- Shine A Light Autistic Advocate Campaign
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Tune in to hear this engaging discussion about accessibility in education on the Mind Your Autistic Brain Talk Show hosted by Carole Jean Whittington. I
I have a brain question for you:
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Does this happen to you, or is it a unique feature of my brain? I’ve noticed something interesting about my brain, and I’m curious if
Interview on Carole Jean Whittington’s “The Brain Dump Blog” about Accessibility in Education
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Accessibility in Education with Advocate, Jacki Edry Carole Jean: What does accessibility mean to you? Jacki Edry: Accessibility means many things to me, but as a
Reflections on Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom HaShoah)
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This evening begins Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom HaShoah) in Israel. It is always a day full of mixed feelings for me as the memories of
The Beauty of Nature (and the amazing symbiosis between birds and dogs)
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I have to share something with you that I found incredible. I never cease to be in awe of how G-d takes care of all
Ode to Different Brains
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When I look back on my childhoodI remember how I fooled everyone around meso wellthat nobody believed me when I told them, I was different. They
Interview on the “Mind Your Autistic Brain” Podcast on Sensory Scrambling and Stimming
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Episode 106 – Stimming is NOT a “Behavior” with author Jacki Edry, “Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery, and Faith” Many thanks to
Why does it have to be so hard? (Or, we are in dire need of educational reform!)
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I must admit I am feeling irate and exhausted. Once again, the educational system has got me down. The never-ending need to advocate for my
Recognition as one of the Top 50 Global Neurodiversity Evangelists 2023
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Recognized by ND by Design, powered by Dynamis Group What an honor!!! Many thanks to Theo Smith from ND by Design, powered by Dynamis, for
This week’s sensory adventure: VESTIBULAR HAVOC!
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After a relatively calm period of somewhat regulated senses, I must admit I’ve had some unusual sensory experiences recently. This sentence from my book “Moving
Drowning in a Sensory Meltdown
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To everyone living with or working with neurodivergent individuals, I feel the need to share this personal experience of how a sensory meltdown feels (for
The Light of Chanukah
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It’s the darkest time of the yearwhen I often feel engulfedin a dulling heavinessthat seeps into my souland drains my vitality and motivation. Somehow, I keep
Interview with Perry Knoppert of the Octopus Movement “Surviving Brain Surgery: A Sensory Overload”
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As an author, one of the things I find interesting is how every person I speak with seems to connect to a different quote from
Ode to a Cloudy Day
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Today was the kind of day where I could feel the dark grey clouds covering the sky slowly seep through my pores and envelope my
Interview on the Aucademy Podcast
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I’m really excited to share this fascinating and informative conversation Katie Munday, MRes of Aucademy – Education for everyone on Autistic experience, about my book,
Happy Sukkot!
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B”H One of the most important mitzvot on Sukkot is “Samachta B’hagaycha” (be happy on the holiday.) So, I’d like to wish all of you
Autism Unmasked Podcast- “Both Sides of the Spectrum”
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Tune in to listen to Episode 7 of Nicky Collins’ “Autism Unmasked” podcast, where Nicky and I discuss autism, sensory processing, visual processing (dyslexia and
Shana Tova (Happy Jewish New Year!)
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B”HWishing everyone who celebrates a Shana Tova filled with health, happiness, mitzvot, deep inner satisfaction and joy, prosperity, and the ability to impact the world
Bridging the Communication Divide
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In this age of digital connectedness, many people feel isolated and alone. The ability to connect with everyone, everywhere, is commonplace. Despite this, deep communication
Understanding and Supporting Our Neurodivergent Students- Overthrowing Education Podcast
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Tune in and listen to this engaging discussion between Batsheva Frankel and me on her “Overthrowing Education” podcast! If you would like to learn more
Educational policymakers and educators- please consider this!
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back to JACKI’S BLOG THOUGHTS Educational policymakers and educators- please consider this! MANY KIDS ARE HAVING A HARD TIME IN SCHOOL, AND WE NEED
Thoughts about recent world events
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back to JACKI’S BLOG THOUGHTS Thoughts about recent world events The recent terror events in Israel and the overall situation around the world have affected
Rethinking Prayer and Jewish Education from a Neurodiverse Perspective
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Article about Rethinking Prayer and Jewish Education from a Neurodiverse Perspective published by the Lookstein Center at Bar-Ilan University
Episode 27 of “As Diverse as Two Peas in a Pod” Podcast “How to build more inclusive growth and development: Lessons learned from living and studying the autism spectrum”
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back to JACKI’S BLOG THOUGHTS Episode 27 of “As Diverse as Two Peas in a Pod” How to build more inclusive growth and development: Lessons
New book cover design for “Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery, and Faith”
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back to JACKI’S BLOG THOUGHTS New book cover design for “Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery, and Faith” I made a mistake. As
A Vision Beyond Inclusion
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Article on the RespectAbility website addressing the ways to create a more inclusive and equitable society and educational system.
Neurodiversity in Israel- Interview on Exploring Different Brains with Hackie Reitman, M.D.
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back to JACKI’S BLOG THOUGHTS Interview on Exploring Different Brains with Hackie Reitman, M.D. Examining Neurodiversity in Israel Interview on Exploring Different Brains with Hackie
Am I a parent advocating for my child… or a MOSQUITO?
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A parent’s experience of advocating for her autistic and neurodivergent children, plus points for educators and policymakers to consider.
The Gift of Neurodiversity
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Article from the Different Brains website about the gift of neurodiversity, ADHD, and education.
Podcast: Neurodiversity at Work: Eliminating Kryptonite, Enabling Superheroes
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Tune in to hear an engaging discussion about parenting, neurodiversity, education, neurodiversity in the workplace, and more from the recent “Neurodiversity at Work: Eliminating Kryptonite, Enabling Superheroes” podcast.
Enjoy!
“Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery, and Faith” Featured on the New Books Network Podcast
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“Moving Forward: Reflections on Autism, Neurodiversity, Brain Surgery, and Faith” was featured on the New Books Network Podcast. Tune in to hear our engaging discussion about neurodiversity, autism, brain surgery, education, the pandemic, and more!
Re-imagining the Educational System- Wishes for the Upcoming School Year
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A wish list of changes needed to create an educational system that is inclusive, equitable and prepares children for the workplace of the future.
Come On, Let’s Get Excited! Twenty Life Lessons We Learned From Our Labrador
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A list of life lessons learned by observing the actions of an emotional support dog as she interacts with the family she cares for.
Interview on the “Everyone’s Welcome” Podcast
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back to JACKI’S BLOG THOUGHTS Interview on the “Everyone’s Welcome” Podcast I was greatly honored to be a guest on the program “Everyone’s Welcome”, hosted
How Critical is Academic Achievement When Choosing an Educational Setting for a Neurodivergent Child?
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Tips about choosing an inclusive or special academic setting for children with neurodiversity, including autism, ADHD, Irlen Syndrome, Auditory Processing Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder.
Food for Thought: Is Medication Always the Best Solution for ADHD?
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Blog opinion piece examining the use of Ritalin to treat ADHD with a sensory-processing based etiology.
Mindset and Mistakes- Lessons from LEGO
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An enlightening discussion with my son who discovered through building LEGO that, more often than not, “mistakes” turn out to be excellent opportunities for growth, opportunity, learning, and discovery.
Who Owns the Puzzle Piece?
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back to JACKI’S BLOG THOUGHTS Who Owns the Puzzle Piece? A few months ago, I excitedly announced the publication of my first book “Moving Forward: Reflections
Jacki Edry
Jacki Edry is a graduate of Hampshire College and has an extensive background in education, writing, and marketing. She has been exploring the world of autism and neurodiversity for over thirty-five years.
Please keep me updated with the latest blog posts, podcasts, presentations, and books from Jacki Edry and Organizing Minds!
DISCLAIMER
All content and images on this site, or accessible through this site, are for informational purposes only. The ideas and suggestions contained on this site are not intended or implied to be a substitute for consulting with qualified medical or mental health care providers, or therapeutic or educational professionals. The ideas presented on this site are not intended to replace the services of physicians, mental health professionals, special needs educators, child development professionals, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, or legal consultants.
If your child, yourself, or someone else has developmental, mental health, or medical issues, promptly contact a qualified physician or professional healthcare provider.
The names and identities of children, their families, teachers, and therapists have been changed to protect their privacy.
2 Responses
Beautiful, B’H!
Thank you, Bracha! I am so glad my work resonates with you!