Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Focusing%20on%20Strengths%2C%20Not%20Deficits%20in%20Neurodiversity%20-TRANSCRIPT.pdf
At Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research, scientists are redefining how they support neurodiverse individuals—especially those on the autism spectrum—by focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Led by Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of the Center, the team developed KF-STRIDE, a specialized program that uses positive psychology to help adolescents and young adults identify their strengths and prepare for the workforce. Early results show increased confidence, self-awareness, and improved interview skills. Through strategic partnerships, this research is expanding to include individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
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Kessler Foundation Investigators:
Lead: Helen M. Genova, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen-Genova
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EXPLORE our autism research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/autism-research
LEARN more about KF-STRIDE
https://kfstride.org
PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join
READ our 2024 Impact Report:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report
LISTEN to all our 2024 Impact Report stories:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in September 2025.
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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
All content for Kessler Foundation Podcasts is the property of Kessler Foundation and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Focusing%20on%20Strengths%2C%20Not%20Deficits%20in%20Neurodiversity%20-TRANSCRIPT.pdf
At Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research, scientists are redefining how they support neurodiverse individuals—especially those on the autism spectrum—by focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Led by Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of the Center, the team developed KF-STRIDE, a specialized program that uses positive psychology to help adolescents and young adults identify their strengths and prepare for the workforce. Early results show increased confidence, self-awareness, and improved interview skills. Through strategic partnerships, this research is expanding to include individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation Investigators:
Lead: Helen M. Genova, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen-Genova
=====================================================================================
EXPLORE our autism research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/autism-research
LEARN more about KF-STRIDE
https://kfstride.org
PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join
READ our 2024 Impact Report:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report
LISTEN to all our 2024 Impact Report stories:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in September 2025.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
The Art of TBI Recovery: Stories of Strength and Self-Discovery
Kessler Foundation Podcasts
9 minutes 37 seconds
3 months ago
The Art of TBI Recovery: Stories of Strength and Self-Discovery
Read the transcript, https://KesslerFoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Brainwaves%20SUMMER%202025%20Audio%20Newsletter%20TRANSCRIPT.pdf
After a life-altering car accident left Luke Bonenberger with a traumatic brain injury, his world was consumed by rage, confusion, and a loss of identity. But what began as a devastating setback became the spark for a remarkable transformation. In this episode, Luke opens up about his journey to becoming a motivational speaker and author. With the help of community support and mental wellness strategies, he found a new path—one rooted in healing, acceptance, and the power of storytelling.
Listeners will also meet Bill, a fellow TBI survivor whose involvement in the Inspire Arts program showcases the healing potential of creative expression. Together, their stories illuminate the vital roles of occupational therapy, family support, and community reintegration in recovery.
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Chapters
00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction
00:00:46 - In Pain, He Found Purpose
00:03:26 - Listen and Learn
00:04:07 - Lessons Learned
00:04:56 - Back in Action
00:06:53 - Talking about TBI
00:07:33 - The Art of Healing
00:08:49 - Episode Wrap Up
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For more information:
Watch the video or listen to the podcast—Recycling Pain: Pain to Purpose with Luke Bohnenberger:
video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHRk3RHHTZk
podcast - https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/recycling-pain-pain-to-purpose-with-luke-bohnenberger
Read our TBI Brainwaves newsletter (link TBD)
Listen to past Brainwaves audio newsletters: https://kesslerfoundation.org/publication-archives#block-traumatic-brain-injury-research-newsletter
Learn more—TBI Facts Sheets from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center msktc.org/tbi/factsheets
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join
=========================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials we provide to help change the lives of people with disabilities.
These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org
=======================================================
Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.
This podcast was recorded in July 2025 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.
Kessler Foundation Podcasts
Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Focusing%20on%20Strengths%2C%20Not%20Deficits%20in%20Neurodiversity%20-TRANSCRIPT.pdf
At Kessler Foundation’s Center for Autism Research, scientists are redefining how they support neurodiverse individuals—especially those on the autism spectrum—by focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Led by Helen Genova, PhD, associate director of the Center, the team developed KF-STRIDE, a specialized program that uses positive psychology to help adolescents and young adults identify their strengths and prepare for the workforce. Early results show increased confidence, self-awareness, and improved interview skills. Through strategic partnerships, this research is expanding to include individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation Investigators:
Lead: Helen M. Genova, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Helen-Genova
=====================================================================================
EXPLORE our autism research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/autism-research
LEARN more about KF-STRIDE
https://kfstride.org
PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join
READ our 2024 Impact Report:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report
LISTEN to all our 2024 Impact Report stories:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports
=====================================================================================
LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.
This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in September 2025.
=====================================================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.