If you’ve been following HANDS in Autism® lately, you may have seen the return of a familiar face—and a new one too. Coffee with Kurt, a video series that began before the COVID-19 pandemic, is back and better than ever. This time, Kurt, an individual with autism and the original host, is joined by his co-host Julie, HANDS’ Community Liaison and a parent of an adult son with autism.
The series first began during in-person trainings, where Kurt would engage participants by asking thoughtful questions—everything from their “aha moments” to how the training was going. These moments offered unique insights and fostered real-time connection. Unfortunately, the series took a pause when in-person activities halted during the pandemic.
But this past fall, Coffee with Kurt made a joyful comeback. Now, the dynamic duo of Kurt and Julie deliver weekly video updates sharing what’s coming up at HANDS in Autism, including upcoming events, trainings, ECHO webinars, and other offerings. Their videos are unscripted and conversational, giving space for each personality to shine through—and shine they do.
Every episode starts with a simple ritual: a coffee run to their favorite spot, complete with smiles from their favorite barista and often a treat for Kurt’s sweet tooth. The car ride back to the HANDS Center is filled with easy conversation and laughter, a time for the two to catch up on their week. Once they arrive, they outline their talking points and check in with the HANDS staff before hitting “record.”
Julie says that recording the videos with Kurt is the highlight of her week. “He spreads joy to everyone he meets,” she shared. Kurt agrees, saying he values their chats and the friendship they've built. “Having autism has brought a lot of good people into my life,” he reflects, naming Julie, Dr. Swiezy (HANDS Director), and Dr. Neal (Assistant Director) among them.
Though Coffee with Kurt shares important and often serious information, the pair make sure to keep things light-hearted when they can. Whether it’s Kurt going off script to joke about Christmas shopping or an impromptu laugh, their videos prove that learning can be fun—and people with autism are expressive, joyful, humorous, and full of heart.
Julie believes in a strength-based approach and says these videos showcase one of Kurt’s many talents. “It’s important to look at each individual and what they’re good at. For Kurt, this is one of his strengths.” Through their work, they’re also helping dispel long-held myths about autism, including the idea that people with autism aren’t social. As Kurt clearly shows—kindness, humor, and generosity are part of his every interaction.
Looking ahead, the team hopes to start interviewing HANDS staff and sharing their videos more broadly through the website and newsletter. Until then, Coffee with Kurt continues to inspire, inform, and warm hearts—one cup (and conversation) at a time.