All Autism Talk

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Andy Bondy and his wife, Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP, who are the co-founders of Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. They’re also the creators of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Together, they share about the origins and updates of PECS, their work around the world, and the release of the 3rd Edition of the PECS Manual. We explore the importance of everyday language when discussing effective teaching strategies, the power of collaborative teamwork, and the need for truly individualized support. Andy and Lori also provide a forward-looking perspective on the future of PECS and emphasize why embracing cross- cultural understanding is essential for effective communication. Join us for this insightful conversation that offers evidence-based communication practices designed to empower parents, educators, and clinicians. All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 

In this episode, we sit down with Karem Alnatafgi and Heather Teichman from the Illinois Providers for ABA Access and Quality (IPAAQ) to explore the challenges and complexities of providing high-quality ABA therapy in Illinois. From limited access and inconsistencies in care to the impact of licensure laws and the corporate practice of medicine, they break down the issues that shape the autism services landscape across the state. While the conversation centers on Illinois, these challenges are far from unique — providers, families, and advocates across the country are facing similar obstacles. Karem and Heather emphasize the power of provider collaboration, community involvement, and advocacy to drive change not just locally, but nationwide. This conversation offers insight, hope, and a call to action for anyone invested in improving autism services across the U.S.   All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 

Anthony Ianni was diagnosed with autism as a child, and like many, his parents were given dire predictions about his future. Despite being told he wouldn’t achieve anything in life, Anthony followed in his family’s love of sports and went on to become the first-known Division I player on the spectrum. He shares the challenges he faced, the support he received from his family and coaches, and his current role as a school administrator. Anthony also discusses his advocacy efforts to create sensory-friendly spaces in college arenas.   All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view show notes, the video interview, or additional links, visit www.allautism.com 

Vernon Jackson is an award-winning barber, author, and advocate known for transforming the haircut experience for neurodivergent children and their families. In this conversation, he shares his journey of founding The Gifted Event, a nationally recognized initiative providing free, sensory-friendly haircuts to children with special needs. His viral videos and heartfelt storytelling have inspired millions, spotlighting the power of patience, empathy, and inclusion. Vernon emphasizes the importance of community support, trust-building with families, and the emotional aspects of haircuts. In his work, he empowers kids to feel seen, valued, and confident, while challenging the world to embrace differences with compassion and creativity.   To view show notes, read the transcript, or watch the video portion of the interview, visit www.allautismtalk.com    All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com) 

Hilary Pham, Founder and CEO of Equability, joins us to share insights about her company, which specializes in adapting existing clothing for individuals with disabilities. She discusses her journey of starting the company, inspired by her mother's struggles with traditional clothing. We explore how clothing can serve as a form of self-expression and how this service allows for modifications in all clothing brands to better suit the wearer. Hilary’s creative problem-solving and focus on community connection are truly inspiring.    For show notes, transcription, and to watch the video interview, visit www.allautismtalk.com. All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com)

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a neurodivergent psychologist (autistic & ADHD) and founder of Neurodivergent Insights, returns to discuss the complexities of the nervous system, particularly autism and ADHD. She helps us understand the difference between sympathetic and parasympathetic responses, the concept of flooding, and the various triggers that can lead to stress responses. Dr. Neff also offers helpful strategies for nervous system regulation and the concept of the 'window of tolerance' and how it affects emotional regulation. This discussion is fascinating and valuable for caregivers and anyone with a nervous system.   For show notes, transcription, and to watch the video interview, visit www.allautismtalk.com. All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com)

Dr. Hanna Rue and Jonathan Lehmann join us to discuss the importance of early diagnosis and the potential of a new tool aimed at addressing health disparities, particularly for families from diverse backgrounds. In this episode, we explore the application of the EarliPoint device, which uses eye gaze tracking technology to diagnose autism in children aged 16 to 30 months. Dr. Hanna Rue emphasizes, "We all know that access to diagnostics can be extremely challenging. Within the Boston area, some families are waiting three years. Research supports that the earlier you start with services, the better outcomes you have."   For show notes, transcription, and to watch the video interview, visit www.allautismtalk.com. All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com)

Harry Psaros shares his personal journey as a father navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism. He discusses his initial challenges in accepting his son Gus's diagnosis and his path to being a dedicated advocate. Harry emphasizes the significance of building a social network for families and being of service: "If you are breathing air, you should be helping others." He also shares his 2% rule, which promotes a clear focus for each day to support incremental improvement and reduce overwhelm.  Visit www.allautismtalk.com to view show notes. All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com).

Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness, shares his journey to create effective fitness programs for neurodivergent individuals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding their unique needs and challenges as well as the role of fitness as a life skill. He states, “It’s not just for sports or body composition. A lot of our focus is to support activities in daily living.” Eric also discusses the need to raise the standard of practice in the fitness industry to better serve the autism community.   For show notes, transcription, and to watch the video interview, visit www.allautismtalk.com.   All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com)

Michael Maloney, Founder and CEO of LEARN Behavioral, joins us to share about his early career in education and how a small consulting company grew into an organization that now provides autism services in over 17 states (23 with LEARN Academy). In this conversation, we also explore his insights about the changing landscape of services for families. Michael shares, “In the last ten to twelve years, there has been an absolute sea change. When we started, four states covered services, and now all 50 do. Parents often had to pay out of pocket, and few could afford to. The financial burden has lessened so significantly because of the growing awareness and advocacy.” Watch the video interview at www.allautismtalk.com

Andrew Moore serves as Directory Administrator for Autistic Minds, an educational charity and resource center in the UK joins us to share his story of finding meaningful employment, mentors, and friends as an autistic adult. For Andrew, connecting with the organization Autistic Minds opened a whole new world. As he shares, "I just needed guidance and support for the fundamentals." Show notes: https://autisticminds.org.uk/    All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Martin Slyngstad a Behavior Specialist, and currently in school to become a Speech Pathologist, joins us to discuss his multitude of interests and accomplishments as a young autistic adult.  Martin is the author of Chatter Box: My Life with Autism A Mother and Sons Perspective, founder Spire Autism, and Special Olympics gold medal winner. Martin’s warmth and sincerity are contagious as he shares his passionate belief that everyone should celebrate their authentic life.   For more information: www.spireautism.com  www.youtube.com/@martinsautismjourney7397   All Autism Talk is sponsored by Learn Behavioral (www.Learnbehavioral.com).

Melissa Furman, a Clinical Director for Total Spectrum- Michigan West joins us to discuss the importance of staff retention in the field of ABA and to share her recent research that is looking to improve staff satisfaction and reduce turnover. We explore the importance of consistency for families utilizing services as well as the factors leading to burnout in the field. Melissa shared how her recent work is helping both these goals, “Implementing an incentive plan to increase positive descriptive feedback during field supervision creates a happier environment, fuels good work, and provides a space where BT’s want to come to work.”    All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

In this episode we are joined by three dynamic women who share their perspectives on how to best care for yourself and your family while raising a child with autism.  Arfa Alam, a first generation Muslim American with neurodiverse family returns to share her wisdom and passion with us. Heather Link is a clinical Director who shares her experiences of both providing services and receiving services for her own family. Liza Hellenbrand is the mother of a thriving, 21 year old son with autism who also hosts the Empowered Caregiver podcast. Join this powerful women’s circle as they share from different backgrounds and experiences to offer sage advice to other moms. For more information: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-empowered-caregiver    All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Arfa Alam is a senior manager at the Partnership for Public Service, a non-profit that envisions a dynamic and innovative federal government that effectively serves our diverse nation. Prior to joining the Partnership, Arfa performed labor human rights and social responsibility work in more than 40 countries in both the public and private sectors. Arfa joins us to share her experience and deep conviction for the appropriate care, and rights for all. She is the proud mother, wife, and sister of disabled and differently-abled individuals, including her two autistic sons, her husband who lives with early onset Parkinson's disease, and her twin sister, who is deaf and was the first person in life to teach her about differences and empathy.  As she shares, “As a first-generation American, it is particularly important to me to bring awareness, acceptance, and inclusion to our communities for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergences.” Arfa’s passion for public service stems from her experience as a first-first-generation Muslim-American with special needs family members. We are grateful for the opportunity to have this discussion with Arfa and we look forward to having her with us again soon.   For more information: https://www.bestbuddies.org/   https://marybarbera.com/    All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Brandon Whitfield, Sr. Clinical Director for AST, part of LEARN Behavioral has presented at several conferences including BABA’s (Black Applied Behavior Analysts) inaugural conference to share ways ABA agencies can bring more equity to the field of ABA. In this conversation, Brandon discusses his role in helping to create The Black Master’s cohort and mentorship program as well as the ongoing need to prioritize DEI advancement in ABA.   For more information: https://learnbehavioral.com/culture https://learnbehavioral.com/culture/dei

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a Neurodivergent Psychologist joins us to discuss discovering her own autism in the aftermath of her child’s diagnosis and how that has inspired her passion to support the neurodivergent community. Dr. Neff describes the experience of her autism revelation in this way, “For the first time in my life, my body made sense, my experience of self made sense, and it was a powerful moment of liberation.” We also delve into helpful strategies about sensory sensitivity and self-care that are helpful for adults and parents of children with autism.    For more information: neurodivergentinsights.com @neurodivergent_insights on Instagram   All Autism Talk (https://www.allautismtalk.com/) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (https://learnbehavioral.com).

Dr. Linda LeBlanc, a Licensed Psychologist and author of 3 books on supervision joins us to discuss her latest book about ethics which she co-authored with Dr. Amanda Karsten, who is the Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Grand Valley State University.  Their new book titled Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysis explores the critical need for continually examining and evolving the role of ethics in providing services. As Dr. Karsten shared, "I hope we can help normalize the range of emotions that early career folks may be experiencing but also empower them with strategies they can put into motion and navigate step by step.  And to know that being in a difficult ethical situation is not going to overwhelm them." For more information: https://sloanpublishing.com/ethics    All Autism Talk (https://www.allautismtalk.com/) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (https://learnbehavioral.com).

Jessica Sylfest is the parent of a child with Autism and ADHD and the Sr. Director of  Talent Acquisition for LEARN Behavioral. Jessica’s compassion, warmth, and learned wisdom are great offerings to all parents as we transition our kids back to school. There are a lot of specific strategies shared when navigating an IEP and how to establish good communication with your child’s team. As Jessica said, “I think there is such value in sharing experiences and sharing things that are going well and things that are a  struggle. You really never stop preparing. It’s just perpetual communication, planning with the school and with the other resources in our lives.”   All Autism Talk (https://www.allautismtalk.com/) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (https://learnbehavioral.com).

Dr. Becky Thompson, Director of Clinical Services for the Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), and Reux Lennon, Non-binary member of both the LGBT and Autism community and Lead technician with WEAP join us to share their work on the Person-Centered ABA team and the Neurodivergent Advisory Committee.  Dr. Thompson leads LEARN's Person-Centered ABA team, which is a group of clinical leaders within LEARN who are dedicated to compassionate and individualized ABA services. Reux shares how their work as one of the original members of the Neurodivergent Advisory Committee is creating change and including neurodivergent voices and perspectives.   For more information visit: https://learnbehavioral.com/culture/neurodiversity    All Autism Talk (https://www.allautismtalk.com/) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (https://learnbehavioral.com).