Autism Learning Lab Podcast: Insights, Strategies, and Support
Join us as we explore the world of autism through expert interviews, personal stories, and actionable strategies to empower individuals and families.
EP 13: Autism and Special Education
Chris welcomes Lauren Franklin, a 15-year veteran teacher. Lauren has taught Resource Special Education in middle and elementary schools and is currently teaching a self-contained classroom to students with disabilities ranging from Autism to Down Syndrome to Cerebral Palsy. Together, Lauren and Chris discuss classrooms, including accommodations, special education classrooms, IEPs, 504s, and more. If you’re just beginning to navigate school with your ASD child or you’re halfway through and wondering what support is available to you, make sure you save this one.
EP 12: Crafting Space for Unmasking and Growing
Chris welcomes Dr. Eric Beaudoin. Dr. Beaudoin is a licensed psychologist, the Executive Director at Cornerstones of Maine, and owner of Rubedo Young Adult Transitions. With over 10 years of experience working with neurodivergent young adults, Dr. Beaudoin shares how his program, Rubedo, is truly meeting ASD individuals where they’re at. Through a self-proclaimed “kitchen sink " approach, there are opportunities aplenty for their clients, but that doesn’t mean it's one-size fits all; as Chris and Dr. Beaudoin explain, every individual is unique and requires a tailored approach, something Rubedo’s team is happy to provide. Full of hope, this conversation is brimming with insight on how best to serve those we love in the neurodivergent space.
EP 11: Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance
Chris welcomes Dr. Neal Christensen, a licensed psychologist who has been working with neurodivergent youth with a focus in Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare for over 20 years. In this episode, Chris and Dr. Christensen discuss a little-known behavioral profile called Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). PDA is an extreme avoidance of everyday, age-based demands (think of brushing your teeth as a young child). They explore the characteristics of this profile, and different treatment approaches that are effective. This is an insightful conversation full of knowledge for clinicians and laypeople alike.
EP 10: Self Discovery is Worth the Wait
Chris welcomes Ranpreet Anthony, a transmasculine Two-Spirit and neurodivergent Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) with over twenty years of experience in the mental health field. Together, Chris and Ranpreet explore SE, Ranpreet’s own journey to self-discovery, and how his late-in-life diagnosis came at the perfect time. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that while growing into yourself takes time, stepping confidently into who you’re meant to be is worth the wait.
EP 9: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Autism
Chris welcomes back licensed professional counselor Maura Nolan, who is pursuing her passions in nature-based and wilderness therapy and working towards licensure as a psychedelic-assisted therapist and facilitator in Colorado. This conversation centers on the many facets of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: What exactly is it? How does it work? What are the pros and cons? How do you find a provider? and more. This is an incredibly fascinating discussion that helps shed light on this new form of therapy and the overwhelmingly positive results following its recent research and implementation.
EP 8: Learning How To Be Yourself
Join Chris Blankenship and Brenna N., an autistic 28-year-old math teacher for middle schoolers in Boulder, CO, and one of his clients. Brenna shares her story of receiving her ASD diagnosis late in life, what the diagnosis meant for how she now understands and loves herself, how she navigates the beauty and complexity of relationships, and how she engages with the children she teaches. This is a beautiful interview of Brenna’s journey to self-discovery.
EP 7: Autism Learning Lab's Family Retreats: A Model for Family Growth
Join clinical therapist Chris Blankenship and licensed counselor Maura Nolan as they dive into Autism Learning Lab’s innovative family retreat model. Discover how these retreats combine psychoeducation with experiential learning to strengthen family dynamics, improve communication, and empower parents with tools to support their autistic children. Maura shares her insights on fostering understanding, self-awareness, and connection, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential of these retreats.
EP 6: Unmasking Autism – Gender Differences in Diagnosis
In this episode, Chris welcomes Dr. Melissa Horne, a licensed psychologist working with Psychological Solutions. A self-proclaimed psych testing enthusiast, Dr. Horne explains the basics of psychological testing, what to expect from the process, and why it’s more than just a label—it’s a tool for gaining deep insights into one’s strengths and challenges.
EP 5: Practical Tools for the Neurodiverse Child in Your Life
Chris welcomes Amy Wood and Michelle Bjelland from Cottonwood Day School to discuss their unique approach to inclusive learning. They share tools for supporting neurodiverse children, partnering with families, and fostering success in both educational and home settings.
EP 4: Substance Use and Autism
Today, Chris welcomes Dr. Aaron Wallis, a licensed psychologist with a background in college counseling and outdoor behavioral health. Dr. Wallis is currently partnered with Psychologist Solutions and is passionate about how substance use ties into attachment and trauma, specifically with those on the Autistic spectrum. Chris and Dr. Wallis discuss the trends they are starting to see between those on the spectrum and severe substance abuse, why overgeneralization is a dangerous practice, and how “typical” treatment may need to be adapted to fit the unique needs of the neurodiverse individual.
EP 3: The Science of Sleep – How It Impacts Autism
Chris and Dr. Melissa Horne explore how sleep impacts cognitive and emotional well-being, especially for neurodiverse individuals. They discuss practical strategies for improving sleep and simple techniques for optimizing rest and rejuvenation.
EP 2: Psychological Testing: What it is and Why it Works
In this episode, Chris welcomes Dr. Melissa Horne, a licensed psychologist working with Psychological Solutions. A self-proclaimed psych testing nerd, Dr. Horne covers everything from the basics of psychological testing (what it is) to finding a professional to work with, what testing entails, and what to expect when you’re presented with the results. As Chris and Dr. Horne explain, comprehensive psychological testing is more than a “rubber stamp” label of you as a person - it’s an insight into your wonderful and complex story - ideally resulting in a thorough understanding of your unique makeup and how this knowledge can shape your future.
EP 1: Beyond The Spectrum: A Parent’s Story
On our flagship episode, Chris welcomes Claire, the mother of an 18-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 16. Claire recounts how her daughter was recognized as gifted by the age of 4 but was later diagnosed in middle school with ADHD, slow processing speed, and executive dysfunction. She describes the challenges her daughter faced during remote learning due to COVID-19, which led to self-harming behaviors and marijuana use. Eventually, her daughter acknowledged the need for professional help. Now, Claire candidly shares the ups and downs of their ongoing journey as their family continues to adapt to this new “normal.”
