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 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.
