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 14: What is Autism Really Though?
Chris welcomes Dr. Ingrid Boveda, Founder of The Hive Psychological Services and co-owner of Cogenuity. As a testing psychologist, Dr. Boveda works with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults across the country. Through her work with Cogenuity, she partners with schools and treatment programs nationwide to offer low-cost brain mapping and neurofeedback services. In this episode, Chris and Dr. Boveda discuss the power of self-awareness and self-advocacy—two traits often lost in the push to conform to neurotypical expectations. They explore how behaviors frequently seen as “problems,” like rigidity or hyper-focus, can actually be incredible strengths when embraced and understood in context. This conversation is full of compassion, perspective, and practical wisdom on how to truly support autistic individuals—not by changing who they are, but by helping them thrive as they are.
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.
