Category: Podcast

Hear from inspiring individuals, experts, and authors in the autism community. Listen to our acclaimed podcast, all autism talk.

Back To School Tips for Parents of Kids with Autism

FEATURED POSTS

The Importance of Sticking to Consistent ABA Therapy
August 7, 2025
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June 26, 2025
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Navigating Mental Health in Today’s Workforce: A LEARN Behavioral Perspective
Navigating Mental Health in Today’s Workforce: LEARN’s Perspective
May 15, 2025

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.”

To watch more podcast episodes visit www.allautismtalk.com

Bridging the Gap Between Autism Culture and American Culture

Motivational Speaker and Poet Russell Lehmann joins us for a third time to explore autism through the lens of culture. Having spent most of his life in isolation, Russell has found his voice and independence in recent years. His passion for erasing stigma and stereotypes about autism is shared through his moving, spoken-word poetry. In this discussion, Russell shares the challenges of communicating his needs and preferences and making meaningful connections. Russell offers insights into how those outside the experience of autism can help bridge the gap between cultures.  He shares, “I think it’s ironic that autism is labeled a communication disorder. I understand why but I find myself thinking – Is it me, or is it you guys?” He adds this advice, “Be upfront. Be sincere. Be open-minded, and if you have questions about what to say or do, ask.”

Optimistic Parenting and How it Can Help Your Family with V. Mark Durand

V. Mark Durand is a Distinguished University Professor of psychology at the USF St. Petersburg. Dr. Durand has more than 135 publications. Durand’s research includes the assessment and treatment of severe behavior problems for children and adults with ASD and other disabilities, parent training and the development of treatments for child sleep problems. Most recently he developed a new approach to help families work with their challenging children (optimistic parenting). He and his colleague developed a treatment for problem behaviors (functional communication training – FCT) that is used around the world. His books include textbooks on abnormal psychology that have been translated into more than 10 languages and used at more than 1,000 universities world-wide. He was named a 2014 Princeton Lecture Series Fellow from the (APA). Dr. Durand Past-President of Division 33 (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities/ASD) for the American Psychological Association.

Where to Find V. Mark Durand:

USF: http://asdnet.fmhi.usf.edu/faculty/durand.html

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3f32hpC

All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

How Lighting Can Affect Your Circadian Rhythm with Dave Bisbee

Dave Bisbee is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) with nearly thirty years of experience in the energy industry working with commercial, residential, and public-sector customers. Dave has served as a Project Manager for SMUD’s Customer Advanced Technologies (CAT) program for the past eighteen years testing emerging energy efficient technologies in real-world environments. Dave earned a BS degree in Organizational Leadership from William Jessup University and was awarded the California Military Department Medal of Merit while serving as a Resource Efficiency Manager for the California National Guard.

For More Information: www.smud.org/CircadianLighting

All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

An Honest Look at the Full Experience of Autism with Russell Lehmann

Motivational Speaker and Poet Russell Lehmann joins us to share his perspectives on autism and the human condition. Having spent most of his life in isolation, Russell has found his voice and independence in recent years. His passion for erasing stigma and stereotypes about autism is shared through his moving, spoken-word poetry. As Russell shares, “I like to say you hold up a mirror to anybody, and that’s what autism looks like. I don’t expect anyone to be able to tell that I have autism just by looking at me. But hopefully, someday they won’t be as shocked to find out.”

All Autism Talk (https://www.allautismtalk.com/) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (https://learnbehavioral.com).

Current Autism Research and Why Families May Want to Participate

Pamela Feliciano, Scientific Director of SPARK (Simons Powering Autism Research) the world’s largest autism research study. Dr. Feliciano joins us to share her thoughts on the recent change to autism statistics from the CDC, the value of participating in research, and the information that can be accessed (or declined) for those who do. As she shared, “SPARK’s ultimate goal is to power research to help people with autism live their fullest lives.”

For More Information:
Sparkforautism.org

Understanding the IEP Process and How to Best Advocate for Your Child

Mo Buti, an advocate and instructional expert for people with autism joins us to take a deep dive into the IEP process. She shares details about all the people that make up the team and how parents can best prepare and advocate for their child. As Mo shared, “It’s so important that communicate well and build relationships with your team. Even if you disagree, it makes the process so much more successful.”

For More Information:
https://www.aiepautism.com/

 

Supporting Autistic Individuals from High School to Adulthood with Dan McManmon

 

Dan McManmon is President of the College Internship Program, also known as CIP, one of the world’s most comprehensive transition programs for young adults on the autism spectrum and learning differences. CIP operates full-year and summer programs at 5 center locations nationwide, offering specialized programs and services that help empower students to pursue higher education, employment, and independent living in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.

For More Information:
Website: https://cipworldwide.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegeinternshipprogram/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cipadmissions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cipworldwide/

All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Addressing the Cultural Needs of Families with Autism

Corina Jimenez-Gomez, faculty at Auburn University, and Lauren Beaulieu a behavior analyst for 20 years join us to discuss the importance of culturally responsive services in ABA. Along with their extensive work educating others in this area, they each bring their personal experiences to this important conversation. Corina is a mother and Venezuelan native now living in Alabama. Lauren also shares insights she has gained from her marriage to an Italian immigrant. There is so much rich information about how professionals can take responsibility and action to better serve families. One bit of advice offered to those just beginning their careers was, “Do a self-assessment and then get the training and focus on those soft skills that we tend to ignore in masters programs. Focus on relationship building. You may have to step outside your program to get that.”

Training: https://institute.centralreach.com/pages/cultural-competency-in-applied-behavior-analysis

Interested in ABA Services for you child? Contact Us: https://lrnbvr.com/contact

Interested in a Career in the ABA Field? Apply Now: https://lrnbvr.com/apply-now

All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Debra Moore – Navigating Autism

Dr. Temple Grandin returns to the podcast to discuss her latest book, Navigating Autism, which is a collaboration with psychologist Debra Moore, who has done extensive work with children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. This episode highlights Dr. Grandin’s powerful personal insights and wisdom with practical support and help from Dr. Moore. In this lively conversation, Drs. Grandin and Moore delve into a number of topics, from how to teach your child basic skills to what you can do to identify and stretch your child’s strengths and interests. The authors also share their belief that many educators, parents, and caregivers underestimate their kids, and they offer advice on what parents can do to help their child reach their highest potential. 

Interested in ABA services for your child? Contact Us: https://lrnbvr.com/contact

Interested in a career in the ABA field? Apply Now: https://lrnbvr.com/apply-now

All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).