Around The Spectrum

Diana Toronto joins the conversation to share her lived experience raising a child on the autism spectrum while also navigating her own ADHD. This episode focuses on what it actually looks like when parent and child are both working through regulation in real time. Diana talks through her son’s diagnosis journey, the challenges of raising a child who often “looks fine” to others, and the emotional...

Walking into an IEP meeting can feel confusing, especially when you’re unsure what’s required, what’s flexible, and how decisions are made. In this episode, Leila Farshchian, a special educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, breaks down what parents can realistically expect from the IEP process. We cover the basics: who should be in the room, how outside diagnoses interact with school evalu...

The starting line of an autism journey can feel like a maze of waitlists, opinions, and second-guessing. We invited BCBA and clinic founder Anna Sturgeon to sit with us at the table and make that first stretch less lonely and far more practical. From low-cost, no-wait evaluations to caregiver-first coaching, Anna lays out how compassionate care is built—not with empty promises, but with listening,...

Ever been told your child is “bad” in the checkout line while you’re just trying to make it through the day? This episode centers on a different lens: not bad just communication . We dive into the real story behind behavior with BCBA and parent coach Kea Lee, exploring how meltdowns, eloping, and even aggression can be signals of unmet needs rather than defiance. Together, we unpack the everyday m...

Growth is not the enemy. Poor systems are. In this episode, we explore how ABA leadership and systems shape the ability of autism clinics to grow while maintaining quality care. BCBA, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and executive coach Michael Conte joins the conversation to discuss how organizations can scale services without scaling burnout. Michael shares how he moved from direct clinical work into...

When Michael Vassar’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder and later autism, his family’s journey took an unexpected turn. In this candid conversation, Michael shares how “Welcome to Holland,” Emily Perl Kingsley’s well-known poem, became a touchstone for reframing expectations — and finding unexpected beauty on a different path. We talk about the early shock of diagnosis, the long...

Amanda Cox, leadership development trainer and consultant, shares insights on how leadership in autism centers directly impacts family experiences and client outcomes.  • Leadership in ABA requires constant "chameleonism" – switching between different communication styles and audiences quickly • Trust-based leadership creates psychological safety through transparency, not avoiding hard c...

Pull up a chair, your spot is waiting. In this brief trailer, host Wendy Manganaro shares what you can expect from Around the Spectrum : grounded guidance, honest conversations, and real stories about raising and supporting children with autism. Whether you're a parent at the start of the journey, a professional who works alongside families, or simply someone who cares, there's a seat fo...