Theresa M Regan, Ph.D.
Autism in the Adult
This podcast covers a wide variety of topics related to autism spectrum disorder in the adolescent through aged adult. Your host is Dr. Theresa Regan, an adult neuropsychologist (specialist in brain-behavior relationships), parent of an amazing teen on the autism spectrum, and a certified autism specialist with the IBCCES. She is deeply grateful to bring validation, hope, and purpose to individuals and their families living on the autism spectrum. With this mission at its core, she founded and directs the OSF HealthCare Adult Diagnostic Autism Clinic in central Illinois. Her books include Unde...
Author
Theresa M Regan, Ph.D.
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 4, 2026
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Episodes
Talking About Autism: Characteristics in Others 27.03.2022 34:58
Join Dr. Regan for the final episode of the series "Talking About Autism." This episode focuses on how talk to others when you see autistic characteristics in them. New Course for Clinicians - Interventions in Autism: Helping Clients Stay Centered, Connect with Others, and Engage in Life New Course for Clinicians: ASD Differential Diagnoses and Associated Characteristics Dr. Regan's Resources Boo...
Talking About Autism: Navigating Emotional Atmospheres 13.03.2022 30:41
Join Dr. Regan for the second episode of the series "Talking About Autism." This episode focuses on how the thoughtful navigation of emotions during conversations about autism can create space and freedom for more discussions. New Course for Clinicians - Interventions in Autism: Helping Clients Stay Centered, Connect with Others, and Engage in Life New Course for Clinicians: ASD Differential Diagn...
Talking About Autism: Personal Journeys 27.02.2022 35:10
Join Dr. Regan for this first episode of the new series "Talking About Autism." This episode focuses on talking about autism when you are on a journey toward diagnosis and after you have received a diagnosis. New Course for Clinicians - Interventions in Autism: Helping Clients Stay Centered, Connect with Others, and Engage in Life New Course for Clinicians: ASD Differential Diagnoses and Associat...
Recognizing Attempts at Regulation on the Autism Spectrum 13.02.2022 38:41
Join Dr. Regan for the final episode of a four part series on regulation and dysregulation on the autism spectrum. This episode focuses on recognizing when an individual is attempting to regulate and using this information to partner toward the best outcome. New Course for Clinicians - Interventions in Autism: Helping Clients Stay Centered, Connect with Others, and Engage in Life New Course for Cl...
Recovering from Dysregulation on the Autism Spectrum 30.01.2022 24:31
Join Dr. Regan for the third episode of a four part series on regulation and dysregulation on the autism spectrum. This episode focuses on strategies for recovering from dysregulated states. As referenced in the podcast: Exhaustion in Autism: Balancing Momentum for Daily Activities Gaining Momentum for Activities: Shifting from Sluggish to Active Keeping Momentum for Activities on the Autism S...
Reducing Dysregulation on the Autism Spectrum 16.01.2022 25:35
Join Dr. Regan for the second episode of a four part series on regulation and dysregulation on the autism spectrum. This episode focuses on three strategies to help reduce the frequency and intensity of dysregulation episodes for the autistic individual. Zur Institute webinar Feb 2022: ASD Interventions Across the Lifespan Dr. Regan's Resources Book: Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging A...
Recognizing Dysregulation on the Autism Spectrum: Fight, Flight, Freeze 02.01.2022 30:51
Individuals on the spectrum who are going through a season of struggle often describe episodes of dysregulation (not feeling centered in their alertness, attention, or emotions). Join Dr. Regan for this first episode in a 4 part series on dysregulation to learn how to recognize a dysregulated state and why these states are often misinterpreted or mishandled. The Alert Program: Your Best Self Th...
Planning a Merry Holiday on the Autism Spectrum 15.11.2021 18:13
Take a moment to listen again to this holiday episode originally published in 2020. Celebrations may be draining or overwhelming to the individual on the spectrum. A little advanced awareness and planning can make a big difference! Enjoy ~ Dr. Regan's Resources Book: Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults, 2nd ed Audiobook Book: Understanding Autistic Behaviors Autism in the Adult websi...
Autism and Eating Disorders 31.10.2021 23:45
Autism is found at higher than expected rates in those with eating disorders or problematic eating patterns. Join Dr. Regan to hear about this link and why it is important to understand. article: Autism Spectrum Disorders in Eating Disorder Populations. A Systematic Review Dr. Regan's Resources Book: Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults, 2nd ed Audiobook Book: Understanding Autistic Beh...
Guilt and Worry in Relationships: Four Strategies Toward Freedom 16.10.2021 20:16
In this episode, hear why repetitive fears about social interactions may chase the autistic individual and learn four strategies for escaping those worries. Dr. Regan's Resources Book: Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults, 2nd ed Audiobook Book: Understanding Autistic Behaviors Autism in the Adult website Resources for Clinicians
Keeping Momentum for Activities on the Autism Spectrum 03.10.2021 26:53
Individuals on the spectrum may have more difficulty than others finding and staying in a "just right" state for activities and tasks. Join Dr. Regan to hear recommendations for keeping momentum without crashing into an exhausted state. Related Resources Dr. Regan's videos on using sensory input for regulation Dr. Regan's Resources The Understanding Autism book series (paperback, hardback, ebook)...
Gaining Momentum for Activities: Shifting from Sluggish to Active 19.09.2021 25:14
Individuals on the spectrum may have more difficulty than others shifting from a stopped state (exhausted, "lazy," sluggish) to a "just right" active state for daily activities. Join Dr. Regan to hear three recommendations for getting past the stuck state. Related Resources Dr. Regan's videos on using sensory input for regulation The Vestibular System The Effects of Spinning Vestibular Activities...
Exhaustion in Autism: Balancing Momentum for Daily Activities 05.09.2021 19:22
Resiliency for daily life can be a difficult state to achieve on the autism spectrum. Individuals may struggle to gain momentum for tasks while still finding the recovery time they need to avoid coming to a complete stop. Join Dr. Regan to understand why this occurs, and look for the next episode to cover strategies for balance. Dr. Regan's resources The Understanding Autism book series (paperbac...
Neurodiversity in Relationships: Making Differences Work 22.08.2021 26:10
One of the most requested podcast topics relates to neuro diversity in relationships: family units, couples, friendships, and partnerships. Dr. Regan discusses how to understand behavior and communication, acknowledge differences, and work toward unity. Dr. Regan's resources The Understanding Autism book series (paperback, hardback, ebook) Audiobook Autism in the Adult website Resources for Clin...
Autism in Women 12.06.2021 17:33
Females on the spectrum are more often missing a correct diagnosis than their male counterparts. Join Dr. Regan in learning why this occurs and how to recognize autistic characteristics in women across the lifespan. Also check out this link for a live, interactive webinar she will be hosting through Zur Institute on this important topic on August 14, 2021. Autism in Females: Overlooked and Unders...
Shifting Behavior: Achieve Better Outcomes with a Detective Mindset 25.05.2021 32:35
Ever been stuck in a loop of discussions about how someone else should change their behavior? Whether on the spectrum or neurotypical, your biggest success will come from a shift in mindset from policing to detecting and strategizing. This concept and others are discussed in Dr. Regan's book about understanding autistic behaviors and working toward improved well-being: Understanding Autistic Beh...
Abuse, Neglect, and Relational Pain on the Autism Spectrum 08.05.2021 19:23
Individuals on the autism spectrum are at risk for abuse and relational pain. Join Dr. Regan as she discusses the importance of diagnosing trauma conditions and/or autism correctly. She also reviews some contributing factors to relational pain and abuse in social situations for those on the spectrum. Dr. Regan's resources The Understanding Autism book series Audiobook Autism in the Adult website
Social Multi-tasking: Living Life on the Spectrum Within a Family Unit 19.02.2021 19:54
An ASD partner may be very attentive during a dating relationship but struggle in the context of family life with children. Join Dr. Regan as she talks about why this disconnect may occur and offers tips for connecting in a complex family environment. Dr. Regan's resources The Understanding Autism book series Audiobook Autism in the Adult website
The Two Pillars of Communication: Attention to Topic and Person 24.01.2021 20:42
Many individuals on the spectrum are passionate about topic, data, and facts. However, attention to the social context of communication may take a back seat. Join Dr. Regan to hear about the two pillars of communication and why attention to person can help the ASD individual better achieve his/her personal goals. REGISTER NOW: Dr. Regan's live webinar on Feb 16, 2021 through Zur Institute: Dr. Re...
Autism in the Adult: The Quest for a Diagnosis 10.01.2021 19:02
Many are on a journey in adulthood to determine whether they (or someone they love) is on the autism spectrum. Dr. Regan talks about the importance of finding a professional who uses multiple sources of information (rather than one cut off score) to make a diagnosis and provide individualized recommendations. Register for Dr. Regan's live webinar on Feb 16, 2021 through Zur Institute: Dr. Regan W...
Autism in Relationships: Three Tips to Help the ASD individual Let Go of a Topic 02.01.2021 18:09
One of the defining characteristics of autism is a neurologic "leaning toward" repetition. In relationships, this can lead to "conversational persistence" (i.e., being unable to let an argument or topic go). Join Dr. Regan to hear three tips for helping the individual release a topic that has already been discussed. Dr. Regan's resources The Understanding Autism book series Audiobook Autism in...
Planning a Merry Holiday on the Autism Spectrum 29.11.2020 18:13
For many on the autism spectrum, coming together for the holidays is overwhelming. The adrenaline rush that brings anticipation and excitement for most may be experienced as a restless anxiety for those on the spectrum. Join Dr. Regan to hear four tips to make the holidays peaceful and connected for all ... on and off the autism spectrum. Predictable Fear article 2014 Dr. Regan website The Unde...
Autism Spectrum: The Benefits of Written Communication 14.11.2020 17:27
Communicating through technology may have a bad rap. But in the autism spectrum, there are times when emails and texts can enhance social-emotional exchange and strengthen relationships. Join Dr. Regan to learn some of the benefits of written communication on the spectrum. Dr. Regan resources: The Understanding Autism book series Audiobook Website: Autism in the Adult
Autism Spectrum: The Challenges of Self-Advocacy 28.10.2020 17:09
Self-advocacy is an often-used term in higher levels of education, community agencies, and medical settings. It describes the commitment to encourage students, clients, and patients to take an active role in communicating their needs and plans. There are aspects of self-advocacy that are inherently challenging to those on the spectrum. Join Dr. Regan to learn ways to make self-advocacy empowering...
Grief Reactions in the Autism Spectrum: Recognizing Signs and Providing Support 10.10.2020 23:55
Grief reactions can look different for the individual on the autism spectrum than for the neurotypical. Join Dr. Regan to learn how to detect signs of grief in the ASD individual, and how to provide support during seasons of loss. Dr. Regan's resources: The Understanding Autism book series Audiobook Website: Autism in the Adult
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