Autism Learning Lab Podcast

Chris welcomes Maura Nolan, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with young adults, families, and adults with PTSD, neurodivergence, and psychosis spectrum disorders. She is currently pursuing her passions in nature-based and wilderness therapy and is working towards licensure as a psychedelic-assisted therapist and facilitator in Colorado. Together, Chris and Maura discuss...

Chris welcomes Dr. Jenn Brown, the Director at Psychological Solutions. Dr. Brown has over 10 years of experience in psychological assessments in wilderness and residential treatment programs with adolescents and young adults and has written well over 700 evaluations covering a range of topics including bipolar disorders, high-functioning autism, and personality disorders, to name a few. Together,...

Chris welcomes Amy Wood, the Executive Director of Cottonwood Day School, and Michelle Bjelland, the Director of Cottonwood Day School - the first and only private non-profit elementary school for students with learning challenges in Bozeman, MT. Amy and Michelle discuss how they’ve developed a unique learning environment to cater to each student and how they partner with families for long-term su...

Chris welcomes Dr. Aaron Wallis, a licensed psychologist with a background in college counseling and outdoor behavioral health. Dr. Wallis is currently partnered with Psychologist Solutions and is passionate about how substance use ties into attachment and trauma, specifically with those on the Autistic spectrum. Chris and Dr. Wallis discuss the trends they are starting to see between those on the...

Chris welcomes back Dr. Melissa Horne, a licensed psychologist with Psychological Solutions to discuss the science of sleep and how those on the spectrum can improve their sleep experience. This fascinating episode covers the importance of sleep for your brain and body to function at their optimal ability and also how to improve your quality of rest with some simple implementations. Links: Autism...

Chris welcomes Dr. Melissa Horne, a licensed psychologist working with Psychological Solutions. A self-proclaimed psych testing nerd, Dr. Horne covers everything from the basics of psychological testing (what it is) to finding a professional to work with, what testing entails, and what to expect when you’re presented with the results. As Chris and Dr. Horne explain, comprehensive psychological tes...

Welcome to the Autism Learning Lab Podcast, an exploration of the full spectrum of the Autistic experience hosted by clinical therapist Chris Blankenship. On our flagship episode, Chris welcomes Claire, the mother of an 18-year-old daughter who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 16. Claire recounts how her daughter was recognized as gifted by the age of 4 but was later diagn...