Autism Learning Lab Podcast

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....

Chris welcomes Dr. Eric Beaudoin. Dr. Beaudoin is a licensed psychologist, the Executive Director at Cornerstones of Maine, and co-founuder 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 " approac...

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 youn...

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 your...

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?...

Chris welcomes Brenna, an autistic 28-year-old math teacher for middle schoolers in Boulder, CO, and one of his clients. Brenna shares her story of receiving her ASD diagnosis late in life, what the diagnosis meant for how she now understands and loves herself, how she navigates the beauty and complexity of relationships, and how she engages with the children she teaches. This is a beautiful inter...

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...