The Autism Roundtable

What if the biggest shift in your child’s future starts with one decision you’ve been putting off? In this episode, we dive into the emotional, medical, and deeply human side of navigating neurodivergence—and what parents often get wrong (and right) along the way. In this episode of The Autism Roundtable , host Leah Gross sits down with Dr. Nallapati, a developmental pediatrician and founder of Tu...

What does it look like when a parent stops fighting the diagnosis and starts seeing the child more clearly? In this episode of The Autism Roundtable, Leah Gross speaks with children’s author Jenn Bailey about parenting, perspective shifts, sensory overload, inclusion, and how stories can help children better understand themselves and each other. Leah Gross welcomes author Jenn Bailey for a thought...

What can make a hospital visit less overwhelming for an autistic or neurodiverse child, and how can parents walk in better prepared? In this episode, Zahava Ginsburg shares how child life specialists help children and families navigate medical settings with more calm, dignity, and support. Zahava explains the unique role of child life specialists in helping children and families cope with medical...

What if one of the most powerful ways to help your child in school has less to do with pushing harder and more to do with communicating smarter? In this episode, Leah Gross speaks with Erica Viel about advocacy, school collaboration, dyslexia, and how parents can become confident, effective partners in their child’s educational journey. Discussion Points: Erica Viel’s personal and professional jou...

What happens after early intervention ends? In this hopeful and practical conversation, Laura McKenna shares her journey from autism diagnosis to college acceptance, offering parents a powerful roadmap for raising confident, capable young adults on the spectrum. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: How can an autism diagnosis become a tool rather than just an emotional milestone? What should par...

What if one of the biggest “levers” for behavior, mood, sleep, and regulation isn’t another strategy or program — but what’s happening inside the gut and inside the cell? Key Questions Explored in the Episode: How do gut health, inflammation, and cellular function connect to autism-related symptoms and behavior? When is it worth trying gluten-free/casein-free changes — and how do you make it susta...

What does it take to advocate for yourself in systems not built to accommodate you and then turn that struggle into a path of healing for others? In this powerful episode of The Autism Roundtable, we explore resilience, rights, and holistic care through one remarkable journey. Discussion Points: Overcoming systemic barriers in higher education and professional environments Navigating discriminatio...

Is your child’s tics, anxiety, or rigid behaviors “just a phase” – or something more? In this episode of the Autism Roundtable, Leah sits down with Dr. Meir Flancbaum, a clinical psychologist and CBT expert, to unpack tics, Tourette’s, anxiety, and OCD, and what all of this really means for your child, your family, and for you as a parent. Dr. Meir Flancbaum introduces his background as a psycholo...

What if your child’s “behaviors” are actually their nervous system asking for help? In this episode, Lauren Davis, an osteopathic physician, functional medicine practitioner, and proud neurodivergent mom, explains how hands-on medicine, nutrition, movement, and vision can radically change the quality of life for autistic and ADHD kids (and their parents). Key Questions Explored in the Episode: Wha...

Can a skateboard become a lifeline? In this episode, we meet Ally Rodriguez, founder of Skate Haven, an autism skateboarding nonprofit turning wheels and ramps into regulation, confidence, and community for neurodivergent kids and their families. Discussion Points Ally’s journey from interior design to founding Skate Haven, inspired by her son. Sensory and motor benefits of skating: vestibular/pro...

How can we support autistic children with more compassion and less control? In this episode of The Autism Round Table , host Leah Gross sits down with behavior analyst and life coach Kaitlin Wilder to explore a new, heart-centered approach to working with autistic individuals. From challenging outdated models of behavior therapy to introducing tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Ka...

What happens when a mom discovers her own neurodivergence while advocating for her kids and turns it into a mission to help other families and business owners thrive? In this episode, neurodivergent coach Talia Zamora joins Leah Gross to share a real-world roadmap for calmer homes, stronger self-advocacy, and businesses that fit real life. Summary of the Conversation: Talia traces how her sons’ la...

What does it really mean to accept an autism diagnosis—and how can that acceptance shape the lives of children, teens, and adults alike? In this episode, licensed professional therapist Kesley Rogers joins Leah Gross to explore the journey of navigating autism, ADHD, and related challenges across the lifespan. Kesley Rogers shares her path from volunteering with Project Search to becoming a licens...

What does it really mean to navigate life and career as an autistic professional in today’s world? In this episode, we sit down with Shea Belsky , autistic self-advocate, tech lead at HubSpot, and host of the Autistic Techie podcast, to hear his journey from childhood therapies and IEPs to leading teams in major tech companies. Shea opens up about masking, relationships, advocacy in the workplace,...

What does it really mean to receive an autism diagnosis—and how can parents best support their children without suppressing who they are? In this episode of The Autism Roundtable , Leah Gross welcomes Kara Nash, ASDCS, RN , a registered nurse, autism consultant, and advocate, who shares her professional expertise and lived experience as an autistic adult. Together, they dive deep into the complexi...

How can executive functioning, reflex integration, and sensory processing impact a child’s ability to thrive? In this enlightening episode of The Autism Roundtable , Leah Gross sits down with pediatric occupational therapist Efraim Simkhayev to explore practical strategies for supporting children with developmental challenges. From real-life therapy tools to the power of parenting with empathy, th...

What does it mean to truly support neurodivergent children through speech therapy? In this episode, Leah Gross is joined by Christina Beta, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, to explore a powerful shift in therapy—moving from compliance-based methods to neurodiversity-affirming, child-led support. If you're a parent, educator, or therapist looking to better understand how to empower children...

How can a mobile therapy bus change a child’s life? In this episode of The Autism Roundtable , host Leah Gross sits down with Luba Patlakh-Kaplun, founder of Kidology Inc., to explore her journey from broadcast journalism to pioneering pediatric therapy. Discover how Luba’s innovative, whole-child approach is reshaping the landscape of care for autistic children—and empowering families along the w...

What happens when a military mom raises a neurodivergent daughter who thrives in dance despite challenges like autism and dyslexia? In this episode of The Autism Round Table , host Leah Gross welcomes Amanda and her daughter Leta for a conversation full of laughter, insight, and inspiration. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: How can parents support the unique talents of neurodivergent childre...

What does true support for both parents and children in the autism community look like? In this episode of The Autism Roundtable , Leah Gross is joined by occupational therapist JoAnna Poyssick, who shares her holistic approach to supporting families. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: What is the Skyrocket Success coaching program, and how does it support parents? Why is self-care essential f...

What happens when a father, once distant, decides to turn his personal story into a mission of advocacy and change? In this episode, Jamiel Owens shares his deeply moving journey—from navigating his son’s autism diagnosis to becoming a powerful voice in the autism community. Through personal challenges, professional growth, and community activism, Jamiel illustrates what it means to show up, speak...

How does a mother transform personal struggle into professional purpose? Leah sits down with Tara Trievel — a mother, grandmother, and educator — to explore how her family's autism journey reshaped her life and career. From late diagnoses to early interventions, Tara opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting neurodivergent children and the tools that helped her thrive. Key Questions...

Feeding therapy can be a complex journey for parents, especially when it comes to children on the autism spectrum. In this episode, occupational therapist Dena Kelly shares her extensive experience working with children facing feeding challenges, from those with neurotypical development to those with complex medical and neurodivergent profiles. She discusses the different approaches to feeding the...

What happens when your professional path and personal journey collide in the most unexpected way? In this episode of Autism Roundtable, Taylor Martinez shares how working as a child therapist led her into the autism community — and how her daughter’s diagnosis reshaped her life, both personally and professionally. Discussion Points: Taylor’s unexpected introduction to the autism community through...

How do you recognize the early signs of autism—and what should you do next? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Poulos, a pediatric psychologist with deep expertise in developmental assessments for young children, walks us through the process of early autism diagnosis. Whether you're a parent concerned about developmental delays or a professional supporting families, this conversation provides clarity,...