All Autism Talk

Autism and the Two of Us: Love, Communication, and Neurodiversity

In this episode, Dr. Cindy Ariel explores relationships involving autistic and neurodivergent individuals, drawing from her book Autism and the Two of Us. She discusses how differences in communication, social expectations, and processing styles can create challenges and opportunities for deeper understanding. Dr. Ariel shares practical strategies for navigating conflict, fostering vulnerability, and building stronger connections through curiosity, negotiation, and appreciation. This conversation offers insights into creating more compassionate and meaningful partnerships.
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 

Water Safety and Autism: What Families Need to Know

In this episode, Dr. Molly O'Shea, MD, joins us to discuss the critical importance of water safety for all children, with special attention to the unique considerations for autistic children and other neurodivergent learners. With over 30 years in pediatrics, Dr. O’Shea has spent her career as a speaker, media consultant, journalist, and founder of Birmingham Pediatrics. She is also the official pediatrician and parenting expert of Goldfish Swim School.
 
Dr. O'Shea shares practical strategies families can use to reduce the risk of drowning, including the importance of active supervision, designated "water watchers," preparation before water activities, and teaching children essential water safety skills early and often.
 
The conversation also explores the value of swim lessons, why continuous exposure to water helps build confidence and competence, and the risks of relying too heavily on floatation devices. Dr. O'Shea discusses sensory-friendly swim programs, ways to find the right fit for your child, and how swimming can become both a lifelong safety skill and a source of enjoyment.
Tune in for an important conversation that could help save lives.
 
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 

Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults

In this episode, Caroline Maguire explores the nuances of friendship through a neurodivergent lens, drawing from her book Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults. She shares personal insights on social challenges, the difference between belonging and popularity, and the impact of masking and mismatched communication styles. Caroline introduces her “Three P’s” of friendship—Proximity, Practice, and Participation—as a framework for building meaningful connections, while also unpacking how friendships can evolve, from seasonal to lifelong. This conversation offers practical guidance, research-backed insights, and an empowering reminder to honor your own unique path to connection.
 
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 

College Accommodations for Autistic Students: What Actually Works

In this episode, Emilie Brotherton and Darby Schwien take us inside the ASCEND program at Missouri State University, a unique initiative supporting students with autism and other mental health challenges. They share how the program fosters connection through mentorship, social events, and a thoughtfully designed space for neurodivergent students. The conversation highlights the power of community, the impact of inclusive support systems, and offers helpful insight for prospective students exploring programs like ASCEND.
 
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 
 

Autistic Voices Inside ABA: The Conversation the Field Needs

In this episode, Samantha and Reux—autistic adults working in applied behavior analysis—share their personal journeys from diagnosis to professional life. They reflect on early employment challenges, the critical role of workplace support, and why autistic voices matter in the field. Their stories offer hope to families, guidance for new behavior technicians, and a powerful reminder of the independence and success autistic individuals can achieve.  
 
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 

Autism, AI, and the Art of Songwriting with Rachel Schaub

Rachel Schaub is a 16-year-old autistic singer-songwriter who joins us to share stories about her love of singing and songwriting through AI. She shares about the experiences that inspire her and her writing process. Rachel also discusses how technology helps her connect with others and express herself in unique ways. Listeners will hear firsthand how music and AI intersect to open up creative possibilities.
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 
 

How One Mom Built Life-Changing Tools for Her Autistic Son

Rachel Estes Leyk is a mother, businesswoman, coach, and advocate who delivers heartfelt and highly practical strategies for raising emotionally resilient, self-aware children. In this conversation, she opens up about a moment of crisis in her family that became the catalyst for her advocacy, which has led to helping others to do the same. Her upcoming book, Response-ABILITY: How the Need to Unlock a Child’s Ability to Respond Shapes the Way We Love, Care, Support, and Uplift, is available for pre-order and launches on January 18, 2026.
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 

Dismantling Ableism and Centering Autistic Voices

Jenny Palmiotto, founder of Love and Autism, joins us to share the inspiringjourney behind the movement that’s redefining how we think about autism.Jenny explores what it truly means to create an autistic-affirming world—onewhere autistic voices are centered, support needs are seen as neutral, andableism is actively dismantled.
From challenging ableist narratives to finding connection through humor andeveryday activism, this conversation reminds us that inclusion starts withlistening and learning. Jenny also gives a glimpse into the upcoming MomsRetreat, a nurturing space designed to support mothers of autistic childrenand build a stronger sense of community.
To view the transcript, show notes, and video interview, visit www.allautismtalk.com 
 

Unlocking Communication: The Story of PECS with Dr. Andy Bondy & Lori Frost

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Andy Bondy and his wife, Lori Frost, MS,CCC-SLP, who are the co-founders of Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc.They’re also the creators of the Picture Exchange Communication System(PECS). Together, they share about the origins and updates of PECS, theirwork around the world, and the release of the 3rd Edition of the PECSManual.
We explore the importance of everyday language when discussing effectiveteaching strategies, the power of collaborative teamwork, and the need fortruly individualized support. Andy and Lori also provide a forward-lookingperspective on the future of PECS and emphasize why embracing cross-cultural understanding is essential for effective communication.
Join us for this insightful conversation that offers evidence-basedcommunication practices designed to empower parents, educators, andclinicians.
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com 

What You Didn't Know About the Hurdles of Autism Care in Illinois

In this episode, we sit down with Karem Alnatafgi and Heather Teichman from the Illinois Providers for ABA Access and Quality (IPAAQ) to explore the challenges and complexities of providing high-quality ABA therapy in Illinois. From limited access and inconsistencies in care to the impact of licensure laws and the corporate practice of medicine, they break down the issues that shape the autism services landscape across the state.
While the conversation centers on Illinois, these challenges are far from unique — providers, families, and advocates across the country are facing similar obstacles. Karem and Heather emphasize the power of provider collaboration, community involvement, and advocacy to drive change not just locally, but nationwide.
This conversation offers insight, hope, and a call to action for anyone invested in improving autism services across the U.S.
 
All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (www.learnbehavioral.com). To view this episode's transcription, video interview, or show notes, visit www.allautismtalk.com