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 psychologist and founder of the Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, explaining how CBT helps children, teens, and families through structured, research-based strategies. He outlines the CBT triangle of thoughts, feelings, and actions, and shows how this framework applies to conditions like anxiety, OCD, and Tourette’s.

He then breaks down tics and Tourette’s syndrome, clarifying the difference between motor and vocal tics, and why Tourette’s is often misunderstood. Dr. Flancbaum explains the biological and hereditary roots of tics, the factors that intensify them, and how Habit Reversal Training teaches children awareness and alternative responses. He contrasts tics with autistic stimming, emphasizing that tics relieve discomfort, while stims provide soothing reinforcement. This leads to a broader discussion about acceptance, perspective-taking, and supporting children without increasing stress or pressure.

The conversation continues with anxiety and OCD, both framed as cycles fueled by avoidance and short-term relief. Dr. Flancbaum explains anxiety as a “false alarm,” discusses why rates may be increasing, and outlines CBT and medication options. He also describes OCD as intrusive thoughts paired with compulsive behaviors, treated through exposure and response prevention. The episode closes with guidance for parents: focus on progress, embrace “golden nugget” moments, and remember that raising a neurodivergent child may require more care—but the “roses in a tulip garden” are often the most meaningful gifts.

• 00:00 – 06:30 | What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? The CBT triangle and real-life examples
• 06:30 – 12:30 | Tics and Tourette’s explained: motor vs. vocal tics, common misconceptions, and heredity
• 12:30 – 15:40 | Treatment for tics: Habit Reversal Training, awareness, social support, and “tic busters”
• 15:40 – 21:40 | Stimming vs. tics: reinforcement, the mosquito-bite analogy, and why blocking tics can be helpful
• 21:40 – 28:30 | Acceptance, perspective, and parenting: education, expectations, and understanding your child
• 28:30 – 37:50 | Anxiety as a “false alarm”: what anxiety is, why it’s on the rise, and how society has changed
• 37:50 – 46:30 | Treating anxiety: pills, skills, or both? CBT tools, cognitive restructuring, and exposure therapy
• 48:50 – 55:30 | OCD 101: obsessions, compulsions, contamination fears, mental loops, and the “thought filter”
• 55:30 – 59:30 | Comorbidities: Tourette’s, ADHD, anxiety, OCD together – what to treat first and why
• 59:30 – 1:02:30 | Final message to parents: golden nugget moments, roses in a tulip garden, and being kind to yourself

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:

• What is cranial osteopathy and how is it different from craniosacral therapy?
• How can hands-on osteopathic treatment support autistic and ADHD children (and their parents)?
• What role do primitive reflexes, gait, and toe-walking play in behavior and regulation?
• How do nutrition and micronutrients impact attention, mood, and overall functioning?
• Why is vision so often a “missing link” in fine motor, balance, and behavioral challenges?
• How much can regular exercise really do for neurodivergent children compared to medication?
• What does it look like to parent as a neurodivergent physician and mom in a neurodivergent family?

Dr. Lauren Davis, an osteopathic physician double board-certified in family medicine and neuromusculoskeletal medicine, who also practices integrative and functional medicine. Dr. Davis explains cranial osteopathy, how tiny motions in the skull and cerebral spinal fluid affect lymphatic drainage and brain function, and how this can support autistic and ADHD individuals. She shares how birth compressions, fascial restrictions, and skull dysfunctions may contribute to irritability, impulse control challenges, and executive function struggles, and how hands-on treatment can optimize—not “cure”—a neurodivergent brain.

They dive into primitive reflexes, toe-walking, gait, and the importance of a thorough physical and neurologic exam. Dr. Davis highlights how retained reflexes and structural issues can present as “behaviors” and how simple home exercises can support integration. The conversation then shifts to nutrition: high sugar intake, micronutrient deficiencies, and Dr. Davis’s practical strategies like “color nights” and creative gluten-free, protein-rich meals for picky eaters.

They also explore vision as a huge but often overlooked piece of the puzzle, including tracking, convergence, binocular vision disorder, and specialized approaches like cranial vision osteopathy. Dr. Davis emphasizes exercise as a powerful intervention, citing evidence that 30 minutes of moderate aerobic movement can improve frontal lobe blood flow similarly to stimulant medication. Finally, she shares her personal story as an AuDHD physician, her neurodivergent family life, burnout in medical training, and how understanding her own neurology reshaped both her practice and parenting. She closes with a powerful message: your child is perfect as they are, and our job is to support who they are meant to be.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - What is osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine and cranial osteopathy?

03:44 – Cranial osteopathy vs. craniosacral therapy and how fluid movement in the skull affects the brain and lymphatic system

06:16 – Why cranial osteopathy is still relatively unknown and how it helps the autistic community

07:02 – Newborn care, birth compressions, fascia, and early patterns that persist into childhood

09:10 – Hyperactivity, executive function, and improving frontal lobe blood flow through hands-on work

11:15 – What a typical evaluation looks like: history, physical exam, screening, and integrative recommendations

13:14 – Nutrition deep dive: sugar intake, micronutrients, and the impact of processed foods

15:11 – “Colors of the rainbow” eating and creative color-themed meals for kids

18:17 – Raising gluten-free kids with celiac disease and teaching cooking as a lifelong skill

19:57 – Picky and restrictive eating: practical strategies to “hide” nutrients and upgrade

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/proprioceptive input, balance, coordination.
• Safety, skate park etiquette, and coaching strategies for elopers and timid starters.
• Parent involvement, community building, and “finding your tribe.”
• Program design: one-on-one lessons, small groups, staff training, and special interests.
• Addressing bullying and inclusion in schools; Ambassador Program vision.
• Nutrition, ADHD, regulation, and practical takeaways for calmer days.

Leah Gross talks with Ally Rodriguez about launching Skate Haven, a nonprofit delivering one-on-one and small-group skateboarding sessions tailored for autistic kids.

Ally explains how rhythmic motion and repetition help with regulation, while skating naturally builds balance, core strength, and confidence. The program emphasizes safety, park etiquette, and meeting each child where they are—often weaving in special interests to boost motivation. Parents are encouraged to participate, building a supportive community that extends beyond sessions. Ally shares expansion efforts in LA and Vegas, partnerships with adaptive skate organizations, and an upcoming Ambassador Program to foster inclusion and reduce bullying. She also touches on brain-health nutrition and lifestyle changes that have helped her family. The throughline: you’re not alone—there are joyful, strengths-based outlets that work.

About The Guest

Ally Rodriguez is the founder of Skate Haven, an autism skateboarding nonprofit offering social-recreation and therapeutic-adjacent skate sessions. A single mom to an autistic son, Ally draws on lived experience, community partnerships, and a background in health/nutrition to create safe, motivating environments for neurodivergent kids.

Time Stamps

00:00 Origin story: mom, nonprofit founder, and the spark for Skate Haven

01:11 From “other clinics” to skate: pushing for social-rec approval

02:58 Why skating helps: rhythm, repetition, regulation

03:41 OT crossover: balance, core, coordination

05:13 Onboarding timid learners; matching coach to child

06:55 Ally’s parenting journey as a single autism mom

08:37 Juggling therapies and work without sacrificing services

09:31 ADHD, energy outlets, and why skating fits

10:31 Parents as community; support beyond sessions

12:50 Environmental tweaks: quieter parks, interest-based games

15:08 Success story: Carter’s confidence and progression

19:20 What’s missing: parent outlets and connection

21:56 Training coaches: patience, safety, flexibility, ABA-savvy staff

25:29 School inclusion, bus challenges, and advocacy

30:52 Brain-health nutrition and practical shifts at home

Ready to explore strength-based recreation for your child?

Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies, uplifting stories, and next steps you can try this week.