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.

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), Kaitlin offers a refreshing and deeply empathetic perspective on what it means to truly connect with and understand autistic children.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and how does it shape the behavior of autistic children?
• How can therapists and parents balance structure with compassion?
• What role does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) play in behavior support?
• How can we validate a child’s emotions while still encouraging growth?
• Why is it essential to challenge traditional ideas of “normal” in autism therapy?

Kaitlin Wilder shares her transformation from traditional behavioral frameworks to a more holistic, human-centered practice. Drawing from her 15 years of experience, she explains how compassion and flexibility can make therapy more effective and sustainable. The conversation touches on the growing awareness of PDA, the integration of ACT to promote emotional awareness and value-based motivation, and the importance of meeting children where they are—without judgment or force. Together, Leah and Kaitlin explore how turning toward pain and discomfort can lead to greater freedom, both for parents and children, in their shared journey of growth.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Kaitlin’s Journey into Autism Coaching

04:29 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

12:54 Compassion and Validation in ABA

25:29 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

32:48 Motivating Through Values

33:16 Understanding Human Emotions with ACT

34:40 Challenging the Concept of Normal

37:23 The Role of Authority in Therapy

39:11 Empowering Parents and Children

44:16 Turning Towards Pain for Freedom

49:40 Connecting with Children on Their Level

Ready to reimagine what compassionate support looks like for autistic children?

Tune in to the full episode for practical tools, heartfelt stories, and expert insights from Kaitlin Wilder.

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’ late-recognized autistic traits opened her eyes to a broader, more accurate picture of neurodivergence within her family—and herself. She explains her shift from industry process improvement to coaching neurodivergent women and families, translating Lean-style clarity into humane routines, boundaries, and supports. With concrete examples (adjusting classroom seating, planning gentler transitions, scheduling recovery time after social events), she shows how small, consistent tweaks reduce dysregulation. Talia reframes dyslexia as a memory and processing profile, sharing tools like detailed digital calendars, voice notes, and “WhatsApp-to-self” to stay organized. She discusses AuDHD patterns, special interests, and the power of self-advocacy at work: flexible start windows, sensory-friendly clothing, and choosing meeting cadence that sustains performance. The throughline is permission, building environments that fit people, not the other way around.

About The Guest:

Talia Zamora is a UK-based neurodivergent coach who supports businesswomen and families navigating autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and related profiles. With a background in business improvement and Lean methods, she blends systems thinking with compassionate, lived understanding to create practical plans that actually work at home, at school, and at work.

Key Takeaways:

• Spot the subtle signs: Neurodivergence is diverse; look beyond stereotypes to sensory sensitivities, social recovery needs, and communication patterns.
• Plan for regulation, not perfection: Use predictable routines, strategic seating, quiet transitions, and next-day downtime after big social events.
• Tool up your brain: Externalize memory with detailed calendar entries, reminder prompts, and simple “notes to self” systems.
• Do what works for you: Do not copy other families’ routines. If restaurants are overwhelming, make picnics your norm.
• Advocate clearly at work: Propose concrete supports—arrival windows, task batching, quiet work blocks—that let you deliver your best.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00From business coaching to neurodivergent coaching
• 04:24 Coaching outcomes: calmer routines, clearer boundaries
• 08:25 Case study: launching a mindfulness business with ND-aligned branding and outreach
• 10:21 Case study: twins, school supports, and everyday classroom tweaks
• 11:57 The “Coke bottle effect” and after-school meltdowns
• 12:35 Nervous system regulation and recovery time
• 13:59 Parenting courses, NHS pathway, and giving back through a local charity
• 18:44 Dyslexia redefined: memory, processing, and mapping challenges
• 22:52 Audiobooks and other accessible alternatives
• 23:14 Practical memory systems: calendars, WhatsApp self-notes, kitchen board
• 25:23 Younger son’s signs and nonstop talk as a data point
• 27:13 “Normal is relative” and family culture
• 28:26 Reading the room: choosing supportive environments (outdoors, noise, smells)
• 31:00 Travel story: planning stops to prevent dysregulation
• 33:16 Pre-planning and sensory fit beat rushing
• 33:33 Stop conforming: build the life that works for your family
• 37:38 AuDHD landscape and “different days, different needs”
• 39:33 Workplace self-advocacy: flexible hours, meeting cadence, attire
• 42:38 Companies seeking ND problem solvers; strengths in rapid ideation
• 44:28 Special interests as career fuel

Ready to build...

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 licensed therapist specializing in neurodivergence. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting autism diagnoses, not as limitations but as opportunities for growth and support. The discussion spans early childhood challenges, teenage struggles with anxiety and depression, and adult issues like masking, job placement, and black-and-white thinking. Kesley highlights the need for open communication, advocacy, and emotional support while encouraging families and individuals to embrace authenticity and pursue fulfilling work and relationships.

About The Guest:

Kesley Rogers is a licensed professional therapist practicing in Tennessee and Alabama. With over a decade of experience in the autism community, she works with children, teens, and adults, focusing on neurodivergence, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and related conditions. Her passion lies in helping individuals and families navigate diagnoses, find their strengths, and live authentically.

Time Stamps:

(02:09) Early inspiration and understanding the autism spectrum

(05:52) The debate around labeling and diagnosis

(09:55) Autism as a “superpower” and guiding strengths

(11:11) Accepting individuality instead of forcing conformity

(13:22) Common diagnoses in Kesley’s practice

(16:26) Communication and advocacy with families and schools

(19:50) Functional solutions for ADHD challenges

(22:30) Challenges from early childhood to school years

(25:28) Teenage years: anxiety, depression, and social struggles

(33:30) Masking: effects, risks, and long-term outcomes

(43:29) Adult challenges: late diagnosis, job placement, and fulfillment

(55:49) Using special interests to guide work choices

(59:23) Purpose, structure, and the importance of meaningful work

Ready to rethink how we approach autism, acceptance, and support at every stage of life?

Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies and heartfelt insights from Kesley Rogers.

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, and how embracing neurodiversity can transform both careers and lives.

Shea Belsky shares his inspiring journey as an autistic self-advocate and accomplished professional in the tech industry. From childhood therapies and parental support to navigating internships at IBM and Google, Shea explains how he learned to identify his triggers, regulate his energy, and advocate for himself in demanding environments. He opens up about masking and its emotional toll, the critical role his parents played in his independence, and the supportive partnership he built with his wife. Professionally, Shea discusses his leadership experience as CTO at Mentra, his return to HubSpot, and how he uses his podcast Autistic Techie to amplify neurodivergent voices. His message throughout is clear: kindness, honesty, and communication are the cornerstones of thriving—both personally and professionally.

About The Guest:

Shea Belsky is an autistic self-advocate, technology leader, and podcast host. Currently a Tech Lead at HubSpot, his career path has taken him through companies like IBM, Google, and Wayfair, as well as serving as CTO at Mentra, a neurodiversity employment network. In addition to his professional work, Shea hosts the Autistic Techie podcast, where he explores what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent person in the tech world.

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-awareness is key—know your triggers, energy limits, and communication style.
2. Self-advocacy works best when you’re clear about what you need and why.
3. Supportive families and partners can be life-changing in building independence.
4. Masking may sometimes feel necessary, but it often comes with emotional costs.
5. Open, honest communication strengthens both personal and professional relationships.

Time Stamps:

(00:18) Shea’s background and career journey

(01:52) Growing up autistic: sensory and social challenges

(03:35) Managing energy through spoon theory & social battery

(05:06) Therapies, independence, and parental support

(07:10) Meeting his wife and navigating relationships

(09:41) Thoughts on Love on the Spectrum and autistic relationships

(13:36) Career path: IBM, Google, Wayfair, HubSpot, and Mentra

(20:23) How to disclose autism to a manager effectively

(26:14) Leading a neurodivergent team at Mentra

(30:31) Job seeking, anxiety, and masking

(36:22) Sensory regulation and workplace strategies

(39:50) Launching the Autistic Techie podcast

(44:35) Advocacy, awareness, and stereotypes about autism

Links for the Guest:

Connect with Shea Belsky on LinkedIn: Shea’s LinkedIn

Listen to Shea’s podcast: Autistic Techie

Call to Action:

Ready to learn how self-advocacy and openness can transform the way neurodivergent professionals thrive in life and work?

Tune in to the full episode for valuable insights from Shea Belsky.

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 complexities of diagnosis, therapies, parenting choices, and the importance of embracing neurodivergent identities.

Discussion Points:

• Kara’s journey: from mental health nurse to autism advocate—and her own autism diagnosis.
• Understanding the DSM-5 criteria and autism “levels.”
• Educational vs. medical diagnoses and their implications.
• The tension between “looking normal” vs. supporting authentic development.
• Physiological vs. psychological reactions—and why parents need to know the difference.
• The role of stimming and how to support it in public and private settings.
• Parent coaching: strategies for realistic goals, puberty challenges, and family dynamics.
• Identity-first vs. person-first language (“autistic” vs. “person with autism”).
• Medication, supplements, and tracking tools for symptom management.
• Advocacy, inclusion, and building environments where autistic individuals can shine.

Kara Nash brings both professional knowledge and personal insight into autism, weaving her 20+ years of mental health nursing with her experience as an autistic adult. She and Leah discuss the importance of accurate diagnosis, what the DSM-5 levels mean, and how parents can balance encouraging growth with respecting their child’s natural wiring. Kara highlights the significance of distinguishing between physiological responses (like sensory overload) and behavioral challenges, shares practical approaches to stimming, and explains how attachment objects and special interests can be powerful tools. They also address the sensitive but essential topics of suicide risk, medication, and advocacy. Throughout, Kara emphasizes that the goal isn’t to “fix” autistic individuals but to support them in living full, authentic, and connected lives.

About The Guest:

Kara Nash, ASDCS, RN, is a registered nurse with over two decades of experience in mental health, spanning inpatient, emergency, rehab, and community care. She has served as a camp nurse for autistic individuals, worked as a care manager, and now leads a private practice specializing in autism advocacy, consultation, and parent coaching. Diagnosed as autistic herself in her thirties, Kara brings a unique dual perspective that bridges professional expertise and lived experience.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Kara’s autism diagnosis and why it mattered

07:48 Autism levels explained (DSM-5)

15:12 Common diagnostic markers and asymmetrical development

18:45 Advice for parents: traditional vs. affirming goals

27:35 Supporting vs. correcting: where parents should focus efforts

39:24 Stimming explained: why it happens and how to respond

49:59 Parent coaching strategies and puberty challenges

55:25 Language matters: “autistic” vs. “person with autism”

01:05:41 Advocacy and creating inclusive environments

01:14:08 When medication might be appropriate

01:21:06 Tracking progress and journaling for treatment clarity

Links for the Guest:

Connect with Kara Nash on LinkedIn: [LinkedIn Profile]

Visit Kara’s website: [Website Link]

Call to Action:

Ready to reframe the way you see autism and better support your child’s journey?

Tune in to the full episode for powerful insights from both a professional and lived perspective.