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Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Chris Blankenship, LCSW
23 episodes
1 hour ago
Chris chats with 15-year-old Kincaid, a passionate theater kid and film making enthusiast. Kincaid reflects on his experience with autism—starting with his initial diagnosis, addressing misunderstandings, and discovering his love for performing arts and videography. With humor and insight, he discusses hyperfixations, the getting involved in inclusive communities, and his belief that a diagnosis should not define a person. This podcast is an uplifting reminder that the greatest role you can p...
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Arts
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All content for Autism Learning Lab Podcast is the property of Chris Blankenship, LCSW and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Chris chats with 15-year-old Kincaid, a passionate theater kid and film making enthusiast. Kincaid reflects on his experience with autism—starting with his initial diagnosis, addressing misunderstandings, and discovering his love for performing arts and videography. With humor and insight, he discusses hyperfixations, the getting involved in inclusive communities, and his belief that a diagnosis should not define a person. This podcast is an uplifting reminder that the greatest role you can p...
Show more...
Arts
Episodes (20/23)
Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 23: Autism and High School
Chris chats with 15-year-old Kincaid, a passionate theater kid and film making enthusiast. Kincaid reflects on his experience with autism—starting with his initial diagnosis, addressing misunderstandings, and discovering his love for performing arts and videography. With humor and insight, he discusses hyperfixations, the getting involved in inclusive communities, and his belief that a diagnosis should not define a person. This podcast is an uplifting reminder that the greatest role you can p...
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1 month ago
16 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 22: Neurodiversity is the "Spice" of Life
Chris welcomes Dr. Kristen Williamson—a “neuro-spicy” licensed professional counselor, behavior health consultant, and unapologetic champion for neurodivergent minds. Dr. Williamson shares her expertise alongside her personal journey of navigating life as a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD professional. Chris and Kristen dive into how autism presents in women, the challenges of masking, and the unique experiences of motherhood as a neurodivergent parent. Kristen is relatable, insightful, an...
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3 months ago
34 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 21: Functional Medicine and Autism
Chris sits down with Dr. Sam Shay—a neurodiverse clinician, functional medicine expert, and stand-up comic—who brings over 25 years of experience to the table. Dr. Sam shares his groundbreaking Neuroharmony Model, designed to help neurodiverse adults and families create balance in an often overwhelming world. Together, they discuss the relationship between physiology and psychology, the importance of frameworks in personalized health plans, and practical strategies for burned-out parents, aut...
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3 months ago
37 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 20: Physical Wellbeing Begets Mental Wellbeing
Chris welcomes Rob Meltzer—founder of Northlight Family Services and New Terrain Consulting, certified Gestalt therapist, and educational planner—for a deep dive into the intersection of autism, wellness, and metabolic health. Rob shares how his own health journey led him to explore functional medicine and epigenetics, and how those insights are transforming the way we approach support for autistic individuals. Together, Chris and Rob explore the concept of “treating the terrain”—looking beyo...
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3 months ago
30 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 19: Making Friends on the Spectrum
Chris welcomes Brandon Moffitt—executive director of Black Mountain Academy and Intrepid Young Adults—to talk about the importance of connection for autistic youth. They discuss the repeated struggles many autistic individuals face when trying to form relationships—and how these setbacks can take a toll on self- esteem. Brandon offers guidance to parents on how to support their children in navigating social experiences, emphasizing the power of affirmation, encouragement, and helping kids fin...
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4 months ago
35 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 18: Helping Your Autistic Child Thrive
In this episode, Chris welcomes Paula Leslie—an experienced counselor, parent coach, and therapeutic placement specialist with over 30 years in the mental health field and a parent of a child with autism. Paula shares her personal and professional journey, reflecting on the early signs of autism, the challenges of navigating diagnoses, and how to advocate effectively for meaningful support. Together, they explore what it means to lean into a child’s strengths while addressing their struggles,...
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5 months ago
27 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 17: Gaming, Screen time, and Autism
Chris welcomes Tracy Markle, founder and co-director of the Digital Media Treatment and Education Center (DTECH) and Collegiate Coaching Services. Tracy brings over 30 years of mental health experience and specializes in helping individuals and families navigate digital media overuse and addiction. Together, Chris and Tracy dive into the unique challenges the autism community faces with gaming addiction and digital media overuse. Tracy explains why autistic individuals are more vulnerable to ...
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5 months ago
33 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 16: Making the Workplace Autism-Friendly
Chris is joined by Dr. Tony Issenmann—licensed therapist, leadership consultant, and founder of Systemic Solutions Coaching—for a thought-provoking discussion on autism in the workplace. They explore how hiring autistic employees benefits organizations, not just through accommodations, but through deeper, second-order changes that improve culture, retention, and overall team performance. This episode highlights how inclusive leadership and a culture of curiosity lead to healthier, more effect...
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6 months ago
29 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 15: College Readiness and Autism
Chris is joined by Dr. Katie Gaebler, founder of AutismNERD (Neurodiverse Education Resources of Denver), to the show for an important conversation about preparing and supporting autistic teens and young adults as they transition to life after high school. Dr. Gaebler explains that when considering the true “price” of attending college, it is essential to look beyond just financial costs. She highlights three critical components: financial, experiential, and emotional. Chris and Dr. Gaebler a...
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7 months ago
44 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 14: What is Autism Really Though?
Chris welcomes Dr. Ingrid Boveda, Founder of The Hive Psychological Services and co-owner of Cogenuity. As a testing psychologist, Dr. Boveda works with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults across the country. Through her work with Cogenuity, she partners with schools and treatment programs nationwide to offer low-cost brain mapping and neurofeedback services. In this episode, Chris and Dr. Boveda discuss the power of self-awareness and self-advocacy—two traits often lost in the p...
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7 months ago
32 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 13: Autism and Special Education
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. If you’re just beginning to navigate school with your ASD child or you’re halfway through and wo...
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8 months ago
23 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 12: Crafting Space for Unmasking and Growing
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 " approach, there are opportunities aplenty for their clients, but that doesn’t mean it's one-size fits all; as...
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8 months ago
30 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 11: Exploring Pathological Demand Avoidance
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 young child). They explore the characteristics of this profile, and different treatment approaches th...
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9 months ago
33 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 10: Self Discovery is Worth the Wait
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 yourself takes time, stepping confidently into who you’re meant to be is worth the wait. Links: Au...
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9 months ago
28 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 9: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Autism
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? and more. This is an incredibly fascinating discussion that helps shed light on this new form of ...
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10 months ago
30 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 8: Learning How To Be Yourself
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 interview of Brenna’s journey to self-discovery. Links: Autism Learning Lab Website: https://www.au...
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10 months ago
25 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 7: Autism Learning Lab's Family Retreats: A Model for Family Growth
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 Autism Learning Lab’s family retreat model and the specific benefits that parents and other fami...
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11 months ago
26 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 6: Unmasking Autism – Gender Differences in Diagnosis with Dr. Jenn Brown
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, they focus on the evaluation process between men and women and how masking or differing social s...
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1 year ago
33 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 5: Practical Tools for the Neurodiverse Child in Your Life
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 success. This episode is a great resource not only for teachers working with individuals on the spe...
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1 year ago
27 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Episode 4: Substance Use and Autism
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 spectrum and severe substance abuse, why overgeneralization is a dangerous practice, and how “ty...
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1 year ago
29 minutes

Autism Learning Lab Podcast
Chris chats with 15-year-old Kincaid, a passionate theater kid and film making enthusiast. Kincaid reflects on his experience with autism—starting with his initial diagnosis, addressing misunderstandings, and discovering his love for performing arts and videography. With humor and insight, he discusses hyperfixations, the getting involved in inclusive communities, and his belief that a diagnosis should not define a person. This podcast is an uplifting reminder that the greatest role you can p...