Autism in the Adult

Dr. Theresa Regan, a neuropsychologist and certified autism specialist, explains school avoidance in autistic students: how everyday school demands can overwhelm the nervous system, common warning signs, and research showing higher rates of problematic non-attendance.

The episode offers concise, practical strategies—assess schedule, sensory and social demands; build sustainable schedules with scheduled breaks and recovery time; create meaningful roles and connections at school; reduce overload without removing participation; consider homeschooling when needed; and mentor students toward gradual independence.

Dr. Regan Blog entry with research citations

Understanding Autism Book Series

Autism in the Adult website

Dr. Theresa Regan explores how school transitions and hidden daily demands tax the autistic nervous system, making participation about capacity—not motivation. She explains sensory, social, and organizational challenges that accumulate across the school day and offers a different framework for understanding school avoidance and fatigue.

This episode introduces a series on school, college, and adulthood, and includes practical ideas for designing participation, accommodations that protect recovery, and a case story about Alyssa to illustrate why early support and curiosity matter.

Understanding Autism Book Series

Autism in the Adult website

This episode explores how coming home after a trip is its own important transition, especially for neurodiverse households. Dr. Theresa Regan explains how vacations can drain resilience and why the nervous system needs intentional recovery time.

Practical ideas include planning quiet re-entry days, using sensory comforts, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and honoring individual ways of refilling energy so everyone can truly feel at home again.

 

Understanding Autism Book Series

Autism in the Adult website

Dr. Theresa Regan explores how families can plan vacations that match each person’s nervous system and energy, focusing on managing transitions, sensory demands, and recovery. She shares practical examples—like choosing trains over airports, assigning roles, and packing regulation tools—and emphasizes choosing manageable challenges that build confidence.

The episode offers concrete questions to guide planning (e.g., what parts of the trip demand the most energy, what routines can be preserved, and how much recovery is needed) and reframes successful travel as creating conditions for participation and belonging rather than copying others’ vacations.

 

Understanding Autism Book Series

Autism in the Adult website

Dr. Theresa Regan explores how vacations can serve restoration rather than appearances for neurodiverse households. She urges families to prioritize what fits each person this year—considering sensory needs, energy, and life changes—rather than following traditions or social expectations.

Practical ideas include flexible plans, staycations, and making space for different ways of recharging so everyone can return home feeling restored and connected.

Understanding Autism Book Series

Autism in the Adult website