Autism Learning Lab Podcast

In this edition of the Autism Learning Lab Podcast, Chris chats with Kay Rodgers, a clinical psychology doctoral student at Mercer who specializes in working with neurodivergent clients. Kay shares how fashion psychology can help autistic people express themselves and build confidence. Drawing from her own
experience and clinical work, Kay explains how clothing can become a meaningful tool for self-expression, social connection, and emotional regulation.

Autism Learning Lab: https://www.autismlearninglab.com/
Email: info@autismlearninglab.com

Quotes:
[5:26-5:31] Kay “How will you ever know who you are if all you have ever done is try to fit in with everyone else around you?”

[5:55-6:01] Kay “Fashion (and what you wear) is one way that you can communicate who you are without having to say anything at all.”

[14:16-14:22] Kay “You have very little to lose, but a lot to gain if you can find that sense of style that really speaks to you and makes you feel good.”

What if personal growth is less about fixing what’s missing—and more about discovering what you uniquely bring to the world?
In this Autism Symposium Edition, Chris sits down with Dr. Danny Recio, program director and co-founder of The Bridge Costa Rica and New Summit Academy, to discuss neurodiversity, identity, and creating safe spaces for autistic young adults to explore, grow, and discover their strengths. Danny shares how a low-judgment “sandbox” for life can encourage experimentation, connection, and growth beyond the comfort zone. They also explore artificial intelligence, the importance of real-world human connection, and practical ways families can create meaningful opportunities for growth without coercion.

Links:
Autism Learning Lab: https://www.autismlearninglab.com/
Email: chris@autismlearninglab.com
Guest Info:
Bridge Young Adults: https://www.bridgeyoungadults.com/

Quotes:

[5:03-5:08] Danny: “You just get the opportunity to practice and just explore. And if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.”

[11:18-11:21] Danny: “Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone.”

[20:30-20:42] Danny: “Time is important, repetition is important, salience is important, dissonance is important, choice is important, challenge is important, feedback is important.”

Chris sits down with Dr. Eric Endlich, clinical psychologist, certified educational planner, and founder of Top College Consultants, to discuss what neurodivergent students and their families need to know before making the transition to higher education. They explore independent living skills, self-advocacy, college accommodations, and practical ways parents can gradually help their child build confidence and independence. Dr. Endlich also shares insight into autism support programs, community college, gap years, and why finding the right college environment can be more important than simply following a traditional path. Most importantly, this conversation offers encouragement and hope: there is no single timeline or path to college. With thoughtful preparation, the right environment, and appropriate support, autistic students can find their own path and thrive.

Links:
Autism Learning Lab: https://www.autismlearninglab.com/
Email: chris@autismlearninglab.com
Top College Consultants: https://www.topcollegeconsultants.com/

Quotes:
[9:33-9:36]Eric “[You don’t] have to have every skill completely mastered the day you walk into college.”
[19:26-19:30] Eric “[College] is not the time to throw away all the supports that helped you get to where you are.”
[25:16-25:20] Eric “Time is on your side. There's no deadline.” 
[27:15-27:19] Eric “You deserve to go to college. If that's what you want to do, you can be successful.”

Chris sits down with Chris Heys, Head of School at Hampshire Country School, to discuss what true school readiness really means. Together, they explore why readiness is about far more than compliance. They show how parents and educators can recognize when a child is struggling and why relationships and trust are essential for meaningful learning. They also discuss the importance of self-advocacy, and knowing when a different educational environment may be the right fit. For many neurodivergent students and their families, back-to-school season can bring uncertainty and difficult decisions, but this conversation offers practical guidance and encouragement for parents preparing for the new school year.

Links:
Autism Learning Lab: https://www.autismlearninglab.com/
Email: chris@autismlearninglab.com
Hampshire Country School: https://www.hampshirecountryschool.org/

Quotes:
[7:15-7:20] Heys: "Readiness is not obedience and compliance. Readiness can
look many different ways."
[12:23] Heys: "Breaks are always okay."
[22:40-22:42] Heys “Nobody else on the planet knows your child better than
you."

Chris Blankenship invites therapist Regan Adair to discuss the unique challenges autistic adolescent girls who are often diagnosed later in life face. They explore the impact of chronic pain, sensory differences, shame, and years of being misunderstood. Regan shares how listening deeply, believing clients' lived experiences, and collaborating across disciplines can dramatically improve quality of life. This conversation offers insight and encouragement for parents, clinicians, and autistic girls seeking support.

Links:
Autism Learning Lab: https://www.autismlearninglab.com/
Email: chris@autismlearninglab.com
Regan Adair Practice: Blue Ridge Wilderness

Quotes:
[8:29 - 8:37] Regan "I want to seek understanding from my clients. I want to
always be listening to them. She is the expert on her experience."

[15:33-15:38] Regan “listen and challenge yourself to believe what your child is
saying”

[15:55-16:02] Regan "If you haven't found a provider who believes you and
listens to you, please keep looking. They're out there. We are out there."