Part 2 of Autism Parenting Strategies That Actually Work: What I Learned from Dr. Theresa Lyons

What Happens to My Autistic Child When I’m Gone?

What happens to your child with autism when you’re no longer there to care for them? It’s one of the most difficult and most important questions parents face. In this episode, Mike Carr shares his personal journey as the father of a 36-year-old son with profound autism. From early fears to real-world planning, this episode lays the foundation for what families need to know about lifelong care. You’ll learn: * Why planning not worrying is the key to protecting your child’s future * The 5 essential pillars of long-term autism planning: 1. Guardianship 2. Special needs trust 3. Letter of intent 4. Residential transition 5. Funding and benefits * How one financial mistake could cost families millions in lost benefits * Why Medicaid waiver lists should be your first step and why timing matters This episode is part of a step-by-step series designed to help families move from fear to action. Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/88vmu0whLxw?si=T3fwd-HO0TR4GVJi [https://youtu.be/88vmu0whLxw?si=T3fwd-HO0TR4GVJi] ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode shares personal experience and is not legal or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance.

Don't Underestimate What Your Nonverbal Teen Understands with Mailande Vise

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr continues his conversation with BCBA Mailande Vise, who shares practical, experience-driven strategies for supporting individuals with high support needs especially in the home environment. Mailande breaks down how parents can better understand and respond to challenging behaviors by identifying their underlying function. From sensory needs to attention-seeking, escape or access to preferred items, this episode explains how behavior is communication and how to teach more effective alternatives. The discussion also explores the critical difference between receptive and expressive language, highlighting how many nonverbal individuals understand far more than they can express. Mailande shares how visual supports, choice boards and communication devices can unlock meaningful interaction. Listeners will also learn: * How to structure the home environment for success * Why reinforcement strategies matter and how to avoid common mistakes * The importance of parent training and consistency * How to prevent regression during breaks and unstructured time * Why starting small leads to long-term success This episode is especially valuable for parents, caregivers and professionals supporting adolescents and young adults with autism. Mailande’s message is clear. Progress is possible and small wins matter. 📩 Contact Mailande Vise:  Email: mailande@viseabatherapy.com  Phone: 601-291-0339  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mailande-vise-3448a0110/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mailande-vise-3448a0110/] If you're interested in joining our private Facebook community for parents and caregivers seeking residential options, guidance and peer support for profoundly autistic adults or adults with complex needs - Click Here!  [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bis7FizDW/%20]

Small Tweaks at Home can Improve Your Autistic Teen's Life with Mailande Vise

What happens when autistic children grow into autistic adults? In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr sits down with Mailande Vise, M.Ed., BCBA, an experienced behavior analyst with more than a decade of experience supporting autistic individuals across a wide range of ages and support needs. Together they discuss one of the most pressing issues facing families today: the shortage of specialized programs and trained professionals for autistic teens and adults. Mailande shares her firsthand experiences working with individuals with profound autism, including the challenges clinics face when supporting older learners with significant communication and behavioral needs. She also offers practical strategies for parents and caregivers, including identifying triggers, using visual supports, implementing environmental modifications, and creating proactive behavior plans. The conversation explores the growing neurodiversity movement, the importance of communication systems, and innovative community-based programs that help autistic individuals build independence, vocational skills, and meaningful connections. If you're a parent, caregiver, educator, therapist, or autism professional wondering what comes after early intervention, this episode provides valuable insights, practical tools, and reasons for hope. Topics Covered: • Adult autism services • Profound autism support • ABA therapy strategies • Visual schedules and social stories • Communication systems • Behavioral support planning • Neurodiversity acceptance • Community integration • Vocational training programs • Autism transition planning Guest: Mailande Vise, BCBA Connect with Mailande: Email: mailande@viseabatherapy.com [mailande@viseabatherapy.com]  Phone: 601-291-0339 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mailande-vise-3448a0110/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mailande-vise-3448a0110/] Autism Labs explores practical solutions, expert insights, and real-life experiences to help families navigate the journey of autism across the lifespan. If you're interested in joining our private Facebook community for parents and caregivers seeking residential options, guidance and peer support for profoundly autistic adults or adults with complex needs - Click Here!  [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bis7FizDW/%20]

Part 2 of Autism Parenting Strategies That Actually Work: What I Learned from Dr. Theresa Lyons

Autism support should focus not just on behavior, but on the child’s overall health, as underlying issues like gut imbalances, poor nutrition, and unmet medical needs can significantly impact learning, behavior, and communication. While traditional education approaches like ABA can help, children often learn best when their intrinsic interests and curiosity are engaged. A personalized, science-based approach, using proper testing rather than guesswork, is essential since every child is biologically unique. Progress may look different, but celebrating small wins and maintaining a strong, positive mindset is critical for families. Communication, in any form, can unlock a child’s hidden intelligence and dramatically improve care and connection. Although AI can provide information, real progress comes from guided action and human support. Ultimately, parents play the central role in assembling the right care team and advocating for their child’s health, with the goal not of a “cure,” but of achieving the best possible outcome and quality of life. If you're interested in joining our private Facebook community for parents and caregivers seeking residential options, guidance and peer support for profoundly autistic adults or adults with complex needs - Click Here!  [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bis7FizDW/%20]

Part 1 of Autism Parenting Strategies: What Science Really Shows

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr and Dr. Theresa Lyons discuss how many families lack access to clear, science-based guidance despite growing research in autism, leaving parents overwhelmed and searching for answers. Dr. Lyons highlights that meaningful improvement is possible for some children, but requires a more informed, proactive approach built around seven key areas: personalized diet, a multi-disciplinary healthcare team that combines conventional and functional medicine, strong parent mindset and regulation, foundational health through supplements like vitamin D and proper hydration, tailored education strategies, attention to gut health, and consistently celebrating progress. She emphasizes the importance of asking “why” behind symptoms rather than accepting them as inevitable, and notes that simple interventions, such as improving vitamin D levels or increasing physical activity, can significantly impact sleep, behavior, and overall well-being. The core message is that autism care should be individualized, root-cause focused, and guided by accessible, trustworthy information that empowers parents to make better decisions for their child’s future. If you're interested in joining our private Facebook community for parents and caregivers seeking residential options, guidance and peer support for profoundly autistic adults or adults with complex needs - Click Here!  [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Bis7FizDW/%20]