Episodes

Diana Toronto joins the conversation to share her lived experience raising a child on the autism spectrum while also navigating her own ADHD. This episode focuses on what it actually looks like when parent and child are both working through regulation in real time. Diana talks through her son’s diagnosis journey, the challenges of raising a child who often “looks fine” to others, and the emotional reality that doesn’t always get acknowledged outside the home. We discuss how dysregulation can mir...

Walking into an IEP meeting can feel confusing, especially when you’re unsure what’s required, what’s flexible, and how decisions are made. In this episode, Leila Farshchian, a special educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, breaks down what parents can realistically expect from the IEP process. We cover the basics: who should be in the room, how outside diagnoses interact with school evaluations, and the legal timelines that protect families. We also talk about goal setting and service i...

The starting line of an autism journey can feel like a maze of waitlists, opinions, and second-guessing. We invited BCBA and clinic founder Anna Sturgeon to sit with us at the table and make that first stretch less lonely and far more practical. From low-cost, no-wait evaluations to caregiver-first coaching, Anna lays out how compassionate care is built—not with empty promises, but with listening, clear education, and plans that fit real families. We unpack the pressure around the “forty hours” ...

Ever been told your child is “bad” in the checkout line while you’re just trying to make it through the day? We dive into the real story behind behavior with BCBA and parent coach Kia Lee, exploring how meltdowns, eloping, and even aggression can be signals of unmet needs rather than defiance. Together, we unpack the everyday moments that push families to the brink and share clear, compassionate steps to bring calm, confidence, and connection back home. We talk through what actually works outsid...

We explore how to build autism services that work at scale without burning out the people who make them possible. Michael Conte shares why consistency beats intensity, how leadership must be taught, and how parent partnerships drive real progress at home. • systems thinking for clinics as they grow • telescope vs microscope approach to problems • balancing child needs, provider capacity, and family reality • consistency over intensity for hours and schedules • early buy-in with insurers and real...

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When Michael Vassar’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder and later autism, his family’s journey took an unexpected turn. In this candid conversation, Michael shares how “Welcome to Holland,” Emily Perl Kingsley’s well-known poem, became a touchstone for reframing expectations — and finding unexpected beauty on a different path. We talk about the early shock of diagnosis, the long waits for services, the power of parent-to-parent connection, and the little victories that make the...

Amanda Cox, leadership development trainer and consultant, shares insights on how leadership in autism centers directly impacts family experiences and client outcomes. • Leadership in ABA requires constant "chameleonism" – switching between different communication styles and audiences quickly • Trust-based leadership creates psychological safety through transparency, not avoiding hard conversations • BCBAs and parents must understand each other's perspectives for effective partnerships • Biologi...

Pull up a chair, your spot is waiting. In this brief trailer, host Wendy Manganaro shares what you can expect from Around the Spectrum : grounded guidance, honest conversations, and real stories about raising and supporting children with autism. Whether you're a parent at the start of the journey, a professional who works alongside families, or simply someone who cares, there's a seat for you here. New episodes every other week because when we sit at the same table, we understand more and judge ...