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 successWhy reinforcement strategies matter and how to avoid common mistakesThe importance of parent training and consistencyHow to prevent regression during breaks and unstructured timeWhy starting small leads to long-term successThis 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: [email protected] Phone: 601-291-0339 LinkedIn: 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!