BY YOUR SIDE Autism Podcast

We dig deep into the basics of ABA. We explore the WHY behind so many of the reasons for the hours recommended and explore best practice for parents to succeed. I am joined by Heather Teichman, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA (MA), LBA (CT, IL) and Senior Vice President of Therapy Services.

Kimi Matsumura is all about building a Supportive Autism Community. That's why she founded and is the CEO of the Chicago Autism Network. Kimi discusses the importance of community for autism families, her personal journey with her autistic daughter, and the network's mission (including providing financial grants to families in need, as well as her yearly annual autism expo).

In 2015 I talked to three behavior therapists who all had a brother on the spectrum as well. I check in with them in 2024 and all three have master's degrees and are autism professionals. Great insights on what it's like having a sibling on the spectrum.

In her book, Speak Kindly, You're Listening, Dr. Jessica Metcalfe teaches She teaches high-achievers how to understand why and what their inner voice is saying to prevent self-sabotaging behaviors and burnout. Her research to understand the link between imposter syndrome, perfectionism and burnout has empowered her to teach others to empower their inner voice which ultimately affects how they show up in their leadership role. 

Lenard Zohn started Autism Eats because he grew up in a family where going out to a restaurant was a family event and an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, for those of us who have a child with autism dining out can be anxiety provoking and stressful. Under the philosophy of see a need, fill a need, Lenard created Autism Eats to bring the fun back into eating out.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or ACT. Steven C. Hayes is a Foundation Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno and is the author of 46 books including Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life and his new book A Liberated Mind. His TEDx talks have been viewed by over 600,000 people, and he is ranked among the most cited psychologists in the word.

Dr. Kerry Magro is autistic and is a professional speaker, best-selling author, movie consultant, and mentor. His communication style provides a multitude of insights into an autistic child growing to adulthood. In this interview, Kerry addresses, among other things, what he calls a parent's million-dollar question, "What will happen to my child when I'm gone?"

We count down the Top 5 TV shows we've been watching over the past year. The episode's main topic, three autism therapists (ST, OT, BCBA) discuss a multidisciplinary therapy approach and give best practices for collaboration.  

New segment to the podcast. I've added a Top 5 Countdown throughout the conversation. In today's episode, Best Vintage Video Games on a TV System. As for the main topic, Brett Balduf is currently the principal at Carpenter Elementary School in Park Ridge.  We take both a look back at the 2020 school year and a look forward into the 2021 school year. BY YOUR SIDE Autism Podcast

Brittany, a Speech-Language Pathologist with BY YOUR SIDE, discusses best practices for communication and helping your child. The conversation begins with one of the most asked and complicated questions we get from parents… "When will my child talk?"

Dr. Temple Grandin wants us to understand that there are three different types of thinkers. We need to identify and developed our thinkers; and the business world needs to do a better job putting teams together of all the different type of thinkers. She once again brings her passion and her no-nonsense approach on what we need to do to develop our children.

Jen Ivey, parent of four kids, including a 12 year-old on the spectrum, offers what it's like been over the past 12 years of, dealing with Mitchell's autism, raising her other three kids, keeping her marriage together, and more.

ABA therapy does not work like other therapies. ABA is a tiered system. So, what is a BCBA, BT, and RBT? How many components make up ABA therapy? How important is parent training? What are the ethical boundaries between parents and BCBAs? Sammi Baker, BCBA and Director of ABA Delivery at BYS gives an informative interview discussing all the components that, when put together, is ABA therapy.

Playwright and actor Jessica Cavanagh turns her personal story of dealing with her son's autism, into a stage production called Self-Injurious Behavior, making its world premiere in North Hollywood.

We have always known that parents who have children on the spectrum are special people. Yet, we sometimes forget that our parents are facing battles outside of the autism world. Anna Kalinowski-Kluzik is a single mom, has two children on the spectrum, and is currently battling cancer. She talks about her love for life, her love of music, and her love for her children. A true inspiration.  

Mr. Balduf is the principle at Carpenter school in Park Ridge IL and has always been a proponent of rethinking how we look at education. In this episode, we discuss the current state of education, in addition to where it could be headed: Do grades and classrooms designs need to be rethought? We talk fidgets and standing desks. Mr. Balduf gives an insight to the teachers of today.

Garret and MaryAnne Mathews give an honest look into their marriage of 38 years with Garret recently finding out he's on the spectrum. In what ends up both answering questions and yet bringing up new questions. They use this recent discovery to try and help others who may going through a similar situation.

BCBA Brian Katz continues breaking down the concept of 'positive parenting' based on an article "The Seven Steps to Earning Instructional Control with You Child" by Robert Schramm (Part 1 is Episode 26).

Six BY YOUR SIDE therapists went to the official SibShops training where they learned how to facilitate a workshop for kids who have a sibling with special needs. Hear these therapists talk about what kids can expect during the workshop, the benefits of giving these kids their own time, and first-hand accounts of being someone who has a sibling with special needs.

Brian Katz, BCBA, breaks down in detail an article about gaining instructional control from your child. Brian talks about methods and prompts that will help parents with their child to act more independently. He focuses on the concept of positive parenting. A must listen for those seeking guidance in getting their child to respond to their requests.

Dr. Grandin's passion is in full force as she clearly defines what parents and kids need to be doing and how to prepare for the next stage of their lives. Her philosophy of "mentors are attracted to talent" offers as a great reminder of getting kids "doing" things that fit their ability.

Brain Katz and Matthew Zaffos are both BCBAs. They cover ABA  topics such as, parent training and early intervention, and explain how they are passionate that these are the keys to a child's success.  We also go in detail on the definition of common ABA terms - antecedents, prompts, reinforcers  - to help parents understand what they mean and how best to use them.

Natalie Halm and Susan Theis both are speech pathologists at BY YOUR SIDE. Both work at the Burr Office and have, at times, teamed together to give presentations. Susan and Natalie talk about the importance and the distinction of ST in conjunction with ABA while talking about ST best practices.

We start with the difficult topic of bullying, in this second part of our interview with Andrew Blaha, a nineteen year old on the autism spectrum. Andrew also discusses how help at school literally changed his life from anger to one of knowledge.  And he talks about the dangers of too much screen times for kids on the spectrum, even though Andrew himself thinks the internet is a wonderful tool.

Andrew Blaha is a 19 year-old on the spectrum. He offers insight through - what he calls - his lens. From changing how he thought he was stupid, to how he thinks parents should discipline. Andrew offers amazing insight on what is going through the mind of a child on the spectrum.

What does a treatment plan look like? Why family training is crucial to ABA therapy and fighting the perception parents might have that it means they are "bad parents". Find out the difference between Focused and Comprehensive ABA therapy.

Improvisation is performing without a script and Nick Johne, Second City teacher, has been teaching people on the spectrum an improv class with people for over two years.  Find out how basic rules of improv can lead to useful life skills, like the importance of "yes...and".

Samantha is the Sr manager of OT at BYS. She holds a Masters of Occupational Therapy from The Ohio State University. Sam talks about areas of therapy most people don't know OT's can do. She gives tips and ideas about everyday household items that can be turned into OT activities; she also explains why motion is the building block to learning, and she starts off with an important tip for success.

What should parents bring? What does a parent do if they don't like what they hear? Can IEPs be amended? Caitlin Dalton is a certified special education teacher who has her Master's in ABA. Having been on both sides of an IEP meeting, she gives an inside look to what teachers are thinking, and tips on how to avoid potential battles with the school making sure everyone is on the same page.  Helpful advice for anyone involved in the IEP process.

Julie has recently been on both sides of her understanding of ABA therapy.  The before, where her son didn’t start yet and she was researching if it was the right fit.  And the after, seeing firsthand what ABA can do.  Julie walks us through the good and bad of what she heard and ultimately the positive results she sees in her son.

Ginny is a Senior Manager of ABA Therapy at BYS.  She’s a licensed clinical social worker and board certified behavior analyst. Ginny defines the ABC’s of Applied Behavior Analysis. What it means, how it’s performed, and how it’s a team effort as parent training, supervision, and assessment are all part of the ABA plan.

An emotional, and sometimes poignant interview, with three of BY YOUR SIDE’s ABA Therapist, each who have a younger brother with autism. Alex, Lizzie, and Natalija give their insight to being in a profession that hits close to home.

Preparation is your friend. Katurri walks us through an example of dealing with a situation where you go to the grocery store and your child is not ready to come out of the car.  What started as an interview that was going to cover many topics, ended up  with Katurri going into specific detail on how to handle difficult behaviors when it comes to a child needing guidance going places.

BYS’s Marketing and Community outreach team of Thom Trimingham, Nimra Irfan and Kimberly Childs discuss working for an autism business and how surprises of what they’ve witnessed has shaped the way they market the business, including what they saw of what therapist can do with bubbles, and the calming effect it has with kids on the spectrum.

Sandie Beierwaltes has been teaching elementary school for 29 years at St John Brebeuf in Niles IL.  Sandie and her husband Dave have three children, their youngest Michael, who is now age 16, is on the spectrum.  In this touching and insightful interview, Sandie shares the high and low times of their sixteen year journey.

What are parents and doctors quick to dismiss? How do we define conversation and communication when dealing with autism?  In episode number eight, we have the pleasure to talk with Karen Kabaki-Sisto, M.S., CCC-SLP.  She has been helping children with autism all over the world for 20 years. She is the creator of “I Can Have Conversations With You!™”, an interactive iPad program that enhances social skills and language abilities.

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Sarah is one of our therapists who works both the school and clinic.   Since Sarah works in the schools, I started the conversation asking her perspective on what therapy looks like in a school setting and what techniques she uses in that environment.

Cindy has a 14 year old daughter who has been dealing with seizures her whole life. Cindy talks about a very scary moment in the middle of the night where her daughter was having an episode, and a touching insight when her other daughter wrote a paper for school about her sister seizures, a feeling Cindy never knew until she reading the assignment.

We spend the full podcast discussing why it’s sometimes difficult for a child with autism to transition from one place to another and tips on how those transitions can be made easier.  The conversation moves into the topic of chance, which can have its own set of challenges.

Eunice has become the parent that we send other parents to talk to if they have questions about having a child with autism.  She tells us of her low points and how community involvement has been one of the best moves she’s made.

Theresa is a SLP and helps explain the importance of how a connection with a child with autism can lead to better communication.  She gives tips on how to achieve those connections. Theresa talks about the value of eye contact and the benefits even if you don’t get contact every time.

Jen starts the show with a story of her neighbor’s misguided attempt of "helping" by calling DCFS on them, an act that could lead to having Jen’s children taken away.  Jen discusses not being afraid of putting it out there that your child is on the spectrum.  How her group of friends became smaller, but how smaller is better.

Julie Martin of BY YOUR SIDE covers topics on autism therapy.