Autism Labs

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with futurist and researcher Mike Courtney about how AI and emerging technologies can be applied in practical, meaningful ways to support individuals with complex special needs. The discussion centers on redefining technology as the application of knowledge to solve everyday human challenges, not just advanced digital tools, and introduces the concept of “Daily Living Labs,” a community-driven approach focused on improving activities of daily living such as communication, hygiene, and independence. The conversation highlights how caregivers, professionals, and technologists can collaborate to both identify existing solutions and create new ones using simple tools like smartphones, AI-generated learning videos, and non-wearable sensors that track sleep and physiological signals. These technologies can help build personalized learning systems, improve skill development, and provide deeper insights into behavior by identifying patterns tied to sleep, environment, and emotional triggers. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes a future where continuous, passive data collection and AI-driven insights support proactive care, enabling smarter daily planning, better outcomes, and a connected ecosystem where families don’t have to solve challenges alone. 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! 

This episode focuses on lessons learned from building and running a special needs program, emphasizing that strong outcomes depend less on daily tasks and more on culture, trust, and communication. Mike Carr and Johnna Oppermann discuss how fear often drives parenting decisions and can unintentionally lead to over-control, enabling behaviors, or breakdowns in communication between parents and staff. They highlight the importance of creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued, since staff well-being directly impacts the quality of care provided. The conversation stresses the need to celebrate progress regularly, address concerns quickly using direct communication rather than texts or emails, and avoid allowing frustrations to build up. They also explore how modern care settings require collaboration rather than “us vs. them” dynamics, and how individuals in programs must be supported through appropriate challenge, real-world exposure, and individualized expectations. Ultimately, the episode underscores that sustainable programs are built on trust, transparency, and strong leadership, where parents and professionals work together while allowing trained leaders to guide day-to-day operations for long-term success. 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!

Choosing the right autism program comes down to culture, transparency, and a commitment to long-term success rather than quick fixes. High-quality programs take the time to truly understand each individual through a thorough intake process, including detailed history, observation, and gradual transition planning, rather than rushing enrollment. They build success slowly, creating early wins to avoid failure and prevent participants from being pushed out due to poor fit. Strong programs also prioritize staff consistency and retention, recognizing that a positive, purpose-driven culture—not just pay—directly impacts the quality of care. Flexibility is essential, with staff willing to adapt environments and behaviors to meet individual needs while preserving dignity. Most importantly, these programs foster open communication and partnership with parents, ensuring trust, collaboration, and better outcomes for everyone involved.

This episode highlights a critical lesson for families navigating autism care: the long-term success of any residential or day program depends far more on culture than on buildings, funding, or initial plans. Drawing on decades of experience, Johnna Oppermann explains that many programs struggle because they focus first on logistics instead of building a strong foundation of trust, clear communication, and shared purpose among staff. High turnover and call-outs often signal deeper cultural issues, while clarity around roles, expectations, and the importance of each staff member’s contribution can dramatically improve engagement and reliability. The conversation emphasizes creating a no-blame environment where mistakes are used as learning opportunities, fostering transparency with families, and building relationships where people feel safe to speak honestly. Ultimately, successful programs require a long-term commitment to serving not just the individual, but the entire family, adapting to each person’s unique needs, and cultivating a culture where staff truly understand the impact of their role in providing consistent, compassionate care.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!

Improving sleep for individuals with autism and their families requires a flexible, trial-and-error approach rather than relying on a single solution. Consistent physical activity and mental engagement during the day can significantly increase the chances of better sleep, especially when combined. Nutrition and timing also play an important role, with reduced evening sugar, caffeine, and late meals helping support a smoother bedtime routine. Creating a comfortable sleep environment—cool temperature, cozy bedding, and calming surroundings—can further encourage rest, while tools like sound machines, binaural beats, or visual projectors may help in some cases but can also become stimulating. Supplements such as melatonin or methylfolate, and mild medications when necessary, may provide support but should be used cautiously and under medical guidance. Allowing for independent wind-down time and incorporating repetitive, calming routines like prayer or tactile activities can also promote relaxation. Ultimately, better sleep comes from combining strategies, staying patient, and adapting based on what works best for each individual over time.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!

This episode highlights that improving behavior in autism requires a holistic, individualized approach that goes far beyond therapy alone. Medication can be helpful when tied to a clear goal and guided by simple, objective data, but it must be used thoughtfully to avoid unnecessary complexity. Equally important are lifestyle factors—nutrition, sleep, exercise, and allergies—which can significantly influence mood and behavior, often in ways individuals cannot verbally communicate. Parents play a critical role by observing patterns, “listening” to behavior, and adapting strategies in real time, sometimes hour by hour. Creating a meaningful life involves balancing structure and productivity with leisure, while also ensuring consistent engagement with the community to build confidence and connection. Above all, flexibility, collaboration, and a long-term mindset rooted in the idea of “not yet” reinforce that progress is always possible, and the ultimate goal is not just reducing challenges, but helping each individual build a fulfilling and purposeful 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!

This episode explores the often-overlooked transition from structured therapy to adulthood for individuals with high support needs in autism, emphasizing that success is less about continuing rigid interventions and more about adapting to real-world life. Glenn highlights the importance of moving from artificial rewards to natural motivators like connection, enjoyment, and shared experiences, while encouraging parents and professionals to focus on building relationships rather than enforcing compliance. He stresses the value of slowing down, reading behavior as communication, and tailoring approaches to each individual, since no single strategy works for everyone. Practical guidance includes documenting what has worked in the past, fostering peer relationships through inclusive community models like J13, and prioritizing enrichment and quality of life over simply reducing negative behaviors. Ultimately, the conversation underscores a flexible, honest problem-solving mindset—accepting what cannot be changed, collaborating across disciplines, and focusing on helping individuals live more meaningful, connected lives.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!

Howdy Homemade Ice Cream is a unique business that not only serves delicious ice cream but also provides employment opportunities for individuals with special needs. The company is committed to empowering these individuals by offering them roles that enhance their social interaction and personal growth. Parents often witness transformative changes in their children, who blossom in the supportive environment at Howdy Homemade. The business collaborates with organizations like the Texas Workforce Commission to expand opportunities and aims to open more stores, allowing employees with special needs to step into managerial roles.📩 Have a question or want to connect?Email [email protected] more about J13: https://www.john13.org/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!

On this Autism Labs episode, Mike Carr talks with Tom Landis (Howdy Homemade Ice Cream) and investor Jeff Schiefelbein about creating meaningful employment for people with autism and developmental disabilities. They explain how clear routines, checklists, patience, and support let employees thrive and how mission-driven businesses can scale financially to create thousands of dignified jobs.📩 Have a question or want to connect?Email [email protected] more about J13: https://www.john13.org/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!

In this episode of the Autism Labs Podcast, Mike shares how “adaptive listening” has transformed the way he connects with his nonverbal son, emphasizing that listening is far more than hearing words. For children with limited speech, communication includes facial expressions, body language, tone, pacing, and silence — and when parents learn to slow down and truly observe, anxiety decreases and trust grows. Drawing from Adaptive Listening, he explains four listening modes — support, immerse, advance, and discern — and how many communication breakdowns happen not because we aren’t listening, but because we’re using the wrong listening style for the moment. Through a real-life example with his son Michael, he shows how pausing, regulating himself first, and adjusting his tone helped turn frustration into joy and connection. The core takeaway: You don’t need perfect words to build progress — you need intentional listening, one breath and one pause at a time.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! 

This episode explores the application of the Beatitudes to parenting children with complex special needs. The host discusses six key principles: being poor in spirit through humility and teachability, mourning as honest acknowledgment of pain rather than avoidance, meekness as strength under control exercised with patience and steady courage, hungering for righteousness by prioritizing truth and goodness over winning arguments, being merciful by remembering people's full humanity and offering grace, and purity of heart combined with active peacemaking that builds bridges between caregivers and support systems. The episode emphasizes that consistent practice of these virtues helps not only children grow but strengthens entire communities.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! 

This episode explores the journey of supporting a child with autism through the experiences of Diana Danu and her son, Gabi, emphasizing the importance of individualized approaches, strong communication, and parent advocacy. Diana shares how mentorship and practical, experience-based guidance helped her better understand strategies such as building joint attention, encouraging communication, and making therapy engaging so skills transfer into everyday life. The conversation highlights the critical role of coordinating efforts among parents, teachers, therapists, and BCBAs to ensure consistent support across home, school, and community settings. Financial challenges are also discussed, along with creative ways families seek funding and community support, including nonprofits and sponsorships. A recurring theme is the value of connecting with other parents, whose shared knowledge and experiences often reveal resources and solutions that are difficult to find elsewhere. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that parents are at the center of their child’s progress, and that patience, persistence, collaboration, and small daily steps—combined with maintaining joy and a sense of humor—can help children continue developing skills and reaching their potential.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! 

In this episode, Mike Carr speaks with Diana Danu, a mother from Romania, about her journey raising her son Gabi, who was diagnosed with autism at age three. Diana describes the challenges families face in Romania, where limited services, inconsistent data, and a shortage of trained professionals often require parents to coordinate care on their own. She shares how the urgency to help led her family to pursue preschool and therapy quickly, but they later realized that progress depends not just on activity, but on the right structure, qualified guidance, and meaningful engagement. Over time, greater parent involvement, consistency across home and school, and collaboration with therapists and educators became essential to Gabi’s development. Diana also highlights the importance of connecting with other parents and mentors, which helped her family find more effective therapy and build a coordinated support system that integrates learning into daily life. Her experience underscores that early intervention, active family participation, and the right team can make a significant difference in helping children with autism grow and succeed.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/

Supporting individuals with autism and complex needs requires more than exceptional staff members. While finding dedicated caregivers is valuable, challenges such as staff turnover, scheduling limitations, illness, and burnout create inevitable gaps. The solution lies not in building large teams alone, but in establishing adaptable, flexible systems that support both the child and their care network. Effective support encompasses ongoing communication among staff, leadership, parents, teachers, therapists, doctors, and the individual and their peers, combined with tailored, dynamic interventions that adjust to specific moments and circumstances. This includes flexible goal-setting, adjustable progress tracking, behavior supports, exercise variety, clear expectations, and constant awareness to anticipate and prevent escalating behaviors. Success requires integrating intuition with science, human connection with proven tools, and continuous experimentation and adaptation. Building a supportive community and network around the individual, rather than relying on solo or limited parental efforts, is essential for sustainable, effective care.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/ 

In this episode, the Round Rock ISD team emphasizes that successful transition for young adults with autism requires individualized, out-of-the-box approaches tailored to each student’s interests and strengths, including small motivators and safe spaces for self-regulation. Parents are encouraged to gradually teach life skills such as personal care, household tasks, and vocational responsibilities, while also introducing community-based activities in a structured, supportive way. Collaboration between parents, teachers, and specialists is essential, with tools like step-by-step guides, social stories, and visual supports to reinforce learning at home. Building autonomy, self-advocacy, and joy through choice and engagement is key, and mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. Parents are advised to connect with support networks and to plan for life beyond school, gradually increasing independence while maintaining safety. Utilizing available resources like the SPED website helps families navigate the process and provide consistent, meaningful experiences that promote confidence, skills, and social participation.See the links below for resources:Round Rock Destination Life - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cqFuZ-Kv9D6cy1lDVKRRfRhtcZ5Jc0GN/view?usp=sharingRound Rock ISD - https://sites.google.com/roundrockisd.org/spedtransitionservicesTexas SPED Support - https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/resource-library/texas-transition-and-employment-guide

Autism Labs: Transition Programming in Round Rock School DistrictThis episode features representatives from Round Rock School District, one of the larger school districts in the greater Austin, Texas area. The discussion centers on transition programming for students with autism and developmental disabilities, led by Patti Cole, a transition teacher, and Will Renfro, the transition coordinator for the district.Round Rock's transition program currently serves over 70 students at different support levels. Approximately 15 of these students have higher-level support needs and are in the 18+ program, while the remaining students work on living skills and work skills, with some holding paid employment positions in the community.Key recommendations for parents entering transition include: (1) getting on Medicaid waiver lists early, such as HCS, Bluebonnet Trails, and Integral Care, as younger enrollment leads to faster access to financial resources; (2) collaborating with school parent liaisons and educating oneself about available programs such as day habilitation services and transition fairs; and (3) developing partnership-based relationships with teachers and school districts rather than adversarial approaches.The episode emphasizes that behavior often communicates student needs and that discovering hidden potential through consistent, appropriate environmental modifications—such as offering choices, physical activity, and modified expectations—can significantly improve outcomes. Additionally, starting transition planning conversations early, ideally before age 14, helps families better prepare for adulthood.If you're interested in joining our Facebook community for parents and caregivers seeking residential options, guidance and peer support for profoundly autistic adults - click here!https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GFxzqPyCT/

In this episode, Mike Carr shares why he remains optimistic about the future for his severely autistic son despite the many challenges parents face, including the loss of school-based supports after age 21, difficulty accessing adult services, navigating benefits like SSI and special needs trusts, establishing legal guardianship, and planning for long-term care. He highlights reasons for hope: greater awareness of severe autism, stronger parent-led advocacy through organizations like the NCSA and Profound Autism Alliance, advancing research that identifies distinct types of autism, emerging care alternatives such as pairing severely autistic individuals with higher-functioning “buddies,” and technology-driven solutions including AI and wearable devices that monitor biometrics and behavior to prevent crises. While raising a profoundly autistic child is undeniably demanding, these developments provide practical pathways for safer, more stable, and fulfilling lives, showing that the future can be shaped by progress, innovation, and informed planning rather than fear.See the links below:Jill Escher - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-escher-8b676443/ NCSA - http://ncsautism.org Judith Ursitti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-ursitti-cpa-21b5005/ Profound Autism Alliance - https://www.profoundautism.org/ New Science Points to Four Distinct Types of Autism - https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/12/26/autism-research-diagnosis-subtypes/ Natalie Sauerwald - https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-sauerwald-a442b894/ Nature Genetics, identified four distinct types of autism - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z 

In this podcast, Mike Carr shares five key lessons he’s learned raising a child with complex special needs. He emphasizes the importance of humility, encouraging parents to ask for help rather than guessing or improvising, and warns against feigning ignorance, which can lead to disconnection from daily therapy and routines. Consistency is highlighted as critical, with parents advised to mirror the language, tone, and approaches of teachers and therapists to reduce behavior challenges. Mike also cautions against rationalizing personal convenience over family needs, noting that small daily contributions matter more than occasional heroic gestures. Finally, he stresses the power of habit building, showing how small, repeatable routines—like helping with hygiene or household tasks—stack over time to create meaningful improvements, stronger bonds, and a calmer, more joyful family life.

Mike Carr and Joel Wood discuss building residential and support options for adults with profound autism, saying staffing - motivated, caring people over credentials- is the biggest challenge. They recommend partnering with universities, using visual communication and careful observation (behavior is communication), starting small with day programs or informal gatherings, and having clear plans for leadership, ownership, funding, and staffing. Tech and AI can help with research, training, and spotting stress, but can’t replace human connection; their final advice to parents is: be persistent, work with systems (not against them), and keep moving forward.

Joel and Martha are planning a meaningful future for their 20-year-old son William, nonverbal but highly intelligent (spells to communicate), with autism and apraxia, body-control issues, and elopement—because typical programs don’t engage people like him.They want purposeful work, social connection, graduated independence, community engagement, and flexible days mixing vocational, recreational, and social activities in environments that assume competence; major barriers are staffing, behavior support, funding, and sustainability, and they look to models like New Jersey’s We Make – Autism at Work and John 13 for balancing structured work, recreation, safety, and independence.

In this episode of Autism Labs discussion between Mike Carr, Allie Langan, and Sharon Holloway regarding respite care programs for parents of severely autistic adults. The key points from the transcript include:- Getting individuals with autism and other disabilities out into the community is important, as it helps educate the community and can lead to community members becoming supporters of the program.- Respite care programs can provide much-needed breaks for parents, allowing them to attend family events without fear of their child disrupting the gathering. - Transitional transportation is crucial, as a dedicated van with trained staff can help mitigate behaviors and facilitate community engagement. - Avoiding isolation and promoting peer interaction is key, as it can help individuals "level up" their skills and independence.- Finding the right jobs or volunteer opportunities that match an individual's interests and abilities is important for their sense of fulfillment and independence.- Sustainable funding models that include both donations and parental fees are necessary for the long-term viability of respite care programs.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr, Sharon Holloway, and Allie Langan discuss the importance of respite care and life skills programs for autistic and neurodivergent young adults, emphasizing early, consistent, and individualized support to bridge gaps between home, school, and community settings. They highlight how tailored programs, physical activity, and structured social interactions help manage behavior and foster independence, while acknowledging the challenges parents face in finding safe, supportive environments. The conversation also covers starting a nonprofit, securing 501(c)(3) status, and leveraging multiple funding streams, including Medicaid waivers, insurance, donations, and community resources, to sustain programs. Innovative staffing solutions, such as university interns, religious volunteers, and niche community groups, are shared as ways to enhance program quality while promoting engagement. Overall, the discussion underscores the value of building strong community support, early intervention, and personalized strategies to empower both individuals and families navigating the transition to adulthood.

Dr. Dilip Karnik, a pioneering pediatric neurologist with over four decades of experience, joined Autism Labs to introduce POD Health, a free, AI-powered digital platform designed to revolutionize autism care for families worldwide. Standing for Parent of Determination, POD Health centralizes medical, therapy, and educational records into a single smartphone app, making it easier for parents to coordinate care and access trusted resources. The platform features Open Mind Search, an AI engine that delivers evidence-based answers from thousands of scientific papers, and Piper, a virtual assistant that guides parents through daily challenges, retrieves medical data, and provides empathetic support during crises. Future innovations include genetic testing to personalize medication plans and wearable technology that monitors heart rate, anxiety, and seizure activity to predict meltdowns before they occur. Together, these tools bring precision, accessibility, and hope to autism care—empowering families to make informed, proactive decisions wherever they are in the world.

Mike Carr and Ann Hart discuss housing and independence for adults with autism, stressing that options depend on each person’s support needs. They note SSLCs have improved, recommend visiting programs and evaluating staff, and suggest starting early (short stays, camps, new caregivers) to build independence. They also mention that some states have more flexible waivers or housing models (relocation can help) and point families to Texas resources—Autism Society, Texas Parent to Parent, and local LIDDAs—urging networking and ongoing learning.See the resources here: https://acesse.one/Zq4iW

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr and guest Ann Hart explore the complex landscape of housing options for adults with autism and other significant support needs. They emphasize the importance of preparing early—especially getting on Medicaid waiver waiting lists that can stretch up to 20 years—and developing daily living and communication skills to increase future independence and placement options. Ann explains how Medicaid waivers like Texas’ HCS program provide essential funding for residential and support services, and how combining resources such as SSI, Medicaid, and private pay options can expand opportunities. The discussion also highlights the variety of housing models available, from group and host homes to private communities like Marbridge and Brookwood, each with its own strengths and challenges. Ultimately, the episode encourages families to be proactive, explore all possibilities, and tailor solutions that best fit their loved one’s unique needs. 

In this episode, Mike Carr discusses how the right technology—paired with strong support—can transform life for families of children with special needs. He highlights tools like the Kindle Scribe for caregiver productivity, and AI home assistants like Alexa Plus and Google Gemini, which offer safety through smart cameras and real-time alerts. Amazon’s upcoming “Search Party” feature may even help locate missing individuals. Mike also introduces OpenAI’s Sora 2, a text-to-video tool that creates realistic therapy aids by showing children performing skills they’re still learning. Together, these innovations promise more independence, safety, and peace of mind.

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that ranges from full independence to requiring 24/7 care, as with Mike and Kay’s son Michael. Research has disproven the myth that vaccines cause autism; while acetaminophen use in pregnancy has shown weak associations, experts point to underlying illness as the real risk, and it remains medically recommended. Treatments like leucovorin help only a small subset, though folic acid sometimes calms Michael. After 35 years, Mike stresses that progress comes not from chasing “cures” but through steady, practical strategies—early intervention, managing seizures and sleep, building structure and communication supports, respite care, and a reliable professional team. For families, hope lives in small victories, meaningful connections, and the resilience fueled by love.

Adding structure to daily routines helps reduce stress, build independence, and prepare individuals with autism for respite or residential care. Unstructured time can lead to boredom and problem behaviors, but visual supports like Picto Selector, TouchChat, and apps such as ChoiceWorks, First Then Visual Schedule HD, Visual Schedule Planner by Good Karma or Lil Planner: Visual Schedule create predictability and choice. These tools turn downtime into skill-building, support decision-making, and provide consistency for families and caregivers. Starting with one simple routine builds early wins, which grow into confidence, self-advocacy, and smoother transitions over time.

Mike Carr shares his family’s experience raising their 35-year-old son, Michael, who is profoundly autistic, mostly nonverbal, and lives with seizures and pica. He asks the urgent question of who will care for children like Michael when parents can’t, and outlines essentials for a true residential “forever home”: near one-to-one staffing, awake overnight staff, communication-first over restraint, medical readiness, transparent data, community and work opportunities, and a culture of dignity and stability. After reviewing programs nationwide, he highlights five promising models—the Center for Discovery, Bittersweet Farms, Grafton, Woods Services, and the May Institute—stressing the need to look beyond polished websites to real practices and visits. He closes with J13’s vision to grow from respite care to full residential homes in Austin, prioritizing compassion, low staff ratios, and meaningful lives where adults with profound autism can thrive.

Respite care often fails adults with profound autism or multiple IDDs, who need 1:1 support, medical readiness, and structure. At J13 Community in Austin, respite looks different: no one is expelled for behavior, belonging is guaranteed, and programs build on each person’s strengths with dignity and safety. Starting with day programs—climbing gyms, parks, equine therapy—participants gradually transition to overnight stays. Success relies on skilled staff, safe homes, reliable transportation, and parent partnership. The result: adults who are engaged and thriving, and parents who can finally breathe with peace of mind.

This episode examines housing options for adults with autism and IDD, noting that 86% still live at home or in group settings, raising concerns about long-term care. Drawing on his family’s experience with a profoundly autistic 35-year-old son, the host reviews five East Coast facilities—Thrive Red Bank (NJ), Melmark Community (MA), Oak Tree Farms (SC), Haven Jakes Place (FL), and Patuxent Commons (MD). Features include sensory-friendly design, private bathrooms, vocational training, intergenerational living, and “aging in place” models, though costs and staffing vary. Families are encouraged to look for purpose-built, community-integrated facilities, consider university partnerships, and explore intergenerational or campus-style models that adapt to changing needs.- Thrive Red Bank (NJ): https://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/community/thrive-red-bank/- Melmark Community (MA): https://www.melmark.org/planned-tewksbury-adult-community/- Oak Tree Farms (SC): https://www.autismhousingnetwork.org/community/oak-tree-farm/- Haven Jakes Place (FL): https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/03/26/increased-need-for-housing-for-those-with-disabilities-in-manatee---sarasota-- Patuxent Commons (MD): https://autismsocietymd.org/resources/housing-initiative/

Transitioning to adulthood for people with profound autism often feels like falling off a cliff once school services end. In this episode, Mike Carr shares his wake-up call and the need for early planning, especially with Texas’ 20-year Medicaid waiver waitlist. He stresses teaching daily living skills—like hygiene, dressing, and laundry—and calls for day programs that offer real community integration. Mike highlights Austin’s recreational and vocational options, from sensory-friendly parks to adaptive gyms and supported jobs, and explains why his family founded the J13 program: a mix of outings, skill-building, and work that helps severely autistic adults live purposeful, joyful lives.

This third episode in the series on transitioning to adulthood explores the role of a “fail safe” culture in autism transition programs—creating psychological safety by normalizing small, low-risk failures as learning opportunities. Mike recounts a bowling outing where a participant became aggressive, prompting a blame-free review that revealed environmental triggers and delayed return of the participant’s iPad. Instead of punishment, the program focused on transparency with parents, better training, and improved situational awareness. Drawing from Amy Edmondson’s The Right Kind of Wrong, Mike highlights that the best programs replace blame with curiosity, growth, and fun for both participants and staff.

When profoundly autistic individuals age out of the school system at 22, many families are left without support or options. In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares how he and his wife faced this challenge with their nonverbal son, who has seizures and aggressive behaviors. After being told their son was "unemployable" and turned away by programs, they created J13—a program for adults with severe autism and complex needs. J13 offers structured outings, peer connections, and trained staff who manage behaviors without exclusion. The result: reduced aggression, increased social engagement, and even part-time jobs. For many families, J13 offers hope and a future once thought out of reach.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr begins a series on transitioning to adulthood for those with profound autism, sharing research-based strategies and personal stories from raising his 35-year-old son, Michael. He stresses early planning—starting at age 14 with the IEP—and teaches independent living skills like hygiene, dressing, and communication using tools like visual aids, adaptive clothing, and the TouchChat app. Mike also tackles employment challenges, showing how combining work with activities like climbing brought joy and purpose to Michael’s life. His core message: with the right mindset and planning, even the most profound diagnoses can lead to fulfilling adulthood.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr highlights the vital role of fun for those with profound autism. Sharing his son Michael’s love for boating, he shows how joyful, sensory-rich activities can foster deep connection—even for nonverbal individuals. Despite challenges, Mike stresses the value of creating joyful moments. Through his nonprofit John 13 and the R2R program, he champions experiences that prioritize joy, bonding, and meaningful connection.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares a milestone: he and his wife are traveling to Italy while their profoundly autistic adult son stays at Denmar House for the first time. Mike reflects on the years of preparation that made this possible and the value of introducing variety into his son's life. From boat rides and movies with peers to theme park struggles and family gatherings, he shows how new experiences—successful or not—can lead to growth, joy, and stronger family connections.

In this episode of the Autism Labs podcast, Mike Carr shares his journey with his 35-year-old nonverbal, profoundly autistic son, Michael. He discusses how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), when used with empathy and consistency, has helped manage aggressive behavior. Mike explains core ABA principles—like antecedents, behaviors, and consequences—and stresses the importance of not reinforcing negative actions, especially in public. Highlighting the success of J13’s program, he shows that real progress is possible with time, patience, and a trained, unified team. His message to caregivers: the journey is tough, but meaningful change is achievable.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares insights on the challenges and lessons learned from decades of hiring staff to support adults with profound autism. He emphasizes the importance of finding team members who are not only reliable and coachable but who also have a genuine calling to serve this community. Beyond experience, traits like optimism, trustworthiness, and a strong spiritual foundation often set the best caregivers apart. Mike introduces the current John 13 team—a diverse group including behavior analysts, teachers, climbers, therapists, tech professionals, and students—each bringing unique strengths and deep commitment to the mission. Together, they create a culture of trust, compassion, and purpose that families can look to as a model when hiring for their own loved ones.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares his journey raising a profoundly autistic, nonverbal son with complex needs. Lacking support, he and his wife founded John13.org, a nonprofit in Austin offering inclusive programs for adults with severe autism. Their summer program and respite care focus on joy, structure, and community integration, showing how thoughtful planning and support can help families thrive.

Mike Carr shares seven practical autism parenting hacks focused on supporting severely or profoundly autistic individuals. He emphasizes the power of frequently expressing genuine thanks to caregivers and staff, reducing anxiety through improved communication like visual schedules and observing nonverbal cues, and promoting positive behavior with enthusiastic praise. He advises ignoring negative behaviors to avoid reinforcing them, giving undivided attention during shared activities, offering choices to empower the child, and prioritizing building a strong, supportive team culture around the child rather than making the child the sole priority, which helps reduce staff turnover and ensures consistent care.

This Autism Labs episode highlights how real-world, community-based experiences can drive meaningful progress for individuals with autism. Mike Carr previews the J13 summer camp, reflecting on last year’s success with activities like rock climbing, horse therapy, and visits to inclusive places like Morgan’s Wonderland. These engaging, social, and novel environments fostered growth, joy, and resilience—especially for those with profound autism—showing that consistent exposure to the real world can spark breakthroughs beyond what science alone can predict.

In this episode, Mike Carr addresses growing concerns about potential Medicaid cuts and shares practical funding alternatives for families caring for individuals with profound autism or multiple disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of staying hopeful and proactive, offering guidance through his personal experience and upcoming book. Key alternatives discussed include Social Security benefits (SSI and SSDI), Medicaid waivers like CLASS and HCS (each with different funding caps and waitlists), and ABLE accounts, which allow families to save without affecting benefits. Mike encourages families to plan early, apply for multiple waivers, and reach out directly for support navigating these complex systems.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares his struggles with gaining and keeping instructional control—getting his profoundly autistic son to follow directions without resistance. He contrasts his challenges with others' success and stresses that instructional control is about trust, not compliance. Carr discusses using consistency, patience, and positive pairing to become a reinforcing presence, the strategic use of reinforcers, and the need for caregiver consistency. He also outlines seven steps to build instructional control through reinforcement, engagement, and routine.

Mike Carr shares five key tips for families seeking residential housing for profoundly autistic adults, based on his 35-year journey with his son. He urges parents to prioritize programs with purpose-driven missions, real community engagement, and clear visions for lifelong growth. Mike highlights his nonprofit, J13, as a fast-growing model focused on joy, connection, and meaningful living.

Mike Carr highlights new CDC data showing autism rates rising from 1 in 36 eight-year-olds in 2020 to 1 in 31 by 2022. Reflecting on raising his profoundly autistic son diagnosed in 1990—when rates were about 1 in 10,000—Carr argues the increase isn't just better diagnosis but a real, troubling trend. He suggests RFK Jr.'s claim that autism is a more urgent crisis than COVID deserves attention, given the heavy financial and caregiving burdens. Carr stresses the need for clearer communication about autism’s complexity and describes how his initiatives, Autism Labs and J13, aim to use technology and expertise to deliver better, more affordable care.

Mike Carr, a father of a 35-year-old son with severe autism, shares his personal experience managing Pica behavior—when individuals eat non-food items. His son has ingested everything from rocks and leaves to toothpaste and deodorant, once even biting into a chlorine tablet from a pool skimmer, which led to a serious health scare. Mike offers practical solutions they've discovered over the years, such as using polyester or knit shirts and cloth napkins to deter chewing, locking up tempting non-edibles like deodorant and toothpaste, and ignoring attention-seeking behaviors when safe. He also mentions possible nutritional causes like iron or zinc deficiencies and recommends a helpful resource, “Pica: A Guide for Professionals,” for additional support.

Creating a safe, structured home for a profoundly autistic child means thinking ahead to prevent risks. When my son Michael ingested a chlorine tablet due to pica, it reinforced the need for smart locks, alarms, and cabinet locks to secure hazards and prevent wandering. Managing water intake is also crucial, so we use thumb valves and toilet restrictions. Simple, cost-effective solutions—like a binder clip on a shower door—help balance safety with practicality. Organization fosters independence, with labeled cabinets making daily routines easier. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that’s both safe and empowering for our child to thrive.

In this episode, parent Mike Carr highlights the power of empathy, creativity, and community in raising a profoundly autistic child. By meeting their adult son Michael’s needs with compassion, fostering teamwork with humor and purpose, and collaborating with schools and insurers, challenges become opportunities. With positivity and collaboration, both the child and caregivers can thrive together. 

When Mike and Kay Carr’s son Michael, who has severe autism, aged out of school services, they faced limited options and heartbreaking rejections from programs unable to handle his needs. Frustrated but determined, they partnered with Dr. Nina Zuna at UT to create a unique program involving multiple departments. Students earned credit while providing therapy and support for Michael, fostering his growth and gaining invaluable experience. Though funding challenges forced them to scale back, the Carrs continue to collaborate with students, improving Michael’s care and sharing their journey to inspire and help other families facing similar struggles.