The Understanding Autism Podcast
Education Podcasts
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often talked about but is easily misunderstood. The Understanding Autism Podcast breaks down the misconceptions around autism for educators, parents and community members to promote awareness and understanding of neurodiverse people. Join hosts Nicole Kubilus, who shares her own personal experiences with autism, and Bret Thayer who shares his views on autism as a parent of an autistic child and an educator in this biweekly podcast.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Education Podcasts
Description:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often talked about but is easily misunderstood. The Understanding Autism Podcast breaks down the misconceptions around autism for educators, parents and community members to promote awareness and understanding of neurodiverse people. Join hosts Nicole Kubilus, who shares her own personal experiences with autism, and Bret Thayer who shares his views on autism as a parent of an autistic child and an educator in this biweekly podcast.
Twitter:
@bathayer
Language:
English
Contact:
8025526010
Episodes
Season 2 Episode 44: Interview with Brandon Slade of Untapped Learning
12/1/2025
Many people with autism struggle with executive functioning throughout their lives. Today we interview Brandon Slade, founder of Untapped Learning, as he describes how those with ADHD and autism can manage their executive functioning challenges. Brandon shares his firm belief that neurodiversity is a gift rather than as an obstacle to success.
Duration:01:26:11
Season 2 Episode 43: Autism and Mental Health: The Healthy Deviant (Part 2)
11/19/2025
In Part 2 of our review of the book The Healthy Deviant by Pilar Gerasimo, we examine the remedies, solutions and strategies that will help create a healthy and productive lifestyle that supports the mental health for those on the spectrum.
Duration:02:11:47
Season 2 Episode 42: Autism and Mental Health: The Healthy Deviant Book Review (Part 1)
10/31/2025
In our last of our four part series on autism and mental health, we review the book The Healthy Deviant by Pilar Gerasimo. Gerasimo addresses the unhealthy world we live in and offers advice on how to create a healthy and productive lifestyle. We explore how this approach can have a positive impact on one’s physical and mental health for those with autism.
Duration:02:19:22
Season 2 Episode 41: Autism and Mental Health: Living With PTSD on the Autism Spectrum by Lisa Morgan and Mary Donahue (Part 2)
10/17/2025
In this episode, we continue our review of Lisa Morgan and Mary Donahue's book, Living With PTSD on the Autism Spectrum. Here, we focus on the impact that constant masking, camouflaging, and the pressure to conform can have long term impacts on mental health. We also discuss strategies around setting boundaries and taking charge of your own mental health.
Duration:02:38:39
Season 2 Episode 40: Autism and Mental Health: Living With PTSD on the Autism Spectrum by Lisa Morgan and Mary Donahue (Part 1)
10/4/2025
In part three of our four part series on autism and mental health, we review the book Living With PTSD on the Autism Spectrum by Lisa Morgan and Mary Donahue. Lisa is an autistic adult and Mary is a therapist; together they describe how prolonged exposure to social pressures and environments can actually lead to PTSD. We explore this connection and other situations that might lead to PTSD for those on the spectrum.
Duration:01:46:42
Season 2 Episode 39: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts Part 2
9/19/2025
In this episode we continue our analysis of Gabor Mate’s book, In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts. We examine what behavioral addictions could look like from an autistic person’s point of view when trying to achieving adult independence.
Duration:01:27:54
Season 2 Episode 38: Autism and Mental Health: In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts Book Review (Part 1)
9/3/2025
In this episode we continue our mini series on autism and mental health by reviewing Gabor Mate’s book, In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts. While Mate looks at addiction and recovery through the lens of substance abuse, we examine what behavioral addictions and recovery could look like from an autistic person’s point of view.
Duration:02:32:07
Season 2 Episode 37: Autism and Mental Health: Dopamine Nation Book Review
8/19/2025
People on the spectrum often have challenges around instant gratification, escapism, and addiction; all of which have been compounded by our interaction with cell phones. In this episode we explore the book, Dopamine Nation, by Anna Lembke in the context of adult independence and on maintaining mental health in the era of smart phones.
Duration:03:20:37
Season 2 Episode 36: Interview with Lila Low Beinart of Divergent Paths Counseling
8/4/2025
In this episode we interview Lila Low-Beinart, a licensed therapist in Boulder County, Colorado who specializes in neurodiversity-affirming therapy for sensory neurodivergent teens and adults. With her, we explore the challenges, stigmas, and obstacles that surround the topic of adult independence for neurodivergent people.
Duration:01:15:41
Season 2 Episode 35: Interview With Alley Joel and Rebecca Seiden of Boulder County Department of Human Services
10/21/2024
Successful housing programs for neurodiverse people can be based on publicly funded initiatives. In 2002, voters in Boulder County, Colorado passed one such measure authorizing the building of housing units and supports for the intellectually disabled in their community. Our interview explores the goals and scope of this innovative program and how it aims to serve the needs of the autistic and intellectually disabled community of Boulder County.
Duration:01:36:45
Season 2 Episode 34: Interview With Desiree Kameka Galloway, Director of the Autism Housing Network
10/7/2024
The Madison House Autism Foundation’s mission is to promote, model and advocate for the full inclusion of adults with autism in the life of communities everywhere. They also work to expand choices and opportunity in housing, employment and community life. In this episode, we interview Desiree Kameka Galloway, Director of the Autism Housing Network, and get her thoughts on the state of housing for the autistic community today.
Duration:01:53:19
Season 2 Episode 33: Housing and Transportation
9/23/2024
Two of the biggest issues in moving towards adult independence are housing and transportation. This is especially difficult for those who are neurodivergent. In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of different types of housing and the transportation challenge. We also explore some innovative housing solutions, including supported independent living communities.
Duration:02:01:31
Season 2: Episode 32: Interview With Joie Laykoff and Mitch Carver of Fusion Academy
9/9/2024
In this episode, we continue our conversation about the role that education plays in preparing neurodivergent students for independence. Joie Laykoff is the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning of Fusion Education Group. Mitch Carver is Head of School for Fusion Academy in Boulder, Colorado. Together, they discuss Fusion Academy’s 1:1 teacher/student ratio, their personalization of learning for each student, and the impact these have on student success.
Duration:01:16:29
Season 2 Episode 31: Interview With Jen Wilger of the Temple Grandin School
8/26/2024
Transitioning from high school to career or college can be challenging to those on the spectrum. In this episode, we interview Jen Wilger of the Temple Grandin School in Boulder, Colorado about the programs and practices the school offers to help students be successful in this important transition.
Duration:01:17:37
Season 2 Episode 30: Transitioning to Living Alone
8/14/2024
Moving out of the house can be overwhelming and scary for the autistic adult as well as for parents and caregivers. In this episode we explore different therapeutic therapies and philosophies that can help us understand the anxiety, mindsets, and mental struggles that both autistic adults and caregivers experience during this difficult transition.
Duration:02:21:47
Season 2 Episode 29: Moving Out and Communicating With Those in Your Residence
7/29/2024
The transition from living with parents to having your own place comes with a lot of challenges. One area that does not get a lot of attention for those on the spectrum, is how to communicate with your neighbors, your roommate, your landlord and others in your new home. In this episode we explore the sometimes tricky and complex world of human communication for renters.
Duration:02:32:52
Season 2 Episode 28: Interview with Erin Gaskins of Room Redefined
7/15/2024
As part of our series on building life skills for independence, Erin Gaskins founder of Room Redefined, shares how she helps her neurodiverse clients organize their space according to their unique needs and goals.
Duration:01:25:15
Season 2 Episode 27: Practicing Life Skills and Routines
7/1/2024
The road to adult independence for our autistic children does not have to start when they are 18 years old. To make this challenging transition easier, teaching our children life skills that they will need when they are adults should begin at an early age. In this episode we explore ways in which parents and schools can help prepare those on the spectrum for living on their own.
Duration:02:20:01
Season 2 Episode 26: Parenting Autistic Children in Their Journey Towards Independence
6/17/2024
Parenting an autistic child is never easy. Is loving our child enough or is there more to raising a capable child? In the first part of this two part episode, we interview Lori Thayer, wife of co-host Bret Thayer on her thoughts and advice about raising an autistic step-son. Next, we interview Dr. Deborah Winking, author of Raising Capable Kids on her new book and advice that she has for parents in supporting, encouraging, and empowering our children to be capable.
Duration:02:28:44
Season 2 Episode 25: Parent's & School's Role In Adult Independence
6/3/2024
Helping our children to become independent adults can be a challenge for any parent. How we support and communicate with our child about their independence journey can make all the difference. In this episode, we look at different ways of thinking and communicating about independence and we examine a school transition plan, assessments and resources.
Duration:02:24:02