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.  

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.

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.