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.

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.

Autism Eats

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.

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. Steven C Hayes 

Kerry Magro

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?”

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?”

Dr. Kerry Magro: From Nonverbal Autistic Child to Professional Speaker

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.  

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.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration / Top 5 TV Shows

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

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

Back To School / Top 5 Vintage Video Games

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?"

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?"

How to Help with Communication

Temple Grandin

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.

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.

Dr Temple Grandin: Different Types of Minds

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.

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.

I'm more than just his mom

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.

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.

Structure of 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.

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.

Self-Injurious Behavior: A Play

BY YOUR SIDE Autism Podcast. Open and honest conversations from therapists, parents, educators, authors, and experts in the autism field.  Topics include therapy tips, coping skills, ideas, strategies, and heartfelt conversations from parents who live with autism in their lives.

Informative and Helpful

Enjoyable and interesting. Good pace to the show.

Glad I found this!

BY YOUR SIDE Autism Podcast

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.

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.

Explaining ABA

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.

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.

BYS 003 Theresa Petru: Speech Language Pathologist

Julie Martin

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.

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.

BYS 005 Julie Martin: BCBA - Transitions

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.

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.

Dr. Temple Grandin

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.

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.

BYS 014 BCBA Ginny Nikiforos: What is ABA?

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.

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.

Gaining Cooperation Part 1

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.

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.

Navigating through an IEP

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.

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.

BYS 013 ABA Therapists with a Brother on the Spectrum

Katurri Phillips

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.

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 011 Katurri Phillips: BCBA 

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.

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.

BYS 015 Julie Stretch: Parent

Sarah Henderson

Sarah is a licensed and board certified occupational therapist.  Since graduating from Saint Ambrose University she has worked with children in outpatient clinics and schools. 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.

Sarah is a licensed and board certified occupational therapist.  Since graduating from Saint Ambrose University she has worked with children in outpatient clinics and schools. 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.

BYS 007 Sarah Henderson: Occupational Therapist  

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.

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.

19 Year-Old with Autism. Part 1

Karen Kabaki-Sisto

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.

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.

BYS 008 Karen Kabaki-Sisto SLP

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.

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.

Laura Mahlmeister BCBA

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.

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.

Natalie and Susan: Two Speech Paths

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Global Issues

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!