Autism Labs
Practical tips and evidence-based guidance to make life easier for you and your severely autistic loved ones.
From Respite to Residential: Preparing Adults with Autism with Nathan Bryant
Most families don’t go straight from home to residential care and they shouldn’t.
In Part 2 of this conversation, Mike Carr sits down with Nathan Bryant, Executive Director of High Point Village, to break down one of the most important (and often misunderstood) steps in autism planning: the transition from home to independent living.
The key insight? Respite is not just support for families, it’s the foundation for long-term success.
Nathan shares how structured respite experiences help individuals with autism build independence, reduce anxiety and pr...
What Happens After 22? High Point’s Plan for Autistic Adults with Nathan Bryant
What happens after age 22 for individuals with autism?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Nathan Bryant, Executive Director of High Point Village in Lubbock, Texas.
Nathan shares his unique journey from law school to ministry to leading a nonprofit serving adults with autism and how his personal experience as a father shaped his approach to care.
Together, they explore what effective adult services can look like, especially for individuals with higher or profound support needs.
This episode covers:<...
Sudden Autism Behavior Changes? It Might Be Catatonia
Sudden Autism Behavior Changes? It Might Be Catatonia
What happens when your child, teen or adult suddenly changes?
Increased aggression, freezing, loss of communication or unusual behaviors can feel like regression or “behavior issues.” But in some cases, it may be something far less recognized: catatonia in autism.
In this episode of Autism Labs, host Mike Carr shares a deeply personal perspective as a parent of a 36-year-old son with profound autism. Drawing from real-life experience and recent insights from the Autism Science Foundation, Mike breaks down...
Autism Sleep Crisis: Dr. Muzammil Shafi on Behavior, Meds & Reality
Sleep challenges in autism aren’t just difficult, they can be life-altering.
In Part 2 of this Autism Labs conversation, Dr. Muzammil Shafi, a neuroradiologist and father of a profoundly autistic son, shares the real-world impact of severe sleep disruption on behavior, caregiving, and overall quality of life.
From melatonin and pharmacological interventions to the emotional toll of chronic sleep deprivation, this episode explores how families navigate one of the most common and least understood challenges in autism.
The conversation also highlights the transition into adulthood, including ga...
He Stopped Talking After Showing Progress: Autism Regression Explained with Dr. Muzammil Shafi
In this powerful episode of Autism Labs, host Mike Carr speaks with Dr. Muzammil Shafi, a board-certified radiologist and neuroradiologist and a father of a profoundly autistic son.
Dr. Shafi shares both his medical expertise and lived experience navigating autism diagnosis, sudden developmental regression and the long-term realities of caregiving for a nonverbal child.
The conversation explores early autism signs, loss of speech after initial progress, medical uncertainty, gut-brain connections, dietary interventions and what current neuroscience suggests about brain plasticity and future treatments.
This episode is...
Autism at 18: Do You Really Need Guardianship? with Melissa Donovan
What actually happens when your autistic child turns 18?
For many families, this transition brings overwhelming questions about guardianship, SSI, financial planning and long-term independence. But what most parents don’t realize is that guardianship is not always required and in some cases, it may not be the best option.
In Part 2 of this conversation, Mike Carr speaks with special needs planning attorney Melissa Donovan to break down the real decisions families face as their child approaches adulthood.
Melissa explains how SSI eligibility works, why guardianship and be...
What Happens at 18? Autism Guardianship & Money Mistakes with Melissa Donovan
What happens when your autistic child turns 18?
For many families, this transition brings unexpected legal and financial challenges and without the right plan, it can put your child’s care and benefits at risk.
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr sits down with certified elder law attorney Melissa Donovan to break down the essential steps parents need to take before their child reaches adulthood.
Melissa specializes in special needs planning, including guardianship, government benefits and estate strategies. She explains how families can protect their ch...
Autism After 22: What Parents Must Do Now with Jon Hockenyos
What happens after individuals with profound autism age out of the school system?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr sits down with Jon Hockenyos, a father and advocate navigating life with a profoundly autistic adult son. Together, they explore what truly drives growth, independence and quality of life in adulthood and why many traditional programs fall short.
Drawing from real-world experience, they discuss the importance of environment, leadership and culture in autism services. They also share practical insights on preparing for transition, avoiding common pitfalls and creating opportunities...
What Happens After Your Child Ages Out? Two Dads Share Truth with Jon Hockenyos
What happens after autism services end?
In this powerful Autism Labs episode, Mike Carr sits down with Jon Hockenyos economist, policy expert and father of a 23-year-old son with profound autism for a candid, dad-to-dad conversation about life after the school system.
Together, they explore the reality families face when structured support disappears. From early experiences of being removed from programs due to behavior, to navigating a broken adult services system with decades-long waitlists, this episode highlights the critical gaps in care for profoundly autistic adults.
...
Finding Safe Residential Care for Profound Autism (What We Learned)
Finding the Right Residential Program for Profound Autism: What Really Matters
After more than two decades of searching for the right residential environment for his profoundly autistic son, Mike Carr shares a deeply honest look at what families must consider when evaluating long-term care options.
In this episode, Mike explores the limits of AI-driven research after testing multiple platforms and receiving completely inconsistent recommendations. More importantly, he walks through real-life visits to autism residential programs, revealing critical red flags and powerful insights that don’t show up in online reviews.
From staff culture an...
The Reality of Raising a Profoundly Autistic Adult. Nobody Talks About This
Some mornings feel impossible but years later, they're the stories that keep us going.
In this deeply personal solo episode, Mike Carr steps away from the topic of guardianship to share an unfiltered look at one unforgettable morning caring for his 36-year-old son, Michael, who is profoundly autistic and nonverbal.
From soaked bedding and piles of laundry to broken technology, sensory-seeking behaviors, endless glasses of water and bathroom mishaps, Mike walks listeners through the kind of morning that many autism families know all too well.
More...
Autism Future Planning: 9 Steps Every Parent Must Take
What happens to your child with autism when you’re no longer there to care for them?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares a deeply personal and practical guide to future planning for children with autism especially those with higher support needs.
After a moment that exposed how unprepared systems can be, Mike walks through a 9-step planning checklist designed to reduce fear, uncertainty and costly mistakes.
You’ll learn:
• Why getting on Medicaid waiver lists early can mean access...
What Happens to My Autistic Child When I’m Gone?
What happens to your child with autism when you’re no longer there to care for them?
It’s one of the most difficult and most important questions parents face.
In this episode, Mike Carr shares his personal journey as the father of a 36-year-old son with profound autism. From early fears to real-world planning, this episode lays the foundation for what families need to know about lifelong care.
You’ll learn:
Why planning not worrying is the key to protecting your child’s future...Don't Underestimate What Your Nonverbal Teen Understands with Mailande Vise
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr continues his conversation with BCBA Mailande Vise, who shares practical, experience-driven strategies for supporting individuals with high support needs especially in the home environment.
Mailande breaks down how parents can better understand and respond to challenging behaviors by identifying their underlying function. From sensory needs to attention-seeking, escape or access to preferred items, this episode explains how behavior is communication and how to teach more effective alternatives.
The discussion also explores the critical difference between receptive and expressive language, highlighting how many...
Small Tweaks at Home can Improve Your Autistic Teen's Life with Mailande Vise
What happens when autistic children grow into autistic adults?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr sits down with Mailande Vise, M.Ed., BCBA, an experienced behavior analyst with more than a decade of experience supporting autistic individuals across a wide range of ages and support needs.
Together they discuss one of the most pressing issues facing families today: the shortage of specialized programs and trained professionals for autistic teens and adults.
Mailande shares her firsthand experiences working with individuals with profound autism, including the...
Autism Breakthrough Starts with Health with Dr. Theresa Lyons
Are we focusing on the wrong starting point in autism care?
In this episode of Autism Labs, host Mike Carr speaks with Dr. Theresa Lyons a Yale-trained scientist, PhD and autism parent about why health may be the missing piece in autism support.
While many families begin with therapies like ABA or structured education, Dr. Lyons explains how underlying health challenges such as gut imbalances, infections, sleep issues and nutritional deficiencies can significantly impact behavior, learning and communication.
This conversation explores how addressing these root causes...
7 Things Autism Parents Must Know with Dr. Theresa Lyons
Many families are told that autism is something that inevitably gets harder over time and that there’s little they can do beyond behavioral therapy and medication.
But what if that narrative is incomplete?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Dr. Theresa Lyons, a Yale-trained scientist, founder of Navigating Awetism and mother of a non-speaking autistic daughter. Drawing from both scientific research and lived experience, Dr. Lyons shares a new perspective on what’s possible and why so many parents are missing critical information.
Why Great Autism Caregivers Leave (And How to Keep Them)
Finding a great caregiver for a child with profound autism is incredibly difficult, but keeping them may be the real challenge.
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares a practical, experience-driven framework to help families build sustainable, long-term support teams.
Drawing from decades of real-life caregiving, Mike explains why caregiver turnover happens and how parents can change the environment around the role to improve retention, reduce burnout and create meaningful, lasting relationships.
This episode focuses on the core pillars of caregiver retention: respect, predictability...
How to Find Great Caregivers for Profound Autism (Real Strategies)
How do you actually find reliable caregivers for profound autism?
For many families, this is the single hardest part of the journey.
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr, father of a 35-year-old profoundly autistic son shares over three decades of real-world experience navigating one of the most difficult challenges in autism caregiving: Building a dependable, skilled support team.
From aggressive behaviors to nonverbal communication and medical complexities, Mike explains why transitioning from family help to trained caregivers becomes essential and how to do it...
AI & Autism: The Technology Creating Safer, More Independent Lives at Home with Mike Courtney
What if technology could help autistic adults become safer, more independent, and more engaged in everyday life?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr continues his conversation with Mike Courtney, founder of Daily Living Labs, about the future of technology and autism support.
Mike Courtney is a futurist, angel investor, professor, and innovator exploring how artificial intelligence, smart home technology, robotics, and community collaboration can improve daily living for individuals with disabilities.
Together, they explore practical ways technology can support families raising children and adults...
What If AI Could Help Your Autistic Child Learn Daily Skills? With Mike Courtney
What if the tools to improve daily life for individuals with autism are already within reach?
In this episode of Autism Labs, host Mike Carr is joined by futurist, researcher and entrepreneur Mike Courtney to explore how AI and everyday technology can support individuals with complex and profound autism.
Rather than focusing on abstract innovation, this conversation centers on real-world applications families and caregivers can use today. From leveraging smartphones to teach communication skills to using sensor-based data to better understand behavior, this episode highlights practical, accessible solutions.
<...The #1 Mistake Autism Parents Make When Choosing Care with Jonna Oppermann
Choosing the right autism program isn’t just about services, it’s about culture, communication and trust.
In Part 3 of this series, Johnna Oppermann, a consultant with over two decades of experience working with autism nonprofits and families joins Mike Carr to break down the hidden factors that determine whether a program succeeds or fails.
This episode focuses on real-world challenges faced by parents and caregivers of profoundly autistic teens and adults, including fear-driven decision-making, communication breakdowns and the importance of building sustainable, human-centered programs.
You’ll lea...
Autism Programs: Red Flags Parents Must Never Ignore with Johnna Oppermann
Not all autism programs are built the same and choosing the wrong one can have lasting consequences.
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr continues his conversation with autism consultant Johnna Oppermann to explore what truly defines a high-quality autism program.
From intake and transition planning to staff culture and retention, this episode breaks down the critical factors that influence whether individuals with profound autism succeed or struggle in a program.
You’ll learn why fast enrollment can be a red flag, how poor intake pr...
Before You Choose an Autism Program… Watch This with Johnna Oppermann
What actually makes an autism program safe, sustainable and trustworthy?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Johnna Oppermann, a leading expert in residential and day programs for individuals with profound autism.
Drawing on decades of experience, Johnna explains why culture, not facilities, funding or programming, is the foundation of effective autism care.
For parents navigating the transition to adulthood, this conversation addresses one of the biggest fears:
What happens to my child when I’m no longer here?...
Autism Sleep Problems: What Actually Helps (From 30 Years) with Mike Carr
Sleep is one of the biggest and most exhausting challenges for families living with autism.
In this episode of Autism Labs, host Mike Carr shares 8 real-world strategies that have helped his son sleep over the past 30 years.
This isn’t a clinical checklist. It's a lived experience.
From physical and mental exhaustion to sensory tools, supplements and unexpected approaches like letting your child self-regulate at night this episode explores what actually helps (and what doesn’t).
If you’re raising or supporting someon...
Is Autism Medication Making Behavior Worse? (What Parents Miss) with Glenn Carter
In Part 2 of this powerful Autism Labs conversation, Mike Carr sits down with Glenn Carter (Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 15+ years of experience) to explore one of the most complex topics in autism care: the relationship between medication, behavior, and everyday life factors.
Many families rely on medication to manage aggression, focus, or sleep challenges. But as Glenn explains, without clear data and defined goals, medication can become a cycle of side effects rather than solutions.
This episode dives deeper into the often-overlooked drivers of behavior, including:
...What Happens After ABA Ends? (Autism Parents Must Watch) with Glenn Carter
What Happens After ABA Ends? Real Strategies for Autism Adults
Most autism therapy is designed for children,but what happens when those services end?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Glenn Carter (BCBA, 15+ years experience) about the critical transition from structured therapy to adulthood, especially for individuals with profound autism and high-support needs.
Glenn shares practical insights from working across the full autism lifespan, from early intervention to adult care and explains why many individuals struggle after services stop.
<...
They Said My Son Was “Unemployable” Then This Happened with Tom Landis and Jeff Schiefelbein
What happens when someone is labeled “unemployable”… but given a chance anyway?
In this episode, Mike Carr continues his conversation with Tom Landis and Jeff Schiefelbein of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, a company creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.
They share powerful, real-world stories of autistic adults who were once overlooked but are now thriving in structured, supportive work environments.
The conversation explores the gap after age 22, the limitations of current systems, and why meaningful work can dramatically improve quality of life not just f...
Autism Jobs That Work: From “Can’t” to “Not Yet” with Tom Landis and Jeff Schiefelbein
Finding meaningful employment for autistic adults is one of the biggest challenges families face especially after age 18 or 22 when services begin to disappear.
In this episode of Autism Labs, host Mike Carr speaks with Tom Landis, founder of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream and Jeff Schiefelbein, to explore how businesses can successfully employ individuals with autism and other special needs.
They discuss how structured environments, checklists and consistent coaching help individuals thrive and why the shift from “can’t” to “not yet” is critical for long-term growth and independence.
You’l...
Most Parents Are Listening Wrong (Nonverbal Autism) with Mike Carr
Communication with a nonverbal autistic child can feel overwhelming, confusing, and at times impossible.
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares a powerful and practical framework that shifts the focus from speaking to listening, specifically, how we listen.
Drawing from the concept of adaptive listening, Mike explains how communication in autism extends far beyond words. For individuals with limited or no verbal language, meaning is often expressed through body language, facial expressions, pacing, tone, and behavior.
Mike introduces four distinct...
Autism Parenting Isn’t What You Think (Mindset Shift That Helps) with Mike Carr
Most autism parenting advice focuses on behavior strategies, therapy plans and routines. But what if the biggest transformation begins with mindset?
In this reflective solo episode, Mike Carr, co-founder of Autism Labs and father to a profoundly autistic adult, shares a powerful perspective shaped by years of caregiving and lived experience.
Drawing inspiration from timeless wisdom principles, Mike reframes them through the lens of autism parenting and caregiving. He explores how humility, grief, patience, advocacy and mercy can reshape how we respond to meltdowns, collaborate with professionals and support long-term...
What Most Autism Therapy Gets Wrong (A Mom’s Breakthrough) with Diana Danu
What if the biggest breakthroughs in autism therapy aren’t happening inside the therapy room?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr sits down with Diana Danu, an autism parent from Bucharest, Romania, to explore what truly drives progress for children with autism and what many systems overlook.
After years of navigating therapy, education, and limited resources, Diana shares the turning points that changed her son Gabi’s development. From discovering the importance of joint attention and communication to building a coordinated care team with a BCBA, this conversation high...
The Biggest Autism Mistake Parents Make After Diagnosis with Diana Danu
What happens when an autistic child is receiving therapy, attending preschool and following a treatment plan, but the skills aren't transferring into everyday life?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Diana Danu, a mother from Bucharest, Romania, about her 8-year-old son, Gabi and the lessons their family learned navigating autism diagnosis, therapy, school, parenting and support services.
Diana shares what happened after Gabi was diagnosed around age three and how her family initially responded with urgency trying preschool, therapy and different interventions while waiting for access...
We Had Great Caregivers: Why Autism Support Still Fails with Mike Carr
You can have strong, caring support and still feel like things are falling apart.
In this episode, Mike Carr shares a lesson that took years to fully understand. It’s not just about building the right team.
Even the best caregivers face limits. They get sick. They move on. They can’t be there all the time.
So what happens next?
Mike talks about why families need more than good people. They need systems that can adjust as life changes.
Autism Transition to Adulthood: Mike Carr on Real School to Life Lessons with Will Renfro & Patti Cole
Autism transition to adulthood isn’t just about leaving school. It’s about what comes next and whether a young adult is ready for it.
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Will Renfro, who leads transition services for more than 70 students, and Patti Cole, a veteran special education teacher known for her creative, individualized approach to learning and independence.
They share real-world strategies that go beyond standard transition plans. The conversation focuses on how independence is built through experience, not just instruction. Families will hear why earl...
Autism Transition Mistakes That Cost Families YEARS: Start Early with Will Renfro & Patti Cole
Autism Transition Starts Earlier Than You Think
When should autism transition planning actually begin?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr sits down with Will Renfro, Transition Coordinator, and Patti Cole, special education teacher, from Round Rock ISD to break down what families need to know about preparing autistic teens and young adults for adulthood.
They share real-world insights from working with over 70 students across different levels of support, including those with higher needs and those building independence through community-based programs.
...
Severe Autism After 21: 5 Fears Parents Face & 5 Reasons for Hope with Mike Carr
Raising a profoundly autistic child comes with some of the most difficult questions a parent can face, especially when school-based support ends and adulthood begins.
In this episode, Mike Carr, founder of Autism Labs and father to a 36-year-old son with profound autism, shares the five most common fears families experience:
 loss of services after age 21, long Medicaid waiver waitlists, confusion around SSI and SSDI, guardianship decisions and lifelong care planning.
But the conversation doesn’t stop there.
Mike also outlines five reasons for cautious opt...
5 Hard Lessons I Learned Raising My Profoundly Autistic Son with Mike Carr
Raising a child with profound autism can teach parents lessons they never expected to learn.
In this personal Autism Labs episode, Mike Carr reflects on five lessons he learned while raising his son Michael, an autistic adult with complex support needs.
Mike openly shares where he struggled as a father, including times when he avoided difficult caregiving tasks, became disconnected from therapy and daily routines, reacted inconsistently to behavior, and relied on rationalizations that placed too much responsibility on his wife.
He also shares what he's...
Profound Autism: How Do You Find the Right Adult Care? with Joel Wood
What happens when a profoundly autistic child becomes an adult and the services their family needs aren't readily available?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr continues his conversation with Joel Wood, a father navigating the complex process of developing long-term support for his autistic son.
Joel and Mike discuss the realities of finding qualified and committed caregivers, creating residential programs, building relationships with other families, and developing support systems that work in everyday life.
They also explore how communication can look different for nonspeaking...
He Can't Speak, But He Has So Much to Say: Profound Autism with Joel Wood
What happens when a profoundly autistic young adult reaches the end of high school?
For Joel Wood and his wife Martha, that question has become increasingly urgent as their 20-year-old son William approaches adulthood.
William has autism and apraxia and is largely non-speaking. After years of limited communication, his family's work with spelling revealed abilities and thoughts that challenged some of their previous assumptions about what he could understand and accomplish.
In this episode of Autism Labs, Joel shares more than 17 years of experience navigating autism...
