Category: Podcast

Listen to All Autism Talk, featuring inspiring stories, expert interviews, and perspectives from the autism community.

Unlocking Communication: The Story of PECS with Dr. Andy Bondy & Lori Frost

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FEATURED POSTS

Unlocking Communication: The Story of PECS with Dr. Andy Bondy & Lori Frost
October 28, 2025
What You Didn’t Know About the Hurdles of Autism Care in Illinois
October 1, 2025
toddler playing at sensory friendly play gym
5 Sensory-Friendly Places to Visit in Timonium, MD 
September 30, 2025
Anthony Ianni
Anthony Ianni: The First Division I Basketball Player Diagnosed with Autism
August 27, 2025

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Andy Bondy and his wife, Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP, who are the co-founders of Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. They’re also the creators of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Together, they share about the origins and updates of PECS, their work around the world, and the release of the 3rd Edition of the PECS Manual.

We explore the importance of everyday language when discussing effective teaching strategies, the power of collaborative teamwork, and the need for truly individualized support. Andy and Lori also provide a forward-looking perspective on the future of PECS and emphasize why embracing cross-cultural understanding is essential for effective communication.

Join us for this insightful conversation that offers evidence-based communication practices designed to empower parents, educators, and clinicians. 

View the transcript, show notes, and previous episodes at: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/the-story-of-pecs

All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.

What You Didn’t Know About the Hurdles of Autism Care in Illinois

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In this episode, we sit down with Karem Alnatafgi and Heather Teichman from the Illinois Providers for ABA Access and Quality (IPAAQ) to explore the challenges and complexities of providing high-quality ABA therapy in Illinois. From limited access and inconsistencies in care to the impact of licensure laws and the corporate practice of medicine, they break down the issues that shape the autism services landscape across the state.

While the conversation centers on Illinois, these challenges are far from unique — providers, families, and advocates across the country are facing similar obstacles. Karem and Heather emphasize the power of provider collaboration, community involvement, and advocacy to drive change not just locally, but nationwide.

This conversation offers insight, hope, and a call to action for anyone invested in improving autism services across the U.S.

View the transcript, show notes, and previous episodes at: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/hurdles-of-autism-care-in-illinois

All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.

Anthony Ianni: The First Division I Basketball Player Diagnosed with Autism

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Anthony Ianni was diagnosed with autism as a child, and like many, his parents were given dire predictions about his future. Despite being told he wouldn’t achieve anything in life, Anthony followed in his family’s love of sports and went on to become the first-known Division I player on the spectrum. He shares the challenges he faced, the support he received from his family and coaches, and his current role as a school administrator. Anthony also discusses his advocacy efforts to create sensory-friendly spaces in college arenas.

View the transcript, show notes, and previous episodes at: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/first-division-1-basketball-player-diagnosed-with-autism

All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.

Haircuts with Heart: Vernon Jackson’s Mission as an Autism Friendly Barber

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Vernon Jackson is an award-winning barber, author, and advocate known for transforming the haircut experience for neurodivergent children and their families. In this conversation, he shares his journey of founding The Gifted Event, a nationally recognized initiative providing free, sensory-friendly haircuts to children with special needs. His viral videos and heartfelt storytelling have inspired millions, spotlighting the power of patience, empathy, and inclusion. Vernon emphasizes the importance of community support, trust-building with families, and the emotional aspects of haircuts. In his work, he empowers kids to feel seen, valued, and confident, while challenging the world to embrace differences with compassion and creativity.

View the transcript, show notes, and previous episodes at: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/haircuts-with-heart-vernon-jackson

All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.

Fashion That Fits Every Body: Hilary Pham on Adaptive Clothing Innovation

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Hilary Pham, Founder and CEO of Equability, joins us to share insights about her company, which specializes in adapting existing clothing for individuals with disabilities. She discusses her journey of starting the company, inspired by her mother’s struggles with traditional clothing. We explore how clothing can serve as a form of self-expression and how this service allows for modifications in all clothing brands to better suit the wearer. Hilary’s creative problem-solving and focus on community connection are truly inspiring. 

View the transcript, show notes, and previous episodes at: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/fashion-that-fits-every-body

All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.

The Importance of Fitness to Support Life Skills

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Eric Chessen, founder of Autism Fitness, shares his journey to create effective fitness programs for neurodivergent individuals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding their unique needs and challenges as well as the role of fitness as a life skill. He states, “It’s not just for sports or body composition. A lot of our focus is to support activities in daily living.” Eric also discusses the need to raise the standard of practice in the fitness industry to better serve the autism community.

To watch the interview or read the transcription, visit: https://www.allautismtalk.com/episodes/the-importance-of-fitness-to-support-life-skills

All Autism Talk is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral.

Growing Up With Autism And Finding Belonging and Purpose

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Andrew Moore serves as Directory Administrator for Autistic Minds, an educational charity and resource center in the UK joins us to share his story of finding meaningful employment, mentors, and friends as an autistic adult. For Andrew, connecting with the organization Autistic Minds opened a whole new world. As he shares, “I just needed guidance and support for the fundamentals.”

Show notes:

https://autisticminds.org.uk/

All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Living a Full Life with Autism with Martin Slyngstad

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Martin Slyngstad a Behavior Specialist, and currently in school to become a Speech Pathologist, joins us to discuss his multitude of interests and accomplishments as a young autistic adult.  Martin is the author of Chatter Box: My Life with Autism A Mother and Sons Perspective, founder Spire Autism, and Special Olympics gold medal winner. Martin’s warmth and sincerity are contagious as he shares his passionate belief that everyone should celebrate their authentic life.

For more information:

www.spireautism.com

www.youtube.com/@martinsautismjourney7397

All Autism Talk is sponsored by Learn Behavioral (www.Learnbehavioral.com).

Reducing Behavior Technician Burn Out

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Melissa Furman, a Clinical Director for Total Spectrum- Michigan West joins us to discuss the importance of staff retention in the field of ABA and to share her recent research that is looking to improve staff satisfaction and reduce turnover. We explore the importance of consistency for families utilizing services as well as the factors leading to burnout in the field. Melissa shared how her recent work is helping both these goals, “Implementing an incentive plan to increase positive descriptive feedback during field supervision creates a happier environment, fuels good work, and provides a space where BT’s want to come to work.”

All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).

Moms Roundtable: Autism, Wellness, and Motherhood

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In this episode we are joined by three dynamic women who share their perspectives on how to best care for yourself and your family while raising a child with autism.  Arfa Alam, a first generation Muslim American with neurodiverse family returns to share her wisdom and passion with us. Heather Link is a clinical Director who shares her experiences of both providing services and receiving services for her own family. Liza Hellenbrand is the mother of a thriving, 21 year old son with autism who also hosts the Empowered Caregiver podcast. Join this powerful women’s circle as they share from different backgrounds and experiences to offer sage advice to other moms.

For more information:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-empowered-caregiver



All autism talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).