Share
))
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
…
continue reading
Manage episode 515212214 series 3657095
Content provided by Leah Gross. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Leah Gross or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.
How can we support autistic children with more compassion and less control? In this episode of The Autism Round Table, host Leah Gross sits down with behavior analyst and life coach Kaitlin Wilder to explore a new, heart-centered approach to working with autistic individuals. From challenging outdated models of behavior therapy to introducing tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Kaitlin offers a refreshing and deeply empathetic perspective on what it means to truly connect with and understand autistic children.
Key Questions Explored in the Episode:
- What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and how does it shape the behavior of autistic children?
- How can therapists and parents balance structure with compassion?
- What role does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) play in behavior support?
- How can we validate a child’s emotions while still encouraging growth?
- Why is it essential to challenge traditional ideas of “normal” in autism therapy?
Kaitlin Wilder shares her transformation from traditional behavioral frameworks to a more holistic, human-centered practice. Drawing from her 15 years of experience, she explains how compassion and flexibility can make therapy more effective and sustainable. The conversation touches on the growing awareness of PDA, the integration of ACT to promote emotional awareness and value-based motivation, and the importance of meeting children where they are—without judgment or force. Together, Leah and Kaitlin explore how turning toward pain and discomfort can lead to greater freedom, both for parents and children, in their shared journey of growth.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Kaitlin’s Journey into Autism Coaching
04:29 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
12:54 Compassion and Validation in ABA
25:29 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
32:48 Motivating Through Values
33:16 Understanding Human Emotions with ACT
34:40 Challenging the Concept of Normal
37:23 The Role of Authority in Therapy
39:11 Empowering Parents and Children
44:16 Turning Towards Pain for Freedom
49:40 Connecting with Children on Their Level
Ready to reimagine what compassionate support looks like for autistic children?
Tune in to the full episode for practical tools, heartfelt stories, and expert insights from Kaitlin Wilder.
20 episodes
