Autism Labs provides a community for parents, teachers, researchers, BCBAs and other experts focused on profound autism, severe autism or Level III autism.
As of October, 2024, most of the new episodes will address real world challenges and solutions for transitioning into adulthood. You'll be able to tune in twice a month for new videos recapping the journeys parents of a profoundly autistic son or daughter have travelled, the obstacles they've faced, and how they've found solutions for some of the most common issues.
Earlier episodes deal with some challenging behaviors and conditions from aggression and eating disorders (e.g. Pica) to epilepsy and adult incontinence with discussions around the associated medications and therapies. The emphasis will be on providing practical answers to real world questions. In some cases you'll find links to helpful resources and how-to videos showing what works and what failed.
If you have suggestions or feedback, please email Mike@john13.org
Autism Labs
💚 “You don't have to cut out your child that has [from your will] special needs… You just have to do it the right way.”
- Melissa Donovan
For years, some parents have carried the heartbreaking belief that leaving an inheritance to their child with special needs could mean taking away the benefits and support they depend on.
But your child shouldn't have to be left out of your plans for their future. đź’š
With the right planning, tools and guidance, you can work toward protecting their financial future while still preserving the support they need.
This is about more than money.
It’s about making sure your child is cared for even when you’re no longer here to do it yourself.
🎧 Watch or listen to the full Autism Labs podcast as Mike Carr and special needs attorney Melissa Donovan break down special needs trusts, guardianship, ABLE accounts, SSI and the financial planning questions every family should be thinking about.
Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/uw6PlQS1NeE?si=6ezDW...
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2231607/episodes/19638712
👉 Don't wait until you need the plan. Start learning now.
#AutismLabs #SpecialNeedsPlanning #SpecialNeedsTrust #AutismParenting #ProfoundAutism
1 day ago | [YT] | 1
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Autism Labs
đź’š "He's with people who respect him and who treat him not as a disabled person, but as a valued member of the community."
- Jon Hockenyos
Every parent dreams of a future where their child isn't just cared for, but truly belongs.
A place where they're surrounded by friends.
Where they're respected.
Where they're encouraged to grow, discover new abilities, and simply be themselves.
Because every autistic adult deserves more than a safe place to live, they deserve a community that sees their worth, celebrates who they are, and helps them become the best version of themselves.
🎧 Watch or listen to the full Autism Labs podcast as Jon Hockenyos and Mike Carr share their journey as fathers, the lessons they've learned preparing their sons for adulthood, and why the right community can change everything.
Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/e12UVMROLjg?si=kXh_n...
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2231607/episodes/19610389
đź’š If this message resonates with you, share it with another autism family who needs a little hope today.
#AutismLabs #ProfoundAutism #AutismAcceptance #AutismParenting #SpecialNeeds #AutismCommunity #DisabilityAdvocacy #ResidentialCare #HopeForFamilies #Inclusion
1 week ago | [YT] | 0
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Autism Labs
đź’š"Leadership is everything. You've got to build an institutional and organizational culture."
- Jon Hockenyos
A residential program isn't defined by its buildings.
It's defined by the people who lead it.
When leaders create a culture of respect, compassion and purpose, staff stay. Trust grows. And autistic adults are given more than care, they're given the opportunity to thrive, build friendships, and become the best version of themselves.
For families planning for the future, that's what truly matters.
🎧 Watch or listen to the full Autism Labs podcast as Jon Hockenyos and Mike Carr share the lessons they've learned building a community where profoundly autistic adults can live with dignity, purpose and hope.
Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/e12UVMROLjg?si=kXh_n...
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2231607/episodes/19610389
đź’š If you're a parent wondering what comes after the school years, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.
#AutismLabs #ProfoundAutism #AutismParenting #ResidentialCare #LeadershipMatters #SpecialNeeds #AutismSupport #CaregiverJourney #FuturePlanning #AutismCommunity
1 week ago | [YT] | 0
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Autism Labs
"The dirty little secret is behavior trumps everything in the vast majority of organizations." -Jon Hockenyos
Behavior is often the biggest barrier for individuals with profound autism, not because it's the whole story, but because it's the first thing many systems see. As Jon shares, every behavior has an underlying cause and understanding the why can make all the difference.
In this episode of the Autism Labs Podcast, Jon and Mike have an honest conversation about navigating profound autism, aging out of school, residential care and the realities families face every day.
Watch the full episode to hear their insights, lived experiences and the hope they're building for the autism community.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/ImPfpktqfcQ?si=90LmN...
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2231607/episodes/19581625
#AutismAwareness #AutismAdvocacy #ProfoundAutism #AutismCommunity #AustinTX
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
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Autism Labs
💚 “It’s not about what the numbers say on the website or what you read in the reviews. It’s what you see when you’re there. It’s what you feel when you’re there.”
- Mike Carr
Every parent of a profoundly autistic child carries the same fear:
“Who will care for my child when I no longer can?”
The answer isn’t found in ratings or reviews. It’s found in the moments you witness the kindness of caregivers, the joy of residents and the feeling that your child truly belongs.
After 20+ years of searching for the right residential program, Mike Carr shares what every family should know before making this life-changing decision.
🎧 Watch the full podcast and discover what to look for when planning your child’s future.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/YzfzITK50vE?si=LoQoS...
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2231607/episodes/19555536
❤️ Share this with a family who needs hope.
#AutismLabs #ProfoundAutism #AutismParenting #ResidentialCare #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismSupport
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
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Autism Labs
Some days in the world of profound autism feel overwhelming and completely absurd at the same time. But sometimes, laughter is what gets you through.
If you’re a parent or caregiver, this story will hit home.
🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode to hear the real, unfiltered reality and why you’re not alone.
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2231607/episodes/19519254
Watch here: https://youtu.be/Z_jX8Lujo_s?si=qNTaK...
#Autism #AutismParenting #ProfoundAutism #AutismSupport #AustinTX
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
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Autism Labs
"You cannot outworry this problem, but you can outplan it."
Worry will keep you up at night…
planning is what actually moves things forward.
The “what ifs” are loud.
But the small steps? That’s where real change happens.
You don’t need to figure everything out today. Just begin. 💙
🎧 Go watch the full podcast: https://youtu.be/88vmu0whLxw?si=T3fwd...
You’re not alone in this and this conversation might help more than you think.
#Autism #ProfoundAutism #AutismParents #AutismJourney #AustinTX
1 month ago | [YT] | 0
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Autism Labs
“The small wins are still wins.”
In conversations around autism, behavior, and skill-building, it’s easy to focus only on big milestones.
But real progress rarely looks like a breakthrough moment.
It looks like:
– One instruction followed
– One calmer response
– One small step forward
That’s how meaningful skills are built consistently, over time.
When we break big goals into achievable steps, we create momentum that actually lasts.
For parents, caregivers and professionals alike, this shift in perspective can change everything.
🎧 If this resonates, I highly recommend going back and watching the full podcast. There’s a lot more insight in this conversation worth hearing.
Listen here: www.buzzsprout.com/2231607/episodes/19418393
Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/l1KcLN0SwGY?si=HKPhj...
#AutismAwareness #AutismSupport #ABAtherapy #BehaviorAnalysis #AustinTX
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 2
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