Episodes

Is ADHD really just an inability to pay attention? Why do so many children with ADHD struggle in school despite being incredibly intelligent? And how is ADHD connected to autism, executive functioning, anxiety, and emotional regulation? In this episode of All Abilities No Filter, host Jake Edgar sits down with Dr. Norrine Russell—psychologist, ADHD coach, educator, founder of Russell Coaching, and author of Asking the Right Questions About ADHD—to separate fact from fiction about one of the mos...

What happens when you're no longer here to care for your child? For many families of children with special needs, that question can feel overwhelming. In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, host Jake Edgar sits down with Michael Ringel, CPA, Chartered Special Needs Consultant, and Founder of Special Needs Wealth Planning, to discuss the financial strategies every family should understand when planning for the future. Michael shares his unique "Planning for Two Lifetimes" approach and exp...

In this eye-opening episode of All Abilities, No Filter, Jake Edgar sits down with speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist Lena Livinsky to explore the hidden causes of picky eating and why traditional approaches often fail. Many parents are told that picky eating is just a phase, that children will eventually grow out of it, or that they simply need to "try harder." But what if the real issue goes much deeper? Lena shares her holistic approach to feeding challenges, explaining ...

“Hey everybody, welcome back to All Abilities, No Filter — the podcast where we have real, unfiltered conversations about autism, disabilities, advocacy, education, and the people making a difference every single day. Today’s episode is one of the most eye-opening, relatable, and honestly fun conversations we’ve had around the table. We’re joined by Dr. Kristen Williamson — licensed professional counselor, behavioral health expert, advocate, and someone who proudly describes herself as ‘neurosp...

Mealtimes can feel like a daily battle—especially when your child has very limited food preferences. But what if picky eating isn’t about defiance… and there’s a better way to approach it? In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with registered dietitian Jessica Setnick, who specializes in eating disorders and highly selective eating. Together, we break down what’s really going on beneath the surface when children—especially those with autism and other disabilities—struggle w...

Can hypnotherapy really help individuals with autism and neurodivergence find greater calm, focus, and control? In this powerful and eye-opening episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with special guest Lawrence Bartley, an autistic hypnotist who is transforming lives through hypnotherapy. Lawrence shares his personal journey with autism, how he discovered hypnotherapy, and how it has helped him manage anxiety, improve focus, and create a more peaceful mindset. Even more importantly,...

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we’re joined by Kenneth Mims to discuss the powerful impact of STEM and hands-on learning for children on the autism spectrum and students with other disabilities. We explore how individualized, experiential instruction can increase engagement, build executive functioning skills, and promote independence. This conversation highlights why designing learning around how students think and process can unlock meaningful growth for every mind.

When Parenting Becomes Survival Mode is a reality many families know all too well. In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we’re joined by Paul Voss, a father of eight whose life changed when his youngest child was diagnosed with autism. Paul shares the raw, behind-the-scenes truth of parenting through years of exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and emotional burnout while still showing up for a full family. This conversation isn’t about perfect parenting or clinical theory. It’s about what a...

In this powerful Season 2 premiere, we sit down with Becky and Michelle from Paws With a Cause, an organization dedicated to pairing highly trained service dogs with individuals who need them most. Becky and Michelle take us behind the scenes of how service dogs are trained, matched, and integrated into the lives of children and adults with disabilities—and the profound, life-changing impact that partnership can have. We talk honestly about the misconceptions surrounding service dogs, the commi...

When seconds matter, understanding makes all the difference. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jennifer Kaufman—school principal, autism advocate, and grandmother to a child on the spectrum—to explore how first responders can dramatically improve outcomes for autistic individuals through training, awareness, and compassionate response. Jennifer shares real experiences from both sides of the table, offering a rare dual perspective on what families, educators, and emergency personnel all...

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we dive deep into one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—factors in a child’s special education journey: the relationship between parents and the special education teacher. A strong, respectful partnership can transform the entire IEP process, leading to better communication, stronger interventions, and a more united team supporting the child. But when this relationship breaks down, the impact is felt immediately—and the child pays the price. ...

In this influential episode of All Abilities, No Filter, Brandon Clark interviews Bailey Payne, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Bailey shares her unique backstory that led to her lifelong career transition into treating children with autism. During her transformative career undertaking, Bailey identified reasons why interventions weren't as effective as they could be. The solutions she came up with are surprisingly simple. This led Bailey to developing TEAM: Training Educators and Managing B...

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist, author, and proud mom of a neurodivergent son, for an open and inspiring conversation about communication, connection, and confidence. With more than 24 years of experience supporting children and adults with neurodiversity, Jeaneen dives deep into what speech therapy really is — and how it helps students find their voice, build relationships, and thrive. She also shares how her personal jo...

In this heartfelt episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with John Fela, a former educator with experience in both general and special education, to explore the journey of fatherhood through the lens of raising a child with disabilities. John opens up about the emotional and practical challenges that come with balancing advocacy, parenting, and personal growth. He shares honest reflections on the hurdles he’s faced, but also the beautiful opportunities he’s discovered in building a dee...

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy — founder and director of EBL Coaching — to talk all about multi-sensory learning and how it can transform the way students absorb and retain information. Dr. Levy shares her expertise on using hands-on, research-based strategies that reach learners through sight, sound, touch, and movement. We dive into the real-world benefits of multi-sensory instruction, from helping students strengthen their reading and writing skil...

In this powerful episode of All Abilities, No Filter, host Jake Edgar sits down with Robert DeLena, a devoted father who shares his heartfelt journey raising his son, Ryan. From early childhood, Ryan displayed significant behavioral and emotional challenges that led to difficult decisions within the school system—including multiple residential placements that, in hindsight, Robert realized were not always in Ryan’s best interest. Robert opens up about the turning point that transformed everythin...

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, Hannah sits down with Board Certified Music Therapist Samantha Foote to learn the impact of Music Therapy in regards to treatment outcomes. We explore the power of music as more than just entertainment—it’s a form of therapy that can unlock communication, increase functionality, and support emotional well-being. Samantha shares how rhythm, melody, and creativity can help individuals—especially those on the autism spectrum—reach a variety of treatment ...

IEPs don’t have to be confusing. In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, Jake sits down to break down the Individualized Education Program step by step—explaining what each part means, why it matters, and how parents and educators can use it to make sure every child gets the right support. Whether you’re walking into your very first IEP meeting or looking for strategies to advocate more effectively, Jake gives you the clarity and confidence you need to navigate the process. Clear, practical...

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with Janetta Bryant, CEO of Abilities Workshop and author of the new book Autism Advocacy Interrupted. Together, we take a deep dive into the world of advocacy—exploring not only the positive impact that effective advocacy can bring, but also the challenges and pitfalls that can arise when it goes wrong. Janetta introduces listeners to the different archetypes of advocates, offering insight into how each one influences families, schools, a...

In this powerful episode, we explore one of the most critical topics in behavioral health: why proper training is essential when working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Whether you're a caregiver, therapist, direct care staff member, or healthcare leader, this conversation will challenge you to think deeper about how training impacts safety, outcomes, and relationships. We're joined by Rebekah Wright, Chief Operating Officer at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Hea...

In this eye-opening episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with Christie Phillip, Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider, to have an honest and essential conversation about sexualized behaviors in individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Christie brings years of experience working with both victims and offenders of sexual behaviors, offering expert insight on how to recognize, understand, and respond to sexualized behavi...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we dive deep into the emotional toll that often comes with working in the field of autism and disability support. Whether you're a teacher, therapist, parent, caregiver, or advocate, this conversation will hit close to home. Compassion fatigue and burnout are real—and they're often invisible. We explore: What compassion fatigue really looks like in the classroom and at home The signs you may be emotionally drained without even...

In this powerful second half of our conversation with Jaime Hrobar, we continue diving deep into her incredible journey of autism advocacy, parenting with perseverance, and transforming personal struggles into strength. Jaime opens up about navigating life as a parent of two children on the autism spectrum, sharing her unfiltered perspective on the challenges and victories that come with fighting for her kids’ rights, education, and future. From overcoming addiction to becoming a tireless advoca...

In this powerful episode of All Abilities, No Filter, Brandon and the other hosts sit down with Jaime Hrobar — a mother, writer, and fierce advocate who shares her deeply personal and transformative journey of raising two autistic children while facing and overcoming her own struggles with addiction. Jaime opens up about what it’s like to be a parent navigating some of the most complex challenges in the world of autism — from early intervention to adulthood, from severe behaviors to IEP meetings...