Episodes

  • Ask Dr Doreen Romance Dating and Relationships on the Spectrum

    Ask Dr Doreen Romance Dating and Relationships on the Spectrum
    Jun 16 2026

    On today's Ask Dr. Doreen, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh answers questions about romance, love, dating, and relationships for those on the spectrum.

    00:00 Show Intro + Topic Overview (Dating on the Spectrum) 03:29 How to Watch, Submit Questions & Podcast Info 05:02 Teaching a 12-Year-Old About Dating (Where to Start) 07:17 Body Awareness, Privacy & Safety Basics 10:54 Real Risks of Missing Social Boundaries 13:36 Teaching Relationship Types & Social Rules 16:47 Consent Explained in Simple Terms 20:33 Boundaries in Dating (Inappropriate Behavior Example) 23:16 Short-Term Attention vs Real Relationships 25:56 Dating After Divorce (What to Disclose & When) 29:26 Healthy Relationships & Emotional Alignment 39:47 Teens Not Interested in Dating (Should You Push?) 41:47 Modern Dating Reality (Apps, Social Media) 45:37 Handling Rejection & Building Dating Skills 48:27 Dating Psychology: Resilience & Confidence 56:30 Balancing Safety vs Fear in Relationships
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    59 mins
  • Ask Dr Doreen: How does ABA effect high functioning teens?

    Ask Dr Doreen: How does ABA effect high functioning teens?
    Jun 2 2026

    On today's show autism expert Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh answers questions from viewers around the world about how ABA can be beneficial even for kiddos and teens who are considered "high functioning."

    00:00 Welcome + Show Intro 04:01 California Autism Budget Changes Explained 05:03 Proposed ABA Limits (25 Hour Cap, Diagnosis Requirement, Transport Limits) 06:18 Why These Changes Could Harm Kids 08:10 Medicaid Fraud & Impact on ABA Services 08:44 Urgent Call to Action (Contact Governor) 10:02 How to Speak Up & What to Say 12:24 Topic: ABA for "High Functioning" Kids & Teens 13:18 Parent Question: Is ABA a Waste of Time? 14:07 Why ABA Is Essential (Even for Higher Functioning Kids) 15:21 Different ABA Approaches Based on Needs 17:27 Teaching Social, Communication & Executive Skills 19:01 Choosing the Right ABA Provider 21:05 Common Misconceptions About ABA 23:00 Is 13 Too Late for ABA? 23:45 Why Teens Still Benefit from ABA 26:07 Does ABA Make a Real Difference Long-Term? 27:49 Real-Life Outcome Comparison (With vs Without ABA) 28:43 Why Early Intervention Matters 30:01 "Compound Interest" of ABA Learning Explained 33:31 When Parents Disagree About ABA 34:42 Understanding Resistance & Fear Around Therapy 36:35 Talking to Other Parents for Perspective 40:35 Is ABA Only for Nonverbal Kids? 40:57 Advanced Skills ABA Can Teach 44:04 What ABA Actually Looks Like (In Home & Clinic) 44:56 Why Early Sessions Can Look Challenging 46:41 Behind-the-Scenes ABA Video Series Mention 49:30 Rethinking Assumptions About ABA 50:21 "What Happens If You Do vs Don't Try ABA?" 52:36 ABA Conference Highlights (San Francisco) 53:38 Importance of Intensity in ABA 55:05 Running a Quality ABA Program 56:21 Challenges Facing ABA Today 58:03 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude 59:06 Tomorrow's Topic: Water Safety 59:29 Outro & Weekly Schedule
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    59 mins
  • Ask Dr Doreen: What do the autism numbers mean?

    Ask Dr Doreen: What do the autism numbers mean?
    May 19 2026

    On today's show Dr. Granpeesheh answers questions from the audience about the 2 numbers that come with an autism diagnosis. Why does it seem like people are only using 1 number? Can two numbers really be useful, can one. Also discussed, this weekend's ABAI conference.

    00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:52 Dr. Doreen's Background in Autism 01:53 How to Watch & Join the Show 03:05 Podcast + Ad-Free Option 03:54 Event Announcement: All Ghouls Gala 06:16 Conference Preview (ABA International) 09:05 Whole Child Approach & Medical Needs 12:34 Topic Introduction: Autism Severity Numbers 13:24 How Autism Diagnosis Works (2 Domains) 16:27 Repetitive Behaviors Explained 20:20 What Severity Levels (1–3) Mean 22:19 Why Some Diagnoses Only Show One Number 26:05 Parent Issue: Missing Severity Numbers 30:11 Concerns About Labeling Kids by "Levels" 31:40 Why the Numbers Exist (Support Needs) 35:35 When Sharing Severity Levels Is Helpful 37:05 Why Levels Should NOT Define Identity 37:51 Parent Conflict Over Comparing Children 40:13 How to Talk About Differences Respectfully 46:25 Sensitivity Around Labels & "Disorder" 49:45 Why Diagnosis Matters for Support 51:11 School Denying IEP for Level 1 Child 54:36 Medical vs Educational Support Differences 56:30 How to Fight for an IEP (Legal Rights) 58:30 Closing & Next Episode Preview
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    1 hr
  • Ask Dr Doreen: ABA for Teenagers

    Ask Dr Doreen: ABA for Teenagers
    May 5 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Doreen fields questions about ABA for teenagers.

    00:00 – ABA Therapy for Teens & Autism | Ask Dr. Doreen Introduction

    01:18 – Can ABA Help Teenagers with Autism? (Yes—Here's How)

    02:28 – Watch Ask Dr. Doreen on YouTube, Podcast & Ad‑Free Options

    ABA for Teenagers & Young Adults

    03:13 – Is ABA Appropriate for a 16‑Year‑Old with Autism?

    04:09 – What ABA Really Is (Not Just for Little Kids)

    06:18 – Teaching Real Social Skills with ABA (Not Memorization)

    07:36 – How Teens Learn Social Awareness & "Reading the Room"

    09:24 – Perspective Taking & Theory of Mind in Autism

    11:00 – Rigid Thinking, Flexibility & Anxiety in Autistic Teens

    14:19 – CBT for Autism & Anxiety: Changing Stress‑Producing Thoughts

    17:06 – Why ABA + CBT Works Better Together for Teens

    18:18 – How to Spot Low‑Quality ABA for Teenagers

    19:57 – Motivation in Autism Therapy: What Teens Actually Want

    Aggression, Non‑Speaking Teens & Communication

    26:09 – Can ABA Help Aggression in a 12‑Year‑Old with Autism?

    28:25 – Why Aggression Is a Form of Communication

    30:23 – How AAC & Communication Devices Reduce Aggression

    33:09 – Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) Explained

    34:31 – Is It Too Late for ABA? Why Starting Now Still Matters

    Late Autism Diagnosis & Girls on the Spectrum

    34:52 – Teenage Girls with Autism: Signs Missed in Early Childhood

    36:28 – Why Autism Often Becomes Visible in the Teen Years

    38:07 – Autism Assessments That Reveal Social & Anxiety Challenges

    40:50 – ABA vs CBT for Autism: Choosing the Right Therapy

    41:50 – Anxiety Medication for Autistic Teens: When to Consider It

    Parents, Genetics & High‑Functioning Autism

    43:33 – When Autism Runs in Families (Parents & Children)

    45:26 – High‑Functioning Autism and Hidden Support Needs

    ABA for Older Teens & Adults

    46:31 – Is 18 Too Old to Start ABA Therapy?

    47:50 – "ABA Is for Little Kids" — How to Reframe Therapy for Teens

    49:33 – ABA at 19: Consent, Motivation & Adult Independence

    50:54 – Using Personal Goals to Teach Life Skills in Autism

    54:17 – Case Study: Why Motivation Changes Everything in ABA

    Closing

    56:46 – Final Autism Advice & Upcoming Episodes

    58:10 – Watch Ask Dr. Doreen Live Every Week
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    58 mins
  • Ask Dr Doreen When is a child ready for school?

    Ask Dr Doreen When is a child ready for school?
    Apr 21 2026
    On today's Ask Dr. Doreen, autism expert Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh answers questions from parents around the world about how to know when their children are ready to start school. What can parents do to set their children up for success? 0:00 Opening Disclaimer 0:10 Introducing Ask Doctor Doreen 0:30 Welcome & Live Show Setup 1:19 Where to Watch & Listen Live 1:58 Podcast & Ad-Free Subscription 2:53 April Reflections & Community Visits 3:34 Supporting Parents on the Autism Journey 5:00 Shannon's "Crystal Ball of Autism" Story 6:26 Early Intervention Struggles 8:17 A Life-Changing Autism Connection 10:27 Discovering ABA & CARD 1 2:47 Visiting an ABA Center: Joy in Action 13:58 When Is a Child Ready for School? 15:04 School vs. 1:1 Learning Explained 19:52 Why Early ABA Matters So Much 20:56 Preparing for School Success 22:06 Starting School Gradually 25:13 School Attendance Rights for Parents 26:22 How Grandparents Can Help Academically 30:55 When School Causes Emotional Harm 33:19 Using IEPs to Improve School Experience 38:13 Understanding Your Legal Rights in Education 39:38 Using AI to Prepare for IEP Meetings 44:12 AI Tools: Benefits, Limits, and Cautions 50:16 Teens, Anxiety, and School Balance 55:10 Treating Anxiety Effectively 57:00 Tomorrow's Show Preview & Closing
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    58 mins
  • Ask Dr Doreen: Challenging Behaviors

    Ask Dr Doreen: Challenging Behaviors
    Apr 14 2026

    On today's ASK Dr. Doreen autism expert Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh answers parents' questions about challenging behavior in the classroom. What can a parent do? What's the best way to get back on track?

    0:00 Welcome & Show Disclaimer 0:35 Meet Shannon Penrod & Doctor Doreen 1:26 Today's Topic: Challenging Behavior 2:15 Where to Watch & Listen (Podcast Info) 4:08 Autism Acceptance Month & Education Context 5:10 Parent Story: Child Punished at School 7:03 Why This Punishment Is Not Okay 8:36 Emergency IEPs & School Accountability 9:59 Understanding a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) 12:22 Why Teachers Often Don't Follow IEPs 14:16 Making the BIP Visible for Teachers 18:13 High School Incident: Social Rules & Suspension 19:49 Theory of Mind vs "Bad Behavior" 21:27 When Schools Get Zero‑Tolerance Wrong 22:15 Teaching Skills Instead of Punishment 23:40 Social Skills & Perspective Taking 28:13 What Behaviors Belong in the Classroom? 29:35 Restrictive vs Least Restrictive Environment 32:10 Pull‑Out vs Push‑In Services Explained 34:09 Why ABA Prepares Kids for School 35:33 Using ABA Alongside School 36:03 Can Teachers Get Autism Training? 37:31 Training Teachers Through Advocacy 39:14 Online Training & AI Tools for Teachers 48:37 What to Look for in a Teacher 50:23 Why Self‑Esteem Matters Most in School 51:29 Using Back‑to‑School Nights Strategically 52:34 Trusting Your Parent Instincts 56:41 Final Tips for School Success 57:22 What's Coming Next on Autism Live 57:40 Farewell & Sign‑Off
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    58 mins
  • Ask Dr Doreen: "A" Month

    Ask Dr Doreen: "A" Month
    Apr 7 2026

    It is that time of the year! It is April, Autism "A" month and it is also Dr. Doreen's Birthday. On today's show we celebrate Dr. Doreen by inviting parents to share their "Win Stories". Have you had something amazing happen with your child? Are you ready to proudly share your child's latest milestones? Write in and let Dr. Granpeesheh and our audience know.

    00:00 Intro & Disclaimer 00:46 Welcome to Ask Doctor Doreen 01:04 Birthday Celebration & Spirit Week 02:04 Today's Topic: Celebrating Success Stories 03:10 How to Watch, Participate & Podcast Info 04:14 Win Story: Leadership Role at School 05:54 Why Small Victories Matter 09:16 Autism Awareness, Acceptance & April Reflections 12:18 Audience Win Story: First "I Love You" 14:29 Hope, Progress & Changing Futures 15:41 Insurance, Funding & ABA Constraints 16:44 The 3 Pillars: Communication, Safety & Independence 21:23 The Real Cost—and Value—of Early Intervention 26:43 Win Story: College Acceptance & Big Dreams 27:29 Love on the Spectrum & Media Representation 30:40 Authenticity, Autism & Being Yourself 31:25 Birthday Gifts & AI for Good 36:02 Friendship as a Major Milestone 37:01 Looking Back: Early Clients & Lifelong Impact 41:24 Recovered Journeys & Follow-Up Stories 45:58 Former Clients, Full-Circle Moments 49:47 Everyday Miracles Parents Never Forget 56:02 Gratitude, Final Thoughts & Tomorrow's Show
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Ask Dr Doreen 3.24.26 Elopement

    Ask Dr Doreen 3.24.26 Elopement
    Mar 24 2026

    It is estimated that more than 50% of children on the autism spectrum are at risk for wandering away from there home and caregivers. The number one cause of death for children on the spectrum is drowning…after having eloped.
    The #2 cause of death for children on the spectrum is being struck by a car…after eloping. What can be done about this? How can parents keep their children safe? On today's show Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh answers viewer questions about elopement and how to teach safety to children.
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    1 hr and 1 min