Autism Labs

What happens to your child with autism when you’re no longer there to care for them?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr shares a deeply personal and practical guide to future planning for children with autism especially those with higher support needs.
After a moment that exposed how unprepared systems can be, Mike walks through a 9-step planning checklist designed to reduce fear, uncertainty and costly mistakes.
You’ll learn:
• Why getting on Medicaid waiver lists early can mean access to millions in lifetime support
 • The critical $2,000 asset rule and how families accidentally lose benefits
 • How ABLE accounts and special needs trusts protect your child financially
 • What to know about guardianship before your child turns 18
 • Why residential planning should start years before it’s needed
 • How to create a Letter of Intent to guide future caregivers
This episode is not legal or financial advice but it is real-world guidance from a parent who has lived it.
🎧 Watch the full podcast to Download the free 1-page checklist on the comment section: https://youtu.be/AdVUyESJF1w?si=l3hHOl5M1mlj3bEI

What happens to your child with autism when you’re no longer there to care for them?
It’s one of the most difficult and most important questions parents face.
In this episode, Mike Carr shares his personal journey as the father of a 36-year-old son with profound autism. From early fears to real-world planning, this episode lays the foundation for what families need to know about lifelong care.
You’ll learn:
Why planning not worrying is the key to protecting your child’s future
The 5 essential pillars of long-term autism planning:Guardianship
Special needs trust
Letter of intent
Residential transition
Funding and benefits

How one financial mistake could cost families millions in lost benefits
Why Medicaid waiver lists should be your first step and why timing matters
This episode is part of a step-by-step series designed to help families move from fear to action.
Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/88vmu0whLxw?si=T3fwd-HO0TR4GVJi
⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode shares personal experience and is not legal or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr continues his conversation with BCBA Mailande Vise, who shares practical, experience-driven strategies for supporting individuals with high support needs especially in the home environment.
Mailande breaks down how parents can better understand and respond to challenging behaviors by identifying their underlying function. From sensory needs to attention-seeking, escape or access to preferred items, this episode explains how behavior is communication and how to teach more effective alternatives.
The discussion also explores the critical difference between receptive and expressive language, highlighting how many nonverbal individuals understand far more than they can express. Mailande shares how visual supports, choice boards and communication devices can unlock meaningful interaction.
Listeners will also learn:
How to structure the home environment for success
Why reinforcement strategies matter and how to avoid common mistakes
The importance of parent training and consistency
How to prevent regression during breaks and unstructured time
Why starting small leads to long-term success
This episode is especially valuable for parents, caregivers and professionals supporting adolescents and young adults with autism.
Mailande’s message is clear. Progress is possible and small wins matter.
📩 Contact Mailande Vise:
 Email: mailande@viseabatherapy.com
 Phone: 601-291-0339
 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mailande-vise-3448a0110/

If you're interested in joining our private Facebook community for parents and caregivers seeking residential options, guidance and peer support for profoundly autistic adults or adults with complex needs - Click Here!

What happens when autistic children grow into autistic adults?
In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr sits down with Mailande Vise, M.Ed., BCBA, an experienced behavior analyst with more than a decade of experience supporting autistic individuals across a wide range of ages and support needs.
Together they discuss one of the most pressing issues facing families today: the shortage of specialized programs and trained professionals for autistic teens and adults.
Mailande shares her firsthand experiences working with individuals with profound autism, including the challenges clinics face when supporting older learners with significant communication and behavioral needs. She also offers practical strategies for parents and caregivers, including identifying triggers, using visual supports, implementing environmental modifications, and creating proactive behavior plans.
The conversation explores the growing neurodiversity movement, the importance of communication systems, and innovative community-based programs that help autistic individuals build independence, vocational skills, and meaningful connections.
If you're a parent, caregiver, educator, therapist, or autism professional wondering what comes after early intervention, this episode provides valuable insights, practical tools, and reasons for hope.
Topics Covered:
• Adult autism services
• Profound autism support
• ABA therapy strategies
• Visual schedules and social stories
• Communication systems
• Behavioral support planning
• Neurodiversity acceptance
• Community integration
• Vocational training programs
• Autism transition planning
Guest:
Mailande Vise, BCBA
Connect with Mailande:
Email: mailande@viseabatherapy.com 
Phone: 601-291-0339
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mailande-vise-3448a0110/
Autism Labs explores practical solutions, expert insights, and real-life experiences to help families navigate the journey of autism across the lifespan.
If you're interested in joining our private Facebook community for parents and caregivers seeking residential options, guidance and peer support for profoundly autistic adults or adults with complex needs - Click Here!

Autism support should focus not just on behavior, but on the child’s overall health, as underlying issues like gut imbalances, poor nutrition, and unmet medical needs can significantly impact learning, behavior, and communication. While traditional education approaches like ABA can help, children often learn best when their intrinsic interests and curiosity are engaged. A personalized, science-based approach, using proper testing rather than guesswork, is essential since every child is biologically unique. Progress may look different, but celebrating small wins and maintaining a strong, positive mindset is critical for families. Communication, in any form, can unlock a child’s hidden intelligence and dramatically improve care and connection. Although AI can provide information, real progress comes from guided action and human support. Ultimately, parents play the central role in assembling the right care team and advocating for their child’s health, with the goal not of a “cure,” but of achieving the best possible outcome and quality of life.

If you're interested in joining our private Facebook community for parents and caregivers seeking residential options, guidance and peer support for profoundly autistic adults or adults with complex needs - Click Here!