How can a mobile therapy bus change a child’s life? In this episode of The Autism Roundtable, host Leah Gross sits down with Luba Patlakh-Kaplun, founder of Kidology Inc., to explore her journey from broadcast journalism to pioneering pediatric therapy. Discover how Luba’s innovative, whole-child approach is reshaping the landscape of care for autistic children—and empowering families along the way.

Discussion Points:

• Luba’s personal and professional journey into speech-language pathology
• The creation and success of the Kidology mobile therapy bus
• Building a community through Kidology gyms and comprehensive care
• Integrating speech, OT, PT, and behavioral therapy in one setting
• Myofunctional therapy, breathing techniques, and yoga as therapy tools
• Empowering parents to implement strategies at home
• The challenges and beauty of balancing motherhood and clinical leadership

Luba Patlakh-Kaplun shares the inspiring story behind Kidology Inc., a pediatric therapy center with a mobile arm that brings multidisciplinary care directly to children. Drawing from her own experiences as an immigrant and a mother, Luba emphasizes the power of empathy, innovation, and culturally sensitive care. She dives deep into how her team integrates multiple therapy modalities—like speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy—to serve children with autism. Listeners will also learn about her unique focus on breathing, myofunctional therapy, and movement-based interventions like yoga. Her insights offer a fresh look at how pediatric therapy can be both holistic and deeply human.

About The Guest:

Luba Patlakh-Kaplun is a licensed speech-language pathologist and the founder of Kidology Inc., a thriving pediatric therapy center that includes mobile and in-clinic services. With a background in broadcast journalism and a deep passion for helping children with disabilities, Luba brings creativity and compassion to every aspect of her work. She is also a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for immigrant families navigating autism services.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation in Access: The mobile therapy bus removes barriers by delivering therapy directly to schools and communities.
• Holistic Approach: Combining speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy leads to better outcomes for children.
• Parental Empowerment: Therapy doesn’t end in the clinic—parents are key partners in progress.
• Cultural Sensitivity Matters: A bilingual, culturally informed lens enhances therapeutic trust and impact.
• Breathing is Foundational: Myofunctional therapy and breathwork can dramatically improve communication and regulation.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Background

01:05 – Inspiration and Career Path

02:08 – Innovative Mobile Therapy Clinic

05:30 – Kidology Gyms and Community Impact

08:35 – Multidisciplinary Approach to Therapy

15:16 – Speech Therapy and Autism

24:15 – Parental Involvement and Home Strategies

26:47 – Introduction to Bilingual Background

28:49 – Navigating Autism as an Immigrant Parent

31:42 – Balancing Motherhood and Therapy

35:46 – Understanding Myofunctional Therapy

42:59 – The Importance of Breathing Techniques

47:16 – Incorporating Yoga in Therapy

Curious how pediatric therapy can be both innovative and personal?

Tune in to the full episode to learn how Luba is revolutionizing therapy for autistic children—and how her strategies can inspire your own parenting or practice.

What happens when a military mom raises a neurodivergent daughter who thrives in dance despite challenges like autism and dyslexia?

In this episode of The Autism Round Table, host Leah Gross welcomes Amanda and her daughter Leta for a conversation full of laughter, insight, and inspiration.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• How can parents support the unique talents of neurodivergent children?
• What challenges arise when raising an autistic child in a military family?
• How does dyslexia intersect with autism and affect creative expression?
• What role do structure, advocacy, and pets play in a neurodivergent child’s development?

Summary of the Conversation:

Amanda, a dedicated military mom, shares her experience raising Leta, a vibrant and talented young dancer on the autism spectrum. The conversation dives into topics such as stimming behaviors, the impact of dyslexia on Leta’s dancing, and the ways the military lifestyle has shaped their support system. Amanda encourages parents to celebrate their child’s unique talents while offering grounded advice drawn from her own journey. Leta joins the conversation with humor and honesty, giving listeners a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a neurodivergent teenager.

About The Guest:

Amanda is a military spouse and passionate advocate for her daughter Leta, who is both autistic and dyslexic. Amanda shares practical tips and encouragement from her years navigating military life and supporting Leta’s personal and creative growth. Leta, a gifted dancer, brings her voice to the episode, showing the joy and individuality that defines her journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace your child's interests—they can become powerful tools for connection and growth.
• A structured environment can help neurodivergent children feel secure and thrive.
• Dyslexia doesn’t have to be a limitation—it can coexist with artistic talent.
• Military communities often offer unique resources and support for families with special needs.
• Let your child be part of the conversation—they have wisdom and perspective to share.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Amanda’s background and journey into autism advocacy

02:06 – Encouraging Leta’s talent in dance

11:22 – Understanding and managing stimming

14:49 – Advice for parents raising children on the spectrum

27:54 – Navigating autism within a military family

42:02 – How dyslexia affects Leta’s dance experience

55:00 – The healing and supportive role of pets

Ready to feel inspired and better equipped to support the neurodivergent children in your life?

Tune in to the full episode for heartfelt stories, expert advice, and practical encouragement.

What does true support for both parents and children in the autism community look like?

In this episode of The Autism Roundtable, Leah Gross is joined by occupational therapist JoAnna Poyssick, who shares her holistic approach to supporting families.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• What is the Skyrocket Success coaching program, and how does it support parents?
• Why is self-care essential for parents of children with autism?
• How can parents better understand and support their child's sensory needs?
• What role do gross and fine motor skills play in a child’s development?
• How can occupational therapy help families thrive together?

Summary of the Conversation:

JoAnna Poyssick brings a refreshing and compassionate lens to supporting families navigating autism. She outlines how her Skyrocket Success program combines coaching, education, and community to empower parents. JoAnna emphasizes that parent well-being directly influences a child’s progress and shares actionable advice on sensory processing, executive functioning, and skill-building. Her approach centers on acceptance, empathy, and celebrating strengths, making this a must-listen episode for caregivers and professionals alike.

About the Guest:

JoAnna Poyssick is an experienced occupational therapist who specializes in working with children on the autism spectrum. Through her virtual and in-person coaching programs, she helps parents develop the tools, mindset, and routines they need to support their child’s growth while taking care of their own well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. Parent self-care is foundational to supporting a child with autism.
2. Acceptance and mindset shifts can radically improve the family dynamic.
3. Sensory challenges require individualized strategies and patience.
4. Executive functioning and motor skills are essential for independence.
5. A strength-based approach builds confidence in both children and parents.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Joanna’s work with children on the autism spectrum

01:53 – Skyrocket Success: A parenting coaching program

03:21 – The importance of self-care for parents

04:27 – Finding support and building community

09:10 – Acceptance as a foundation for parenting

12:01 – A deeper look at the Skyrocket Success structure

16:42 – The role of occupational therapy in family life

19:41 – Creating healthy sleep routines

23:16 – Supporting children’s social and leisure activities

26:12 – Understanding sensory processing challenges

28:05 – Meeting each child’s unique sensory needs

29:31 – Modeling calm behavior for emotional regulation

30:17 – Helping children manage emotions

32:16 – The importance of gross motor development

35:16 – Encouraging self-care skills in children

38:54 – Fine motor development and executive functioning

46:27 – Addressing parental guilt and fostering acceptance

Links for the Guest:

Connect with JoAnna Poyssick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-poyssick-skyrocketsuccess/

Visit JoAnna’s website: https://www.sensationalstudentsot.com/

Call to Action:

Ready to support your child’s growth while taking care of yourself?

Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies and heartfelt insights from JoAnna Poyssick.