We explore how to build autism services that work at scale without burning out the people who make them possible. Michael Conte shares why consistency beats intensity, how leadership must be taught, and how parent partnerships drive real progress at home.

• systems thinking for clinics as they grow
• telescope vs microscope approach to problems
• balancing child needs, provider capacity, and family reality
• consistency over intensity for hours and schedules
• early buy-in with insurers and realistic utilization
• burnout feedback loops and how to break them
• leadership curriculum for BCBAs and managers
• 90-day onboarding for families and staff
• parent data on sleep, hunger, and routine changes
• retention through intrinsic motivation and clear programming
• documenting vision to expose gaps and scale

If this topic sparks something for you and you'd like to explore that connection between leadership and marketing and creating teams that stay, I'm co-hosting a short workshop called Hire to Stay Leadership and Marketing Strategies on Wednesday, November 5th from 12:30 to 1.05 p.m. It's a focused 35 minute session designed to help leaders and business owners take what they already know about people and make it part of how they attract and keep talent. You can find the link to register in the show notes. I'd love to see you there.

Download's Micheal's free "Potty Training Guide" here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YflUyW5Stxhv3453qAJzUwtV7G5CF9W7IDZe4t1jD0M/edit?usp=sharing

Looking to connect your leadership approach with how you attract and retain great talent?
Join Wendy Manganaro for a free 35-minute workshop, Hire to Stay: Leadership & Marketing Strategies, on Wednesday, November 5, from 12:30–1:05 PM ET.
It’s designed for leaders and business owners seeking practical, people-centered strategies to build lasting teams.
Register here → https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XBSzIhfQTm-NEycZ-OVyyQ

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When Michael Vassar’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder and later autism, his family’s journey took an unexpected turn. In this candid conversation, Michael shares how “Welcome to Holland,” Emily Perl Kingsley’s well-known poem, became a touchstone for reframing expectations — and finding unexpected beauty on a different path.

We talk about the early shock of diagnosis, the long waits for services, the power of parent-to-parent connection, and the little victories that make the hardest days worth it. Michael also brings insight from his work in autism care technology, offering practical tips for families navigating the post-diagnosis gap.

Whether you’re just beginning this journey or years down the road, this episode is a reminder that while the destination may not be what you first imagined, it can still be deeply meaningful — and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Inspired by Emily Perl Kingsley’s poem “Welcome to Holland.”

Read Emily Perl Kingsley’s full poem, “Welcome to Holland,” here: https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-holland

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Amanda Cox, leadership development trainer and consultant, shares insights on how leadership in autism centers directly impacts family experiences and client outcomes.

• Leadership in ABA requires constant "chameleonism" – switching between different communication styles and audiences quickly
• Trust-based leadership creates psychological safety through transparency, not avoiding hard conversations
• BCBAs and parents must understand each other's perspectives for effective partnerships
• Biological readiness (eating, hydration, rest) forms the foundation for handling clinic challenges
• Leaders model behavior – if they don't practice self-care, staff won't either
• Normalizing feedback creates cultures where communication improves and burnout decreases
• Young professionals entering the field need both clinical and leadership skills
• Effective leadership means asking for help appropriately and delegating tasks
• Balancing professional boundaries while remaining human is essential for longevity

Connect with Amanda Cox at the Know Better Company to learn more about leadership development for ABA professionals.

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