A lot of parents have heard that autism is "more common in boys" - but that simple line can raise big questions (and sometimes big worries). In this episode, Maya Talukdar from Harvard Medical Schooll joins Paul to help us sort out what might be going on, from how girls can be overlooked or mislabeled to the fascinating idea that some girls may have a built-in "buffer" that makes autism harder to spot. We'll translate the science into real-life takeaways—what parents should notice, and how this knowledge can lead to earlier support for kids who need it.

In this episode, Paul And Maya discuss the following:

1. Is Autism Really More Common in Boys? - What the Numbers Say - and What They Don't…
2. Why Girls Can Get Missed: Masking, Different Symptoms, and How Stereotypes Shape Diagnoses
3. The "Female Protective Effect" in Plain English: A Possible Built-In Buffer (and Why It Matters)
4. What Parents Can Do Next: Signs to Watch For, and Where Research May Help Families Soon

What should parents know before bringing an autistic child to the ER or doctor's office? This episode offers real-world strategies and expert insight to help you advocate for better care.

In this episode, Paul sits down with Mojdeh Mostafavi, a Master of Public Health (MPH) candidate at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, to explore how and why the health care system often falls short for autistic patients—and what parents can do to better prepare.

Drawing from both her academic training and personal experience growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum, Mojdeh offers practical, compassionate guidance for families facing medical visits, hospitalizations, and emergencies.

Together, they discuss:

• Why traditional health care environments can be especially difficult for autistic individuals
• How parents can prepare for doctor's visits, procedures, and ER situations
• The often-overlooked transition from pediatric to adult care—and why it matters
• What autism-informed care really looks like (and how it benefits the whole family)

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or health care professional, this conversation will give you actionable insights to advocate more effectively and create better experiences for autistic patients.

What happens when years of neurodiversity advocacy collide with the reality of raising an autistic child?

In this episode, Paul talks with Charles Kransberger, a neurodiversity expert and father, about his journey and insights. They explore practical strategies for supporting autistic children, planning for the future, and creating meaningful opportunities at home, in school, and in the workplace. Plus, Charles shares his vision for a more inclusive world—and what parents and organizations can do today to make it real.

• Charles personal journey as a neurodiversity advocate

• His perspective as a Dad and how it reframed his view of autism after working in the Field for years

• Neurodiversity in Practice — Insights from the Field

• Charles' practical advice for Dads

• The Future of Neuroinclusion