Resilience Coaching Collective

Beyond Labels: Shattering Barriers in Autism & Mental Health

Maribel C. Stikeleather, M. Ed., BCBA, QBA, LBA

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0:00 | 26:17

Note: This episode was recorded in 2025, the language used during the session was Tag-Lish (a combination of “Tagalog, main language in the Philippines, and English”).

In this special Autism Awareness Month episode of Coaching for Change, we take a deep dive into the intersection of autism and mental health, and why it’s time to move beyond labels and focus on individual experiences, needs, and strengths.

We’ll explore the misconceptions, stigma, and systemic challenges that autistic individuals often face, especially when it comes to co-occurring mental health conditions. This episode sheds light on the importance of affirming environments, accessible supports, and constructional conversations that empower rather than pathologize.

Whether you’re a clinician, educator, family member, or someone living this reality, this episode will offer insight, empathy, and action steps to help us break down barriers and build more inclusive and supportive systems.

Topics include:

•Overlap between autism and mental health

•Challenges of being misdiagnosed or misunderstood

•The role of safe spaces in identity and emotional regulation

•How to apply a constructional coaching approach in support and advocacy

Let’s create a future where neurodivergent voices are not just heard—but valued and celebrated.

#AutismAwarenessMonth #MentalHealthMatters #BeyondLabels #CoachingForChange #Neurodiversity #ConstructionalApproach #PodcastForInclusion

Thanks for joining Resilience Coaching Collective!

We explore neurodiversity-affirming, evidence-based strategies inspired by Israel Goldiamond’s constructional approach (expanded by T.V. Joe Layng and rooted in B.F. Skinner’s science) that build strengths and repertoires rather than simply eliminate problem behaviors.

This episode is part of our ongoing inclusion initiative, Spectrum Speaks, a Behavioral Teaching Solutions project dedicated to amplifying neurodivergent voices and creating safe spaces for growth.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to our weekly conversations that turn challenges into lasting capabilities.

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Backlog gems from 2025 + fresh episodes in 2026 — see you next time!

#ResilienceCoachingCollective #ConstructionalApproach #Neurodiversity #ActuallyAutistic #BCBA

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Maribel C. Stikeleather, M. Ed., BCBA, QBA, LBA