Autism Labs

What if technology could help autistic adults become safer, more independent, and more engaged in everyday life?

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr continues his conversation with Mike Courtney, founder of Daily Living Labs, about the future of technology and autism support.

Mike Courtney is a futurist, angel investor, professor, and innovator exploring how artificial intelligence, smart home technology, robotics, and community collaboration can improve daily living for individuals with disabilities.

Together, they explore practical ways technology can support families raising children and adults with higher support needs.

This episode covers:

• How smart home technology can improve safety for autistic adults
• Why independence requires more than just protection
• Using AI to discover solutions families may have stopped searching for
• Reducing caregiver stress through better tools and systems
• The future possibilities of robotics in disability support
• Creating communities where families, researchers, and innovators solve problems together

A major theme throughout the conversation is that technology should not replace human connection, it should strengthen it.

For many families, the biggest challenge is not a lack of love or effort. It is finding enough time, resources, and support to create the best possible quality of life.

Daily Living Labs is working toward a future where technology helps bridge that gap.

If you are a parent of a profoundly autistic child or adult, caregiver, educator, therapist, or disability professional, this conversation offers practical ideas and hope for what is possible.

🔗 CONNECT WITH MIKE COURTNEY
 Website: https://dailylivinglabs.com/

What if the tools to improve daily life for individuals with autism are already within reach?

In this episode of Autism Labs, host Mike Carr is joined by futurist, researcher and entrepreneur Mike Courtney to explore how AI and everyday technology can support individuals with complex and profound autism.

Rather than focusing on abstract innovation, this conversation centers on real-world applications families and caregivers can use today. From leveraging smartphones to teach communication skills to using sensor-based data to better understand behavior, this episode highlights practical, accessible solutions.

Mike Courtney introduces the concept of “Daily Living Labs” a community-driven approach to identifying unmet needs, discovering existing tools and building new solutions through collaboration.

Key takeaways include:
• How AI can help nonverbal individuals learn communication
• Using personalized video modeling to teach life skills
• Why sleep and biometric data are critical to behavior outcomes
• The shift from periodic to continuous monitoring in caregiving
• How smart environments can support independence and safety
• The importance of community in solving complex challenges

This episode is essential for parents, caregivers, therapists and professionals seeking practical ways to improve quality of life for individuals with autism.

🔗 Learn more: https://dailylivinglabs.com/

Choosing the right autism program isn’t just about services, it’s about culture, communication and trust.

In Part 3 of this series, Johnna Oppermann, a consultant with over two decades of experience working with autism nonprofits and families joins Mike Carr to break down the hidden factors that determine whether a program succeeds or fails.

This episode focuses on real-world challenges faced by parents and caregivers of profoundly autistic teens and adults, including fear-driven decision-making, communication breakdowns and the importance of building sustainable, human-centered programs.

You’ll learn how to evaluate autism services beyond surface-level offerings and what truly matters for long-term success.

🔗 CONNECT WITH Johnna Oppermann

Email: [email protected] 

Not all autism programs are built the same and choosing the wrong one can have lasting consequences.

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr continues his conversation with autism consultant Johnna Oppermann to explore what truly defines a high-quality autism program.

From intake and transition planning to staff culture and retention, this episode breaks down the critical factors that influence whether individuals with profound autism succeed or struggle in a program.

You’ll learn why fast enrollment can be a red flag, how poor intake processes lead to failure and why staff experience directly impacts participant outcomes. The conversation also highlights the importance of transparency, parent involvement and adapting environments to reduce behavioral triggers.

If you’re a parent, caregiver or professional supporting autistic teens or adults, this episode will help you make more informed, confident decisions.

🔗 CONNECT WITH Johnna Oppermann

Email: [email protected] 

What actually makes an autism program safe, sustainable and trustworthy?

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Johnna Oppermann, a leading expert in residential and day programs for individuals with profound autism.

Drawing on decades of experience, Johnna explains why culture, not facilities, funding or programming, is the foundation of effective autism care.

For parents navigating the transition to adulthood, this conversation addresses one of the biggest fears:

What happens to my child when I’m no longer here?

This episode explores how staffing, communication and trust directly impact behavior, safety and long-term outcomes for individuals with autism and IDD.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver or professional, this episode offers practical insight into building and choosing programs that truly support individuals with profound autism.

🔗 CONNECT WITH Johnna Oppermann

Email: [email protected] 

Sleep is one of the biggest and most exhausting challenges for families living with autism.

In this episode of Autism Labs, host Mike Carr shares 8 real-world strategies that have helped his son sleep over the past 30 years.

This isn’t a clinical checklist. It's a lived experience.

From physical and mental exhaustion to sensory tools, supplements and unexpected approaches like letting your child self-regulate at night this episode explores what actually helps (and what doesn’t).

If you’re raising or supporting someone with profound autism, this conversation offers practical ideas and something even more important: Reassurance that you’re not alone.

In this episode:

• Autism sleep problems and why they persist into adulthood
• Behavior, routine and environmental factors
• Sensory strategies: Sound, visuals and overstimulation
• Medication vs natural approaches
• Caregiver burnout and sleep deprivation

🎧 Whether you’re a parent, caregiver or professional. This episode delivers honest insight into one of the toughest parts of autism care.

In Part 2 of this powerful Autism Labs conversation, Mike Carr sits down with Glenn Carter (Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 15+ years of experience) to explore one of the most complex topics in autism care: the relationship between medication, behavior, and everyday life factors.

Many families rely on medication to manage aggression, focus, or sleep challenges. But as Glenn explains, without clear data and defined goals, medication can become a cycle of side effects rather than solutions.

This episode dives deeper into the often-overlooked drivers of behavior, including:

• Sleep quality and its impact on daily functioning
• Nutrition and blood sugar regulation
• Environmental sensitivities (allergies, weather changes)
• Exercise and stress regulation
• The balance between structured work and leisure

You’ll also hear practical strategies for:

• Tracking behavior effectively
• Communicating better with medical professionals
• Adjusting daily routines based on your child’s needs
• Building a meaningful, fulfilling life not just reducing behavior

The episode closes with a powerful reminder:
 Progress is possible. The answer may not be here today, but it can come tomorrow.

What Happens After ABA Ends? Real Strategies for Autism Adults

Most autism therapy is designed for children,but what happens when those services end?

In this episode of Autism Labs, Mike Carr speaks with Glenn Carter (BCBA, 15+ years experience) about the critical transition from structured therapy to adulthood, especially for individuals with profound autism and high-support needs.

Glenn shares practical insights from working across the full autism lifespan, from early intervention to adult care and explains why many individuals struggle after services stop.

You’ll learn:

• Why autism progress can regress after therapy ends
• The shift from artificial reinforcement to real-world motivation
• How to support nonverbal communication in adults
• Why behavior challenges often increase after age 18
• How to build meaningful connection, not just compliance
• A better way to think about independence and quality of life

This episode is essential listening for parents, caregivers and professionals supporting autistic teens and adults.

What happens when someone is labeled “unemployable”… but given a chance anyway?

In this episode, Mike Carr continues his conversation with Tom Landis and Jeff Schiefelbein of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, a company creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.

They share powerful, real-world stories of autistic adults who were once overlooked but are now thriving in structured, supportive work environments.

The conversation explores the gap after age 22, the limitations of current systems, and why meaningful work can dramatically improve quality of life not just for individuals, but for entire families.

One of the most important takeaways:

We may not have solved everything… yet.

Tom Landis and Jeff Schiefelbein

🔗 VISIT HOWDY HOMEMADE: https://howdyhomemade.com/ 

Finding meaningful employment for autistic adults is one of the biggest challenges families face especially after age 18 or 22 when services begin to disappear.

In this episode of Autism Labs, host Mike Carr speaks with Tom Landis, founder of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream and Jeff Schiefelbein, to explore how businesses can successfully employ individuals with autism and other special needs.

They discuss how structured environments, checklists and consistent coaching help individuals thrive and why the shift from “can’t” to “not yet” is critical for long-term growth and independence.

You’ll hear real stories of transformation, insights into building inclusive workplaces and practical ideas for parents, caregivers and professionals seeking better outcomes for autistic adults.

If you’re searching for:

• Jobs for autistic adults
• Autism transition to adulthood
• Adult autism services
• Employment for individuals with special needs

This episode offers both hope and a path forward.

Tom Landis and Jeff Schiefelbein

🔗 VISIT HOWDY HOMEMADE: https://howdyhomemade.com/