Can a skateboard become a lifeline? In this episode, we meet Ally Rodriguez, founder of Skate Haven, an autism skateboarding nonprofit turning wheels and ramps into regulation, confidence, and community for neurodivergent kids and their families.

Discussion Points

• Ally’s journey from interior design to founding Skate Haven, inspired by her son.
• Sensory and motor benefits of skating: vestibular/proprioceptive input, balance, coordination.
• Safety, skate park etiquette, and coaching strategies for elopers and timid starters.
• Parent involvement, community building, and “finding your tribe.”
• Program design: one-on-one lessons, small groups, staff training, and special interests.
• Addressing bullying and inclusion in schools; Ambassador Program vision.
• Nutrition, ADHD, regulation, and practical takeaways for calmer days.

Leah Gross talks with Ally Rodriguez about launching Skate Haven, a nonprofit delivering one-on-one and small-group skateboarding sessions tailored for autistic kids.

Ally explains how rhythmic motion and repetition help with regulation, while skating naturally builds balance, core strength, and confidence. The program emphasizes safety, park etiquette, and meeting each child where they are—often weaving in special interests to boost motivation. Parents are encouraged to participate, building a supportive community that extends beyond sessions. Ally shares expansion efforts in LA and Vegas, partnerships with adaptive skate organizations, and an upcoming Ambassador Program to foster inclusion and reduce bullying. She also touches on brain-health nutrition and lifestyle changes that have helped her family. The throughline: you’re not alone—there are joyful, strengths-based outlets that work.

About The Guest

Ally Rodriguez is the founder of Skate Haven, an autism skateboarding nonprofit offering social-recreation and therapeutic-adjacent skate sessions. A single mom to an autistic son, Ally draws on lived experience, community partnerships, and a background in health/nutrition to create safe, motivating environments for neurodivergent kids.

Time Stamps

00:00 Origin story: mom, nonprofit founder, and the spark for Skate Haven

01:11 From “other clinics” to skate: pushing for social-rec approval

02:58 Why skating helps: rhythm, repetition, regulation

03:41 OT crossover: balance, core, coordination

05:13 Onboarding timid learners; matching coach to child

06:55 Ally’s parenting journey as a single autism mom

08:37 Juggling therapies and work without sacrificing services

09:31 ADHD, energy outlets, and why skating fits

10:31 Parents as community; support beyond sessions

12:50 Environmental tweaks: quieter parks, interest-based games

15:08 Success story: Carter’s confidence and progression

19:20 What’s missing: parent outlets and connection

21:56 Training coaches: patience, safety, flexibility, ABA-savvy staff

25:29 School inclusion, bus challenges, and advocacy

30:52 Brain-health nutrition and practical shifts at home

Ready to explore strength-based recreation for your child?

Tune in to the full episode for practical strategies, uplifting stories, and next steps you can try this week.