Creating Safe Pathways: How Schools Can Support Autistic Students Through Crisis

About this episode

The episode discusses how schools can effectively support autistic students during crises through understanding and collaboration.

In this episode of Converge Autism Radio, guest host Reid Miles speaks with Dr. Alice Ackerman and Rebecca Erwin, two experienced clinicians and educators working at the intersection of autism, behavioral health, and school crisis response. Together they explore: The critical role schools play in supporting autistic students Why behavior is communication — not defiance How schools can respond to crisis without escalation What teachers and parents actually need during high-stress moments The importance of training, collaboration, and early intervention Real-world examples from clinical and educational settings How professionals can shift from fear and reactivity to understanding and partnership This is a grounded, compassionate conversation for parents, teachers, clinicians, and advocates seeking deeper insight into trauma-informed, neurodiversity-aware crisis support. Guest Websites: Dr. Alice Ackerman https://adackerman.com Rebecca Erwin www.thelarkcenter.com This episode is part of the Converge Autism Podcastathon and includes a mid-show spotlight for Springbrook Behavioral Health's newest program, All Abilities & No Filter . www.springbrookbehavioral.com…

People in this episode

Host: Reid Miles

Guests: Dr. Alice Ackerman, Rebecca Erwin

Topics covered

• supporting autistic students
• school crisis response
• behavior as communication
• trauma-informed care
• neurodiversity awareness
• teacher and parent support
• early intervention

Keywords

• autism
• school support
• crisis response
• behavior communication
• trauma-informed
• neurodiversity
• teacher training
• parent support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Springbrook Behavioral Health, All Abilities & No Filter, Converge Autism Radio, MHNR Network, LLC, The Lark Center, Converge Autism

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