Skateboards and Autism with Ally Rodriguez

About this episode

Leah Gross interviews Ally Rodriguez about Skate Haven, a nonprofit that uses skateboarding to support autistic children and their families.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Leah Gross

Guest: Ally Rodriguez

Topics covered

• skateboarding
• autism
• neurodiversity
• community building
• motor skills
• safety
• parent involvement
• bullying
• nutrition
• ADHD

Keywords

• Skate Haven
• confidence
• community
• regulation
• balance
• core strength

Mentioned in this episode

Products: skateboards, skate parks

Places: LA, Vegas

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