Crafting Space for Unmasking and Growing | Episode 12

Meet Dr. Beaudoin, a licensed psychologist, the Executive Director at Cornerstones of Maine, and co-founder of Rubedo Young Adult Transitions. With over 10 years of experience working with neurodivergent young adults, Dr. Beaudoin shares how his program, Rubedo, is truly meeting ASD individuals where they’re at. Through a self-proclaimed “kitchen sink" approach, there are opportunities aplenty for Rubedo clients, but that doesn’t mean one-size fits all. As Chris Blankenship, founder of Autism Learning Lab, and Dr. Beaudoin explain, every individual is unique and requires a tailored approach, something Rubedo’s team is happy to provide. Full of hope, this conversation is brimming with insight on how best to serve those we love in the neurodivergent space. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Meet Dr. Eric Beaudoin 01:03 Introducing Rubedo: Supporting Autistic Young Adults 02:15 Redefining Independence for Autistic Adults 03:08 Individualized, Experiential Approaches to Therapy 05:17 Building Life Skills and Navigating the World 06:22 Learning Through Experience and Healthy Risk-Taking 07:22 Treatment vs. Acceptance: Does Autism Need Fixing? 08:35 Supporting Mental Health Without Changing Autistic Identity 10:23 Masking, Unmasking, and Autistic Burnout 11:28 Navigating Neurotypical Expectations 13:15 Creating Safe and Sensory-Friendly Environments 14:14 Autism Acceptance and Understanding Differences 15:13 Building Communication and Understanding Between Autistic Peers 16:12 Preparing for Work and Everyday Social Expectations 16:51 Helping Autistic Adults Build a Life They Want 18:16 Practicing Workplace Skills and Navigating Challenges 19:19 What If You Don't Want to Mask? 20:31 Supporting Growth Without Losing Your Authentic Self 21:17 Teaching Self-Advocacy and Communication 23:35 Neuro-Affirming vs. Neuro-Informed Approaches 25:09 Exploring Equine-Assisted Therapy 26:03 Learning Social Cues Through Animal-Assisted Therapy 27:39 Creating Opportunities for Authentic Growth 28:19 Final Thoughts: Join the Autism Conversation 29:30 Closing Remarks Instagram:   / autism.learning.lab