Acorns to Oaks

Make Belief
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  • MENTAL HEALTH

Raising a child is never one-size-fits-all, and neither is therapy. Acorns to Oaks is a podcast about helping children grow, families feel supported, and care feel more human. Hosted by behavior analysts and healthcare professionals, each episode explores the real-world challenges families face, breaking down ABA, child development, feeding, behavior, and the systems that shape care today. We believe in individualized treatment, compassionate care, and asking the most important question first: what matters most to your family?

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    The Science of Friendship | Social Skills, Bullying, and the PEERS Program

    Kristine and Sarah discuss social skills, friendship development, bullying, cyberbullying, and the UCLA PEERS® program for autistic teens and young adults. This episode explores:  how friendships actually form  socially rejected vs socially neglected profiles  common interests and connection  meaningful friendship  social isolation  parent support  direct social skills instruction  online safety and cyberbullying An insightful conversation about why social connection matters deeply for long-term happiness and emotional well-being. Many people assume social skills are something children naturally “pick up,” but research and clinical experience show that social interaction is often a teachable skill set. This episode discusses the UCLA PEERS® program, which approaches friendship scientifically through direct instruction, rehearsal, modeling, and real-world practice. The conversation also challenges some traditional advice often given to children, such as:  forcing introductions  “just go tell a teacher”  assuming shared diagnoses automatically create friendships  believing social success should happen naturally Kristine and Sarah discuss how meaningful friendship is built through common interests, psychological safety, shared experiences, and gradual connection over time.

    36 min

  2. MAY 14

    Navigating ABA Insurance and Funding in California

    In this episode of Acorns to Oaks, Kristine and Sarah are joined by Nurture & Nature ABA’s Chief Operations Officer, Kevin Jackson, to discuss how ABA therapy is funded in California. They break down private insurance, Medi-Cal, regional centers, autism diagnosis requirements, deductibles, co-insurance, authorizations, appeals, and what families should know when navigating access to care. This conversation also explores the real world challenges families and providers face when insurance delays, denials, or funding changes interrupt services.

    52 min

  3. MAY 7

    Helping Kids Expand Their Diet Without Force

    Kristine and Sarah discuss compassionate food expansion, picky eating, sensory sensitivities, comfort foods, peer modeling, and why children should never be forced into eating new foods. They explore practical ABA-informed strategies like Plate A/Plate B, gradual exposure, Pivotal Response Treatment, and the importance of collaboration between families, doctors, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and behavior analysts.

    32 min

  4. MAY 1

    Why Forcing Kids to Eat Can Backfire: Rethinking Feeding Therapy

    Feeding challenges in children, especially those with autism, are far more complex than “just getting them to eat.” In this episode of Acorns to Oaks, Kristine and Sarah explore the science, psychology, and real-world experiences behind food aversion, selective eating, and feeding therapy. They unpack why outdated methods like force-feeding and “just make them eat it” can actually cause long-term harm, including trauma and disordered eating patterns. Instead, they advocate for a more compassionate, interdisciplinary approach that considers sensory input, autonomy, family dynamics, and developmental stages. From early warning signs in infancy to the emotional toll on parents, this conversation highlights why feeding is one of the most misunderstood challenges in child development—and what we can do better.

    21 min

  5. MAY 1

    Medications in ABA Therapy: Side Effects, ADHD Treatment, and What Parents Should Know

    In this episode of Acorns to Oaks, we explore how medications are used alongside ABA therapy and what parents should know about benefits, risks, and side effects. From ADHD stimulants like Ritalin to antipsychotic medications often prescribed for autism-related behaviors, we break down how these treatments work, what changes you might see, and why monitoring is essential. We also discuss common side effects such as appetite suppression, sleep disruption, and behavioral changes, as well as more serious risks that require close attention. This episode highlights the importance of collaboration between parents, behavior analysts, and medical providers to ensure safe and effective care. If you are navigating ABA therapy, autism support, or ADHD treatment, this conversation will help you ask better questions and make more informed decisions for your child.

    40 min

  6. APR 16

    The Future of ABA: Value-Based Care Explained

    In this episode of Acorns to Oaks, we explore the evolving landscape of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the growing shift toward value-based care. After attending a recent industry conference, we break down what these changes mean for providers, families, and the future of care. We discuss what ABA is at its core, address common critiques of the field, and examine the potential impact of tying treatment to outcomes rather than time. Most importantly, we ask the critical question: who gets to define “progress” — and what happens when access, resources, and real-life variables are part of the equation? This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about where ABA has been, where it’s going, and how to ensure care remains compassionate, individualized, and effective for every family.

    30 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Raising a child is never one-size-fits-all, and neither is therapy. Acorns to Oaks is a podcast about helping children grow, families feel supported, and care feel more human. Hosted by behavior analysts and healthcare professionals, each episode explores the real-world challenges families face, breaking down ABA, child development, feeding, behavior, and the systems that shape care today. We believe in individualized treatment, compassionate care, and asking the most important question first: what matters most to your family?

Information

  • Creator
    Make Belief
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nurture and Nature ABA
  • Show Website
    Acorns to Oaks