Autism in the Adult
Theresa M Regan, Ph.D.
Theresa Regan, Ph.D., is a rare combination of adult neuropsychologist (specialist in brain-behavior relationships), parent of an amazing child on the autism spectrum, and certified autism specialist with the IBCCES. She is deeply grateful to bring validation, hope, and purpose to individuals and their families living on the autism spectrum. With this mission at its core, she founded and directs the OSF HealthCare Adult Diagnostic Autism Clinic in central Illinois. Her books include Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults and Understanding Autistic Behaviors. For more information and to join her new online autism community for free visit www.adultandgeriatricautism.com. Join her for podcast topics related to autism in the adult.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of her employer. All listeners are encouraged to research multiple opinions about the topics discussed before making their own decisions.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of her employer. All listeners are encouraged to research multiple opinions about the topics discussed before making their own decisions.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 30, 2026 • 47min
When School Hurts: Understanding Autism and School Avoidance (EP 85)
Dr. Theresa Regan, a neuropsychologist and certified autism specialist, explains school avoidance in autistic students: how everyday school demands can overwhelm the nervous system, common warning signs, and research showing higher rates of problematic non-attendance.
The episode offers concise, practical strategies—assess schedule, sensory and social demands; build sustainable schedules with scheduled breaks and recovery time; create meaningful roles and connections at school; reduce overload without removing participation; consider homeschooling when needed; and mentor students toward gradual independence.
Dr. Regan Blog entry with research citations
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
Aug 6, 2026 • 41min
Understanding Return to School: The Autistic Nervous System Explained (EP 84)
Dr. Theresa Regan explores how school transitions and hidden daily demands tax the autistic nervous system, making participation about capacity—not motivation. She explains sensory, social, and organizational challenges that accumulate across the school day and offers a different framework for understanding school avoidance and fatigue.
This episode introduces a series on school, college, and adulthood, and includes practical ideas for designing participation, accommodations that protect recovery, and a case story about Alyssa to illustrate why early support and curiosity matter.
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
Jul 26, 2026 • 14min
Travel That Fits: Returning Home (EP 83)
This episode explores how coming home after a trip is its own important transition, especially for neurodiverse households. Dr. Theresa Regan explains how vacations can drain resilience and why the nervous system needs intentional recovery time.
Practical ideas include planning quiet re-entry days, using sensory comforts, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and honoring individual ways of refilling energy so everyone can truly feel at home again.
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
Jul 4, 2026 • 19min
Travel That Fits: Planning Vacations Around Neurologic Capacity (EP 82)
Dr. Theresa Regan explores how families can plan vacations that match each person’s nervous system and energy, focusing on managing transitions, sensory demands, and recovery. She shares practical examples—like choosing trains over airports, assigning roles, and packing regulation tools—and emphasizes choosing manageable challenges that build confidence.
The episode offers concrete questions to guide planning (e.g., what parts of the trip demand the most energy, what routines can be preserved, and how much recovery is needed) and reframes successful travel as creating conditions for participation and belonging rather than copying others’ vacations.
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
Jun 22, 2026 • 16min
Travel that Fits: Rethinking Vacations for Neurodiverse Families (EP 81)
Dr. Theresa Regan explores how vacations can serve restoration rather than appearances for neurodiverse households. She urges families to prioritize what fits each person this year—considering sensory needs, energy, and life changes—rather than following traditions or social expectations.
Practical ideas include flexible plans, staycations, and making space for different ways of recharging so everyone can return home feeling restored and connected.
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
Jun 4, 2026 • 24min
Conversation as Exchange: Three Ways We Connect (EP 80)
Dr. Theresa Regan explores how conversations move beyond exchanging information to creating connection. Using childhood play as a model, she outlines three core building blocks—making space for the other person, offering something personal, and allowing mutual influence—that help conversations feel satisfying and shared.
She explains how these principles apply in adult interactions, links them to theory of mind, and offers three reflective questions to improve everyday conversations and relationships.
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
May 21, 2026 • 33min
The Social Power of Stories: Why Conversation Is More Than Facts (EP 79)
In this episode, Dr. Theresa Regan explores how conversation often serves social and relational purposes beyond sharing facts. She explains the difference between semantic (factual) and episodic (experiential) memory, why personal stories invite connection, and how storytelling can look different across neurotypes.
Listeners will learn how to recognize conversational invitations, practice sharing sensory and emotional details, and receive stories with warmth to deepen relationships.
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
May 7, 2026 • 22min
The 'Why' of Conversation: Decoding Invitations to Connect (EP 78)
Neuropsychologist Dr. Theresa Regan explains how everyday questions can be invitations into different conversational roles and why that ambiguity can be confusing.
She offers simple strategies: ask to clarify the invitation, give a brief factual or blended response, or decline the invitation. Learning to identify the "why" of conversation helps people make clearer choices and maintain connection in ways that work for them within in neurodiverse relationships.
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
Apr 30, 2026 • 23min
When Friends Change: How Brain Development Shapes Friendship (EP 77)
Dr. Theresa Regan explains how friendships evolve with brain development and why autistic individuals may struggle when social demands change—especially in middle school and high school—exploring theory of mind, social vs. non-social emotions, and shifting friendship expectations.
The episode offers practical guidance on recognizing different friendship styles, reducing blame, and using curiosity and communication to build authentic connections.
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
Apr 23, 2026 • 33min
The Language of Play: How Fun Shapes Adult Relationships (EP76)
Dr. Theresa Regan explores how play—humor, teasing, shared activities, and quiet companionship—shapes friendships, family life, dating, work, and parenting across adulthood.
The episode explains adult play styles, how autistic and non-autistic people may experience play differently, why teasing can hurt or connect, and offers practical questions to improve understanding and closeness.
Understanding Autism Book Series
Autism in the Adult website
