Episode notes
Psychology professor and award-winning children’s author Lisa joins Dr. Nazif to unpack why early, honest conversations about autism, bullying, and diversity belong in kids’ literature—and how stories can shape kinder, more inclusive adults. Drawing on 11 years in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), early intervention work, and her bestselling Let’s Talk series, Lisa shares practical ways parents and educators can use books to build empathy, social skills, and understanding. Lisa traces her path from ABA specialist to author-educator, explains what autism is (a neurodevelopmental difference, not a deficit), and offers concrete tips for selecting and discussing books at home and in classrooms. She also talks candidly about responsible representation, collaborating with neurodiverse illustrators, and the chan ...