Description

How can a mobile therapy bus change a child’s life? In this episode of The Autism Roundtable, host Leah Gross sits down with Luba Patlakh-Kaplun, founder of Kidology Inc., to explore her journey from broadcast journalism to pioneering pediatric therapy. Discover how Luba’s innovative, whole-child approach is reshaping the landscape of care for autistic children—and empowering families along the way.

Discussion Points:

• Luba’s personal and professional journey into speech-language pathology
• The creation and success of the Kidology mobile therapy bus
• Building a community through Kidology gyms and comprehensive care
• Integrating speech, OT, PT, and behavioral therapy in one setting
• Myofunctional therapy, breathing techniques, and yoga as therapy tools
• Empowering parents to implement strategies at home
• The challenges and beauty of balancing motherhood and clinical leadership

Luba Patlakh-Kaplun shares the inspiring story behind Kidology Inc., a pediatric therapy center with a mobile arm that brings multidisciplinary care directly to children. Drawing from her own experiences as an immigrant and a mother, Luba emphasizes the power of empathy, innovation, and culturally sensitive care. She dives deep into how her team integrates multiple therapy modalities—like speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy—to serve children with autism. Listeners will also learn about her unique focus on breathing, myofunctional therapy, and movement-based interventions like yoga. Her insights offer a fresh look at how pediatric therapy can be both holistic and deeply human.

About The Guest:

Luba Patlakh-Kaplun is a licensed speech-language pathologist and the founder of Kidology Inc., a thriving pediatric therapy center that includes mobile and in-clinic services. With a background in broadcast journalism and a deep passion for helping children with disabilities, Luba brings creativity and compassion to every aspect of her work. She is also a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for immigrant families navigating autism services.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation in Access: The mobile therapy bus removes barriers by delivering therapy directly to schools and communities.
• Holistic Approach: Combining speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapy leads to better outcomes for children.
• Parental Empowerment: Therapy doesn’t end in the clinic—parents are key partners in progress.
• Cultural Sensitivity Matters: A bilingual, culturally informed lens enhances therapeutic trust and impact.
• Breathing is Foundational: Myofunctional therapy and breathwork can dramatically improve communication and regulation.

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Background

01:05 – Inspiration and Career Path

02:08 – Innovative Mobile Therapy Clinic

05:30 – Kidology Gyms and Community Impact

08:35 – Multidisciplinary Approach to Therapy

15:16 – Speech Therapy and Autism

24:15 – Parental Involvement and Home Strategies

26:47 – Introduction to Bilingual Background

28:49 – Navigating Autism as an Immigrant Parent

31:42 – Balancing Motherhood and Therapy

35:46 – Understanding Myofunctional Therapy

42:59 – The Importance of Breathing Techniques

47:16 – Incorporating Yoga in Therapy

Curious how pediatric therapy can be both innovative and personal?

Tune in to the full episode to learn how Luba is revolutionizing therapy for autistic children—and how her strategies can inspire your own parenting or practice.