In this episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob dive into an important and often overlooked topic in the world of sports: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Through open conversation, personal stories, and practical insight, this episode explores what it truly means to support athletes on the spectrum both on and off the field.

We break down common misconceptions about ASD, discuss the wide range of strengths and challenges athletes may experience, and highlight strategies coaches, teammates, and parents can use to foster confidence, communication, and connection. From sensory needs and social dynamics to motivation, routine, and self-advocacy, this conversation sheds light on how athletes with ASD can thrive when given the right environment.

Our goal is simple: to raise awareness, build understanding, and remind every listener that supporting neurodiverse athletes isn’t just good coaching, it’s good humanity.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, educator, or parent, this episode offers meaningful takeaways that can help create more inclusive, empowering spaces in athletics and beyond.

ExpandAbilities MEETS — where mindset, mental health, and growth collide.

This Week on ExpandAbilities MEETS: Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Sports

On this week’s episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob tackle one of the most sensitive and vital topics in mental health—suicidal ideation. This discussion forms is centered on the awareness and skills to recognize and respond to warning signs of suicide risk among athletes. We also share the new vision of the ExpandAbilities company with helping develop the complete athlete from performance, to media exposure, to mindset.

In this deeply compassionate and informative conversation, Alex and Rob shed light on the realities of suicidal thoughts—what they mean, how they can manifest, and the unique pressures that can increase risk within the athletic environment. From performance expectations and injury recovery to identity loss and burnout, they explore the factors that may contribute to emotional crisis and isolation in sport.

The goal of this episode is to help coaches and athletes understand that early recognition, active listening, and empathetic communication can make a life-changing difference. By fostering safe, nonjudgmental spaces and connecting athletes with the right professional support, coaches can play a crucial role in prevention and hope.

Join us as we continue to open conversations that matter—breaking stigma, deepening understanding, and giving every coach the tools to support their athletes’ mental health, resilience, and overall well-being.

This Week on ExpandAbilities MEETS: Bipolar Disorder in Sports

On this week’s episode of ExpandAbilities MEETS, Alex and Rob dive into the complex and often misunderstood topic of Bipolar Disorder—a critical focus and the third module in the ExpandAbilities Coach Certification.

In this open and thought-provoking conversation, Alex and Rob reflect on real experiences and challenges faced by athletes living with bipolar disorder. From navigating mood shifts to managing energy and focus, they unpack how bipolar disorder can affect an athlete’s performance, relationships, and emotional well-being both on and off the field.

Our goal is to equip coaches with the knowledge to recognize signs of bipolar disorder and respond with compassion and confidence. By creating structured, understanding environments, coaches can play a vital role in helping athletes maintain balance, build trust, and stay engaged in their sport.

Tune in each week as we continue to explore vital mental health topics, share impactful stories, and deliver practical tools to help coaches support every athlete’s journey—mentally, emotionally, and physically.