There’s No Reason This Can’t Also Be Fun
with Amanda “Mandy” Ralston
Behavior Bites Podcast - Ep61April 23, 2025Have you ever felt out of place like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole?
What if I told you that you have the power to create spaces where you and others could belong?
During today’s meal— I speak with a queer, neurodivergent entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in behavior analysis. We discuss what it means to be a leader, imbedding self care throughout the day, creating your own accommodations, and her favorite dishes from around the world!
-
Amuse-Bouche
What’s your main driving force for being a “Serial Entrepreneur”?
Appetizer
How did you get into Behavior Analysis?
What does the phrase “It’s not binary” mean to you?
Palate Cleanser
You’ve presented all over the world. Describe the best dish you’ve ever had!
Entree
What’s a typical day in your life look like?
Something you wish you could have told yourself when getting started?
A time you failed, and what did you learn from that experience?
Dessert
Describe one of your biggest wins
How do you practice self-care?
How do you hope the data you gain will be used to improve public policy for neurodivergent people?
Excerpts from the Episode
(*Paraphrased highlights)-
My typical day is a reflection of my many roles as a behavior analyst, entrepreneur, and advocate for neurodiversity. I like to start my mornings with a mental health ritual that always puts me in a good mood: hunting for memes to share on social media. It’s a fun way to blend humor with thought-provoking content while engaging with my community. I also prioritize physical fitness, so I often kick off the day with weightlifting or another form of exercise to get energized.
Once my workday begins, I dive into my role as the CEO of NonBinary Solutions, where I lead my team in developing innovative tools like Knowetic™, a platform designed to standardize autism treatment while keeping care individualized. My day is filled with problem-solving, collaborating with others, and strategizing ways to improve outcomes for neurodivergent individuals. I also love participating in speaking engagements and podcasts to share my thoughts on behavior analysis, technology, and equity in healthcare.
In the evenings, I tend to hit one of my favorite restaurants and then I enjoy unwinding with my cats, Watson, Thorndike, and Schrodinger (yes, they’re named after behavioral/science pioneers), who always make me smile. My days are a mix of innovation, advocacy, humor, and personal fulfillment—a balance that reflects my passion for improving lives through both science and creativity.
-
A time you failed, and what did you learn from that experience?
I have failed so many times at this point I know it is just part of the process. I liken it to tripping over a crack in the sidewalk. You can look back briefly but then you just keep going.
Something you wish you could have told yourself when getting started?
People far dumber than you have figured this out.
Describe one of your biggest wins
My second grade crush that called me “gay” thinks I’m cool now.
-
If there were no barriers or constraints, what would be your dream project?
I’m doing it now. Building Knowetic.ai is my dream project. I really want to make software that will change the world for constituents of neurodivergent care.
What’s something people seem to misunderstand about you?
Just because I’m funny doesn’t mean I’m not to be taken seriously. #ItsNotBinary
One thing people are surprised to find out about you?
I’m from West Virginia and I live in Kentucky.
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
When I arrived at my brother’s memorial service, his executive officer said, “Your brother said you would have made a Hell of a Marine.”
Describe yourself with one word.
Perspicacious
ABOUT Mandy
Amanda “Mandy” Ralston, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, IBA
Founder & CEO | Serial Entrepreneur | Neurodiversity & DEI Advocate | Visionary Speaker | Creative Problem-Solver
Amanda Ralston is a queer, neurodivergent serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in behavior analysis. Certified as a behavior analyst since 2002, Mandy has founded and scaled two clinics that delivered life-changing applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to hundreds of families, schools, and individuals with autism and other developmental or intellectual disabilities. Her successful exit in 2019 to the fourth-largest ABA provider in the U.S. marked a significant milestone in her career.
Mandy is recognized internationally as a thought leader in behavior analysis, ethics, outcomes, and practice. She has served as a Subject Matter Expert on global panels, sharing her expertise to shape the future of the field. As a dynamic and sought-after speaker, she addresses audiences worldwide on topics including autism spectrum issues and her acclaimed talk, “#ItsNotBinary: Avoiding Binary Thinking in Work, Life, and Social Media.”
Her accolades include being a two-time nominee for Small Businessperson of the Year (2015, 2017) and the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Autism Innovation Award at the Autism Investor Summit.
Mandy’s latest venture, NonBinary Solutions, pioneers cutting-edge data analytics and technology, developing Clinical Decision Support Systems to empower ABA providers and stakeholders within the neurodiversity ecosystem.
Mandy is deeply committed to reshaping how the world perceives autism and advancing the field of behavior analysis. Her work centers on fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, driven by the belief that diverse perspectives are essential to meaningful change.
CONNECT with Mandy
Instagram: @amemeda_ralston & @nonbinary_solutionsLinkedIn: Amanda Ralston, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA - NonBinary SolutionsFacebook: Amanda Mandy RalstonWebsites: nonbinarysolutions.com & amandaralston.comPlease support our podcast by leaving a rating or review!
(When on Apple Podcasts, scroll down the episodes to find the review area.)
Visit my Podcast page to learn more about Behavior Bites!
