What happens when autism, anxiety, and OCD look so similar that even caring parents and professionals can't tell what's driving the behavior? In this episode of the Fear Less podcast, host Zack talks with Dr. Alison LaFollette, Clinical Director at Mountain Valley Treatment Center, about why these conditions so often overlap—and how to start separating what's sensory, what's anxiety, and what's OCD. Dr. LaFollette explains the core autism criteria (social communication differences plus rigidity/routines, transitions, specific interests, and sensory sensitivities) and shares why anxiety is so common for neurodivergent kids navigating a world not built for them.

They also dig into treatment: ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) can work for autistic teens with anxiety/OCD, but it often needs smart adjustments. Dr. LaFollette highlights the importance of practicing exposures across many settings (so learning generalizes), building real-life skills alongside ERP, and checking understanding with open-ended reflection instead of "Does that make sense?" The takeaway for parents: the goal isn't "no accommodations" or "accommodate everything"—it's a balanced plan that reduces suffering, supports regulation, and helps your child build a meaningful, more independent life.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Emily Swiatek, "Girl Unmasked: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life."

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Parenting a teen with anxiety can feel confusing, contradictory, and emotionally exhausting. In this episode Zack breaks down what he calls the five key dichotomies of parenting an anxious child—the opposing truths parents must hold at the same time in order to truly help their teen grow. From being compassionate and firm, to offering support while allowing struggle, this episode speaks directly to parents who feel stuck between "doing too much" and "not doing enough."

Drawing from years of clinical work with anxious adolescents, Zach offers practical guidance for navigating common parenting challenges such as school avoidance, emotional overwhelm, boundary setting, and fear-driven decision making. Parents will learn why progress isn't linear, how to reduce anxiety without reinforcing avoidance, and how to lead with confidence even when anxiety is loud. This episode is especially helpful for parents of teens struggling with anxiety, OCD, or emotional regulation—and for anyone looking to parent with clarity, balance, and long-term resilience in mind.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Victor Frankel, author of the book "Man's Search for Meaning".

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Change is hard—especially when fear and anxiety get in the way. In this solo episode of Fear Less, our host Zack Schafer breaks down why change feels so uncomfortable and how to approach it in a realistic, sustainable way. Drawing from the Stages of Change model and insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear, Zach explains how habits form, why relapse is part of growth, and how small, consistent actions lead to lasting change.

Whether you're setting New Year intentions or feeling stuck between wanting change and fearing it, this episode offers practical guidance, reassurance, and a compassionate framework for moving forward—one step at a time.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits.

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

What does effective anxiety treatment actually look like for teens and young adults—and how do you know when it's time for a higher level of care? In this powerful and deeply thoughtful episode Zack speaks with River, a college student who has lived with anxiety and OCD since early childhood. River shares how her anxiety intensified through adolescence, leading to depression, self-harm, hospitalizations, and ultimately residential treatment. She walks listeners through her experience with OCD, somatic anxiety, fear of illness, and how untreated anxiety can quietly derail school, relationships, and self-confidence.

This episode offers parents and young people a rare inside look at what anxiety treatment can involve—from inpatient care to residential OCD treatment, exposure and response prevention (ERP), trauma work, and the challenges of transitioning to college. River reflects on returning to treatment as a motivated young adult, learning skills to manage intrusive thoughts, people-pleasing, and uncertainty, and eventually rebuilding her confidence through independent living and college re-entry. Her story is both reassuring and practical, reminding families that anxiety recovery is not linear—but with the right support, healing is possible. If you're a parent wondering how to help a teen with anxiety, or a young person feeling stuck and overwhelmed, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and real-world insight into what effective anxiety treatment can look like.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from the inspirational Helen Keller to help you open up to Fear Less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Why are so many teens struggling with anxiety right now—and what can parents actually do to help? In this episode, Zack speaks with psychologist Dr. Rachel Gingold, who brings nearly 30 years of experience treating adolescents and families. Together, they unpack how the COVID years disrupted social development, increased avoidance, and intensified anxiety for teens everywhere.

Dr. Gingold explains why previously confident kids may now fear everyday tasks, how to recognize when anxiety is driving behavior, and why supportive challenge—not protection—is the key to rebuilding confidence. Parents will learn practical ways to help teens re-engage with life, strengthen identity, and move toward healthy independence.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Tracee Ellison Ross, actor and to help you open up to Fear Less!

Dr. Gingold's private practice is- https://www.fhwsonline.com/rachel-gingold-phd

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

In this episode Zack talks with Dr. Will White about the hidden ways men experience fear, anxiety, and major life transitions. Will shares candid stories from fatherhood, leadership, loss, and aging, while Zack reflects on overworking, anger, and becoming a father again. Together they highlight how men often express anxiety through anger, shutting down, or work—rather than naming it for what it is.

They also explore healthier alternatives: men's retreats, movement, meditation, community, and asking for help before things reach a breaking point. Will explains why nature, honest conversation, and structured support can help men "turn the compost heap" of stress, rather than let it build into isolation. The episode closes with a reminder for men—and those who love them—that you don't have to carry everything alone.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Terry Crews, actor and mental health advocate to help you open up to Fear Less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Is having another child an anxiety provoking experience? Our host Zack Shafer returns for a solo episode reflecting on the arrival of his second child, baby Meli and how becoming a parent again reshaped his understanding of fear and anxiety. He revisits the worries he had before his first child's birth—fears about not having life perfectly organized—and how becoming a dad taught him that anxiety doesn't disappear, but you learn you can handle uncertainty anyway. With more experience under his belt, Zack describes approaching this second birth with less panic and more presence, recognizing how exposure—doing something hard once—builds confidence the next time around.

He also explores the unique fears that surfaced as he became a father to a daughter and how societal expectations shaped his protective instincts. The episode expands into a powerful conversation about men's mental health, the pressure many fathers feel to "hold everything together," and how rarely dads are asked how they're coping. Zack encourages parents—especially fathers—to talk openly about stress, seek support, and remember that you don't need to be perfect to be a good parent. You just need to show up, stay aware, and keep going.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Ama H. Vanniarachchy, author and anthropologist to help you Fear Less!

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.

Zack's episode about anxiety related to his first child was first released in July of 2024- 36. Fear, Fatherhood, and Transformation: Zack's Journey to Becoming a Dad

What happens when a teen who once struggled with anxiety and OCD grows up to help others face those same fears? In this episode Zack welcomes former Mountain Valley client, now Child Mind Institute clinician John Wyetzner, as he shares his powerful journey from school avoidance and OCD to evidence-based recovery. This episode unpacks what Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) truly looks like, how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports values-driven change, and the vital role of community in healing.

For parents and clinicians, John offers practical insights into tackling intrusive thoughts, reassurance-seeking, and family accommodation. Discover actionable tips to help teens generalize their therapeutic gains back to home and school environments. This podcast provides clear resources, real hope, and essential next steps for effectively treating teen anxiety and OCD.

Zack's Hack- In this week's anxiety hack Zack shares a quote from Jim Morrison, songwriter and musician to help you Fear Less!

To find out more about John Weitzner and the Child Mind Institute check this website out- https://childmind.org/

Fear Less is sponsored by Mountain Valley Treatment Center.