Alle afleveringen
737 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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TPP 528: Anya Kamenetz on the Fight for Special Education in America
3 november 2026 · 28 min
Debbie talks with education reporter Anya Kamenetz about her six-episode limited podcast series produced in collaboration with Understood, Zero Reject, and why special education is at a crossroads in the US. They trace how special education evolved from exclusion and institutionalization into a civil rights framework, and how underfunding, staffing shortages, and policy shifts shape families’ experiences today. Lees meer
About Anya Kamenetz
Anya Kamenetz is an award-winning journalist, author and podcaster. She covered education for many years including for NPR, where she co-created the podcast “Life Kit:Parenting.” Her last book was The Stolen Year: How COVID Changed Children’s Lives, and Where We Go Now. Kamenetz is currently an advisor to the Climate Mental Health Network, working on new initiatives at the intersection of children, well-being, education and climate change.Her next book, forthcoming from Bloomsbury in 2027, is about mental health and emotional resilience in a world of crisis. Her newsletter on these topics is “The Golden Hour.”
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why special education is a civil rights issue and how disability rights protections affect millions of students and families
How family-led advocacy and legal challenges led to the creation of IDEA and the rights students have today
Why staffing shortages, limited placements, and inadequate resources can prevent schools from meeting students’ needs
How the Office for Civil Rights helps families address disability discrimination and why changes in federal oversight matter
Why teachers are often caught between wanting to support students and lacking the training, resources, and support to do so
How universal design for learning, evidence-based instruction, accessible technology, and better teacher support can create more inclusive schools
Resources mentioned
Zero Reject Podcast
Anya Kamenetz’s website
Anya on Twitter
The Stolen Year: How Covid Changed Children’s Lives, and Where We G…
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TPP 378a: Julie Bogart on Helping Kids Become Critical Thinkers
30 oktober 2026 · 47 min
In a world overflowing with information and complexity, critical thinking isn't just a useful skill; it's an essential life raft. From navigating complex interactions to making informed decisions, our children need the ability to think critically now more than ever. But what does that really mean? And how can we as parents nurture this skill in our children? I invited author and Brave Writer founder Julie Bogart back to the show to help us answer these questions and to talk about her new book, Becoming a Critical Thinker: A Workbook to Help Students Think Well in an Age of Disinformation. Lees meer
In this conversation, we got into so many things. And as you’ll hear, I could have talked to Julie for hours. But for this episode, you can expect to hear Julie’s thoughts on how and why we can foster critical thinking in our children, how considering multiple perspectives and incorporating diverse viewpoints leads to better problem-solving, what parents can do to encourage self-awareness, open-mindedness, and curiosity, and much more.
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why critical thinking is essential to navigate complex issues and make informed decisions
How considering multiple perspectives and incorporating diverse viewpoints leads to better problem-solving and policy-making
How parents can play a crucial role in fostering critical thinking skills in their children by encouraging self-awareness, open-mindedness, and curiosity
Why traditional models of authority and obedience in parenting are being replaced by a more collaborative and respectful approach that values children's reasoning and autonomy
How the Becoming a Critical Thinker workbook helps students develop skills such as vetting sources, analyzing data, and considering multiple perspectives
Why engaging in perspective-taking and tolerance can help neurodivergent kids deconstruct ideas and accept other points of view
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TPP 527: Why Food Advice Falls Apart for Neurodivergent Families and What Actually Helps
27 oktober 2026 · 44 min
Functional nutrition practitioner and ADHD life coach Amy Jones joins me to talk about something that can be surprisingly complicated in neurodivergent families: feeding ourselves and our kids. Amy explains why the challenge for so many neurodivergent people isn’t knowing what we’re “supposed” to eat, but figuring out how to actually make nourishment happen when executive function, sensory preferences, appetite changes, decision fatigue, and low-capacity days are part of the picture. We also talk about supporting blood sugar, making food more visible and accessible, reducing mealtime stress, and creating simple, low-friction systems that make eating more doable for both kids and adults. Lees meer
About Amy Jones
Amy Jones is a Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Certified ADHD Life Coach, and Certified Teacher who spent nearly 20 years in education before moving into functional nutrition and ADHD coaching. She supports neurodivergent adults, parents, and overwhelmed families who are struggling with food, energy, executive function, and daily functioning. Amy is also a late-diagnosed ADHD adult and a mom of two neurodivergent kids, including a son with ASD and ADHD, which shapes her understanding of food, routines, capacity, and family life.
Her work focuses on the gap between what people know would support them and what they can actually access in daily life. Through functional nutrition, ADHD-informed coaching, and practical food systems, Amy helps families understand why feeding themselves and their kids can become harder when ADHD, decision fatigue, sensory load, appetite changes, and low-capacity days affect daily functioning. Amy is the creator of the Accessible Nourishment Framework and WTF’s for Dinner, a food system designed to reduce food-related decision load and make nourishment more manageable.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How ADHD, dulled interoception, and stimulant medication can make hunger cues easy to miss until irritability, brain fo…
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TPP 325a: Akilah Richards on Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work
23 oktober 2026 · 38 min
I really enjoyed exploring unschooling, deschooling, freedom, and liberation with Akilah Richards, host of the Fare the Free Child podcast and author of the book Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work. Lees meer
I reached out to Akilah after seeing her TED talk, which led me to her book, and then her podcast, and I knew I wanted to invite her to join me in conversation. A recurring theme in this podcast, and in Tilt, is doing our own inner work as parents, and I love how Akilah talks about relating our own reparenting to freedom, decolonization, and liberation.
Akilah shares her personal story of going from traditional schooling to unschooling to deschooling, and how she and her husband came to consider the idea of raising free people, what that means, and how they’ve navigated the realities of making unconventional choices that can sometimes make other people uncomfortable. She also shares how they think about the success and what a fulfilled life looks like for her family, as well as how her work aimed at decolonizing parenting has resonated with people worldwide.
You'll learn:
What it means to be raising a “free child” and why it can be a threatening or uncomfortable concept for many people
What “mad question asking” is and how parents can use it to get unstuck
How unschooling is tied to decolonization
What “deschooling” is versus “homeschooling” and “unschooling”
What “confident autonomy” is and why Akilah considers that a hallmark of “success” in her children
How Akilah and her partner dealt with the barriers (social, cultural, and more) when they chose the unschooling path for their family
What a “savor complex” is and how it can transform the family experience
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TPP 526: A Conversation with Jessica Slice About Her Family's Experience with PANS/PANDAS
20 oktober 2026 · 48 min
Journalist and author Jessica Slice comes back to the show to share her family’s experience with PANS, or pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, which began when her daughter experienced a sudden and severe change in behavior and functioning following a viral illness. Jessica recently shared her story in a viral article in New York Magazine, and today she takes us deep into what happened to her daughter, the medical dismissal her family encountered, and the long path toward getting a diagnosis and treatment. We also dig into why PANS and PANDAS remain controversial, what researchers believe may be happening in the brain, and what Jessica learned through both her family’s experience and her reporting. And importantly, we talk about what parents can do if their child experiences a sudden, dramatic onset of symptoms that they suspect could be PANS or PANDAS, including where to begin and how to advocate for care. Lees meer
About Jessica Slice
Jessica Slice is a journalist, author, and podcaster. Her book, Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World was one of NPR’s top books of 2025. She has been published in Modern Love, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, the Guardian, The Globe & Mail, LitHub, Alice Wong’s bestselling Disability Visibility, Slate, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and more.She’s been featured in Vogue, The New Yorker, PBS, NPR, The Cut, the BBC, etc.
She is the co-author of Dateable: Swiping Right, Hooking Up, and Settling Down, This is How We Play, This is How We Talk, and the forthcoming We Belong which was co-authored with the late Judy Heumann. She lives in Toronto with her family.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Jessica’s daughter’s sudden, dramatic loss of functioning after a routine virus ultimately led to a PANS diagnosis
Why PANS symptoms can be mistaken for psychosis, autism-related behavior, or other mental health conditions, potentially delaying appropriate care
How P…
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You Might Also Like: Zero Reject from Understood.org
19 oktober 2026 · 32 min
Beth Gellman-Beer spent her whole career fighting for kids with disabilities — first as a student written off as “lazy,” then as a federal civil rights attorney who found her dream job protecting students like her younger self. But on one ordinary night, a phone call changed everything: Her entire office had been eliminated. Lees meer
In the premiere of Zero Reject, reporter Anya Kamenetz traces Beth’s journey from an unfair fourth-grade classroom to the front lines of a sweeping overhaul at the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights — the agency families turn to when a school isn’t meeting their child’s needs. Anya breaks down the reduction in force that gutted OCR’s staff, what it means for the 25,000 families still waiting for a response to their complaints, and the plan to dismantle the Department of Education altogether. With fewer people to enforce the law, what happens to the students the system was built to protect?
https://lnk.to/zerorejectFD!fulltiltparenting
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TPP 285a: Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Power of Brain-Body Parenting
16 oktober 2026 · 47 min
Psychologist, speaker, and author Dr. Mona Delahooke talks about her new book Brain-Body Parenting, and the power in understanding and responding to children's complicated behavior as a symptom rather than a problem. Lees meer
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TPP 525: Amanda Diekman on Supporting Kids Going Through Burnout
13 oktober 2026 · 46 min
Today I’m welcoming Amanda Diekman back to the show to talk about her new book, The Parents Handbook for Kids in Burnout: A Low Demand Approach to Healing and Thriving, and what parents need to understand when their child is experiencing burnout. Amanda will explain what burnout actually is, how it can show up differently across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, and why it’s so often mistaken for anxiety or depression. We talk about the signs parents may miss, what’s happening beneath the surface when a child can no longer meet the demands of everyday life, and how a low demand approach can create the conditions for healing. And importantly, Amanda shares what recovery can look like, how parents can support their child without inadvertently adding more pressure, and why healing from burnout requires us to rethink our expectations, timelines, and ideas about progress. Lees meer
About Amanda Diekman
Amanda Diekman is the author of the bestseller Low Demand Parenting and also the exhausted mom of three kids who have all experienced burnout. With relentlessly hopeful determination, Amanda turns her struggles into signposts, guiding the way into true healing for burned out kids—and their parents too. She lives in Durham, NC, and spends her days homeschooling, writing, and supporting vulnerable neighbors.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How low demand parenting goes beyond simply asking less and instead centers attunement, collaboration, and responsiveness to a child’s capacity
Why burnout is a protective response to prolonged stress and how it can be mistaken for anxiety or depression
How pervasive exhaustion, loss of skills, and extreme sensitivity can signal that a child is experiencing burnout
Why burnout may progress from “I can’t do this” to withdrawal, disordered eating, self-harm, or other risky behaviors
How the three phases of burnout—from total rest to returning curiosity and recovery—can help parents understand the healing process
Why trusting…
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TPP 315a: Dr. Lori Desautels on Rewiring Our Perceptions of Discipline in Schools, and at Home
9 oktober 2026 · 41 min
Dr. Lori Desautels (author, Connections over Compliance: Rewiring our Perceptions of Discipline) helps educators, parents, and adults who work with children shift the way they think about discipline by reaching for sustainable behavioral changes through brain state awareness rather than compliance and obedience. She’s actively pushing back against reactive and punitive practices that can potentially reactivate the developing stress response systems of children, and is advocating for stronger co-regulation practices and regulated brain and body states for adults. Lees meer
During this conversation, we consider why there is such a powerful foundational belief that discipline and punishment go together, what happens when the traditional methods of punishment are imposed on children who are coming to school with trauma or a heightened nervous system, and why it’s so important for educators to take responsibility over their own nervous system regulation.
Dr. Lori Desautels, has been an Assistant Professor at Butler University since 2016 where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. Lori’s passion is engaging her students through the social and relational neurosciences as it applies to education by integrating the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework, and its learning principles and practices into her coursework at Butler.
Things you'll learn from this episode:
Why there is such a powerful foundational belief that discipline and punishment go together
What happens when the traditional methods of punishment are imposed on children who are coming to school with traumas or a heightened nervous system
Why we should be moving away from the behavior management model
Why it’s so important for educators to take responsibility over their own nervous system regulation
Strategies for helping teachers (and parents) better show up for dysregulated kids
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TPP 524: Eli Weinstein on Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years
6 oktober 2026 · 39 min
Today I’m talking with Eli Weinstein, a clinical social worker, husband and dad of two, creator of ELIvation, and host of The Dude Therapist podcast, about the pressure cooker that parenthood can create for couples, and what it actually takes to stay connected when life gets loud. In our conversation, Eli and I dig into the expectations, resentment, mental load, and communication breakdowns that can strain relationships during the parenting years, and he shares practical, real-world tools for repair, clearer communication, shared responsibility, and keeping our partnerships strong along the way. Lees meer
About Eli Weinstein
Eli Weinstein, LCSW, is the therapist bringing heart and humor back to mental health. A loving husband and proudly goofy dad of two, Eli is based in Las Vegas and runs a thriving practice serving clients across New York, Nevada, and beyond through his global coaching work. Known for his straight-talking, relatable style, he’s the creator of ELIvation and host of The Dude Therapist podcast, where he dives into the messy, beautiful mix of relationships, parenting, and emotional growth.
An international speaker and sought-after guest, Eli has been featured on over 250 podcasts and major media outlets including The Kelly Clarkson Show, Psychology Today, Parents.com, Men’s Health Magazine, and leading relationship and parenting platforms. His debut book, From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage Through Parenting Years (Wiley, 2026), helps couples stay connected when life gets loud. Eli’s mission is simple: make therapy-level wisdom feel human, hopeful, and real.
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why becoming parents can expose mismatched expectations, perceptions, and assumptions within a relationship
How making the invisible mental and emotional load visible can create more understanding and shared responsibility
Why truly sharing responsibilities means allowing your partner to take ownership and do things their own way
How setting the table befor…
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TPP 273a: Author Katherine May on Autism, Wintering, and the Electricity of Every Living Thing
2 oktober 2026 · 39 min
New York Times' bestselling author Katherine May (Wintering) talks about her new book, The Electricity of Every Living Thing, about her journey of discovering her identity as an autistic woman.
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TPP 523: Raising Good Gamers, with Dr. Rachel Kowert
29 september 2026 · 37 min
Research psychologist Dr. Rachel Kowert comes back to the podcast for a fascinating and updated conversation about kids and gaming, and why so much of what parents hear about video games doesn’t necessarily line up with what the research actually tells us. In our conversation, we dig into Rachel’s new white paper, Raising Good Gamers, and unpack the research around violent video games, gaming disorder, mental health, and the social, emotional, and skill-building benefits gaming can offer. Rachel also shares her SPACE framework, a practical approach for helping parents move beyond fear and toward curiosity, connection, and collaborative boundaries around their kids’ gaming lives. Lees meer
About Rachel Kowert, Ph.D
Rachel Kowert, Ph.D is a research psychologist, award winning author, and globally recognized leader in facilitating policy development for more than 15 years through data-driven research focused on mental health and trust and safety in digital games. She has spoken about her work to thousands of people across the globe, including the United States Congress, United Nations, and Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Kowert is the founder of Psychgeist, a multimedia content production studio for the intersection of science and games, which includes Psychgeist YouTube channel (200+ videos), Most Recent Save podcast, and The Psychgeist of Pop Culture and Games book series’ published by Play Story Press. She currently serves as the Research Director for Games for Change and is a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How the conversation around kids, screens, and video games is evolving as research challenges common fears and assumptions
Why violent video games aren’t directly linked to real-world violence and what “gaming disorder” actually means
How increased gaming can sometimes signal underlying mental health challenges or serve as an important coping strategy
Why gaming can support friendships, connection,…
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TPP 266a: A Conversation with Poet and Advocate LeDerick Horne
25 september 2026 · 40 min
Performance poet and advocate LeDerick Horne talks about his journey with a hidden disability, his advocacy work, and how he found his love for poetry.
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TPP 522: A Whole Child Approach to ADHD with Phil Boucher, M.D.
22 september 2026 · 46 min
Today I’m talking with Dr. Phil Boucher, a board-certified pediatrician who’s particularly interested in helping families understand and support kids with ADHD and help parents better understand their child, trust their instincts, and make informed decisions about what their family needs. Lees meer
This is a unique conversation for the show because, for the first time, we’re looking at the whole journey through the lens of a pediatrician, especially in those early years when parents may be wondering what they’re seeing, whether to pursue an evaluation, and where to begin. Phil walks us through how he approaches ADHD in his practice, from evaluation and diagnosis to sleep, nutrition, screens, school supports, emotional regulation, anxiety, and medication, and offers a thoughtful, comprehensive look at supporting the whole child and family.
About Phil Boucher, MD
Phil Boucher, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician, a dad of six, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics who helps parents make sense of pediatric education and development.
After years of answering thousands of parent questions in clinic (and at home), he realized what parents really need isn't more advice—it's honest perspective and practical reassurance from someone who gets it.
He writes, speaks, and creates resources that help parents trust their instincts, understand their child, and take care of themselves along the way.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How ADHD can look different across childhood, with hyperactivity often appearing earlier and inattentive traits becoming clearer over time
Why family history and parents’ own childhood experiences can provide important clues when exploring ADHD
How emotional regulation and executive functioning are central parts of ADHD, beyond inattention and hyperactivity
Why a comprehensive ADHD evaluation should consider sleep, nutrition, school experiences, family history, and other factors
How practical supports like movement, protein,…
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TPP 091a: A Conversation With Steve Silberman About His Book “Neurotribes”
18 september 2026 · 43 min
My guest this week is Steve Silberman, an award-winning science writer who authored the 2015 book NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, a brilliant book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently. Steve’s articles have appeared in Wired, the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Financial Times, the Boston Globe, the MIT Technology Review, and more. Lees meer
In our conversation, Steve and I talk about neurodivergence, autism, acceptance, tolerance, changing cultures, systemic change, and so much more. As a science writer who researched the history of autism in writing his book for more than five years, Steve brings an incredible breadth of knowledge, as well as passion for the neurodiversity movement, to the show. By the end of this interview I was inspired and motivated for the changes to come, and grateful there are thought leaders like Steve doing this important work in the world. I hope you enjoy our conversation!
Things you’ll learn from this episode
The impetus for Steve’s book NeuroTribes
How and why the anti-vaccine movement has negatively affected the autistic community
The real impact of language like “epidemic” in relation to neurodifferences like autism
How Steve’s book NeuroTribes has been received by members of the autistic community
Steve’s thoughts on how parents raising neurodiverse kids can best support the neurodiversity movement
The importance of autistic peer mentoring
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TPP 521: A Conversation with Dr. Peter Gray About Restoring Childhood
15 september 2026 · 47 min
I’m talking with developmental psychologist Dr. Peter Gray about his new book, Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety, which challenges one of the dominant narratives about the youth mental health crisis: that smartphones and social media are largely to blame for the rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among kids. Peter argues that this picture is incomplete, and that when we look more closely at the data and at what has changed in childhood over the past several decades, a very different story emerges. Lees meer
So today we dig into what Peter believes we’re missing when we focus so much attention on screens, including the rise of intensive parenting and overprotection, the loss of independence and free play, and especially the increasingly stressful and demanding role that school plays in children’s lives. We also talk about why kids need unstructured time, autonomy, and opportunities to take age-appropriate risks, and Peter shares practical ideas for giving our kids more freedom to build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of agency.
About Dr. Peter Gray
Dr. Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College. He has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He did his undergraduate study at Columbia University and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences at Rockefeller University. His current research and writing focus primarily on children’s natural ways of learning and the life-long value of play. He has helped found and continues to support nonprofit organizations aimed at bringing more play and independent activity to children’s lives.He is the author of an internationally acclaimed college introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, now in its 8th edition), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective, and of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children H…
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TPP 253a: Advocate and Author Jonathan Mooney on Why Normal Sucks
11 september 2026 · 44 min
I’m excited to share this powerful and gut-punching conversation with Jonathan Mooney, a self-described “do-gooder,” speaker, and writer who didn’t learn to read until he was 12-years-old. Growing up with Dyslexia, Jonathan faced a number of low expectations: he was told he would be a high-school dropout and likely end up in jail. Instead, he earned a degree in English Literature, started his first non-profit organization in his college dorm, and has gone on to write a number of books, including his latest title Normal Sucks (which, side note: should be required reading for everyone). He’s been a champion for neurological and physical diversity for more than two decades, and his award-winning advocacy projects have been featured in major media outlets across the US. Lees meer
THINGS YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:
The powerful messages, both positive and negative, Jonathan heard from the adults in his life as a child with dyslexia
What it means to pathologize difference, and how even well-meaning organizations participate in this
The difficult and disturbing historical outcomes for differently-abled people, including the ideas and legacy of the Eugenics movement.
How the idea of “normal” has evolved since Jonathan started his advocacy work
Why Jonathan believes that learning differences are a gift and why this is such an important concept
What parents and teachers can do to help children to see their differences as strengths
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TPP 520: Dr. Özgür Bolat on Why Rewards Backfire and the Real Science of Motivating Kids
8 september 2026 · 42 min
In this conversation, Debbie Reber speaks with Dr. Özgür Bolat about his book The Reward Trap and the hidden costs of using rewards to motivate children. Dr. Bolat explains that rewards may create short-term compliance, but they often undermine intrinsic motivation, self-esteem, and long-term confidence by teaching kids that love and approval are conditional on performance. Lees meer
Drawing from his own experience as a highly accomplished student who became dependent on external validation, he argues that parents should shift from a control mindset to a connection mindset—asking what a child needs, helping them feel understood, and building internal motivation through effort, autonomy, and trust rather than prizes or pressure.
About Dr. Özgür Bolat
Dr. Özgür Bolat is a distinguished education scientist, researcher, associate professor, and author with a career spanning academia, media, and corporate partnerships. His groundbreaking research on parenting and teaching has earned him international recognition, including the prestigious Best Young Researcher award in New Zealand. He holds a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education (Fulbright and TEV scholar) and a PhD from the University of Cambridge.
During his doctoral studies, he spent one year as a visiting PhD student at MIT Sloan. His academic work has been complemented by a successful media career, where he served as a columnist for a major national newspaper for 12 years, establishing himself as a leading voice in education and parenting. Dr. Bolat is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and parenting workshop leader.
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why rewards and praise can create short-term compliance while undermining intrinsic motivation over time
How conditional praise and external validation can contribute to anxiety, perfectionism, and a sense that approval must be earned
Why behavior is often a signal of an unmet need rather than a lack of discipline
How shifting from a control…
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TPP 519: Brendan Mahan on Overcoming the Wall of Awful
1 september 2026 · 43 min
What if the reason you or your child can’t “just do the thing” is not laziness, but a Wall of Awful built from repeated frustration, shame, anxiety, and failure? Brendan Mahan breaks down the hidden emotional barrier behind procrastination, avoidance, and shutdown - and shows how to actually get through it without burning out. Lees meer
Debbie Reber welcomes Brendan back to unpack his new book, Overcoming the Wall of Awful: Why It’s Hard to Get Things Done with ADHD, Autism and Anxiety, and How to Do Them Anyway. Together they make this deceptively simple metaphor concrete, useful, and surprisingly validating for parents, educators, clinicians, and anyone who has ever stared at a task and felt their brain go sideways.
About Brendan Mahan
Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS., is the author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful™, and host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast. A sought-after speaker, and neurodivergent person himself, Brendan helps organizations and individuals manage neurodiverse challenges through education, collaborative problem-solving, compassion, and accountability.
He is on the board of the Men’s ADHD Support Group, Director of Professional Resources for Calmer Con Boston, and a former committee member of the International Conference on ADHD. He has featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, LinkedIn, Understood, How to ADHD, VeryWell Mind, and ADDitude.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How the Wall of Awful creates an emotional barrier that can make starting or completing tasks feel impossible
Why anxiety and adrenaline can sometimes help us climb the Wall of Awful while also taking a toll
How creating “doors” in the Wall can provide quicker paths to regulation and getting unstuck
Why making tasks interesting, meaningful, or connected to personal values can reduce avoidance
How rejection sensitive dysphoria can add another layer to the Wall of Awful and how parents can support kids through it
Why having shared language and practical tools for talking abo…
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TPP 426a: Georgie Wisen-Vincent on Unlocking Our Kids’ Emotional Balance and Resilience with The Way of Play
28 augustus 2026 · 45 min
Joining me is Georgie Wisen-Vincent, an expert in play therapy and co-author, alongside Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, of the new book The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Kind and Confident Kids. Lees meer
In today’s episode, Georgie shares insights from The Way of Play and explains why play is a universal language that helps kids express their feelings and navigate life’s challenges. We discuss how parents can intentionally use play to strengthen bonds, nurture sibling relationships, and reconnect after time apart. Georgie also offers practical strategies for engaging in play effectively, such as mirroring your child’s play to deepen connection and understanding. Plus, we explore how play isn’t just for kids—it’s a lifelong skill that can enhance relationships at every stage of life.
Things you'll learn
* Why play is a natural language that fosters social-emotional development, allowing children to express their feelings and process difficult experiences
* How parents can strengthen connections by intentionally setting aside time for play and becoming active observers rather than controllers
* How little moments of play can lead to big connections, helping to nurture sibling relationships and strengthen bonds after time apart
* How to engage in play effectively, mirroring our child’s play to enhance connection and understanding
* Why play is a lifelong skill that not only supports children’s growth but also enriches adult relationships and communication
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TPP 518: Good Sleeping for Neurodivergent Kids, with Dr. Melisa Moore
25 augustus 2026 · 41 min
Today we’re talking about the complex and often misunderstood sleep challenges that show up in neurodivergent kids with Dr. Melisa Moore, a clinical psychologist who is board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine and has spent years supporting children, teens, and young adults with sleep and mood concerns. We’ll talk about some of the concepts in Melisa’s new book, The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids, including why sleep issues are so common in neurodivergent children, the role of underlying conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, how to recognize when something more than “typical” sleep struggles might be going on, and what kinds of support can actually make a difference. Melisa also shares practical strategies for improving sleep routines and helping kids—and their families—get the rest they need. Lees meer
About Melisa Moore, PhD
Melisa Moore, PhD, is a clinical psychologist board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine. Dr. Moore currently practices in the Los Angeles area and virtually across the country, supporting children, teens, and young adults for a variety of sleep and mood issues. She also works for the Sleep Center at Rady Children’s Health, San Diego. Dr. Moore continues to supervise medical and psychology trainees and teaches courses on pediatric sleep around the world. She previously worked at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for 17 years, serving as the Psychosocial Director of the Sleep Center and as faculty of the University of Pennsylvania.
Inspired by her work with families in combination with her experience as a mom, Dr. Moore’s book The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids is a compassionate, comprehensive, science-backed guide to improving sleep in neurodiverse children and teens, released by New World Library on March 4, 2026.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How biology, genetics, and circadian rhythms shape sleep patterns in neurodivergent children
Why sleep challenges are so common in kids with ADHD and aut…
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TPP 352a: Occupational Therapist Kelly Mahler on the Power in Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergent Kids' Interoception Experience
21 augustus 2026 · 36 min
I wanted to explore this concept of interoception and differently wired kids more deeply for the show, so I reached out to Kelly Mahler, an occupational therapist who specializes in interoception and is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma, and autism. Lees meer
Kelly answered my big questions about interoception, including how it relates to sensory processing differences or SPD, why it’s essential that we help our children get to know their bodies’ unique language, and the relationship between ADHD, autism, and interoception. We also talked about what happens in our kids’ brains when they increase their interoceptive awareness, and effective strategies for helping our kids develop in this area.
Things you'll learn from this episode:
* What interoception is and how it relates to sensory processing differences
* What the spectrum of interoception awareness is and how extremes may manifest
* The relationship between ADHD, autism, and interoception challenges
* How to support a child with poor interoception awareness to become more tuned in to their body’s internal experience
* What happens in our brains when we start to increase our interoception awareness
* How to help older kids who’ve been on the receiving end of compliance-based strategies to reconnect with and trust their bodies
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TPP 517: James Guttman on Becoming the Father His Autistic Son Needed
18 augustus 2026 · 32 min
Today I’m talking with James Guttman, author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. James is the father of a nonspeaking autistic son and a neurotypical daughter, and through his writing and podcast he shares an honest, deeply personal perspective on fatherhood, autism, and the journey toward acceptance. Lees meer
One of the reasons I wanted to have James on the show is because we so rarely hear fathers' voices in conversations about raising neurodivergent kids. Like all of us, James's understanding has evolved over time, and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with him about that evolution, what he's learned from his children, and why acceptance has become such a central part of his story.
In our conversation, we talk about fatherhood, acceptance, community, and the unexpected ways our neurodivergent kids can change us for the better.
About James Guttman
James Guttman is the author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. As a father to a nonverbal son and a neurotypical daughter, he shares a message rooted in autism appreciation and the belief that our kids’ differences hold their own beauty.
His writing reached national attention when his HuffPost Personal essay drew more than 750,000 readers in a single day and became one of the most-clicked stories on Apple News. Through his long-running blog, Hi Blog! I’m Dad, James tells honest, heartfelt stories about parenting, connection, and the shared humanity between his children.
James is also the author of the Amazon-bestselling Expectant Father’s Activity Book, and his work has been featured by Love What Matters, The Mighty, the Organization for Autism Research, Yahoo Lifestyle, and more.
A survivor of a quintuple bypass at 35 and host of the Hi Pod! I’m Dad podcast, James brings humor, vulnerability, and perspective to conversations about parenting, mental health, and raising kids in a world that doesn’t…
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TPP 280a: Occupational Therapist Rosemary White Talks about DIR / Floortime
14 augustus 2026 · 46 min
Pediatric and occupational therapist Rosemary White explains the philosophy behind DIR / Floortime as a powerful modality to support children's sensory, motor, and social / emotional development. Lees meer
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TPP 516: A Conversation with Dr. Gila About Supporting Single Parents of Neurodivergent Kids
11 augustus 2026 · 38 min
Today we’re talking about a parenting experience that comes with its own unique set of challenges and complexities: raising neurodivergent kids as a single parent. My guest is Dr. Gila, a clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, certified parenting coach, and single mom who is passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Gila has a gift for translating complex ideas into practical strategies parents can put into action right away. Lees meer
In our conversation, we explore the unique realities of solo parenting neurodivergent children, including the emotional load, decision fatigue, and constant balancing act that so many single parents face. Dr. Gila shares practical approaches for managing overwhelm, staying connected to your values, and creating more sustainability in daily life. This is a validating and encouraging conversation for any parent carrying a lot—and especially for those doing it on their own.
About Dr. Gila
Dr. Gila is a single mom, certified parenting coach, clinical psychologist, and neuropsychologist. She’s passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work.
Dr. Gila combines her professional background with her lived experience in a relatable, down-to-earth style. Her background as an educator and medical writer makes her especially skilled at translating complex concepts into practical tools you can understand…and actually use.
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why grief, worry about the future, and emotional exhaustion are common realities for many single parents
How the “sink model” helps explain the mental, emotional, and cognitive load that can lead to overwhelm
How strategies like “stop, drop, and roll” and compassionate reframing can support parents through moments of dysregulation
Why comm…
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TPP 104b: Dr. Lori Baudino on the Power of Movement, Dance, and the Mind/Body Connection
7 augustus 2026 · 39 min
Dance/movement therapist Dr. Lori Baudino talks about how teaching differently wired kids to tap into the mind-body connection can help with emotional regulation, social communication, and more. Lees meer
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TPP 515: Dr. Emily King & the Neurodivergent Learner: A New Approach to Your Child's Success
4 augustus 2026 · 49 min
Today we’re exploring a more holistic, humane approach to supporting neurodivergent learners — one that starts with understanding the nervous system and builds from there. My guest is Dr. Emily King, a child psychologist who has spent more than 20 years working with neurodivergent youth in both school settings and private practice. She’s the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom®, a professional development curriculum for educators, and the author of her new book The Neurodivergent Learner, which we’ll be talking about today. Lees meer
In our conversation, Emily and I talk about why safety and regulation are foundational for learning, how relationships at school can shape outcomes in powerful ways, and what it means to redefine success for kids who don’t fit traditional models. We also explore practical ways parents can partner with schools to better support their children, and how shifting our lens can open up new possibilities for growth, connection, and well-being.
About Dr. Emily King
Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist who has worked with neurodivergent learners for over 20 years. She received a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and began her career in Houston, Texas, specializing in school-based mental health in K-12 public schools. She has since worked in private practice in North Carolina supporting the mental health, executive functioning, and social needs of neurodivergent youth. Dr. Emily hosts the Learn with Dr. Emily Substack, where she provides parent workshops, is the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom®, a professional development curriculum for educators, and her first book, The Neurodivergent Learner, was released in August 2026.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How mental health, education, and neurodivergence are deeply interconnected in shaping a child’s experience
Why building felt safety and a true sense of community at school is foundational for learning
How navigating IEPs, homework, and beh…
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TPP 421a: A Bonus Conversation with Dr. Stuart Shanker about Self-Regulation and Helping Our Children Successfully Engage with Life
31 juli 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
Dr. Stuart Shanker, author of Self-Reg, shares his expertise on self-regulation, offering practical strategies and compassionate insights to help neurodivergent kids and their families manage stress and build self-awareness.
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TPP 514: An Introduction to Neurodiversity-Affirming OT, with Dr. Bryden Carlson-Giving
28 juli 2026 · 39 min
Today, I’m joined by Bryden Carlson-Giving, an occupational therapy practitioner and the creator of the EMPOWER model, the first neurodiversity-affirming OT framework. Bryden is both neurodivergent and disabled himself, and his work focuses on helping practitioners challenge ableism and create more supportive, affirming environments for neurodivergent individuals. Lees meer
In our conversation, Bryden walks us through the EMPOWER model and what it looks like in practice, especially when it comes to evaluations, goal-setting, and therapy approaches. We talk about how ableism can show up in subtle and systemic ways, and what it means to truly shift toward inclusive, affirming care. This is a thoughtful, important conversation about reimagining support — not just in therapy, but across education and systems more broadly.
About Bryden Carlson-Giving
Bryden Carlson-Giving, OTD, OTR/L is a neurodivergent and disabled occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) with experience in pediatric outpatient, inpatient, and school-based settings. Bryden earned his post-professional doctorate from Boston University, where his research focused on creating a toolkit to support OTPs in challenging ableism within the OT profession. This work led to the development of the first neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy model, the EMPOWER model. He received the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from Boston University, and is the editor of the first neurodiversity-focused occupational therapy book, titled Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy: Empowering Approaches to Foster Neurodivergent Participation.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Bryden’s journey into occupational therapy led to creating a neurodiversity-affirming toolkit
Why the Empower model centers strengths-based practice, anti-racism, disability justice, and trauma-informed care
How inclusive evaluations can look in practice, especially within school-based systems
Why implementing neurodiversity-affirming approaches i…
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TPP 324a: A Conversation about Declarative Language and Co-Regulation, with Linda Murphy
24 juli 2026 · 44 min
Linda Murphy describes declarative language as a positive, thoughtful communication style that emphasizes understanding, patience, respect, and kindness, and as you’ll hear from our conversation, it is an ideal communication style for really all children, but especially neurodivergent children and kids whose nervous systems are triggered by demands or more imperative communication styles. We discussed the different ways we can communicate with our children, the language we use, and the effects that simple shifts in the way we have conversations can have in our daily interactions with them. We also explored what is declarative language versus imperative language, as well as the relationship between co-regulation and declarative language and why we should use them in tandem. Lees meer
Things you'll learn from this episode
* What it means to use declarative language (versus imperative language)
* Why declarative language is so effective for neurodivergent children, and especially those who are wired to be more demand avoidance
* Why declarative language is more effective when paired with co-regulation
* Common language and communication styles that place demands on kids that we may not be aware of (including questions)
* How to introduce declarative language communication and how it can support a child’s learning and development
* What we can hope to see in a child or an adolescent that has been on the receiving end of this style of communication
* What to say instead of “Did you hear what I said”?
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TPP 513: Understanding Dysgraphia: Beyond the Surface of Messy Handwriting, with Kelli Fetter
21 juli 2026 · 38 min
Today we’re diving into dysgraphia—what it is, how it’s different from general handwriting struggles, and why so many kids go unsupported for far too long. My guest is Kelli Fetter, a certified handwriting specialist and occupational therapist, and the founder of Handwriting Solutions. Kelli breaks down the neurological underpinnings of dysgraphia, how it can show up differently from child to child, and why early recognition is so important. We talk about the role of assessment, how to distinguish dysgraphia from more general handwriting difficulties, and what meaningful support can look like at home and in school. This is a practical, eye-opening conversation for anyone trying to better understand—and advocate for—a child struggling with writing. Lees meer
About Kelli Fetter
Kelli Fetter, MS, OTR/L is a Certified Handwriting Specialist and the founder of Handwriting Solutions, LLC, where she and her team provide world-class handwriting, reading, and spelling tutoring to students virtually across the globe. Beyond her direct work with families, Kelli is a recognized leader in teacher and therapist education, equipping professionals with evidence-based strategies that transform student outcomes.
With a career rooted in occupational therapy, Kelli has practiced in pediatric outpatient clinics, early intervention programs, preschools, and private schools, and has also served as an adjunct professor in pediatrics and kinesiology. Her expertise spans handwriting, dysgraphia, and dyslexia, supported by extensive advanced training in these areas.Kelli’s passion is deeply personal, fueled by her own daughter’s journey with dyslexia and dysgraphia. This lived experience drives her mission to empower parents, educators, and therapists with the tools and confidence they need to unlock every child’s potential.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How dysgraphia differs from messy handwriting and why it’s rooted in complex neurological processes
Why handwriting is such a demanding…
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TPP 311a: Deb Dana on Befriending Our Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory
17 juli 2026 · 41 min
Deb Dana, a clinician, consultant, and author, gives us a primer of the key points of Polyvagal Theory, and in doing so, explains the ways in which it can support the way we parent our differently-wired kids. Deb explains the nervous system pathways, why co-regulation is essential to our survival, what befriending and listening to our autonomic nervous system looks like in practice, and the benefits of having a breathing practice. We also talk about why these concepts can change our relationships to our daily life even if our circumstances stay the same. Lees meer
Things you'll learn from this episode
The mission behind Deb’s book Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory
What the nervous system pathways are and the three states we can be in
What aspects of our nervous systems are innate or “hardwired” versus routed in nurture or life experience
Why co-regulation is essential to our survival and examples for ways in which we constantly do naturally
What befriending and listening to our autonomic nervous system looks like in practice
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TPP 512: Dr. Katie Hurley on the "Manosphere" & Breaking the Boy Code
14 juli 2026 · 45 min
Today we’re talking about boys—the messages they receive about emotions, strength, masculinity, and what it means to “be a man” in today’s world. My guest is Dr. Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting educator, and Vice President of Community Initiatives for The Jed Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. Katie is the author of several books on kids’ and teens’ mental health, and her newest release, Breaking the Boy Code, takes a deep look at the societal pressures shaping boys’ emotional lives. Lees meer
In our conversation, Katie and I explore how traditional expectations around masculinity can impact boys’ mental health, emotional expression, and relationships. We talk about the unique pressures boys are facing today, what can happen when emotions get pushed underground, and practical ways parents can support boys in developing emotional awareness, resilience, and a healthier sense of self.
About Dr. Katie Hurley
Dr. Katie Hurley is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting educator, public speaker, and writer, and is the Vice President of Community Initiatives for The Jed Foundation (JED), a nonprofit dedicated to youth and young adult mental health and suicide prevention. She is the author of the award-winning No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, and Compassionate Girls, The Depression Workbook for Teens: Tools to Improve Your Mood, Build Self-Esteem, and Stay Motivated, The Happy Kid Handbook: How to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World, A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens, and her newest book, The Stress-Buster Workbook for Kids. Her newest book is Breaking the Boy Code, which came out in March 2026.
Katie covers mental health, child and adolescent development, and parenting for The Washington Post, PBS Parents, Psychology Today, Everyday Health, PsyCom, and US News and World Report, among other places. She splits her time between Los Angeles, California and coa…
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TPP 511: Jessica Patay on Building Brave Communities for Caregivers
7 juli 2026 · 38 min
Today we’re talking about the power of community, resilience, and what it really means to show up bravely in the caregiver parenting journey. My guest is fellow community builder and mom on a mission Jessica Patay, the founder of We Are Brave Together, a global community supporting moms raising children with disabilities and other unique needs. Jessica’s work is deeply rooted in her own experience as a caregiving mom to her son Ryan, who was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, and her mission is all about making sure no parent has to walk this path alone. Lees meer
In our conversation, Jessica shares her story and the inspiration behind building such a powerful, life-giving community for mothers. We talk about the isolation so many caregivers experience, the importance of connection and support, and what it looks like to cultivate resilience in the midst of ongoing challenges. Jessica also offers practical, compassionate insights for parents who are feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that even in the hardest seasons, we are not alone—and we were never meant to do this by ourselves.
About Jessica Patay
Jessica Patay is passionate about serving caregiving moms and creating authentic communities. She has always fostered deep, life-giving friendships and has been intentional about her community of girlfriends. As a caregiving mom herself, this passion carries on as she gathers women to encourage them, mentor them, inspire them, and validate their intense and precious journeys.
Her own story as a mom to a child with a disability, began in 2003 when her second son, Ryan, was born and diagnosed with a rare, genetic disorder, called Prader-Willi syndrome. Within two days of receiving this diagnosis, she received a phone call from a mentor mom from the Prader-Willi California Foundation. Immediately she felt relief and comfort knowing she was NOT ALONE. Thankfully, Ryan is sandwiched in the middle of siblings Luke and Kate, both fierce and loving cheerleaders and helpers to Ryan…
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TPP 305a: Stuart Shanker on What Self-Regulation Is, Why It Matters, and How to Help Our Children (and Ourselves) Do It Better
3 juli 2026 · 45 min
We are kicking off this season with a conversation with Dr. Stuart Shanker, who I first learned about through my friend Seth Perler as he’s been part of the TEFOS Summit. I love Stuart's message and recently devoured his book Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage With Life, and wanted to dive deeper with Stuart about it. In this episode, we get into the ways in which the brain controls the levels of stress, the difference between self-regulation and self-control, and the difference between stress behavior and misbehaving. Stuart also walks us through his 5 steps to Self-Reg, and talks about the power of us as parents and caregivers and educators doing our own self-reg work so we can support the kids around us. Lees meer
Things you'll learn from this episode
* How the explosion of stress-related problems in recent years among children has augmented the need for additional self-reg resources for parents and educators
* How the brain controls the levels of stress and simple strategies that can be used to calm the nervous system response
* Why self-reg practices for parents and teachers other adults begin with learning how to regulate ourselves
* The difference between misbehavior and stress behavior
* How self-regulation mechanisms evolve as we get older
* The distinction between self-control and self-regulation and the five steps to self-regulation
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TPP 510: Mark Talaga on the Hidden Challenges of Giftedness in the Digital Age
30 juni 2026 · 35 min
Today we’re exploring the intersection of giftedness, identity, and belonging—and what it means to support gifted kids in a world that’s changing faster than ever. My guest is Mark Talaga, director of the Center for Identity Potential, where he focuses on helping young people understand themselves more deeply and develop a grounded sense of who they are. Lees meer
In our conversation, Mark and I talk about the complexities of gifted identity—how it forms, how it can get disrupted, and why a strong sense of belonging is so critical for well-being. We also dive into the impact of AI and the digital landscape on gifted youth, and what this means for their development, purpose, and connection. This is a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about how we can better support gifted kids in navigating both their inner world and the rapidly evolving world around them.
About Mark Talaga
Mark Talaga is a counselor, speaker, and consultant specializing in the social, emotional, and developmental needs of gifted and asynchronous individuals. As part of the Center for Identity Potential, his work focuses on helping children, adolescents, and adults better understand the complex interaction between cognitive intensity, identity development, executive functioning, and educational environments. He is particularly interested in the ways relationships—with teachers, families, and systems—shape whether gifted learners are able to fully engage in growth.
Mark frequently provides professional development for educators and clinicians on topics such as twice-exceptionality, language processing differences, attentional regulation, and strengthening student–teacher relationships through neurodevelopmental understanding. His presentations are known for translating complex psychological concepts into practical strategies that professionals can apply immediately in classrooms and counseling settings.
In addition to his clinical work, Mark consults with schools and organizations seeking more effe…
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TPP 335a: Amanda Diekman Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection with Your Uniquely Wired Child
26 juni 2026 · 47 min
Today I’m talking with Amanda Diekman, author of the book, Low-demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection With Your Uniquely Wired Child Lees meer
Because low-demand parenting can be such an effective approach to supporting differently wired kids, especially kids who fall under the PDA profile of autism, I invited Amanda to join the show for a conversation about what this parenting approach looks like. An autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space, Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practice. She runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community. During this episode, we talk about what low demand parenting is, why it’s different than what might be referred to as “permissive” parenting, why it’s so effective for kids with PDA, and how she helps parents loosen up the mindset around non-negotiables.
Amanda Diekman is an autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space. Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practices, with her book Low Demand Parenting to be published July 2023. Amanda runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community.
Things you'll learn from this episode
What led Amanda to implement low-demand parenting in her family
What low demand parenting is, and why it’s often misconstrued as permissive
The relationship between PDA and low-demand parenting
Examples of big demands and tiny demands, and how shifting the focus can reduce stress for kids
How Amanda helps parents in loosening their mindset about what they define as non-negotiables
Ideas for practicing low-demand parenting in regard to our kids’ relationship with technology and screens
How Amanda and her co-parenting partner came to work together using low-demand parenting
Learn mo…
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TPP 509: Martina Nova on What Couples Get Wrong About Parenting Alignment
23 juni 2026 · 41 min
Today we’re talking about something that can make or break the parenting experience: how we align with our partners in raising our kids. My guest is clinical counselor Martina Nova, author of the new book Same Page Parenting, where she offers a practical framework for helping couples move out of blame and into more honest, connected conversations about parenting. Lees meer
In our conversation, Martina and I explore what gets in the way of alignment, from our own histories and fears to the added layers of neurodivergent parenting, navigating differences around discipline, digital habits, and decision-making, and what it takes to stay connected as our kids grow into adulthood. Martina shares thoughtful questions and practical strategies to help couples better understand each other’s perspectives and build a more intentional, collaborative approach to parenting.
About Martina Nova
Martina Nova is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in British Columbia and the founder of NovaCare Therapy. She specializes in working with individuals, parents and couples navigating trauma, ADHD, people-pleasing, and early attachment patterns. Martina helps couples move out of blame and into more honest conversations about parenting, emotional needs, and relationship dynamics.
In addition to her clinical work, Martina is an author and educator who creates practical tools to help couples communicate more openly about the realities of family life. Her work highlights how many parenting conflicts are less about discipline strategies and more about the histories, fears, and values each partner brings into parenting.
Martina regularly shares mental health education through media, speaking, and social platforms, helping parents feel less alone in the complexities of modern parenting.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How intentional communication and aligning values create a stronger foundation for parenting and partnership
Why using therapy-informed questions helps parents unpack their up…
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TPP 317a: A Conversation About Autistic Burnout with Neurodivergent Support Specialist Kristy Forbes
19 juni 2026 · 48 min
Kristy Forbes joins me to talk about what autistic burnout is and how it
presents, why “deep rest” is critical for someone experiencing autistic
burnout, and how autistic burnout is differentiated from mood disorders or depression. We also talk frankly about the challenges of seeing burnout in autistic / PDA children through a neuronormative lens, and how that may lead to therapies and strategies that may be the opposite of what a child in
autistic burnout actually needs. Lees meerAbout Kristy Forbes
Kristy Forbes is an Australian-based autism & neurodiversity support
specialist with experience working with clients both nationally and internationally. This includes neurodivergent people and their families; and professionals who wish to support them, such as educators, psychologists, pediatricians, allied health professionals, support workers and integration aides. Her work is informed by her extensive professional experience as an educator (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary teaching), as an integration aide to children with social, emotional and behavioral differences, and as a childhood behavioral and family support specialist. Kristy has degrees in Political Science, Education, Literature, Film and Art. Her most valuable insights, however, come from lived experience.Kristy is formally identified autistic, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as well as being a parent to four neurodivergent children, all with varying neurodivergent experience and expression including being non speaking, apraxia, dyspraxia, tourettes
and PDA. She has the unique experience and insight of many perspectives: the teacher, the support specialist, the parent, the partner and the neurodivergent person (including the child she once was!).Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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TPP 508: Dr. Zachary Rubin on What Every Parent Should Understand About Allergies
16 juni 2026 · 33 min
Today we’re diving into the complex and often overwhelming world of allergies, asthma, and related conditions—and what it really takes to support kids (and families) living with them. My guest is Dr. Zachary Rubin, a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who’s known for making allergy science accessible and understandable to millions. He’s also the author of the new book, All About Allergies, which is a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases. Lees meer
In our conversation, Dr. Rubin breaks down how the immune system responds in different allergic scenarios, what’s behind the rise in things like pollen counts and food allergies, and how conditions like asthma fit into the bigger picture. We also talk about practical strategies for managing symptoms, supporting kids in everyday life, and reducing some of the stress and uncertainty that can come with allergies.
About Dr. Zachary Rubin
Dr. Zachary Rubin is a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who practices at Oak Brook Allergists in the Chicago area. A nationally recognized medical educator and public health advocate, he shares evidence-based, accessible information on allergies, asthma, and public health with over 3 million followers under the handle @rubin_allergy. Dr. Rubin earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, completed his pediatrics residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, and his allergy/immunology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Outside of medicine, he enjoys swimming, hiking, golfing, hula hooping, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and three German Shepherds. All About Allergies is his first book, offering a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How allergies work in the body and how the immune system responds across different triggers and scenarios
Why the connection between allergies and neurodivergence…
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TPP 507: A Conversation with Dr. Destiny Huff About Neuroaffirming Advocacy in School
9 juni 2026 · 41 min
Today we’re diving into what it really looks like to advocate for our neurodivergent kids in school in a way that’s truly aligned with who they are. My guest is Dr. Destiny Huff, a trauma therapist, advocate, and educator whose work is deeply informed by her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic mother. Lees meer
In our conversation, we explore the limitations and pitfalls of traditional IEP processes, what a genuinely neurodiversity-affirming approach can look like in practice, and how families can build more effective, collaborative relationships with schools. Destiny shares both big-picture reframes and practical strategies, offering a grounded, honest look at how to navigate systems that weren’t designed with our kids in mind, while still holding onto possibility and meaningful change.
About Dr. Destiny Huff
Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, is a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mental health therapist, non-attorney special education advocate, and national speaker. She is the founder of Destiny Huff Consulting, where she supports families and schools in implementing neuroaffirming practices and navigating the IEP process.
As the mother of two neurodivergent learners in public school special education, Dr. Huff brings both lived and professional experience to her work. She focuses on dismantling deficit-based narratives in education and addressing the intersection of race, disability, and trauma.
Dr. Huff has presented nationally and co-hosts The Affirming Village Podcast, where she explores advocacy, disability justice, and the realities of navigating special education systems.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Dr. Huff’s journey from parent to advocate informs her approach to neurodiversity-affirming support
Why individualized, meaningful IEPs matter more than compliance-driven plans
How systemic barriers like underfunding and lack of training impact school support for neurodivergent students
What distinguishes traditional IEPs from neuroaffirming one…
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TPP 307a: Eliza Fricker Talks Parenting a Child with PDA
5 juni 2026 · 36 min
Eliza Fricker joins me to talk about PDA or pathological demand avoidance – and in fact I know many people interpret PDA as persistent desire for autonomy. I’ve done a few episodes on PDA before but never from a parent’s perspective so after reading Eliza’s book, The Family Experience of PDA, I knew I wanted to share her perspective with the Tilt community. During this episode, we talked about how demand avoidance is more extreme in a child with a PDA profile vs. the inflexibility and rigidity we might see in other neurodivergent kids, what Eliza has learned about herself parenting a child with PDA, and what her resistance was to the changes needed to her parenting style. Lees meer
Eliza also gave out some great tips for teachers who have a PDA student in their classroom and for parents who are struggling with family, friends, or people close to them who aren’t willing to understand what PDA is and what that means for their family.
Things you'll learn from this episode
* What makes demand avoidance more extreme in children with PDA
* Eliza’s experience in changing her parenting ways to become more flexible
* Tweaks teachers can use to work with children who have PDA in a classroom setting
* How PDA may look different than “typical demand avoidance” that we might see in some neurodivergent children
* What Eliza has learned about herself from parenting a child with PDA
* Advice for parents who are raising a child with PDA
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TPP 506: A Deep Dive into Autistic Burnout in Children with Jodie Clarke
2 juni 2026 · 45 min
Today we’re talking about autistic burnout—what it is, how it shows up in children and young people, and what it actually takes to support recovery. My guest is Jodie Clarke, an autistic and ADHD professional with more than 20 years of experience specializing in autistic experience and mental health, particularly in children and teens. In this episode, Jodie talks about the signs and causes of autistic burnout, how it’s often misunderstood or missed altogether, and what meaningful support really looks like. This is an essential conversation for anyone supporting autistic kids—grounded, validating, and full of important shifts in how we understand and respond to burnout. Lees meer
About Jodie Clarke
Jodie Clarke is an autistic and ADHD professional with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in autistic experience and mental health with a focus on children and young people . She is currently completing a PhD exploring autistic burnout in children and young people. Jodie is also a parent to 3 neurodivergent children of her own.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Jodie Clarke’s personal journey into neurodivergence shapes her advocacy around autism and burnout
Why masking plays such a significant role in autistic burnout for children and teens
How autistic burnout shows up in young people and the signs parents can learn to recognize
Why lowering demands and creating safe, low-pressure environments is essential for recovery
How societal and family expectations can contribute to burnout and delay healing
Why supporting recovery involves trusting parental intuition, unlearning conditioning, and helping kids reconnect with their authentic selves
Resources mentioned
Jodie Clarke’s website
Stop the World I Want to Get Off: A Guide to Understanding and Supporting the Recovery of Autistic Burnout in Children and Young People by Jodie Clarke
Young, Autistic, and Burned Out by Jodie Clarke
Luke Beardon at Sheffield Hallam University
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TPP 301a: Navigating Big Life Transitions with Differently Wired Children (a Solocast)
29 mei 2026 · 32 min
Our family has gone through our fair share of big changes, which you’ll hear all about in this episode, so this is something that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about. Especially as a parent of a differently wired kid, I know that there are some extra challenges that might come up when their routines, environment, life circumstances, or supports change, and our kids are also more likely to be resistant to changes (even if they are beneficial). So today I’ll be sharing the strategies I’ve personally found helpful while going through big transitions with Asher. Lees meer
In this episode, I talk about key things such as why being honest when communicating with your kid is so important to help them understand and process change, how being vulnerable can be a way to show support, how to validate our kids’ feelings about the changes or transitions, and how to identify their concerns so you can make plans to address them in advance. I also share about what adjustment disorder is and the kind of extra support you might need during transitions.
What You'll Learn in this Episode
The benefits and growth that can come from navigating big changes as a family
Why honesty is so important when communicating with your child about big changes
What to share versus what not to share with your child about the transitions you go through
How to validate the big emotions and thoughts that big transitions can bring up in your child
The importance of doing your own work as a parent to be able to support our kids during transitions
What adjustment disorder is and the extra support you might need to help your child through one
How being vulnerable with your kids can be really supportive for them
Identifying the concerns that our kids have and coming up with plans to address them in advance
Creating new routines to create security for our kids during big transitions
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Dr. Susan Baum on 2e Learners & Elmbridge University’s Program on Cognitive Diversity
28 mei 2026 · 19 min
This is a short, special mini-episode I’m sharing because my friends at Elmbridge University (formerly Bridges Academy) let me know that
enrollment is now open for the next cohort of their truly unique graduate program in cognitive diversity in education, and application deadlines are coming up in June. Lees meerWhen Dr. Susan Baum—one of the leading voices in twice-exceptionality and Chancellor of the program—said she could join me for a quick conversation about her work
and what makes this program so impactful, I said absolutely. In this
brief chat, Susan shares insights into supporting twice-exceptional
learners, why environment matters so much, and how this program is
helping educators better understand and serve complex, neurodivergent
students. If you want to learn more, you can head to https://elmbridge.edu/.About Dr. Susan Baum
Susan Baum, Ph.D., is Chancellor of Elmbridge University’s Graduate School for Cognitive Diversity in Education (formerly Bridges) and Co-director of the 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges Academy, a school for twice exceptional students. The author of many publications concerning the needs of special populations of gifted students including the award-winning 3rd edition of her seminal work To Be Gifted and Learning Disabled, Susan is a popular international speaker whose message is celebrating neurodiversity. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Gifted Children and is past president and co-founder of the Association for the Education of Gifted Underachieving students. She is recipient of the Weinfeld Group’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in educating the twice-exceptional child.
Things You'll Learn in this Episode
The rise in awareness and identification of twice exceptional individuals, including advocacy and policy changes in schools
Common misconceptions in education about giftedness and disabilities, and Baum’s theory of green — the paradoxical profile of these …
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TPP 505: What Happens When We’re No Longer Here? Financial Planning for Differently Wired Families
26 mei 2026 · 41 min
Today we’re talking about something many families know they need to think about—but often don’t know where to begin: financial planning for children with disabilities. My guest is Mary McDirmid, a Chartered Special Needs Consultant and the co-founder and COO of All Needs Planning, a nationwide firm built by caregivers, for caregivers. In our conversation, Mary walks us through why proactive planning matters so much and what it can actually look like in practice. We talk about creating comprehensive care plans, protecting essential benefits, and building a long-term vision that supports not just financial security, but overall well-being. This is an empowering, practical conversation designed to help families feel more prepared, more informed, and more confident about the future. Lees meer
About Dr. Devon Price
Mary McDirmid, ChSNC, is the COO and co-founder of All Needs Planning — a nationwide financial planning firm built by caregivers, for caregivers. A Chartered Special Needs Consultant, Mary brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent navigating the special needs journey. She specializes in helping families create comprehensive plans that address the financial, legal, and care needs of loved ones with disabilities — from diagnosis through adulthood and beyond. Mary is co-author of the upcoming book Care, Protect, Grow: A Guide to Building Lasting Security for Your Loved One with Special Needs (Wiley, May 2026), which provides a compassionate, step-by-step roadmap for families facing the question of “what happens when I’m no longer here?”
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why early, ongoing planning is essential for families raising children with special needs
How the Care, Protect, and Grow framework supports a comprehensive, long-term vision for care
How creating and regularly updating care plans ensures continuity and security for loved ones
Why involving siblings and considering long-term roles is an important part of the planning pr…
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TPP 375a: How Can Our Family Navigate Vacations When They Throw Off My Child's Need for Routine
22 mei 2026 · 20 min
In this Parent Lean-In episode, Debbie answers a listener’s question about how to travel and navigate vacations with a child who is tied to routines. Debbie shares her past experiences and offers tips for pre-trip planning, addressing concerns ahead of time, establishing new routines while traveling, being flexible, using visual aids, and getting the child active and moving, and more. Lees meer
Resources Mentioned
Debbie and 11-year-old Asher on Successful Vacations for Differently Wired Kids (Tilt Parenting podcast)
Download a PDF of our Family Goals Worksheet
Download a PDF of our Vacation Concerns Worksheet
Download a PDF of our Daily Vacation Planner Worksheet
Look at our Departure Plan whiteboard
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TPP 504: Celia Bray on Staying Anchored in an Intense World
19 mei 2026 · 42 min
Today we’re exploring what it means to reconnect with our bodies and how that can transform not just our emotional health, but our parenting and relationships as well, with Celia Bray, a psychologist, somatic therapist, and the award-winning author of Inscribed: Your Body’s Hidden Script. In our conversation, Celia shares her own journey from disconnection to what she calls somatic mastery, and why learning to tune into our body’s signals can be such a powerful guide for decision-making and regulation. We talk about simple, accessible practices parents can begin using right away, and how developing this awareness can shift how we show up—for ourselves and for our kids—with more presence, clarity, and ease. Lees meer
About Celia Bray
Celia Bray is a psychologist, somatic therapist, and award-winning author of Inscribed – Your Body’s Hidden Script. With over 20 years’ experience, she has lived and worked internationally across Australia, India, Kenya, and beyond, blending psychology with embodied healing practices. Celia is the founder of Somatic Psychology International, where she supports people to unlock the wisdom written in their bodies so they can heal, grow, and live authentically. She also facilitates Open Floor Movement, Therapy in Motion, and Family Constellations, empowering individuals and communities to reconnect with their freedom and joy.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Celia Bray’s personal journey from emotional suppression to somatic healing informs her work
Why Gestalt therapy’s focus on present-moment, body-based awareness can be so transformative
How trauma and emotional experiences are held in the body—and how somatic practices can support release and integration
How simple practices like “Landing in the Body” build awareness and reconnect us with our internal cues
Why resistance to body awareness is common, especially within certain cultural contexts, and how to navigate it
How somatic work can influence parenting, decision-making, and…
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TPP 015b: A Conversation with 11-year-old Asher About Travel and Vacation Strategies
15 mei 2026 · 28 min
11-year-old Asher joins me to share our best tips and strategies for making travel run more smoothly and having successful vacations with neurodivergent kids. As much as many families and their children may
love going on vacation, the change in routine, different foods, shifting expectations, and new stimuli can even turn a trip to “The Happiest Place on Earth” (Disneyland) into one full of stress, anxiety, meltdowns, and other challenges. And while we know this rings true for pretty much any and every family, for parents raising differently wired kids, the extremes highs and lows can bigger. In this episode, Asher and I share what we’ve learned over the years when it comes to making sure everyone’s needs and expectations on any given vacation are met, or at the very least, addressed, and walk listeners through the different schedules and planners we’ve we incorporated into our vacation prep. We hope you take away a tip or two to make your next family holiday a more peaceful experience for the whole family! Lees meerThings you’ll learn from this episode
The benefits of talking through and getting clear on expectations
(for all members of the family) prior to leaving for a vacationA strategy for using the collaborative problem solving approach to identify, address, and pre-solve concerns ahead of time
How to make departure day go more smoothly
The benefits of exploring and researching aspects of a vacation time
well in advance of the trip (including accommodations, activities,
etc.)A strategy for using written schedules coupled with frequent reviews during a vacation keeps everyone’s expectations in check
The benefits of bringing a child into the planning process (and letting them determine some of what will happen on vacation)
Why it’s useful to work with your child to discover what they need
most on vacation and then incorporating it into your daily plan (ie:
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TPP 503: The Real Work of Parenting Neurodivergent Young Adults (Part 3)
12 mei 2026 · 45 min
You may recall that last fall, my friend and colleague Penny Williams, a parenting coach for neurodiverse families, the author of four books on ADHD including Boy Without Instructions, and the host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast, and I did a two-part series on what it really looks like to support our neurodivergent young adults as they move toward living self-determined lives – Part one was here on Full-Tilt Parenting, and Part 2 was on Penny’s show. Lees meer
We left a lot of topics on the table, so we’re back with more…parts 3 and 4 in fact. This episode on Full-Tilt Parenting is part 3, where we’ll be focusing on the practical and emotional realities of this stage—financial literacy, accommodations, decision-making, and the often complicated dynamics between parents and young adults. Penny and I share personal stories, strategies that have helped, and some honest reflections on what this phase asks of us.
And then you can listen to Part 4 over on Beautifully Complex this Thursday … and in that episode we’ll be talking about things like consent and communication, exploring thinking about future and goals, and how we approach conversations about difficult topics like risky behavior, substance use, and more.
About Penny Williams
A parenting coach for neurodiverse families, Penny Williams is the award-winning author of four books on ADHD, including Boy Without Instructions, producer and host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast, host of the annual Neurodiversity Summits, and co-creator of The Behavior Revolution Program, a parent training program designed to change the narrative on behavior and help parents celebrate and support their kids with ADHD or autism through neuroscience-backed insights, hard-won strategies, compassion, and guidance. Penny empowers parents to help their neurodivergent kids — and families — thrive.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How building financial literacy supports independence for neurodivergent young adults
Why navigating money m…