The Neurodiversity Podcast talks with leaders in the fields of psychology, education, and beyond, about positively impacting neurodivergent people. Our goal is to reframe differences that were once considered disabilities or disorders, promote awareness of this unique population, and improve the lives of neurodivergent and high-ability people.
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This episode features Dr. Jennifer Dahl, a grief-informed neurodivergence specialist, who shares her experience with late ADHD diagnosis and addresses common misconceptions, particularly for women and girls in educational settings. They explore the emotional impact of a late diagnosis, including grief and trauma, and discuss sustainable strategies for managing ADHD, emphasizing self-awareness and practical hacks for daily life.
This episode features Dayna Abraham, author of "Calm the Chaos," discussing the immense pressures parents of neurodivergent children face, emphasizing self-compassion and recognizing progress over perfection. She shares practical strategies like mindset shifts using "Thought Monsters" to combat negative societal judgments. The conversation also deeply explores the impact of educational trauma and offers alternative, less-talking approaches for de-escalating heightened situations, advocating for child-centric support.
Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Tom Rademacher, an award-winning educator and author, to explore the nuances of creating affirming educational environments. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in teaching, the impact of neurodivergence on learning, and how personal experiences shape educational philosophies. Tom shares thoughts about his book series "Bucket and Friends," which teaches the power of embracing one's uniqueness and the role of agency and optimism in education. TAKEAWAYS...
On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with licensed mental health counselor Leon Garber, host of the Seize the Moment podcast, about the complexities of perfectionism. They explore the many layers, its ties to neurodivergence, and its impact on mental health. Leon shares what he knows about the different forms of perfectionism, including self-imposed, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism, and they discuss how these can manifest in various domains of life. They also examine...
In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris has a heartfelt conversation with Lake Bell, an award-winning actress, writer, and director, who opens up about her journey as a mother navigating her daughter Nova's epilepsy diagnosis. Emily and Lake talk about the challenges of living with neurodiversity, and discuss ways to turn them into victories. Lake shares the impact of seizures on Nova's identity, and she reflects on her own experiences with dyslexia. They talk about the importance of reframing neu...
Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Cody Clark, a magician and autistic self-advocate, to talk about Cody's unique approach to blending storytelling and sleight of hand to offer audiences a more authentic perspective on autism. They discuss Cody's personal experiences as a kid, before he understood his autism diagnosis, and how the diagnosis shaped his life. They talk about the importance of embracing special interests, as Cody did for his journey into magic, and the effect of advocacy work for disabi...
Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Sarah Kesty, an executive function coach and host of the Executive Function podcast, to talk about challenges and strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals with executive function and emotional regulation. They discuss offloading working memory, and ideas to help create an executive function-friendly environment at home and in the classroom. Sarah shares her three-phase coaching model and they talk about the importance of self-regulation in both aca...
Dr. Tracey DeMaria introduces 'surfing the waves' as a dynamic metaphor for emotional regulation, making it a practiceable skill rather than a clinical task. She discusses the crucial impact of language in framing behaviors, advocating for viewing challenges as 'dysregulation' instead of 'maladaptive.' The episode also covers school-induced trauma for neurodivergent kids and the integration of sensory and cognitive tools, including special interests, to support emotional well-being and build self-awareness.
Emily Kircher-Morris and Joshua Stamper, author of "The Language of Behavior," discuss reframing student behavior through trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming lenses. They explore a three-part framework focusing on environment, root causes, and intentional responses, highlighting the critical role of building relationships over punitive measures. The conversation also addresses the importance of educator self-care to sustain effective teaching practices.
This episode explores the profound impact of play on emotional resilience and development across all ages, featuring play therapy expert Georgie Wisen-Vincent. Discussions cover adapting play for neurodivergent children, its role in fostering emotional regulation and executive function, and practical strategies for adults to engage meaningfully with children through play. The episode emphasizes that play is a vital language for connection and growth, far beyond just childhood.
Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist and author, about the complexities of life's major transitions. At this time of year, this is an especially-important conversation, as some students prepare for the shift to college life. They share their own experiences and provide advice on navigating the pressures of newfound independence, the importance of self-care, and the role of systemic support in easing major transitions. Yes, they also talk about farts, s...
Generalizations about ADHD haven't done girls any favors. ADHD often manifests very differently in girls than in boys. What causes parents, educators, and even doctors, to view the symptoms of ADHD differently with girls? We know that masking, and even variations in environments, often cause symptoms to be missed. How is that happening? We're revisiting the subject and chat with Stephen Hinshaw, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sci...
Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. Chris Wells delve into Kazimierz Dabrowski's theory of positive disintegration, exploring how it reframes mental illness symptoms as developmental potential for personal transformation. They address common misconceptions and misapplications of overexcitabilities within the gifted education community, linking them to broader neurodivergent experiences. The discussion also covers navigating intense emotional states, the importance of grounding practices, and fostering community support for authentic self-actualization.
Autism advocate Kaelynn Partlow joins Emily to discuss her personal journey and insights from her work, addressing the complexities of autism diagnosis, the pros and cons of labeling, and the need for nuanced discussions beyond simplistic narratives like "superpowers." They explore the evolution of ABA therapy towards neurodiversity-affirming care and practical communication strategies like declarative language, concluding with the vital importance of community for parents of autistic children.
Today's episode is a heartfelt conversation about the importance of helping neurodivergent children understand themselves and their brain profile, and how this understanding can foster confidence and self-advocacy. Emily talks with Dr. Liz Angoff about the need for transparent communication with children about their diagnoses, and the use of relatable metaphors to explain complex concepts. They discuss collaborative approaches in assessments, the challenges of co-occurring diagnoses, and the rol...
Emily Kircher-Morris and Emily Paige Ballou critically examine mainstream neurodiversity discourse. They clarify the term's origin in biodiversity, critique the "superpower" narrative for neglecting challenges, and discuss the social model of disability's applicability to neurodivergence. The conversation also debunks problematic identity statements and critiques the PDA label for obscuring underlying autistic traits, ultimately advocating for deeper systemic change and comprehensive support.
Emily Kircher-Morris and registered dietitian Jackie Silver delve into the complexities of feeding neurodivergent brains, addressing common overlooked issues like sensory sensitivities, interoception difficulties, and executive functioning barriers. They provide actionable advice on adapting meal planning, managing appetite changes from medication, and recognizing disordered eating patterns, all while emphasizing self-compassion and small, manageable changes for sustainable nutrition.
Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Ari Tuckman for a conversation about time blindness, the complexities of ADHD, and the stigma surrounding the disorder. They discuss why ADHD is more about the struggle to convert attention into action than a lack of knowledge. They talk about how and why ADHD affects time perception and performance under pressure. If you're prone to procrastination, anxiety, and time management issues, this is an episode you need to hear. TAKEAWAYS ADHD is often misunderstood a...
A term has been gaining traction over the last few years: AuDHD. Today, Emily Kircher-Morris is talking with Mattia Maurée, a neurodivergent individual who is both ADHD and autistic. They talk about how the two diagnoses blend together, one side desiring routine and sameness, while the other seeks novelty and change. They also discuss the challenges of receiving accurate diagnoses, the impact of stigma on neurodivergent individuals, how career pathways are affected, Mattia's personal experiences...
Dr. Taylor Day discusses Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in autistic children, emphasizing it as a conceptualization rather than a formal diagnosis. The conversation covers the challenges of identifying PDA traits often mistaken for defiance, the need for neurodiversity-affirming assessments, and adapting parenting strategies like the "three-bucket approach." Dr. Day advocates for a "whole family approach" that validates parents' experiences, supports caregivers, and prioritizes quality, personalized care to prevent burnout.
Chris Wenger advocates for moving beyond traditional compliance in schools, highlighting the importance of creating safe, regulated environments that foster genuine belonging over forced fitting in. The discussion covers redefining social goals to promote authentic connections, the dangers of masking leading to burnout, and the critical role of autonomy for both students and educators. He introduces the DASL assessment, a strengths-based tool designed to reframe educational approaches and positively impact parent-child relationships, ultimately promoting a world where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.
School refusal and distress are the subject of the day, as Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes child psychologist and former school psychologist, Dr. Emily King. They discuss the importance of understanding the underlying causes of anxiety, the need for neurodiversity-affirming approaches, and the balance between structure and flexibility in educational settings. The also discuss the importance of grace, connection, and individualized strategies when helping children navigate their emotional experienc...
Today, Emily Kircher-Morris and Meredith Polsky look into the complexities of selective mutism, exploring its definitions, the importance of language in understanding it, and the personal experiences that led Meredith to specialize in this area. They discuss the myths surrounding selective mutism, and its manifestation as an anxiety disorder rather than a choice or a form of shyness. Meredith shares her journey as a parent of children with selective mutism and the challenges she faced in finding...
This episode features Emily Kircher-Morris and educator Mitch Weathers, creator of Organized Binder, who emphasize that executive functioning skills are essential, not optional. They explore integrating these skills as a "Tier 1" support, using clarity, modeling, and routine for daily practice. The discussion highlights the digital era's impact, strategies for teachers and parents, and the transformative power of organization for student success and resilience.
Emily Kircher-Morris and Barbara Pape delve into learner variability, advocating for an educational shift from 'one-size-fits-all' to recognizing individual student needs. They discuss tools like the Learner Variability Navigator, the importance of student agency in accommodations, and the systemic barriers educators face. The conversation highlights how crucial a sense of belonging is for all learners, particularly neurodivergent students, stressing that policy and intentional classroom design must evolve to truly support diverse educational environments.
Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin delve into the double empathy problem, challenging assumptions about neurodivergent individuals' empathy. They use personal anecdotes and classroom examples to illustrate communication breakdowns and offer practical strategies for educators. The discussion emphasizes the importance of curiosity, asking clarifying questions, and taking neurodivergent communication at face value to create more emotionally safe and understanding school environments.
This episode debunks common myths about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, explaining its complex cycle of triggers, obsessions, and compulsions, which goes far beyond cleanliness. Therapist Natalia Aíza details various types like moral scrupulosity and harm OCD, distinguishing it from generalized anxiety. The discussion also covers the unique challenges and presentations of OCD when coexisting with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism, offering insights into effective support strategies for individuals and families.
Today Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Leah Kuypers, developer of the Zones of Regulation framework, to discuss self-regulation skills. They talk about the importance of emotional awareness, the practical applications of the framework in educational settings, and how it provides a common language for expressing feelings. Leah shares insights from her experience as an occupational therapist and educator, including the impact of the framework on students' ability to communicate their emotions and nav...
Today Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Gestalt language processing expert Ali Battye about the nuts and bolts of Gestalt, and why it's useful and important in understanding and supporting neurodivergent communicators. They talk about the barriers faced by Gestalt language processors, the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and the need for a strengths-based approach in communication. There are some common misconceptions about Gestalt language processing, and they explain and...
Today we're discussing the concept of whole body listening, and its evolution to whole body regulation. Elizabeth Sautter joins Emily Kircher-Morris to talk about that evolution, and what it means to neurodivergent people and those who support them. They discuss emotional regulation and co-regulation, the role of educators and parents in modeling emotional awareness, and the impact of shame on neurodivergent learners. Also, the complexities of vulnerability, and the significant difference betwee...
