Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

Today we’re exploring EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—a therapeutic approach that’s been shown to be highly effective in treating trauma, including for neurodivergent individuals. My guest is Dr. Naomi Fisher, a clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma, autism, and alternative education, and an expert in EMDR. Naomi will share her journey into EMDR and explains not just the mechanics of how it works, but also what actually happens in a session. We talk about the importance of understanding trauma in children, particularly those who are neurodivergent, and why flexibility and attunement are so essential for therapists in creating a truly supportive environment. About Dr. Naomi Fisher Dr. Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist who specialises in trauma, autism and alternative education. She is the author of several books including When the Naughty Step Makes Things Worse and the Teenager’s Guide to Burnout. She runs webinars for parents and more of her work can be found at www.naomifisher.co.uk Things you'll learn from this episode How EMDR combines emotionally activated memories with bilateral stimulation to help process trauma Why trauma can get “stuck” and how EMDR supports the brain’s natural healing process How EMDR can be effective for both adults and children when delivered in a safe, supportive environment Why neurodivergent individuals may have unique trauma responses that require flexibility in therapy How parents can play an important role in helping children make sense of traumatic experiences Why choosing accredited, well-trained therapists is critical for safe and effective EMDR treatment Resources mentioned Dr. Naomi Fisher’s website Naomi Fisher on Substack A Different Way to Learn by Naomi Fisher Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of Their Own Learning by Naomi Fisher What Can We Do When School’s Not Working: An Illustrated Handbook for Professionals by Naomi Fisher Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Post-Traumatic Parenting (Full-Tilt Parenting podcast) EMDR UK Association EMDR Institute Francine Shapiro, PhD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we’re talking about such a pressing consideration for anyone raising a kid these days — what it means for today’s generation of kids to grow up with very public lives and coming of age in a digital world where so many aspects of their lives are online and available for public consumption, not to mention that much of their important work of identity formation is being shaped by the media and technology they interact with. My guest, Devorah Heitner, gets into all of this in her brand new and essential book for any parent, Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World. For this conversation, I asked Devorah to talk us through what I see as some of the more pressing issues for parents like us, including how to balance a child’s right to privacy in their texts and online lives with valid concerns about online influences and engagement when that child is dealing with anxiety, depression or other mental health disorder, the impact of social media on kids who may already be struggling to fit in and find their people, and how many homework and grading apps used by schools may actually be undermining our kids development of executive function skills and creating additional stress for parents.   Things you'll learn How to navigate the transition from being highly involved in a children’s tech life to respecting their privacy Why violating our kids’ trust by reading their texts will drive them further apart from us What to track or monitor when your child is dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders How engaging in social media may impact kids who are struggling to fit in and find their people Why social media can act as an intensifier for whatever kids are experiencing and how it causes a dip in self-esteem What sharenting is and how to navigate permissions, cleaning up past shares, and more Why apps like ClassDojo are particularly challenging for families with differently-wired students How grading apps often work against differently wired students Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re talking about one of my favorite topics — what it really means to connect, collaborate, and let go of control as our kids grow into themselves as they enter the transformative teen years. My guest is Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist and parent coach who helps overwhelmed parents raise confident, emotionally healthy kids and teens, and the author of the brand new book, Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict Into Connection. In our conversation, Ann-Louise shares insights from her book and offers a powerful reframing of what it means to parent through the teen years. We talk about shifting from control to curiosity—especially when raising neurodivergent kids—along with individuation, cognitive dissonance, and why living a fulfilling life as a parent is one of the best ways to model healthy behaviors for our teens. She also reminds us that it’s never too late to repair, reconnect, and love the teen we have right now. About Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, speaker, and author who helps overwhelmed parents raise confident, emotionally healthy kids and teens. As the founder of A New Day Pediatric Psychology, she empowers families to move from chaos to connection using practical tools rooted in clinical expertise and real-life parenting. She is the author of an upcoming book launching October 28, 2025 titled, Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict Into Connection. She has been featured in The New York Times, Parents, HuffPost, and on The Today Show. Her dynamic, relatable style has made her a trusted voice for parents nationwide. Things you'll learn from this episode Why it’s never too late to repair and rebuild connection with your teen How curiosity helps parents better understand what’s really driving their teen’s behavior Why focusing on connection over control leads to stronger, more trusting relationships How individuation is a healthy and necessary part of adolescence for both teens and parents Why modeling a fulfilling, authentic life can positively influence your child’s growth How resetting expectations and embracing collaboration can transform communication and repair past ruptures Resources mentioned Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s author website Love the Teen You Have: A Practical Guide to Transforming Conflict Into Connection by Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart A New Day Pediatric Psychology (Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s practice) Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart on Instagram Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart on Facebook Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart’s YouTube channel Chris Voss & The Art of Negotiation (Masterclass) Lighthouse Parenting: Raising your Child with Loving Guidance for an Enduring Bond by Dr. Ken Ginsburg Maggie Dent on How to Parent, Love & Support Today’s Teens (Full-Tilt Parenting) Education Leader Chris Balme on Navigating the Tricky Middle School Years (Full-Tilt Parenting) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many of our kids spend a LOT of time engaging on screens and with technology, and I don’t know about you, but for me it feels like this is an ever-changing, and fast-changing landscape, and one that can be hard to stay on top of. Whether we’re talking about assistive technology, videos, games, or social media, these forms of media continue to offer new ways of interacting, developing relationships, and even exploring identity, and this has added to the complexity of raising neurodivergent kiddos. So I invited Dr. Meryl Alper, a researcher on the social and cultural implications of communication technologies with a focus on disability, digital media, and children and families’ tech use to join me to talk about how we should be thinking about our kids’ relationship with screens and tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My guest today is education leader and author Chris Balme, here to talk about his brand-new book Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome. In it, Chris gives middle schoolers themselves the tools to turn the ups and downs of adolescence into an adventure filled with meaning, growth, and connection. In our conversation, Chris shares why adventure and healthy risk-taking are so powerful during the middle school years, how parents can support their kids’ self-efficacy and independence, and what this can look like for neurodivergent learners. We also talk about the parallel journeys parents and kids go through during this stage, and how leaning into growth together can make middle school not just manageable, but truly awesome.   About Chris Balme Chris Balme is an education leader, writer, and speaker. He’s endlessly curious about how we can raise wise, loving, and capable adolescents. Chris has co-founded and led two innovative schools, written a best-selling book called Finding the Magic in Middle School, and regularly speaks to and trains teachers and parents around the world. His new book, Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome, gives the keys to middle schoolers themselves, to turn the wild ride of adolescence into an adventure full of meaning and connection. Chris currently serves as Co-Principal of Hakuba International School, and as director of Argonaut, an online advisory program for middle schoolers from around the world. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. Things you'll learn from this episode   How middle schoolers are far more capable than they’re often given credit for Why choice, authorship, and experiential learning are critical for building self-efficacy in adolescents How shifting from being the “boss” to being a guide helps parents support their child’s growth Why healthy risks and self-directed challenges are especially important for neurodivergent kids How parents can act as mirrors for their children’s experiences while growing themselves in the process Why creating supportive environments and offering practical adventures, like those in Challenge Accepted, helps middle schoolers thrive Resources mentioned Chris Balme’s website Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome by Chris Balme Finding the Magic in Middle School: Tapping Into the Power and Potential of the Middle School Years by Chris Balme Chris’s Substack Chris on Instagram The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today is an important conversation about online communities and internet rabbit holes. And I felt pulled to tackle this topic for the show because I know that the past few years in particularly has been a time where differently wired kids have beenspending a LOT more time online and connecting with people they may not have even meant in real life and doing their identity development largely online. And I also know that this can put our kids, and us as their parents and caregivers, in challenging positions as we navigate a seemingly endless stream of discourse that may lead our kids down the wrong paths. So I asked my friend and screen and tech expert Dr. Devorah Heitner to join me for a frank and open conversation about it all. We talked about the ways differently wired kids might be exposed to harmful content, and why our kids may be more susceptible to toxic or unhealthy virtual rabbit holes in the first place, the popular places where teens and kids are hanging out the most right now, the way our kids’ worldview and their brain development is impacted they content their engaging with, and what we parents might not know that we should know about regarding this topic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Parent Lean In episode, Margaret Webb joins me to answer a listener's question about those tough moments when our kids are totally dysregulated—especially after long, overstimulating school days. We get into why these behaviors happen, how important it is for kids to release pent-up energy, and what it really means to co-regulate. We also talk about how to stay grounded ourselves when things get loud or chaotic, and remind parents that these rough patches are hard, but they are temporary—and we don’t have to face them alone. Key Takeaways Why understanding common concerns about social skills in autistic children can help parents feel less isolated and more empowered How parental anxieties can shape decisions around social opportunities and why self-awareness is key Why clarifying your own worries before addressing your child’s needs leads to more intentional and effective support How using scaffolding strategies can make playdates more successful and comfortable for neurodivergent kids Why keeping playdates short and thoughtfully matched can reduce stress for both kids and caregivers How lowering expectations and partnering with teachers and other parents can create more positive social experiences Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re talking about raising girls—what it means to help them feel strong in both body and mind, and how we as parents can nurture that confidence from an early age. My guest is Kate Rope, an award-winning journalist and the author of the new book, Strong as a Girl: Your Guide to Raising Girls Who Know, Stand Up for, and Take Care of Themselves. In this episode, we talk about empowerment, self-compassion, and listening deeply to our daughters, as well as the role parents play in creating a supportive environment. We also explore the importance of representing diverse experiences, including those of neurodivergent girls, and how to help our kids develop a strong, steady inner voice. About Kate Rope  Kate Rope is an award-winning freelance journalist and author whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, and many other outlets. She is the author of Strong as a Girl: Your Guide to Raising Girls Who Know, Stand Up for, and Take Care of Themselves and Strong as a Mother. How to Stay Healthy, Happy and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenting, co-executive producer and co-author of the Audible Original Soldiers of Science, and a mom on a mission to help everyone be Strong as a Human. Things you'll learn from this episode How early conversations about self-advocacy can empower young girls to trust their voices Why including diverse experiences enriches the way we parent and support our daughters How validating emotions like anger helps girls embrace their full humanity instead of suppressing themselves Why neurodivergent girls often face extra layers of societal pressure and expectation How prioritizing self-worth over self-esteem builds a stronger foundation for girls’ well-being Why encouraging autonomy and practicing self-compassion are key for raising confident, resilient girls Resources mentioned Kate Rope’s website Strong As a Girl: Your Guide to Raising Girls Who Know, Stand Up for, and Take Care of Themselves by Kate Rope Strong as a Human (Kate’s Substack) Kate on Instagram Soraya Chemaly Creating Neurodiversity Affirming Schools with Amanda Morin & Emily Kircher-Morris (Full-Tilt Parenting) Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted & Supported by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin About Universal Design Activist Emily Ladau on Demystifying Disability (Full-Tilt Parenting) Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally by Emily Ladau Dr. Katie Hurley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where is the line between healthy gaming and unhealthy gaming? How much gaming is too much? And when does a gaming habit evolve into gaming addiction? These are some of the questions regarding screen time that I hear from many parents, and they highlight some of the ongoing challenges families face in raising children who can be responsible tech users and whose screen use and gaming doesn’t interfere with their lives in a way that can be harmful or keep them stuck. So when I learned of the new book How to Raise a Healthy Gamer: End Power Struggles, Break Bad Screen Habits, and Transform Your Relationship with Your Kids by Dr. Alok Kanojia, I knew I wanted to invite him onto the show to talk about all things gaming with us. In this conversation, we talked about how we as parents can know whether our child is addicted to video games or not, why screen time limits and restricting gaming time are at odds with the goal of raising a healthy gamer, and how to shift to a holistic approach that considers overall well-being and goal-setting. We also talked about why children with ADHD are more susceptible to addictive behaviors surrounding gaming and how to raise healthy gamers from a young age. Dr. Alok Kanojia is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist specializing in the intersection of technology x mental health. Also known as ”Dr. K” to millions of people on the internet, Dr.Kanojia is the co-founder of Healthy Gamer, a mental health platform that serves the digital generation. He has inspired millions of people with online content while overseeing the mental health coaching of thousands of young people. He is widely regarded as the foremost expert on video game addiction and most prominent mental health authority for young people. When he’s offline, he’s usually traveling, gardening, or grilling with his family. Things you’ll learn from this episode  How to determine if your child has a gaming addiction, and why it’s important to trust your instincts Why screen time limits and carrot and stick approaches surrounding a child’s gaming is at odds with the goal of raising a healthy gamer Why children with ADHD are more susceptible to addictive behaviors surrounding gaming The importance of engaging in open and non-judgmental communication with your child about their gaming habits and the impact it has on their life How to shift to a holistic approach that considers overall well-being and goal-setting Ideas for proactively creating healthy gaming habits with younger children learn more at https://tiltparenting.com/session365 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re diving into the world of empaths and highly sensitive people—what it means to be one, what makes it complicated, and why it’s also such a gift. My guest, psychiatrist, author, and empath Dr. Judith Orloff, shares her own journey as a highly sensitive child and how it shaped her work as a psychiatrist. We talk about the science behind sensitivity, how to recognize a highly sensitive child, and why self-care and co-regulation are so critical for both parents and kids. Judith also touches on bullying, sensory overload, and the strategies empaths can use to thrive—and she introduces her beautiful new children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, created to help kids understand and embrace their sensitivity.   About Judith Orloff, MD Judith Orloff, MD, is a psychiatrist who serves on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty and an empath. She is a New York Times bestselling author whose most recent books are The Genius of Empathy (2024) and The Empath’s Survival Guide (2017). Specializing in treating highly sensitive people in her private practice, she also offers Empathy Training Programs to organizations. She has spoken at the American Psychiatric Association, Google, Fortune’s Powerful Women’s Summit, and TEDx. She has appeared on The Today Show, CNN, PBS, and NPR. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, USA Today, Teen Vogue, and Scientific American. Things you'll learn from this episode How Dr. Orloff blends traditional psychiatric expertise with her lived experience as an empath Why empaths and highly sensitive individuals often struggle with sensory overload and emotional stress from others How co-regulation between parents and children supports emotional health and resilience Why parents need to advocate for highly sensitive kids in schools, especially in the face of bullying How recognizing the gifts of empathy—like deep connection to nature and beauty—helps children embrace who they are Why self-empathy and intentional self-care practices are essential for empaths to thrive Resources mentioned Dr. Judith Orloff’s website The Highly Sensitive Rabbit by Dr. Judith Orloff The Empath's Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People by Dr. Judith Orloff Thriving as an Empath by Dr. Judith Orloff Dr. Judith Orloff on Facebook Dr. Judith Orloff on X Dr. Judith Orloff on LinkedIn Dr. Judith Orloff on YouTube Dr. Judith Orloff on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Devorah Heitner, a digital media and technology expert and the author of "Screenwise" talks about how parents can mentor their kids to develop a healthy relationship with screens (phones, online games, and more). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today I’m talking with writer and memoirist Nefertiti Austin about her journey parenting a neurodivergent child and the many realizations that come with it, which she writes about in her new book, She’s Just Spirited: Parenting a Neurodivergent Child and the Diagnosis That Changes Everything, continues that deeply honest exploration, this time through the lens of raising a differently wired child. In our conversation, Nefertiti shares the challenges and gifts of navigating labels, the role of educators in her family’s story, and the ways adoption has shaped her parenting experience. We also talk about what it means to adapt as parents—to let go of old visions and dream new dreams that embrace our children’s unique paths.   About Nefertiti Austin Nefertiti Austin is a writer and memoirist. She wrote about the erasure of diverse voices in motherhood in the critically acclaimed Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America (2019) and her work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Huffington Post, The Nation, Romper, Parents Magazine, and many other publications. She was the subject of an article on race and adoption in The Atlantic and appeared on numerous shows, podcasts, and radio programs, including The Today Show and multiple NPR outlets. Her newest book is She’s Just Spirited: Parenting a Neurodivergent Child and the Diagnosis That Changes Everything (2025). Nefertiti is the proud adoptive mother of two children and lives in Los Angeles. Things you'll learn from this episode  How Nefertiti’s parenting journey began through adoption and was reshaped by raising a neurodivergent child Why using positive terms like “spirited” instead of negative labels protects children’s sense of self, especially for children of color How adoption adds unique layers of complexity to parenting neurodivergent kids and challenges assumptions about nurture Why seeking assessments requires patience, persistence, and deep understanding from both parents and educators How parents can move toward acceptance by dreaming new dreams for their children while navigating overwhelm and trial and error Why bridging the gap between parents and educators is key to creating supportive environments for neurodivergent kids Resources mentioned Nefertiti Austin’s website She’s Just Spirited: Parenting a Neurodivergent Child and the Diagnosis That Changes Everything by Nefertiti Austin Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America by Nefertiti Austin Nefertiti on Instagram Nefertiti on Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Becca Wertheim, a second-grade teacher at an inclusion school in North Carolina, talks about her experience as a teacher meeting the individual educational needs of a group of students with diverse learning styles, and her insight for parents who are looking for better support and communication with the teachers in their children’s lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re talking about dyslexia—what it is, what it isn’t, and how parents can best support their children after a diagnosis. My guest is Rebecca Bush, a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and founder of Lead Changes, a private practice that supports children with dyslexia, as well as the author of the new book Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child, a compassionate, step-by-step guide for families just beginning this journey. In our conversation, Rebecca shares the myths and misconceptions parents often encounter, and the critical importance of early intervention. We talk about the early signs to look for, how language and advocacy shape outcomes, and the support systems that can make all the difference. Rebecca also offers practical, reassuring advice for parents navigating the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with dyslexia. About Rebecca Bush Rebecca Bush is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and the founder of Lead Changes, a private practice that supports children with dyslexia and the families who love them. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher, literacy leader, and founding director, Rebecca brings a rare blend of deep expertise and grounded empathy to every conversation. Rebecca specializes in helping parents navigate the emotional and practical journey after a dyslexia diagnosis, offering evidence-based strategies, advocacy tools, and encouragement that’s both real and reassuring. She’s also the author of Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child, a compassionate, step-by-step guide for families just beginning the path. Beyond her work in literacy, Rebecca is trained in equine-assisted services and believes deeply in the power of movement, connection, and trust-building as tools for emotional resilience. She’s known for keeping things honest, hopeful, and jargon-free, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but it should come with support. Things you'll learn from this episode How Rebecca’s work as a dyslexia therapist helps parents understand the complexities of language acquisition in reading and writing Why early intervention and structured literacy approaches like Orton-Gillingham are critical for supporting children with dyslexia How parents often grapple with feelings of overwhelm and guilt, especially given the genetic component of dyslexia Why community, advocacy, and resources like Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child are invaluable for families on this journey How dyslexia can overlap with other learning differences such as dysgraphia and dyscalculia Why understanding how the brain processes language is key to effectively addressing dyslexia Resources mentioned Rebecca’s website, Lead Changes Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child: Parenting Essentials, Tips and Strategies to Help Your Child by Rebecca Bush Free Trust Your Parent Gut Quiz Rebecca on Instagram Orton-Gillingham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My guest for this episode, Dr Jody Carrington, a clinical psychologist, speaker, and author based in Alberta, Canada, has spent most of her career working with children and families who have experienced trauma, and has learned that kids can only be as okay as the adults in their lives are okay. The result of her insights is the wonderful book Kids These Days: A Game Plan for (Re)Connecting With Those We Teach, Lead & Love. Jody offers powerfully grounded insights and strategies for parents, caregivers, and teachers to connect with and show up for our kids and each other. Things You'll Learn from This Episode: Why it’s so important that kids have meaningful connections with adults in their lives, including (and perhaps especially) teachers The importance of showing emotional regulation to kids (and why emotional regulation can’t be learned without dysregulation) What is a “light up moment” How labels are often relied upon in schools to provide context but miss the actual story Jody’s answer to the question: “Is it ever too late” with older kids who may have experienced trauma or have really tricky conduct Why and how our real power comes from connecting and supporting each other Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Debbie Reber and Zach Morris answer a listener's question about how parents can support their kids' search for meaning and connection while navigating their own struggles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re diving into the ways our own trauma can shape how we show up as parents, and how we can begin to break those inherited cycles with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, a clinical child psychologist, trauma treatment expert, and author of Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be. In our conversation, Robyn shares insights from her book, including the concept of “secret ACEs,” the “trauma app” that can override our instincts, and the different subtypes of post-traumatic parenting. We also talk about how to recognize our triggers, the importance of self-care, and the role of the inner child in this work. Robyn’s approach blends research, clinical wisdom, and lived experience, and she offers practical hacks for navigating the challenges of parenting when trauma is part of our story. About Dr. Robyn Koslowitz Dr. Robyn Koslowitz is a clinical child psychologist, trauma treatment expert, and author of Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be. As the founder of the Post-Traumatic Parenting model, Dr. Koslowitz helps parents break free from inherited patterns and become the parents their children—and their inner child—need. Her core message is simple yet profound: Your inner child can’t raise a child, but raising your real-world child can heal your inner child. Dr. Koslowitz combines research-backed tools, clinical insights, and lived experience to help parents transform trauma into growth. As she says, Adulting is hard. Adulting is especially hard if you never childed.And parenting? That’s adulting on steroids. Her “trauma app” metaphor has reached thousands, empowering parents to recognize and rewrite the patterns that no longer serve them—or their children.   Things you'll learn from this episode How trauma can shape parenting by acting as a mirror, map, and motivator for healing Why hidden or “secret” ACEs accumulate and impact the way parents show up with their children How children often reveal a parent’s triggers, creating opportunities for growth and repair Why post-traumatic parenting can manifest in patterns like paralysis, perfectionism, or disengagement How healing begins with befriending our instincts and using the AIM method of acceptance, integration, and meaning-making Why self-care and play are essential tools for connection, regulation, and attunement in parenting Resources mentioned Dr. Robyn Koslowitz’s website Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be by Dr. Robyn Koslowitz Post-Traumatic Parenting Podcast Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Instagram Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on LinkedIn Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Threads Dr. Robyn Koslowitz’s YouTube channel Erik Erikson Georgie Wisen-Vincent on Unlocking Our Kids’ Emotional Balance and Resilience with The Way of Play (Tilt Parenting podcast) The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Kind and Confident Kids by Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’re the parent of a differently wired kid with a diagnosed learning disability, you likely have had experience with Individualized Education Plans, otherwise known as IEPs. And if this is you, my hunch is you have some feelings about IEPs and the whole process — the stresses, the unknowns, the fact that it might feel like you have to understand a completely different language just to get the services and supports your child needs and deserves in schools. Occupational therapist Beth Liesenfeld, the woman behind a company, podcast, and resource called The IEP Lab, joins us to answer your questions around how parents can better prepare for an IEP meeting, what makes a good IEP, and how we can go about making changes on an IEP if we realize the accommodations aren’t being effective or if a school isn’t following through in the way the IEP outlines. Beth Liesenfeld, MOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist passionate about providing “insider” information of the school’s process and culture to parents in order to increase collaboration between parents and school staff! Her company, The IEP Lab, provides online workshops and courses as well as produces The Parent IEP Lab Podcast.  Things You'll Learn from This Episode: What parents actually need to know before they go into an IEP meeting The criteria for designing an effective and supportive IEP The intention behind the goals written into any IEP, and how to create goals that lead to hoped-for outcomes What parents can do if their children’s school doesn’t follow through on the accommodations provided in their child’s IEP How to include accommodations for students who are struggling with school refusal and therefore may not be meeting attendance requirements What the IDEA says about seeking an IEP for twice-exceptional children who may be performing “adequately” but aren’t reaching their potential Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode I’m talking with Julie Green, author of the memoir Motherness, a powerful exploration of generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. Julie, who was late-diagnosed herself and is raising an autistic child, takes us inside her journey of self-discovery and diagnosis, and we talk about the emotional complexities of coming to understand our own neurodivergence while parenting neurodivergent kids. We explore the healing power of writing, the importance of storytelling and compassion, and the challenges many families like ours face along the way. Julie’s memoir is a testament to these shared experiences, and this conversation is a deeply honest look at what it means to parent—and to live—with radical acceptance. About Julie Green Julie Green is the author of Motherness, a memoir about generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance, released by ECW Press in September 2025. Her writing has appeared in the Washington Post, HuffPost, Parents, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Today’s Parent, and more. She has been featured on CTV, BBC Radio, Global News, Sirius XM, and other media outlets, and was a finalist for the CBC Nonfiction Prize in 2024. Through her platform The Autistic Mom, Julie shares her lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic woman raising an autistic child. Things you'll learn from this episode  How Julie’s decade-long journey to understanding her neurodivergence was shaped by limited representation for autistic women Why writing became an essential tool for Julie to process her experiences and emotions How receiving a formal diagnosis brought relief and clarity to her life story Why Julie’s memoir Motherness shines a light on the complexities of parenting an autistic child while navigating her own identity How practicing self-compassion and protecting her child’s privacy are central to Julie’s storytelling Why community, connection, and embracing one’s identity remain vital for neurodivergent individuals and families Resources mentioned Motherness virtual book launch on September 23 (free registration via EventBrite) Julie Green’s website Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance by Julie Green Julie’s Substack, The Autistic Mom The Electricity of Every Living Thing: A Woman’s Walk in the Wild to Find Her Way Home by Katherine May Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May Katherine May and the Electricity of Every Living Thing (Tilt Parenting podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amanda Morin of Understood joins Debbie for a special back-to-school episode to help families prepare for easing into the coming school year with as much confidence and serenity as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices