According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, the nation's largest preventable and costly health problem is teen drug addiction.As parents, drug and alcohol abuse is something that keeps us up at night. And while we can talk with them until we're blue in the face about the dangers, we're never really sure about how effective our conversations are.Well what if addiction prevention is something all parents can help with - but it has nothing to do with talking about drugs themselves?---Jessica Lahey is an author, writer, and speaker. She's the author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation. ---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
We all know that co-regulation is essential for fostering a sense of connection and engagement among students, which ultimately makes lessons easier to follow.But what are the best ways to co-regulate?Today we welcome Allison Morgan, who shares her tips. And it's not all about regulating the students - educators must regulate themselves first.---Allison Morgan MA, OTR, E-RYT, is the founder and CEO of Zensational Kids. She is a pediatric occupational therapist, author, international public speaker, and educational trainer driven to empower youth and the adults that care and serve them. ---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Have you heard of ARFID? It stands for Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, which sounds pretty scary. It's basically extremely picky eating, which can lead to poor growth and poor nutrition.Today, Polina Shkadron joins us, and she emphasizes that children with ARFID should eat for themselves rather than to please others. Her approach prioritizes family dynamics, fostering trust and self-efficacy by supporting parental instincts and encouraging children to engage mindfully with their food, ultimately promoting healthier eating habits and enhanced family mealtime experiences.So how can we do that?---Polina Shkadron is a neurodivergent therapist specializing in helping Autistic and ADHD kids find their strengths.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Join me on today’s episode as I talk with Libby Taylor and Emmy Renquist of SchoolUp. We discuss what to consider in a learning environment for your neurodivergent child, what questions to ask on school tours, and what the options are in our local area of Wake and Durham counties. Learn more at SchoolUp Wake.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
As parents, our natural instinct is to shield our children from stress. Life's hard enough as adults, so we want to let kids be carefree. But is that strategy counterproductive and actually harmful to our children?Today, Dr. Emily Edlynn calls for a cultural shift towards balanced, autonomy-supportive parenting that prioritizes both child and parental well-being over societal pressures and external achievements. ---Dr. Emily Edlynn is a child psychologist, mother of 3, and the author of In Your Feels: A Journal to Explore Your Emotions. Check out her substack Parent Smarter, Not Harder.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Parental fear and reactive behavior often stem from concerns about safety or our own emotional overwhelm, making it challenging to respond thoughtfully to our child's emotions. Today, Mr. Chazz, a former Montessori teacher turned multi-faceted educator, shares his insights on recognizing and embracing emotions as a pathway to better emotional regulation for both parents and children. If you're looking to manage emotional triggers, promote self-regulation, and foster a more harmonious parent-child relationship, be sure to tune in!---Mr. Chazz (instagram has over 650K followers!) is a speaker and podcast host (Learning Curve with Mr. Chazz) who helps adults see, guide, and trust children.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Many of us struggle to advocate for children with disabilities and empower them to navigate their futures with confidence. So how can you prepare children with disabilities for fulfilling lives while emphasizing their choices and abilities? In this episode, Kelley Coleman shares her insights on how inclusive education, self-advocacy, agency, choice, communication, and relationships can transform lives.Tune in for practical real-world strategies to support children with disabilities and promote acceptance and inclusion in society.----Kelley Coleman is the author of Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Contrary to the medical model of prescribing antibiotics or stitching up a wound, mental health is not simply about "fixing" patients. Therapists can feel pressure from parents or school staff to improve a child’s emotional or behavioral functioning as quickly as possible, but mental health is both a science and an art. It also takes trust and time. In today’s episode, Dr. Matt Zakreski and I talk about how structured approaches and time frames just don’t fit with the flexibility needed when working with neurodivergent kid and teens.Listen in as Dr. Matt and I discuss flexing the structure, timing, and modality of therapy based on a kid’s skill development, what to expect as parents when your child or teen is in therapy, and how we can empower our kids to take ownership of their mental health journey. Tune in to find out why it's not one size fits all!---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Parents, you've got all the tech time questions, and Better Screen Time's Andrea Davis has the answers.What's the latest info on how much time kids are spending on devices?When are kids ready for devices? Specifically for phones?When are they ready for social media?How do you set boundaries around technology?How do you bring up the potential for sexting, nudes, or pornography?Is there value in having a family device?Are there any apps or hardware that helps with parental controls?Is there no hope once your child is down a YouTube rabbit hole?What happens when your child breaks the rules on technology?Wherever you are in your parenting technology journey, this episode is for you!---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
While working in the classroom as a teacher in both special education and general education settings, and in helping her own kids learn to read, Melissa Jackson started to notice that the teaching methods she had been taught in teacher prep courses didn't work equally with neurotypical and neurodivergent learners.So what did she do about it?Today, Melissa and Dr. Emily King discuss the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in traditional educational settings, advocating for a strengths-based approach and emphasizing the importance of collaboration between educators and parents. They also touch on topics like early intervention for children with learning differences, emotional regulation for individuals with ADHD, and task management strategies. Tune in to gain insights on navigating the complexities of neurodivergent identities with acceptance and self-compassion.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
The hilarious and uber-talented Kim and Penn Holderness (YouTube) just released a new book, ADHD is Awesome, and they're on the show to tell us all about it!We explore:Reframing ADHD as a superpowerUncovering strategies like visual cuesUsing timersSetting boundaries Emotional aspects of ADHDGender differences in expressing emotionsPersonalized teaching methods for neurodivergent students (including Penn's vision for a school specifically for ADHD students)---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
PDA most commonly stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance. But Dr. Casey Ehrlich prefers to call it Pervasive Drive for Autonomy or Protective Demand Avoidance. Today, Dr. Ehrlich unpacks why understanding PDA and nervous system responses starts with supporting children's drive for autonomy and equality.She and Dr. Emily also discuss the alarming issue of burnout in children, and the transformative power of play therapy in regulating emotions.If you're looking to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for neurodivergent children, this episode is a must listen.---Casey Ehrlich, Ph. D. (she/her) is a social scientist, parent coach and educator, and the CEO and founder of At Peace Parents, LLC.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Parenting is challenging. Add neurodivergence and a busy job to the mix, and sometimes (ok, often) you feel like you deserve that glass of wine. But does it make things better or worse? Are you a sober-curious parent?Today, Casey Davidson and Dr. Emily share their personal journeys of transitioning to sobriety, shedding light on the challenges of moderation and the addictive nature of alcohol. There are both physical and emotional benefits of reducing alcohol intake, but societal pressures around alcohol, particularly for women and mothers, can make even being sober-curious a challenge.So what can we do about it?---Casey Davidson is a sobriety coach for busy women, and the host of the Hello Someday Podcast.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
On today’s podcast, Dr. Lori Desautels joins me to discuss how students experience trauma at school, and how we need to move away from traditional discipline approaches and towards promoting emotional regulation for students and educators. We dive into practical strategies in an effort to promote a positive learning environment for all students. This episode is for teachers wanting to better understand the emotional experience of their neurodivergent students as well as for parents wanting to know what to advocate for when collaborating with their child’s team.---Dr. Lori Desautels is an Assistant Professor at Butler University and author of several books, including Connections Over Compliance: Rewiring Our Perceptions of Discipline. ---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Much of the content on this podcast centers around raising neurodivergent kids. But what about when they become young adults? How do we think about higher education options and entering the workforce?Today, North Carolina Business Committee for Education Executive Director Caroline Sullivan joins Dr. Emily to discuss the groundbreaking LiNC-IT program. Launched in 2018, LiNC-IT provides invaluable support for neurodivergent individuals in the workforce, offering job coaches, tailored training, and personalized assistance. Plus, Caroline and Dr. Emily discuss the challenges neurodivergent young adults face in higher education, and they highlight North Carolina's innovative programs that bridge the gap between education and employment for autistic individuals.---Caroline Sullivan is the executive director of the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), which is a business led education and workforce nonprofit in the office of the Governor. NCBCE focuses on promoting work based learning, providing professional development opportunities and closing the home / work connectivity gap for students.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
How can educators cultivate a classroom environment that's the most conducive to learning? What are the real secrets to a successful and regulated classroom? Today, Emily Daniels discusses the Regulated Classroom framework, which emphasizes practices like co-regulation, connectors, activators, settlers, and affirmations. By understanding behaviors through past experiences and utilizing Polyvagal theory, educators can create a regulated space that supports student well-being and engagement. Emily discusses how leveraging nostalgia, music, movement, and affirmations can create joyful and regulating experiences for all learners, including neurodivergent students. ---Emily Daniels is the author of The Regulated Classroom©, a framework that enables educators to cultivate conditions for felt safety in the classroom.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
For everyone who's a parent of a neurodivergent child, you might be taking care of your aging parents as well. You're in a Sandwich Generation, and it's not easy to navigate setting boundaries, finding support outside your family, and prioritizing your own mental health.Today, Edla Prevette has some advice for navigating the complexities of this family dynamic.As a mental health counselor for over thirty years, Edla Prevette (instagram) has worked with neurodivergent children and their families as a therapist, consultant, and trainer. But currently, she is focusing her attention on the adults who are sandwiched between their kids' needs and the needs of their aging parents. ---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
Today we're sharing an episode from Neurodiverging with Danielle Sullivan. It's a super interesting conversation on PDA, an acronym for Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Demand for Autonomy. I enjoyed listening to this, and I think you will too!----Today host Danielle Sullivan discusses their experience parenting PDA children. Danielle has a child with pathological demand avoidance/ pervasive demand for autonomy and has unique experience as an adult autistic PDA-er themselves. Danielle describes what PDA is, why these behaviors show up in certain autistic folks, and gives some examples of parenting PDA for her child in everyday life.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
The Holidays are here, so 'Tis the Season for hearing about travel anxiety from many parents raising neurodivergent kids. Some can’t fathom going to a restaurant without causing a scene so an extended vacation seems out of reach. Many are surprised when I say, “Your child can totally do this! Maybe not yet, but just like any other skill you have taught your child, traveling takes practice.” In this episode, learn how you can teach your child to travel.---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools
If you are raising an autistic child or one with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing differences, you may have had some moments when you’ve looked at others and thought, “I wish it was easier for my child to just sit down and eat with the family” or “Wow, that child just joined right in with that group of kids like it was nothing!”When your child is achieving milestones on their own timeframe, you quickly learn to surrender to the unknown and embrace the path in front of you. Your child is teaching you many lessons you would have never learned if they had not been your child. You are stronger for it and there is gratitude to be found here. ---Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence. Helpful ResourcesParent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshopsProfessional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools