TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

TPP 326: Educator Sam Young on Reimagining Socializing for Twice-Exceptional Students

Apr 11, 2023

In this engaging discussion, Sam Young, a neurodivergent educator with ADHD and director of Young Scholars Academy, dives into the evolving social lives of twice-exceptional students. He highlights how technology has reshaped peer connections and offers strategies for parents to support their kids through social challenges. Sam emphasizes the importance of mentorship and nurturing a strengths-based approach to social skills. He also introduces innovative methods to foster confidence and community, all while celebrating the unique strengths of neurodivergent youth.

49:49

Episode guests

Sam Young

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The pandemic has reshaped socialization for neurodivergent children, necessitating an embrace of online connections over traditional interaction methods.

Effective support for neurodivergent kids in social settings hinges on fostering their strengths through engaging, interest-based activities and environments.

Parents can empower their children by creating nurturing spaces that celebrate their unique abilities, enhancing self-esteem and social confidence.

Deep dives

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Intro

2min

Navigating Social Landscapes for Neurodivergent Youth

19min

Empowering Neurodivergent Learners

6min

Empowering Neurodivergent Social Engagement

11min

Supporting Emotional Well-Being in Isolated Children

6min

Nurturing Strengths in Neurodivergent Youth

7min

Connecting Resources for Twice-Exceptional Socialization

3min

The world has changed so very much in the past few years, including in no small way how our kids relate to other kids. I get a pang of nostalgia when I think about how I used to form friendships when I was younger in a more analog world, but I can also feel excitement about the many possibilities that have opened up for kids like ours to find their communities thanks to the technology they’re growing up with.

In this episode, Sam Young is going to talk with us about what a meaningful and healthy social life might look like for our differently wired kids, and how we can support them in the process. We explored how online communities have impacted socializing for neurodivergent kids, how parents can support kids in developing the skills to help with social anxiety, key elements to look for in ideal social environments for our differently-wired kiddos, and much more.

Sam Young MEd is a growth-minded, two-time Fulbright Scholar and Director of Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment center that supports twice-exceptional, neurodivergent, and gifted students and their families. Sam is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has a tremendous understanding of, experience in, and respect for all things related to neurodiverse education. Before founding Young Scholars Academy, Sam taught in a variety of capacities—including nearly a decade at Bridges Academy—at an array of programs in the US, Europe, and Asia.

Things you'll learn from this episode

What reimagining our kids’ social life really is about
How online communities have impacted our kid’s social lives
What Sam’s students wish their social lives looked like
How parents or adults in kids' lives can support them in building skills to help them with social anxiety
Sam’s thoughts on social skill groups and their efficacy
Expectations that parents have that might be getting in the way of their kid’s social lives
How parents can support a kid who is feeling alone to the point of their self-confidence and self-worth being affected

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