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

This week I’m bringing back to the podcast Dr. Devon MacEachron, a New York-based psychologist specializing in assessment and educational planning for gifted and twice-exceptional learners. The last time Devon was on the show, we talked about the assessment process for 2e learners, but today we’re moving on to the next natural step of this conversation, and actually, the next step for a parent whose child has been identified as having any sort of neurodifference, from dyslexia and ADHD to a processing speed or sensory issue. And that step involves really exploring this question: What now? As in, what should I do with this information? How should I feel about it? Where do I begin? How can I figure out a way to navigate this unknown path in a way that’s in alignment with my values and will best support my child? This is a very practical episode intended to give you a framework for processing what can be overwhelming or unexpected information and then moving forward with confidence.   THINGS YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: If and when to disclose a diagnosis to a child A step-by-step breakdown for what parents should do once they receive a diagnosis for their child Whether or not parents should consider getting a second opinion How to vet advice and therapies and other approaches for addressing a child’s unique challenges Why it’s critical that we view children through a strengths-based lens Dr. Devon’s best practices for navigating the journey of raising a differently wired child Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s conversation is all about shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of empowerment and possibility. My guest is Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a psychologist, professor, and bestselling author whose work focuses on helping all kinds of minds live creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized lives. In our conversation, Scott shares insights from his latest book, Rise Above, which explores the concept of the victim mindset and how we can move beyond it. We talk about the role of neurodivergence in shaping perspective, the traps of learned helplessness and rejection sensitivity, and the character strengths that help us cultivate resilience and personal growth. Scott also reflects on his own journey toward empowerment and what it means to truly rise above our limitations—both real and perceived. About Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast, which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top psychology podcasts in the world. Things you'll learn from this episode How Scott Barry Kaufman’s personal experiences shaped Rise Above and his exploration of the victim mindset Why a victim mindset is not fixed—and how self-empowerment and learned hopefulness can transform it How rejection sensitivity and cognitive distortions can reinforce feelings of victimhood, especially in children Why leveraging character strengths and modeling emotional flexibility builds resilience and growth How an empowerment mindset helps individuals take ownership of their challenges and personal development Why self-compassion and realistic expectations are essential parts of the ongoing journey toward self-actualization Resources mentioned Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman’s website Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential by Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD Via Institute on Character VIA Youth-103 (Age 13-17) (Currently being tested) Dr. David Yeager on the Science of Motivating Young People (Full-Tilt Parenting) 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by David Yeager, PhD Mindset: How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential by Carol Dweck Dr. Tamar Chansky on Children & Negative Thinking (Tilt Parenting episode) Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking: Powerful, Practical Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Resilience, Flexibility, and Happiness by Dr. Tamar Chansky Dr. Sharon Saline on Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) in Tweens and Teens (Tilt Parenting episode) Dr. David Yeager on the Science of Motivating Young People (Tilt Parenting episode) 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by David Yeager, PhD Victim Culture & Self-Actualization (Scott on the Last Meal with Tom Nash podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Jonine Nazar-Biesman, a seasoned pediatric neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience, shares her insights on navigating the complex neuropsych evaluation process. She emphasizes the importance of considering the whole child and gives parents essential tips for vetting evaluators. Topics include differentiating assessment types, advocating for reassessment when needed, and the impact of mental health on testing. Jonine also shares advice on effectively communicating feedback to both parents and students, ensuring a supportive environment for children.

Today’s episode is an expert visit with leadership coach, author, and podcast host Heather Chauvin about navigating life’s unexpected detours, especially the ones that knock the wind out of you and make you question everything. Heather shares how her stage 4 cancer diagnosis reshaped the way she thinks about “resilience,” why so many capable, responsible women end up running on fumes, and what it looks like to stop powering through and start rebuilding your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual resources from the inside out. We talk about the shame that can come with feeling tired, how to notice the moment right before you react (so you can respond differently over time), and simple, grounding questions like “How do I want to feel?” that can become a roadmap when life gets messy. Note: This is a special release of an expert conversation held inside the Differently Wired Club. Enjoy!   About Heather Heather Chauvin is a leadership coach who helps ‘successful’ women courageously and authentically live, work, and parent on their own terms. Heather started her career as a social worker helping adults understand children’s behavior. But it wasn’t until 2013 when a stage 4 cancer diagnosis pushed her to take a deeper stand for change, uncovering how cultural expectations sabotage our dreams. She has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Real Simple Magazine, Mind Body Green, Google, and more. When Heather isn’t working, you will find her living out what she teaches which may include kayaking Alaska, snowboarding, hiking, or anything else that challenges what she believes is possible for herself (and inviting her children along the journey). Life is full of opportunities. It’s time to feel alive.   Key Takeaways Why resilience isn’t about powering through—and how numbing and over-functioning can quietly turn into fatigue and shame How starting with the question “How do I want to feel?” helps parents make more aligned, sustainable choices Why fatigue carries important information and how getting curious instead of judgmental can shift everything How noticing your yellow zone before reacting builds awareness and more connected responses over time Why detours and uncertainty often become powerful identity work, revealing where growth and change are being invited How practicing small, intentional “tiny pushes” can help parents move toward the version of themselves they’re becoming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cathy and Todd Adams, a dynamic husband and wife duo, co-host the Zen Parenting Podcast, blending her expertise as a licensed clinical social worker and his as a certified life coach. They discuss how vulnerability enriches parenting partnerships and the importance of alignment in co-parenting. The couple reflects on parenting challenges during the pandemic and emphasizes open conversations with children about identity and social issues. Cathy also shares insights from her upcoming book on managing uncertainty and prioritizing self-care.

Today’s episode an expert visit with Dr. Mel Houser—family physician, autistic PDAer, and founder of All Brains Belong—about the realities of navigating healthcare systems with neurodivergent kids and teens. Mel shares how their clinical work and lived experience have revealed predictable patterns in the “constellation” of intertwined neuro-immune conditions many autistic and ADHD people experience, why traditional medicine often misses them, and what families can do to get safer, more informed care. This conversation is packed with practical tools, system workarounds, and hope grounded in community and bottom-up change. Note: This is a special release of an expert conversation held inside the Differently Wired Club. Enjoy! Key Takeaways How advocacy can look like bottom-up systems change—building parallel supports, community-driven solutions, and using an oblique angle instead of fighting institutions head-on Why the predictable “constellation” of medical issues in autistic and ADHD people is often missed by traditional medicine—and how a whole neuro-immune lens changes that How self-knowledge at any age becomes a medical and emotional game-changer, empowering kids and adults to understand, predict, and manage their own bodies Why teens who feel “tired of trying” need a new narrative and bigger framework, not just more interventions or treatment plans How proactively preparing for healthcare encounters—with visuals, scripts, and flexible goals—reduces dysregulation and builds long-term trust and capacity Why community and collective problem-solving are essential infrastructure when systems fail, not optional extras Additional Resources   All Brains Belong (Dr. Mel Houser’s website) Dr. Mel Houser on Navigating the Healthcare System as a Neurodivergent Individual (Tilt Parenting podcast) All Brains Belong on Instagram All Brains Belong on Facebook Dr. Mel Houser on LinkedIn All Brains Belong Resource, ALL THE THINGS (Free resource for navigating neurodivergent healthcare) All Brains Belong Kid Connections (Free customized friend-making program for kids age 4-17 based on shared interests) Everything is Connected to Everything: Improving the Healthcare of Autistic & ADHD Patients Brain Club: (Weekly virtual community education program for older teens & adults) Practical Strategies for Neuroinclusive Healthcare (webinar) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, parenting coach Margaret Webb shares her expertise on navigating family dynamics when grandparent and extended family misunderstand a child's needs. She explores common hurtful comments and emphasizes self-care and understanding your child to mitigate reactions. Margaret offers proactive planning strategies, like scripting responses and evaluating who deserves your energy. With practical tools and humor as allies, she provides invaluable advice for making family events more manageable for everyone involved.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Sharon Saline, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD and neurodivergence, delves into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). She shares insights from her personal experience with RSD and the emotional turmoil it brings. The conversation covers how RSD manifests in childhood, its ties to social anxiety, and cognitive distortions that exacerbate feelings of shame. Dr. Saline offers practical strategies for parents to nurture resilience in their children and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion in navigating rejection.

Kate McNulty, a licensed clinical social worker and autistic advocate, shares her journey of discovering her autism through her child's questions. She explores the complexities of mixed-neurotype relationships, discussing common challenges like misinterpreted behaviors and the shifts in dynamics post-dating. Kate also offers therapeutic strategies to enhance connection and emphasizes the importance of preparing neurodivergent kids for healthy relationships. Her insights on fostering appreciation and communication in partnerships are both enlightening and empowering.

Lynn Lyons, a seasoned psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, explores the nuances of anxiety in families, highlighting its impact on children's independence. She reveals how generational worry shapes parenting styles and discusses practical strategies to shift from worry to courage. Lynn emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between shyness and temperament, and she offers insights on early signs of anxiety. With a focus on building resilience, she encourages parents to embrace discomfort and support their kids in navigating anxiety with confidence.