

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
Debbie Reber
Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child? Full-Tilt Parenting is here to help. Hosted by parenting activist and author Debbie Reber, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating life with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), giftedness, and twice-exceptional (2e) kids. With expert interviews and candid conversations, you'll discover practical solutions for things like school challenges and refusal, therapy options, and fostering inclusion, social struggles, advocacy, intense behavior, and more — all through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens. Whether you're struggling with advocating for your child at school or seeking ways to better support their unique needs, Debbie offers the guidance and encouragement you need to reduce overwhelm and create a thriving, joyful family environment. It's like sitting down with a trusted friend who gets it. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 5, 2025 • 48min
TPP 120b: Back to School Special with Understood's Amanda Morin
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

Sep 2, 2025 • 41min
TPP 462: Dr. Stephen Porges and Karen Onderko on the Safe & Sound Protocol
I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Dr. Stephen Porges and Karen Onderko about the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a therapeutic approach grounded in Stephen’s groundbreaking polyvagal theory. Stephen, a Distinguished University Scientist and originator of the polyvagal theory, has spent decades helping us understand how our nervous system shapes behavior, connection, and healing. Karen, who was instrumental in bringing SSP from the lab into clinical practice, has been a tireless advocate for expanding access to polyvagal-informed care around the world.
In this episode, we dive into the origins of SSP, the science behind it, and what makes it such a powerful tool for supporting emotional regulation—especially for people navigating trauma and neurodivergence. Stephen and Karen share stories from real-life applications of the protocol, explain how co-regulation plays a central role, and highlight the many ways SSP can foster connection and resilience. Whether you’re new to polyvagal theory or already familiar, this is a hopeful and inspiring conversation about what’s possible when we work with the nervous system to support healing.
About Dr. Stephen W. Porges
Dr. Stephen W. Porges is the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral, mental, and health problems. He is the creator of a music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™. In collaboration with Anthony Gorry, he co-created a Sonocea® Enhanced acoustic technology, engineered to support homeostatic functions and embedded in the Rest and Restore Protocol™.
With Karen Onderko, Deb Dana, and Randall Redfield, he is a cofounder of the Polyvagal Institute. He has authored several books, including the Polyvagal Perspectives: Interventions, Practices, and Strategies (2024). He has coauthored Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing (2025) with Karen Onderko.
About Karen Onderko
Karen Onderko is a passionate advocate for advancing the understanding and application of polyvagal principles to improve care, connection, and acceptance among people. She played an important role in bringing SSP from the laboratory to the clinical world, conducting the initial testing, developing the training, and supporting the SSP provider community. Together with Dr. Porges, she has written a book about SSP titled Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach to Connection, Change and Healing. Regularly witnessing the transformative power of a polyvagal-informed approach, she is eager to support the promotion of education and access to PVT for people in diverse communities throughout the world. Karen is a founding board member of the Polyvagal Institute.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) draws on polyvagal theory to support nervous system regulation
Why melodic voices and filtered music can help calm the body and mind
How SSP offers a non-invasive, evidence-based option for individuals dealing with trauma and anxiety
Why co-regulation is a key part of making SSP therapy effective
How real-life case studies show powerful transformations when SSP is used, often alongside other therapies
Why the ultimate goal of SSP is creating greater flexibility in the nervous system’s response to stress
Resources mentioned
Dr. Stephen Porges’ website
Polyvagal Institute
Karen Onderko (at PVI)
Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing by Stephen Porges, PhD and Karen Onderko
Polyvagal Theory: Current Status, Clinical Applications, and Future Directions
Randall Redfield (at PVI)
Doreen Hunt (at Unyte)
Safe and Sound Protocol (at Unyte)
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Aug 29, 2025 • 35min
TPP 223a: Parenting Bright Kids Who Struggle in School, with Dewey Rosetti
Author, youth advocate, and co-founder of PEN (Parent Education Network) Dewey Rosetti talks about her new book, "Bright Kids Who Struggle in School" and teaching from a strengths-based approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 26, 2025 • 34min
TPP 461: Naureen Hunani on Neurodiversity-Affirming Nutrition and Food Care
Today we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in parenting spaces—neurodiversity-affirming nutrition. My guest is Naureen Hunani, a Montreal-based family nutritionist, pediatric dietitian, and mom of two who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this work. Naureen is passionate about helping families create a positive, shame-free relationship with food, using a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach that focuses as much on the feeding environment and language around food as on what’s on the plate.
In our conversation, Naureen shares her personal journey and her model of neurodiversity-affirming care, which is rooted in inclusion, acceptance, and trauma-informed practices. We talk about the unique challenges neurodivergent children can face around feeding, how societal pressures can complicate the picture, and why trusting our children’s needs is such a powerful step. Naureen also debunks common myths and offers practical ways to support our kids—and ourselves—through a more compassionate, individualized approach to eating.
About Naureen Hunani
Naureen Hunani is a Montreal-based family nutritionist, pediatric dietitian, and proud mom of two incredible children. As both a professional and a parent, she understands firsthand the challenges of feeding kids and is passionate about offering practical, easy-to-follow nutrition and feeding guidance that builds parents’ confidence rather than triggering panic, guilt, or shame.
With a deep belief that early experiences with food and the feeding environment shape lifelong eating habits, Naureen is dedicated to helping children and adults cultivate a positive relationship with food and their bodies. She takes a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach to nutrition and health, focusing not only on the food itself but also on attitudes toward food, the eating environment, and the language we use around it. She encourages investing time in meal preparation and involving children in every step—from grocery shopping to cooking.
A member of l’Ordre Professionnel des Diététistes du Québec, Naureen continually expands her expertise through seminars, workshops, and advanced courses. She also takes pride in mentoring and training other professionals in the field. When she’s not working, Naureen enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to audiobooks, and exploring nature on long walks.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Naureen’s personal parenting experiences shaped her neurodiversity-affirming approach to nutrition
Why neurodivergent children often face hidden or misunderstood feeding challenges
How acceptance, community, and unlearning societal pressures can support healthier family food dynamics
Why respecting each child’s unique relationship with food is critical to avoiding harm and confusion
How neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive care benefits all children, not just those with diagnoses
Why trusting children’s communication about their needs is essential for building positive food relationships
Resources mentioned
Naureen Hunani’s website
RDs for Neurodiversity
A Conversation with Zoe Bisbing About ARFID and Neurodivergence (Full-Tilt Parenting)
Zoë Bisbing’s website
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Aug 22, 2025 • 42min
TPP 221a: The Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Health for Neurodivergent Kids
Fitness instructor, ADHD counselor, and author Gabriel Villarreal talks about how exercise is "medicine" for kids with ADHD, autism, and more, and how to get kids motivated to exercise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 21, 2025 • 17min
TPP 460: How Do We Get Kids the Support They Need in School Without an IEP?
In this Parent Lean In episode, Debbie is joined by parent coach Margaret Webb to answer a listener's question about a challenge so many parents face—when your child seems to hold it together at school, only to fall apart at home. We get into what might be going on under the surface, including masking, the toll it takes, and how things like routines, 504 plans, and even spoon theory can help. We also explore ways to support smoother transitions from school to home and share ideas for helping your child conserve and replenish their energy throughout the day.
In this special Parent Lean In episode, I’m talking with Margaret
Webb about a question I hear often—how can we support our neurodivergent kids in connecting with neurotypical peers, especially when social skills don’t quite align? We unpack one listener’s situation with her sweet, social autistic son and talk about managing our own worries as parents, scaffolding playdates so they feel more successful, and finding the right playmate fit. It’s all about creating safe, supportive opportunities for connection—without putting too much pressure on anyone involved.
Things You'll Learn from This Episode:
Why understanding the unique challenges faced by parents of
neurodivergent kids is essential for developing flexible, responsive
parenting strategies
How tools like 504 plans and consistent routines can support smoother transitions and reduce stress for neurodivergent children
Why introducing concepts like spoon theory and early conversations
about neurodiversity helps children better understand and advocate for
their needs
How recognizing and supporting your child’s masking behaviors can lead to greater emotional safety and authenticity
Why identifying flow activities and creating simple transition
rituals can help children regulate and recharge throughout the day
How encouraging experimentation in parenting and promoting self-advocacy in kids fosters resilience and long-term independence
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Power of Brain Body Parenting (Tilt Parenting podcast)
Autum Romano on the Safe & Sound Protocol (Tilt Parenting podcast)
Safe and Sound Protocol
Autism Level Up
The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan by Dr. Megan Anna Neff
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Aug 19, 2025 • 45min
TPP 459: Bryan Post on Navigating Trauma in Parenting & the Healing Power of Love
In this conversation, I talk with child behavior and adoption expert Bryan Post about how trauma, stress, and fear can shape the way our kids behave—and how we respond as parents. Bryan shares powerful insights about what’s really going on beneath the surface when kids are acting out, especially in families with adopted or foster children. We dive into the difference between parenting from love versus fear, how oxytocin plays a role in connection and regulation, and what it takes to break out of reactive cycles and create a more peaceful, nurturing home.
About Bryan Post
Bryan Post is a leading expert in child behavior, adoption trauma, and love-based parenting. A former foster child himself, Bryan has dedicated over two decades to helping families heal through connection, compassion, and regulation. He is the founder of Fear to Love, LLC, Bondify.ai, the Post Institute for Family-Centered Therapy, and the nonprofit Leaf Wraparound. His pioneering “Fear to Love Method” and the “Stress Model” empower parents to respond to challenging behaviors with understanding rather than fear or punishment.
Bryan’s approach blends neuroscience with timeless spiritual principles, particularly the teachings of Jesus, to address trauma and attachment disruptions in children. He has authored several influential books, including From Fear to Love, The Great Behavior Breakdown, and Parenting Softly, and co-authored the bestseller Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control.
Through media appearances, live seminars, online trainings, and digital platforms, Bryan has impacted thousands of adoptive, foster, and biological families worldwide. His AI-powered parenting app, Bondify.ai, offers real-time, trauma-informed support, making expert guidance accessible to parents everywhere. Bryan’s central message is simple yet transformative: all behavior is communication, and true healing begins with love. Learn more at www.feartolove.com and www.bondify.ai.
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why understanding trauma gives parents the insight needed to respond to behavior with empathy rather than punishment
How stress and fear often drive challenging behaviors, especially in neurodivergent children
Why love and emotional safety are essential ingredients for healing and building strong parent-child relationships
How self-regulation and simple tools like breathing help parents stay grounded and co-regulate more effectively
Why unexpressed grief in children can surface as disruptive behavior and needs compassionate attention
How connection, oxytocin, and community support create the foundation for lasting change—even if you're starting late in the game
Resources mentioned
Bryan Post’s Fear to Love website
Bryan’s YouTube Channel
Bryan on LinkedIn
Bryan on Instagram
Fear to Love on Facebook
The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life by Joseph Ledoux
Dr. Herbert Benson / Benson-Henry Institute
Tiffany Field / The Touch Institute
ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
Affect Regulation and the Origin of the Self by Allan Schore
Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life by Dr. Stuart Shanker
Dr. Stuart Shanker on the Brain Science Behind Self-Regulation & the Impact of Stress (Tilt Parenting podcast)
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Aug 15, 2025 • 54min
TPP 220a: Meghan Leahy on Why We Should Stop Listening to Experts
Parent coach, Washington Post columnist, and author of "Parenting Outside the Lines" Meghan Leahy talks about embracing imperfection and vulnerability in our parenting lives.
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Aug 12, 2025 • 42min
TPP 458: Dr. Emily Kline on How Motivational Interviewing Helps Kids Get Unstuck
Dr. Emily Kline, a clinical psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience, shares insights on leveraging motivational interviewing to improve parent-child connections. She discusses how this approach fosters autonomy in kids facing mental health challenges while guiding parents in hard conversations about hygiene and responsibility. Emily emphasizes empathy and reflective listening to strengthen relationships and offers practical strategies for communicating effectively with teens. Her expertise provides invaluable tools for any parent navigating the complexities of raising neurodivergent youth.

Aug 8, 2025 • 45min
TPP 214a: Alane Freund How to Support & Parent a Highly Sensitive Child
Licensed family therapist and international consultant on high sensitivity Alane Freund explains what high sensitivity is, how it shows up in children, teens, and adults, and gives her insights on how parents can help a highly sensitive child flourish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices