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

If your child has extreme food aversions, anxiety around eating, or struggles with a very limited diet, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Today we’re diving into ARFID — Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder — or as my guest calls it, “picky eating on steroids.” To talk about ARFID, I circled back to Zoë Bisbing, a licensed psychotherapist and the director of Body-Positive Therapy NYC who specializes in treating eating disorders and body image concerns with an affirming, neurodiversity-friendly approach. Zoë holds a Master of Social Work from New York University, a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College, and a certification in Family-Based Treatment from the Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders. Today, she’s sharing her expertise on the unique ways ARFID presents in neurodivergent children.In this fascinating conversation, Zoë broke down what ARFID is, how it differs from other eating disorders, and why she sees it as a form of neurodivergence in its own right. We talked about how sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and even trauma can contribute to restrictive eating, and how the pandemic exacerbated these challenges for many kids. Zoe also explains why traditional eating disorder treatments often don’t work for ARFID and why a child-centered, individualized approach is key to building a positive relationship with food.And a small ask before I play the episode — if you enjoy this episode, please hit the share episode button on your app and send it to a friend or post a link to it in a community of parents with neurodivergent children. I know that when families are struggling with complex challenges like ARFID, it can be difficult to find neurodiversity-affirming resources. About Zoë BisbingZoë Bisbing, MSW, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and content creator. She is the director of Body-Positive Therapy NYC, a group therapy practice, and Body-Positive Home, a learning and healing hub for parents and professionals who want to nurture a more embodied and inclusive next generation… and heal their own food and body stuff while they are at it. You can follow her on instagram @mybodypositivehome for bite-sized body-positive basics and body image healing and her forthcoming Substack, Body-Positive Home.Zoë holds a Master of Social Work from New York University, a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College, and a certification in Family-Based Treatment from the Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders. A native New Yorker, Zoë lives in a fiercely neurodivergent-affirming, body-positive home in Manhattan with her husband, three children, and two dogs. Things you'll learn from this episode Why Zoe believes ARFID can be seen as a form of neurodivergence, distinct from other eating disorders How the pandemic has worsened mental health issues, including the prevalence and severity of eating disorders like ARFID The different ways that ARFID can present in children, including sensory aversions, anxiety-driven restrictions, and extreme selective eating How to differentiate between ARFID from anorexia or bulimia is crucial, including not driven by body image concerns but by sensory and other factors Why effective ARFID treatment must be individualized and prioritize the child’s comfort, autonomy, and unique needs  Resources mentioned Body Positive website Body Positive Therapy (serving residents of NY, CT, and NJ) Body Positive on Substack Zoë Bisbing’s website Body Positive on Instagram Body Positive Parenting with Zoe Bisbing and Leslie Bloch (Tilt Parenting podcast) Noreen Hunani Dr. Megan Anna Neff and Dr. Debra Brause on the Complex Relationship Between Traditional Therapeutic Modalities and Neurodivergence (Tilt Parenting podcast) Feelings and Body Investigators (FBI) ARFID   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My guest this week is autism and neurodiversity support specialist Kristy Forbes of In Tune Pathways. Kristy is the parent of four autistic children, and has an abundance of emotional, practical, and lived experience both working with and raising children who are neurodivergent. She has an extensive background in early childhood education and psychology, and as you’ll hear from our conversation, is passionate about radical acceptance without the need or intention to fix, change or cure, particularly in regard to children.Kristy was diagnosed as autistic at age thirty-three herself, and has committed herself to working with children and adults on the autism spectrum, with a special interest on people who, like her, have a PDA expression. In this episode, we share a deep conversation about how parents can truly tune in to who their children are and show up for them in a way that reflects true respect for their children’s neurodivergence. We cover a lot of ground, including the PDA profile of autism, how parents can get clear about their intentions when exploring interventions for their children on the spectrum, how to support families through periods of intensity and very difficult behavior, and the trauma that can result when children are perpetually in fight, flight, freeze or fawn mode because they’re being forced to conform to a way of being that isn’t true to who they are. Kristy is a wise and genuine spirit who is doing healing work for so many families… I’m grateful to be able to share this conversation with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen to an episode of Understood.org's podcast ADHD Aha!, a podcast about ADHD. Hear the unexpected and emotional ways ADHD symptoms surface for kids and adults, and the moments when it clicks that ADHD is real.Learn more here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s conversation feels both important and timely, because they’re tackling a challenge so many parents are facing: how to help disengaged teens reconnect with learning. My guests are Jenny Anderson, an award-winning journalist focused on learning and parenting, and Rebecca Winthrop, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution specializing in education innovation. Together, they’ve been diving deep into the science of student engagement, and today, they’re sharing what they’ve learned about reigniting curiosity and motivation in kids who have checked out of school and their excellent new book, The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better.In our conversation, Jenny and Rebecca broke down why engagement isn’t just about academics—it’s an intricate mix of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors, often even more complex for neurodivergent children. We discussed the connection between technology and disengagement, why traditional models of education often fail to meet kids where they are, and how parents can foster curiosity by modeling a love of learning. Jenny and Rebecca also walked us through the four modes of learning and offered strategies to help kids switch from resistor, passenger, or achiever mode into explorer mode, which is the mode where kids learn best.One of the most powerful takeaways from this discussion is the reminder that resistance in learning doesn’t equal a lack of interest in learning—it’s often a signal that the context is not working for the student.Things you'll learn Every child deserves access to quality education, but disengagement, exacerbated by technology, has long been an issue Engagement is a dynamic mix of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors, often highlighted by challenges faced by neurodivergent children Parents can bridge the gap between school and real-world relevance by modeling curiosity and fostering the thrill of learning Disengagement today carries higher costs, making it vital to connect learning content to children’s interests and help them envision possible future selves Resistance in children can become part of their identity, but with emotional coaching and redirection, their agency can lead to growth Why staying emotionally connected, fostering curiosity, and engaging in meaningful discussions supports both academic and emotional development  Resources mentioned The Disengaged Teen (website) The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop Jenny Anderson’s website Rebecca Winthrop on Brookings Institute website Giving Some Kids Autonomy Has Surprising Results (New York Times article) How to Be Brave (Jenny’s Substack) Winthrop’s World of Education (Rebecca’s LinkedIn newsletter) Jenny on Instagram Rebecca on Instagram Cathy Adams on Navigating the Complexities of Raising Daughters (Tilt Parenting podcast) Restoring Our Girls: How Real Conversations Shape Our Daughters’ Lives, Help Them with Teen Challenges, and Remind Them That They Matter by Cathy Adams Lisa Damour The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Lisa Damour The Self-Driven Child with William Stixrud and Ned Johnson (Tilt Parenting podcast) Daphna Oyserman / Future Possible Selves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Educator and school co-founder Zach Morris shares his insights on how we can emotionally support children through difficult periods, including challenges relating to school anxiety and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parent Coach Margaret Webb joins Debbie to answer a listener question on how to navigate solo parenting as a neurodivergent mom in burnout, balance supporting two neurodivergent kids post-divorce, and find realistic ways to prioritize self-care—even when it feels impossible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Picture this. You’re sitting in the neuropsych’s office after you just got your kid’s diagnosis. You’re relieved to have some information on how to help them but have no clue how to explain their neurodivergence to them. Do you talk about the science? Do you wait until they are a certain age where they might understand more about their brains? Or maybe you think about waiting for them to start asking the questions. If you can relate, you’re not alone in wondering what the best way to have this conversation is. And the reality is, the how and when does matter. So for today’s show, I’m bringing on Dr. Liz Angoff, a Licensed Educational Psychologist who specializes in helping families reframe assessments and diagnoses into empowering narratives that celebrate a child’s unique brain.Liz has spent years working with children and families to make learning differences easier to understand. She’s the author of the Brain Building Books, a resource designed to help kids see their neurodivergence as a strength rather than a limitation.In our conversation, Liz shares why early and open discussions about neurodiversity are so important, how parents can guide their children through assessments in a way that fosters trust, and why shifting from a deficit-based model to a discovery-based approach can be transformative for the whole family. We also explore how different kids process this information in their own ways—some may embrace it, while others, especially teenagers, might resist labels altogether. She also provides thoughtful strategies to meet kids where they are and help them feel seen and supported. If you’ve ever struggled with how to talk to your child about their neurodivergence, this episode is full of practical insights and reassurance. About Dr. Liz AngoffLiz Angoff, Ph.D., is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with a Diplomate in School Neuropsychology, providing assessment and consultation services to children and their families in the Bay Area, CA. She is the author of the Brain Building Books, tools for engaging children in understanding their learning and developmental differences. More information about Dr. Liz and her work is available at www.ExplainingBrains.com. Things you'll learn from this episode How early conversations about neurodiversity help normalize differences and make children feel unique and valued Why parents should approach assessments as discovery processes rather than problem-solving exercises How to prepare children for assessments by discussing their experience to foster understanding and trust The importance of respecting how children choose to process information about their neurodivergence, especially teenagers resistant to labels  Resources mentioned Dr. Liz Angoff’s Explaining Brains website Our Brains: A Workbook to Understand, Celebrate, and Advocate for Your Unique Brain! by Dr. Liz Angoff Dr. Liz Angoff on Instagram Dr. Liz Angoff’s collection of resources to help families talk to kids about their neurodivergence, including a living spreadsheet The End of Average: Unlocking Our Potential by Embracing What Makes Us Different by Todd Rose Karen Wilson on Telling Kids About Their Diagnosis (Tilt Parenting podcast) Dr. Amy Laurent on Shifting the Conversation from Emotional Regulation to Energy Regulation (Tilt Parenting podcast)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marriage and family therapist, licensed psychotherapist, and author Susan Stiffelman talks about her book Parenting Without Power Struggles and shares strategies for staying calm in the midst of conflict with our children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re diving into an urgent and often overlooked issue—the connection between ADHD, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the critical need for early intervention. My guest for today’s conversation is Sarah Templeton, an ADHD activist, counselor, and author whose personal and professional experiences have made her a passionate advocate for mandatory ADHD screenings in schools and the criminal justice system.Sarah was diagnosed with ADHD, severe dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and sensory processing disorder later in life. As a psychotherapist working with incarcerated individuals, she made a startling discovery—an overwhelming majority of inmates have ADHD that was never recognized or supported in childhood. This realization led her to create ADHD Liberty, a charity focused on increasing awareness, advocating for policy change, and ensuring early intervention for kids who might otherwise fall through the cracks. She’s actually got a book coming out soon about her work in the prison system called The Prison Counselor. Sarah is also the author of How Not to Murder Your ADHD Child, How Not To Damage Your ADHD Adolescent, and Teachers! How Not to Kill the Spirit in Your ADHD Kids, books which are designed to help parents and educators better understand and support neurodivergent kids.In this conversation, Sarah unpacks why ADHD is so prevalent in the prison population and how mandatory screenings in schools could change the trajectory of countless lives. We discuss the role of teacher training, the need for mental health teams in schools, and the systemic barriers that prevent ADHD from being taken seriously in both education and the justice system.This episode is eye-opening, informative, and a powerful call to action for parents, educators, and policymakers alike. I hope you enjoy it. About Sarah TempletonSarah Templeton is an ADHD activist and author. She wrote the best selling book How Not to Murder Your ADHD Child — Instead Learn to Be Your Child’s Own ADHD Coach. She followed this up with a book to help teachers understand and manage their ADHD students and a book for parents of ADHD teenagers. As a fully qualified and accredited counsellor and psychotherapist she is passionate about ADHD being understood and stopping anyone trying to ”knock the ADHD out of kids” and instead allowing them to be their authentic selves.Sarah campaigns relentlessly for mandatory ADHD screening in the education system and the criminal justice system. Her own moderate to severe combined ADHD, severe dyspraxia, dyscalculia and sensory processing disorder went completely missed until she was in her 50s.She doesn’t want this for children now. Things you'll learn from this episode Why ADHD is highly prevalent in the prison population, with estimates suggesting 75-85% of inmates may have undiagnosed ADHD How early intervention and mandatory ADHD screening in schools could prevent exclusions and significantly improve life outcomes for children Why teacher training and mental health teams are critical in recognizing and supporting students with ADHD, yet remain insufficiently prioritized Why governments and police departments need to take ADHD seriously by addressing stigma, promoting awareness, and funding early interventions Resources mentioned Sarah Templeton’s website ADHD Liberty Headstuff ADHD Therapy Sarah on Instagram How NOT to Murder Your ADHD Kid: Instead Learn How to Be Your Child's Own ADHD Coach by Sarah Templeton HOW NOT TO DAMAGE YOUR ADHD ADOLESCENT: Instead, Coach them Through their Turbulent Teens to Win at Life by Sarah Templeton Teachers! How Not to Kill the Spirit in Your ADHD Kids by Sarah Templeton   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gwen Vogelgang and her 12-year-old son Rylan talk about their new book, "If I Squeeze Your Head I'm Sorry," which allow readers to enter the brain of a child who sees, feels, and understands the world from a refreshingly unique perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices