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

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parent coach, Washington Post columnist, and author of "Parenting Outside the Lines" Meghan Leahy talks about embracing imperfection and vulnerability in our parenting lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

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

Alissa Jerud, a clinical psychologist and author of Emotion-Savvy Parenting, delves into the world of emotional intelligence in parenting. She introduces her ART tools—Accept, Regulate, and Tolerate—helping parents manage their emotions effectively. They discuss the significance of mindfulness and emotion coaching, especially when navigating public emotional displays. Alissa emphasizes embracing uncomfortable feelings as growth opportunities, equipping parents with strategies for fostering deeper connections with their neurodivergent children.

Clinical psychologist and co-developer of Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Dr. Adele Lafrance, talks about her new book, What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work, a practical guide for parents and caregivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by beloved Australian parenting expert and author Maggie Dent to explore what it really takes to raise resilient, emotionally healthy teens in today’s ever-changing world. Drawing on her experiences as a high school teacher, mother of four boys, and trusted voice in the parenting space, Maggie shares practical, compassionate guidance for navigating adolescence with insight, humor, and heart. We dive into the realities of the teenage brain, how the digital age is reshaping childhood, and why curiosity, connection, and unconditional love are more important than ever in building strong, supportive relationships with our kids. About Maggie Dent Commonly known as the ‘queen of common sense’, Maggie Dent has become one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors, educators and podcasters. She has a particular interest in the early years, adolescence and resilience, and is an undisputed ‘boy champion’. Maggie’s experience includes teaching, counselling, and working in palliative care/funeral services and suicide prevention. Maggie is an advocate for the healthy, common-sense raising of children in order to strengthen families and communities. She is a passionate, positive voice for children of all ages. Maggie is the host of The Good Enough Dad podcast and hosted six seasons of the award-winning ABC podcast, Parental As Anything. In 2025, she appears in the genre-bending ABC TV series about the challenges of parenting modern tweens/teens, The Role of a Lifetime. She is the author of 10 major books, plus several other e-books and a prolific creator of resources for parents, adolescents, teachers, early childhood educators and others who are interested in quietly improving their lives. Her books include the 2024 release Help Me Help My Teen: supporting our teens through tough times, Girlhood: Raising our little girls to be healthy, happy and heard, Parental As Anything (a book based on her podcast released in 2021), and her bestselling boys’ books From Boys to Men and Mothering Our Boys.  Maggie is the proud mother of four wonderful sons, and an enthusiastic and grateful grandmother. She lives in the South Coast region of NSW with her good bloke Steve Mountain and their dear little dog, Mr Hugo Walter Dent.   Things you'll learn from this episode Why the changing world requires parents to adapt, even though the core needs of children remain the same How the teenage brain’s pruning and remodeling process impacts memory, emotional regulation, and impulse control Why understanding gender-based differences in brain development can help parents better support behavior and learning How compassion, curiosity, and unconditional love create a secure foundation for teens during turbulent developmental stages Why being a steady “lighthouse” presence helps teens feel safe while learning to make their own choices How approaching tough conversations with calm curiosity opens the door to deeper trust and connection Resources mentioned Maggie Dent’s website Maggie Dent’s YouTube Channel Help Me Help My Teen: Supporting Our Teens Through Tough Times by Maggie Dent The Good Enough Dad Podcast Parental As Anything Podcast From Boys to Men: Guiding Our Boys to Grow into Happy, Healthy Men by Maggie Dent Mothering Our Boys: A Guide for Mums of Boys by Maggie Dent Girlhood: Raising Our Little Girls to Be Healthy, Happy and Heard by Maggie Dent Parental As Anything: A Common-Sense Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids from Toddlers to Tweens by Maggie Dent No Matter What posters on Maggie’s website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices