Neurodiversity Podcast

aising kids and teens who struggle with emotional regulation can be tough. Parents must navigate the complexities of societal pressures, and it can lower self-esteem and cause self-doubt. Today we talk about some essential strategies to establish a warm, connected relationship with a challenging child. We try to help find the balance between talking less, and setting clear, aspirational expectations that are crucial for both parents and kids. Our guest is Dayna Abraham, author of the newly released book “Calm the Chaos,” and we’ll try to help quell your fear of the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies raising a challenging child. This is a reprise of a conversation from an earlier episode. Check out the courses in the Neurodiversity University and join us in bringing society closer to a neurodiversity-affirming world. Dayna Abraham, bestselling author and National Board Certified Educator, is the founder of Lemon Lime Adventures, which provides resources to parents of neurodivergent kids, and helps them find peace, and meet their kids where they are. Dayna is a mother of three neurodivergent children, as well as being an ADHD adult herself, and brings an out-of-the-box perspective to parents raising kids in a modern world. Her work has been showcased in HuffPost, Scary Mommy, BuzzFeed, ADDitude Magazine, Parents Magazine and Lifehacker. She lives in Little Rock, Arkansas with her husband Jason, her kids, and two huge Newfoundland puppies. BACKGROUND READING Book, podcast, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Tom Rademacher, an award-winning educator and author, to explore the nuances of creating affirming educational environments. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in teaching, the impact of neurodivergence on learning, and how personal experiences shape educational philosophies. Tom shares thoughts about his book series "Bucket and Friends," which teaches the power of embracing one's uniqueness and the role of agency and optimism in education. TAKEAWAYS There are always opportunities to improve a supportive learning environment. Expressing vulnerability as a teacher can vastly improve relationships with students. Personal experiences can and will influence teaching philosophies. "Bucket & Friends" emphasizes the importance of embracing uniqueness. Agency and optimism have high value in an education context. We only open the registration window for our Educator Hub a few times a year, and right now the window is open! Become part of this amazing community of teachers, administrators, parents of students, and people interested in making classrooms a better place for everyone. Tom Rademacher is an award-winning educator and author with over 20 years of experience in education. He currently serves as a professor in the teacher licensure program at Reach University’s Oxford Teachers College and is the author of 50 Strategies for Learning without Screens, It Won’t Be Easy, Raising Ollie, and the upcoming chapter book series Bucket and Friends. Named Minnesota Teacher of the Year in 2014, Tom brings humor, heart, and honesty to his work in preparing future educators and advocating for students. He lives in Minnesota with his family and their very large dog—just a little too close to the Mall of America. BACKGROUND READING Tom’s website, Instagram, LinkedIn The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with licensed mental health counselor Leon Garber, host of the Seize the Moment podcast, about the complexities of perfectionism. They explore the many layers, its ties to neurodivergence, and its impact on mental health. Leon shares what he knows about the different forms of perfectionism, including self-imposed, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism, and they discuss how these can manifest in various domains of life. They also examine the role of environmental factors and personal motivations in shaping perfectionistic tendencies. TAKEAWAYS Self-imposed perfectionism sets unrealistic personal standards. Socially prescribed perfectionism stems from external expectations. Perfectionism often masks deep-seated shame. Domain-specific perfectionism targets areas of strength. For a limited time, the window is open to join the Educator Hub! Become part of this amazing community of teachers, administrators, parents of students, and anyone else interested in making classrooms a better place for everyone. Leon Garber, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor based in Brooklyn, NY, specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder, perfectionism, and existential concerns. His work explores how individuals can confront anxiety and cultivate a meaningful life through evidence-based strategies and philosophical reflection. Leon is the co-host of Seize the Moment Podcast, where he explores a wide range of mental health topics, and shares his writing on Leon’s Existential Cafe, a blog focused on mental wellness, purpose, and personal growth. His approach integrates clinical expertise with deep curiosity about what it means to live well. BACKGROUND READING Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, Bluesky The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris has a heartfelt conversation with Lake Bell, an award-winning actress, writer, and director, who opens up about her journey as a mother navigating her daughter Nova's epilepsy diagnosis. Emily and Lake talk about the challenges of living with neurodiversity, and discuss ways to turn them into victories. Lake shares the impact of seizures on Nova's identity, and she reflects on her own experiences with dyslexia. They talk about the importance of reframing neurodiversity, and the role of advocacy in destigmatizing conditions like epilepsy. TAKEAWAYS Finding the right epilepsy medication can be challenging. Epilepsy can positively impact and shape family dynamics. Unique strengths are created in challenging situations. Stigmas surrounding epilepsy are an ongoing challenge. Uniqueness is just a difference, not a weakness. Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event is Tuesday, September 9th at 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific. It will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now! Lake Bell is an award-winning actress, writer, and director known for her work across film, television, and audio storytelling. She stars in HBO’s upcoming series The Chair Company opposite Tim Robinson and recently received the Hollywood Critics Association Award for her directing work on the Emmy-nominated limited series Pam and Tommy. Bell is also the author and narrator of Inside Voice: My Obsession With How We Sound, an acclaimed audiobook produced by Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Media. Bell made her directorial debut with In a World…, which premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and earned the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award along with widespread critical praise. Her second feature film, I Do... Until I Don’t, showcased her talents as a writer, director, and lead actress. Her acting credits include roles in Mother Couch, No Escape, Man Up, It’s Complicated, Home Again, and the Harley Quinn and Marvel’s What If animated series. A graduate of The Rose Bruford College in London, Bell is also a dedicated advocate, serving on the board of Women in Film and as a global ambassador for Women for Women International, championing the voices of women survivors of war. BACKGROUND READING Instagram, Wikipedia, All About Brains: A Book About People The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Cody Clark, a magician and autistic self-advocate, to talk about Cody's unique approach to blending storytelling and sleight of hand to offer audiences a more authentic perspective on autism. They discuss Cody's personal experiences as a kid, before he understood his autism diagnosis, and how the diagnosis shaped his life. They talk about the importance of embracing special interests, as Cody did for his journey into magic, and the effect of advocacy work for disability inclusion and self-employment for autistic people. TAKEAWAYS Magic and storytelling can help reveal an authentic autistic perspective. The power of special interests shapes one's journey. Understanding an autism diagnosis can be life-changing. Advocacy for disability inclusion is crucial. Self-employment is a viable path for autistic people. Magic can be a form of self-advocacy. Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now! Check out a couple of tricks from Cody the Magician. Look, it's Cosmo the puppy, the newest addition to Emily and Dave's family! Check out the Neurodiversity University courses we talked about in today's episode. Cody Clark is a professional magician and autistic self-advocate based in Louisville, KY, who uses storytelling and sleight of hand to shift perceptions of autism. Through his performances and talks, Cody shares how being autistic shapes the way he experiences the world, helping audiences—from students to educators to corporate teams—recognize that autistic individuals have the same hopes, dreams, and capacity for connection as anyone else. Cody has performed and spoken for a wide range of clients, including the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University, Energizer Batteries, Domino’s Pizza, and the Delta Faucet Company. He has even testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee as a voice for disability inclusion. BACKGROUND READING Cody’s website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, TikTok The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Sarah Kesty, an executive function coach and host of the Executive Function podcast, to talk about challenges and strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals with executive function and emotional regulation. They discuss offloading working memory, and ideas to help create an executive function-friendly environment at home and in the classroom. Sarah shares her three-phase coaching model and they talk about the importance of self-regulation in both academic and home settings. You'll learn how these approaches can transform the learning experience for students, and provide hope for educators and parents alike. TAKEAWAYS Emotional regulation is key for learning. Offload working memory for better focus. Create executive function-friendly environments. Self-regulation benefits all students. Coaching involves exploration and strategy. Normalize experimentation for effective learning. Register and attend TEFOS live, or check out recordings of the event! Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now! This episode is brought to you by the Gifted Learning Lab. Check out the signature program by Dr. Danika Maddocks, Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid. Sarah Kesty is an executive function, autism, and ADHD coach dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals develop practical strategies to thrive. She is the host of The Executive Function Podcast and the creator of Brain Tools School, a coaching and learning program that supports high schoolers, college students, adults, and fellow coaches in strengthening executive function skills for everyday life. A four-time Teacher of the Year, Sarah is known for translating research into actionable strategies. She writes and presents for international audiences and outlets such as Psychology Today, KQED, and Edutopia. Her upcoming book for educators, Growing Executive Function, will be published by Solution Tree in August 2025. Based in San Diego, Sarah is also a local trail guide and passionate gardener, committed to building a more brain-friendly and inclusive world. BACKGROUND READING Sarah on Psychology Today, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Edutopia, The Executive Function podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Tracey DeMaria, an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience, shares insights on emotional regulation using surfing as a metaphor. She emphasizes that emotions are temporary waves to ride, helping both children and adults visualize and manage feelings more effectively. The conversation highlights the impact of school environments on neurodivergent children and the importance of using nuanced emotional language. Tracey also discusses blending sensory and cognitive strategies for better emotional well-being, and how self-awareness and special interests can aid in emotional control.

In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Joshua Stamper, author of The Language of Behavior, to explore decoding and rethinking behavior. Joshua describes his personal journey from a reluctant student to an inspiring educator, and how early experiences shaped his philosophy on supporting students. The conversation covers key topics such as trauma-informed practices, the importance of building relationships in education, and Joshua's innovative framework for understanding behavior through environment, root causes, and intentional response. They also touch on burnout and the need for self-care, and leave you with practical strategies for creating a supportive learning environment. TAKEAWAYS Behavior is communication. Connection before correction. Adopt trauma-informed practices. Prioritize educator self-care. Empathize with student experience. Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now! Joshua Stamper is an educator, speaker, and author with a deep commitment to fostering growth and leadership in education. As the creator of Aspire to Lead and a former middle school administrator with nine years of experience, he draws on both his professional background and personal journey as a struggling student to advocate for supportive, student-centered learning environments. Joshua is the author of The Language of Behavior, a practical guide that equips educators with trauma-responsive strategies and alternative behavior practices to enhance student success. Through his writing, speaking, and leadership work, he empowers education professionals to lead with empathy, embrace innovation, and drive meaningful change in their schools and communities. BACKGROUND READING Josh’s website, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Aspire to Lead, The Language of Behavior The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

On today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris talks about the transformative power of play with Georgie Wisen-Vincent, a nationally recognized expert in play therapy. Emily and Georgie explore how play supports emotional resilience, not just in young children, but across all ages. They talk about the importance of adapting play for neurodivergent children, and the role of play in fostering emotional regulation and executive function. They also discuss ways to engage with children through play, and provide suggestions on how to create meaningful connections that nurture their development. TAKEAWAYS Play is essential for emotional resilience. Play therapy has a role in neurodevelopment. Adapt play for neurodivergent children. Play has an impact on emotional regulation and executive function. You should establish a balance between screen time and real-world play. Play should remain present in educational settings. Let the courses in the Neurodiversity University help you be a better educator, parent, and/or clinician. Georgie Wisen-Vincent, LMFT, RPT-S, ECMHS is a nationally recognized play therapy expert and co-author of The Way of Play (Penguin Random House, January 2025) with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson. She is the Founder and Director of The Play Strong Institute, a center focused on the study and practice of play therapy through a neurodevelopmental lens, and also practices as a child, adolescent, and family psychotherapist at The Center for Connection in Southern California. Georgie is a graduate professor at Santa Clara University and an active researcher in childhood play, attachment science, and mental health. She studied play therapy at the University of Roehampton in London and is currently completing her doctoral degree. BACKGROUND READING Instagram, Facebook, Play Strong Institute The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist and author, about the complexities of life's major transitions. At this time of year, this is an especially-important conversation, as some students prepare for the shift to college life. They share their own experiences and provide advice on navigating the pressures of newfound independence, the importance of self-care, and the role of systemic support in easing major transitions. Yes, they also talk about farts, so this episode has something for everyone. TAKEAWAYS It's important to understand the mental health challenges that often arise during major life transitions. There's a role for social media in destigmatizing mental health issues, but it also spreads misinformation. Systemic support is essential in educational institutions, in order to better assist students, especially those from marginalized communities. It's important not to over-pathologize normal emotional experiences. There was a creative process behind Dr. Willard's children's book, "Feelings Are Like Farts," which uses humor to engage kids in understanding emotions. Let the courses in the Neurodiversity University help you be a better educator, parent, and/or clinician. Dr. Christopher Willard is a clinical psychologist, author, and consultant based in Massachusetts, with a global presence as a speaker in over 40 countries and two TEDx events. He is the author of 20 books on mental health and mindfulness, including Alphabreaths, Growing Up Mindful, Feelings Are Like Farts, and the upcoming College Mental Health 101 (2025). Dr. Willard's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN.com, and mindful.org. In addition to his clinical and writing work, he teaches at Harvard Medical School, where he continues to shape conversations around mindfulness, emotional well-being, and mental health in education and beyond. BACKGROUND READING Chris’s website, Instagram, Facebook, Feelings Are Like Farts The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.