On episode 251, Emily welcomes Dr. Amy Marschall, a clinical psychologist focused on trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care. They talk about the transition from traditional therapy models to neurodiversity affirming approaches, and the importance of lived experience and self-diagnosis in mental health care. They talk about the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing care, particularly in rural areas. The path to neurodiversity-affirming care involves the need for some clinicians to unlearn practices that we now understand could be harmful. Emily and Amy also talk about the significance of community support in finding the right clinician, as well as the broader implications of neurodiversity affirming practices in daily life. Takeaways The traditional expert-client model can be unhelpful in the world of neurodiversity. Lived experience is helpful in understanding mental health needs. Self-diagnosis is a valid and necessary option for many. Inappropriate therapy practices can lead to trauma that complicates healing. Telehealth can improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Community visibility is helpful to neurodiversity-affirming clinicians. Get your podcast swag just in time for the holiday season! Clinicians, check out our courses, which can help you move toward a more neurodiversity-affirming therapy environment. Also, consider joining our Therapist Hub, which will open for new members soon! The Neurodiversity Podcast is available on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you can also join our private Facebook group. For more information go to NeurodiversityPodcast.com. Dr. Amy Marschall earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, in 2015. She completed her pre-doctoral internship through the National Psychology Training Consortium (Central Region) and her post-doctoral residency at Family Psychological Center, PA, in Harrison, Arkansas. Dr. Marschall has been a licensed psychologist since 2016 and currently owns a private practice, RMH-Therapy, where she provides therapy primarily to children and adolescents, and psychological evaluations. Her clinical specializations include trauma-informed care, neurodiversity-affirming care, rural mental health, and telemental health. BACKGROUND READING Amy’s website Facebook

In Episode 250, Emily Kircher-Morris and Sam Young tackle the radical shifts in how neurodivergent kids connect and thrive in our post-pandemic world. The pandemic didn't just disrupt - it created unexpected opportunities for neurodivergent youth to forge meaningful connections in new ways. They dive deep into how digital spaces have become vital lifelines, while challenging the traditional playbook for "successful" socializing. One powerful revelation? A single genuine connection can transform a child's entire social world. Takeaways: The surprising advantages of post-pandemic social changes for neurodivergent kids Why online communities are becoming crucial safe havens How parents can ditch outdated social expectations and support their kids' unique paths The hidden impact of discovering your own neurodivergence while parenting Breaking free from comparing neurodivergent kids to neurotypical peers Sam Young’s organization, the Young Scholars Academy, is a virtual village that helps twice-exceptional & differently-wired students feel seen, nurtured, and happy through strength-based courses, camps, and community. Bright, curious kids thrive when they feel a sense of belonging. To learn more, check out the Spring Sneak Peek Open House on Monday, December 4th, at 4 p.m. PT | 7 p.m. ET. Here’s a link, and feel free to use the coupon code YSANEURODIVERSITYPODCAST10. Sam Young, M.Ed., is the Head of School at Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment school that supports twice-exceptional, differently-wired, and gifted students to feel seen, nurtured, and happy through strength-based courses, camps, and community. Sam is a two-time Fulbright Scholar, a TEDx speaker, a Keynote speaker, a former Bridges Academy educator of nearly 10 years, and a Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity graduate.  Additionally, Sam is a neurodivergent person himself who has committed his life to supporting differently-wired students to overcome the harmful deficit-based system and discover, develop, and lead their lives with their strengths, talents, and unique interests. BACKGROUND READING Young Scholar’s Academy Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

In this engaging discussion, Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster, co-founders of ImpactParents.com, share their expertise in supporting neurodivergent children. They tackle the common misconceptions about motivation, emphasizing the significance of dopamine and executive function skills. The duo introduces the PINCH framework to help parents identify diverse motivators and highlights how intrinsic motivation develops over time. They advocate for transparency and the power of collaboration in fostering a supportive environment, moving away from fear-based tactics.

In this episode of the Neurodiversity Podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris answers questions submitted by members of the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy and Support Group on Facebook. The questions cover a range of topics including co-occurrence between ADHD and dyslexia, word disability, gifted kids who are anxious, 504 denial in schools, learning disabilities + high cognition, and many more of your questions. The episode provides insights, strategies, and resources for parents and individuals navigating neurodiversity. To submit questions for our next AMA, join the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy & Support Group on Facebook!

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a clinical psychologist and advocate for neurodiversity, dives into the intricacies of neurodivergence and the impact of societal stereotypes. They discuss the nuances of diagnosis and how misdiagnoses, particularly among women and genderqueer individuals, can skew self-understanding. Dr. Neff highlights the phenomenon of autistic burnout, linked to increased sensory sensitivities and emotional fatigue. Lastly, the conversation emphasizes the importance of community connection and ongoing advocacy to challenge biases and redefine support for neurodivergent individuals.

Dr. Donna Henderson, a seasoned clinical neuropsychologist and co-author of a pivotal autism guide, shares her insights on the evolving assessment of autism. She discusses the shift from rigid testing to understanding individual experiences and the crucial role of therapist empowerment in diagnosis. The conversation dives deep into masking, highlighting its complexities and the quest for balance in supporting neurodiverse individuals. Henderson also unpacks the nuances of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), advocating for a clearer understanding to improve support and reduce stigma.

Join Dr. Brandi Walker, a retired Army clinical psychologist with expertise in ADHD, as she shares her unique journey from fuel handler to psychologist. She dives into the challenges neurodivergent individuals face when considering military service, including recruitment policies and waiver processes. Dr. Walker discusses the dual role of supporting soldiers while being one herself, and offers valuable advice for young neurodivergent individuals. Discover how structured environments can help, and the need for support systems, especially for military parents of neurodivergent children.

Carrie Bonnett, a veteran teacher and executive function coach, shares her insights on the critical role of executive functioning in the lives of neurodivergent individuals. She discusses strategies to enhance time management and emotional regulation, emphasizing that motivation often follows action. The conversation also touches on breaking tasks into manageable steps and the necessity of understanding each student's unique challenges. Carrie reassures listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and underscores the importance of empathy in educational settings.

Lindsay Lee, an educational scholar and author, discusses the nuances of impostor syndrome, particularly among gifted and neurodivergent individuals. She highlights the connection between this phenomenon and perfectionism, exploring its impact on self-perception. Lindsay also emphasizes the importance of educator support for neurodivergent learners, especially in navigating feelings of inadequacy. The conversation delves into strategies like fostering self-compassion and creating supportive environments to help students overcome these challenges.

Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and author dedicated to neurodiversity-affirming practices, discusses vital themes surrounding neurodivergent individuals. He emphasizes the importance of strengths-based approaches in therapy and education, particularly for gifted and twice-exceptional individuals. Dr. Zakreski highlights the challenges faced in traditional settings and the need for equity in support. He advocates for viewing diagnosis as a resource tool and stresses the significance of community support in fostering personal growth and fulfillment.