Neurodiversity Podcast

Cookie-cutter curriculum can be Kryptonite to a gifted kid, and can often spark a decline into a place where underachievement becomes the norm. Dr. Jim Delisle helps us probe the world of underachievement, and suggests ways to help people of various underachiever profiles break their chains. Our hearts are heavy with Jim's recent passing. Jim Delisle was a giant in the field of giftedness and neurodiversity, and one of its fiercest advocates. He was a friend, an important collaborator, and his contributions left an indelible mark on our podcast and the lives of our team. More than that, he literally changed the world for countless neurodivergent people. Our thoughts are with Jim's family - his wife, Deb, son Matthew and daughter-in-law Jennifer, and grandson, Wyatt. Thank you, Jim, for being such an important part of our story. James Delisle, PhD, was a professor of education for 25 years at Kent State University (Ohio), where he was selected by faculty and students as a Distinguished Professor, the University's most prestigious teaching award. Jim worked on behalf of gifted children and teens for nearly four decades. He was the author of hundreds of articles and 17 books that have been published in multiple languages, and consulted with schools worldwide in an effort to increase awareness of the needs of gifted children and adults. Jim also worked part time with highly gifted 9th and 10th graders at the Scholars' Academy in Conway, South Carolina.

Sumit and Viraj Dhanda join the conversation, reshaping views on communication and intelligence. Sumit, a parent-advocate, and Viraj, a non-speaking autistic student admitted to MIT, share their journey navigating educational challenges and misconceptions about non-verbal communication. They discuss the transformative power of typing, the obstacles of apraxia, and the importance of presuming competence in non-speakers. With personal anecdotes and insights, they encourage rethinking educational systems to offer better support for non-speaking individuals.

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes filmmaker Nicola Rose, to talk about her film 'Magnetosphere,' a movie about the world of synesthesia. Nicola shares her insights and challenges of portraying neurodivergence in cinema, the difficulty and complexity of independent filmmaking, and the personal journey of understanding her own ADHD diagnosis. They talk about the creative process, the importance of authentic representation, and the universal themes of growing up and self-discovery. TAKEAWAYS Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon where senses are intertwined, such as seeing sounds or tasting shapes. Nicola Rose's film 'Magnetosphere' explores synesthesia through a coming-of-age story set in the 1990s. Independent filmmaking presents challenges, including limited budgets and the need for creative solutions. Neurodivergent individuals may find exploring many diverse activities helpful in better understanding themselves. Here's a link to check out the Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools courses that will be available soon! Nicola Rose is a New York City-based film director and writer whose work explores neurodivergence, identity, and human connection through imaginative storytelling. She is the writer and director of Magnetosphere, a coming-of-age comedy about a neurodivergent girl discovering she has synesthesia. The film features a cast including Colin Mochrie, Tara Strong, Steven He, and Debra McGrath, and is available on major streaming platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV. Nicola's debut feature film, Goodbye, Petrushka, premiered at Dances With Films in Los Angeles and is now streaming widely. She has also written, directed, and produced several short films, bringing a unique creative voice to every project. Nicola is a graduate of Columbia University and the Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle in Paris. BACKGROUND READING Instagram, Facebook If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website. The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris talks with writer Amy Mackin, author of Henry's Classroom: A Special Education in American Motherhood, about her experiences navigating the special education system for her son, Henry. They discuss the challenges of accessing appropriate resources, the impact of social isolation, and how community support can make a huge difference. They talk about Amy's transition from public school to homeschooling, and the benefits of a more holistic approach to education that broadens the support group to include family and even medical professionals. TAKEAWAYS Early intervention is extremely important in special education. Community support is instrumental in educational advocacy. Social isolation is impactful for families with special needs children. A holistic approach to education can be transformative. Communication between medical and educational systems can be extremely beneficial. There can be a big financial toll on families navigating special education. Homeschooling can be an alternative educational path for some. Student voices should be included in the IEP process. Educational resources vary greatly based on the socioeconomic status of each school district. For information about inviting Emily to your organization or school district, or having her speak at your conference or event, check out the website and get in touch! Amy Mackin is a writer whose work explores the intersections of education, cultural history, public health, and social equity. Her essays and articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Chalkbeat, The Washington Post, Literary Mama, Witness, The Shriver Report, and other publications. She holds an MA in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts and an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her debut hybrid memoir, Henry's Classroom: A Special Education in American Motherhood, was released in May 2025. BACKGROUND READING Facebook, Facebook (author page), LinkedIn, Instagram The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you're invited to join our Facebook Group.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Dall, a grief-informed neurodivergence specialist and founder of ADHD Holistically, shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s. She discusses the often-overlooked symptoms of ADHD in girls and the consequences of a behavioral lens in schools. Jennifer explores the profound grief and trauma that can accompany a late diagnosis, as well as practical strategies for navigating life with ADHD. Her insights on self-acceptance and creating sustainable routines are empowering for anyone facing similar challenges.

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.

Leon Garber, a licensed mental health counselor and host of the Seize the Moment podcast, dives into the myriad forms of perfectionism, including self-imposed and socially prescribed. He reveals how perfectionism can hide deep shame and is often linked to motivational factors. The discussion also touches on the balance between maintaining high standards and avoiding burnout. Leon offers strategies for breaking free from harmful perfectionism by questioning its purpose and focusing on personal values.

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.