Neurodiversity Podcast

On episode 238, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Lindsay Kapek and Katie Tabari about the challenges neurodivergent students face in learning math. The conversation explores strategies for creating inclusive math classrooms that foster confidence and support for all students, regardless of their neurodivergence, and they talk about the importance of understanding individual learning styles. They also discuss using low floor, high ceiling tasks and three-act tasks to engage students and promote problem-solving skills. If you’re a teacher, or if you have kids in school, this is an episode you can’t miss. Takeaways Neurodivergent students face barriers in math education, but their unique traits can be leveraged as assets. Creating a supportive and inclusive math classroom starts with building a connection with students. Implementing strategies like low floor, high ceiling tasks and three-act tasks can engage students and promote problem-solving skills. Language and mindset play a crucial role in fostering confidence and growth in math. Understanding students' learning styles and providing individualized support is essential for their success. Register here for our free annual fall event we’ve created specifically for educators who are passionate about creating neurodiversity-affirming learning environments for students. The event will be held on Monday, September 23, and you can sign up to join Emily and a live panel of experts, who will be discussing ways to best support students of all neurotypes. Lindsay Kapek and Katie Tabari are experienced K-8 math educators with a passion for making math accessible to all students. They are accomplished leaders in education, leading school-wide professional development efforts, consulting with schools and school leaders regarding the implementation of skill-based instruction, and speaking nationwide at conferences including NWAIS as well as NCTM. Katie has extensive experience working with K-5 students, nearly all of whom were neurodivergent learners. She is also a mom to three kids, one of whom is neurodivergent. She is passionate about ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and included in the math classroom. Lindsay has extensive experience working with K-8 students who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Lindsay herself has ADHD and is a huge advocate for celebrating the incredible gifts that students with ADHD bring to the math classroom. BACKGROUND READING Prep Set Grow Tools referenced during the interview Facebook Instagram Blog Pinterest

On episode 237, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Tracy Turner-Bumberry, an expert in play therapy, and a former school counselor, to discuss the concept of double empathy, the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent children, and the need for empathy and acceptance in therapy. They also explore the evolution of social skills, and the impact of societal norms on neurodivergent individuals. Takeaways Understanding the concept of double empathy and its impact on communication between neurodivergent and non-neurodivergent individuals. The importance of empathy, acceptance, and individualized support for neurodivergent children and their families. Challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in navigating societal norms and expectations, and the need for advocacy and allyship. The evolution of social skills understanding and the impact of societal norms on neurodivergent individuals. Register here for our free annual fall event we’ve created specifically for educators who are passionate about creating neurodiversity-affirming learning environments for students. The event will be held on Monday, September 23, and you can sign up to join Emily and a live panel of experts, who will be discussing ways to best support students of all neurotypes. Tracy Turner-Bumberry is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor at her private practice, Seva Counseling LLC, in Milledgeville Georgia. Prior to private practice, Tracy was an elementary school counselor, and worked as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor in a children’s psychiatric hospital. In addition to private practice, Tracy is a national speaker and author of several books relating to play therapy, and recently completed her first children's book, 'Twig Needs Time'. In addition to traditional therapy, Tracy is a Certified Animal Assisted Play Therapist and a Dialectical Behavior Therapy practitioner, and is knowledgeable in the IEP/504 process. BACKGROUND READING Tracy’s website Facebook Twig Needs Time Tracy’s books

Emily Kircher-Morris, an advocate for gifted students' emotional needs, joins Christine Fonseca, a licensed educational psychologist and author, to discuss the emotional intensity experienced by gifted individuals. They delve into the unique processing of emotions among the gifted and the concept of overexcitabilities. Emphasizing the importance of accepting these traits, they argue against pathologizing giftedness and advocate for creating supportive learning environments. The conversation highlights the value of embracing discomfort on the journey to personal growth.

Mary Martin, a somatic-centered psychotherapist specializing in neurodivergent therapy, joins advocate Emily Kircher-Morris to explore somatic strategies for well-being. They discuss the critical body-brain connection and how somatic therapy enhances emotional regulation through body awareness and movement. Techniques like breathwork and vagal toning are presented as tools for nervous system regulation, especially beneficial for neurodivergent individuals. They also touch on the Neurodiversity movement, emphasizing inclusive practices for supporting all learners.

Emily Kircher-Morris, an expert in auditory processing differences, is joined by Dr. Austina De Bonte, who provides valuable insights on overcoming these challenges. They discuss how auditory processing issues can often be confused with attention problems and the toll it takes on well-being. Dr. De Bonte presents innovative testing methodologies and groundbreaking auditory devices like ear filters that enhance sound perception. They also highlight the Able Kids Foundation's unique approach to support those navigating auditory processing difficulties.

Patrick Casale, a mental health clinician specializing in addictions, discusses the importance of creating a neurodivergent affirming environment in therapy, the nuanced understanding needed for addiction in the neurodivergent community, and the impact of video games and electronics on addiction. Community and connection are highlighted as essential for recovery, along with addressing concerns about stimulant medication and its relationship to substance abuse.

Dr. Danika Maddocks, psychologist and parent coach, discusses the complexities of twice-exceptionality, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing early recognition. The podcast explores the challenges faced by 2e individuals, the importance of compassionate storytelling, flexible support, and understanding through a neurodiversity lens.

Today, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Jeff Karp. Jeff is a professor at Harvard and MIT, a biotech entrepreneur, and an ADHD-er. They talk about Jeff's program, LIT, or Life Ignition Tools, which is a set of strategies to energize the brain, spark ideas, and ignite action. Emily and Jeff talk about metacognition and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of neurodivergent people. They also discuss the importance of intentional actions, the power of asking questions, the necessity of creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment, and the broader implications of neurodiversity in educational and professional settings. There’s practical advice for educators, parents, and individuals, to leverage their unique strengths and foster an inclusive and innovative society, and much more, on episode 231. This episode is brought to you by NextStep Navigators, where you can take your ADHD coach to college with you. NextStep Navigators can support  you from any campus. Visit NextStepNavigators.com Get signed up for the live, free continuing education training, Foundations of Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy, on Friday, July 12th. Join the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy and Support Group on Facebook. Dr. Jeff Karp is an acclaimed mentor and biomedical engineering professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, a Distinguished Chair at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. Growing up in rural Canada, he was written off by his school because of his learning differences. He evolved, and developed his own process for embracing life, embodied by ‘Life Ignition Tools’ - tools he developed through years of iteration and tinkering, to make his unique patterns of thought and behavior work for him. These LIT tools have been tested in his lab, and by his many mentees. He has dedicated his research to bioinspired medical problem-solving, and his lab’s technologies have led to the formation of thirteen companies. Dr. Karp is also head of innovation at Geoversity, Nature’s University, a rainforest biocultural leadership training conservancy located in one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world. He was selected as the Outstanding Faculty Undergraduate Mentor among all faculty at MIT, and the top graduate student mentor of Harvard-MIT students. Dr. Karp lives in Brookline, Massachusetts, with his wife, children, and two Cavalier King Charles spaniels. BACKGROUND READING LinkedIn Instagram Twitter/X Dr. Karp’s website

This is part two of our conversation with Dr. Jack Naglieri, an emeritus professor at George Mason University and senior research scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. Dr. Naglieri is best known for developing the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test and the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS). Emily and Jack talk about the history and evolution of intelligence testing, exploring how traditional methods like the Stanford-Binet and WISC have influenced our understanding of intelligence for over a century. Dr. Naglieri shares his critical perspective on the limitations and biases of these tests, particularly their reliance on verbal content and the implications for equitable assessment. They also talk more about the PASS theory (Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, and Successive processing), which forms the foundation of the CAS, and how this theory, based on brain function, can provide a more accurate and inclusive measure of cognitive abilities. The CAS was designed to evaluate these processes, and offers insights into students' strengths and weaknesses, which can help identify learning disabilities and giftedness. This conversation challenges traditional views on intelligence testing and offers new perspectives on how to measure and understand cognitive abilities in a fair and scientifically grounded manner. Feel free to download a free copy of PASS Theory of Intelligence and the CAS2. Our courses in the Neurodiversity University are 50% off right now, for a limited time. Click here, and use the promo code SUMMER24. Dr. Jack A. Naglieri, Ph.D., is Emeritus Professor at George Mason University and Senior Research Scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. His main interest is the development of psychological and educational tests and the implications these approaches have for accurate and equitable assessment. He has published about 25 books, 50 tests and rating scales, and approximately 300 research papers. Jack is the author of tests used for identification of gifted students, including the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. He partnered with Dina Brulles and Kim Lansdowne to coauthor the Naglieri Tests of General Ability Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal, and the book, Understanding and Using the Naglieri General Ability Tests: A Call to Equity in Gifted Education (Brulles, Lansdowne & Naglieri, 2022). Dr. Naglieri has received many awards for his extensive research program that includes scholarly research, books, and psychological tests with an emphasis on uniting sound theory with equitable scientific practice. BACKGROUND READING PASS Theory of Intelligence and the CAS2 Jack’s website The Naglieri General Ability Tests

As part of our two-part series, we are speaking with Dr. Jack Naglieri, an emeritus professor at George Mason University and senior research scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. Dr. Naglieri is renowned for his work in intelligence testing and the development of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. In this episode, part one of the interview, he and Emily talk about his insights on the evolution and misconceptions surrounding intelligence assessment. They delve into the history of intelligence testing, highlighting the limitations and biases inherent in traditional methods. He describes the experiences that led him to question the validity of verbal-based intelligence tests, and ultimately inspired his development of nonverbal assessment tools. Dr. Naglieri describes how and why his tests aim to measure thinking rather than knowing, and how it provides a more equitable approach to assessing intelligence. They discuss the PASS theory of intelligence, and how it forms the foundation of the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS), a tool designed to measure these processes and offer a nuanced profile of an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses. They cover much more as well, it’s an enlightening conversation about how we measure intelligence. Look for part two of the chat in episode 230. Feel free to download a free copy of PASS Theory of Intelligence and the CAS2. Our courses in the Neurodiversity University are 50% off right now, for a limited time. Click here, and use the promo code SUMMER24. Dr. Jack A. Naglieri, Ph.D., is Emeritus Professor at George Mason University and Senior Research Scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. His main interest is the development of psychological and educational tests and the implications these approaches have for accurate and equitable assessment. He has published about 25 books, 50 tests and rating scales, and approximately 300 research papers. Jack is the author of tests used for identification of gifted students, including the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. He partnered with Dina Brulles and Kim Lansdowne to coauthor the Naglieri Tests of General Ability Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal, and the book, Understanding and Using the Naglieri General Ability Tests: A Call to Equity in Gifted Education (Brulles, Lansdowne & Naglieri, 2022). Dr. Naglieri has received many awards for his extensive research program that includes scholarly research, books, and psychological tests with an emphasis on uniting sound theory with equitable scientific practice. BACKGROUND READING PASS Theory of Intelligence and the CAS2 Jack’s website The Naglieri General Ability Tests