Neurodiversity Podcast

Discover the challenges faced by neurodivergent learners and explore innovative study strategies with expert Gretchen Wegner. From utilizing whiteboards for interactive learning to empowering students with small steps, this podcast delves into the importance of tailored approaches in education. Embrace neurodiversity in learning strategies and unlock the potential of unique tools and creative methods for supporting neurodivergent individuals.

Ned Johnson, founder of PrepMatters and co-author of influential books on child motivation, shares insights on fostering autonomy in neurodivergent children. He emphasizes the connection between independence and engagement, exploring self-determination theory as a key motivator. The discussion also navigates emotional challenges in parenting styles and the importance of effective communication. Johnson sheds light on unique experiences of women on the autism spectrum, advocating for tailored strategies to empower children and enhance their motivation.

In episode 205 we talk about how understanding and supporting the emotional needs of our neurodivergent children is like learning a new language.  This Perspectives episode brings the insights from three of our guests together to talk about how we can connect with our children and become fluent in interpreting those behaviors and helping them with emotionally. For guest bios, or to listen to the full episodes, here are the links: Episode 186, Parenting Through the Chaos and Finding Peace with Dayna Abraham Episode 155, Declarative Language: A New Strategy for Neurodivergent Communication with Linda Murphy Episode 180, Understanding Behaviors and Emotional Regulation with Mona Delahooke If you're a teacher and not yet a member of the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub, we’ll be opening up registration in January. It will only be open for a limited time, so make sure you’re notified when it happens. Sign up here.

As we wrap up 2023, we are presenting a series of episodes called Perspectives, and on episode 204 we talk about ADHD. The experience of being an ADHDer influences people throughout their lifetime. Whether it is understanding the experience of children, or reconciling a diagnosis as an adult, we know that the needs of ADHDers don’t go away - they just change. For guest bios, or to listen to the full episodes, here are the links: Episode 142, Understanding ADHD Children with Dr. Sharon Saline Episode 144, Adult Diagnosis ADHD with Sarah Snyder Episode 143, Girls and ADHD with Stephen Hinshaw If you're a teacher and not yet a member of the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub, we’ll be opening up registration in January. It will only be open for a limited time, so make sure you’re notified when it happens. Sign up here.

This podcast explores sensory needs and how they impact daily life for neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the traditional and lesser-known senses, as well as the challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing difficulties. They emphasize the importance of understanding self-regulation and developing strategies to support individuals. The podcast also discusses the impact of sensory needs on children with introceptive challenges and offers tips on navigating sensory situations.

Barbara Lally, a BFRB advocate, shares her journey with trichotillomania, highlighting the stigma and misconceptions surrounding these behaviors. She offers valuable advice for individuals struggling with BFRBs and their loved ones. The podcast explores the power of self-acceptance, alternative coping strategies, and the importance of supporting neurodiverse individuals.

Explore the myths and challenges of twice-exceptionality with insights from Julie Skolnick, emphasizing early identification and support for gifted individuals. Learn about the struggles faced by neurodivergent children, dispel misconceptions around ADHD, and discover practical strategies for supporting individuals with diverse profiles. From navigating societal barriers to promoting self-confidence, this podcast offers valuable resources and coaching options for parents of gifted and 2e children.

The Neurodiversity Podcast celebrates its 200th episode! We’re pretty sure we were surprised to hit 10. Probably shocked at 100. But at 200, we’re grateful and excited, and already planning our path to 300! There are few people with whom we’d rather celebrate our landmark than Amanda Morin. She’s Emily’s co-author on a book to be released in 2024, and for episode 200 they talk about the things they’re grateful for as we enter 2023’s holiday season. Thank you for your loyalty, and here’s to many more. Cheers! Amanda Morin has most recently served as the Vice President of Learning & Knowledge for The Jed Foundation (JED). She heads teams of committed researchers, subject matter experts, and learning and development professionals in efforts to build knowledge about mental health, neurodiversity, and disability, to ensure all the work she’s engaged in is evidence-based, and includes the most up-to-date thinking in the field. She’s a certified teacher who provides unique expertise, and innovative perspectives to mission-driven education and family-facing organizations and coalitions. She works in print and digital media as a writer, editor, and content creator empowering parents and educators to affirm the pivotal roles they play in education. She played an integral role in launching Understood.org in 2014.  Amanda has also worked with other organizations and publications, including: Bright & Quirky,  Matan, Hidden Sparks Without Walls, Edutopia,  Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Education.com, Parenting Special Needs Magazine, DotDash (formerly known as About.com), and Popsugar Moms. Amanda received special education advocacy training from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. She holds a certificate in Universal Design for Learning from the UDL Implementation and Research Network, sits on the Center for Inclusive Learning (CISL) advisory council, the advisory board of Digital Promise’s Learner Variability Project, the professional advisory board of Matan, and the Technical Expert Panel, of the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media & Youth Mental Health. Amanda Morin is also the author of five books: The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education, The Everything Kids’ Learning Activities Book, On-the-Go Fun for Kids: More Than 250 Activities to Keep Little Ones Busy and Happy — Anytime, Anywhere!, What Is Empathy? A Bullying Storybook for Kids, and Adulting Made Easy: Things Someone Should Have Told You About Getting Your Grown-Up Act Together. BACKGROUND READING Amanda’s books on Amazon Amanda’s website LinkedIn Instagram

In the world of mental health, understanding the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals is crucial, especially when it comes to addressing anxiety and OCD. Can behavioral interventions like CBT coexist with neurodiversity-affirming practices? And how can understanding learned helplessness transform our approach to anxiety and OCD treatments? Emily is joined by Dr. Jeremy Shuman, a neurodivergent psychologist specializing in these topics and more. If you missed the enrollment for the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub back in September, we are going to be opening it up for enrollment in the new year. To get on the waiting list, give us your info and we’ll let you know when the window opens again! Dr. Jeremy Shuman is a licensed psychologist in St. Louis, MO, specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders, especially when these co-occur with other forms of neurodivergence. He practices from a cognitive-behavioral perspective and includes both exposure-based and non-exposure interventions according to client needs. Dr. Shuman works in private practice, supervises junior clinicians, teaches a seminar on OCD, provides consultations across the country, and does public speaking for advocacy work. Dr. Shuman is neurodivergent himself, and practices psychology informed by evidence based practice, clinical experience, individual preference, as well as his own lived experience. BACKGROUND READING Jeremy’s website Sign-up for 2024 OCD seminar

There’s a nagging feeling most of us experience from time to time, that tells us maybe we’ve fooled everyone. We shouldn’t have been placed in a certain position, or we’re not qualified to take on a project. On episode 198 we revisit a talk with Lindsay Lee, the author of a study about impostorism. Why do we experience it? What can we do to tamp it down? Lindsay Lee is an educational scholar focused on ensuring that all advanced learners, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. She is currently working as a research analyst and professional development creator & facilitator on a Jacob K. Javits-funded project to optimize gifted identification practices across the United States. Her research interests include equitably identifying advanced students, psychological and educational measurements, talent development across domains, and developing learning environments that encourage creative growth. She has published several research and practitioner articles, as well as book chapters on these topics. In addition to her research, Lindsay is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). She has presented her research at numerous conferences and has received recognition for her work, including the 2021 NAGC Carolyn Callahan Doctoral Student Award and the 2022 NAGC Research & Evaluation Network Dissertation Award. BACKGROUND READING Twitter ResearchGate Google Scholar Lindsay’s Research Preprint accessible to anyone