Mind Matters

Entering college can be a pivotal and challenging journey, especially for neurodivergent individuals. On episode 208, we look at what happens when traditional paths don't align with diverse needs. From systemic shifts in college admissions to the importance of soft skills beyond academics, we're talking about what it takes to thrive in higher education. Joining us is Elizabeth West, CEO of EWC College Consulting, who brings a wealth of knowledge on guiding neurodivergent students through their college journey. Registration for the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub is now open, and only for a limited time! If you’re a teacher, you definitely need to check into joining this community of educators from around the world, who are learning and sharing ways to embrace neurodiversity in the classroom. It’s hosted and moderated by Emily Kircher-Morris, and features expert guests, roundtable forums, continuing education material and much more. The deadline to register is soon, so sign up and join us! Elizabeth Wes

Studying and learning skills are different for neurodivergent learners, and traditional teaching methods often fail to address their needs. So what happens when we rethink learning strategies to empower these students? On episode 207, we're unraveling these challenges with Gretchen Wegner, an expert in redefining study skills for neurodivergent minds. Creator of the AntiBoringLab YouTube channel, Gretchen will shed light on empowering students through innovative strategies. Registration for the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub is now open, and only for a limited time! If you’re a teacher, you definitely need to check into joining this community of educators from around the world, who are learning and sharing ways to embrace neurodiversity in the classroom. It’s hosted and moderated by Emily Kircher-Morris, and features expert guests, roundtable forums, continuing education material and much more. You have until midnight Friday January 19 to register. Get in touch about the Gifted & ADHD Study. Video

On episode 206 we talk about autonomy and motivation. In a world where autonomy is key to motivation and engagement, how do we navigate this with our children, especially those who are neurodivergent? Today, we're exploring the vital role of independence and control in fostering engagement and motivation, not just in kids, but in all of us. Joining us is Ned Johnson, founder of PrepMatters and co-author of The Self-Driven Child, and What Do You Say? How To Talk With Kids To Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home. 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. Ned Johnson is the founder of PrepMatters, an educational company that helps students find success in high school and in getting into college. A professional “tutor-geek” since 1993, Ned has spent more than 50,000 one-on-one hours helping students conquer a

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.

As we wrap up 2023, we are presenting a series of episodes called Perspectives. Today, we talk about sensory needs. These varied needs impact a wide range of life activities for neurodivergent people. From unique processing needs of the five senses we were all taught in elementary school, to the newer and wider understanding we have of the proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive sensory systems, having an awareness of how these systems impact our daily lives can make a big difference. For guest bios, or to listen to the full episodes, here are the links: Episode 146 Episode 138 Episode 191 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.

Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Barbara Lally, a certified professional coach and author who focuses on Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). Barbara shares her personal story of living with trichotillomania, a chronic hair-pulling disorder, and discusses the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding BFRBs. She also offers advice for those struggling with BFRBs and their loved ones. There’s a lot to learn in episode 202. 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. Barbara Lally is a teacher-turned certified professional coach, author, and body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) advocate. When she was 10 years old she developed trichotillomania, the chronic hair-pulling disorder which led to intense feelings of guilt, shame, and self-loathing. Nineteen years after her diagnosis, Barbara released her memoir, The Trichs

How important is early identification and evaluation of twice-exceptionality? And what are some common myths about 2e people? Julie Skolnick is the author of 'Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice-Exceptional Child,' and she joins Emily to bring insights that can empower parents who are starting on this journey with their children. This episode is brought to you by Gifted Learning Lab, offering a free email mini course about diffusing power struggles. If you feel stuck in endless negotiations or arguments, this free power struggles mini course could help. Click for access. Julie Skolnick, M.A., J.D., founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately coaches parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advises professionals on how to bring out the best in and raise self-confidence in their 2e students and clients. Julie serves as Secretary to the Maryland Superintendent’s Gifted and Talented Advisory Council, is an ad

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

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 interventio

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 seve

Today we explore the intriguing world of profound giftedness, shedding light on a subject often shrouded in mystery. Blake Haygood is an educator in gifted and talented programs, and he joins us to help unravel the characteristics that define the mere 0.13% of the population considered profoundly gifted. We talk about his son, Clark, who is among this rare group, and discuss their personal journey, milestones, and aspects of his personality that make Clark so rare and unique. Don’t forget to pick up your pod swag! Our t-shirts, mugs, tote bags and more make great gifts for the upcoming holidays, and it’s a great way to help support our efforts. Check our merch page to see the full selection. Davidson Institute is a proud sponsor of episode 197. For more information, go to DavidsonGifted.org. Blake Haygood is a Gifted and Talented educator in Austin Independent School District, as well as a passionate advocate for gifted education. He and his wife are also the Program Directors for a member-run nonprofit calle

We explore the unique world of tweens, who are at a critical juncture in their lives, grappling with identity, independence, and transition. Our guest is Phyllis Fagell, an advocate for strengths-based support. She and Emily talk about tween superpowers, the challenges and discoveries of navigating middle school, and how to help neurodivergent tweens recognize and use their unique abilities for personal growth. It’s all on episode 196. Don’t forget to pick up your pod swag! Our t-shirts, mugs, tote bags and more make great gifts for the upcoming holidays, and it’s a great way to help support our efforts. Check our merch page to see the full selection. Phyllis Fagell is a school counselor and therapist who works with children and teens. She’s the author of “Middle School Matters” and her newest book, “Middle School Superpowers”. In addition, Phyllis is a journalist and frequent contributor to the Washington Post, and freelances for Psychology Today, CNN, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report, and Your T

Entering the world of neurodiversity often enables personal discovery, and creates challenges. How can parenting nudge adults toward uncovering their own neurodivergence? What is 'low-demand parenting' all about? It’s not simply eliminating expectations, it’s deeper and more nuanced. We’re diving into the complex world of self-discovery and parenting with Amanda Diekman, a late-diagnosed autistic adult, and author of "Low Demand Parenting." Learn more about 2e students by taking our course, Strategies for Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students. It’s great for CE credits for educators, and the course will be enlightening to anyone curious about helping 2e students thrive in the classroom. Amanda Diekman is an autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity community. Amanda became a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practices, with her book Low Demand Parenting, published back in July 2023. Amanda runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children, inc

Many brilliant young people experience the dichotomy of disability layered on top of their intelligence. It’s called twice-exceptionality, or 2e for short. What are the common misconceptions about twice-exceptional individuals? How do traditional models fall short when identifying the learning disabilities of our brightest kids? And why is early recognition so pivotal? Emily talks with Dr. Danika Maddocks, a psychologist, parent coach, and founder of the Gifted Learning Lab, about the intricacies of twice-exceptionality, in childhood and beyond. Here’s a link to the free course about power struggles from Danika Maddocks. Learn more about 2e students by taking our course, Strategies for Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students. It’s great for CE credits for educators, and the course will be enlightening to anyone curious about helping 2e students thrive in the classroom. Dr. Danika Maddocks is a psychologist, parent coach, and owner of The Gifted Learning Lab. She has supported gifted and twice-exceptional kids a

For many neurodivergent people, a world built for neuronormative people provides unique challenges, especially when mental health intersects with their identity. In this episode, Emily is joined by Dr. Jessica Revill, a psychologist and bereaved parent, whose autistic son Gregory died by suicide. How did he understand his identity in a world that viewed neurodiversity differently? How did factors like ableism create barriers for him? And most crucially, what signs should we all be vigilant about to prevent such tragic losses in the neurodivergent community? Join us as we delve deeply into Jessica’s journey, and the imperative of suicide prevention. The suicide prevention line is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988. Join the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub! Sign up by September 28 at midnight Pacific time. Use the coupon code FM20 for the Founding Member discount. Dr. Jessica Revill is a psychologist and a parent survivor to a son who died by suicide in 2020. Her autistic son, Gregory, de

Interoception plays a pivotal role in how all people perceive and engage with their bodies and the world around them. For neurodivergent people, the differences we experience in interoception can have a bigger effect than we might expect. How well do we truly understand interoception? And how does it influence those who process it differently? From the very sensation of 'feeling our feelings' to the day-to-day experiences and potential supports for those with variations in their interoceptive system, we dig into the subject with Dr. Kelly Mahler, she’s an occupational therapist and professor at Elizabethtown University. You can still sign up for our free Crash Course on Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools! It’s going on this week, and all of the events in the course will be live and interactive. You can talk to Emily and our expert guests, and share and compare ideas with your colleagues from around the world. You also have access to videos of each event, so you haven’t missed anything. Kelly Mahler is

Nurturing emotional regulation in neurodivergent kids can feel like a complex puzzle, yet it's vital for their wellbeing. Why is emotional regulation such a challenging problem for them? And how can the concept of co-regulation serve as a bridge to self-regulation? Sheryl Stoller is an expert on supporting families on their journey of raising neurodivergent children. She joins Emily Kircher-Morris to talk about the intricacies of empathy and non-judgment at home, the challenges faced by teachers in the classroom, and the many points in between. This is your last chance to sign up for our free week-long Crash Course on Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools! The first event is next Tuesday, and all of the events in the course will be live and interactive, so you can talk to Emily and our expert guests, and share and compare ideas with your colleagues from around the world. It’s a great step toward meeting the needs of all students in the classroom. Also, we’ll be launching a membership community for educato

At the intersection of neurodivergence and LGBTQ identities, self-realization is both complex and personal. The stigmas are multifaceted, and navigating the intricate overlaps between autistic experiences and gender identity is challenging. How can we best support, recognize, and uplift neurodivergent youth within the LGBTQ community? Julia Rutkovsky, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in this unique intersection, joins us today to shed light on the challenges, the overlaps, and the ways in which we can be effective allies and caregivers. Sign up for our free week-long Crash Course on Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools! It happens the week of September 18th, and all of the events in the course will be live and interactive, so you can talk to Emily and our expert guests, as well as your colleagues from around the world. It’s a chance to learn and share ideas that will better position your classroom and school to meet the needs of all learners. Also, we’ll be launching a membership community