Neurodiversity Podcast

On Episode 249, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Diane Dempster and Elaine Taylor-Klaus from Impact Parents, hosts of the Parenting with Impact podcast. They talk about the challenge of motivating neurodivergent kids, and break down why it’s challenging. The chat includes a framework called PINCH, a way to remember and think about important elements of motivation. You’ll come away with practical strategies for parents to foster a supportive environment that encourages engagement, and ways to move away from fear and stress as motivators. Takeaways Traditional parenting advice often doesn't apply to neurodivergent kids. Motivation can be misunderstood; it's not always lack of interest. Executive functioning skills play a crucial role in motivation. Dopamine is essential for engaging in non-preferred tasks. Fear-based parenting creates stress and is not sustainable. Intrinsic motivation develops later in life, especially for neurodivergent individuals. The PINCH framework helps identify different motivators for kids. Interest in a subject can significantly boost motivation. Competition can motivate but may also cause anxiety in some children. Collaboration and connection with peers can enhance motivation. Parents should experiment with different motivational strategies. Transparency and vulnerability in parenting can build trust. Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster co-founded ImpactParents.com in 2011 because traditional parenting advice wasn’t working for their complex kids and they found no training or coaching available designed specifically to support them as parents of complex kids. Internationally recognized as leading parent educators, they use a coach-approach to help parents reduce the stress of raising children, teens, and young adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, LD and more. They’re the creators of Sanity School® behavior training, and the authors of many books including Parenting ADHD Now: Easy Intervention Strategies to Empower Kids with ADHD and The Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids with ADHD, Anxiety and More. BACKGROUND READING Impact Parents website Parenting with Impact podcast Facebook Instagram Twitter/X LinkedIn Pre-order Emily’s new book! Get it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Target.

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!

On episode 247, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Megan Anna Neff to explore the complexities of neurodiversity, and the societal stereotypes that affect their lives. They talk about the challenges of diagnosis, the nuances of misdiagnosis, particularly the overlap between conditions like autism and borderline personality disorder, and the significance of self-awareness and acceptance in the journey of neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the phenomenon of autistic burnout, its implications, the challenges in clinical training regarding autism and ADHD, and inherent inequities that exist because of stereotypes and biases. Takeaways Diagnosis can significantly impact self-understanding and acceptance. Misdiagnosis is common, especially among women and genderqueer individuals. Understanding one's neurodivergent identity can aid in the healing process. The medical community often overlooks non-stereotypical presentations of neurodivergence. Self-criticism can stem from societal pressures and internalized shame. Community and connection are vital for neurodivergent individuals. Many undiagnosed autistic individuals are misdiagnosed with personality disorders. There is a significant lack of training for clinicians on autism and ADHD. Breaking down stigma around neurodivergence requires ongoing effort and advocacy. Autistic burnout includes increased sensory sensitivities and emotional fatigue. Living in a typical societal structure can lead to burnout for autistic individuals. Challenging myths about autism is essential for societal change. Don’t forget to join the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy & Support Group to keep the conversation going! Dr. Megan Anna Neff (she/they) is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and advocate based in Portland, Oregon. Her work focuses on neurodiversity, spirituality, and holistic mental health. She has published articles and a book exploring diverse topics such as place-attachment, relational psychotherapy, and the African diaspora. Following her own and her child's autism diagnoses, Dr. Neff became a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals. She challenges stereotypes and misconceptions through her writing, speaking engagements, and online presence, including her Instagram platform where she shares educational content and resources. Dr. Neff is dedicated to bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in the mental health field. She promotes an authentic and holistic approach to mental health that embraces the whole person and acknowledges the impact of systemic issues on individual well-being. BACKGROUND READING Dr. Neff’s Instagram Neurodivergent Insights website LinkedIn Facebook Divergent Conversations podcast The Neurodiversity Podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram, and you can also join our private Facebook group.

Dr. Donna Henderson joins Emily Kircher-Morris to talk about the changes in the assessment process for autism, the importance of empowering therapists to diagnose autism, and the need for equity in masking. Their conversation also explores the double empathy problem and the challenges of balancing unmasking with the needs of neurodiverse individuals in educational settings. They also discuss the PDA profile and its place within the autism spectrum. That’s all waiting for you on episode 246. This is a reprise of an earlier chat. Takeaways The assessment process for autism is evolving, with a shift towards understanding subjective experience rather than relying solely on test scores. Therapists are adapting by relying less on formal tests and more on interview skills and understanding inner subjective experiences. Empowering therapists to diagnose autism is important for identifying and supporting individuals who may have been missed in the past. Masking and camouflaging are complex behaviors that can have both benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to find a balance that respects individual needs and promotes equity. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is not simply about avoiding demands, but rather an overriding biological drive for autonomy. Misdiagnosis and labeling are common for PDAers, leading to potential negative consequences, especially for minority boys. Understanding the core features of PDA, such as difficulty coping with demands, a wide variety of coping mechanisms, and challenges with social hierarchy, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and support. For details about our courses for teaching twice-exceptional learners, click here. Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical neuropsychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who camouflage, and she is co-author (with Drs. Sarah Wayland and Jamell White) of two books: Is This Autism? A Guide For Clinicians and Everyone Else and Is This Autism? A Companion Guide For Diagnosing. Dr. Henderson provides neuropsychological evaluations and consultations for children, adolescents, and adults who would like to understand themselves better. She is a sought-after lecturer on the less obvious presentations of autism, autistic girls and women, PDA, and on parenting children with complex profiles. She also provides case consultations and neurodiversity-affirmative training for other healthcare professionals. BACKGROUND READING Donna’s website Is This Autism?