Best Empowering Neurodiverse Students Podcasts (2025)

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Montessori Magic: How Freedom-Based Learning Supports ADHD and Autistic Children w/ Rupali Sharma 47:04

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14h ago47:04

47:04

Mike and Chaya sit down with Rupali Sharma, founder and director of The T.E.C. Schools in Worcester, Massachusetts, who shares her journey from architecture to Montessori education, revealing how autonomy, observation, and child-centered learning create environments where neurodivergent children thrive without labels or limitations. We Also Cover: …

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One Size Fits One: Derek Crager on Diagnosis, Design, and Doing Different 48:07

8d ago48:07

48:07

Mike and Chaya sit down with Derek Crager to discuss his journey of being late-diagnosed AuDHDer, how embracing his neurodivergence led him from the manufacturing floor to building transformative accessible AI tools for the neurodivergent community, and what it truly means to create human-centered technology that actually fits. We Also Cover: How r…

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Ep. 245: What Is Executive Function Coaching? with Rana Lustyan 36:09

9d ago36:09

36:09

By Dr. Karen Wilson - ChildNEXUS

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How Generational Trauma Shapes Your Life w/ Anu Dayal-Gulati 44:50

15d ago44:50

44:50

Mike and Chaya sit down with Anu Dayal-Gulati, a certified ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how inherited emotional patterns can create subconscious blocks in our lives. Anu explains how everything from our relationships to our finances can be impacted by these generational traumas, including how they can uniquely affect neurodivergent mi…

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The Art of Being Kind to Yourself w/ Diana Stelin 47:28

22d ago47:28

47:28

Mike and Chaya sit down with Diana Stelin, an award-winning artist, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy. Diana shares her journey and expertise on the connection between art and emotional healing, explaining how anyone can use creativity to manage burnout, connect with their intuition, and foster better confidence. We A…

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Accommodation vs. Integration: Why Your Neuro-inclusive Program Isn't Working w/ Gabriela Tardea 1:03:23

29d ago1:03:23

1:03:23

Mike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela breaks down how to bridge the gap between good intentions and real, embedded change. We Also Cover: Brid…

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Ep. 244: From Burnout to Balance: Supporting Parents Raising Neurodivergent Kids with Leslie Forde 39:45

1M ago39:45

39:45

Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Leslie Forde! Leslie is the CEO and Founder of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® and soon-to-be published Author of Repair with Self-Care: Your Guide to the Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs. Her business provides evidence-based tools to help moms reclaim their time and well-being from the neve…

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Self-Preservation Isn’t Selfish: ADHD and SUD w/ Lisa Modur 46:06

1M ago46:06

46:06

Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting. We Also Cover: ADHD and specialized schooling Feeling “less than,” comparison,…

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Beyond Borders: A Cross-Cultural Look at Neurodiversity w/ Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves 37:49

1M ago37:49

37:49

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis …

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Ep. 243: From Inclusion to Belonging: Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools with Amanda Morin 39:20

2M ago39:20

39:20

We are happy to welcome Amanda Morin to the show this week! Amanda is a neurodivergent advocate for neurodiversity, an award-winning author of six books, an early childhood expert, and a nationally recognized speaker who is passionate about building accessible and inclusive spaces for neurodivergent people. Drawing on her background in learning and…

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Every Brain Belongs: Teaching The Twice-Exceptional w/ Mandi Davis Skerbetz 53:20

2M ago53:20

53:20

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or …

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Parenting Through the Courts: Special Needs, Divorce, and Justice w/ Dr. Margaret 'Pegi' Price 56:05

2M ago56:05

56:05

Chaya and Mike speak with Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price, a distinguished professor, legal expert, and program director at National University, about her journey blending personal experience as a parent with her career in family law. Dr. Price shares some eye-opening insights from her book, The Special Needs Child and Divorce, and explains how small cha…

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Ep. 242: How One Woman Rewired Her Brain and Created a Path for Struggling Learners with Barbara Arrowsmith-Young 40:11

2M ago40:11

40:11

Joining us for this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Barbara Arrowsmith-Young! Barbara is a pioneering author and innovator in neuroeducation, known for applying neuroplasticity to improve cognitive function. Since 1978, her work has helped individuals with learning difficulties, brain injuries, addiction, and age-related decline, …

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Restless Minds, Clear Patterns w/ Priya Chanduraj 54:27

2M ago54:27

54:27

Mike and Chaya sit down with Priya Chanduraj, the founder and CEO of FinTeam One, who discusses how her ADHD became an asset in the world of finance. Priya shares her experience of being a "challenged child" in India and how discovering her passion for economics allowed her to excel, and the freedom that comes from finding what you're good at. We A…

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Knowing Your Why: Capacity is Key w/ Jane Singleton 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

Mike and Chaya sit down with Jane Singleton, a learning specialist, executive coach, and founder of Launchpad for Life. With over a decade of experience in education, Jane shares how her early experiences advocating for people with disabilities ignited her passion for helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. She discusses the gaps in traditional …

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Ep. 241: How to Be a ‘Screen-Smart’ Parent with Jodi Gold, MD 34:00

2M ago34:00

34:00

We are very excited to welcome Jodi Gold, MD of The Gold Center to the show this week. Dr. Jodi Gold is a board-certified pediatric and adult psychiatrist with expertise in child and adolescent pharmacology, reproductive psychiatry, psychotherapy for mood and anxiety disorders, and the impact of digital technology. She has earned multiple awards fr…

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Late-Realized, Loud and Leading w/ LaToya Hinton, PhD. 50:32

3M ago50:32

50:32

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. LaToya Hinton, an autistic, ADHDer, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent women in leadership. With her experiences as a late-diagnosed adult, LaToya dives into the mental toll of masking, perfectionism, and how accessible environments can unlock untapped potential. She shares strategies for fostering authentic…

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Your Child Isn’t Giving You a Hard Time, They’re Having a Hard Time w/ Christian Vinceneux 51:57

3M ago51:57

51:57

Mike and Chaya sit down with Christian Vinceneux, ADHD advocate, coach (Life Guide Coaching), and former occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent families. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Christian reflects on growing up as a neurodivergent child in France, navigating challenges without the tools or wor…

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Boundaries, Burnout, and Belonging /w Michelle Markman 50:11

3M ago50:11

50:11

Mike and Chaya sit down with Michelle Markman, a late-diagnosed autistic entrepreneur and founder of ND Coach Inc., where she supports high-achieving neurodivergent women in unmasking and thriving on their own terms. Michelle reflects on how her diagnosis transformed her perspective on masking, burnout, and social challenges, and she shares practic…

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Ep. 240: Using the Summer Months to Advance Reading Skills with Dr. Steve Truch & Devan Kublik 38:33

3M ago38:33

38:33

We have not just one but two guests for you this week - Dr. Steve Truch and Devan Kublik! Steve has over 50 years of experience in education, beginning as a junior high school English teacher and then working as a school psychologist, ultimately founding The Reading Foundation clinics across North America to provide one-on-one therapy for students …

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Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil 1:01:57

3M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude a…

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Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network) 58:18

4M ago58:18

58:18

Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental h…

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Ep. 239: Balancing Summer Rest and Learning Support for Diverse Learners with Ashley Harding 41:59

4M ago41:59

41:59

We are happy to welcome Ashley Harding to the podcast this episode. Ashley is a fourth-generation educator and is deeply committed to educational equity. She holds degrees from USC and Tufts University in Child Development, and her career spans more than a decade, during which she has supported students and families in private and independent schoo…

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Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles 50:58

4M ago50:58

50:58

Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his vo…

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Creativity That Calms: A New Way to Support Autistic Kids /w Jay Goth 40:35

4M ago40:35

40:35

Mike and Chaya sit down with Jay Goth, CEO of Burble Creativity Inc., to explore how his company is using immersive storytelling to spark imagination, reduce overstimulation, and create calming environments for neurodivergent children. Drawing from ancient storytelling traditions, Jay explains how Burble’s innovative storytelling tents combine soun…

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Ep. 238: Dismantling DEI and the Department of Education: How Changes Impact Your Child with Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie 40:05

4M ago40:05

40:05

We are excited to welcome back guests Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie of the Inclusive Education Project. Vickie Brett is a bilingual attorney who advocates for families' legal rights via the Inclusive Education Project, with a focus on empowering monolingual Spanish-speaking families. Dedicated to supporting clients facing challenges in the educat…

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Cut From Chaos: Shane Currin’s Story of Bipolar, Addiction, & Purpose 57:17

4M ago57:17

57:17

Mike and Chaya kick off Season 2 by welcoming Shane Currin, a mental health advocate, writer, and podcast host of Diamonds in the Rough. Shane shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction, navigating bipolar disorder, and finding purpose through vulnerability and service. Together, they unpack the challenges and gifts of being neurodivergent, …

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Ep. 237: Beyond Accommodations: How Neurodivergent Students Can Thrive in College with Eric Endlich, Ph.D 40:10

5M ago40:10

40:10

Joining us this week is returning guest Eric Endlich, Ph.D. Dr. Endlich is a clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants®, which specializes in guiding neurodivergent students through the college application process. An advocate and expert in the field and a neurodivergent adult himself, he co-teaches a UC Irvine course for educati…

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Ep. 236: Beyond Racial Stress: Empowering Teens to Navigate Cultural Identity and Build Resilience with Dr. Ryan DeLapp 33:52

5M ago33:52

33:52

We warmly welcome Dr. Ryan DeLapp to Diverse Thinking Different Learning to discuss how to help teens manage and overcome racial stress. Dr. Ryan C.T. DeLapp is a licensed psychologist and the founder of the REACH program at The Ross Center, specializing in helping individuals cope with racial and cultural stress. With more than ten years of resear…

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Ep. 235: Why Stress Sabotages Learning and How Parents and Educators Can Help with Jerome Schultz, PhD 37:00

5M ago37:00

37:00

We are happy to welcome Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Schultz to Diverse Thinking Different Learning this week. Dr. Schultz is a clinical neuropsychologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School with nearly four decades of experience working with children and young adults with learning and behavioral challenges. A former special education teacher and author o…

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Honoring Dr. Cheryl Green 11:47

6M ago11:47

11:47

The podcast episode honors Dr. Cheryl Green, who passed away on April 23, 2025, after serving as President of Governor State University for four years. Dr. Green, a passionate educator with over 30 years of experience, received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Commitment in Education Award in 2023 and the Women in Excellence in Educati…

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Ep. 234: Understanding and Addressing Math Anxiety with Aditya Nagrath, PhD 35:35

6M ago35:35

35:35

This week on Diverse Thinking Different Learning, we welcome Dr. Aditya Nagrath. Dr. Nagrath is the founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy and helps students overcome math anxiety, rapidly advancing their skills with just ten minutes of practice a few times a week. He holds a PhD in Mathematics and Computer Sciences and has over three dec…

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Reimagining Learning in the Digital Age with Laurie Hendrickson 40:24

6M ago40:24

40:24

In this episode, we talk to Laurie Hendrickson, a former middle school teacher and current educator. Hendrickson discusses the importance of student participation and technology integration in education. She emphasizes the need for technology to be used within the curriculum with a specific purpose, such as creating digital stories that enhance lea…

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Ep. 233: Body-Based Interventions for Neurodivergent Students with Megan Beardmore, PhD, NCSP 39:19

6M ago39:19

39:19

Joining us this week on Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Dr. Megan Beardmore. Dr. Beardmore is a licensed school psychologist with expertise in assessing and treating children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as co-occurring anxiety and depression. She r…

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Transforming Learning through Experiential Education with Marshaunda Dixon 38:07

6M ago38:07

38:07

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Marshaunda Dixon, director of learning initiatives for Renaissance Christian Academy. We discuss the teacher shortage and lack of diversity in education, particularly among African American teachers. We highlight that while students of color are expected to make up 56% of the student population by 2024, only 82% of p…

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Ep. 232: Turning Kids’ Passions and Enthusiasms into Superpowers with Barry Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (Re-Air) 37:03

6M ago37:03

37:03

We are doing a reairing this week of episode 80 of Diverse Thinking Different Learning in which we talked with Dr. Barry Prizant. This episode is being revisited at a perfect time because this is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. In this episode, Dr. Prizant helps us understand why it’s important to stop labeling certain behaviors in children …

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Ep. 231: How to Use Students’ Interest and Creativity to Enhance Learning with Victoria Waller, Ed.D. 35:21

7M ago35:21

35:21

We are so happy to be welcoming Victoria Waller, Ed.D. back to the podcast this episode. Dr. Waller is a seasoned reading specialist and educational therapist with more than four decades of experience helping children with learning differences, especially ones who teachers have sadly given up on. She is the author of Yes! Your Child Can, a finali…

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Empowering Educators Through Community Partnerships 33:46

7M ago33:46

33:46

In this episode, we talk to Gynger Garcia, a former Chicago Public School teacher, who works as a community education liaison at Breakthrough Urban Ministries. She discusses the importance of community-minded education and the benefits of partnerships between universities and community organizations. Breakthrough's programs, including after-school …

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Ep. 230: Executive Functioning & Navigating the Yearly Calendar with Michelle Porjes 41:04

7M ago41:04

41:04

We are honored to welcome returning guest Michelle Porjes to the show for this episode. Michelle is a licensed educational psychologist and credentialed school psychologist in California with over twenty-five years of experience in education. She holds advanced degrees in Educational and School Psychology from the University of Denver and the Unive…

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Embracing Neurodiversity with Nichelle Cook 36:16

7M ago36:16

36:16

Nichelle Cook, educator, licensed attorney, social entrepreneur and neurodiversity disability advocate, discusses the importance of embracing neurodiversity and the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities. She highlights that 12% of employees and 11% of students have developmental disabilities, emphasizing the need for bette…

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Ep. 229: Boosting a Child’s Autonomy with Self-Care Routines with Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA & Christine Drew, PhD, BCBA-D 39:09

7M ago39:09

39:09

For this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning, we are excited to welcome two guests - Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA and Christine Drew, PhD, BCBA-D! Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA, is a behavior analyst specializing in helping children and families build independent living skills through her private practice in Locust Valley, New York. With expe…

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Ep.11 Nonverbal Learning Challenges: Understanding and Supporting Unique Minds 15:59

7M ago15:59

15:59

This episode highlights Nonverbal Learning Challenges (NVLD) as a neurodivergent cognitive profile characterized by strong verbal skills alongside difficulties in visual-spatial reasoning, social interpretation, and motor coordination. It emphasizes that NVLD stems from differences in brain function, particularly in the right hemisphere and sensory…

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Ep.17 Neurodiversity: From Coping to Thriving 9:13

7M ago9:13

9:13

This episode "Beyond Coping: Helping Neurodivergent Minds Thrive" advocates for a shift in perspective, moving from simply helping neurodivergent individuals cope with existing systems to creating environments where they can flourish. It emphasizes embracing unique strengths, fostering curiosity, and adapting learning approaches to suit individual …

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Ep.16 Understanding and Navigating Anxiety: Strengths, Strategies, and Support 10:28

7M ago10:28

10:28

This episode aims to reframe anxiety as a manageable neurological state, not a personal failing. The podcast highlights the biological and neurological aspects of anxiety, including hyperactivity in the amygdala and neurotransmitter imbalances. It emphasizes the strengths associated with anxiety, such as empathy and attention to detail and provides…

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Ep.15 Understanding & Supporting Slow Processing Speed 11:01

7M ago11:01

11:01

This episode explains slow processing speed, defining it as the time it takes to take in and respond to information, and emphasizing that it is unrelated to intelligence. The podcast explores the challenges that individuals with slower processing speeds may face both in the classroom and at home, such as difficulty with timed assignments and fast-p…

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Ep.8 Dysgraphia: Understanding and Supporting Different Ways of Writing 11:26

7M ago11:26

11:26

This episode focuses on dysgraphia, a neurological condition that impacts writing abilities beyond mere messy handwriting. It highlights the neurological basis of dysgraphia, linking it to challenges in fine motor skills, visual-motor integration, executive functioning, and processing speed. The episode also emphasizes the strengths often found in …

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Ep.10 Dyspraxia: Understanding Strengths and Supporting Neurodiversity 18:41

7M ago18:41

18:41

This episode highlights dyspraxia, a neurological condition affecting movement and coordination, often overlooked despite its impact. It explores the science behind dyspraxia, detailing how it impacts the cerebellum, sensory-motor integration, and executive functioning. Contrary to common misconceptions, the podcast emphasizes the unique cognitive …

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Ep.9 Dyscalculia: Rethinking Numbers, Strengths, and Support 20:40

7M ago20:40

20:40

This episode addresses dyscalculia, a learning difference impacting numerical processing. It highlights the neurological basis of dyscalculia, noting differences in brain function and challenges with working memory and number sense. The episode also emphasizes the unique strengths of individuals with dyscalculia, such as creative thinking and probl…

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Ep.13 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance: Autonomy, Strengths, and Support 9:32

7M ago9:32

9:32

This episode addresses Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile of autism characterized by a high need for autonomy and anxiety related to demands. It highlights that PDA is not defiance, but an anxiety-driven response. The podcast explores the strengths of individuals with PDA, including creative problem-solving and a strong sense of justice…

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Ep.14 Tourette Syndrome: Strengths, Understanding, and Neurodiversity 15:22

7M ago15:22

15:22

This episode focuses on Tourette Syndrome (TS), clarifying that it's a neurological condition characterized by varied motor and vocal tics stemming from differences in brain function. It highlights strengths associated with TS, like creativity, resilience, and unique focus, and showcases successful individuals with TS in diverse fields. The discuss…