Parenting or working with neurodivergent children, teens, or young adults? Join us Jason Grygla, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Founder and Director of NeuroDev, a specialized mentoring program for neurodivergent young adults, and Debbie Grygla, Certified Parent Coach as we share practical tools, expert insights, and personal experiences to help you better support neurodivergents and foster their growth, development, and emotional well-being.
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Learningdisabilities Podcasts
Discover In It, a podcast that explores the joys and frustrations of supporting kids with learning disabilities and ADHD. Join hosts Rachel Bozek and Gretchen Vierstra as they talk with parents, caregivers, teachers, and sometimes kids. They offer perspective, advice, and stories for and from people who have challenges with reading, math, focus, and other learning differences. Get tips on parenting kids with learning disabilities like dyslexia.
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After the IEP: College Transition and Success Tips for Parents of Students with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Mental Health Conditions
Dan Jordan
Discover the secrets to college transition, disability accommodations, and academic success for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and mental health conditions. Join Dan Jordan, a current therapist at a university and former accessibility coordinator for over a decade, as he provides weekly insider tips and insights to improve your student’s self-advocacy, academic achievement, and personal wellness. Get the essential information you need to navigate the college journey from start to ...
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Doctors and other health care professionals are too often socialized and pressured to become “efficient task completers” rather than healers, which leads to unengaged and unimaginative medical practice, burnout, and diminished quality of care. It doesn’t have to be that way. With a range of thoughtful guests, co-hosts Saul Weiner MD and Stefan Kertesz MD MS, interrogate the culture and context in which clinicians are trained and practice for their implications for patient care and clinician ...
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This show is all about functioning in an ever increasing digital world with learning disabilities. Created by Jennifer Cronk who is dyslexic and has executive dysfunction, this show is designed to empower students, teachers, and parents to assist learning for all students.
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From Autopilot to Intentional Living: Rewiring the Neurodivergent Brain with Jason
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15:43When you’re living life on autopilot, it’s easy to end up in the same loops, reacting the same way, making the same choices, and feeling stuck in the same results. For neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults, those loops can be even harder to break. And not because they’re lazy or resistant… but because the brain literally gets “grooved” i…
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Child psychologist explains how kids' therapy works - and if your child needs it
32:47
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32:47There’s a lot of talk these days — on social media and in parenting circles — about kids and therapy. But with all the noise, it can be hard to know what’s true and what actually applies to your child. Psychologist (and friend of the pod) Dr. Andy Kahn joins us today to clear up any confusion. He unpacks common questions and offers honest, stigma-f…
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Ep 138 Important First Semester Responsibilities
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18:10
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18:10This is week 8 and the first semester is not that far off. Today’s episode is all about first semester student responsibilities. What’s really expected of college students during their first semester? Students often don’t realize how different college is from high school. From managing schedules to staying on top of assignments, this episode outlin…
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When Accommodations Aren’t Enough: How to Support Your Child or Young Adult Beyond the Plan with Debbie
10:31
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10:31You got the IEP. You submitted the college accommodations. You followed all the steps—and it’s still not working. If your child, teen, or young adult is struggling to use the support they’ve been given—this episode is for you. We’re breaking down why accommodations often fall short without developmental support—and what you can do instead. You’ll l…
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Ep 137 6 Conversations to Have With Your College-bound Student
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26:30It’s not always easy to talk about tough topics—but it’s necessary. I outline six must-have conversations to help your student prepare for the realities of college life. Don’t Forget:Make sure to grab your free checklist and the book to get the most out of this 12-week series. These tools will help your student feel prepared, confident, and ready t…
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College Isn’t Clicking—And You Don’t Know What to Do Next with Debbie
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17:01Your neurodivergent young adult made it into college—but now everything’s falling apart. Missed deadlines. Emotional shutdowns. Panic. Silence. You’re not sure when to step in—or how to stop stepping in so much. In this episode, we explore why college struggles aren’t about motivation or laziness and what they're often really about. You’ll learn wh…
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From the archives: Back-to-school action plan
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20:14It’s hard to believe, but back-to-school is almost upon us! We’re bringing back a favorite episode to help kick off the school year. Hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek chat with DeJunne’ Clark Jackson — education consultant, parent advocate, and mom of two. She shares smart, doable strategies for setting goals and easing back-to-school stress…
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Ep 136 5 Mistakes I Made During My Child’s College Transition (So You Don’t Have To)
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16:32Welcome to Week 6 of our 12-Week Summer College Transition Series! In this episode of After the IEP, I get personal and honest about what I wish I had done differently during my own son's college journey. If you're a parent of a student with an IEP, 504 Plan, ADHD, learning disability, or mental health need, this episode is your chance to learn fro…
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Ep 135 What is Self-Advocacy? Helping Students Speak Up
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20:49This is week 5 of the 12 week college transition series and this week is all about self-advocacy—what it means, why it matters, and how your student can get better at it before college starts. Self-advocacy is one of the most important skills your student can bring to college. But many students with disabilities don’t know what it really means—or h…
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The Impact of Helicopter Parenting on Neurodivergent Growth with Jason
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16:44When your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult struggles to regulate, follow through, or move forward—what are you supposed to do? Most parents step in (because they have to). You remind. You coach. You arrange the therapy appointments. You micromanage the hard stuff. Over time, this becomes your default mode. But what happens when the suppor…
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Summer’s in full swing and routines are out the window, which can be both fun — and frustrating! That’s why we’re replaying this episode with psychologist Dr. Andy Kahn, who shares practical, low-stress tips for surviving and thriving this summer. From managing screen time to making travel more manageable with kids who learn and think differently, …
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Ep 134 Understanding College Disability Documentation: A Parent’s Guide
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16:01In this episode of After the IEP, we break down one of the most critical—yet misunderstood—parts of the college transition: college disability documentation. If your student had an IEP or 504 Plan in high school, you’ll learn why that’s not enough for college and what documentation colleges actually require. This is Week 4 of our 12-week College Tr…
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“Disability is part of the human experience”: So why not treat it that way?
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56:58Soon after Lisa Iezzoni MD was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during her first year at Harvard Medical School, from which she graduated in 1984, faculty and administrators discouraged her from practicing medicine. And in her final year they made it impossible for her when the Dean’s office refused to write a recommendation letter (now called a M…
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They Know What to Do- Why Don’t They Do It? with Debbie
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18:07If your child “knows what to do” but doesn’t do it, this episode will help you see the deeper story behind that pattern. We’ll break down why “knowing” and “doing” are not the same, especially in a stressed, overwhelmed, or neurodivergent brain. And you’ll start to see how practicing Neuro-Developmental Mentoring can help build the real-life applic…
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Ep 133 Top 5 Consequences of Not Requesting College Accommodations
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18:05In this week’s episode of the After the IEP podcast—part of our 12-week summer college transition series—we’re diving into a critical conversation: what really happens when students with disabilities choose not to request college accommodations? Whether your student is hesitant, unsure, or planning to "wait and see" how college goes before applying…
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The Mental Load No One Talks About: Parenting on Overdrive with Debbie
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14:41If you’re the one who remembers everything and keeps everyone on track, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for stepping in. But if it’s starting to take a toll, this episode will help you understand why and how things can change. We’re talking about the invisible mental load of parenting, and why sharing that load (without dropping it all at on…
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Parenting Behavior: Is melatonin safe to give to kids?
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15:03We’re taking a quick summer break for the holiday weekend here at Team In It. Instead of a new episode this week, we’re sharing a great episode from our sister show, Parenting Behavior with Dr. Andy Kahn. In this episode, Dr. Andy teams up with pediatrician Dr. Liz Harstad to discuss whether melatonin is safe for kids. Check out Parenting Behavior …
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Ep 132 How to Get Disability Accommodations in College
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14:59Is your student heading to college with an IEP or 504 Plan? Then this episode is a must-listen. While your student may have had supports all through K-12, college operates under a different set of laws—and that means disability accommodations aren't automatic. In this episode of After the IEP, we break down how to get disability accommodations in c…
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Why Nagging Isn't Building Responsibility with Debbie
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10:36If you feel stuck in the reminder loop and it’s wearing you out... you’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll explore why nagging feels necessary, but often works against the outcomes you want. We’ll talk about what’s really going on when your child doesn’t follow through, and why it’s time to shift from managing behavior to mentoring development. Wh…
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Your 12 Week Guide to Summer College Transition Planning starts right here! In this kickoff episode, I’m breaking down five essential steps to prepare your student for college—especially if they have a disability, ADHD, or mental health condition. This sets the foundation for the next 11 weeks of transition support. Be sure to download the College …
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From fidget to focus: Why movement matters for kids with ADHD
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30:47It’s no secret that physical activity can make a big difference for kids with ADHD. The hard part is figuring out how to give kids the time and space to move when they need to. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Dr. Andy Kahn. Andy is a licensed psychologist and the associate director of behavior change and e…
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Ep 130 12 Week Guide to Summer College Transition Planning
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7:14As high school graduations are occurring, it’s time to get prepared to send your student off to college. Yes, there is still time before they go. But the day your student heads off to campus will be here before you know it. So, what do you need to do now to get yourself and your student prepared to transition to college? Here is my hand picked list…
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The Extraordinary Dr. Richard Clarke Cabot
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39:35It is difficult to overstate the achievements of Richard Clarke Cabot (1868-1939) a relatively little-known, old-moneyed physician of the early 20th century who was far ahead of his time in how much he contributed, and how willing he was to question his own limitations. Cabot's achievements include: creation and self-funding of the first medical so…
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Ep 129 Planning a Productive Summer for Students with Disabilities
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10:54Helping students with disabilities plan for a productive summer may not be on your bucket list, but it can provide a lot of opportunity to your student. For college students with learning disabilities or ADHD, summer is an opportunity to reset, build new skills, and prepare for future academic success. But without structure, summer can quickly turn…
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What happens when a child with learning and thinking differences gets labeled as the “bad kid”? In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Aleesha, a parent of five children, four of whom have an ADHD diagnosis. Aleesha has seen the effects of a child being perceived — and named — as the “bad kid.” She shares what it…
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Ep 128 Help Students Recover from a Tough Semester
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9:36Is your college student feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or burned out after a tough semester? Whether they’re managing ADHD, learning disabilities, or mental health challenges, recovery is possible—with the right support. In this episode, we’ll explore how parents can help college students recover from a tough semester by recognizing academic bur…
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EP 127 Professional Habits For Every College Student
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16:51College isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s also about building habits that carry you into the workplace and beyond. While classes focus on academic knowledge, many students overlook the soft skills and professional behaviors that employers value just as much—if not more. The good news? You can start practicing these behaviors right now. In this…
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Crash or Protect? The Parenting Dilemma No One Talks About
21:31
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21:31You want your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult to grow into a confident, capable adult. But what do you do when they’re heading straight toward failure? Do you step in and save them—or let them crash and hope they learn? If you’ve ever wrestled with that gut-wrenching decision, this episode will speak right to you. Because most parents ar…
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Where do I start? Talking about sex to your kid with ADHD
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32:50In this episode, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Amy Lang. Amy is a sex educator who works with kids with learning and thinking differences. She is also the founder of birdsandbeesandkids.com. She helps the hosts tackle a tricky but essential topic: talking to kids with ADHD about sex. Here are just a few of the topics Amy talks ab…
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Ep 126 5 Ways on How to Stand Out in College
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17:25Are you just going through the motions in college—or are you standing out? In this episode, I'm revealing 5 practical ways of how to stand out in college and set yourself apart on campus. Whether you want to build connections, boost your resume, or simply make the most of your college experience, these tips can change the game. We're covering what …
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5 Patterns That Help Neurodivergent Young Adults Transition to Adulthood with Confidence (Instead of Anxiety) with Debbie
16:46
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16:46If your neurodivergent teen or young adult is struggling to launch or if you find yourself constantly questioning whether you’re doing too much or not enough... this episode is for you. There’s a reason things feel stuck or fragile, even when you're working so hard to support them. It’s not about your efforts. It’s about the patterns shaping your d…
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Ep 125 Why Resilience Through Failure Is the Key to Student Success
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12:59What if I told you that failing is one of the most important skills your child can learn? I know, it sounds backwards. As a parent, especially of a child with learning disabilities,it’s painful to watch. But what if the real strength lies not in avoiding failure—but in how you handle it? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the psychology of resil…
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Is This Helping or Hurting? 5 Ways We Accidentally Undermine Independence with Debbie
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22:52You’re doing everything you can to help your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult grow into an independent adult, but what if some of the things you’re doing to help are actually holding them back? It’s not because you don’t care. It’s because so many of us are working from outdated ideas about what builds independence, and those ideas just d…
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Hyperfocus: Did my ADHD make me more likely to have postpartum depression?
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30:37Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. This week on In It, we’re sharing an episode from another Understood podcast. It’s called Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson, and we’re big fans. When she first became a parent, Rae experienced a bout of…
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Ep 124 What to Do After College Acceptance: 3 Essential Steps
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15:27Your student got accepted—now what? 🎓 In this episode of After the IEP, we break down the three most important steps to take after receiving college acceptance letters: Apply early for disability accommodations – why waiting can cost you time and access. Evaluate college support services – what to look for beyond academics, including writing center…
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From Surviving to Thriving—Our Journey, Lessons, and the Heart Behind NDM
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11:35You’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and doing everything you can to help your neurodivergent loved one. So why does it still feel like nothing’s working? You’re not alone. We’ve been there too—desperate for answers, bouncing from expert to expert, trying every intervention, school, and strategy we could find… and still feeling stuck in survival mode. In…
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Emboldened Bullies Come for Medical Education
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53:52In an April 23rd executive order (EO), the president of the United States alleges that the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) are requiring medical schools and residency programs to pursue unlawful discrimination through DEI policies. The EO calls for the US Department…
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Ep 123 A College Transition Success Story
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21:24The first semester is always challenging. One challenge that often gets missed is how to deal with academic challenges when they come up, and they will. This is particularly true when a student’s tried-and-true academic skills no longer meet the demands of higher education. I’ll tell you the college transition success story of one student I worked …
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Navigating the Parent-Mentor Balance with Jason
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24:48Ever catch yourself wondering "Am I doing too much… or not enough?" Whether you're stepping in to help your child solve a problem—or stepping back to let them figure it out—finding that balance can feel like walking a tightrope. You might be working overtime to fix, rescue, or guide every decision, only to feel exhausted… or you might pull back too…
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Sorry not sorry: Why you shouldn’t apologize for your kid
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27:58Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now. In this episode of In It, hosts Gretchen Vierstra and Rachel Bozek welcome Christina Cipriano, PhD, MEd. Dr. Chris is a psychologist, and an associate professor at the Yale University Child Study C…
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Ep 122 Gap Year Planning Simplified, Replay
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17:14Attending a recent high school choir event with my daughter, I noticed a shift—more students than ever are choosing to take a gap year before heading to college. While college often seems like the default next step, it’s not always the right choice for everyone immediately. The pressure to jump straight into higher education can be overwhelming, an…
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