Virtual Homework is a podcast where the hosts (Dana and Sam) alternate each week to force the other to play a game of their choosing. We then talk about the game and use that conversation to talk about other aspects of life. Hilarity Ensues!
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Virtual Homework Podcasts
Complicated Kids is a podcast about why raising kids can feel like an extreme sport sometimes. Join me to unpack all of it, figure out who needs what, and help your family thrive.
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We're going back to a galaxy far, far away with weekly episodes beginning in May of 2025. Check back soon for more updates and go back to listen to our library of hundreds of episodes.
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Join the Trends Podcast where we explore cool new business ideas and the latest in tech like AI and Crypto. We're your smart friends doing the homework for you. Get the info you need without spending hours on research. You’re in great company with 63,000+ founders who are also finding new opportunities. Press play and let's see what's trending!
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Star Wars: Nostalgia Trap or Launchpad (Special Guest Heavy Spoilers)
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43:09Is Star Wars stuck in a nostalgia trap, or can it still launch into hyperspace? This week we're joined by Paul from Heavy Spoilers to dissect the Force... and the flaws. We're asking the tough questions: Are cameos saving Star Wars, or are they sinking it faster than Luke's X-Wing on Dagobah? We look at when fan service works (Han Solo as a mentor?…
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Virtual Reality and Autism with Vijay Ravindran
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28:07If you’re curious about the role of virtual reality in teaching critical life skills to autistic kiddos, you’ll want to listen to this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast. I sat down with Vijay Ravindran—engineer, autism dad, and founder of Floreo—to talk about how virtual reality can transform the way we teach social, safety, and communication…
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Planning for Next Year with Scotti Weintraub
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25:31
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25:31What if summer wasn’t just a break from school—but a chance to reset how you think about it altogether? Parent Coach and School Navigator, Scotti Weintraub has joined me to talk about how to use the summer months to reflect on your child’s school experience—without falling into the trap of overthinking. We explore how to spot the wins (even the sma…
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From AT-AT Nightmares to Father-Son Fandom
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50:07Okay, so you're a Star Wars-loving dad, or maybe just a Star Wars fan in general, right? Then you've GOT to hear check out this week's episode! We're chatting with Todd and Trent Hoffman, a father-son duo who are seriously next-level when it comes to their Star Wars obsession. Seriously, it's like passing down the Force itself! They dive into their…
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What if your child’s struggles with attention, language, or behavior weren’t about what they hear—but how their brain makes sense of it? I’m joined by Dr. Rae Stout, audiologist and expert in auditory processing, to unpack the often-misunderstood world of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). We dig into what APD actually is, why it’s so often missed…
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Reimagining Episode IX: Was the Death of Carrie Fisher a Missed Opportunity to Reboot Star Wars?
1:21:49
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1:21:49Did the Force ghost of opportunity pass right through Disney's hands? In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the galaxy far, far away to dissect a massive "what if" surrounding the sequel trilogy. Specifically, we're asking: could Carrie Fisher's untimely passing and the divisive reception of The Last Jedi have been the catalyst for a bold,…
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Tired of the power struggles? Discover how one small mindset shift—validation—can bring more peace to your parenting. I’m diving deep into one of the most powerful—yet often misunderstood—tools in parenting: validation. We’ll explore what validation really means, why it’s not the same as agreement or caving in, and how it helps kids (and adults!) f…
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From Hoth to Homework: Teaching With the Force (and Star Wars)
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45:50Ever wondered if the Force could help with… algebra? (Spoiler Alert: It probably cant!) Join us this week as we chat with Craig Dickinson of Reading Between the Reels. Craig shares hilarious and insightful stories of how Star Wars wormed its way into his heart as a kid – remember being four and utterly bewildered by Vader's big reveal? – and how he…
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Ann Dolin, founder of Educational Connections, came to talk about all things homework In this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast. We covered why homework is such a struggle for so many kids and what we can actually do to help. We dig into the role of executive function in homework challenges, especially for kids with ADHD or organizational dif…
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What is Star Wars? And Why Does It Matter?
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30:06Ever wondered why Star Wars continues to captivate generations? This week on Tatooine Sons, we're diving deep into the heart of the galaxy far, far away to explore just that! This special rebroadcast features my insightful interview on ATG Live with the dynamic duo, Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke, where we dissect the mythic essence of Star Wars and …
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Grandparenting on the Spectrum with Jennifer Kaufman
27:49
27:49
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27:49In this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast, I talk with Jennifer Kaufman—educator, school principal, grandmother, and now author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum. We dive deep into the often-overlooked role of grandparents in families raising autistic children. Jennifer shares how her personal and professional worlds collided when her grandso…
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From Fan Fiction to Fantha Tracks A Star Wars Journey with Mark Newbold
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48:06Ever wondered what it's like to turn a childhood obsession into a dream career? Join us as we journey to a galaxy far, far away with Mark Newbold, Editor-in-Chief of Fantha Tracks! Mark, a lifelong Star Wars devotee, shares his incredible story, from battling illness with the Force by his side to interviewing legends like Anthony Daniels and Jon Fa…
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Parenting and Neurodivergence with Samantha Foote
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28:37Samantha Foote—a board-certified music therapist, parent coach, and neurodivergent mom—brings a rare blend of professional expertise and lived experience to a powerful conversation about parenting differently-wired kids with greater connection and less frustration. In this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast, we dive deep into how understanding…
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Filoni or Gilroy: Can Star Wars Find Balance?
1:17:36
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1:17:36This week, we're tackling the Star Wars question that's been keeping the galaxy up at night – and probably you too. Forget the "Han shot first" debate, this is bigger: Filoni or Gilroy? Is Gilroy's darker, more complex vision the future of Star Wars? Or should the franchise be aiming for the more classic, Saturday morning adventure vibe that Filoni…
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Don't Take it Personally with David Schatzkamer
22:09
22:09
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22:09What if your child’s wildest playtime moments were actually the clearest window into their emotional world—and you held the key to understanding them? In this episode, I sit down with David Schatzkamer, a licensed mental health counselor and registered play therapist supervisor, to explore the world of child-centered play therapy and filial therapy…
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100,000+ Star Wars Fans Can't Be Wrong: How to Build a Thriving Community with The Virtual Cantina Network
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50:44
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50:44Ever wonder how to build a thriving community around a shared passion? This week, we journey to a galaxy far, far away with Spencer from The Virtual Cantina Network (VCN), a Facebook group boasting over 100,000 Star Wars fans! Get ready to explore the secrets behind building such a massive and engaged online community. Spencer shares his own Star W…
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The Role and Importance of the Microbiome with Madeline Lauf
30:57
30:57
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30:57We’re talking gut health in this episode, with Madeline Lauf, founder of Begin Health. Madeline shares how poor nutrition habits from her own childhood inspired her mission to help families build strong foundations for lifelong wellness, starting in the gut. We dig into the links between processed foods, digestive issues, immune function, and even …
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Tatooine Sons Reacts: Andor's Legacy of Courage, Sacrifice, and Star Wars for the Next Generation
1:18:27
1:18:27
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1:18:27Think Star Wars is just for kids? Think again! This week, Tatooine Sons looks deeply into the mature, complex storytelling of Andor with Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke from The Streaming Star Wars Network's "Road to Rebellion - The Andor Aftershow". This isn't your average recap; it's a thoughtful exploration of what makes Andor a standout in the Sta…
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Connection Over Perfection in Parenting with Dr. Gila
35:29
35:29
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35:29Dr. Gila—neuropsychologist, and single parent to a beautifully complicated kid – is an insightful and compassionate human. In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, we dive deep into what it means to parent with connection instead of perfection, how to shift away from black-and-white thinking, and why your child’s strong will is actually a s…
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Monkey Lizards & Mini-Jedi: Keeping Star Wars Weird (and Wonderful!) with Your Kids
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42:13Ever wish you could recapture the pure joy you felt watching Star Wars as a kid? This week, we're joined by Cam Ray from "Star Wars and Smile!" to explore how to keep the Force fun for a new generation! Cam shares his secrets to finding the humor in a galaxy far, far away (yes, even with Bub the Monkey Lizard!), and how he brings that infectious en…
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A Father, Two Sons, and a Galaxy Far, Far Away- Our Andor Finale Celebration at Lucasfilm
1:21:21
1:21:21
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1:21:21In this special episode of Tatooine Sons, join David, Sam, and Nate as they recount their epic pilgrimage to Lucasfilm and Skywalker Ranch! Witness their firsthand experience of watching the Andor series finale and Rogue One together in the Lucasfilm theater, a shared moment that transcends generations and strengthens their bond through a mutual lo…
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Financial Planning for Families with Special Needs with Maedi Tanham Carney
23:08
23:08
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23:08In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I’m joined by Maedi Tanham Carney—financial planner and founder of Integrated Living Opportunities. We dive into the world of financial planning for families raising kids with disabilities. From special needs trusts to ABLE accounts to the importance of neuropsych evaluations for accessing benefits, …
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Attunement, Play and Making a Mess with Rebekah Marler
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50:40In this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast, I talk with Rebekah Marler, a former school principal and current parent to a neurodivergent child, about how her experience challenged everything she thought she knew about development and learning. She shares how traditional milestone-based approaches failed her son and how discovering practices li…
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Teen and young adult mentor, Matt Douglas, joined me on this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast for a deep dive into the “other” end of the parenting spectrum—college applications, executive function, and the tricky transition from high school to young adulthood. We talk about how neurodivergent teens—those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or learn…
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Everything Makes Sense with The Occuplaytional Therapist with Kelsie Olds
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40:35In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible occupational therapist Kelsie Olds for a deep and lively conversation about what it really means when we say "everything everybody does makes sense." Kelsie brings her global OT experience—from the U.S. to the U.K. to her new adventure in Australia—and a refreshingly huma…
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In this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast, I’m joined once again by the brilliant Jenn Glacel to talk about the often misunderstood concept of masking, particularly in autistic folks. We dig into the unconscious ways masking shows up as a survival response, how it begins in infancy, and how it can shape a child’s (and adult’s!) sense of self.…
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Talk About Sex with ND Kids with Amy Lang
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33:27
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33:27In this episode, I sat down with Amy Lang, a longtime sex ed and parent educator, to talk about one of the most awkward—and most essential—topics parents face: talking to our kids about sex. Amy shared her own moment of panic when her five-year-old asked a completely innocent question, and how that moment shaped her entire approach to sex education…
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Welcome to the 100th episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast where I’ll talk about one of the most foundational aspects of parenting—attunement. What is attunement? Why does it matter? And how does it shape our relationships with our kids from the very beginning? We’ll explore the neurobiological, emotional, and practical sides of this essential pr…
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In this episode, I’m joined by Suzy Miller, a former pediatric speech-language pathologist whose life took an unexpected turn when a 4-year-old child with autism opened her eyes to an entirely new way of understanding communication. Suzy shares her incredible journey from traditional therapy to becoming a telepathic communicator and multidimensiona…
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Why You Need a Parent Coach with Lisa Chan
24:01
24:01
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24:01Parents are essential to children’s developmental process, especially when those children are dealing with challenges like ADHD, autism, and sensory processing issues. During this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast I dive into the essential role of parents alongside occupational therapist-turned-parent coach, Lisa Chan. We discuss why therapy …
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Parenting a Child with Anxiety with Nicole Weston
30:54
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30:54Nicole Weston is a parent coach who specializes in supporting families of children with anxiety and OCD. Nicole shares her personal journey of navigating her daughter’s mental health crisis, which led her to deeply reconsider traditional parenting approaches. In this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast, we explore the impact of sensitive nervou…
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In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I speak with Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, a neuropsychiatrist with extensive experience in autism research. We chat about the complexities of communication for non-speaking autistic individuals, discussing methods like spelling to communicate and the misconceptions around these techniques. Dr. Powell hi…
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Clinical social worker, Lisa Kays, joined me on the Complicated Kids Podcast to discuss her (super interesting) concept of “diagnosing backwards.” Lisa shares how therapists often see anxious or overwhelmed parents in therapy but may overlook underlying neurodivergence or developmental differences in the child that might be driving a parent’s distr…
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In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Gilly Kahn, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodiversity and emotional dysregulation, particularly in teens. We dive into the intersection of ADHD, emotional regulation, and gender bias in diagnosis—especially how the medical system often overlooks girls and women. Gilly…
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Parenting Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences with Kari Baker
26:50
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26:50In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with author Kari Baker to talk about her book, Finding Kind: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences. Kari shares her personal journey—from a career in finance to becoming an advocate for neurodivergent kids—and how raising her son changed her…
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In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with Zara Waldman DeLuca, a professor, speech therapist, and advocate for siblings of individuals with disabilities. Together, we explore the unique dynamics of sibling relationships in families navigating disability. Zara shares insights from her personal and professional experience, emph…
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In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I welcome Julianne Reilly, a clinical social worker with deep expertise in working with parents, educators, and children. Together, we chat about the concept of Positive Discipline, a framework rooted in Adlerian psychology. Julianne shares how it emphasizes belonging, significance, and mutual respec…
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In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with coach and educator Sara Bybee Fisk to explore masking—where it comes from, how it affects our children, and how it shows up in parenting. We unpack how kids are taught from a young age to suppress their true selves to meet adult expectations, often at the cost of their own dignity and…
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The Seriousness of Play and Early Childhood Education with Dan Wuori
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23:56This episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast discusses the intricacies of early childhood education with guest Dan Wouri, author of The Daycare Myth. We have a dynamic conversation about the disconnection between what science tells us about early development and how public policy often fails to reflect those insights. Together, we explore the impor…
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Dyslexia and the Science of Reading with Daniela Feldhausen
32:57
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32:57In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I explore the world of reading challenges and dyslexia with guest Daniela Feldhausen, founder of Kids Up Reading Coaches. We chat about why some kids struggle with reading and spelling, the warning signs for parents to watch for, and effective strategies to help kids build strong foundational reading…
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Talking Executive Function Skills with Carrie Bonnet
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34:36
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34:36Why do some kids (and adults) struggle with planning, staying on task, or managing big emotions—even when they’re trying their best? In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I talk with executive function coach Carrie Bonnett about the brain-based skills that help us get things done. Carrie breaks down how challenges with executive function…
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Circumstances Are Neutral with Penny Williams
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45:44In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I dive into the concept of the neutrality of circumstances with guest Penny Williams. We explore how circumstances themselves—things happening in the world—are neutral and only gain meaning through the thoughts and emotions we assign to them. Drawing on personal experiences and insights, Penny discus…
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Jaclyn Pederson on Pediatric Feeding Disorder
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25:45
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25:45Ever wonder why some kids struggle so deeply with eating—and why it’s not just about being picky? In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, to unpack the complexities of pediatric feeding disorders (PFD). Jaclyn shares how Feeding Matters supports families and educates professionals on…
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Staying Calm When It's the Holiday Season
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18:16
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18:16I'm here solo today to talk about holiday survival tips. First, start with YOURSELF. Be kind and compassionate with yourself: you're allowed. Prioritize your nervous system so that you can co-regulate with your kiddos. Next, what accommodations might your kids need in order to make it through changes in food, routine and personnel? Can you set thos…
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Staying Calm When the World is Falling Apart Around You with Penny Williams
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33:18How do you keep your cool—and help your child feel safe—when the world around you feels out of control? Penny Williams joins me to explore how external stressors—like natural disasters—can heighten family tension and impact our kids' behavior. We talk about how staying mindful of our own responses and building emotional resilience can make a big di…
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Why Kids Are Inflexible with Claire Lerner
31:43
31:43
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31:43Claire Lerner came back to the Complicated Kids Podcast to talk about inflexibility in kids. We talked about so much more! Parents and educators alike will want to listen for scripts to use when kids are having a hard time and when they're testing limits. Turns out: limits are loving and boundaries are scaffolds for learning resilience and flexibil…
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Redefining Success for Complicated Kids with Dr. Emily King
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29:45In this week’s Complicated Kids Podcast I am joined by Dr. Emily King with some deep insights for parents, teachers, and therapists on supporting neurodivergent kids. Dr. King is a child psychologist specializing in neurodivergent kids and teens. We tackle key challenges, like modifying the definition of success, accommodating different learning st…
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Nervous System Matters with Veronica Alkon
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32:01What if the key to helping your child thrive isn’t just more therapy—but understanding the nervous system beneath their behavior? In this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast, I talk with Veronica Alkon, who saw firsthand how early intervention helped her son—but wanted to go deeper. She shares her journey with the Musgatova Neurosensorimotor Re…
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The Importance of Friendship with Caroline Turner
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29:48
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29:48In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I sit down with Caroline Turner, a social worker passionate about supporting children with autism, to talk about Quirky Buds. Turner's project, Quirky Buds, is a platform that she created to help neurodiverse individuals find friends based on shared interests. Turner explains the inspiration behind Q…
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Bringing Your Concerns to the Pediatrician with Christi Hay
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36:49Christi Hay, a pediatrician in private practice, joins me on the podcast today to share tips for how parents can partner with their pediatrician -- even when they don't have a lot of time. We also talk about brains, talking to kids about their brains, how to celebrate brain-based differences and see the person in front of us. To find out more about…
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