Ep. 202: How Low Demand Parenting Can Reduce Stress and Support Neurodivergent Youth with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Release Date: 09/10/2024
Ep. 228: Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) with Dr. Samantha Levy
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
We are excited to have Samantha Levy, PhD join the show again this week to discuss Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Dr. Samantha Levy is a clinical psychologist specializing in youth with chronic pain disorders. She uses a biopsychosocial approach to address both physical and emotional struggles, working with children, families, and parents to help them align the mind and body for improved functioning. Dr. Levy also runs parent groups, writes a parenting blog for , and works as a psychologist for Whole Child LA. Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a condition in which often...
info_outline
Ep. 227: Teen Depression Gone Viral with Dr. Meredith Gansner
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
We are joined this week by . Dr. Gansner is a child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital and an instructor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, specializing in high-risk digital media use in teens. She has received multiple research grants, including a K23 career development award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and she is an active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry media committee. Her first book, , explores the challenges of treating adolescent depression in the digital age. In this episode, Dr. Meredith Gansner discusses depression in...
info_outline
Ep. 226: Is It Autism? Recognizing, Assessing & Supporting Children and Teens with Dr. Chandni Singh
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
This week on the podcast, we are happy to have Dr. Chandni Singh on the show. Dr. Singh is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than a decade of experience in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults. She is committed to providing evidence-based assessments and tailored treatment recommendations, and she strongly focuses on serving culturally and ethnically diverse communities. At West LA Neuropsychology, PC, she specializes in early diagnostic evaluations for young children and comprehensive assessments...
info_outline
Ep. 225: Moving Beyond Accommodations and Modifications to Cognitive Change for Academic Gains with Shelley Woon
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
This week on the podcast, we welcome Shelley Woon to the conversation. Shelley is a dedicated educator and school leader with over three decades of experience supporting students, families, and staff in overcoming learning challenges. She holds a Master of Education in Leadership, has specialized qualifications in Special Education and Reading, and serves as Head of School at and Superintendent of Special Education. Shelley values the brain-learning connection and is committed to helping others unlock their potential. Shelley joins us to explore how we can move beyond compensatory strategies...
info_outline
Ep. 224: Should I Medicate My Child? – Part 2 with Lance Steinberg, M.D.
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Following up on last week’s episode, we are joined once again by , M.D. to further discuss the complex issue of medicating children with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and if you missed part 1 of the discussion, be sure to go back and listen to that before diving into part 2! In this continuation of our discussion, Dr. Steinberg sheds more light on the approach that is required when considering medication, stressing that a thoughtful evaluation is important before immediately jumping to medical solutions. Dr. Steinberg offers some insights into the FDA-approved medications,...
info_outline
Ep. 223: Should I Medicate My Child? – Part 1 with Lance Steinberg, M.D.
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
We are joined this week by , M.D. Dr. Steinberg is an expert in psychopharmacology, specializing in conditions such as OCD, ADHD, and autism. He has taught internationally and at institutions like UCLA, earning multiple awards for his outstanding teaching. He completed his medical training at Dartmouth, UCLA, and Stanford, and he currently practices in Calabasas, Encino, and Valencia. Dr. Steinberg joins us today in this first part of a two-part episode to discuss managing medication for youth with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. We discuss the important factors parents...
info_outline
Ep. 222: Wildfires and Mental Health: Understanding the Impact and Strategies for Recovery with Dr. Jyoti Mishra
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
We are joined for this episode by Dr. Jyoti Mishra to help us discuss an incredibly important and timely topic - the impact of wildfires on mental health. Dr. Mishra is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Diego, the founder of NEATLabs, and co-director of the UC-wide Climate Change and Mental Health Initiative. Dr. Mishra specializes in climate trauma, resilience, digital health interventions, and precision psychiatry, with her work featured in major media outlets like CNN, TIME, and NPR. In this episode, we explore how natural disasters (such as the recent wildfires in...
info_outline
Ep. 221: Would a Behavioral Aide/Shadow Help My Child?
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
This week, joins us to talk about the role of behavioral aides or "shadows" in schools, focusing on how they help children with unique behavioral challenges thrive in the classroom. Lisa is a board-certified behavior analyst with a master's in Applied Behavior Analysis and more than a decade of experience in private practice. She provides 1:1 support for children and teens with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other behavioral challenges, along with parent coaching. In this episode, we dive into the types of challenges that might indicate a need for a behavioral aide, such as social conflicts,...
info_outline
Ep. 220: How to Support Children and Teens with Chronic Pain with Dr. Samantha Levy
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
Dr. Samantha Levy joins us this week to discuss the challenges of supporting kids with chronic pain. Samantha is a clinical psychologist specializing in youth with chronic pain disorders, using a biopsychosocial approach to address both physical and emotional challenges. She also supports parents through individual sessions, group facilitation, and a parenting blog for , while working with Whole Child LA. In this episode, we discuss the complexities of chronic pain and explore its neurological nature and the effects that it has on one's body, mind, and family dynamics. Dr. Levy explains...
info_outline
Ep. 219: Understanding Dysgraphia: Signs, Strategies, and Support for Struggling Writers with Natasha Gray
Diverse Thinking Different Learning
This week, we discuss the complexities of dysgraphia, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can greatly affect written expression. We are joined by Natasha Gray, founder of in the Caribbean. We unpack dysgraphia and what it is and highlight its varied types and how it often overlaps with other challenges such as ADHD and dyslexia. Natasha explains the different ways that dysgraphia can manifest and discusses some of the warning signs such as illegible handwriting, avoidance of writing tasks, and challenges with spelling and spacing. Natasha also shares her insights into the neurological...
info_outlineParenting is filled with moments of stress and overwhelm, especially when raising children with different neurological wiring. Many of us have faced times when our child’s behavior feels too much to handle, leaving us unsure of what to do next. That’s where today’s guest, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, comes in.
Dr. Roseann is a trailblazer in mental health, media figure, and the founder of Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas and The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health. She is on a mission to “Change the way we view and treat children’s mental health and is known for her teachings on promoting brain calmness using science-driven solutions.
She is also the host of the It’s Gonna Be OK podcast, a go-to resource for parents navigating their children’s mental health challenges. In our conversation today, she introduces us to the concept of low-demand parenting, a style that has emerged alongside the increasing recognition of neurodivergent youth.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Roseann explains how this approach can help parents reduce their own stress by lowering demands on both themselves and their children. This, in turn, allows kids with dysregulated nervous systems to feel more secure and capable of learning critical skills like flexibility and problem-solving.
We’ll discuss how low-demand parenting can reduce anxiety in children, how to implement co-regulation techniques, and the benefits of self-regulation in creating a happier, healthier home environment.
Show Notes:
[2:47] - Neurodivergence and brains that are wired differently are on the rise.
[3:27] - Low-demand parenting is a style of parenting that has come with the rise of kids who are uniquely wired. It’s a misunderstood style of parenting.
[5:11] - When kids have dysregulated nervous systems, no matter where it's coming from, they’re going to fall back on familiar behaviors.
[6:47] - We need to teach kids flexibility, coping skills, and problem solving. That is a lot harder when you’re coming in hot.
[8:15] - This style of parenting can be started at any time. But you may get some pushback.
[9:34] - One of the benefits of low demand parenting is reducing anxiety.
[10:53] - We don’t really think about our kids having activations in their nervous systems.
[12:23] - This type of parenting is really helpful particularly in current times and with current generations, but specifically with neurodivergent youth.
[13:35] - Self-regulation is key to leading a happy life.
[14:54] - We learn our parenting from our own parents and the strategies are not always helpful.
[16:32] - When you’re overwhelmed, everything feels like a mountain. The one action you can start with is co-regulation.
[18:51] - Dr. Roseann gives some starting points in learning co-regulation.
[21:19] - The hardest part is reinforcement. It’s not going to stick with just one time.
[23:13] - A common misconception is that children are trying to overwhelm us on purpose. We can guide them to healthy ways to manage discomfort.
[24:39] - The most common reason people leave college is due to their mental health.
[26:58] - Give the other parent or caretaker the information as well.
[28:42] - The more you are regulated, the more regulated your child will be. Dysregulation can negatively impact the parent-child relationship.
[30:50] - Being regulated doesn’t mean you don’t feel stress. It means that you are activated by it.
About Our Guest:
Dr. Roseann stands as a mental health pioneer, media persona, and the architect of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™ Brain Formulas and Dr. Roseann, LLC. She's committed to altering mental health perceptions and interventions, offering a message of hope through science-endorsed methods that promote a calm brain. Her BrainBehaviorReset® Program and It’s Gonna be OK!™ Podcast has been a cornerstone for thousands facing daunting challenges such as PANS/PANDAS, OCD, anxiety, and ADHD/executive functioning, significantly bettering the lives of children and families.
Connect with Dr. Capanna-Hodge:
Links and Related Resources:
Connect with Us:
The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.