Beyond the Page: Empowering Young Minds
Neurodiversity Podcast
In episode 221, Emily talks with Brad Wright, a Neurodivergent Educator and Administrator, and author of the Infinity Blast series of middle grade books featuring neurodivergent characters. They discuss his work as an educator and how it influenced his decision to write fiction for young people. It’s important for educators to be educated about neurodiversity and provide accurate information to children. Brad also talks about the evolution of neurodivergent characters in children's literature and the role they play in the lives of young people. There is a need for more diverse and authentic...
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Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity in STEM
Neurodiversity Podcast
We’re talking STEM today, and Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Dr. Arash Zaghi, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut, to discuss the importance of neurodiversity in STEM fields. They talk about the need for diverse perspectives and ways of thinking to solve complex problems in science and engineering. There’s a value in different types of contributions, such as creative ideas and detailed execution plans, and a need to shift the focus from deficits to strengths. They also discuss the importance of creating a sense of...
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Ask Me Anything #8 with Emily Kircher-Morris
Neurodiversity Podcast
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 listening to the podcast with children, supporting processing speed issues, managing low self-esteem, diagnosing ADHD in older age, the overlap between cognitive giftedness and autism, exploring masking, and managing chores and responsibilities for individuals with a PDA profile. The episode provides insights, strategies, and resources for parents and individuals...
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Parenting Self-Care: Looking Out for Number One
Neurodiversity Podcast
Jen Merrill, creator of Laughing at Chaos and author of If This is a Gift, Can I Send It Back?, shares her experience as a parent of a twice-exceptional child and discusses the challenges and benefits of homeschooling. She emphasizes the importance of self-care for parents of gifted and twice exceptional children. Takeaways Parents of gifted and twice exceptional children need to prioritize self-care to better advocate for their children and maintain their own well-being. Twice exceptional children can be both intellectually gifted and face other challenges that make life difficult for...
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Declarative Language: A New Strategy for Neurodivergent Communication
Neurodiversity Podcast
Often, neurodivergent people have a completely different communication experience than neurotypicals. They respond differently to regulation, attention, and motivation, and often parents struggle when trying to improve connections with their kids. Linda Murphy is the author of The Declarative Language Handbook, and we present an encore of our conversation from 2023, with ideas on how to reframe communication and break down barriers. To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, , and get in touch with us through the contact page if you have questions. Amanda...
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Challenging What We Know About Autism and PDA
Neurodiversity Podcast
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 216. Takeaways The assessment process for autism is evolving, with a shift towards understanding...
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Education for Everyone Through Universal Design for Learning
Neurodiversity Podcast
On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Jeff Horwitz about the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its application in education. UDL focuses on creating learning environments and experiences that are accessible and beneficial for all students, regardless of their learning styles or abilities. How can UDL be implemented in both classroom and home settings? What are some common barriers to implementing UDL, and what are some strategies to overcome them? What’s the role of technology in supporting UDL practices? It’s a deep dive into UDL, on episode 215. TAKEAWAYS ...
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A Quest For Meaningful Relationships
Neurodiversity Podcast
Friendships and relationships can be hard for neurodivergent people, especially if they experience lagging social skills, or struggle with executive function. Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Caroline Maguire, author of Why Will Nobody Play With Me?, and they discuss the challenges and importance of neurodivergent friendships, particularly for individuals with ADHD. They talk about the lack of support for ADHD kids in developing social skills, and the negative impact it can have on their self-esteem. They discuss ways to build confidence and replace negative self-talk with positive thoughts....
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Not a Disease: Understanding Autism as Difference
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 213, Emily is joined by Matt Lowry, host of the Autistic Culture podcast. They discuss the concept of autism as a neurotype and culture, Matt shares his personal experience as an autistic individual, and they discuss the importance of understanding autism in a non-pathologizing way. They also discuss the need for neurodiversity affirming evaluations and therapy, as well as the challenges of balancing autistic identity and social adaptation. It’s a challenge to create a life that matches your neurological makeup, and finding a supportive community can be key. This episode is...
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Challenging the Status Quo in the Classroom and Beyond
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 212, Emily Kircher-Morris and Jess Lahey discuss the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent students. Jess highlights the need for teachers to question traditional teaching methods and adapt their practices to meet the diverse needs of their students. They talk about the value of formative assessments, peer-to-peer teaching, and creating an inclusive learning environment. They also explore the overlap between substance abuse and learning differences, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support. They discuss the need for teachers to gradually...
info_outlineKids who are both twice-exceptional and from culturally diverse populations have been dubbed “3e learners” by Dr. Joy Lawson Davis and others. On episode 63, Emily and Joy talk about identifying these students, and training educators to better help them reach their highest potential.
About the guest - Dr. Joy Lawson Davis is a career educator with over 30 years of experience as a practitioner, scholar, author, and consultant. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, Dr. Davis holds both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Gifted Education. She has conducted workshops, been a long-term program consultant, and served as a keynote speaker and distinguished guest lecturer in the United States, South Africa and the Caribbean. She has published numerous articles, technical reports, and book chapters.
She is currently the Special Populations columnist for the NAGC publication Teaching for High Potential, and serves on the Gifted Child Today advisory board. Dr. Davis served a two-year term as chair of the NAGC’s Diversity & Equity Committee and is an at-large member of the NAGC Board of Directors.
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