The Tricky Relationship Between Addiction and Neurodiversity
Release Date: 07/11/2024
Beyond the Stereotypes of Autism and Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 247, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Megan Anna Neff to explore the complexities of neurodiversity, and the societal stereotypes that affect their lives. They talk about the challenges of diagnosis, the nuances of misdiagnosis, particularly the overlap between conditions like autism and borderline personality disorder, and the significance of self-awareness and acceptance in the journey of neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the phenomenon of autistic burnout, its implications, the challenges in clinical training regarding autism and ADHD, and inherent inequities that exist...
info_outline
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 246. This is a reprise of an earlier chat. Takeaways The assessment process for autism is evolving, with...
info_outline
What Neurodivergent People Need to Know About Joining the Military
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 245, Emily talks with Dr. Brandi Walker, a retired Army clinical psychologist, about her experience as a psychologist in the military and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. They talk about her journey of transitioning from a fuel handler to a psychologist, and when and how she developed an interest in ADHD. There are policies and limitations for recruits with ADHD or autism, and they talk about the implications, along with the waiver process that’s involved. Dr. Walker talks about the experiences of neurodivergent military members, and they have solid advice for...
info_outline
You Can’t Cut Corners on Executive Function Skills
Neurodiversity Podcast
On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris and Carrie Bonnett discuss the intricacies of executive functioning, its significance in academic and life success, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. They explore strategies for improving executive functioning skills, the importance of emotional regulation, and the need for educators to understand and support students struggling with these skills. Emily and Carrie also talk about the importance of motivation, making invisible tasks visible, and the journey of learning and adapting strategies to enhance executive functioning. That’s...
info_outline
Am I the Impostor Among Us?
Neurodiversity Podcast
There’s a nagging feeling most of us experience from time to time, that tells us maybe we’ve fooled everyone. We shouldn’t have been placed in a certain position, or we’re not qualified to take on a project. On episode 243 we revisit a talk with Lindsay Lee, the author of a study about impostorism. Why do we experience it? What can we do to tamp it down? Check out the webinar we hosted earlier this week! You’ll find great information that will help make your classroom or school a place where all students can thrive. If you like the webinar, we’d love to have you as a member...
info_outline
Strengths-based Supports in the Neurodiversity Ecosystem
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 242, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Matt Zakreski about the importance of neurodiversity-affirming practices in therapy, and how intersection of giftedness and neurodiversity emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity-affirming practices in therapy, the significance of understanding twice exceptionality, and the role of diagnosis in accessing resources. Dr. Zakreski advocates for equity in supporting neurodivergent individuals and encourages listeners to pursue their passions and find supportive communities. Takeaways Giftedness can be met with resistance in traditional...
info_outline
Advocating for Neurodivergent Kids at School
Neurodiversity Podcast
School is back in session in many parts of the world, which is the time when struggles often begin to surface. On episode 241, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Amanda Morin about the complexities of advocating for neurodivergent children, including utilizing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and the services they require. They explore the qualification process for IEPs, the importance of understanding behavior as communication, and the distinction between medical and educational diagnoses. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy, and the importance of tailored support for each...
info_outline
A Guide to School Counseling In a Neurodiverse World
Neurodiversity Podcast
In episode 240, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Brandon Gernux, an elementary school counselor from Santa Ana, California, and the 2024 Orange County Elementary School Counselor of the Year. Emily and Brandon dive into the importance of neurodiversity-affirming support in schools, sharing insights on how schools are slowly evolving to meet the needs of neurodivergent learners. They discuss the critical role school counselors play, particularly in addressing the challenges of camouflaging and masking, which can significantly impact students' social development and personal satisfaction. They...
info_outline
Autistic Voices: Bridging the Communication Gap
Neurodiversity Podcast
Miscommunication between autistic and non-autistic individuals can lead to painful misunderstandings and strained relationships. In this episode, we talk to Jaime A. Heidel, author of 'What Did I Do Wrong? An Accessible Guide to Preventing Traumatic Misunderstandings Between You and Your Autistic Loved One.' Emily and Jaime discuss the common communication barriers between autistic and non-autistic people, the importance of listening to autistic voices, and the need for effective communication to prevent trauma. They talk about the need for specificity in communication, and the impact of...
info_outline
Improving Math Education for Neurodivergent Learners
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 238, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Lindsay Kapek and Katie Tabari about the challenges neurodivergent students face in learning math. The conversation explores strategies for creating inclusive math classrooms that foster confidence and support for all students, regardless of their neurodivergence, and they talk about the importance of understanding individual learning styles. They also discuss using low floor, high ceiling tasks and three-act tasks to engage students and promote problem-solving skills. If you’re a teacher, or if you have kids in school, this is an episode you...
info_outlineOn episode 233, Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Patrick Casale, a mental health clinician specializing in addictions. The conversation covers a lot of ground, including neurodiversity-affirming practices, and the intersectionality of addiction and neurodivergence. They discuss the importance of creating a neurodivergent affirming environment throughout the therapeutic process, from intake to therapy sessions. They talk about the need for a more nuanced understanding of addiction in the neurodivergent community and the importance of community and connection in recovery. They address concerns about stimulant medication and its relationship to substance abuse, as well as the impact of video games and electronics on addiction.
TAKEAWAYS
-
Creating a neurodivergent affirming environment is crucial in the therapeutic process, from intake to therapy sessions.
-
A more nuanced understanding of addiction is needed in the neurodivergent community, considering the impact of neurodivergent traits on coping mechanisms.
-
Community and connection are essential in recovery from addiction.
-
Concerns about stimulant medication and its relationship to substance abuse should be addressed with a focus on individual experiences and needs.
-
The impact of video games and electronics on addiction should be evaluated based on how they affect daily functioning and well-being.
-
Neurodivergent burnout requires sensory soothing and accommodations in the workplace or school settings.
-
Support and normalization are important for individuals struggling with addiction.
Get signed up for the live, free continuing education training, Foundations of Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy, happening on Friday, July 12th. If you can’t be there live, you can still access the video and get the credit.
Learn more about 2e students by taking our course, Strategies for Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students. It’s great for CE credits for educators, and the course will be enlightening to anyone curious about helping 2e students thrive in the classroom.
Patrick Casale is an AuDHD Licensed Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Therapist in Asheville, NC.. He is the owner of All Things Private Practice and Resilient Mind Counseling. Patrick works as a business coach and strategist, and is also a group practice owner, motivational speaker, international retreat planner, the host of All Things Private Practice Podcast, and co-host of Divergent Conversations Podcast.
His work has helped and inspired thousands of mental health professionals to take risks, start and grow their businesses, and invest in themselves. Patrick has been featured on Private Practice Startup, Abundance Practice Building, Therapy Reimagined, Not Your Typical Psychotherapist, Selling The Couch, and Modern Therapists. He is a passionate advocate for reducing shame and stigma of mental health, as well as impostor syndrome. Patrick helps mental health entrepreneurs break the mold, work through their fears and insecurities, and to embrace their authenticity. He loves good coffee, craft beer, playing soccer, and traveling the world. His official motto has become “doubt yourself do it anyway”.
BACKGROUND READING