The Double Empathy Problem in the Classroom
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 264, we’re sharing our sister podcast’s conversation about the double empathy problem. In Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin explore a concept that challenges the assumption that neurodivergent individuals lack empathy, and instead highlights how misunderstandings happen between different neurotypes. They share personal stories, real-world classroom scenarios, and strategies to help educators bridge the communication gap with their neurodivergent students. TAKEAWAYS The double empathy problem—what it is and why it matters in...
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There's Much More to OCD Than You Think
Neurodiversity Podcast
Today, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Natalia Aíza, a therapist and advocate, to talk about the complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They debunk common myths and misconceptions, and talk about what OCD actually is. It's important to understand the OCD cycle, be able to identify the various types of OCD, and understand how it often coexists with other neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism. They also talk about the impact of reassurance seeking, the nuances of Just Right OCD, and the challenges of school refusal. The conversation includes insights into how parents and...
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Navigating the Emotional Landscape
Neurodiversity Podcast
Today Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Leah Kuypers, developer of the Zones of Regulation framework, to discuss self-regulation skills. They talk about the importance of emotional awareness, the practical applications of the framework in educational settings, and how it provides a common language for expressing feelings. Leah shares insights from her experience as an occupational therapist and educator, including the impact of the framework on students' ability to communicate their emotions and navigate their environments effectively. They discuss the need to move away from labeling emotions as...
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Gestalt Language Processing
Neurodiversity Podcast
Today Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Gestalt language processing expert Ali Battye about the nuts and bolts of Gestalt, and why it's useful and important in understanding and supporting neurodivergent communicators. They talk about the barriers faced by Gestalt language processors, the role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and the need for a strengths-based approach in communication. There are some common misconceptions about Gestalt language processing, and they explain and dispel them in this conversation. TAKEAWAYS Echolalia has become a helpful part of the learning...
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The Barrier-Breaking Evolution of Whole Body Regulation
Neurodiversity Podcast
Today we're discussing the concept of whole body listening, and its evolution to whole body regulation. Elizabeth Sautter joins Emily Kircher-Morris to talk about that evolution, and what it means to neurodivergent people and those who support them. They discuss emotional regulation and co-regulation, the role of educators and parents in modeling emotional awareness, and the impact of shame on neurodivergent learners. Also, the complexities of vulnerability, and the significant difference between calling someone out, and calling them in. TAKEAWAYS The shift from whole body listening to whole...
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Dyscalculia & Math: A Teacher's and Parent's Guide
Neurodiversity Podcast
On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. Daniel Ansari discuss the complexities of math education, including the anxiety it can cause in students, the challenges of teaching methods, and the importance of understanding learning difficulties like dyscalculia. They talk about the importance of explicit instruction in math, the role of neuroscience in understanding how children learn math, and the significance of working memory and attention in math learning. Educators and parents will also get suggestions for practical strategies that will help them support students struggling with math....
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What it Takes to Connect With Today's Students
Neurodiversity Podcast
Effective teaching involves more than just what happens formally in the classroom, and on this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes educator and author Adam Meyersieck to talk about it. They discuss the need for engaging teaching methods that connect with students emotionally and socially. They discuss collaboration between parents and educators to support neurodivergent learners, and the significance of strengths-based approaches in teaching. They cover sustainability of the teaching profession, the use of multiple communication modalities, and managing visual clutter to enhance learning...
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Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria with Dr. Bill Dodson (Part 2)
Neurodiversity Podcast
In the second of our powerful two-part conversation, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. William Dodson discuss the complexities of ADHD, emotional dysregulation and its subset, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). He explains how RSD can manifest in ADHDers, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of understanding and treating these conditions. There is a need for updated diagnostic criteria and effective treatment strategies, including medication and supportive environments. They dig into the complexities of ADHD, including management strategies, and the importance of...
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Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria with Dr. Bill Dodson (Part 1)
Neurodiversity Podcast
In part one of a two-part conversation, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. William Dodson discuss the complexities of ADHD, emotional dysregulation and its subset, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). He explains how RSD can manifest in ADHDers, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of understanding and treating these conditions. There is a need for updated diagnostic criteria and effective treatment strategies, including medication and supportive environments. They dig into the complexities of ADHD, including management strategies, and the importance of understanding the...
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New Podcast Alert: Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools
Neurodiversity Podcast
This week, we’re sharing the inaugural episode of the Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools podcast! Today, hosts Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin introduce themselves, and talk about their new book, Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported. This podcast is great as a learning tool on its own, and it's designed to align with the chapters of the book. It provides actionable insights, strategies, and inspiration for educators and parents. Emily and Amanda discuss their personal neurodivergent journeys, how they came to...
info_outlineOn 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 all on episode 244!
Takeaways
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Executive functioning skills are crucial for getting important tasks done.
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Many people struggle with executive functioning, especially neurodivergent individuals.
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Teaching executive functioning involves education and strategy development.
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Motivation often comes after starting a task, not before.
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Chunking tasks into smaller steps can reduce overwhelm.
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Making the invisible visible helps manage tasks and time.
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Emotional regulation is closely tied to executive functioning skills.
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Negative messaging about executive functioning can impact self-efficacy.
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Educators should focus on understanding and supporting students' unique needs.
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It's important for students to know they are not alone in their struggles.
Remember, you have until 11:59 pm Pacific time on Friday night, October 4th to join our Educator Hub! Remember that this is the final chance to sign up until after the holiday season. If you’re an educator, you should look and see if this community might be helpful in making your classroom a more neurodiversity-affirming place. Click here to check it out.
Carrie Bonnett earned her BBA in Marketing from the University of Notre Dame. However, her career trajectory shifted after a transformative volunteer experience at an underserved school, where she discovered a passion for teaching. This newfound passion led her to pursue a graduate degree in teaching at the University of Portland.
Over the course of her 20-year career in education, Carrie has taught in both private and public schools across the United States, working with diverse student populations. Her experience includes supporting and teaching executive functions, even before she had a formal understanding of the concept. She has served as a classroom teacher at both the middle and high school levels, as well as a substitute teacher for all grades. Currently, she is an adjunct instructor at the University of Portland, where she teaches early-career teachers.
She holds endorsements in Social Science and English Language Arts and is a certified teacher in the State of Oregon. Additionally, she has received training in the Seeing My Time® curriculum.
BACKGROUND READING