Why School Refusal May Not Be What It Seems (and What to Do Instead)
Neurodiversity Podcast
School refusal and distress are the subject of the day, as Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes child psychologist and former school psychologist, Dr. Emily King. They discuss the importance of understanding the underlying causes of anxiety, the need for neurodiversity-affirming approaches, and the balance between structure and flexibility in educational settings. The also discuss the importance of grace, connection, and individualized strategies when helping children navigate their emotional experiences. TAKEAWAYS School refusal is often a response to anxiety, not an active choice. Understanding...
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Beyond Words: The Truth About Selective (Situational) Mutism
Neurodiversity Podcast
Today, Emily Kircher-Morris and Meredith Polsky look into the complexities of selective mutism, exploring its definitions, the importance of language in understanding it, and the personal experiences that led Meredith to specialize in this area. They discuss the myths surrounding selective mutism, and its manifestation as an anxiety disorder rather than a choice or a form of shyness. Meredith shares her journey as a parent of children with selective mutism and the challenges she faced in finding appropriate treatment, ultimately leading her to become a clinician herself. They explore the...
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When Consistency is the Game Changer
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 266, Emily Kircher-Morris discusses the critical role of executive functioning in education with Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom. They explore how these skills are essential for student success, and discuss incorporating them into teaching practices, rather than treating them as an afterthought. The conversation also covers the importance of clarity, modeling, and routine in teaching these skills, and the challenges posed by the digital era. TAKEAWAYS Executive functioning is a core part of learning. Teaching executive functioning skills should...
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One-Size Doesn't Fit All: Variability in Neurodivergent Brains
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Barbara Pape, Senior Director of the Learner Variability Project, about the concept of learner variability. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing each student's unique strengths and challenges. They explore how educators can support neurodivergent learners through personalized instruction, they cover the role of technology in education, and talk about the need for a sense of belonging in the classroom. The discussion also touches on the barriers educators face in addressing learner variability and the evolution of educational policy to better...
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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....
info_outlineToday, 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 therapists can better support individuals with OCD, and help them on the journey towards a better life.
TAKEAWAYS
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OCD is often misunderstood, with many believing it only relates to cleanliness.
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The OCD cycle involves triggers, obsessions, and compulsions that reinforce fears.
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Moral scrupulosity and harm OCD are common types that are often overlooked.
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OCD is distinct from generalized anxiety.
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ADHD and OCD can coexist, leading to unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
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Autism can complicate the presentation of OCD, requiring specialized understanding.
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Reassurance seeking can inadvertently reinforce OCD behaviors.
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Just Right OCD reflects a perfectionism that can manifest in various aspects of life.
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School refusal can be a manifestation of OCD, leading to avoidance patterns.
Episode featuring Eli Lebowitz
Check out our Neurodiversity University courses, including Strategies for Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students.
This episode was edited to add clarity to the subject of school avoidance or refusal, to indicate they aren’t exclusive to OCD. For some neurodivergent kids, it is a matter of a lack of accommodations and supports that make educational settings traumatic environments. School avoidance or refusal is a nuanced subject, and a deeper dive is planned for an episode in the near future.
Natalia Aíza, LPC, is a therapist, parent trainer, and advocate dedicated to increasing awareness and improving treatment for individuals with OCD. She co-founded Kairos Wellness Collective, a therapy center specializing in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, where she works to enhance competency among mental health practitioners and support individuals on their healing journey.
In addition to her clinical work, Natalia provides free psychoeducation and advocacy through her Instagram platform, @letstalk.ocd, helping to destigmatize OCD and promote evidence-based treatment. She earned her BA in Literature from Harvard University and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palo Alto University.
BACKGROUND READING
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