Beyond Buzzwords: Rethinking Our Neurodiversity Discourse
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Emily Paige Ballou about the need for a more nuanced conversation around identity and support for neurodivergent individuals. They talk about the social model of disability, and the implications of public discourse on autism. They also explore the superpower narrative, and the importance of understanding both strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals. They touch on the cultural context of autism today, and critiques of the label of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). TAKEAWAYS Neurodiversity is rooted in the concept of biodiversity. The term...
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Dietary Difficulty: Fueling the Neurodivergent Brain
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes registered dietician Jackie Silver, who specializes in nutrition for neurodivergent people. They discuss the unique challenges faced by the neurodiversity community, including sensory differences, interoception, and executive functioning barriers that complicate meal planning and nutrition. They also talk about practical strategies to support the neurodivergent people in your life with making good dietary choices. They identify and analyze disordered eating patterns, and discuss the significance of self-compassion in the journey towards better nutrition. TAKEAWAYS...
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Time Blindness: What To Do When Now Isn't Now
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Ari Tuckman for a conversation about time blindness, the complexities of ADHD, and the stigma surrounding the disorder. They discuss why ADHD is more about the struggle to convert attention into action than a lack of knowledge. They talk about how and why ADHD affects time perception and performance under pressure. If you're prone to procrastination, anxiety, and time management issues, this is an episode you need to hear. TAKEAWAYS ADHD is often misunderstood as a lack of attention rather than a difficulty in converting attention into action. Time...
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Flashback: Autism + ADHD = AuDHD
Neurodiversity Podcast
A term has been gaining traction over the last few years: AuDHD. Today, Emily Kircher-Morris is talking with Mattia Maurée, a neurodivergent individual who is both ADHD and autistic. They talk about how the two diagnoses blend together, one side desiring routine and sameness, while the other seeks novelty and change. They also discuss the challenges of receiving accurate diagnoses, the impact of stigma on neurodivergent individuals, how career pathways are affected, Mattia’s personal experiences of being misunderstood and judged, and the importance of community. The conversation covers many...
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Is It PDA? Demand Avoidance in the Context of Autism
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 270, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Taylor Day, a licensed psychologist who specializes in neuro-affirming care for autistic children and their families. They discuss the complexities of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in children, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity and the need for family-centered care. They cover the challenges of identifying PDA, the risks of misdiagnosis, and the necessity of adapting parenting and therapeutic strategies to better support children with this profile. They also validate parents' experiences and intuition, and endorse a...
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Authenticity: Belonging vs Fitting In
Neurodiversity Podcast
Speech Dude Chris Wenger joins Emily Kircher-Morris to discuss the importance of shifting from compliance-based educational strategies to more affirming practices for neurodivergent students. They explore the significance of creating safe and regulated environments, the difference between belonging and fitting in, and the need to redefine social goals to foster authentic connections among students. They talk about the value of autonomy, community building, and understanding the unique challenges faced by high school students in the context of neurodiversity. TAKEAWAYS The shift from...
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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...
info_outlineOn 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
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Executive functioning is a core part of learning.
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Teaching executive functioning skills should be explicit and integrated into the curriculum.
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Clarity, modeling, and routine are essential for teaching these skills.
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Students need daily practice to develop executive functioning skills.
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The digital age may hinder the development of these skills.
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Organization is a transformative skill that grounds students.
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Self-assessment empowers students to reflect on their learning.
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Teachers struggling with executive dysfunction can impact their students' learning.
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Accountability involves collaboration between teachers, students, and families.
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Neurodivergent students benefit from tailored strategies and workarounds.
Register here for a free one-hour continuing education webinar entitled The Cost of Camouflage: Exploring Masking and Burnout in Neurodivergent Clients. It’s a free service of the Neurodiversity University!
Mitch Weathers is an educator, author, and expert in executive functioning. He is the founder and creator of Organized Binder, an evidence-based, MTSS Tier 1 universal solution designed to help students develop essential executive functioning skills such as goal setting, time management, reflective learning, and organization.
His book, Executive Functions for Every Classroom, became a #1 bestseller, highlighting his structured approach to fostering academic success through clear expectations and routines. Mitch’s work emphasizes the importance of hands-on, analog strategies to build resilience and independence in students, ensuring they develop the foundational skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
BACKGROUND READING
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