Beyond the Lesson Plan: Vulnerability Builds Bridges
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Tom Rademacher, an award-winning educator and author, to explore the nuances of creating affirming educational environments. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in teaching, the impact of neurodivergence on learning, and how personal experiences shape educational philosophies. Tom shares thoughts about his book series "Bucket and Friends," which teaches the power of embracing one's uniqueness and the role of agency and optimism in education. TAKEAWAYS There are always opportunities to improve a supportive learning environment. Expressing...
info_outline
The Pressure and Peril of Perfectionism
Neurodiversity Podcast
On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with licensed mental health counselor Leon Garber, host of the Seize the Moment podcast, about the complexities of perfectionism. They explore the many layers, its ties to neurodivergence, and its impact on mental health. Leon shares what he knows about the different forms of perfectionism, including self-imposed, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism, and they discuss how these can manifest in various domains of life. They also examine the role of environmental factors and personal motivations in shaping perfectionistic tendencies....
info_outline
Epilepsy Through the Lens of a Mother's Love
Neurodiversity Podcast
In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris has a heartfelt conversation with Lake Bell, an award-winning actress, writer, and director, who opens up about her journey as a mother navigating her daughter Nova's epilepsy diagnosis. Emily and Lake talk about the challenges of living with neurodiversity, and discuss ways to turn them into victories. Lake shares the impact of seizures on Nova's identity, and she reflects on her own experiences with dyslexia. They talk about the importance of reframing neurodiversity, and the role of advocacy in destigmatizing conditions like epilepsy. TAKEAWAYS ...
info_outline
Finding Magic in Neurodiversity and Vice Versa
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Cody Clark, a magician and autistic self-advocate, to talk about Cody's unique approach to blending storytelling and sleight of hand to offer audiences a more authentic perspective on autism. They discuss Cody's personal experiences as a kid, before he understood his autism diagnosis, and how the diagnosis shaped his life. They talk about the importance of embracing special interests, as Cody did for his journey into magic, and the effect of advocacy work for disability inclusion and self-employment for autistic people. TAKEAWAYS Magic and storytelling can help...
info_outline
The Self-Regulation Revolution: Mastering Executive Function
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Sarah Kesty, an executive function coach and host of the Executive Function podcast, to talk about challenges and strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals with executive function and emotional regulation. They discuss offloading working memory, and ideas to help create an executive function-friendly environment at home and in the classroom. Sarah shares her three-phase coaching model and they talk about the importance of self-regulation in both academic and home settings. You'll learn how these approaches can transform the learning experience for...
info_outline
Surfing Waves of Emotion Through Emotional Regulation
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 282, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes occupational therapist and author Tracey DeMaria, to explore emotional regulation through a metaphor of "surfing the waves." They talk about how the analogy helps both children and adults visualize and manage their emotions, and how that visualization helps the process feel more like a skill to be honed rather than a clinical task. They discuss the importance of language in framing behaviors, the impact of school environments on neurodivergent children, and the integration of sensory and cognitive tools to support emotional well-being. TAKEAWAYS ...
info_outline
What Behavior is Really Telling Us
Neurodiversity Podcast
In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Joshua Stamper, author of The Language of Behavior, to explore decoding and rethinking behavior. Joshua describes his personal journey from a reluctant student to an inspiring educator, and how early experiences shaped his philosophy on supporting students. The conversation covers key topics such as trauma-informed practices, the importance of building relationships in education, and Joshua's innovative framework for understanding behavior through environment, root causes, and intentional response. They also touch on burnout and the need for...
info_outline
Playing May Be the Most Important Work We Do
Neurodiversity Podcast
On today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris talks about the transformative power of play with Georgie Wisen-Vincent, a nationally recognized expert in play therapy. Emily and Georgie explore how play supports emotional resilience, not just in young children, but across all ages. They talk about the importance of adapting play for neurodivergent children, and the role of play in fostering emotional regulation and executive function. They also discuss ways to engage with children through play, and provide suggestions on how to create meaningful connections that nurture their development. TAKEAWAYS ...
info_outline
Christopher Willard on Mental Health, Education, and Farts (!?)
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist and author, about the complexities of life's major transitions. At this time of year, this is an especially-important conversation, as some students prepare for the shift to college life. They share their own experiences and provide advice on navigating the pressures of newfound independence, the importance of self-care, and the role of systemic support in easing major transitions. Yes, they also talk about farts, so this episode has something for everyone. TAKEAWAYS It's important to understand the mental...
info_outline
Revisiting Girls and ADHD
Neurodiversity Podcast
Generalizations about ADHD haven’t done girls any favors. ADHD often manifests very differently in girls than in boys. What causes parents, educators, and even doctors, to view the symptoms of ADHD differently with girls? We know that masking, and even variations in environments, often cause symptoms to be missed. How is that happening? We’re revisiting the subject and chat with Stephen Hinshaw, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC San Francisco. Find out more about building neurodiversity-affirming schools, and...
info_outlineEmily 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 perception in ADHD can be distorted, leading to challenges in planning and prioritizing tasks.
-
Individuals with ADHD may perform better under pressure, but this can lead to anxiety and self-doubt.
-
The internalized stigma can cause ADHD individuals to feel like frauds despite their successes.
-
Social dynamics play a significant role in how ADHD behaviors are perceived by others.
-
The pressure to conform to neurotypical standards can hinder the ability to find effective personal strategies.
-
ADHD can contribute to anxiety, not just in the individual but also in those around them. Procrastination can also cause anxiety for others around you.
-
Time management involves multiple components, including attention management.
-
Physical clocks can help with time perception.
-
Alarms are reminders, not motivators.
-
Gamifying tasks can reduce procrastination.
The window will open soon to join the Educator Hub! If you're a teacher, administrator, school counselor, or parent of a neurodivergent student, this community is where you can share, ask questions, and find training that will help you along your journey. Please come join us.
Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA, is a psychologist, author, and recognized expert in adult ADHD with over two decades of experience in the field. He has written five books on ADHD and is a sought-after international speaker, known for his engaging presentations that combine insight, humor, and practical strategies to help individuals better understand and manage ADHD.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Tuckman has been a strong advocate for increasing awareness and access to effective ADHD treatment. He regularly contributes to professional publications, podcasts, and conferences, providing guidance for both individuals with ADHD and the professionals who support them. As a leading voice in the field, he is dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive in both personal and professional settings.
BACKGROUND READING
The ADHD Productivity Manual on Amazon, Ari Tuckman’s website and books