2E Or Not 2E: The Nuts and Bolts of Twice-Exceptionality (reprise)
Neurodiversity Podcast
Many brilliant young people experience the dichotomy of disability layered on top of their intelligence. It’s called twice-exceptionality, or 2e for short. What are the common misconceptions about twice-exceptional individuals? How do traditional models fall short when identifying the learning disabilities of our brightest kids? And why is early recognition so pivotal? Emily talks with Dr. Danika Maddocks, a psychologist, parent coach, and founder of the Gifted Learning Lab, about the intricacies of twice-exceptionality, in childhood and beyond. This is part of our end-of-year recap, and one...
info_outline
Measuring Thinking Rather Than Knowledge with Dr. Jack Naglieri (reprise)
Neurodiversity Podcast
As we wrap up 2025, we are featuring some of our most important conversations, including this conversation about IQ, intelligence, and intelligence assessment. Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Jack Naglieri, an emeritus professor at George Mason University and senior research scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. Dr. Naglieri is renowned for his work in intelligence testing and the development of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. In this sprawling conversation, Emily and Jack talk about his insights on the evolution and misconceptions surrounding intelligence assessment....
info_outline
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria with Dr. Bill Dodson (reprise)
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. William Dodson have a conversation about the complexities of ADHD, in which they discuss emotional dysregulation, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), and social anxiety. They talk about how RSD manifests in ADHDers, and how we can distinguish it from social anxiety. They also explore the impact of childhood experiences, the vital role of relationships, and the need for updated diagnostic criteria. This conversation was taken from a two-part series earlier in 2025. TAKEAWAYS Emotional dysregulation is often overlooked in ADHD diagnoses. RSD is a specific...
info_outline
Building a Culture of Inclusion and Belonging
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Tim Villegas, the Director of Communications at the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) and the founder and host of the Think Inclusive Podcast, to discuss the concept of inclusion in education. The idea is to create inclusive environments for all students, and Tim shares his personal journey toward that goal, and insights on how to create such an environment. They talk about the importance of community, equity, and meaningful contributions in schools, as well as the challenges faced in inclusive classrooms. TAKEAWAYS Inclusion is a powerful...
info_outline
Late Diagnosis ADHD: Looking Back for Context, Looking Forward for Clarity
Neurodiversity Podcast
Today, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Carla Ciccone, a Toronto-based writer and author of the book Nowhere Girl, about her experiences with ADHD, identity, and motherhood. Carla talks about dealing with her late diagnosis of ADHD, and the overall impact of societal expectations on women. They talk about the difficulties of navigating life with undiagnosed ADHD, how it increases the challenges of parenting, and the importance of self-awareness and therapy in managing ADHD symptoms. TAKEAWAYS When you realize you've had ADHD all along, allow yourself grief and grace. Therapy can be a...
info_outline
The Over-Under on Achievement with Jim Delisle
Neurodiversity Podcast
Cookie-cutter curriculum can be Kryptonite to a gifted kid, and can often spark a decline into a place where underachievement becomes the norm. Dr. Jim Delisle helps us probe the world of underachievement, and suggests ways to help people of various underachiever profiles break their chains. Our hearts are heavy with Jim's recent passing. Jim Delisle was a giant in the field of giftedness and neurodiversity, and one of its fiercest advocates. He was a friend, an important collaborator, and his contributions left an indelible mark on our podcast and the lives of our team. More than that, he...
info_outline
Presuming Competence: A Nonspeaking Person Finds His Voice
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Sumit and Viraj Dhanda, a father-son duo who are working to update and rethink norms around communication, intelligence, and inclusion. Viraj is a nonspeaking autistic student who was diagnosed with autism and apraxia as a young child. Viraj and his father, Sumit, talk about their journey navigating the challenges and misconceptions surrounding non-verbal communication, the impact of apraxia, and the importance of presuming competence. Viraj shares his personal experiences through a communication tool, and tells the story of when he and his father discovered his...
info_outline
Synesthesia in Cinema: The Making of 'Magnetosphere'
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes filmmaker Nicola Rose, to talk about her film 'Magnetosphere,' a movie about the world of synesthesia. Nicola shares her insights and challenges of portraying neurodivergence in cinema, the difficulty and complexity of independent filmmaking, and the personal journey of understanding her own ADHD diagnosis. They talk about the creative process, the importance of authentic representation, and the universal themes of growing up and self-discovery. TAKEAWAYS Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon where senses are intertwined, such as seeing sounds or tasting...
info_outline
Building Henry's Classroom: An Advocacy Master Class
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris talks with writer Amy Mackin, author of Henry’s Classroom: A Special Education in American Motherhood, about her experiences navigating the special education system for her son, Henry. They discuss the challenges of accessing appropriate resources, the impact of social isolation, and how community support can make a huge difference. They talk about Amy's transition from public school to homeschooling, and the benefits of a more holistic approach to education that broadens the support group to include family and even medical professionals. TAKEAWAYS Early intervention...
info_outline
Adult-Diagnosed ADHD: Grieving What Might Have Been
Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Jennifer Dall, a grief-informed neurodivergence specialist and the founder of ADHD Holistically. Jennifer was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s, and is now an educator, administrator, coach, and grief specialist. They talk about grieving over what might have been, a struggle that often accompanies late-diagnosis. They discuss Jennifer's lived experience with late diagnosis, as well as some common misconceptions about ADHD, especially those faced by women. They also talk about the challenges of identifying ADHD in school settings, particularly for girls and...
info_outlineIn 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 self-care, and leave you with practical strategies for creating a supportive learning environment.
TAKEAWAYS
-
Behavior is communication.
-
Connection before correction.
-
Adopt trauma-informed practices.
-
Prioritize educator self-care.
-
Empathize with student experience.
Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!
Joshua Stamper is an educator, speaker, and author with a deep commitment to fostering growth and leadership in education. As the creator of Aspire to Lead and a former middle school administrator with nine years of experience, he draws on both his professional background and personal journey as a struggling student to advocate for supportive, student-centered learning environments.
Joshua is the author of The Language of Behavior, a practical guide that equips educators with trauma-responsive strategies and alternative behavior practices to enhance student success. Through his writing, speaking, and leadership work, he empowers education professionals to lead with empathy, embrace innovation, and drive meaningful change in their schools and communities.
BACKGROUND READING
Josh’s website, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Aspire to Lead, The Language of Behavior
The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.