Nurturing Neurodivergent Friendships: Practical Tips for Parents and Kids

Release Date: 08/22/2025

Helping Kids Who Resist: Low-Demand Homeschooling for Autonomy and Skill-Building

Raising Lifelong Learners

If you’ve ever felt frustrated when your child resists even enjoyable activities, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode, we dive deep into demand avoidance—why neurodivergent kiddos sometimes just can’t do what we ask (even when it’s fun!)—and share a toolkit of practical strategies you can start using today. Whether you’re homeschooling a differently wired kiddo or navigating daily learning resistance, this episode is packed with actionable tips, real-life examples, and mindset shifts to help your child build skills in a low-pressure way. Key Takeaways: ...

Meltdowns vs. Shutdowns: Understanding and Responding to Big Feelings in Neurodivergent Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the signs, strategies, and real-life tips for helping your differently wired kids (and yourself!) navigate emotional storms. Key Takeaways: Practical tools to spot the early cues of meltdowns vs. shutdowns Simple, effective co-regulation ideas you can use right now—no fancy equipment needed How to repair, reflect, and reset after those tough moments, and so much more Perfect for homeschool families, parents of neurodivergent kiddos, or anyone wanting to better understand and support big feelings at home. Save this episode and...

When School Refusal Turns Into a Healing Journey

Raising Lifelong Learners

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we talk candidly about what school refusal really means for children and their families, and how homeschooling can offer a path toward healing, connection, and growth. Whether you’re considering pulling your child out of school or you’re already homeschooling but feeling stuck after a tough season, this conversation is for you. Here are three key takeaways for parents facing this challenge: School refusal is communication, not a character flaw. When a child can’t attend school, it’s their nervous system asking for safety, not a sign of...

Navigating the Holidays with Intense and Sensitive Kids

Raising Lifelong Learners

As the holidays approach, many families experience a swirl of excitement, chaos, and sometimes overwhelm. On the latest episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the realities of parenting and homeschooling neurodivergent kids during this season—and share practical strategies to help everyone thrive (not just survive). Here are 3 key takeaways for parents and educators supporting neurodiverse learners over the holidays: Proactive Planning is Essential: From bringing favorite snacks and engaging activities to prepping for early exits from gatherings, thinking ahead can make all the...

Picky Eating | Sensory Struggles and Real Solutions for Homeschooling Families

Raising Lifelong Learners

If mealtimes sometimes feel more like hostage negotiations than family gatherings – you’re not alone! In our latest episode of the podcast, we explore the sensory reasons behind picky eating, especially for neurodivergent kids, and share practical strategies to make the table a calmer, more positive space. Highlights from this episode: Understanding the Why: Picky eating isn’t just stubbornness. It often stems from sensory sensitivities, past negative experiences, or a need for predictability. Kids aren’t being difficult—their bodies are protecting them. Red Flags to Watch For:...

Movement on Bad Weather Days: Meeting Sensory Needs at Home

Raising Lifelong Learners

Icky Weather can throw off routines, especially for differently wired kiddos with sensory needs. When outdoor time isn’t an option, you might notice more fidgeting, zoning out, or struggles with focus. But don’t worry—in this episode of the podcast, you'll find simple, creative ideas to feed those movement needs, helping kids regulate and transition smoothly to academics or other activities. Here’s a peek at what you’ll find: Quick Home Sensory Zone: Learn how to set up a safe, 5x5 space using cushions, painter’s tape, and a crash pad—no fancy equipment necessary! ...

Sensory Struggles and Clothes: How to Help Your Child Dress Without Tears

Raising Lifelong Learners

We know mornings can feel like a battlefield when sensory issues and clothing collide, leaving kids (and parents!) frustrated before the day even begins. That’s why this week’s podcast episode dives into the heart of sensory struggles with clothes. Colleen has packed this episode with real-life advice for families navigating tactile sensitivities. If getting dressed feels like wrestling a porcupine, you’re not alone—and you’re not failing! Sensory struggles are REAL signals from your child’s nervous system. Sometimes clothes feel prickly, itchy, or unexpectedly uncomfortable and it...

Navigating Sensory Overload: Actionable Strategies for Kids in Loud Environments

Raising Lifelong Learners

This episode continues our sensory series, diving deep into the world of Sensory Sound, with actionable strategies for supporting sensitive kids wherever you go. Why Are Loud Spaces So Overwhelming? Colleen unpacks how unpredictable peaks in sound, bustling crowds, harsh lighting, and layered sensory inputs can overload sensitive nervous systems. Whether it’s a mic popping at announcements, the hum of the HVAC, or the swirl of cafeteria chatter—these environments can quickly become “too much.” Building a Predictable Noise Plan—Step by Step This episode is all about taking back...

Building a Sensory Diet Toolbox for Neurodivergent Kids at Home

Raising Lifelong Learners

In today's episode, Colleen breaks down what a sensory diet is (and isn’t!), why it matters, and how to get started with simple, safe, and low-prep strategies that work in any space—even if your house is bursting at the seams. Here’s what you’ll find inside: A breakdown of the five key sensory systems: proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, oral motor, and auditory/visual. Ideas for easy, everyday sensory activities: From “squeezy hugs” and wall pushups to crashing into beanbags, squishing play doh, sipping yogurt through a straw, and more—no fancy equipment required! How to...

Why Is Finishing So Hard? Helping Neurodivergent Kids Cross the Finish Line

Raising Lifelong Learners

Let’s be honest: if your kiddos leave a trail of half-finished projects, open browser tabs, and idea explosions in their wake, you are SO not alone. Neurodivergent kids (and their amazing, multitasking moms!) can struggle with seeing things through—not because they’re lazy or unmotivated, but because the finish line often feels fuzzy, overwhelming, or just plain boring. In this week’s episode, we're unpacking: Why finishing is tough for neurodivergent kiddos, whether it’s next-step anxiety, perfectionism, time blindness, or working memory hurdles. The power of “done...

More Episodes

This week on the podcast we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to so many of us: friendships for neurodivergent kids (and yes, for us as parents too). With a new school year kicking into gear, worries about social connection and "finding your people" can rise to the surface—especially for families navigating neurodiversity.

What We’re Unpacking This Episode:

Why friendships can be challenging for neurodivergent kids (think asynchronous development, sensory sensitivities, social anxiety, or intense interests that aren’t always shared by peers).
Supporting your child: From validating their feelings and practicing social skills together, to seeking out interest-based clubs and even professional help when needed, we’re covering loads of strategies.
Managing our own expectations: Sometimes it's our hearts that ache more than our kids’—especially if they’re totally content solo-building Lego metropolises while we scroll by endless social media playdate posts. (You’re not alone if this sounds all too familiar.)

Key Takeaway: There’s no single “right” way for kids to socialize—and not all loneliness means your child is suffering. We talk about the difference between the child who longs for connection (and how to support them) and the content solo flyer (who’s truly happy alone, even if that’s hard for us to accept as parents).

Quick Tips From the Episode:

Normalize neurodiversity at home. Celebrate differences. Your child isn’t broken—they’re beautifully wired.
Prioritize shared interests over age. Sometimes the best friendships are across generations or centered around passions rather than peer groups.
Practice and role-play social skills in low-pressure environments (think: one-on-one meetups, online clubs like our Learner’s Lab, or even just chatting with a cool neighbor with a unique hobby).
Know that seeking therapy or coaching is a strength, not a weakness—for both kids and parents.

A Gentle Reminder:
If your child is thriving emotionally, feels seen and supported, and is building their life at their own pace—even if it doesn’t look the way you expected—you’re doing a great job. Sometimes the most meaningful friendships (and personal growth) take the scenic route.

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Links and Resources from Today’s Episode

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