Mind Matters

On episode 242, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Matt Zakreski about the importance of neurodiversity-affirming practices in therapy, and how intersection of giftedness and neurodiversity emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity-affirming practices in therapy, the significance of understanding twice exceptionality, and the role of diagnosis in accessing resources. Dr. Zakreski advocates for equity in supporting neurodivergent individuals and encourages listeners to pursue their passions and find supportive communities. Takeaways Giftedness can be met with resistance in traditional settings. Neurodiversity-affirming practices focus on strengths. Twice exceptional individuals face unique challenges. Diagnosis should be a tool for accessing resources. Finding the right support can be challenging. Equity is essential in addressing diverse needs. There are multiple pathways to success for neurodivergent individuals. Pursuing passions is key to fulfillment. Community support is vital for neu

School is back in session in many parts of the world, which is the time when struggles often begin to surface. On episode 241, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Amanda Morin about the complexities of advocating for neurodivergent children, including utilizing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and the services they require. They explore the qualification process for IEPs, the importance of understanding behavior as communication, and the distinction between medical and educational diagnoses. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy, and the importance of tailored support for each child's unique needs. Takeaways IEPs provide specialized services and instruction for struggling students. Qualification for an IEP involves a comprehensive evaluation process. Twice exceptional children may have giftedness that masks their disabilities. Behavior can be a form of communication for children. Medical diagnoses do not equate to educational diagnoses. Labels do not define a child's abilities or pote

In episode 240, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Brandon Gernux, an elementary school counselor from Santa Ana, California, and the 2024 Orange County Elementary School Counselor of the Year. Emily and Brandon dive into the importance of neurodiversity-affirming support in schools, sharing insights on how schools are slowly evolving to meet the needs of neurodivergent learners. They discuss the critical role school counselors play, particularly in addressing the challenges of camouflaging and masking, which can significantly impact students' social development and personal satisfaction. They talk about the value of self-advocacy, the necessity of including neurodiversity education in the curriculum, and how leveraging the strengths of neurodivergent learners can lead to more authentic and supportive school environments. Takeaways Schools need to adopt a neurodiversity-affirming framework to support neurodivergent learners. Camouflaging and masking can have negative impacts on students' social development a

Miscommunication between autistic and non-autistic individuals can lead to painful misunderstandings and strained relationships. In this episode, we talk to Jaime A. Heidel, author of 'What Did I Do Wrong? An Accessible Guide to Preventing Traumatic Misunderstandings Between You and Your Autistic Loved One.' Emily and Jaime discuss the common communication barriers between autistic and non-autistic people, the importance of listening to autistic voices, and the need for effective communication to prevent trauma. They talk about the need for specificity in communication, and the impact of trauma and the importance of validating neurodivergent experiences. Takeaways Miscommunication between autistic and non-autistic individuals can lead to painful misunderstandings and strained relationships. Listening to autistic voices and consuming their content can help improve understanding and foster better connections. Believing autistic individuals and being specific in communication can greatly improve communicat

On episode 238, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Lindsay Kapek and Katie Tabari about the challenges neurodivergent students face in learning math. The conversation explores strategies for creating inclusive math classrooms that foster confidence and support for all students, regardless of their neurodivergence, and they talk about the importance of understanding individual learning styles. They also discuss using low floor, high ceiling tasks and three-act tasks to engage students and promote problem-solving skills. If you’re a teacher, or if you have kids in school, this is an episode you can’t miss. Takeaways Neurodivergent students face barriers in math education, but their unique traits can be leveraged as assets. Creating a supportive and inclusive math classroom starts with building a connection with students. Implementing strategies like low floor, high ceiling tasks and three-act tasks can engage students and promote problem-solving skills. Language and mindset play a crucial role in fostering

On episode 237, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Tracy Turner-Bumberry, an expert in play therapy, and a former school counselor, to discuss the concept of double empathy, the importance of understanding and supporting neurodivergent children, and the need for empathy and acceptance in therapy. They also explore the evolution of social skills, and the impact of societal norms on neurodivergent individuals. Takeaways Understanding the concept of double empathy and its impact on communication between neurodivergent and non-neurodivergent individuals. The importance of empathy, acceptance, and individualized support for neurodivergent children and their families. Challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in navigating societal norms and expectations, and the need for advocacy and allyship. The evolution of social skills understanding and the impact of societal norms on neurodivergent individuals. Register here for our free annual fall event we’ve created specifically for educators who are passionate

On episode 236, Emily Kircher-Morris and Christine Fonseca discuss emotional intensity in gifted students. They explore the reasons behind this intensity, and how it relates to the giftedness experience. They touch on the concept of overexcitabilities and how they manifest in gifted individuals. Also, they emphasize the importance of understanding and accepting the unique characteristics of gifted children rather than pathologizing them, and of embracing discomfort as part of the journey. Takeaways Gifted students often experience emotional intensity due to their unique brain wiring and the rich and intense experience of the world. It is important to avoid pathologizing giftedness and instead focus on creating optimal learning environments and providing appropriate support for gifted individuals. Living authentically and embracing discomfort can help gifted individuals navigate their intense emotions and make conscious decisions that align with their values and goals. Join the Neurodiversity Podcast A

On episode 235, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with somatic-centered psychotherapist Mary Martin about the benefits of somatic therapy for neurodivergent people. They discuss how this body-based approach complements traditional talk therapy by focusing on the body-brain connection, and about the importance of interoception and co-regulation. They describe strategies like body awareness, movement, and breathwork to help clients regulate their nervous systems and process emotions. With school starting soon, we have an opportunity for educators to learn more about 2e students by taking our course, Strategies for Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students. It’s great for CE credits for educators, and the course will be enlightening to anyone curious about helping 2e students thrive in the classroom. Mary Martin is a somatic-centered psychotherapist who uses trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches in her therapy with both children and adults. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Performance and Psychology

On episode 234, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Austina De Bonte about auditory processing differences. They discuss how these differences can often be mistaken for attention issues or social difficulties, and what it all means for everyday life. Dr. De Bonte shares some methodologies used for testing, accommodations that are available, and ground-breaking auditory therapies that have been found to help those dealing with auditory processing challenges. Takeaways Auditory processing differences can have a significant impact on how individuals experience the world and react to various situations. Processing differences can often mimic other traits, such as attention issues or difficulties with social relationships. Individuals with auditory processing differences may try to hide or compensate for their difficulties, which can be exhausting and impact their well-being. The Abled Kids Foundation specializes in auditory processing disorder and offers unique approaches to assessment and support. An ear f

On episode 233, Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Patrick Casale, a mental health clinician specializing in addictions. The conversation covers a lot of ground, including neurodiversity-affirming practices, and the intersectionality of addiction and neurodivergence. They discuss the importance of creating a neurodivergent affirming environment throughout the therapeutic process, from intake to therapy sessions. They talk about the need for a more nuanced understanding of addiction in the neurodivergent community and the importance of community and connection in recovery. They address concerns about stimulant medication and its relationship to substance abuse, as well as the impact of video games and electronics on addiction. TAKEAWAYS Creating a neurodivergent affirming environment is crucial in the therapeutic process, from intake to therapy sessions. A more nuanced understanding of addiction is needed in the neurodivergent community, considering the impact of neurodivergent traits on coping mechanisms.

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 an encore presentation of the conversation, originally published in October 2023. Get signed up for the live, free continuing education training, Foundations of Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy, on Friday, July 12th. Learn more about 2e students by taking our course, Strategies for Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students. It’s great for CE credits for educators, and the course will be enlightening to anyone curious about helping 2e students thrive in the classro

Today, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Jeff Karp. Jeff is a professor at Harvard and MIT, a biotech entrepreneur, and an ADHD-er. They talk about Jeff's program, LIT, or Life Ignition Tools, which is a set of strategies to energize the brain, spark ideas, and ignite action. Emily and Jeff talk about metacognition and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of neurodivergent people. They also discuss the importance of intentional actions, the power of asking questions, the necessity of creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment, and the broader implications of neurodiversity in educational and professional settings. There’s practical advice for educators, parents, and individuals, to leverage their unique strengths and foster an inclusive and innovative society, and much more, on episode 231. This episode is brought to you by Next Step Navigators, where you can take your ADHD coach to college with you. NextStep Navigators can support  you from any campus. Visit NextStepNavigators.com

This is part two of our conversation with Dr. Jack Naglieri, an emeritus professor at George Mason University and senior research scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. Dr. Naglieri is best known for developing the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test and the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS). Emily and Jack talk about the history and evolution of intelligence testing, exploring how traditional methods like the Stanford-Binet and WISC have influenced our understanding of intelligence for over a century. Dr. Naglieri shares his critical perspective on the limitations and biases of these tests, particularly their reliance on verbal content and the implications for equitable assessment. They also talk more about the PASS theory (Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, and Successive processing), which forms the foundation of the CAS, and how this theory, based on brain function, can provide a more accurate and inclusive measure of cognitive abilities. The CAS was designed to evaluate these processes, and

As part of our two-part series, we are speaking with 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 episode, part one of the interview, he and Emily talk about his insights on the evolution and misconceptions surrounding intelligence assessment. They delve into the history of intelligence testing, highlighting the limitations and biases inherent in traditional methods. He describes the experiences that led him to question the validity of verbal-based intelligence tests, and ultimately inspired his development of nonverbal assessment tools. Dr. Naglieri describes how and why his tests aim to measure thinking rather than knowing, and how it provides a more equitable approach to assessing intelligence. They discuss the PASS theory of intelligence, and how it forms the foundation of the Co

On this episode, we talk about tech ideas that help neurodivergent people. Parker Klein and Joe Steilberg, the co-founders of the notes and organization app Twos, join Emily Kircher-Morris to discuss the benefits of writing things down and how technology can help people stay organized. They share their personal experiences with ADHD, and how their app is helping neurodivergent people take control of their lives. They also talk about the integration of incentives and gamification in their app to motivate users to stay organized. The conversation explores the social component of Twos, and the importance of clarity and peace of mind that comes from staying organized. Takeaways Writing things down can improve organization and help with memory Technology can provide tools and features to make writing things down more efficient and enjoyable Incentives and gamification can motivate users to stay organized and form good habits Sharing thoughts and goals with others can provide a sense of community and suppor

You often hear people reference their own OCD, but there’s far more to it than just the desire to be orderly or neat. Today, Emily Kircher-Morris explores the topic of obsessive compulsive thinking patterns, their impact on individuals, and the importance of discussing mental health with children. Jessica Whipple, author of 'I Think I Think a Lot,' shares her personal experiences with OCD and the coping strategies she has developed. The conversation also highlights the significance of representation in children's literature and the role of books in teaching coping skills. If you’re curious about OCD, this episode will help. Takeaways Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors, which can manifest in various ways such as contamination fears, taboo thoughts, and perfectionism. Children's literature plays a crucial role in representing diverse experiences, teaching coping skills, and reducing stigma around mental health and neurodivergence. Exposure a

There’s a new term circulating in the neurodiversity community, AuDHD. Today, Emily Kircher-Morris is talking with Mattia Maurée, a neurodivergent individual with both ADHD and autism. 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 other subjects as well, and it’s all part of episode 226. Takeaways ADHD and autism can coexist in individuals, with one part of them desiring routine and sameness while the other seeks novelty and change. Receiving accurate diagnoses for neurodivergent individuals can be challenging, as the symptoms of different conditions can overlap and mask each other. Stigma and misunderstandings surrounding neurodivergent ind

Traditional talk-based therapy is sometimes less effective for neurodivergent people. On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes ADHD-er and licensed social worker Chris Nealy, to discuss the effectiveness of experiential therapy for neurodivergent individuals. They talk about some of the different forms of experiential therapy, like applied theater, equine facilitated psychotherapy, and technology-based interventions. These forms of therapy focus on nonverbal communication and body language, allowing for more effective communication and engagement. They also discuss how experiential therapy has helped improve relationships and understanding within families. Takeaways Experiential therapy, which focuses on nonverbal communication and body language, can be highly effective for neurodivergent individuals. Applied theater and equine facilitated psychotherapy are examples of experiential therapy interventions that have shown positive results. Technology-based interventions, such as video modeling and in

This week, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Jessica Sinarski, a mental health counselor who merges neuroscience with education and family dynamics. They dig into the complex relationship between trauma and neurodivergence, underscoring the critical need for trauma-responsive practices and a strengths-based perspective in supporting neurodivergent people. They explore how trust and early life experiences shape brain development, and the profound impact these factors have on individuals throughout their lives. They talk about creating neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed environments within schools, and discuss the often overlooked 'hidden senses' that are crucial in supporting neurodivergent students. All of that, packed into episode 224. Takeaways Understanding the intersectionality between trauma and neurodivergence is crucial in supporting neurodivergent individuals. Being trauma-responsive means using awareness of trauma to act accordingly and respond appropriately. A strengths-based appro

Today we’re tackling the challenge of decoding ADHD in children. Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Drs. Yael Rothman and Katia Fredriksen about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence the diagnosis, the disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial and ethnic groups, and the impact of stigma. They also explore the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention, and of recognizing and leveraging the strengths often inherent in ADHD. They touch on a host of other subjects as well, on episode 223. Takeaways Cultural and socioeconomic factors influence the diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, leading to disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial and ethnic groups. Early diagnosis and intervention are beneficial for children with ADHD, as it helps with de-stigmatization, self-esteem, and self-advocacy. ADHD individuals have unique strengths, such as creative thinking, hyperfocus, and resilience, which can be leveraged for success. Having conversations with children abo