Afleveringen
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Today we’re talking about the power of community, resilience, and what it really means to show up bravely in the caregiver parenting journey. My guest is fellow community builder and mom on a mission Jessica Patay, the founder of We Are Brave Together, a global community supporting moms raising children with disabilities and other unique needs. Jessica’s work is deeply rooted in her own experience as a caregiving mom to her son Ryan, who was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, and her mission is all about making sure no parent has to walk this path alone.
In our conversation, Jessica shares her story and the inspiration behind building such a powerful, life-giving community for mothers. We talk about the isolation so many caregivers experience, the importance of connection and support, and what it looks like to cultivate resilience in the midst of ongoing challenges. Jessica also offers practical, compassionate insights for parents who are feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that even in the hardest seasons, we are not alone—and we were never meant to do this by ourselves.
About Jessica Patay
Jessica Patay is passionate about serving caregiving moms and creating authentic communities. She has always fostered deep, life-giving friendships and has been intentional about her community of girlfriends. As a caregiving mom herself, this passion carries on as she gathers women to encourage them, mentor them, inspire them, and validate their intense and precious journeys.
Her own story as a mom to a child with a disability, began in 2003 when her second son, Ryan, was born and diagnosed with a rare, genetic disorder, called Prader-Willi syndrome. Within two days of receiving this diagnosis, she received a phone call from a mentor mom from the Prader-Willi California Foundation. Immediately she felt relief and comfort knowing she was NOT ALONE. Thankfully, Ryan is sandwiched in the middle of siblings Luke and Kate, both fierce and loving cheerleaders and helpers to Ryan.
Jessica is the founder of The We Are Brave Together organization, a supportive community for moms of children with disabilities and all unique needs, which has grown into an international community of over 4200 moms. She has helped launch over 25 support groups all over the United States, and in New Zealand and Australia, in the last five years. She is the host of the Brave Together Podcast.
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why community is a critical foundation for healing, resilience, and feeling less alone as a caregiver
How distinguishing between caregiving and motherhood can help parents better understand their experience
How We Are Brave Together creates connection through circles, retreats, and shared storytelling
Why bravery often shows up in small, everyday moments rather than big, visible acts
How Jessica’s work, including Suddenly Brave Together, reflects and validates the lived experience of caregivers
Why systemic challenges can leave caregivers isolated—and how taking small, practical steps can help them find support now
Resources mentioned
We Are Brave Together
Brave Together Podcast
Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight by Jessica Patay
Suddenly Brave Together: Letters to Caregiving Moms in a Defining Moment of Their Lives by Jessica Patay
We Are Brave Together Facebook Group
Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally by Emily Ladau
Emily Ladau on Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
Kelley Coleman on Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
Margaret Webb Parent Coaching
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We are kicking off this season with a conversation with Dr. Stuart Shanker, who I first learned about through my friend Seth Perler as he’s been part of the TEFOS Summit. I love Stuart's message and recently devoured his book Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage With Life, and wanted to dive deeper with Stuart about it. In this episode, we get into the ways in which the brain controls the levels of stress, the difference between self-regulation and self-control, and the difference between stress behavior and misbehaving. Stuart also walks us through his 5 steps to Self-Reg, and talks about the power of us as parents and caregivers and educators doing our own self-reg work so we can support the kids around us.
Things you'll learn from this episode
* How the explosion of stress-related problems in recent years among children has augmented the need for additional self-reg resources for parents and educators
* How the brain controls the levels of stress and simple strategies that can be used to calm the nervous system response
* Why self-reg practices for parents and teachers other adults begin with learning how to regulate ourselves
* The difference between misbehavior and stress behavior
* How self-regulation mechanisms evolve as we get older
* The distinction between self-control and self-regulation and the five steps to self-regulation
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Today we’re exploring the intersection of giftedness, identity, and belonging—and what it means to support gifted kids in a world that’s changing faster than ever. My guest is Mark Talaga, director of the Center for Identity Potential, where he focuses on helping young people understand themselves more deeply and develop a grounded sense of who they are.
In our conversation, Mark and I talk about the complexities of gifted identity—how it forms, how it can get disrupted, and why a strong sense of belonging is so critical for well-being. We also dive into the impact of AI and the digital landscape on gifted youth, and what this means for their development, purpose, and connection. This is a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about how we can better support gifted kids in navigating both their inner world and the rapidly evolving world around them.
About Mark Talaga
Mark Talaga is a counselor, speaker, and consultant specializing in the social, emotional, and developmental needs of gifted and asynchronous individuals. As part of the Center for Identity Potential, his work focuses on helping children, adolescents, and adults better understand the complex interaction between cognitive intensity, identity development, executive functioning, and educational environments. He is particularly interested in the ways relationships—with teachers, families, and systems—shape whether gifted learners are able to fully engage in growth.
Mark frequently provides professional development for educators and clinicians on topics such as twice-exceptionality, language processing differences, attentional regulation, and strengthening student–teacher relationships through neurodevelopmental understanding. His presentations are known for translating complex psychological concepts into practical strategies that professionals can apply immediately in classrooms and counseling settings.
In addition to his clinical work, Mark consults with schools and organizations seeking more effective approaches to supporting advanced learners whose needs are often misunderstood by traditional models. Across settings, his goal is to help people move beyond deficit-based interpretations and toward a deeper understanding of how developmental differences can become sources of clarity, connection, and long-term potential.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How redefining giftedness beyond academics to include emotional, moral, and physical domains broadens how we support kids
Why the landscape for gifted children has shifted in recent years, especially with the influence of technology and AI
How identity development in gifted kids often involves exploring multiple, authentic selves over time
Why belonging—both offline and online—plays a critical role in well-being and social development
How emotional growth shapes key social skills like asking for help and active listening
How parents can use practical strategies, including identity-focused frameworks, to support their children through complex cultural and technological shifts
Resources mentioned
The Center for Identity Potential
Hopelessly Gifted podcast
Andrew Mahoney
Dr. Gail Post on the Journey of Parenting Gifted Children (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children by Gail Post
Supporting Black Gifted Students with Dr. Joy Lawson Davis (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
Bright, Talented, & Black: A Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners by Joy Lawson Davis, Ed.D.
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Today I’m talking with Amanda Diekman, author of the book, Low-demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection With Your Uniquely Wired Child
Because low-demand parenting can be such an effective approach to supporting differently wired kids, especially kids who fall under the PDA profile of autism, I invited Amanda to join the show for a conversation about what this parenting approach looks like. An autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space, Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practice. She runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community. During this episode, we talk about what low demand parenting is, why it’s different than what might be referred to as “permissive” parenting, why it’s so effective for kids with PDA, and how she helps parents loosen up the mindset around non-negotiables.
Amanda Diekman is an autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space. Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practices, with her book Low Demand Parenting to be published July 2023. Amanda runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community.
Things you'll learn from this episode
What led Amanda to implement low-demand parenting in her family
What low demand parenting is, and why it’s often misconstrued as permissive
The relationship between PDA and low-demand parenting
Examples of big demands and tiny demands, and how shifting the focus can reduce stress for kids
How Amanda helps parents in loosening their mindset about what they define as non-negotiables
Ideas for practicing low-demand parenting in regard to our kids’ relationship with technology and screens
How Amanda and her co-parenting partner came to work together using low-demand parenting
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Today we’re talking about something that can make or break the parenting experience: how we align with our partners in raising our kids. My guest is clinical counselor Martina Nova, author of the new book Same Page Parenting, where she offers a practical framework for helping couples move out of blame and into more honest, connected conversations about parenting.
In our conversation, Martina and I explore what gets in the way of alignment, from our own histories and fears to the added layers of neurodivergent parenting, navigating differences around discipline, digital habits, and decision-making, and what it takes to stay connected as our kids grow into adulthood. Martina shares thoughtful questions and practical strategies to help couples better understand each other’s perspectives and build a more intentional, collaborative approach to parenting.
About Martina Nova
Martina Nova is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in British Columbia and the founder of NovaCare Therapy. She specializes in working with individuals, parents and couples navigating trauma, ADHD, people-pleasing, and early attachment patterns. Martina helps couples move out of blame and into more honest conversations about parenting, emotional needs, and relationship dynamics.
In addition to her clinical work, Martina is an author and educator who creates practical tools to help couples communicate more openly about the realities of family life. Her work highlights how many parenting conflicts are less about discipline strategies and more about the histories, fears, and values each partner brings into parenting.
Martina regularly shares mental health education through media, speaking, and social platforms, helping parents feel less alone in the complexities of modern parenting.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How intentional communication and aligning values create a stronger foundation for parenting and partnership
Why using therapy-informed questions helps parents unpack their upbringing, beliefs, and evolving identities
How practical tools like weekly check-ins and family-wide conversations foster connection and collaboration
Why recognizing and supporting neurodivergence in both parents and children is essential for healthy dynamics
How navigating outside pressures, social media, and autonomy supports long-term trust with kids
Why maintaining the parent-child relationship into adulthood requires ongoing reflection, flexibility, and shared tools
Resources mentioned
Martina Nova’s website, Novacare Therapy
Same Page Parenting: Align with Your Partner to Raise Happy, Confident, and Resilient Kids by Martina Nova
Novacare Therapy Resources Page
Martina Nova on Instagram
The Gottman Institute
Dr. Ross Greene on Using CPS with Very Young Kids (Tilt Parenting podcast)
Dr. Ken Ginsburg on Lighthouse Parenting — Loving Guidance for an Enduring Bond (Tilt Parenting podcast)
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Kristy Forbes joins me to talk about what autistic burnout is and how it presents, why “deep rest” is critical for someone experiencing autistic burnout, and how autistic burnout is differentiated from mood disorders or depression. We also talk frankly about the challenges of seeing burnout in autistic / PDA children through a neuronormative lens, and how that may lead to therapies and strategies that may be the opposite of what a child in autistic burnout actually needs.About Kristy ForbesKristy Forbes is an Australian-based autism & neurodiversity support specialist with experience working with clients both nationally and internationally. This includes neurodivergent people and their families; and professionals who wish to support them, such as educators, psychologists, pediatricians, allied health professionals, support workers and integration aides. Her work is informed by her extensive professional experience as an educator (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary teaching), as an integration aide to children with social, emotional and behavioral differences, and as a childhood behavioral and family support specialist. Kristy has degrees in Political Science, Education, Literature, Film and Art. Her most valuable insights, however, come from lived experience.Kristy is formally identified autistic, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as well as being a parent to four neurodivergent children, all with varying neurodivergent experience and expression including being non speaking, apraxia, dyspraxia, tourettes and PDA. She has the unique experience and insight of many perspectives: the teacher, the support specialist, the parent, the partner and the neurodivergent person (including the child she once was!).Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Today we’re diving into the complex and often overwhelming world of allergies, asthma, and related conditions—and what it really takes to support kids (and families) living with them. My guest is Dr. Zachary Rubin, a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who’s known for making allergy science accessible and understandable to millions. He’s also the author of the new book, All About Allergies, which is a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.
In our conversation, Dr. Rubin breaks down how the immune system responds in different allergic scenarios, what’s behind the rise in things like pollen counts and food allergies, and how conditions like asthma fit into the bigger picture. We also talk about practical strategies for managing symptoms, supporting kids in everyday life, and reducing some of the stress and uncertainty that can come with allergies.
About Dr. Zachary Rubin
Dr. Zachary Rubin is a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who practices at Oak Brook Allergists in the Chicago area. A nationally recognized medical educator and public health advocate, he shares evidence-based, accessible information on allergies, asthma, and public health with over 3 million followers under the handle @rubin_allergy. Dr. Rubin earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, completed his pediatrics residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, and his allergy/immunology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Outside of medicine, he enjoys swimming, hiking, golfing, hula hooping, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and three German Shepherds. All About Allergies is his first book, offering a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How allergies work in the body and how the immune system responds across different triggers and scenarios
Why the connection between allergies and neurodivergence is gaining attention, despite ongoing research gaps
How environmental changes, including climate factors, are contributing to rising allergy prevalence
Why understanding diagnosis, prevention, and emergency planning is essential for managing food allergies
How asthma functions as an allergic lung condition and what that means for long-term health
Why addressing the emotional, social, and practical realities of living with allergies is key forsupporting kids and families
Resources mentioned
Dr. Zachary Rubin’s Substack
All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More by Zachary Rubin, MD
Dr. Zachary Rubin on Instagram
Dr. Zachary Rubin on Threads
Dr. Zachary Rubin on Facebook
Dr. Zachary Rubin on YouTube
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Today we’re diving into what it really looks like to advocate for our neurodivergent kids in school in a way that’s truly aligned with who they are. My guest is Dr. Destiny Huff, a trauma therapist, advocate, and educator whose work is deeply informed by her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic mother.
In our conversation, we explore the limitations and pitfalls of traditional IEP processes, what a genuinely neurodiversity-affirming approach can look like in practice, and how families can build more effective, collaborative relationships with schools. Destiny shares both big-picture reframes and practical strategies, offering a grounded, honest look at how to navigate systems that weren’t designed with our kids in mind, while still holding onto possibility and meaningful change.
About Dr. Destiny Huff
Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, is a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mental health therapist, non-attorney special education advocate, and national speaker. She is the founder of Destiny Huff Consulting, where she supports families and schools in implementing neuroaffirming practices and navigating the IEP process.
As the mother of two neurodivergent learners in public school special education, Dr. Huff brings both lived and professional experience to her work. She focuses on dismantling deficit-based narratives in education and addressing the intersection of race, disability, and trauma.
Dr. Huff has presented nationally and co-hosts The Affirming Village Podcast, where she explores advocacy, disability justice, and the realities of navigating special education systems.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Dr. Huff’s journey from parent to advocate informs her approach to neurodiversity-affirming support
Why individualized, meaningful IEPs matter more than compliance-driven plans
How systemic barriers like underfunding and lack of training impact school support for neurodivergent students
What distinguishes traditional IEPs from neuroaffirming ones—and how that shows up in real life
How documenting data at home can strengthen advocacy for accommodations and services
Why supporting kids in understanding themselves and building self-advocacy is essential, alongside leveraging community and advocacy to create change
Resources mentioned
Neuroaffirming Advocacy: A Neuroaffirming Guide to Special Education Advocacy
Destiny Huff Consulting
Advocating for Kids, Inc. (Cheryl Poe)
Affirming Village Podcast with Lisa Baskin-Wright
Dr. Destiny Huff on Instagram
Dr. Destiny Huff on Facebook
Lisa Baskin Wright
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Eliza Fricker joins me to talk about PDA or pathological demand avoidance – and in fact I know many people interpret PDA as persistent desire for autonomy. I’ve done a few episodes on PDA before but never from a parent’s perspective so after reading Eliza’s book, The Family Experience of PDA, I knew I wanted to share her perspective with the Tilt community. During this episode, we talked about how demand avoidance is more extreme in a child with a PDA profile vs. the inflexibility and rigidity we might see in other neurodivergent kids, what Eliza has learned about herself parenting a child with PDA, and what her resistance was to the changes needed to her parenting style.
Eliza also gave out some great tips for teachers who have a PDA student in their classroom and for parents who are struggling with family, friends, or people close to them who aren’t willing to understand what PDA is and what that means for their family.
Things you'll learn from this episode
* What makes demand avoidance more extreme in children with PDA
* Eliza’s experience in changing her parenting ways to become more flexible
* Tweaks teachers can use to work with children who have PDA in a classroom setting
* How PDA may look different than “typical demand avoidance” that we might see in some neurodivergent children
* What Eliza has learned about herself from parenting a child with PDA
* Advice for parents who are raising a child with PDA
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Today we’re talking about autistic burnout—what it is, how it shows up in children and young people, and what it actually takes to support recovery. My guest is Jodie Clarke, an autistic and ADHD professional with more than 20 years of experience specializing in autistic experience and mental health, particularly in children and teens. In this episode, Jodie talks about the signs and causes of autistic burnout, how it’s often misunderstood or missed altogether, and what meaningful support really looks like. This is an essential conversation for anyone supporting autistic kids—grounded, validating, and full of important shifts in how we understand and respond to burnout.
About Jodie Clarke
Jodie Clarke is an autistic and ADHD professional with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in autistic experience and mental health with a focus on children and young people . She is currently completing a PhD exploring autistic burnout in children and young people. Jodie is also a parent to 3 neurodivergent children of her own.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Jodie Clarke’s personal journey into neurodivergence shapes her advocacy around autism and burnout
Why masking plays such a significant role in autistic burnout for children and teens
How autistic burnout shows up in young people and the signs parents can learn to recognize
Why lowering demands and creating safe, low-pressure environments is essential for recovery
How societal and family expectations can contribute to burnout and delay healing
Why supporting recovery involves trusting parental intuition, unlearning conditioning, and helping kids reconnect with their authentic selves
Resources mentioned
Jodie Clarke’s website
Stop the World I Want to Get Off: A Guide to Understanding and Supporting the Recovery of Autistic Burnout in Children and Young People by Jodie Clarke
Young, Autistic, and Burned Out by Jodie Clarke
Luke Beardon at Sheffield Hallam University
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Our family has gone through our fair share of big changes, which you’ll hear all about in this episode, so this is something that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about. Especially as a parent of a differently wired kid, I know that there are some extra challenges that might come up when their routines, environment, life circumstances, or supports change, and our kids are also more likely to be resistant to changes (even if they are beneficial). So today I’ll be sharing the strategies I’ve personally found helpful while going through big transitions with Asher.
In this episode, I talk about key things such as why being honest when communicating with your kid is so important to help them understand and process change, how being vulnerable can be a way to show support, how to validate our kids’ feelings about the changes or transitions, and how to identify their concerns so you can make plans to address them in advance. I also share about what adjustment disorder is and the kind of extra support you might need during transitions.
What You'll Learn in this Episode
The benefits and growth that can come from navigating big changes as a family
Why honesty is so important when communicating with your child about big changes
What to share versus what not to share with your child about the transitions you go through
How to validate the big emotions and thoughts that big transitions can bring up in your child
The importance of doing your own work as a parent to be able to support our kids during transitions
What adjustment disorder is and the extra support you might need to help your child through one
How being vulnerable with your kids can be really supportive for them
Identifying the concerns that our kids have and coming up with plans to address them in advance
Creating new routines to create security for our kids during big transitions
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This is a short, special mini-episode I’m sharing because my friends at Elmbridge University (formerly Bridges Academy) let me know that
enrollment is now open for the next cohort of their truly unique graduate program in cognitive diversity in education, and application deadlines are coming up in June.
When Dr. Susan Baum—one of the leading voices in twice-exceptionality and Chancellor of the program—said she could join me for a quick conversation about her work
and what makes this program so impactful, I said absolutely. In this
brief chat, Susan shares insights into supporting twice-exceptional
learners, why environment matters so much, and how this program is
helping educators better understand and serve complex, neurodivergent
students. If you want to learn more, you can head to https://elmbridge.edu/.
About Dr. Susan Baum
Susan Baum, Ph.D., is Chancellor of Elmbridge University’s Graduate School for Cognitive Diversity in Education (formerly Bridges) and Co-director of the 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges Academy, a school for twice exceptional students. The author of many publications concerning the needs of special populations of gifted students including the award-winning 3rd edition of her seminal work To Be Gifted and Learning Disabled, Susan is a popular international speaker whose message is celebrating neurodiversity. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Gifted Children and is past president and co-founder of the Association for the Education of Gifted Underachieving students. She is recipient of the Weinfeld Group’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in educating the twice-exceptional child.
Things You'll Learn in this Episode
The rise in awareness and identification of twice exceptional individuals, including advocacy and policy changes in schools
Common misconceptions in education about giftedness and disabilities, and Baum’s theory of green — the paradoxical profile of these students
The importance of tailored environmental components — intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative — for thriving twice exceptional students
The evolution and impact of the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity (now Elmbridge University)
Resources Mentioned
Elmbridge University
Bridges Academy
Twice-Exceptional and Special Populations of Gifted Students (Essential Readings in Gifted Education Series) by Dr. Susan Baum
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Today we’re talking about something many families know they need to think about—but often don’t know where to begin: financial planning for children with disabilities. My guest is Mary McDirmid, a Chartered Special Needs Consultant and the co-founder and COO of All Needs Planning, a nationwide firm built by caregivers, for caregivers. In our conversation, Mary walks us through why proactive planning matters so much and what it can actually look like in practice. We talk about creating comprehensive care plans, protecting essential benefits, and building a long-term vision that supports not just financial security, but overall well-being. This is an empowering, practical conversation designed to help families feel more prepared, more informed, and more confident about the future.
About Dr. Devon Price
Mary McDirmid, ChSNC, is the COO and co-founder of All Needs Planning — a nationwide financial planning firm built by caregivers, for caregivers. A Chartered Special Needs Consultant, Mary brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent navigating the special needs journey. She specializes in helping families create comprehensive plans that address the financial, legal, and care needs of loved ones with disabilities — from diagnosis through adulthood and beyond. Mary is co-author of the upcoming book Care, Protect, Grow: A Guide to Building Lasting Security for Your Loved One with Special Needs (Wiley, May 2026), which provides a compassionate, step-by-step roadmap for families facing the question of “what happens when I’m no longer here?”
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why early, ongoing planning is essential for families raising children with special needs
How the Care, Protect, and Grow framework supports a comprehensive, long-term vision for care
How creating and regularly updating care plans ensures continuity and security for loved ones
Why involving siblings and considering long-term roles is an important part of the planning process
How active advocacy and participation shape more effective, personalized support systems
When and how to begin these conversations so families feel prepared rather than overwhelmed
Resources mentioned
Mary McDirmid’s website
Care, Protect, Grow: A Guide to Building Lasting Security for Your Loved One with Special Needs by Mary McDirmid
Book a free meeting with Mary
Care, Protect, Grow (on Mary’s website)
All Needs Planning Learning Lab
ABLE National Resource Center
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In this Parent Lean-In episode, Debbie answers a listener’s question about how to travel and navigate vacations with a child who is tied to routines. Debbie shares her past experiences and offers tips for pre-trip planning, addressing concerns ahead of time, establishing new routines while traveling, being flexible, using visual aids, and getting the child active and moving, and more.
Resources Mentioned
Debbie and 11-year-old Asher on Successful Vacations for Differently Wired Kids (Tilt Parenting podcast)
Download a PDF of our Family Goals Worksheet
Download a PDF of our Vacation Concerns Worksheet
Download a PDF of our Daily Vacation Planner Worksheet
Look at our Departure Plan whiteboard
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Today we’re exploring what it means to reconnect with our bodies and how that can transform not just our emotional health, but our parenting and relationships as well, with Celia Bray, a psychologist, somatic therapist, and the award-winning author of Inscribed: Your Body’s Hidden Script. In our conversation, Celia shares her own journey from disconnection to what she calls somatic mastery, and why learning to tune into our body’s signals can be such a powerful guide for decision-making and regulation. We talk about simple, accessible practices parents can begin using right away, and how developing this awareness can shift how we show up—for ourselves and for our kids—with more presence, clarity, and ease.
About Celia Bray
Celia Bray is a psychologist, somatic therapist, and award-winning author of Inscribed – Your Body’s Hidden Script. With over 20 years’ experience, she has lived and worked internationally across Australia, India, Kenya, and beyond, blending psychology with embodied healing practices. Celia is the founder of Somatic Psychology International, where she supports people to unlock the wisdom written in their bodies so they can heal, grow, and live authentically. She also facilitates Open Floor Movement, Therapy in Motion, and Family Constellations, empowering individuals and communities to reconnect with their freedom and joy.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Celia Bray’s personal journey from emotional suppression to somatic healing informs her work
Why Gestalt therapy’s focus on present-moment, body-based awareness can be so transformative
How trauma and emotional experiences are held in the body—and how somatic practices can support release and integration
How simple practices like “Landing in the Body” build awareness and reconnect us with our internal cues
Why resistance to body awareness is common, especially within certain cultural contexts, and how to navigate it
How somatic work can influence parenting, decision-making, and emotional resilience, and where to begin exploring it
Resources mentioned
Celia Bray Somatic Psychology
Celia Bray’s YouTube Channel
Inscribed–Your Body’s Hidden Script: Decode Your Body’s Wisdom for Emotional Healing, Wise Choices, and the Path to an Awesome Life by Celia Bray
Pat Ogden’s Sensory Motor Therapy — For further somatic therapy practices
Trauma-Informed Yoga — Explore gentle body-based trauma release
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11-year-old Asher joins me to share our best tips and strategies for making travel run more smoothly and having successful vacations with neurodivergent kids. As much as many families and their children may
love going on vacation, the change in routine, different foods, shifting expectations, and new stimuli can even turn a trip to “The Happiest Place on Earth” (Disneyland) into one full of stress, anxiety, meltdowns, and other challenges. And while we know this rings true for pretty much any and every family, for parents raising differently wired kids, the extremes highs and lows can bigger. In this episode, Asher and I share what we’ve learned over the years when it comes to making sure everyone’s needs and expectations on any given vacation are met, or at the very least, addressed, and walk listeners through the different schedules and planners we’ve we incorporated into our vacation prep. We hope you take away a tip or two to make your next family holiday a more peaceful experience for the whole family!
Things you’ll learn from this episode
The benefits of talking through and getting clear on expectations
(for all members of the family) prior to leaving for a vacation
A strategy for using the collaborative problem solving approach to identify, address, and pre-solve concerns ahead of time
How to make departure day go more smoothly
The benefits of exploring and researching aspects of a vacation time
well in advance of the trip (including accommodations, activities,
etc.)
A strategy for using written schedules coupled with frequent reviews during a vacation keeps everyone’s expectations in check
The benefits of bringing a child into the planning process (and letting them determine some of what will happen on vacation)
Why it’s useful to work with your child to discover what they need
most on vacation and then incorporating it into your daily plan (ie:
rest, chill time, etc.)
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You may recall that last fall, my friend and colleague Penny Williams, a parenting coach for neurodiverse families, the author of four books on ADHD including Boy Without Instructions, and the host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast, and I did a two-part series on what it really looks like to support our neurodivergent young adults as they move toward living self-determined lives – Part one was here on Full-Tilt Parenting, and Part 2 was on Penny’s show.
We left a lot of topics on the table, so we’re back with more…parts 3 and 4 in fact. This episode on Full-Tilt Parenting is part 3, where we’ll be focusing on the practical and emotional realities of this stage—financial literacy, accommodations, decision-making, and the often complicated dynamics between parents and young adults. Penny and I share personal stories, strategies that have helped, and some honest reflections on what this phase asks of us.
And then you can listen to Part 4 over on Beautifully Complex this Thursday … and in that episode we’ll be talking about things like consent and communication, exploring thinking about future and goals, and how we approach conversations about difficult topics like risky behavior, substance use, and more.
About Penny Williams
A parenting coach for neurodiverse families, Penny Williams is the award-winning author of four books on ADHD, including Boy Without Instructions, producer and host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast, host of the annual Neurodiversity Summits, and co-creator of The Behavior Revolution Program, a parent training program designed to change the narrative on behavior and help parents celebrate and support their kids with ADHD or autism through neuroscience-backed insights, hard-won strategies, compassion, and guidance. Penny empowers parents to help their neurodivergent kids — and families — thrive.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How building financial literacy supports independence for neurodivergent young adults
Why navigating money management is a key (and often overlooked) part of launching into adulthood
How accommodations evolve from college into the workplace—and why they still matter
Why parents are continually balancing control, trust, and letting go during this phase
How emotional attachment to outcomes can complicate decision-making for both parents and young adults
Why outside supports, along with the messy realities of relationships and expectations, are part of the journey
Resources mentioned
Penny Williams’ Parenting ADHD and Autism website
Beautifully Complex Podcast
The Real Work of Parenting Neurodivergent Young Adults (Part 1) — a crossover episode with Penny Williams (Beautifully Complex)
The Real Work of Parenting Neurodivergent Young Adults (Part 2) — a crossover episode with Penny Williams (Beautifully Complex)
Healthy Gamer website
Dr. Alok Kanojia on Video Game Addiction and How to Raise Healthy Gamers
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I’m excited to be bringing parenting coach Margaret Webb back to the
podcast this week. Margaret helps parents find more peace in parenting the child they didn’t expect when they were expecting, and part of her work is supporting parents survive summer break. Many parents (and not just parents raising differently-wired kids) limp across the finish line of a long school year only to find themselves facing the stress of summer — new schedules and routines, different expectations, wants, and needs for everyone in the family, and lots of other changes. In our conversation, Margaret shares her personal strategy for not only surviving summer break, but thriving.
About Margaret Webb
Margaret s a certified Master Life Coach, parenting coach, nature-based
coach, former teacher, wife and mother. As a life and parenting coach,
she weaves together her experience as an elementary education teacher
with the tools she’s learned in Martha Beck’s Life Coach Training,
Sagefire Institute’s Nature-Based Coach Training, and what she’s applied
to her own life as a mom of a child with special needs.
Key Takeaways
How “reality versus expectations” creates unnecessary stress for many parents over the summer
Why having “leadership energy” as a parent can help a family thrive
The importance of getting clear on both your personal needs as a parent and your child’s needs and wants for the summer break
What scheduling, mapping, and tracking have to do with surviving summer holidays
How focusing on our own experience and fostering personal self-care actually supports our children
Why nature can be so restorative for parents raising differently-wired kids
How to envision your ideal day as a way to begin creating a more peaceful reality
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Today we’re diving into the nuanced world of circadian rhythm sleep syndromes, and how biological and environmental factors intersect in shaping our children’s sleep. My guest is Alex Mortlock, a registered clinical psychologist who has been in practice since 2010, with training rooted in evidence-based approaches to mental health. Alex will help us unpack what’s actually happening when a child’s sleep rhythm is out of sync, and why this is so often misunderstood. We talk about practical strategies, the role of light exposure and light therapy, and how melatonin can be used thoughtfully to support regulation.
About Alex Mortlock
Alex Mortlock has been a registered clinical psychologist since 2010, trained at the University of Canterbury with a focus on evidence-based approaches to mental health assessment and treatment. His work is grounded in psychological science, with an emphasis on the interplay of emotion, cognition, and motivation. He uses evidence-based methods to help people make positive changes in their behaviour, fostering an environment of authenticity, acceptance, and understanding.
Throughout his career, Alex has had the privilege of witnessing growth and transformation in people from diverse backgrounds — experiences that have reinforced his belief that, with the right support and guidance, everyone has the capacity to flourish.
He lives in Christchurch, New Zealand with his wife, who is also a clinical psychologist, and their two over-analysed children. Curiosity, compassion, courage, and flexibility are the values that guide him through the professional and personal challenges that human life presents.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How circadian rhythms shape sleep patterns and why they matter for children’s overall health
Why conditions like delayed sleep phase, advanced sleep phase, and non-24-hour sleep disorders can disrupt typical sleep cycles
How neurodivergence can influence light sensitivity and circadian regulation
Why gradual light exposure, environmental adjustments, and low-dose melatonin can help realign sleep rhythms
How habits like late-night screen use can interfere with healthy sleep patterns
When to seek professional support and how parents can practically support their child’s sleep development
Resources mentioned
Alex Mortlock’s website
Late Nights, Later Days: The Under-Recognized Impact of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome in ADHD (Additude Magazine)
Reset Your Inner Clock: The Drug-Free Way to Your Best-Ever Sleep, Mood, and Energy by Michael Termin, PhD
Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Joint Hypermobility Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (National Institute of Health)
Article on Light Boxes (Yale School of Medicine)
Light Therapy Visors (results page from Amazon search)
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In this special episode, I’m joined by my husband, Derin, for a candid and heartfelt reflection on our journey together—more than eight years of parenting, navigating relationship shifts, and supporting our neurodivergent child through adolescence and into early adulthood. This is a personal conversation for us, one where we open up about what this path has really looked like behind the scenes.
We talk about how our partnership has evolved over time, the challenges we’ve faced individually and together, and the ways we’ve learned to stay connected through some very intense seasons. We also share what’s helped us—communication, honesty, a willingness to grow—and how we’ve come to better understand each other while showing up for our child. This is an honest look at the complexities of parenting and partnership, and what it means to keep choosing each other along the way.
About Derin Basden
Derin Basden is a seasoned and accomplished leader with a proven track record in technology, design, and operations, gained through working with major multinational corporations, including NBCUniversal, Disney, and Microsoft. He is also the husband of Debbie Reber, the founder of Tilt Parenting, and a dedicated supporter of her work. He is enthusiastic about his role on the Tilt Team and is committed to contributing to the movement that empowers neurodivergent children to achieve their full potential. Derin leads technology and finance operations for Tilt, and ensures the smooth functioning and effective execution of Tilt’s mission.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How family life evolves through moves, global stressors, and the transition from childhood to young adulthood
Why adolescence reshapes family dynamics and invites growth for both parents and kids
How maintaining a strong partnership through communication, shared routines, and intentional connection supports the whole system
Why respecting autonomy while staying connected is essential when parenting a neurodivergent young adult
How simple rituals—like walks, humor, and honest conversations—help rebuild and sustain connection
Why self-regulation, honesty, and ongoing personal growth are key to navigating changing roles within the family
Resources mentioned
Debbie & Derin on Their Parenting Journey: Part 1 (Tilt Parenting podcast, 2017)
Debbie & Derin on Their Parenting Journey: Part 2 (Tilt Parenting podcast, 2018)
Derin Basden - LinkedIn
Minecraft Mods mentioned (Inventory Pets, Animania, Better Invisibility)
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