Learn with Dr. Emily

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32. What Drives Motivation for Neurodivergent Youth? Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

When I talk to parents and teachers of neurodivergent kids and teens, especially those raising and teaching autistic children, I often hear, “I can’t figure out what motivates her,” or “He only cares about video games” or even, “I can’t get them to care about anything.”

Here’s the thing: I’ve never met a kid without interests. As the trusted adults raising and teaching neurodivergent kids, we may have to listen a little harder and look a bit closer, especially if a child’s interest doesn’t fit into society’s norm of “expected.”

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

31. Non-compliance Isn't Always a Choice Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

Simply put, children don’t do everything we ask them to do when we ask them to do it. As adults, we often assume this is because they are not understanding what we said so we try communicating the same expectation again by repeating ourselves, sometimes in a louder and more frustrated voice. If that doesn’t work, our own frustration grows, which can stop us from remaining emotionally regulated and problem-solve what to do next.

We are never our best selves when stressed. Yet, the way we respond in the moment a child doesn’t do what we have asked them to do can do one of two things: either it creates a safe connection for the child to trust us as we align with them to solve the problem or we trigger a defense response in the child if we inadvertently disregard their need for more support.

So, what does this look like in a classroom?

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

30. How Teachers Can Prevent Burnout Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

Teachers, you made it. It’s summer! As you pause to take a breath and recenter yourself, I want you to know that I see all you are doing. You are asked to do so many things with too little time and energy.

This week, I’m here to remind you that you CAN find time for yourself, even during a busy school year. The most important thing to know is that a little bit of time will go a long way. As you reflect on this past school year, I’m here to share some new ideas for setting yourself up for resiliency in the fall.

A few months ago, I created a FREE video series for elementary educators to learn how to beat burnout during the school year. You’ll only need to set aside about 15 minutes a day to watch the four videos full of actionable ways to radically take care of yourself. Today’s episode is a sneak peek. Let’s get started!

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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

29. You Don’t Have to be a Special Educator to Teach a Neurodiverse Group of Learners Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

If you are an elementary educator, you are already teaching a neurodiverse group of learners. So there are gonna be things that come up that you feel like you don't know how to do, or you need to consult with colleagues.

So, I want you to know you don't have to have a special education degree, but there are three things that I do believe are key to your mindset as an educator of neurodiverse learners.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

28. Why School is Hard for Neurodivergent Students May 31, 2023

Show notes

Today we dive into why school is so hard for neurodivergent students, and the messages and feedback that I get from teachers on what they need to make school better for our students.

This topic is always on my mind this time of year as we go into testing season, which as we all know, if you're listening to this podcast, you have a child in your life that testing probably does not work for.

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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

27. Polyvagal Theory in the Classroom with Dr. Mona Delahooke May 24, 2023

Show notes

Educators, it's time to shift our mindset by understanding what polyvagal theory, the importance of brain-body connection, and how we can better support our children.

We all know that the fields of psychology and education still haven’t fully integrated the wisdom we’re learning from research and neuroscience, and often rely on methods that seek to alter kids behavior through rewards and consequences. Once we acknowledge that behaviors, though, are meaningful and protective adaptations to a child’s internal experience, we can create a whole new range of compassionate and individually tailored options that surpass just managing behaviors.

So today, Dr. Mona Delahooke explains polyvagal theory and the paradigm shift that could be so helpful for parents and educators to make.

About Our Guest

Dr. Mona Delahooke is a best-selling author and child psychologist who aims to reduce suffering and increase resilience for children and families. Her paradigm-shifting model offers a new way of understanding emotional and behavioral challenges, incorporating the latest neuroscience and resilience research to support relationships. Dr. Delahooke is challenging the education system to update its practices from focusing on behavior to promoting relational safety.
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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

26. How to Show Up for the Sex Talk Your Kids Deserve May 17, 2023

Show notes

I know you all come here to read my thoughts on raising and teaching neurodivergent kids and teens. But, I’m taking a little detour today because this topic is for all parents.

I was talking to a good friend the other day. We were exchanging stories about how our kids are starting to ask questions about puberty and I was pretty sure that I had grossed out mine by talking about body hair. My friend admitted that our conversation was causing her to break out into a sweat. She’s not alone. Most parents I talk to shutter at the mention of their child being ready for the “sex talk." Here’s the thing: This talk is not just one conversation and it’s not just about sex. Kids deserve to accurately understand their sexual and reproductive health.

No more putting this off; our kids need us.

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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

25. Social-Emotional Learning with Elizabeth Sautter May 10, 2023

Show notes

Social-Emotional Learning is a term that gets thrown around a lot. Schools can see it as something that needs to be taught in a very scripted way. However, therapists often think of Social-Emotional Learning as something we are always practicing as it’s integrated into our everyday experiences. So what exactly is Social-Emotional Learning, and how can we utilize SEL to help our neurodivergent kids manage emotions and regulate their anxiety?

About Our Guest

Elizabeth Sautter is the author of Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick! Practical Strategies to Manage Emotions, Navigate Social Situations, and Reduce Anxiety. She is a collaborator and trainer with the Zones of Regulation Team and a Co-Author of The Zones Storybook Set Tools to Try Card Decks and Navigating the Zones Game.
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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

24. 3 Most Common Reasons Behind Bedtime Anxiety (and What to Do About It) May 03, 2023

Show notes

As a child psychologist working with families for over 20 years, here are the top three most common issues that get in the way of kids getting good sleep and my tips for getting back on track.

All parents know that sleep is important. No one knows sleep deprivation like a new parent with an infant who wakes every two to three hours to be fed or changed. I recall five hours of sleep being my personal threshold for feeling human in those early days of parenthood. Less than five hours of sleep and I was nearly non-functional. That’s because sleep is the great regulator. Without it, we struggle to maintain our attention, regulate our emotions, and manage our energy.

This is why the first thing I ask parents before we dive into figuring why a child might be struggling with something new is this: “How are they sleeping?”

Everyone has their own threshold for sleep, kids included. In case you’re wondering, here are the daily sleep amounts for kids and teens recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Many autistic children and teens are even more sensitive to the emotional and sensory impacts of not getting enough sleep. Children and teens with ADHD can struggle to wind down and fall asleep which often impacts family dynamics at bedtime. And, of course, children who are anxious may experience their most intense worries when the lights go out.

We've all read about the negative impact of not enough sleep for kids and teens. And, we all know that when children are well-rested, they are better able to remain emotionally regulated when things don't go their way, they are able to access learning by remaining engaged in the classroom, and they are generally happier.

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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

23. Showing Up for Our Neurodivergent Kids, with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Tina Payne Bryson joins us today to discuss parent-child attachment (it’s more than just rocking your baby), disciplining with empathy, connection, and regulation, and the 4 S's for raising the whole-brain child.

Dr. Tina Bryson is a psychotherapist and the Founder/Executive Director of THE CENTER FOR CONNECTION in Pasadena, California. She's a NY Times Bestselling author and has written several books including The Bottom Line for Baby.
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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

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