Learn with Dr. Emily

Latest Episodes:

22. "I'm so dumb!" Neurodivergence & Negative Self-Talk Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

One of the most heart-breaking things a parent can hear is a child being mean to themselves. Some children get so overwhelmed at times that they call themselves names, or even worse, hit themselves when they are upset. As adults, we can feel helpless in these moments and are quick to say something to negate our child’s statement like “Of course you’re not stupid” or “Don’t say that; it’s not true” But, responding with comments opposite of a child’s thoughts can feel dismissive and leave them feeling emotionally alone. In this week’s episode, I’m going to walk you through what is happening for many of our kids in these moments and share a few ideas on how to support them.

[Note: These ideas are for informational purposes only. If you have concerns about your child’s safety due to physical self-harm or verbal self-criticism, please talk with their medical or mental health provider.]

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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

21. Understanding the Brain Differences of Gifted Kids, with Dr. Matt Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

When we hear neurodiversity, most of us think of ADHD and autism. But neurodivergence simply means a difference in brain functioning - and that impacts gifted children too.

So how can we better understand and support our gifted kids? Today, Dr. Matt joins us to talk about brain differences, emotional roller coasters, social anxiety, and the "Twice Exceptional" profile.

Dr. Matt Zakreski is the Founder and Lead Psychologist at The Neurodiversity Collective.

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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

20. Supporting the Post-vacation Let-down Apr 05, 2023

Show notes

Spring break is here, which means taking a break from school and spending time with family and friends. It also often means traveling, later bedtimes, and sometimes more sugar for our kids. But for neurodivergent children, those with ADHD, anxiety, or who are autistic, traveling for spring break also means different schedules, unknown routines, and often more dysregulation.

Many families I work with create vacation routines that differ from home and school routines, but are consistent enough to keep children regulated while experiencing new things during their travels. For more traveling strategies, be sure to check out my blog post: How to Teach Your Neurodivergent Child to Travel. Many families have found success with the strategies I mention in that post, but today’s episode is all about supporting your child when they come home.
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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

19. Penn Holderness: ADHD as a Superpower Mar 29, 2023

Show notes

Growing up, Penn Holderness knew he was different than his friends. He had tics. He was called a spazz. He would cry really easily. In basketball practice, he would nearly chew through his shirt if he wasn't running around enough.

If he was growing up in the 2020's, he'd be treated for ADHD pretty quickly. But back in the 80's, ADHD information wasn't widespread, and it wasn't until college that he was officially diagnosed.

On today's episode, Penn talks about growing up with ADHD, finding his passion for music and performing arts, learning how to accept his limitations and lean into his superpowers, and how he would design a school for ADHD minds.

You don't want to miss this vulnerable and hilarious episode.
The Holderness Family YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Podcast

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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

18. So, What Was School Like for You? (I'll Go First) Mar 22, 2023

Show notes

When I work with parents who are raising neurodivergent kids, I often ask, “What was school like for you?” We all have an answer to this question, but it’s hard to sum up 13 years of learning in a conversation. I’m really just interested in a parent’s gut reaction. Some freeze, some appear overwhelmed and give me a look indicating, “How much time do we have?” and some wonder how this question is even relevant to raising their child.

The reason I ask parents what school was like for them is this:

1) What worked (or didn’t work) for us in school informs how we feel about parent-teacher collaboration now, and

2) I want parents (and teachers) to realize that the child in front of them is living their school story right now. How we respond to their needs and encourage their strengths become a part of their story.

So, what was school like for you? I’ll go first.

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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

17. The Power of Community for Parents of Differently-Wired Children, with Debbie Reber Mar 15, 2023

Show notes

When Debbie Reber and her husband figured out that they were raising a neurodivergent child, they were a little caught off guard - it wasn't exactly the vision they had in mind for their parenting life. For years, they felt "otherized" by other parents and completely misunderstood. They didn't have much of a community to help them - until Debbie decided to create one.

Debbie Reber is a parenting activist, New York Times bestselling author (Differently Wired), podcast host (Tilt Parenting), and speaker who has been inspiring and sparking conversations for parents, women, and teens for twenty years.

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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

16. How to Teach Your Neurodivergent Child to Travel Mar 08, 2023

Show notes

As spring break approaches and summer plans are being made, I begin hearing travel anxiety from many parents raising neurodivergent kids. Some can’t fathom going to a restaurant without causing a scene so an extended vacation seems out of reach. Many are surprised when I say, “Your child can totally do this! Maybe not yet, but just like any other skill you have taught your child, traveling takes practice.” In this episode, learn how you can teach your child to travel.

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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

15. What Parents Raising Neurodivergent Kids Worry About Mar 01, 2023

Show notes

If you’ve been following me for a while now, you know that I have been on both sides of the diagnostic feedback session. I’ve been the psychologist reviewing evaluation results with parents and I’ve been the parent on the receiving end of evaluation data that confirms what I already knew was unfolding before my eyes. As a parent, I remember feeling overwhelmed and scared. As a psychologist, I’ve seen many parents process the news that their child needs something different to succeed; it can be such an emotional experience for some while others jump right in and embrace the journey.

Today, I’ll be sharing common worries I hear from parents raising neurodivergent kids and teens. I want you all to know that you are not alone.

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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

14. Top 5 Roadblocks to Effective Parent-Teacher Collaboration Feb 22, 2023

Show notes

All parents and educators want what is best for the child. But when it comes to supporting a child with a complex constellation of strengths and needs within a group of children who also have their own constellation of strengths and needs, it gets complicated.

Here's how to break through.

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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

13. Helping Your Neurodivergent Child Become More Independent Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

If you are raising a child diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or anxiety, the uncertainty of their future can feel very anxiety-provoking. Will they learn to drive? Will they be able to live on their own? Will they be happy?

One gift of parenting a child developing on their own path and timetable is that you learn quickly to let go of any plans beyond about a school year’s span of time. You learn to remain present in solving the problems and celebrating the wins of today. You appreciate even a small milestone because you have watched your child struggle to do things and you notice the relief and pride on their face when they are finally able to do it. The flip side of this experience, of course, is not knowing if and when your child will become independent with various skills.

Honestly, no parent knows for sure what the future holds for their child, but when your child struggles developmentally, making predictions for tomorrow based on your child’s skills today is very hard to do. What we can do is financially plan for the future and focus on nurturing skills today. In today’s episode, I’m sharing tips on how to motivate neurodivergent kids who might have a short attention span, narrow (but deep) interests, and are not motivated by what other people think of them.

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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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