Tilt Parenting: Atypical | 2e | Gifted | Adhd | Spd | Asperger's

Today is an important conversation about online communities and internet rabbit holes. And I felt pulled to tackle this topic for the show because I know that the past few years in particularly has been a time where differently wired kids have beenspending a LOT more time online and connecting with people they may not have even meant in real life and doing their identity development largely online. And I also know that this can put our kids, and us as their parents and caregivers, in challenging positions as we navigate a seemingly endless stream of discourse that may lead our kids down the wrong paths. So I asked my friend and screen and tech expert Dr. Devorah Heitner to join me for a frank and open conversation about it all. We talked about the ways differently wired kids might be exposed to harmful content, and why our kids may be more susceptible to toxic or unhealthy virtual rabbit holes in the first place, the popular places where teens and kids are hanging out the most right now, the way our kids’ wo

In this Parent Lean In episode, Margaret Webb joins me to answer a listener's question about those tough moments when our kids are totally dysregulated—especially after long, overstimulating school days. We get into why these behaviors happen, how important it is for kids to release pent-up energy, and what it really means to co-regulate. We also talk about how to stay grounded ourselves when things get loud or chaotic, and remind parents that these rough patches are hard, but they are temporary—and we don’t have to face them alone. Key Takeaways Why understanding common concerns about social skills in autistic children can help parents feel less isolated and more empowered How parental anxieties can shape decisions around social opportunities and why self-awareness is key Why clarifying your own worries before addressing your child’s needs leads to more intentional and effective support How using scaffolding strategies can make playdates more successful and comfortable for neurodivergent kids

Today we’re talking about raising girls—what it means to help them feel strong in both body and mind, and how we as parents can nurture that confidence from an early age. My guest is Kate Rope, an award-winning journalist and the author of the new book, Strong as a Girl: Your Guide to Raising Girls Who Know, Stand Up for, and Take Care of Themselves. In this episode, we talk about empowerment, self-compassion, and listening deeply to our daughters, as well as the role parents play in creating a supportive environment. We also explore the importance of representing diverse experiences, including those of neurodivergent girls, and how to help our kids develop a strong, steady inner voice. About Kate Rope  Kate Rope is an award-winning freelance journalist and author whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, and many other outlets. She is the author of Strong as a Girl: Your Guide to Raising Girls Who Know, Stand Up for, and Take Care of Themselves and Strong as a Mother. Ho

Where is the line between healthy gaming and unhealthy gaming? How much gaming is too much? And when does a gaming habit evolve into gaming addiction? These are some of the questions regarding screen time that I hear from many parents, and they highlight some of the ongoing challenges families face in raising children who can be responsible tech users and whose screen use and gaming doesn’t interfere with their lives in a way that can be harmful or keep them stuck. So when I learned of the new book How to Raise a Healthy Gamer: End Power Struggles, Break Bad Screen Habits, and Transform Your Relationship with Your Kids by Dr. Alok Kanojia, I knew I wanted to invite him onto the show to talk about all things gaming with us. In this conversation, we talked about how we as parents can know whether our child is addicted to video games or not, why screen time limits and restricting gaming time are at odds with the goal of raising a healthy gamer, and how to shift to a holistic approach that considers ov

Today we’re diving into the world of empaths and highly sensitive people—what it means to be one, what makes it complicated, and why it’s also such a gift. My guest, psychiatrist, author, and empath Dr. Judith Orloff, shares her own journey as a highly sensitive child and how it shaped her work as a psychiatrist. We talk about the science behind sensitivity, how to recognize a highly sensitive child, and why self-care and co-regulation are so critical for both parents and kids. Judith also touches on bullying, sensory overload, and the strategies empaths can use to thrive—and she introduces her beautiful new children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, created to help kids understand and embrace their sensitivity.   About Judith Orloff, MD Judith Orloff, MD, is a psychiatrist who serves on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty and an empath. She is a New York Times bestselling author whose most recent books are The Genius of Empathy (2024) and The Empath’s Survival Guide (2017). Specializing in treating h

Dr. Devorah Heitner, a digital media and technology expert and the author of "Screenwise" talks about how parents can mentor their kids to develop a healthy relationship with screens (phones, online games, and more). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today I’m talking with writer and memoirist Nefertiti Austin about her journey parenting a neurodivergent child and the many realizations that come with it, which she writes about in her new book, She’s Just Spirited: Parenting a Neurodivergent Child and the Diagnosis That Changes Everything, continues that deeply honest exploration, this time through the lens of raising a differently wired child. In our conversation, Nefertiti shares the challenges and gifts of navigating labels, the role of educators in her family’s story, and the ways adoption has shaped her parenting experience. We also talk about what it means to adapt as parents—to let go of old visions and dream new dreams that embrace our children’s unique paths.   About Nefertiti Austin Nefertiti Austin is a writer and memoirist. She wrote about the erasure of diverse voices in motherhood in the critically acclaimed Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender and Parenting in America (2019) and her work has appeared in the New York Times, Washin

Becca Wertheim, a second-grade teacher at an inclusion school in North Carolina, talks about her experience as a teacher meeting the individual educational needs of a group of students with diverse learning styles, and her insight for parents who are looking for better support and communication with the teachers in their children’s lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re talking about dyslexia—what it is, what it isn’t, and how parents can best support their children after a diagnosis. My guest is Rebecca Bush, a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and founder of Lead Changes, a private practice that supports children with dyslexia, as well as the author of the new book Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child, a compassionate, step-by-step guide for families just beginning this journey. In our conversation, Rebecca shares the myths and misconceptions parents often encounter, and the critical importance of early intervention. We talk about the early signs to look for, how language and advocacy shape outcomes, and the support systems that can make all the difference. Rebecca also offers practical, reassuring advice for parents navigating the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with dyslexia. About Rebecca Bush Rebecca Bush is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and the founder o

My guest for this episode, Dr Jody Carrington, a clinical psychologist, speaker, and author based in Alberta, Canada, has spent most of her career working with children and families who have experienced trauma, and has learned that kids can only be as okay as the adults in their lives are okay. The result of her insights is the wonderful book Kids These Days: A Game Plan for (Re)Connecting With Those We Teach, Lead & Love. Jody offers powerfully grounded insights and strategies for parents, caregivers, and teachers to connect with and show up for our kids and each other. Things You'll Learn from This Episode: Why it’s so important that kids have meaningful connections with adults in their lives, including (and perhaps especially) teachers The importance of showing emotional regulation to kids (and why emotional regulation can’t be learned without dysregulation) What is a “light up moment” How labels are often relied upon in schools to provide context but miss the actual story

Debbie Reber and Zach Morris answer a listener's question about how parents can support their kids' search for meaning and connection while navigating their own struggles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re diving into the ways our own trauma can shape how we show up as parents, and how we can begin to break those inherited cycles with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, a clinical child psychologist, trauma treatment expert, and author of Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be. In our conversation, Robyn shares insights from her book, including the concept of “secret ACEs,” the “trauma app” that can override our instincts, and the different subtypes of post-traumatic parenting. We also talk about how to recognize our triggers, the importance of self-care, and the role of the inner child in this work. Robyn’s approach blends research, clinical wisdom, and lived experience, and she offers practical hacks for navigating the challenges of parenting when trauma is part of our story. About Dr. Robyn Koslowitz Dr. Robyn Koslowitz is a clinical child psychologist, trauma treatment expert, and author of Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always

If you’re the parent of a differently wired kid with a diagnosed learning disability, you likely have had experience with Individualized Education Plans, otherwise known as IEPs. And if this is you, my hunch is you have some feelings about IEPs and the whole process — the stresses, the unknowns, the fact that it might feel like you have to understand a completely different language just to get the services and supports your child needs and deserves in schools. Occupational therapist Beth Liesenfeld, the woman behind a company, podcast, and resource called The IEP Lab, joins us to answer your questions around how parents can better prepare for an IEP meeting, what makes a good IEP, and how we can go about making changes on an IEP if we realize the accommodations aren’t being effective or if a school isn’t following through in the way the IEP outlines. Beth Liesenfeld, MOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist passionate about providing “insider” information of the school’s process and culture to pare

In this episode I’m talking with Julie Green, author of the memoir Motherness, a powerful exploration of generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. Julie, who was late-diagnosed herself and is raising an autistic child, takes us inside her journey of self-discovery and diagnosis, and we talk about the emotional complexities of coming to understand our own neurodivergence while parenting neurodivergent kids. We explore the healing power of writing, the importance of storytelling and compassion, and the challenges many families like ours face along the way. Julie’s memoir is a testament to these shared experiences, and this conversation is a deeply honest look at what it means to parent—and to live—with radical acceptance. About Julie Green Julie Green is the author of Motherness, a memoir about generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance, released by ECW Press in September 2025. Her writing has appeared in the Washington Post, HuffPost, Parents, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Tod

Amanda Morin of Understood joins Debbie for a special back-to-school episode to help families prepare for easing into the coming school year with as much confidence and serenity as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Dr. Stephen Porges and Karen Onderko about the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a therapeutic approach grounded in Stephen’s groundbreaking polyvagal theory. Stephen, a Distinguished University Scientist and originator of the polyvagal theory, has spent decades helping us understand how our nervous system shapes behavior, connection, and healing. Karen, who was instrumental in bringing SSP from the lab into clinical practice, has been a tireless advocate for expanding access to polyvagal-informed care around the world. In this episode, we dive into the origins of SSP, the science behind it, and what makes it such a powerful tool for supporting emotional regulation—especially for people navigating trauma and neurodivergence. Stephen and Karen share stories from real-life applications of the protocol, explain how co-regulation plays a central role, and highlight the many ways SSP can foster connection and resilience. Whether you’re new to polyvagal theory or already f

Author, youth advocate, and co-founder of PEN (Parent Education Network) Dewey Rosetti talks about her new book, "Bright Kids Who Struggle in School" and teaching from a strengths-based approach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in parenting spaces—neurodiversity-affirming nutrition. My guest is Naureen Hunani, a Montreal-based family nutritionist, pediatric dietitian, and mom of two who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this work. Naureen is passionate about helping families create a positive, shame-free relationship with food, using a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach that focuses as much on the feeding environment and language around food as on what’s on the plate. In our conversation, Naureen shares her personal journey and her model of neurodiversity-affirming care, which is rooted in inclusion, acceptance, and trauma-informed practices. We talk about the unique challenges neurodivergent children can face around feeding, how societal pressures can complicate the picture, and why trusting our children’s needs is such a powerful step. Naureen also debunks common myths and offers practical ways to support our kids—and ourselves—thro

Fitness instructor, ADHD counselor, and author Gabriel Villarreal talks about how exercise is "medicine" for kids with ADHD, autism, and more, and how to get kids motivated to exercise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Parent Lean In episode, Debbie is joined by parent coach Margaret Webb to answer a listener's question about a challenge so many parents face—when your child seems to hold it together at school, only to fall apart at home. We get into what might be going on under the surface, including masking, the toll it takes, and how things like routines, 504 plans, and even spoon theory can help. We also explore ways to support smoother transitions from school to home and share ideas for helping your child conserve and replenish their energy throughout the day. In this special Parent Lean In episode, I’m talking with Margaret Webb about a question I hear often—how can we support our neurodivergent kids in connecting with neurotypical peers, especially when social skills don’t quite align? We unpack one listener’s situation with her sweet, social autistic son and talk about managing our own worries as parents, scaffolding playdates so they feel more successful, and finding the right playmate fit. It’s all abo