Neurodiversity Podcast

• Is It PDA? Demand Avoidance in the Context of Autism

  On episode 270, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Taylor Day, a licensed psychologist who specializes in neuro-affirming care for autistic children and their families. They discuss the complexities of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in children, and the importance of understanding neurodiversity and the need for family-centered care. They cover the challenges of identifying PDA, the risks of misdiagnosis, and the necessity of adapting parenting and therapeutic strategies to better support children with this profile. They also validate parents' experiences and intuition, and endorse a holistic approach to autism care that considers the needs of the entire family. TAKEAWAYS PDA is a conceptualization rather than a formal diagnosis. Validating lived experiences is crucial for families. Research on PDA is progressing slowly. Parents often face dismissal in the medical community. PDA behaviors may resemble defiance or oppositionality. Affirming approaches can prevent family burnout. Quality of services is more important than quantity. Parents are the experts on their children. Therapy can take many forms beyond traditional methods. The Neurodiversity University Therapist Hub registration window is closed for now, but will open again soon, and you can get on the list to be notified! If you're a mental health professional we want you in our group of like-minded peers, in a vibrant community where learning and sharing are front and center. Meantime, we'll be opening our Educator Hub to new members in the next couple of weeks! If you're an educator or have a student in your life, we would love for you to be part of it. We can notify you as soon as it opens, so get on the list here! Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist specializing in neuro-affirming care for autistic children and their families, with a focus on early diagnosis and intervention. She is the CEO and founder of Dr. Tay Concierge Clinical Care, where she developed The Whole Family Approach, an evidence-informed model designed to address gaps in autism care by supporting both children and their families. Dr. Day holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and is dedicated to advancing early childhood autism support through personalized, family-centered interventions. Her passion for child psychology and autism advocacy is deeply rooted in her personal experience growing up with a brother diagnosed at 23 months of age. BACKGROUND READING Dr Day’s website, Instagram, EVOLVE with Dr. Tay: The Podcast of Parents of Autistic Kids (Spotify)

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• Authenticity: Belonging vs Fitting In

  Speech Dude Chris Wenger joins Emily Kircher-Morris to discuss the importance of shifting from compliance-based educational strategies to more affirming practices for neurodivergent students. They explore the significance of creating safe and regulated environments, the difference between belonging and fitting in, and the need to redefine social goals to foster authentic connections among students. They talk about the value of autonomy, community building, and understanding the unique challenges faced by high school students in the context of neurodiversity. TAKEAWAYS The shift from compliance-based strategies to affirming support is crucial for neurodivergent students. Belonging is more important than fitting in for neurodivergent individuals. Social goals should focus on authentic connections rather than masking behaviors. Autonomy in decision-making enhances both student and teacher experiences. Intersectionality plays a significant role in the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. After school clubs can foster connections between neurodivergent and neuro-normative students. Normalizing neurodivergent behaviors can enhance acceptance in schools. The DASL assessment tool focuses on strengths rather than deficits. Language used in reports can affect parent-child dynamics. The Neurodiversity University Therapist Hub is now open for you to join! Be among a group of like-minded peers in a vibrant community, where learning and sharing are front and center. We’re building a world that works for all neurotypes, and we need you! Chris Wenger is a neurodivergent high school speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience, an international speaker, and the creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning, a strengths-based assessment designed for autistic students. He is also the founder of NeuroAffirm, a groundbreaking global directory that connects neurodivergent individuals and their families with affirming providers. Widely known as Speech Dude, Chris has built a global following of nearly one million on social media, where he shares educational and inspiring content infused with humor. His work focuses on making neuroaffirming practices more accessible while empowering educators, therapists, and families to better support neurodivergent learners. BACKGROUND READING Instagram, TikTok, Speech Dude

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• Why School Refusal May Not Be What It Seems (and What to Do Instead)

  School refusal and distress are the subject of the day, as Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes child psychologist and former school psychologist, Dr. Emily King. They discuss the importance of understanding the underlying causes of anxiety, the need for neurodiversity-affirming approaches, and the balance between structure and flexibility in educational settings. The also discuss the importance of grace, connection, and individualized strategies when helping children navigate their emotional experiences. TAKEAWAYS School refusal is often a response to anxiety, not an active choice. Understanding the difference between school refusal and school distress is crucial. Patterns of anxiety can vary based on environmental factors. Children may need different levels of support depending on their emotional state. Co-regulation is essential for helping children manage anxiety. Predictability in routines can help reduce anxiety for neurodivergent children. Flexibility within structure is important in educational settings. Parents should focus on what is necessary in their routines to reduce stress. Exit plans can empower children and reduce feelings of being trapped. Every child's experience is unique, and strategies should be individualized. Register here for a free one-hour continuing education webinar entitled The Cost of Camouflage: Exploring Masking and Burnout in Neurodivergent Clients. It’s a free service of the Neurodiversity University! Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist and former school psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with neurodivergent children and teens. She began her career specializing in school-based mental health in K-12 public schools in Houston, Texas, before transitioning to private practice in North Carolina, where she now supports the mental health needs of neurodivergent youth, their families, and educators. Dr. Emily is the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom, a professional development curriculum for educators, and hosts Learn with Dr. Emily on Substack, where she shares blogs, live workshops, and insights on neurodiversity and education. Her upcoming book, The Neurodivergent Learner, will be available for presale in early 2026. Her expertise has been featured on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Parents.com. BACKGROUND READING Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn

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• Beyond Words: The Truth About Selective (Situational) Mutism

  Today, Emily Kircher-Morris and Meredith Polsky look into the complexities of selective mutism, exploring its definitions, the importance of language in understanding it, and the personal experiences that led Meredith to specialize in this area. They discuss the myths surrounding selective mutism, and its manifestation as an anxiety disorder rather than a choice or a form of shyness. Meredith shares her journey as a parent of children with selective mutism and the challenges she faced in finding appropriate treatment, ultimately leading her to become a clinician herself. They explore the challenges of diagnosis, and provide effective therapeutic techniques. This is a must-listen for adults supporting children with selective mutism. TAKEAWAYS Selective mutism is often misunderstood as a choice. Language matters in discussing selective mutism. The term 'situational mutism' is gaining popularity. Parents play a crucial role in treatment. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder, not shyness. Pushing children to speak can increase anxiety. There is a lack of awareness among clinicians about selective mutism. Selective mutism can complicate the diagnosis of autism. Children with selective mutism may not exhibit typical anxiety responses. Effective communication strategies are crucial for children with selective mutism. Register here for a free one-hour continuing education webinar entitled The Cost of Camouflage: Exploring Masking and Burnout in Neurodivergent Clients. It’s a free service of the Neurodiversity University! Meredith Polsky, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in Selective Mutism through her private practice, Counseling Out Loud. With a career dedicated to supporting children with diverse needs, she also serves as the Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships at Matan, Inc., an organization she co-founded in 2000 to promote inclusion in education. Meredith is the co-author of the award-winning I Have a Question children’s book series (Jessica Kingsley Publishers), which helps children—both with and without disabilities—navigate complex topics. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, an MA in Early Childhood Special Education from Bank Street College, an MA in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, and a graduate certificate in Early Intervention from Georgetown University. BACKGROUND READING Counseling Out Loud, Matan, I Have a Question, LinkedIn, Selective Mutism Association

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• When Consistency is the Game Changer

  On episode 266, Emily Kircher-Morris discusses the critical role of executive functioning in education with Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom. They explore how these skills are essential for student success, and discuss incorporating them into teaching practices, rather than treating them as an afterthought. The conversation also covers the importance of clarity, modeling, and routine in teaching these skills, and the challenges posed by the digital era. TAKEAWAYS Executive functioning is a core part of learning. Teaching executive functioning skills should be explicit and integrated into the curriculum. Clarity, modeling, and routine are essential for teaching these skills. Students need daily practice to develop executive functioning skills. The digital age may hinder the development of these skills. Organization is a transformative skill that grounds students. Self-assessment empowers students to reflect on their learning. Teachers struggling with executive dysfunction can impact their students' learning. Accountability involves collaboration between teachers, students, and families. Neurodivergent students benefit from tailored strategies and workarounds. Register here for a free one-hour continuing education webinar entitled The Cost of Camouflage: Exploring Masking and Burnout in Neurodivergent Clients. It’s a free service of the Neurodiversity University! Mitch Weathers is an educator, author, and expert in executive functioning. He is the founder and creator of Organized Binder, an evidence-based, MTSS Tier 1 universal solution designed to help students develop essential executive functioning skills such as goal setting, time management, reflective learning, and organization. His book, Executive Functions for Every Classroom, became a #1 bestseller, highlighting his structured approach to fostering academic success through clear expectations and routines. Mitch’s work emphasizes the importance of hands-on, analog strategies to build resilience and independence in students, ensuring they develop the foundational skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. BACKGROUND READING LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com.

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