Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

• TPP 462: Dr. Stephen Porges and Karen Onderko on the Safe & Sound Protocol

  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 familiar, this is a hopeful and inspiring conversation about what’s possible when we work with the nervous system to support healing. About Dr. Stephen W. Porges Dr. Stephen W. Porges is the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral, mental, and health problems. He is the creator of a music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™. In collaboration with Anthony Gorry, he co-created a Sonocea® Enhanced acoustic technology, engineered to support homeostatic functions and embedded in the Rest and Restore Protocol™. With Karen Onderko, Deb Dana, and Randall Redfield, he is a cofounder of the Polyvagal Institute. He has authored several books, including the Polyvagal Perspectives: Interventions, Practices, and Strategies (2024). He has coauthored Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing (2025) with Karen Onderko. About Karen Onderko Karen Onderko is a passionate advocate for advancing the understanding and application of polyvagal principles to improve care, connection, and acceptance among people. She played an important role in bringing SSP from the laboratory to the clinical world, conducting the initial testing, developing the training, and supporting the SSP provider community.  Together with Dr. Porges, she has written a book about SSP titled Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach to Connection, Change and Healing. Regularly witnessing the transformative power of a polyvagal-informed approach, she is eager to support the promotion of education and access to PVT for people in diverse communities throughout the world. Karen is a founding board member of the Polyvagal Institute.​ Things you'll learn from this episode  How the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) draws on polyvagal theory to support nervous system regulation Why melodic voices and filtered music can help calm the body and mind How SSP offers a non-invasive, evidence-based option for individuals dealing with trauma and anxiety Why co-regulation is a key part of making SSP therapy effective How real-life case studies show powerful transformations when SSP is used, often alongside other therapies Why the ultimate goal of SSP is creating greater flexibility in the nervous system’s response to stress Resources mentioned Dr. Stephen Porges’ website Polyvagal Institute Karen Onderko (at PVI) Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing by Stephen Porges, PhD and Karen Onderko Polyvagal Theory: Current Status, Clinical Applications, and Future Directions Randall Redfield (at PVI) Doreen Hunt (at Unyte) Safe and Sound Protocol (at Unyte) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• TPP 223a: Parenting Bright Kids Who Struggle in School, with Dewey Rosetti

  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

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• TPP 461: Naureen Hunani on Neurodiversity-Affirming Nutrition and Food Care

  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—through a more compassionate, individualized approach to eating. About Naureen Hunani Naureen Hunani is a Montreal-based family nutritionist, pediatric dietitian, and proud mom of two incredible children. As both a professional and a parent, she understands firsthand the challenges of feeding kids and is passionate about offering practical, easy-to-follow nutrition and feeding guidance that builds parents’ confidence rather than triggering panic, guilt, or shame. With a deep belief that early experiences with food and the feeding environment shape lifelong eating habits, Naureen is dedicated to helping children and adults cultivate a positive relationship with food and their bodies. She takes a non-diet, weight-inclusive approach to nutrition and health, focusing not only on the food itself but also on attitudes toward food, the eating environment, and the language we use around it. She encourages investing time in meal preparation and involving children in every step—from grocery shopping to cooking. A member of l’Ordre Professionnel des Diététistes du Québec, Naureen continually expands her expertise through seminars, workshops, and advanced courses. She also takes pride in mentoring and training other professionals in the field. When she’s not working, Naureen enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to audiobooks, and exploring nature on long walks. Things you'll learn from this episode How Naureen’s personal parenting experiences shaped her neurodiversity-affirming approach to nutrition Why neurodivergent children often face hidden or misunderstood feeding challenges How acceptance, community, and unlearning societal pressures can support healthier family food dynamics Why respecting each child’s unique relationship with food is critical to avoiding harm and confusion How neurodiversity-affirming, anti-oppressive care benefits all children, not just those with diagnoses Why trusting children’s communication about their needs is essential for building positive food relationships   Resources mentioned Naureen Hunani’s website RDs for Neurodiversity A Conversation with Zoe Bisbing About ARFID and Neurodivergence (Full-Tilt Parenting) Zoë Bisbing’s website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• TPP 221a: The Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Health for Neurodivergent Kids

  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

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• TPP 460: How Do We Get Kids the Support They Need in School Without an IEP?

  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 about creating safe, supportive opportunities for connection—without putting too much pressure on anyone involved.   Things You'll Learn from This Episode:  Why understanding the unique challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent kids is essential for developing flexible, responsive parenting strategies How tools like 504 plans and consistent routines can support smoother transitions and reduce stress for neurodivergent children Why introducing concepts like spoon theory and early conversations about neurodiversity helps children better understand and advocate for their needs How recognizing and supporting your child’s masking behaviors can lead to greater emotional safety and authenticity Why identifying flow activities and creating simple transition rituals can help children regulate and recharge throughout the day How encouraging experimentation in parenting and promoting self-advocacy in kids fosters resilience and long-term independence Resources Mentioned: Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Power of Brain Body Parenting (Tilt Parenting podcast) Autum Romano on the Safe & Sound Protocol (Tilt Parenting podcast) Safe and Sound Protocol Autism Level Up The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan by Dr. Megan Anna Neff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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