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

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Markham to unpack the often messy world of sibling dynamics—especially when one or more kids are neurodivergent. We talk about why peaceful parenting starts with connection, how to handle those inevitable "it's not fair!" moments, and how to repair after conflict. Laura shares thoughtful, practical strategies for supporting each child’s unique needs while nurturing more positive sibling relationships, even when things feel really hard. About Dr. Laura Markham Dr. Laura Markham is the author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How To Stop Yelling and Start Connecting, Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How To Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life, and The Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids Workbook: Using mindfulness and connection to raise resilient, joyful children and rediscover your love of parenting. Dr. Laura Markham earned her PhD in clinical psychology at Columbia University and has worked as a parenting coach with countless families across the world. Over 170,000 moms and dads enjoy Dr. Laura’s free weekly coaching posts via email. You can sign up on any page of her website, Peacefulparenthappykids.com, which serves up Aha! Moments for parents of babies through teens. Dr. Laura’s aspiration is to change the world, one child at a time, by supporting parents. The proud mother of two thriving young adults who were raised with her peaceful parenting approach, she lives with her husband in New York. Things you'll learn from this episode Why parenting that prioritizes connection over strategy lays the foundation for healthy sibling dynamics How self-regulation in parents shapes the emotional tone and effectiveness of conflict resolution between siblings Why it’s important to embrace sibling conflict as a normal and teachable part of growing up, while guiding repair and emotional processing How acknowledging each child’s unique needs and avoiding comparison fosters a sense of fairness and individual worth Why modeling compassion, calm, and appropriate behavior teaches kids how to navigate conflict and build emotional intelligence How recognizing the goodwill in children and validating their feelings helps strengthen sibling bonds, even during tough moments Resources mentioned Dr. Laura Markham’s Peaceful Parent Happy Kids website Raising Peaceful Siblings with Tools to Ease Jealousy and Build Connection (Free Guide) Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting by Dr. Laura Markham Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life by Dr. Laura Markham Dr. Laura Markham on Facebook Dr. Laura Markham on Instagram Self-Compassion for Tough Moments Printable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amanda Morin, an author, speaker, parent advocate, former early childhood educator and in-house expert for Understood, talks the importance and power of fostering empathy in our children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I’m talking with pediatrician and author Ken Ginsburg about his new book Lighthouse Parenting. Ken shares his powerful framework for showing up as a steady, loving guide for our kids—offering both support and boundaries as they grow. We get into what it means to really know and prepare our kids, how to be their safe harbor in tough times, and why our own self-care matters just as much as theirs, especially in today’s world of social media and constant pressure. About Dr. Ken Ginsburg Dr. Ken Ginsburg practices Adolescent Medicine at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Ginsburg practices social adolescent medicine – service with special attention to prevention and the recognition that social context and stressors affect both physical and emotional health. His research over the last 35 years has focused on facilitating youth to develop their own solutions to social problems and to teach adults how to better serve them. He is the Founding Director of The Center for Parent and Teen Communications which works to empower parents with the skill-sets to strengthen their family connections and position them to guide their teens to become their best selves. It works to shift the cultural narrative about adolescence from being a time to survive to one in which development is to be optimized. His books include, Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings; Congrats- You’re Having a Teen!: Strengthen Your Family and Raise a Good Person; and Lighthouse Parenting:Raising your Child with Loving Guidance for an Enduring Bond. All of these works are published by The American Academy of Pediatrics. He currently works with Covenant House International’s 35 sites to solidify and magnify their practice model rooted in the healing power of loving and respectful adult connections with youth. Things you'll learn from this episode What “lighthouse parenting” is and how it offers a research-backed framework for guiding kids to grow up as resilient, thriving adults What it means to be a “secure base” for our kids and the power of stability in fostering resilience in all children Why preparing kids for life’s challenges starts with feeling unconditionally loved and truly known Why self-care, authentic modeling, and genuine repair are essential for strong parent-child relationships What it means to “actively see the best in our child” and why it matters  Resources mentioned About Dr. Ken Ginsburg Center for Parent and Teen Communication Fostering Resilience Lighthouse Parenting: Raising your Child with Loving Guidance for an Enduring Bond by Dr. Ken Ginsburg Congrats—You’re Having a Teen! Strengthen Your Family and Raise a Good Person by Dr. Ken Ginsburg Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings by Dr. Ken Ginsburg Dr. Devorah Heitner on Helping Kids Thrive in a Digital World (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Dr. Devorah Heitner on Parenting Kids Growing Up in Public (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Debbie talks with singer and songwriter Laurie Berkner (The Laurie Berkner Band) about writing music that connects with all kids, why Laurie's music so powerfully resonates with differently wired children, her mission of inclusivity, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I talk with David Yeager about what really fuels motivation and a sense of belonging for our kids—especially neurodivergent ones. We unpack the different mindsets adults bring to the table—like enforcer, protector, and mentor—and how shifting into a mentor mindset can help kids feel respected, understood, and more engaged. David shares powerful insights about what helps adolescents thrive, and we explore how things like trust, connection, and belief in a child’s potential can make all the difference.  About David Yeager, PhD David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the cofounder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. He is best known for his research conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and Greg Walton on short but powerful interventions that influence adolescent behaviors such as motivation, engagement, healthy eating, bullying, stress, mental health, and more. He has consulted for Google, Microsoft, Disney, and the World Bank, as well as for the White House and the governments in California, Texas, and Norway. His research has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, CNN, Fox News, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and more. Clarivate Web of Science ranks Yeager as one of the top 0.1% most-influential psychologists in the world over the past decade. Prior to his career as a scientist, he was a middle school teacher and a basketball coach. He earned his PhD and MA at Stanford University and his BA and MEd at the University of Notre Dame. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and their four children. Things you'll learn from this episode Why motivation thrives in environments where kids feel respected and understood The three mindsets adults often embody when parenting Why belonging and a child’s belief in their potential are critical drivers of motivation and long-term success Research-backed interventions that can significantly improve a young person’s mindset and resilience How creating strong connections with adolescents, grounded in curiosity and collaboration, helps them feel safe, seen, and motivated to grow Resources mentioned David Yeager 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by David Yeager, PhD SXSW EDU Keynote David Yeager, PhD on LinkedIn The Power of Mindset Masterclass Ellen Gallinsky Takes Us Inside the Breakthrough Years (Tilt Parenting Podcast) The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens by Ellen Galinsky Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson on Disengaged Teens (Tilt Parenting Podcast) The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop 11-Year-Old Asher Talks About Developing a Growth Mindset (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Dr. Mary Murphy / Cultures of Growth Phyllis Fagel on Raising Resilient Teens in Turbulent Times (Tilt Parenting) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author, psychologist, and Summit Center executive director Dr. Dan Peters talks about how we can best support differently wired teens and prepare them to successfully launch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this 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.   Debbie Reber, MA is a parenting activist, bestselling author, speaker, and the CEO and founder of TiLT Parenting, a resource, top-performing podcast, consultancy, and community with a focus on shifting the paradigm for parents raising and embracing neurodivergent children. A regular contributor to Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine, and the author of more than a dozen books for children and teens, Debbie’s most recent book is Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope. Margaret Webb is a certified Master Life Coach, parenting coach, nature-based coach, former teacher, wife and mother. As a life and parenting coach, she weaves together her experience as an elementary education teacher with the tools she’s learned in Martha Beck’s Life Coach Training, Sagefire Institute’s Nature-Based Coach Training, and what she’s applied to her own life as a mom of a now 20-year-old autistic son. Her most recent book is Hero’s Journey in Parenting: Parenting the Child You Didn’t Expect While You Were Expecting.   Things you'll learn from this episode Why understanding the root causes of a child's behavior helps parents respond with empathy and effectiveness How dysregulation often stems from overwhelming emotions and energy that need safe release Why co-regulation and physical activity are powerful tools for helping children return to a calm state How a parent's calm presence can de-escalate emotional intensity and offer safety Why knowing when to step in and when to hold space without reacting is key to supporting regulation How keeping a long-term perspective can help parents navigate tough moments with more resilience and hope Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today I’m talking with Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a clinical psychologist, the host of the Divergent Conversations podcast, and the creator of Neurodivergent Insights, where she creates and shares fantastic, well-researched, and accessible resources for the neurodivergent community. Megan Anna is also the author of Self-Care for Autistic People, which we talked about in a previous episode, and her newest book which we’re talking about today, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. We’ll explore what autistic burnout is, how it shows up (especially in kids), and why it’s so often confused with depression. We also get into the realities of recovery, the importance of understanding each person’s baseline, and how to support kids through burnout in ways that are truly helpful.  About Megan Anna Neff  Dr. Megan Anna Neff is a clinical psychologist, author, and founder of Neurodivergent Insights. She is the author of Self-Care for Autistic People and The Autistic Burnout Workbook. Dr. Neff contributes regularly to Psychology Today and has been featured in outlets like CNN, PBS, ABC, and The Los Angeles Times. After discovering her own neurodivergence at age 37, she became passionate about raising awareness of non-stereotypical presentations of autism and ADHD. Through Neurodivergent Insights, she creates educational and wellness resources for the neurodivergent community, while also co-hosting the Divergent Conversations podcast.   Things you'll learn from this episode What is autistic burnout, and why is it sometimes confused with depression What are the major symptoms of burnout, and examples of how it shows up at different ages What recovery really means and why it looks different for everybody The two strategies that are key to recovery from autistic burnout How to support kids through burnout in ways that are truly helpful Resources mentioned Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s website, Neurodivergent Insights The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan by Dr. Megan Anna Neff Self-Care For Autistic People by Dr. Megan Anna Neff Divergent Conversations Podcast Neurodivergent Insights on Instagram Neurodivergent Insights on Facebook Dr. Megan Anna Neff on LinkedIn Dr. Megan Anna Neff’s Link in Bio Dr. Megan Anna Neff on Diagnoses and Misdiagnoses (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Dr. Megan Anna Neff on Self-Care for Autistic People (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Dr. Dora Raymaker Sensate (Sensory device) Dr. Mel Houser on Navigating the Healthcare System as a Neurodivergent Person (Tilt Parenting Podcast) All Brains Belong  Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Power of Brain-Body Parenting (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Dr. Mona Delahooke’s website Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids by Dr. Mona Delahooke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tilt Parenting podcast has a new name—Full Tilt Parenting—and in this short episode, I’m sharing the why behind the change and what it means moving forward. Same mission, same heart... just with a name that better reflects the movement we’re building together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amanda Stern, author of the memoir "Little Panic: Dispatches from an Anxious Life," shares her story of growing up with an undiagnosed and unsupported panic disorder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we’re diving into a topic that’s sometimes tricky to navigate as parents: consent. My guest for this conversation is educator and consent expert Sarah Casper, founder of Comprehensive Consent and author of The Kids and Consent Curriculum. Sarah has taught thousands of children, teens, and adults how to build healthy, respectful, and joyful relationships through a social-emotional lens. Her approach is as thoughtful as it is practical. In this conversation, Sarah and I explored how consent starts early, with the little, everyday interactions that help kids understand their boundaries, express their wants and needs, and learn to respect others wants and needs. We talked about the challenges of balancing safety with autonomy, especially when it comes to things like hygiene, personal space, and social expectations, and why this balance is nuanced when parenting neurodivergent children. Sarah also shared some real-world strategies for introducing consent language at home, navigating pushback, and supporting kids in building self-awareness and self-esteem. If you’ve ever wondered how to model boundaries while still honoring your child’s agency, I know you will find this episode valuable. And hopefully you’ll feel inspired to do the activity Sarah shared at the end of the episode with your family because it’s a great way to evaluate how choices are being made at home and it will help you understand each other a little better.  About Sarah Casper Sarah Casper is an educator, author of The Kids and Consent Curriculum, and the founder of Comprehensive Consent, a social-emotional learning approach to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary for healthy, respectful, and joyful relationships. Through her in-school workshops, online classes, and social media content, Sarah has helped thousands of kids, adolescents, and adults deepen their consent practices.  Things you'll learn from this episode Consent begins in childhood through small, everyday practices that honor bodily autonomy, encourage agency, and invite mutual respect Teaching consent means offering choices, being honest about our intentions, and recognizing when to pivot based on our child’s cues Healthy relationships are rooted in collaboration, not control, and thrive when power dynamics are acknowledged Navigating consent with kids involves balancing their safety with their right to say no, especially in situations involving hygiene, touch, or personal space Supporting a child’s self-regulation and practicing our own helps reduce resentment, foster trust, and model respectful boundary-setting Neurodivergent kids may need extra support in understanding and expressing consent, which makes child-led play and behavior-based communication all the more important  Resources mentioned Comprehensive Consent (Sarah’s website) The Kids & Consent Curriculum: 25 Whole-Classroom Lessons to Teach Boundaries, Collaboration, and Respect by Sarah Casper Betty Martin’s Wheel of Consent Unmasking for Life: The Autistic Person’s Guide to Connecting, Loving, and Living Authentically by Dr. Devon Price Dr. Devon Price on the Autistic Person’s Guide to Unmasking for Life (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Akilah Richards on Raising Free People (Tilt Parenting Podcast) The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives by Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by Dr. David Yeager Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adolescent eating disorder psychotherapists Zoë Bisbing and Leslie Bloch of the Full Bloom Project talk about how to help kids maintain healthy, normal relationships with food and their bodies and create a family culture of body positivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may have heard me mention IFS, or Internal Family Systems, in podcast episodes before. My guest today is going to go into much more detail, but briefly, IFS is a powerful and compassionate therapeutic framework for understanding the different “parts” within ourselves—like the inner critic, the protector, the people-pleaser. Through IFS, we can learn how to befriend and heal those parts so we can show up more fully as our true Self. I’m pretty fascinated by IFS and have seen how transformative it can be in helping people truly heal and find more peace in their lives. In my research, I came across a therapist who not only feels the same but has fully stepped into the intersection of IFS and neurodivergence. So of course, I had to invite them onto the show. In today’s episode, you’ll meet Jude Carn, a certified Level 3 Internal Family Systems (IFS) psychotherapist, international consultant, and passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Jude brings a powerful blend of lived experience and deep professional expertise to their work, and in this episode, we’re exploring how IFS can be a transformative model for neurodivergent individuals and the families who support them. In our conversation, Jude walks us through the core concepts of IFS, explains how this framework can be especially healing for neurodivergent people—who often grow up feeling misunderstood, judged, or exiled—and shares insights on how IFS offers a respectful, empowering approach to trauma that allows each person to move at their own pace. Jude explains that recognizing and befriending one’s own parts can lead to deeper self-acceptance and a better relationship with ourselves. IFS has been transformative for me, and it’s really powerful to start from a place of knowing that you are not broken. Imagine what a difference it would make for all our neurodivergent kids to fundamentally know that they are not broken—and that no parts are bad. IFS can be a truly affirming starting point. I hope you get as excited about it as I do after this conversation.    About my guest Jude Carn is a level 3 certified IFS psychotherapist and approved consultant with the IFS Institute. Jude lives in the UK and works online internationally with some clients and mainly in supporting other therapists through supervision and consultation. Jude is a late diagnosed AuDHDer and an advocate for the recognition of neurodiversity as part of the human experience, rather than disorder.Jude creates and runs training, conference talks and groups supporting therapists to provide better support and care to their neurodivergent clients. She is genderqueer, and uses she/they pronouns. She co-hosts a podcast, Queering IFS which sets out other questions taken for granted norms around heteronormativity and neuronormativity as these present themselves in the world of therapy.Jude lives at home in rural Sussex with her two dogs and long term partner.   You'll learn: What IFS (Internal Family Systems) is and how it helps individuals foster deep self-acceptance through exploring inner parts Why every coping strategy has a purpose, often driven by protectors working to shield exiled parts that carry pain How recognizing and building relationships with internal parts can lead to profound healing and growth How IFS allows respectful trauma exploration at one’s own pace Why neurodivergent individuals may especially benefit from IFS’s flexible, creative, and affirming approach Ideas for how parents and therapists can help their children understand and connect with their parts   Resources: Jude’s website, Anchored in Self Queering IFS Podcast Inneractive Cards Books for kids, teens, and adults about IFS No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma & Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard Schwart, PhD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mindfulness and parenting coach Hunter Clarke-Fields (Mindful Mama Mentor) talks about her new book "Raising Good Humans" and the ways mindfulness can allow parents to respond to challenges with more grace and peace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Creating a home environment that supports meaningful play can feel like a constant puzzle, from managing toy overload to setting up spaces that actually encourage focus, creativity, and independence. So today I’m sharing a conversation with Myriam Sandler, the creator of the hugely popular Mothercould platform and the author of the new book Playful by Design: A Stress-Free Guide to Raising Confident, Creative Kids through Independent Play. As a mother of three, Myriam shares engaging, easy-to-follow video tutorials that offer accessible DIY play ideas, parenting hacks, family travel tips, and more on her wildly popular Instagram and TikTok. Though I’m no longer dealing with toys lying around the house and cluttering our communal spaces, I definitely found life with my child’s toys challenging, from how to organize them and store them, to how to avoid having too many toys that never got used. I really could have used Myriam’s insights way back then. But if you’re still very much in it and sharing a home and life with things like toys, art supplies, and more, have a listen to this episode. Myriam and I discussed the power of independent play and why less is more when it comes to toys, how boredom can actually be a gift, and how small tweaks, like decluttering a play space or setting up “play hotspots,” can make a big difference in your child’s ability to play solo. Myriam really believes in making the space you have, the toys you have, and the system you implement work for you instead of trying to make someone else’s system work for your family. I hope you walk away feeling empowered knowing that you don’t need a ton of new things but just some time to evaluate what’s working and what’s not.   About my guest Myriam Sandler is the creator of Mothercould (@mothercould), a beloved kids’ activity and family lifestyle community trusted by millions of families. As a mother of three, Myriam shares engaging, easy-to-follow video tutorials that offer accessible DIY play ideas, parenting hacks, family travel tips, and more. Mothercould has grown to offer family-friendly, problem-solving products now available at major retailers.   You'll learn: Why boredom is an important aspect of sparking creativity and self-directed play How fewer toys can lead to deeper, more meaningful play The way that decluttering creates space for imagination to flourish What the key ingredients to independent play are, and what means and looks like The importance of boundaries and consistency in supporting sustained solo play How play “hotspots” and sensory activities can foster connection and emotional release  Resources: Mothercould Playful by Design: A Stress-Free Guide to Raising Confident, Creative Kids through Independent Play by Myriam Sandler Mothercould on Instagram Mothercould on Facebook Playful By Design website Mothercould on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this reverse interview, Debbie Steinberg-Kuntz of Bright & Quirky talks to Debbie about how to forge a path when school isn't working out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parent coach Zach Morris joins Debbie to answer a listener question on how to support a neurodivergent child who has incredibly low self-esteem despite a parent's constant reassurance. Visit the show notes page at https://tiltparenting.com/session444 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, we’re talking about awe and wonder and all the incredible benefits that these simple and accessible emotions can have in terms of learning and child development. And I have the perfect guest here to talk about it — Deborah Farmer Kris, a child development expert, longtime educator, and author of the wonderful new book Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive. In this conversation, we talk about how and why awe is such a powerful tool for emotional regulation, learning, and resilience for our kids. Deborah shares some of the neuroscience behind wonder and walks us through how simple moments of awe, like listening to music, walking outside, or witnessing a small act of kindness, can lower stress, spark curiosity, and build deeper connections for our kids. She also offered strategies for cultivating awe with your child, even during the most challenging seasons of parenting. This episode is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to add one more thing to our to-do lists to make a meaningful shift. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, noticing what’s already here, and inviting our kids into that sense of wonder with us. And I think what I love about this so much is that awe is something that’s available to all of us, and experiencing it, even for little moments, not only feels wonderful (pun intended), but it has very real, positive benefits. About Deborah Deborah Farmer Kris is a child development expert and the author of "Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive,” the I See You board book series, and the All the Time picture book series. Her bylines include CNN, PBS KIDS, NPR’s Mindshift, The Washington Post, the Boston Globe Magazine, and Oprah Daily. Deborah is currently an expert advisor for the PBS KIDS show, “Carl the Collector,” and spent 20+ years as a K-12 educator. Mostly, she loves sharing nuggets of practical wisdom that can make the parenting journey a little easier.   You'll learn: How the powerful emotion of awe builds resilience and supports well-being Why curiosity and wonder spark internal motivation and deeper learning How to tap into nature, art, music, and kindness as everyday sources of awe for children Why experiencing awe can lower stress, improve memory, and support emotional regulation How parents can nurture awe by modeling curiosity and slowing down with their kids Ideas for creating small, shared moments of wonder strengthen connection and support family wellness  Resources: Deborah Farmer Kris’ website Parenthood 365 Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive by Deborah Farmer Kris Raising Awe-Seekers Podcast Deborah on Instagram Deborah on LinkedIn You Wonder All the Time by Deborah Farmer Kris You Are Growing All the Time by Deborah Farmer Kris I Love You All the Time by Deborah Farmer Kirs You Have Feelings All the Time by Deborah Farmer Kris Dr. Dacher Kelter Dr. Michele Borba Mindshift (KQED / PBS) Pub Choir Robert Waldinger Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness by Jamil Zaki The Happiness Study at Harvard Challenge Success I Love N.Y.E. (Badly Drawn Boy song) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Educator, homeschooling mom, and founder of Lemon Lime Adventures Dayna Abraham discusses sensory processing challenges, being a differently wired parent, and her four-step approach parents can use to go from chaos to calm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today I’m talking with Jacqui Byrne, the founder of FlexSchool, a pioneering educational model designed specifically for 2e students. Jacqui is an award-winning educational leader, a sought-after speaker, and a passionate advocate for neurodiverse learners. She’s also a parent of 2e kids herself, and she built FlexSchool not just as an educator, but as a mom determined to find a better way for her own children, who were struggling at school. This is Jacqui’s second time on the show—the last time was six years ago (and I encourage you to listen to that episode too). I wanted to bring Jacqui back to talk about what she’s learned and observed in supporting the learning and growth of twice-exceptional kids over the years. We get into all kinds of topics in this conversation, including the story behind FlexSchool’s creation and the philosophy that drives it, the power of talent-based learning, and how teachers and schools can become places of trust, safety, and joy for 2e kids who have often felt like misfits. Jacqui also shares insights into how behavioral issues in 2e students are often identity crises, and what it means to support their growth across the full arc of their lives.   About Jaqui Byrne Jacqui Byrne has a knack for seeing the brilliance others miss. As the visionary behind FlexSchool, she built a place where gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students could thrive—quirks, challenges, and all. She didn’t set out to start a school; she set out to solve a problem. Too many gifted, complex learners were being overlooked, underestimated, or misunderstood, and that wasn’t something she was willing to accept.Jacqui never asks, “Why can’t they do this?” Instead, she asks, “What haven’t we figured out yet?” An award-winning educational leader, sought-after speaker, and passionate advocate, Jacqui presents at conferences, school districts, and education associations across the U.S. and internationally. She is the 2025 winner of the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children’s prestigious Developing Minds Award. She serves on the advisory board for the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education and holds a degree from Yale University. She is the parent of twice-exceptional kids and knows firsthand what it feels like to watch a child struggle in either a gifted program or special education when they need both. That’s why she built FlexSchool—not just as an educator, but as a mom who refused to give up.   You'll learn: How neurodivergent language is gaining acceptance and shifting education toward more inclusive, affirming mindsets How Flex School’s talent-based model meets students where they are, sparking agency, creativity, and joy What Jacqui sees as key to teaching 2e students—modeling humility, building trust, and embracing their humor and uniqueness Why identity crises and masking are common in 2e kids and often drive anxiety and behavior challenges Why gifted kids may struggle with executive function or study skills despite high intellect—and how to better support them  Resources: Flex School Inside the Flex School with Founder Jacqui Byrne (Tilt Parenting Podcast) 2e101 website New Jersey Association of Gifted Children (NJAGC) Dr. Ross Greene / Lives in the Balance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices