Today we’re talking about the power of community, resilience, and what it really means to show up bravely in the caregiver parenting journey. My guest is fellow community builder and mom on a mission Jessica Patay, the founder of We Are Brave Together, a global community supporting moms raising children with disabilities and other unique needs. Jessica’s work is deeply rooted in her own experience as a caregiving mom to her son Ryan, who was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, and her mission is all about making sure no parent has to walk this path alone.

In our conversation, Jessica shares her story and the inspiration behind building such a powerful, life-giving community for mothers. We talk about the isolation so many caregivers experience, the importance of connection and support, and what it looks like to cultivate resilience in the midst of ongoing challenges. Jessica also offers practical, compassionate insights for parents who are feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that even in the hardest seasons, we are not alone—and we were never meant to do this by ourselves.

About Jessica Patay 

Jessica Patay is passionate about serving caregiving moms and creating authentic communities.  She has always fostered deep, life-giving friendships and has been intentional about her community of girlfriends.  As a caregiving mom herself, this passion carries on as she gathers women to encourage them, mentor them, inspire them, and validate their intense and precious journeys.

Her own story as a mom to a child with a disability, began in 2003 when her second son, Ryan, was born and diagnosed with a rare, genetic disorder, called Prader-Willi syndrome. Within two days of receiving this diagnosis, she received a phone call from a mentor mom from the Prader-Willi California Foundation.  Immediately she felt relief and comfort knowing she was NOT ALONE. Thankfully, Ryan is sandwiched in the middle of siblings Luke and Kate, both fierce and loving cheerleaders and helpers to Ryan.

Jessica is the founder of The We Are Brave Together organization, a supportive community for moms of children with disabilities and all unique needs, which has grown into an international community of over 4200 moms. She has helped launch over 25 support groups all over the United States, and in New Zealand and Australia, in the last five years. She is the host of the Brave Together Podcast.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

• Why community is a critical foundation for healing, resilience, and feeling less alone as a caregiver

• How distinguishing between caregiving and motherhood can help parents better understand their experience

• How We Are Brave Together creates connection through circles, retreats, and shared storytelling

• Why bravery often shows up in small, everyday moments rather than big, visible acts

• How Jessica’s work, including Suddenly Brave Together, reflects and validates the lived experience of caregivers

• Why systemic challenges can leave caregivers isolated—and how taking small, practical steps can help them find support now

Resources mentioned 

• We Are Brave Together

• Brave Together Podcast

• Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight by Jessica Patay

• Suddenly Brave Together: Letters to Caregiving Moms in a Defining Moment of Their Lives by Jessica Patay

• We Are Brave Together Facebook Group

• Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally by Emily Ladau

• Emily Ladau on Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• Kelley Coleman on Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• Margaret Webb Parent Coaching

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We are kicking off this season with a conversation with Dr. Stuart Shanker, who I first learned about through my friend Seth Perler as he’s been part of the TEFOS Summit. I love Stuart's message and recently devoured his book Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage With Life, and wanted to dive deeper with Stuart about it. In this episode, we get into the ways in which the brain controls the levels of stress, the difference between self-regulation and self-control, and the difference between stress behavior and misbehaving. Stuart also walks us through his 5 steps to Self-Reg, and talks about the power of us as parents and caregivers and educators doing our own self-reg work so we can support the kids around us.

Things you'll learn from this episode

* How the explosion of stress-related problems in recent years among children has augmented the need for additional self-reg resources for parents and educators

* How the brain controls the levels of stress and simple strategies that can be used to calm the nervous system response

* Why self-reg practices for parents and teachers other adults begin with learning how to regulate ourselves

* The difference between misbehavior and stress behavior

* How self-regulation mechanisms evolve as we get older

* The distinction between self-control and self-regulation and the five steps to self-regulation

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Today we’re exploring the intersection of giftedness, identity, and belonging—and what it means to support gifted kids in a world that’s changing faster than ever. My guest is Mark Talaga, director of the Center for Identity Potential, where he focuses on helping young people understand themselves more deeply and develop a grounded sense of who they are.

In our conversation, Mark and I talk about the complexities of gifted identity—how it forms, how it can get disrupted, and why a strong sense of belonging is so critical for well-being. We also dive into the impact of AI and the digital landscape on gifted youth, and what this means for their development, purpose, and connection. This is a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about how we can better support gifted kids in navigating both their inner world and the rapidly evolving world around them.

About Mark Talaga  

Mark Talaga is a counselor, speaker, and consultant specializing in the social, emotional, and developmental needs of gifted and asynchronous individuals. As part of the Center for Identity Potential, his work focuses on helping children, adolescents, and adults better understand the complex interaction between cognitive intensity, identity development, executive functioning, and educational environments. He is particularly interested in the ways relationships—with teachers, families, and systems—shape whether gifted learners are able to fully engage in growth.

Mark frequently provides professional development for educators and clinicians on topics such as twice-exceptionality, language processing differences, attentional regulation, and strengthening student–teacher relationships through neurodevelopmental understanding. His presentations are known for translating complex psychological concepts into practical strategies that professionals can apply immediately in classrooms and counseling settings.

In addition to his clinical work, Mark consults with schools and organizations seeking more effective approaches to supporting advanced learners whose needs are often misunderstood by traditional models. Across settings, his goal is to help people move beyond deficit-based interpretations and toward a deeper understanding of how developmental differences can become sources of clarity, connection, and long-term potential.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

• How redefining giftedness beyond academics to include emotional, moral, and physical domains broadens how we support kids

• Why the landscape for gifted children has shifted in recent years, especially with the influence of technology and AI

• How identity development in gifted kids often involves exploring multiple, authentic selves over time

• Why belonging—both offline and online—plays a critical role in well-being and social development

• How emotional growth shapes key social skills like asking for help and active listening

• How parents can use practical strategies, including identity-focused frameworks, to support their children through complex cultural and technological shifts

Resources mentioned 

• The Center for Identity Potential

• Hopelessly Gifted podcast

• Andrew Mahoney

• Dr. Gail Post on the Journey of Parenting Gifted Children (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children by Gail Post

• Supporting Black Gifted Students with Dr. Joy Lawson Davis (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• Bright, Talented, & Black: A Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners by Joy Lawson Davis, Ed.D.

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Today I’m talking with Amanda Diekman, author of the book, Low-demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection With Your Uniquely Wired Child

Because low-demand parenting can be such an effective approach to supporting differently wired kids, especially kids who fall under the PDA profile of autism, I invited Amanda to join the show for a conversation about what this parenting approach looks like. An autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space, Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practice. She runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community. During this episode, we talk about what low demand parenting is, why it’s different than what might be referred to as “permissive” parenting, why it’s so effective for kids with PDA, and how she helps parents loosen up the mindset around non-negotiables. 

Amanda Diekman is an autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space. Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practices, with her book Low Demand Parenting to be published July 2023. Amanda runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community. 

Things you'll learn from this episode

• What led Amanda to implement low-demand parenting in her family
• What low demand parenting is, and why it’s often misconstrued as permissive
• The relationship between PDA and low-demand parenting
• Examples of big demands and tiny demands, and how shifting the focus can reduce stress for kids
• How Amanda helps parents in loosening their mindset about what they define as non-negotiables
• Ideas for practicing low-demand parenting in regard to our kids’ relationship with technology and screens
• How Amanda and her co-parenting partner came to work together using low-demand parenting

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Today we’re talking about something that can make or break the parenting experience: how we align with our partners in raising our kids. My guest is clinical counselor Martina Nova, author of the new book Same Page Parenting, where she offers a practical framework for helping couples move out of blame and into more honest, connected conversations about parenting.

In our conversation, Martina and I explore what gets in the way of alignment, from our own histories and fears to the added layers of neurodivergent parenting, navigating differences around discipline, digital habits, and decision-making, and what it takes to stay connected as our kids grow into adulthood. Martina shares thoughtful questions and practical strategies to help couples better understand each other’s perspectives and build a more intentional, collaborative approach to parenting.

About Martina Nova

Martina Nova is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in British Columbia and the founder of NovaCare Therapy. She specializes in working with individuals, parents and couples navigating trauma, ADHD, people-pleasing, and early attachment patterns. Martina helps couples move out of blame and into more honest conversations about parenting, emotional needs, and relationship dynamics.

In addition to her clinical work, Martina is an author and educator who creates practical tools to help couples communicate more openly about the realities of family life. Her work highlights how many parenting conflicts are less about discipline strategies and more about the histories, fears, and values each partner brings into parenting.

Martina regularly shares mental health education through media, speaking, and social platforms, helping parents feel less alone in the complexities of modern parenting.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

• How intentional communication and aligning values create a stronger foundation for parenting and partnership

• Why using therapy-informed questions helps parents unpack their upbringing, beliefs, and evolving identities

• How practical tools like weekly check-ins and family-wide conversations foster connection and collaboration

• Why recognizing and supporting neurodivergence in both parents and children is essential for healthy dynamics

• How navigating outside pressures, social media, and autonomy supports long-term trust with kids

• Why maintaining the parent-child relationship into adulthood requires ongoing reflection, flexibility, and shared tools

Resources mentioned 

• Martina Nova’s website, Novacare Therapy

• Same Page Parenting: Align with Your Partner to Raise Happy, Confident, and Resilient Kids by Martina Nova

• Novacare Therapy Resources Page

• Martina Nova on Instagram

• The Gottman Institute

• Dr. Ross Greene on Using CPS with Very Young Kids (Tilt Parenting podcast)

• Dr. Ken Ginsburg on Lighthouse Parenting — Loving Guidance for an Enduring Bond (Tilt Parenting podcast)

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Kristy Forbes joins me to talk about what autistic burnout is and how it presents, why “deep rest” is critical for someone experiencing autistic burnout, and how autistic burnout is differentiated from mood disorders or depression. We also talk frankly about the challenges of seeing burnout in autistic / PDA children through a neuronormative lens, and how that may lead to therapies and strategies that may be the opposite of what a child in autistic burnout actually needs.

About Kristy Forbes Kristy Forbes is an Australian-based autism & neurodiversity support specialist with experience working with clients both nationally and internationally. This includes neurodivergent people and their families; and professionals who wish to support them, such as educators, psychologists, pediatricians, allied health professionals, support workers and integration aides. Her work is informed by her extensive professional experience as an educator (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary teaching), as an integration aide to children with social, emotional and behavioral differences, and as a childhood behavioral and family support specialist. Kristy has degrees in Political Science, Education, Literature, Film and Art. Her most valuable insights, however, come from lived experience.

Kristy is formally identified autistic, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as well as being a parent to four neurodivergent children, all with varying neurodivergent experience and expression including being non speaking, apraxia, dyspraxia, tourettes and PDA. She has the unique experience and insight of many perspectives: the teacher, the support specialist, the parent, the partner and the neurodivergent person (including the child she once was!).

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Today we’re diving into the complex and often overwhelming world of allergies, asthma, and related conditions—and what it really takes to support kids (and families) living with them. My guest is Dr. Zachary Rubin, a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who’s known for making allergy science accessible and understandable to millions. He’s also the author of the new book, All About Allergies, which is a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.

In our conversation, Dr. Rubin breaks down how the immune system responds in different allergic scenarios, what’s behind the rise in things like pollen counts and food allergies, and how conditions like asthma fit into the bigger picture. We also talk about practical strategies for managing symptoms, supporting kids in everyday life, and reducing some of the stress and uncertainty that can come with allergies. 

 About Dr. Zachary Rubin

Dr. Zachary Rubin is a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who practices at Oak Brook Allergists in the Chicago area. A nationally recognized medical educator and public health advocate, he shares evidence-based, accessible information on allergies, asthma, and public health with over 3 million followers under the handle @rubin_allergy. Dr. Rubin earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, completed his pediatrics residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, and his allergy/immunology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Outside of medicine, he enjoys swimming, hiking, golfing, hula hooping, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and three German Shepherds. All About Allergies is his first book, offering a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• How allergies work in the body and how the immune system responds across different triggers and scenarios

• Why the connection between allergies and neurodivergence is gaining attention, despite ongoing research gaps

• How environmental changes, including climate factors, are contributing to rising allergy prevalence

• Why understanding diagnosis, prevention, and emergency planning is essential for managing food allergies

• How asthma functions as an allergic lung condition and what that means for long-term health

• Why addressing the emotional, social, and practical realities of living with allergies is key for
  supporting kids and families

Resources mentioned

• Dr. Zachary Rubin’s Substack

• All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More by Zachary Rubin, MD

• Dr. Zachary Rubin on Instagram

• Dr. Zachary Rubin on Threads

• Dr. Zachary Rubin on Facebook

• Dr. Zachary Rubin on YouTube

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Today we’re diving into what it really looks like to advocate for our neurodivergent kids in school in a way that’s truly aligned with who they are. My guest is Dr. Destiny Huff, a trauma therapist, advocate, and educator whose work is deeply informed by her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic mother.

In our conversation, we explore the limitations and pitfalls of traditional IEP processes, what a genuinely neurodiversity-affirming approach can look like in practice, and how families can build more effective, collaborative relationships with schools. Destiny shares both big-picture reframes and practical strategies, offering a grounded, honest look at how to navigate systems that weren’t designed with our kids in mind, while still holding onto possibility and meaningful change.

About Dr. Destiny Huff 

Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, is a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mental health therapist, non-attorney special education advocate, and national speaker. She is the founder of Destiny Huff Consulting, where she supports families and schools in implementing neuroaffirming practices and navigating the IEP process.

As the mother of two neurodivergent learners in public school special education, Dr. Huff brings both lived and professional experience to her work. She focuses on dismantling deficit-based narratives in education and addressing the intersection of race, disability, and trauma.

Dr. Huff has presented nationally and co-hosts The Affirming Village Podcast, where she explores advocacy, disability justice, and the realities of navigating special education systems.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

• How Dr. Huff’s journey from parent to advocate informs her approach to neurodiversity-affirming support

• Why individualized, meaningful IEPs matter more than compliance-driven plans

• How systemic barriers like underfunding and lack of training impact school support for neurodivergent students

• What distinguishes traditional IEPs from neuroaffirming ones—and how that shows up in real life

• How documenting data at home can strengthen advocacy for accommodations and services

• Why supporting kids in understanding themselves and building self-advocacy is essential, alongside leveraging community and advocacy to create change

Resources mentioned

• Neuroaffirming Advocacy: A Neuroaffirming Guide to Special Education Advocacy

• Destiny Huff Consulting

• Advocating for Kids, Inc. (Cheryl Poe)

• Affirming Village Podcast with Lisa Baskin-Wright

• Dr. Destiny Huff on Instagram

• Dr. Destiny Huff on Facebook

• Lisa Baskin Wright

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Eliza Fricker joins me to talk about PDA or pathological demand avoidance – and in fact I know many people interpret PDA as persistent desire for autonomy. I’ve done a few episodes on PDA before but never from a parent’s perspective so after reading Eliza’s book, The Family Experience of PDA, I knew I wanted to share her perspective with the Tilt community. During this episode, we talked about how demand avoidance is more extreme in a child with a PDA profile vs. the inflexibility and rigidity we might see in other neurodivergent kids, what Eliza has learned about herself parenting a child with PDA, and what her resistance was to the changes needed to her parenting style.

Eliza also gave out some great tips for teachers who have a PDA student in their classroom and for parents who are struggling with family, friends, or people close to them who aren’t willing to understand what PDA is and what that means for their family.

Things you'll learn from this episode

* What makes demand avoidance more extreme in children with PDA

* Eliza’s experience in changing her parenting ways to become more flexible

* Tweaks teachers can use to work with children who have PDA in a classroom setting

* How PDA may look different than “typical demand avoidance” that we might see in some neurodivergent children

* What Eliza has learned about herself from parenting a child with PDA

* Advice for parents who are raising a child with PDA

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Today we’re talking about autistic burnout—what it is, how it shows up in children and young people, and what it actually takes to support recovery. My guest is Jodie Clarke, an autistic and ADHD professional with more than 20 years of experience specializing in autistic experience and mental health, particularly in children and teens. In this episode, Jodie talks about the signs and causes of autistic burnout, how it’s often misunderstood or missed altogether, and what meaningful support really looks like. This is an essential conversation for anyone supporting autistic kids—grounded, validating, and full of important shifts in how we understand and respond to burnout.

 About Jodie Clarke

Jodie Clarke is an autistic and ADHD professional with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in autistic experience and mental health with a focus on children and young people . She is currently completing a PhD exploring autistic burnout in children and young people. Jodie is also a parent to 3 neurodivergent children of her own.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

• How Jodie Clarke’s personal journey into neurodivergence shapes her advocacy around autism and burnout

• Why masking plays such a significant role in autistic burnout for children and teens

• How autistic burnout shows up in young people and the signs parents can learn to recognize

• Why lowering demands and creating safe, low-pressure environments is essential for recovery

• How societal and family expectations can contribute to burnout and delay healing

• Why supporting recovery involves trusting parental intuition, unlearning conditioning, and helping kids reconnect with their authentic selves

Resources mentioned

• Jodie Clarke’s website

• Stop the World I Want to Get Off: A Guide to Understanding and Supporting the Recovery of Autistic Burnout in Children and Young People by Jodie Clarke

• Young, Autistic, and Burned Out by Jodie Clarke

• Luke Beardon at Sheffield Hallam University

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Our family has gone through our fair share of big changes, which you’ll hear all about in this episode, so this is something that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about. Especially as a parent of a differently wired kid, I know that there are some extra challenges that might come up when their routines, environment, life circumstances, or supports change, and our kids are also more likely to be resistant to changes (even if they are beneficial). So today I’ll be sharing the strategies I’ve personally found helpful while going through big transitions with Asher. 

In this episode, I talk about key things such as why being honest when communicating with your kid is so important to help them understand and process change, how being vulnerable can be a way to show support, how to validate our kids’ feelings about the changes or transitions, and how to identify their concerns so you can make plans to address them in advance. I also share about what adjustment disorder is and the kind of extra support you might need during transitions. 

 What You'll Learn in this Episode

• The benefits and growth that can come from navigating big changes as a family

• Why honesty is so important when communicating with your child about big changes

• What to share versus what not to share with your child about the transitions you go through

• How to validate the big emotions and thoughts that big transitions can bring up in your child

• The importance of doing your own work as a parent to be able to support our kids during transitions

• What adjustment disorder is and the extra support you might need to help your child through one

• How being vulnerable with your kids can be really supportive for them

• Identifying the concerns that our kids have and coming up with plans to address them in advance

• Creating new routines to create security for our kids during big transitions

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