• 41 minutes 12 seconds
    TPP 518: Good Sleeping for Neurodivergent Kids, with Dr. Melisa Moore

    ​Today we’re talking about the complex and often misunderstood sleep challenges that show up in neurodivergent kids with Dr. Melisa Moore, a clinical psychologist who is board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine and has spent years supporting children, teens, and young adults with sleep and mood concerns. We’ll talk about some of the concepts in Melisa’s new book, The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids, including why sleep issues are so common in neurodivergent children, the role of underlying conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, how to recognize when something more than “typical” sleep struggles might be going on, and what kinds of support can actually make a difference. Melisa also shares practical strategies for improving sleep routines and helping kids—and their families—get the rest they need.


    About Melisa Moore, PhD 

    Melisa Moore, PhD, is a clinical psychologist board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine. Dr. Moore currently practices in the Los Angeles area and virtually across the country, supporting children, teens, and young adults for a variety of sleep and mood issues. She also works for the Sleep Center at Rady Children’s Health, San Diego. Dr. Moore continues to supervise medical and psychology trainees and teaches courses on pediatric sleep around the world. She previously worked at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for 17 years, serving as the Psychosocial Director of the Sleep Center and as faculty of the University of Pennsylvania.

    Inspired by her work with families in combination with her experience as a mom, Dr. Moore’s book The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodivergent Kids is a compassionate, comprehensive, science-backed guide to improving sleep in neurodiverse children and teens, released by New World Library on March 4, 2026.


    Things you'll learn from this episode 

    • How biology, genetics, and circadian rhythms shape sleep patterns in neurodivergent children
    • Why sleep challenges are so common in kids with ADHD and autism, and what’s driving them
    • How to recognize signs of obstructive sleep apnea and other underlying sleep disorders
    • Why co-occurring conditions like allergies or hypermobility can further disrupt sleep
    • How consistent routines and supportive sleep associations can improve bedtime success
    • When to seek professional support and what options are available for addressing complex sleep issues

    Resources mentioned

     

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    25 August 2026, 9:00 am
  • 36 minutes 27 seconds
    TPP 352a: Occupational Therapist Kelly Mahler on the Power in Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergent Kids' Interoception Experience

    I wanted to explore this concept of interoception and differently wired kids more deeply for the show, so I reached out to Kelly Mahler, an occupational therapist who specializes in interoception and is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma, and autism.

    Kelly answered my big questions about interoception, including how it relates to sensory processing differences or SPD, why it’s essential that we help our children get to know their bodies’ unique language, and the relationship between ADHD, autism, and interoception. We also talked about what happens in our kids’ brains when they increase their interoceptive awareness, and effective strategies for helping our kids develop in this area.

     

     

    Things you'll learn from this episode:

    * What interoception is and how it relates to sensory processing differences

    * What the spectrum of interoception awareness is and how extremes may manifest

    * The relationship between ADHD, autism, and interoception challenges

    * How to support a child with poor interoception awareness to become more tuned in to their body’s internal experience

    * What happens in our brains when we start to increase our interoception awareness

    * How to help older kids who’ve been on the receiving end of compliance-based strategies to reconnect with and trust their bodies

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    21 August 2026, 4:00 am
  • 32 minutes 7 seconds
    TPP 517: James Guttman on Becoming the Father His Autistic Son Needed

    Today I’m talking with James Guttman, author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. James is the father of a nonspeaking autistic son and a neurotypical daughter, and through his writing and podcast he shares an honest, deeply personal perspective on fatherhood, autism, and the journey toward acceptance.

    One of the reasons I wanted to have James on the show is because we so rarely hear fathers' voices in conversations about raising neurodivergent kids. Like all of us, James's understanding has evolved over time, and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with him about that evolution, what he's learned from his children, and why acceptance has become such a central part of his story.

    In our conversation, we talk about fatherhood, acceptance, community, and the unexpected ways our neurodivergent kids can change us for the better.


    About James Guttman 

    James Guttman is the author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. As a father to a nonverbal son and a neurotypical daughter, he shares a message rooted in autism appreciation and the belief that our kids’ differences hold their own beauty.

    His writing reached national attention when his HuffPost Personal essay drew more than 750,000 readers in a single day and became one of the most-clicked stories on Apple News. Through his long-running blog, Hi Blog! I’m Dad, James tells honest, heartfelt stories about parenting, connection, and the shared humanity between his children.

    James is also the author of the Amazon-bestselling Expectant Father’s Activity Book, and his work has been featured by Love What Matters, The Mighty, the Organization for Autism Research, Yahoo Lifestyle, and more.

    A survivor of a quintuple bypass at 35 and host of the Hi Pod! I’m Dad podcast, James brings humor, vulnerability, and perspective to conversations about parenting, mental health, and raising kids in a world that doesn’t always understand them.


    Things you'll learn from this episode 

    • How James’s journey raising neurodivergent children reshaped his understanding of parenting, autism, and himself
    • How surviving a heart attack transformed James’s perspective on fatherhood, presence, and what truly matters
    • Why fathers need more inclusive spaces, community, and support as they navigate parenting neurodivergent kids
    • How authenticity, vulnerability, and redefining masculinity can strengthen relationships with children and challenge outdated assumptions
    • How James’s evolving relationship with his children, and his son’s example, helped him become a more authentic version of himself


    Resources mentioned 

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    18 August 2026, 9:00 am
  • 45 minutes 42 seconds
    TPP 280a: Occupational Therapist Rosemary White Talks about DIR / Floortime

    Pediatric and occupational therapist Rosemary White explains the philosophy behind DIR / Floortime as a powerful modality to support children's sensory, motor, and social / emotional development.


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    14 August 2026, 4:00 am
  • 37 minutes 44 seconds
    TPP 516: A Conversation with Dr. Gila About Supporting Single Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

    Today we’re talking about a parenting experience that comes with its own unique set of challenges and complexities: raising neurodivergent kids as a single parent. My guest is Dr. Gila, a clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, certified parenting coach, and single mom who is passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Gila has a gift for translating complex ideas into practical strategies parents can put into action right away.

    In our conversation, we explore the unique realities of solo parenting neurodivergent children, including the emotional load, decision fatigue, and constant balancing act that so many single parents face. Dr. Gila shares practical approaches for managing overwhelm, staying connected to your values, and creating more sustainability in daily life. This is a validating and encouraging conversation for any parent carrying a lot—and especially for those doing it on their own.

     

    About Dr. Gila

    Dr. Gila is a single mom, certified parenting coach, clinical psychologist, and neuropsychologist. She’s passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work.

    Dr. Gila combines her professional background with her lived experience in a relatable, down-to-earth style. Her background as an educator and medical writer makes her especially skilled at translating complex concepts into practical tools you can understand…and actually use.


    Things you'll learn from this episode 

    • Why grief, worry about the future, and emotional exhaustion are common realities for many single parents
    • How the “sink model” helps explain the mental, emotional, and cognitive load that can lead to overwhelm
    • How strategies like “stop, drop, and roll” and compassionate reframing can support parents through moments of dysregulation
    • Why community, support systems, and self-care practices such as audio journaling are essential for sustainability
    • How values-based parenting, creative connection, and letting go of perfection help families thrive through small, meaningful moments


    Resources mentioned 

     

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    11 August 2026, 9:00 am
  • 38 minutes 46 seconds
    TPP 104b: Dr. Lori Baudino on the Power of Movement, Dance, and the Mind/Body Connection

    Dance/movement therapist Dr. Lori Baudino talks about how teaching differently wired kids to tap into the mind-body connection can help with emotional regulation, social communication, and more.


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    7 August 2026, 4:00 am
  • 48 minutes 33 seconds
    TPP 515: Dr. Emily King & the Neurodivergent Learner: A New Approach to Your Child's Success

    Today we’re exploring a more holistic, humane approach to supporting neurodivergent learners — one that starts with understanding the nervous system and builds from there. My guest is Dr. Emily King, a child psychologist who has spent more than 20 years working with neurodivergent youth in both school settings and private practice. She’s the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom®, a professional development curriculum for educators, and the author of her new book The Neurodivergent Learner, which we’ll be talking about today.

    In our conversation, Emily and I talk about why safety and regulation are foundational for learning, how relationships at school can shape outcomes in powerful ways, and what it means to redefine success for kids who don’t fit traditional models. We also explore practical ways parents can partner with schools to better support their children, and how shifting our lens can open up new possibilities for growth, connection, and well-being.


    About Dr. Emily King 

    Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist who has worked with neurodivergent learners for over 20 years. She received a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and began her career in Houston, Texas, specializing in school-based mental health in K-12 public schools. She has since worked in private practice in North Carolina supporting the mental health, executive functioning, and social needs of neurodivergent youth. Dr. Emily hosts the Learn with Dr. Emily Substack, where she provides parent workshops, is the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom®, a professional development curriculum for educators, and her first book, The Neurodivergent Learner, was released in August 2026.


    Things you'll learn from this episode 

    • How mental health, education, and neurodivergence are deeply interconnected in shaping a child’s experience
    • Why building felt safety and a true sense of community at school is foundational for learning
    • How navigating IEPs, homework, and behavior systems benefits from a flexible, relationship-centered approach
    • Why prioritizing social satisfaction over social achievement supports authentic connection and well-being
    • How parents can assess and choose school environments that truly fit their neurodivergent child
    • Why leading with relationships and adaptability strengthens both parenting and advocacy

    Resources mentioned 

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    4 August 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    TPP 421a: A Bonus Conversation with Dr. Stuart Shanker about Self-Regulation and Helping Our Children Successfully Engage with Life

    Dr. Stuart Shanker, author of Self-Reg, shares his expertise on self-regulation, offering practical strategies and compassionate insights to help neurodivergent kids and their families manage stress and build self-awareness.

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    31 July 2026, 4:00 am
  • 39 minutes 1 second
    TPP 514: An Introduction to Neurodiversity-Affirming OT, with Dr. Bryden Carlson-Giving

    Today, I’m joined by Bryden Carlson-Giving, an occupational therapy practitioner and the creator of the EMPOWER model, the first neurodiversity-affirming OT framework. Bryden is both neurodivergent and disabled himself, and his work focuses on helping practitioners challenge ableism and create more supportive, affirming environments for neurodivergent individuals.

    In our conversation, Bryden walks us through the EMPOWER model and what it looks like in practice, especially when it comes to evaluations, goal-setting, and therapy approaches. We talk about how ableism can show up in subtle and systemic ways, and what it means to truly shift toward inclusive, affirming care. This is a thoughtful, important conversation about reimagining support — not just in therapy, but across education and systems more broadly.


    About Bryden Carlson-Giving 

    Bryden Carlson-Giving, OTD, OTR/L is a neurodivergent and disabled occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) with experience in pediatric outpatient, inpatient, and school-based settings. Bryden earned his post-professional doctorate from Boston University, where his research focused on creating a toolkit to support OTPs in challenging ableism within the OT profession. This work led to the development of the first neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy model, the EMPOWER model. He received the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from Boston University, and is the editor of the first neurodiversity-focused occupational therapy book, titled Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy: Empowering Approaches to Foster Neurodivergent Participation.


    Things you'll learn from this episode 

    • How Bryden’s journey into occupational therapy led to creating a neurodiversity-affirming toolkit
    • Why the Empower model centers strengths-based practice, anti-racism, disability justice, and trauma-informed care
    • How inclusive evaluations can look in practice, especially within school-based systems
    • Why implementing neurodiversity-affirming approaches in bureaucratic settings comes with both challenges and opportunities
    • How ongoing self-reflection and unpacking internalized ableism are essential for practitioners
    • How parents, educators, and therapists can take practical steps to amplify neurodiversity-affirming work

    Resources mentioned


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    28 July 2026, 9:00 am
  • 44 minutes 15 seconds
    TPP 324a: A Conversation about Declarative Language and Co-Regulation, with Linda Murphy

    Linda Murphy describes declarative language as a positive, thoughtful communication style that emphasizes understanding, patience, respect, and kindness, and as you’ll hear from our conversation, it is an ideal communication style for really all children, but especially neurodivergent children and kids whose nervous systems are triggered by demands or more imperative communication styles. We discussed the different ways we can communicate with our children, the language we use, and the effects that simple shifts in the way we have conversations can have in our daily interactions with them. We also explored what is declarative language versus imperative language, as well as the relationship between co-regulation and declarative language and why we should use them in tandem. 


    Things you'll learn from this episode

    * What it means to use declarative language (versus imperative language)

    * Why declarative language is so effective for neurodivergent children, and especially those who are wired to be more demand avoidance

    * Why declarative language is more effective when paired with co-regulation

    * Common language and communication styles that place demands on kids that we may not be aware of (including questions)

    * How to introduce declarative language communication and how it can support a child’s learning and development

    * What we can hope to see in a child or an adolescent that has been on the receiving end of this style of communication

    * What to say instead of “Did you hear what I said”?


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    24 July 2026, 4:00 am
  • 37 minutes 59 seconds
    TPP 513: Understanding Dysgraphia: Beyond the Surface of Messy Handwriting, with Kelli Fetter

    Today we’re diving into dysgraphia—what it is, how it’s different from general handwriting struggles, and why so many kids go unsupported for far too long. My guest is Kelli Fetter, a certified handwriting specialist and occupational therapist, and the founder of Handwriting Solutions. Kelli breaks down the neurological underpinnings of dysgraphia, how it can show up differently from child to child, and why early recognition is so important. We talk about the role of assessment, how to distinguish dysgraphia from more general handwriting difficulties, and what meaningful support can look like at home and in school. This is a practical, eye-opening conversation for anyone trying to better understand—and advocate for—a child struggling with writing.


    About Kelli Fetter 

    Kelli Fetter, MS, OTR/L is a Certified Handwriting Specialist and the founder of Handwriting Solutions, LLC, where she and her team provide world-class handwriting, reading, and spelling tutoring to students virtually across the globe. Beyond her direct work with families, Kelli is a recognized leader in teacher and therapist education, equipping professionals with evidence-based strategies that transform student outcomes.

    With a career rooted in occupational therapy, Kelli has practiced in pediatric outpatient clinics, early intervention programs, preschools, and private schools, and has also served as an adjunct professor in pediatrics and kinesiology. Her expertise spans handwriting, dysgraphia, and dyslexia, supported by extensive advanced training in these areas.
    Kelli’s passion is deeply personal, fueled by her own daughter’s journey with dyslexia and dysgraphia. This lived experience drives her mission to empower parents, educators, and therapists with the tools and confidence they need to unlock every child’s potential.


    Things you'll learn from this episode 

    • How dysgraphia differs from messy handwriting and why it’s rooted in complex neurological processes
    • Why handwriting is such a demanding task for the brain, involving multiple systems working together
    • How to recognize common signs like avoidance, frustration, and inconsistent output
    • Why dysgraphia is often overlooked in schools and the importance of comprehensive assessment and advocacy
    • How to balance skill-building with technology accommodations to support functional success
    • Why focusing on confidence and real-world skills matters more than striving for perfect handwriting

    Resources mentioned

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    21 July 2026, 9:00 am
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