Why Traditional Therapy Fails Parents and What We Can Do About It with Stephanie Fluger - Episode 95

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron sits down with Stephanie Fluger, founder of Connection Therapy Clinic, to explore the raw realities of parenting a neurodivergent child. Stephanie shares her personal journey from overwhelmed mom to inclusion advocate, and how her clinic puts families first with neurodivergent-affirming, play-based therapy. Together, they discuss the gaps in traditional therapy models, the power of authentic parent support, and what true inclusion looks like. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or advocate, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what support and acceptance really mean.

Key Takeaways:

Parent-Centered Support – Stephanie emphasizes that therapy should help parents too, not just children, offering emotional and practical guidance.

Inclusion = Acceptance – True inclusion means accepting individuals exactly as they are—no judgment, no pressure.

Therapy That Fits – Connection Therapy Clinic uses child-led, play-based approaches tailored to real-life challenges, not just textbook strategies.

Faith and Flexibility – Stephanie discusses how raising a neurodivergent child challenged and reshaped her religious routines and expectations.

Dads and Grandparents Matter – An increasing number of fathers and grandparents are stepping up in therapy spaces, breaking old patterns.

Stephanie’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion in its most basic form is the purest of acceptance.

Stephanie’s Bio:

Stephanie Fluger isn’t just a mom—she’s an autism mom who’s been in it. She’s fought through IEP meetings, therapy disappointments, the heartbreak of seeing her child struggle, and the frustration of a system that often fails families like hers. After experiencing firsthand how parents are dismissed, blamed, or left to navigate this journey alone, she knew something had to change.

That’s why she co-founded Connection Therapy Clinic—not just as a resource for kids, but as a lifeline for parents. She’s lived the realities of PDA, ADHD, school battles, behaviors, friendships, and regulation struggles, and she brings that raw, real-life experience into every conversation. As an advocate, parent supporter, and community builder, she helps parents feel seen and reminds them they’re not alone—because support shouldn’t just check a box. It should actually change lives.

Connect with Stephanie:

Website: https://www.connectiontherapyclinic.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088856438147

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/connectiontherapyclinic/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephfluger/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest: 

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 39

No - 54

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