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

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

Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child? Full-Tilt Parenting is here to help. Hosted by parenting activist and author Debbie Reber, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating life with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), giftedness, and twice-exceptional (2e) kids. With expert interviews and candid conversations, you'll discover practical solutions for things like school challenges and refusal, therapy options, and fostering inclusion, social struggles, advocacy, intense behavior, and more — all through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens. Whether you're struggling with advocating for your child at school or seeking ways to better support their unique needs, Debbie offers the guidance and encouragement you need to reduce overwhelm and create a thriving, joyful family environment. It's like sitting down with a trusted friend who gets it. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back!

Episodes

TPP 016b: Understanding and Navigating the Parent-Teacher Relationship with Becca Wertheim

September 26, 2025 • 37 mins
Becca Wertheim, a second-grade teacher at an inclusion school in North Carolina, talks about her experience as a teacher meeting the individual educational needs of a group of students with diverse learning styles, and her insight for parents who are looking for better support and communication with the teachers in their children’s lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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TPP 466: Rebecca Bush Offers a Pathway for Parents with Newly-Identified Dyslexic Kids

September 23, 2025 • 39 mins
Today we’re talking about dyslexia—what it is, what it isn’t, and how parents can best support their children after a diagnosis. My guest is Rebecca Bush, a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and founder of Lead Changes, a private practice that supports children with dyslexia, as well as the author of the new book Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child, a compassionate, step-by-step guide for famil...
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TPP 247a: Dr. Jody Carrington on Lifting Up Educators, Parents, Caregivers, and Anyone Else Who Supports Children

September 19, 2025 • 47 mins
My guest for this episode, Dr Jody Carrington, a clinical psychologist, speaker, and author based in Alberta, Canada, has spent most of her career working with children and families who have experienced trauma, and has learned that kids can only be as okay as the adults in their lives are okay. The result of her insights is the wonderful book Kids These Days: A Game Plan for (Re)Connecting With Those We Teach, Lead & Love. Jody ...
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TPP 465: How Can I Help My Kids Find Meaning When I’m Struggling to Find it Myself?

September 18, 2025 • 20 mins
Debbie Reber and Zach Morris answer a listener's question about how parents can support their kids' search for meaning and connection while navigating their own struggles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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TPP 464: Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Post-Traumatic Parenting and Breaking the Cycles that Almost Broke You

September 16, 2025 • 43 mins
Today we’re diving into the ways our own trauma can shape how we show up as parents, and how we can begin to break those inherited cycles with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, a clinical child psychologist, trauma treatment expert, and author of Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be. In our conversation, Robyn shares insights from her book, including the concept of “secret ACEs,” the “trauma app” ...
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TPP 318a: What Parents Need to Know about the IEP Process, with Therapist Beth Liesenfeld

September 12, 2025 • 44 mins
If you’re the parent of a differently wired kid with a diagnosed learning disability, you likely have had experience with Individualized Education Plans, otherwise known as IEPs. And if this is you, my hunch is you have some feelings about IEPs and the whole process — the stresses, the unknowns, the fact that it might feel like you have to understand a completely different language just to get the services and supports your c...
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TPP 463: Author and Advocate Julie Green on Generational Autism and Radical Acceptance

September 9, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode I’m talking with Julie Green, author of the memoir Motherness, a powerful exploration of generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. Julie, who was late-diagnosed herself and is raising an autistic child, takes us inside her journey of self-discovery and diagnosis, and we talk about the emotional complexities of coming to understand our own neurodivergence while parenting neurodivergent kids. We explore...
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TPP 120b: Back to School Special with Understood's Amanda Morin

September 5, 2025 • 48 mins
Amanda Morin of Understood joins Debbie for a special back-to-school episode to help families prepare for easing into the coming school year with as much confidence and serenity as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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TPP 462: Dr. Stephen Porges and Karen Onderko on the Safe & Sound Protocol

September 2, 2025 • 40 mins
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...
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TPP 223a: Parenting Bright Kids Who Struggle in School, with Dewey Rosetti

August 29, 2025 • 34 mins
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

August 26, 2025 • 34 mins
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-inclus...
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TPP 221a: The Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Health for Neurodivergent Kids

August 22, 2025 • 41 mins
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?

August 21, 2025 • 17 mins
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 smoothe...
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TPP 459: Bryan Post on Navigating Trauma in Parenting & the Healing Power of Love

August 19, 2025 • 45 mins
In this conversation, I talk with child behavior and adoption expert Bryan Post about how trauma, stress, and fear can shape the way our kids behave—and how we respond as parents. Bryan shares powerful insights about what’s really going on beneath the surface when kids are acting out, especially in families with adopted or foster children. We dive into the difference between parenting from love versus fear, how oxytocin plays a rol...
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TPP 220a: Meghan Leahy on Why We Should Stop Listening to Experts

August 15, 2025 • 54 mins
Parent coach, Washington Post columnist, and author of "Parenting Outside the Lines" Meghan Leahy talks about embracing imperfection and vulnerability in our parenting lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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TPP 458: Dr. Emily Kline on How Motivational Interviewing Helps Kids Get Unstuck

August 12, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Kline for a deep dive into motivational interviewing—an approach to communication that helps parents move from fixing and convincing to connecting and collaborating. We talk about how to have hard conversations (think: hygiene, responsibility, and independence) in a way that respects our kids’ autonomy and actually opens the door to change. Emily brings nearly 20 years...
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TPP 214a: Alane Freund How to Support & Parent a Highly Sensitive Child

August 8, 2025 • 44 mins
Licensed family therapist and international consultant on high sensitivity Alane Freund explains what high sensitivity is, how it shows up in children, teens, and adults, and gives her insights on how parents can help a highly sensitive child flourish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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TPP 457: A Conversation with Dr. Alissa Jerud About Emotion-Savvy Parenting

August 5, 2025 • 36 mins
In this episode, I’m talking with clinical psychologist and author Alissa Jerud about her new book, Emotion Savvy Parenting. We get into how parents can better understand and manage their own emotions—especially in those intense, in-the-moment situations—so they can show up more effectively for their kids. Alissa shares her ART tools (Accept, Regulate, Tolerate), and we talk about strategies for staying grounded during emotional st...
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TPP 211a: Parenting Scripts for Stressed Out Moments with Kids, with Dr. Adele Lafrance

August 1, 2025 • 36 mins
Clinical psychologist and co-developer of Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Dr. Adele Lafrance, talks about her new book, What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work, a practical guide for parents and caregivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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TPP 456: Maggie Dent on How to Parent, Love & Support Today’s Teens

July 29, 2025 • 44 mins
In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by beloved Australian parenting expert and author Maggie Dent to explore what it really takes to raise resilient, emotionally healthy teens in today’s ever-changing world. Drawing on her experiences as a high school teacher, mother of four boys, and trusted voice in the parenting space, Maggie shares practical, compassionate guidance for navigating adolescence with insight, humor, and heart...
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