In this episode of The NeuroSpicy MomPod, I sit down with David Schmidt Jimenez — a late-diagnosed autistic, Cuban American educator based in Baltimore — for a conversation that hits deep if you’ve ever felt like you were expected to comply instead of being understood.

Together, we unpack what it actually looks like to support neurodivergent and multilingual learners inside systems that weren’t built for them - through autonomy, dignity, nervous-system awareness, and engagement that isn’t rooted in control.

We talk about:

• the difference between depression and autistic burnout (and why burnout can feel confusing as hell)

• why “defiance” is often a drive for autonomy

• the “double empathy” problem (and how miscommunication becomes conflict in classrooms)

• why so many power struggles are preventable with clarity + respectful language

• how rigid school structures (time pressure, transitions, verbal directions) dysregulate kids

• self-determination theory in real classrooms: autonomy, belonging, and competence

• the social contract and why teachers have to use it on themselves first

• daily nervous system check-ins, co-regulation, and building community in a way that actually works

 Bonus: This episode is also available as a free video episode — and if you like this format, subscribe so you don’t miss future video drops.

Website: selfdeterminedbaltimore.org
Social: @bmoreautisticed (TikTok / Instagram / YouTube)
LinkedIn: David Schmidt (link available via his website)

 If this episode helped you feel seen, please follow/subscribe, leave a review, and share it with an educator or parent who needs this conversation. And if you want to support this neurodivergent single mama + keep the podcast growing, come join us on Patreon for more. Tata!