A conversation with Ina Chung on finding power in accurate labels, and how modeling advocacy with her autistic and allergic kids helps them feel truly seen.

“Parents would tell me, ‘If I had known when my child was three instead of seven, we could have gotten so many more supports in place.’ That breaks my heart.”

-Ina Chung

Why do we fear labels and diagnoses?

That question has been on my mind since long before The Cut published journalist E.J. Dickson’s article about Dr. Becky Kennedy, the psychologist and parenting influencer who coined the term Deeply Feeling Kid (DFK).

The DFK framework has helped countless parents feel more compassionate. But compassion alone doesn’t replace professional guidance. When well-meaning influencers dismiss “labels,” it can unintentionally reinforce the ableism many of us are still trying to unlearn.

DFK describes children who experience emotions intensely and struggle to regulate them. The concept resonates with parents who value empathy and emotional awareness. But sometimes that framework isn’t enough.

The piece explored whether the DFK label, while well-intentioned, might sometimes delay necessary diagnoses and supports for neurodivergent children. In the days following its release, my friend Ina Chung found herself at the center of that conversation.

The DFK framework has helped countless parents feel more compassionate. But compassion alone doesn’t replace professional guidance. When well-meaning influencers dismiss “labels,” it can unintentionally reinforce the ableism many of us are still trying to unlearn.

“If children are struggling, honesty and curiosity matter more than comfort.”

-Kate Lynch

Topics We Covered In The Live Conversation:

• What “Deeply Feeling Kid” (DFK) means — and when it misses the mark

• How Dr. Becky’s messaging resonates and falls short for neurodivergent families

• Why accurate diagnoses are not limiting but liberating

• The fear and stigma surrounding autism and other labels

• How modeling advocacy empowers kids with autism and allergies to speak up

• The parallels between neurodiversity and food allergies

• Finding belonging in online parenting spaces like Good Inside

• How parents can hold both truths — compassion and critique

I’ve written before about this tension: the good that comes from Dr. Becky’s work, and the harm that can arise from her “I’m not a fan of labels” stance. Like Ina, I’ve seen parents in the Good Inside community working so hard, yet blaming themselves for things that can’t be parented away.

A label isn’t a limitation. It’s language. It can open doors to therapy, accommodations, self-understanding, and community.

“There are a lot of us out here who feel like this world wasn’t built for our kids, But when we share stories, we feel less alone. That’s everything.”

-Ina Chung,  The Asian Allergy Mom on Instagram


https://katelynch.substack.com/p/ina-chung-good-inside-interview

A candid, courageous conversation about the messy intersections of parenting, privilege, and support for neurodivergent kids.

“Fear isn’t unsafe. Discomfort isn’t unsafe. It’s where growth begins.”

–Sarah | Profound Autism Mom

Together, we explored:

• Long-form storytelling vs social media sound bytes

• The myth of the “ideal child” and ambiguous grief

• The tension between emotional narratives and clinical realities

• How parents can regulate their own nervous systems and model resilience

• The line between “deeply feeling” and clinically neurodivergent, and why it matters

• How ableism, privilege, and bureaucracy shape access to support, and what we can do to fix the systems

• What “profound autism” means to Sarah, and how it differs from other autism presentations

• Finding meaning in unexpected parenting journeys

  The power of compassionate conversation in a divided culture

• Why community care and nervous system regulation are at the heart of survival for our families

Join Kate Lynch and The Autism Mums for an inspiring talk on parenting, advocacy, and community support for parents of autistic kids.

I cried during this live chat with Victoria and Natalie, sisters sharing how they help parents feel less alone while raising autistic children.…

“It can be quite a lonely journey...we thought, why not do a podcast, so that other people can be supported?”
–Natalie

Timestamps:

00:00 Accessing Helpful Tips Easily

04:03 Most Angel Cakes Bought

07:54 Eating Habits Transformation

12:27 Unclear Support for Complex Needs

15:15 Challenges for Neurodivergent Parents

18:42 Choosing School or Homeschool Conflict

21:37 Staying with Inclusive School

23:15 Reflecting on Misunderstood Panic Attacks

26:34 Preschool Meltdown Comparison

A live, candid conversation with Parenting Pivot creator Patrick Weir on parenting special needs kids, ambiguous loss, and finding connection when you feel alone.

When you first notice something’s different — finding connection, clarity, and compassion through community.

Meet Patrick Weir, dad to a 10-year-old daughter with special needs.

Patrick shares the story behind Parenting Pivot — a passion project built to help parents feel less alone through honest conversations with both caregivers and experts.

We discuss the early days of realizing something was different, navigating evaluations, and the emotional terrain of ambiguous loss.

Together, they explore what it means to center parents’ voices while advocating for their kids.

This episode reminds us that no matter where you are in your parenting journey, you’re not alone — and community makes all the difference.

"Every episode, I want parents to feel seen and walk away with something useful.”

— Patrick Weir

"We don’t have to be perfect parents to be present ones.”

— Kate Lynch

Topics:

• Why Patrick started Parenting Pivot

• The moment parents realize something is different

• Navigating the diagnostic process and finding a neuropsychologist

• The concept of ambiguous loss and redefining expectations

• Finding your people: community, compassion, and support for parents

• What it means to put parents at the center of the conversation

• 
  

  Timestamps:

  [00:00] Welcome and Introductions – Kate introduces Patrick and the Parenting Pivot Podcast

• [02:45] Why Patrick Created Parenting Pivot – Turning pain into purpose

• [08:30] The Parent’s Point of View: Centering Caregivers’ Stories

• [13:10] From “Something’s Different” to Diagnosis: The Early Steps

• [20:00] Ambiguous Loss and the Power of Community

  [27:30] Advice for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

Nicola Rose joined me for a live chat about her latest film, "Magnetosphere," a family comedy about a 13-year-old girl with synesthesia. It's a fun and tender look at the intersection of synesthesia and puberty.

Welcome to Season 9, Episode 2 of Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast!

There’s an element of bullying in the film, and the difficulty of making new friends as someone who is neurodivergent. These themes are sensitively handled and child-friendly.

“Magnetosphere’s connections to neurodivergence (synesthesia and otherwise) ultimately went even further. It turned out a number of the cast were neurodivergent. Shayelin Martin and Patrick McKenna both have ADHD, which I am certain influenced their performances.”

-Nicola Rose

Why did Nicola chose to treat this topic as a comedy?

“I think there's an inherent absurdity in a lot of life, and life is a lot of highs and lows and tragedy and comedy, and it seemed silly to depict adolescence without depicting the silliness and ridiculousness that goes with that time.”

-Nicola Rose

Learn more here:https://katelynch.substack.com/p/nicola-rose-magnetosphere-synesthesia

A kinder future for our kids begins with kindness toward ourselves.

00:00 Adolescence, Identity, and Synesthesia

03:55 Embracing Synesthesia's Unique Gift

08:18 Dance Moms Window Watching

11:58 Portraying Synesthesia and Self-Discovery

16:22 Film's Core Audience: Neurodivergent Families

19:36 Maggie's Subplot Character Connections

21:14 Finding "Magnetosphere"

Learn about a new resource for parents of neurodivergent kids!

Welcome to Season 9, Episode 1 of Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast.

Patrick Weir is a dad of a 10-year-old special needs daughter. He’s got a new podcast out about raising neurodivergent kids. I asked him…What's special about Parenting Pivot?

“What's different about Parenting Pivot is, it's about the parent's point of view. It's not just like someone saying, this is what you have to do. It puts parents first."

“I'm learning very powerful lessons from these amazing women that I have interviewed. I also get the luxury not only of having an hour to talk with them, but then in the editing process, I practically memorize everything that comes out. And that gives me a really a deep understanding of… such hard-fought wisdom from each of these experts.”

“You really have to find your people, because we've been there. You don't have to say ‘I'm sorry. This thing happened. My kid did this.’ You don't have to apologize. Just say what happened. ‘Cause we've all been there. You know, we're with you. We get it. It's hard to find that group of people. If you do, hold on to them tightly. Reach out, and don't be afraid to say, I’m really having a tough time.”

-Patrick Weir

https://katelynch.substack.com/p/parenting-pivot-podcast

A kinder future for our kids begins with kindness toward ourselves.

00:00 Parenting Pivot Podcast Launch

05:37 Powerful Lessons from Amazing Women

07:02 Putting Parents First

12:35 Seeking The Right Diagnosis

14:24 Improving Podcast Episode Content

19:30 Parenting Decision Reflections

Learn how self-regulation and visualization practices can enhance your relationship with your children.

Outside of crises, we can work on our relationships through meditation techniques, including guided visualization.

I’m Kate Lynch (she/her), a mindful parenting teacher on a mission to create a kinder, more inclusive future.

Widely known for my compassionate, nonjudgmental approach, I’ve supported thousands of highly sensitive parents internationally with self-compassion and mindfulness practices, so their families can feel more ease and joy.

Emphasizing the importance of creating new neural pathways of love and connection, I'll guide you to imagine ideal scenarios with your kids, fostering a sense of support and calm.

By visualizing the details of respectful interactions, you can build cooperation and trust with your neurodivergent kids.

Get comfy and join in to explore these methods that will help you to strengthen parental bonds and cultivate a nurturing family environment.

Read the transcript, listen to the podcast, watch the video, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at ⁠Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog⁠: ⁠https://katelynch.substack.com/⁠

00:00 Introduction to Self-Regulation and Visualization

00:43 Creating a Safe Space for Visualization

00:54 Imagining Support and Connection

01:46 Breathing Techniques for Relaxation

02:56 Visualizing Ideal Cooperation with Your Child

04:24 Deepening the Visualization with Sensory Details

06:51 Embracing Positive Emotions and Feelings

SPOILERS: Unpacking Netflix's "Adolescence" From a Peaceful Parenting Perspective With Sarah Rosensweet

Why are we scapegoating the symptom of social media when oppressive systems are the root cause of a disconnected generation?

As an artist obsessed with breaking generational cycles (while raising a budding filmmaker) the series had me riveted from the opening shot.

That’s why I was giddy when Sarah Rosensweet⁠ of Peaceful Parenting agreed to go live with me to talk about “Adolescence.” The insights that it raised for us both go far beyond hysteria about social media. Despite the sensational aspects of the story, the experiences depicted highlight real issues in raising and connecting with teenagers.

Sarah shared why it’s crucial to engage with teens even when they seem distant and how boosting their sense of self-worth can be super protective.

"What our kids need most from us is to feel lovable and worthy. Even if they're artists instead of jocks."

-Sarah Rosensweet⁠

Raising Reflective Rebels

In our conversation, radical parenting felt to both of us like a glimmer of hope. This approach, influenced by Alfie Kohn, focuses on nurturing reflective rebels:

“Raising kids who won't be quiet if something's not fair, and will stand up and say something when someone's being bullied. This kind of parenting… starts at home, allowing your child to question you and talk back to you. And this is their practice for going out in the world and standing up for what's right.”

-⁠Sarah Rosensweet⁠

"Adolescence" serves as a powerful reflection on family dynamics and systems that perpetuate violence.

Cycle-breaking and mindful parenting are the most radical things we can do right now to protect our kids from those systems.

Through connection, acceptance, and supporting our children's uniqueness, we can navigate the complexities of modern parenting with hope and intention.

What Can Bluey and Lizzo Teach Us About Parenting, Burnout, and Creativity?

Another insightful conversation with Ryan Rose Weaver, a writer, educator, consultant, and parent of a twice-exceptional child. In this episode, we explore the vital role of creativity as preventative care for parental burnout, especially for parents of neurodivergent kids. We discuss the importance of finding fulfillment, community support, and mindfulness practices.

According to Ryan, Bluey is a show for grownups about parenting, and kids just happen to like it. She talks about an episode dedicated to creativity. Have you seen it? What’s your perspective? Where do you find inspiration within your parenting life? How do you acknowledge the moments of joy, no matter how small, amidst the chaos?

Engage with us and build a supportive community as we navigate raising neurodivergent kids together. Read the full transcript, listen to the podcast, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at :

Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog⁠:

https://katelynch.substack.com/⁠

In Tending:

https://ryanroseweaver.substack.com/Don't forget to subscribe, follow, review, and tune in every two weeks for new episodes!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:12 Connecting Creativity and Parental Burnout02:17 Navigating Parenting Challenges03:05 Rituals and Milestones in Parenting04:08 The Concept of 'Eddying Out'05:31 Balancing Self and Caregiving07:28 The Importance of Community and Support18:31 Creativity as Preventative Care20:34 Navigating Shame in Creativity21:19 The Magic of Bluey22:14 Defining Creativity and Its Forms25:08 Flow State: The Joy of Creative Process27:31 Unlearning and Embracing Interruptions35:32 The Power of Community and Support41:34 Cherishing Parenting Moments43:33 Gratitude and Joy in Everyday Life44:25 Conclusion and Farewell

I wish someone had told me the advice Ryan gives parents worried about the IEP process.

When she said it in the interview, I almost cried.

Follow for more mindful parenting for neurodiverse families. An honest review helps other parents find this community, and I'm grateful for yours.

Ryan Rose Weaver is an educator and parent to a twice-exceptional child. In this episode, we talked about the challenges of balancing intensive caregiving seasons, and the importance of parental self-compassion. In particular, we focused on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. 

Ryan shared her personal story of navigating her child's struggles in a Montessori school setting. offering insights into how she balanced her own self-care through creative practices like movement and writing. 

We also explored the importance of creating relational rituals, advocating for better communication between parents and teachers, and practical practices to maintain mental and emotional well-being. 

The most impactful part of the conversation for me was Ryan’s perspective as a teacher conducting IEP meetings, and her advice and strategies for stressed out parents.

The episode wraps up with a guided mindfulness practice for parents, encouraging tranquility and resilience. 

00:00 Introduction to Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Podcast

00:43 Introduction to Ryan Rose Weaver

01:47 Challenges in Early Education

03:02 Discovering Sensory Integration Issues

04:30 Navigating the IEP Process

08:18 Creative Practices as Survival Instinct

08:59 Balancing Parental Identity and Self-Care

09:28 The Importance of Self-Tending

10:15 Challenges in the Education System

16:01 Teacher-Parent Relationships

17:02 Preparing for IEP Meetings

18:11 Advocating for Children in IEP Meetings

25:05 Creating Rituals for Self and Relational Care

27:54 Including Children in IEP Meetings

34:22 Mindfulness and Support Practices

41:45 Conclusion and Guest Information

Find Ryan on Substack and Instagram at Ryan Rose Weaver.

Want to give back? Your reviews are always a gift!

Read the full transcript, listen to the podcast, watch the video, and subscribe to the blog for more connection and support at ⁠Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Blog⁠: ⁠https://katelynch.substack.com/⁠