In this heartfelt episode, Liz sits down with longtime autism advocate, parent, and nurse Melissa Brooks to talk about Our Autism Journey, the second annual autism community event happening on Saturday, April 12th at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Eastern Washington.

This event isn’t just a walk or resource fair—it’s a community experience designed by and for autistic individuals, their families, and allies. Liz and Melissa share how the event grew from a dream into an inclusive, vibrant, and safe celebration for people of all ages and support levels. From low-sensory spaces to Nerf wars, toddler play zones to expert panels—this is a place for everyone.

You’ll hear Melissa’s personal journey parenting three autistic kids, including her high-support daughter Abby, and how that experience has shaped her dedication to inclusion and connection. Liz and Melissa also talk about planning the event with intention, joy, and just a little chaos—and how community can truly be the antidote to isolation.

Whether your kiddo can only handle 15 minutes or wants to stay all day, you belong here.

Event Info – Our Autism Journey 2025
🗓 Saturday, April 12
🕙 10 AM – 3 PM

📍 Benton County Fairgrounds
💸 FREE ENTRY (no registration required!)
☀️ All ages and all support needs welcome

Get Involved + Learn More

• Event Page: www.ourautismjourney.org

• Facebook Page: facebook.com/ourautismjourneyTC

Highlights from the Episode

• Why “Our Autism Journey” is more than a walk—it's a living, breathing experience

• Creating a space for high support needs, low sensory needs, and everything in between

• Dance parties, quiet zones, petting zoos, food trucks, Nerf wars, and beyond

• The role of joy, tacos, and radical inclusion in showing what community can be

• What happens when families, providers, and autistic people come together with heart

Key Takeaways

• Inclusion doesn’t require perfection—just thoughtfulness and effort

• Community is the solution to isolation

• There’s no wrong way to attend: show up as you are, for as long as works for you

• Every person—every need, every age, every vibe—has a place at this event

Volunteer Info
We always need volunteers, especially for setup and teardown. If you want to be part of something beautiful, fun, and community-driven, reach out through the event website or Facebook!

Ep 5 -Part 2

In this honest and relatable conversation, Liz and Maggie continue their discussion about parenting neurodivergent kids with ADHD and anxiety. From navigating the ups and downs of medication to advocating in school systems that aren’t built for kids who show up differently, this episode dives into what it really looks like to parent with curiosity, imperfection, and a whole lot of love.

You’ll hear about:

• The emotional side of starting (and stopping) ADHD medications

• How anxiety and masking often show up differently in girls

• What it means to medicate for the child, not for the system

• Why understanding your own neurodivergence matters as a parent

  
  

If you're raising or working with neurodivergent kids — or just curious what that looks like behind closed doors — this one’s for you. Real talk, no shame, and a reminder that you're not alone.

One Parent’s Journey with their child's ADHD

In this episode of Diverge & Disrupt, Liz Vossenkemper sits down with her best friend of 13 years, Maggie McCain, a board-certified family nurse practitioner from St. Louis, Missouri. Maggie shares her family’s journey navigating her son Ellis’s ADHD diagnosis — from early behavioral concerns to the long road of seeking answers, understanding interventions, and advocating for the right kind of support.

Together, Liz and Maggie reflect on the emotional rollercoaster many parents ride when trying to get help for their children: the stigma, the delays, the judgment, and the heartbreaking moments when your child begins to internalize messages that something is "wrong" with them.

They discuss the nuance in deciding on medication, the gaps in primary care, the reality of co-parenting through it all, and Maggie vulnerably shares the emotional toll of watching your child struggle in systems not built for neurodivergent kids.

Maggie shares honest insights about what worked, what didn’t, and the moment she finally felt at peace with the diagnosis — not because she gave in to it, but because she finally had gathered enough information and evidence to move forward with confidence.

Topics Covered:

• Early signs of ADHD in Ellis

• Behavior struggles in the traditional classroom settings

• The impact of teacher bias

• Barriers to diagnosis and support in healthcare and schools

• Co-parenting and divorced household perspectives

• ADHD medication: how to decide?

• The emotional toll of constant behavioral feedback

• Building a toolbox beyond just meds

• Helping kids rebuild their internal narrative

Commonly Referenced Terms (defined simply):

• ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): A neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, and activity levels.

• Executive Functioning: Mental skills that help with planning, organizing, remembering, and regulating behavior.

• 504 Plan: A school plan that provides accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education.

• IEP (Individualized Education Program): A more in-depth legal plan for students with qualifying disabilities, providing specialized instruction and services.

• Impulsivity: Acting without thinking through consequences, often seen in kids with ADHD.

• Vanderbilt Forms: Standardized ADHD screening tools used by clinicians and educators to assess symptoms across different settings.

• Stimulant Medication: A class of medications commonly used to treat ADHD (e.g., methylphenidate or amphetamines) by increasing dopamine/norepinephrine in the brain.

Recommended Websites & Resources for Parents:

• CHADD.org (Children and Adults with ADHD) – Advocacy, education, and local support groups

• Understood.org – Resources for learning and thinking differences

• ADDitude Magazine – Parent-tested tips, medication guides, and lived experience stories

• AANE.org – Especially helpful if navigating both ADHD and autism traits

Taking Resistance to the Next Level

Guest: Heather Buzbee – Nurse practitioner, autism and youth mental health specialist, PhD candidate, and parent of three neurodivergent kids.

In Part 2 of our conversation, we break down Steps 6-9 in resisting systemic oppression and protecting marginalized communities. If you have the energy to do more, these steps focus on direct advocacy, informed resistance, and ethical action. We explore how to contact representatives, educate others on their rights, stay informed without burning out, and use your time and money to push for change.

🔹 Step 6 – Contacting Representatives: Why your voice matters and how to make your message count.
🔹 Step 7 – Educating Others: Sharing accurate information and helping people know their rights.
🔹 Step 8 – Staying Informed (Without Doomscrolling): Finding balanced news and setting boundaries.
🔹 Step 9 – Voting with Your Dollar & Time: How small choices add up to big impact.

Terms:

📌 Constituent – A person who is represented by an elected official. If you live in a district, your representative works for you.
📌 Red Cards – Informational cards that help people (especially immigrants) know their legal rights if confronted by law enforcement. Get them here.
📌 Doomscrolling – The habit of consuming excessive negative news, leading to stress and burnout.
📌 Voting with Your Dollar – Choosing where to spend your money based on a company’s values and ethical practices.
📌 Scripts – Pre-written dialogues or templates used to communicate effectively with representatives.
📌 DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) – Policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of diverse groups.

📌 5 Calls – Quick scripts for contacting elected officials
📌 Resistbot – Send messages to representatives via text
📌 Find your representatives

📌 PBS & NPR – Reliable news sources
📌 News Not Noise – Jessica Yellin – Nonpartisan, clear news reporting
📌 Aaron Parnas – Attorney and independent journalist covering policy and political issues
📌 Under the Desk News – Quick, digestible news updates
📌 We Can Do Hard Things – Calm News – Gentle news intake
📌 Blair Imani – Smarter in Seconds – Short, accessible educational breakdowns

📌 Constitution & Bill of Rights (simplified)
📌 Know Your Rights – Immigration
📌 Barrio Drive – multilingual community resources

📌 Ethical Consumer – Track companies' ethical practices
📌 Green America – Sustainable business resources
📌 Conscious Life & Style – Ethical shopping guides

🌱 "I'm not going to let them take away my hope. They can't have it. I will not give it to them." – Heather Buzbee
💡 This episode reminds us that resistance isn’t just about large-scale action—it’s in every choice we make. If all you can do right now is take care of yourself, that’s enough. If you have the energy to do more, pick one or two steps and start there.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & Amazon Music!

📣 Engage with us!

• Follow, like, and share to spread the message.
• Comment with the step that resonated most with you.
• Join us next time as we continue to Diverge & Disrupt!

Episode Overview:
In this powerful episode of Diverge & Disrupt, Liz sits down with friend and NP colleague, Heather Buzbee, a dedicated advocate for the marginalized and a passionate protector of vulnerable communities. Heather, a nurse practitioner dual-certified in pediatric primary care and psychiatric mental health, brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent to three neurodivergent children with chronic conditions. Her work in healthcare spans over 20 years, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in developmental psychology

In this episode, Heather introduces the first 5 steps of her breakdown of

"9 Steps for the Average Person to Resist Hate and Prevent Collapse"

We are breaking down practical and essential actions for individuals who want to push back against injustice while maintaining their mental and emotional well-being.

Resources:

• CBT-I App for Sleep & Stress Management
• Parent Guide: Anxiety in Children & Teens
• 10 Ways to Manage Everyday Stress (Teens)
• Spanish Version: Managing Stress

• Simplified Constitution & Bill of Rights
• Know Your Rights: Immigration Encounters
• Red Cards (Multiple Languages)
• Protected Areas for Immigrants

• The Body Keeps The Score – Bessel van der Kolk, MD
• What Happened to You? – Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD & Oprah Winfrey
• Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills – Sonny Jane Wise
• The Zones of Regulation – Leah Kuypers, MA Ed. OTR/L
• The Happiness Trap – Russ Harris
  Join us next episode as we explore the 4 deeper strategies for advocating for marginalized communities, fighting systemic oppression, and maintaining hope in difficult times.

Subscribe & Support:
Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music to stay updated. Your support helps us continue bringing these crucial conversations to light.

Diverge & Disrupt is hosted by Liz Vossenkemper, MSN, ARNP, CPNP-PC, PMHS, and features expert guests dedicated to challenging systems, uplifting marginalized voices, and promoting radical change.

Show Notes

Episode Title: Behavior Support, But Make It Human: Expanding the possibilities of ABA

Guests:

• Hannah Flaherty, Founder, Co-Owner & Therapist
• Serina Fleming, Co-Owner & Therapist

Synopsis:
In this episode, we dive into an honest and necessary conversation about the realities of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how KC Behavioral Consulting is doing things differently. Founders Hannah Flattery and Serina Fleming share their journey from working within traditional models of therapy to breaking away and creating a practice that prioritizes real-life application, family-centered care, and actual collaboration.

We discuss:

• Why the traditional ABA model often fails families
• The importance of parent training over high-hour clinical models
• Working against systemic barriers to provide actual support
• How professionals can create meaningful change in a flawed system
• The intersection of advocacy, ethics, and burnout in neurodivergent care
• 
  

Key Jargon & Definitions:

• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis): A scientific approach to understanding and improving behavior by evaluating environments and implementing structured interventions.
• Parent Training Model: A therapeutic approach that focuses on empowering caregivers with skills and strategies to support their child’s development rather than relying solely on direct intervention.
• DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration): A Washington state program that provides funding and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• 504 Plan: A legal plan under the Rehabilitation Act that provides accommodations for students with disabilities in public schools.
• IEP (Individualized Education Program): A customized educational plan for students who qualify for special education services under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
• Functional Communication: Teaching individuals alternative ways to communicate their needs and wants, especially when verbal speech is limited.
• Parent Buy-In: The level of engagement and willingness of caregivers to implement therapy strategies at home, which is crucial for long-term success.
• Care Conference: A meeting that brings together all professionals working with a child or individual to collaborate on treatment and support strategies.
• Neurodivergent-Affirming Care: An approach to therapy that respects and supports the natural ways neurodivergent people think, learn, and interact, rather than trying to "fix" or normalize their behaviors.
• 
  

Guests Website:

• KC Behavioral Consulting: https://www.kcbehavioralconsulting.org/

Episode Summary:

In part 2 of this episode, we continue our conversation with Nikki Zimmerman, a passionate advocate and mother to Erik, a child with high support needs due to profound autism. Nikki opens up about her relentless efforts to challenge systems that often exclude and underestimate children like Erik. From addressing her local school board to organizing the 1st Annual Autism Event in her community, Nikki shares her journey of advocacy, hope, and the reality of navigating a world not built for her son.

Liz and Nikki dive into critical topics, including:

• The importance of creating inclusive education systems that meet every child’s needs.

• What true inclusion means: fostering empathy, understanding, and belonging for all.

• Overcoming systemic barriers, like lack of training and accessibility in special education.

• The complexities of parenting a child with profound autism, including balancing advocacy with self-care.

• The divide within the autism community and how parents and self-advocates can learn from each other.

• The success of the 1st Annual Autism Event and its impact on our community.

Summary:
In this powerful episode of Diverge & Disrupt, host Liz Vossenkemper sits down with Nikki Zimmerman, a parent and fierce advocate, to discuss the relentless pursuit of systemic change for children with higher support needs. Nikki shares her journey of navigating the world of special education, community inclusion, and systemic barriers, all while ensuring her child’s voice is honored.

The conversation dives deep into the emotional, systemic, and logistical challenges faced by parents advocating for their children, the need for true acceptance, and how awareness must lead to action. Nikki opens up about her personal experiences—taking the fight to school boards, pushing for better Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and finding moments of hope and joy in her advocacy journey.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional, this episode sheds light on the power of love, determination, and advocacy in creating a world where every child has a place and thrives.

1. Individualized Education Program (IEP):
   A legally binding document in the U.S. public school system that outlines specific accommodations, services, and goals tailored to meet the educational needs of a child with a disability.

2. AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication):
   Tools and strategies, such as speech-generating devices or communication boards, used by individuals who cannot rely on verbal speech alone to communicate.

3. PEC (Picture Exchange Communication):
   A system where individuals use picture cards to communicate their needs, often used as an introductory communication tool for non-speaking individuals.

4. Presume Competence:
   The belief that all individuals, regardless of disability or communication differences, are capable of understanding and learning and should be treated with respect and age appropriate approaches.

5. High Support Needs:
   Refers to individuals who require significant assistance across multiple areas of their lives, such as communication, emotional and sensory regulation, or personal care

6. Toe Walking:
   A gait pattern where an individual primarily walks on the balls of their feet rather than using a heel-to-toe motion, sometimes linked to sensory processing differences in autistic individuals.

7. Caroline’s Cart:
   A shopping cart designed for individuals with disabilities that includes a secure, supportive seat to make grocery shopping more accessible.

In the inaugural episode of 'Diverge & Disrupt', Liz Vossenkemper, a neurodivergent nurse practitioner, shares the journey and the motivations behind this podcast. This episode discusses the importance of understanding and embracing neurodivergence, the need for systemic change, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and their families. Liz emphasizes the necessity of disrupting misconceptions surrounding ADHD and autism, advocating for a more inclusive and affirming approach to healthcare and education.

Key term that may require clarification:

1. Neurodivergent: Refers to individuals whose brain functions differently from what is considered typical or neurotypical. This term is often used to describe those with autism, ADHD, learning differences, trauma and other cognitive variations.

2. Masking: The process by which individuals, particularly those with autism and ADHD, hide or suppress their natural behaviors or traits to conform to societal expectations. It often leads to mental exhaustion and can contribute to increased stress and anxiety.

3. Rejection-sensitive anxiety: A type of anxiety that involves heightened fear of rejection or negative judgment from others, commonly experienced by individuals with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. This anxiety can cause individuals to be overly sensitive to perceived criticisms or rejection.

4. Chronic Lyme disease: A condition caused by a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, which can result in long-term, often debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and neurological problems.

5. Deficit model of medicine: This refers to a healthcare perspective that focuses primarily on what is wrong with a patient, emphasizing limitations or deficits rather than strengths and abilities. This model has been criticized for its narrow approach, particularly when applied to neurodivergent individuals.

6. DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders): A manual published by the American Psychiatric Association used by clinicians to diagnose mental health disorders. It categorizes and defines various mental health conditions, including autism and ADHD, and is sometimes critiqued for its limited flexibility in accounting for the complexity and nuance of neurodivergent conditions.

7. Neurotypical: A term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning are typical/average, as opposed to neurodivergent individuals.

8. IQ test: A standardized test designed to measure intellectual ability. It has been widely used to assess cognitive abilities but is often critiqued for being limited in scope and for not adequately measuring the full range of human intelligence, particularly in neurodivergent individuals.

9. Non-speaking/non-verbal: Refers to individuals who do not use spoken language to communicate, often associated with certain neurodivergent conditions such as autism. Non-verbal individuals may communicate through other means, such as body language, sign language, or assistive technology.

10. Self-advocacy: The act of speaking up for oneself and making decisions about one's own life, particularly in the context of navigating systems such as healthcare, education, or social services. For neurodivergent individuals, self-advocacy is critical in ensuring that their needs are understood and met.

Transcript: S1E1_Transcript.docx

90 second introduction to Diverge & Disrupt