Learn with Dr. Emily®

Hey, Y’all!

I had such a great time answering your GREAT questions at my virtual book event last night! The event was hosted by Public Schools First NC and they have graciously shared the entire replay. Huge thanks to Yevonne Brannon for organizing and Lynn Edmonds for moderating the event.

You can now watched or listen to the entire interview in the link above, on YouTube, or on my podcast.

If you haven’t bought the book yet and want to support Public Schools First NC, all proceeds from book sales at the link below go to support the fantastic education and advocacy work Public Schools First NC is doing throughout North Carolina (and it’s tax deductible).

Let’s keep learning together,

~Dr. Emily

About the Book

Your neurodivergent child is growing up in a world that wasn’t built for them. A world that asks them to sit still, learn in the same way as everyone else, and thrive in a system that too often ignores their unique strengths. Because of the way their brain is wired, school can feel overwhelming—for them and for you. But your child is not broken. They are amazing.Child psychologist and mom of two neurodivergent sons, Emily W. King, PhD, has spent twenty years listening to kids, parents, and teachers, and building bridges between them. In The Neurodivergent Learner, she combines cutting-edge neuroscience with real-life stories to show parents how to stop pushing their children into a mold—and instead help them flourish on their own path. With warmth, expertise, and a deep understanding of how kids actually learn, Dr. Emily gives families the confidence and tools to partner with educators, reduce stress at home, and nurture the whole child.Inside, you’ll discover:

* What’s really happening in your child’s brain when school feels “too much.”

* Why homework, testing, and traditional classrooms often miss the mark—and what to do instead.

* Practical strategies for working with teachers (not against them) to create learning environments where your child thrives.

* How to manage energy, anxiety, and overwhelm without sacrificing joy, curiosity, or confidence.

* Stories from kids themselves that reveal how empowering it feels to be understood.

* Tools to help your child embrace their uniqueness, find their allies, and redefine what success looks like—inside and outside the classroom.

As Dr. Emily writes, “our children don’t need fixing—they need understanding, creativity, and collaboration.” Whether your child is autistic, gifted, has ADHD, or simply learns differently, The Neurodivergent Learner is the essential guide to helping them find success in school and beyond.

The Neurodivergent Learner is out now in hardback, Kindle, and audiobook

Keep Learning with Dr. Emily…

Professional Developmental for Educators

Learn on-demand or bring Dr. Emily to your school!

The Neurodiverse Classroom® is an on-demand professional development training created for preK-8th grade teachers who want to better understand how to support neurodivergent students learning in the general education setting.

If you’re a school administrator who loves watching students thrive, but your teachers need more guidance to meet the needs of such a diverse group of learners, I’m here for you.

My professional development trainings help you create a school culture where your entire staff feels confident supporting the learning needs and mental wellness of all students.

Meet Dr. Emily

Dr. Emily is a child psychologist and former school psychologist on a mission to help parents and teachers nurture the neurodivergent kids and teens in their lives. This isn’t about changing the kids, it’s about changing the systems around them. Learn more about Dr. Emily’s resources for parents, teachers, and schools at www.learnwithdremily.com.

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe

Hey y’all!

I loved chatting recently with Carrie Cariello to talk about our new books—hers on marriage and mine on learning. Carrie is a best-selling author and mom of five, who shares her journey of life alongside autism from diagnosis day to life after high school. We are both parenting teenagers and are here to offer insight for parents newer to this journey. I hope you enjoy our conversation! You can find info below on both of our books.

Let’s keep learning together,

~Dr. Emily

Marriage: I Love You (for now)

by Carrie Carriello

The Neurodivergent Learner: I New Approach to Your Child’s Success in the Classroom and Beyond

by Emily W. King, PhD

Order this summer to receive preorder bonuses including:

* Free download of chapter 9 Interests & Extra-curriculars

* 30 days free of my parent workshop replay library

About Dr. Emily

As a child psychologist with a PhD in School Psychology, I’ve spent the last 20 years learning from neurodivergent children and teens, their families and their teachers. I’m also a parent on this journey and my kids have taught me everything I didn’t learn in graduate school.

At Learn with Dr. Emily, we pair my knowledge of child development, education, & mental health with your experience raising and teaching the neurodivergent children in your life, sharing our ideas with each other along the way.

I can’t wait to meet you!

Let’s stay connected,

~Dr. Emily

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Y’all,

As part of a 3-part series on public education funding in North Carolina, Dr. Melanie McCabe and I are bringing you a conversation with NC State Representative Julie von Haefen.

You can listen to the first interview in this series on proposed cuts to special education in Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) here. The WCPSS Superintendent has since dropped his proposal to cut special education funding but due to a lack of funding at the state level, public schools are having to make very hard budgeting decisions.

This leads me to today’s conversation with State Rep. Julie von Haefen. Julie is a former PTA leader and advocate who currently serves District 36 in Wake County, North Carolina. In this conversation we cover:

* The importance of getting to know your representative

* Why the North Carolina Legislature hasn’t passed a budget

* How the Leandro case was dropped

* How NC is diverting $1 BILLION a year to private school vouchers despite a budget not being passed

* How the money flows from federal, state, and county resources

* How Medicaid funding is impacted by a financial deficit for the state

* Our thoughts in mental healthcare and school violence

* How to be an informed voter and the power of telling your friends!

* Look up your representative's voting record at https://www.ncleg.gov/

Listen here:

About Dr. Emily

As a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent, I’ve spent the last two decades working with neurodivergent children and teens alongside their families and teachers.

Our kids are complex. What works for one child may or may not work for another. There is so much information out there, but you are ultimately the decision-maker of the next best step on your child’s path. I’m here to help you to feel more capable and experience more joy on this parenting journey.

If you’re ready to learn how to reduce the stress in your home, help others understand your kid, and find more joy, you are in the right place.

Let’s do this together,

~Dr. Emily

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe

Hey y’all!

On today’s podcast, Elizabeth Sautter and I chat about energy and motivation, which is especially challenging as we enter this final portion of the school year. Listen in as we discuss what’s on our mind this time of year. We also share details of two workshops we hope you’ll find helpful. Details on those below!

Let’s stay connected!

~Dr. Emily

Dr. Emily’s LIVE Workshop tomorrow at 12:30pm ET / 9:30am PT

If you’re the parent or teacher of a neurodivergent kid or teen, you’ve likely wondered how to get them engaged with learning—especially if they find it boring or irrelevant to their life! Neurodivergent learners are often more motivated by novelty, satisfaction, and interests than by following the crowd. Understanding this changes everything!

Elizabeth’s workshop with Emily Kircher-Morris on Wednesday April 15th

Educators, below you will find a link to a LIVE workshop from my colleagues Emily Kircher-Morris and Elizabeth Sautter on Emotional Regulation and Resilience. Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and School Counselors can receive CEUs for this workshops! Parents are also welcome to attend.

Parents, in this email you will find links to my most-watched workshop replays. Remember, my blogs and live chats are always free and workshops are for paid subscribers. Subscribe below to unlock the workshop replay archive.

In this training, you will learn…

* Why emotional regulation must come before learning, motivation, or persistence

* How to tell the difference between productive challenge and overload

* What actually builds distress tolerance without escalating stress

* How to support risk-taking, recovery, and resilience in everyday moments

* How to apply Emily’s ROOTS framework to help support regulation at home, in school, or in therapy

* Practical, evidence-based tools and language you can use the same day

About Dr. Emily

As a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent, I’ve spent the last two decades working with neurodivergent children and teens alongside their families and teachers.

Our kids are complex. What works for one child may or may not work for another. There is so much information out there, but you are ultimately the decision-maker of the next best step on your child’s path. I’m here to help you to feel more capable and experience more joy on this parenting journey.

If you’re ready to learn how to reduce the stress in your home, help others understand your kid, and find more joy, you are in the right place.

Let’s do this together,

~Dr. Emily

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe

Hey y’all!

Thank you so much for following along, sending emails, and sharing posts. After the WCPSS school board meeting last night, Wake County has dropped the proposed $18 million cuts to special education. Read more here. Watch my summary of the nearly five hour school board meeting below.

We have more work to do! Limited state budgets are not isolated to North Carolina, but we are hoping that Wake County can be a model for how to push back and do the right thing in the face of funding deprivation from the state and federal governments.

Listen in as my colleages Dr. Melanie McCabe, Dr. Matt Zakreski, and I share what we are happy about and thankful for about the meeting last night and what we feel comes next!

Let’s stay connected!

~Dr. Emily

Advocate for Public Schools at the North Carolina General Assembly

What’s the big deal?

Learn more about the NC State Legislature not passing a budget since 2023

Learn more about Leandro here

Learn more about property tax loopholes here

Join Us to Advocate for Public Schools at the North Carolina General Assembly. On day one of the North Carolina General Assembly’s short session, we’re joining a large coalition of public-school advocacy groups to deliver a petition telling our legislators that we are done waiting! We are done waiting for them to pass a budget. We are done waiting for them to comply with the Constitution of the State of North Carolina. We are done waiting for them to fully fund our public schools and honor the Leandro Decision. We are done waiting for them to do right by our teachers, our school support staff, and our children! In this midterm election year, we can’t wait any longer. They must act or we will remember in November.

I missed what this is all about! Watch below…

The next WCPSS Board Meeting to discuss the budget is Tuesday April 7th.

Read more about school board meetings here.

Look up your board member here and send them an email!

Read more about school board meetings here.

Look up your board member here and send them an email!

Learn more about private school vouchers here.

About Dr. Emily

As a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent, I’ve spent the last two decades working with neurodivergent children and teens alongside their families and teachers.

Our kids are complex. What works for one child may or may not work for another. There is so much information out there, but you are ultimately the decision-maker of the next best step on your child’s path. I’m here to help you to feel more capable and experience more joy on this parenting journey.

If you’re ready to learn how to reduce the stress in your home, help others understand your kid, and find more joy, you are in the right place.

Let’s do this together,

~Dr. Emily

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe

As the parent of a high school senior who has had an IEP since preschool, I have watched special education resources in Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) slowly decrease over the last ten years.

Services my son received in Kindergarten are no longer available and programs he attended no longer exist. Many of the wonderful special education teachers and instructional assistants (IA) who have been a crucial part of his success have since left their positions. I don’t blame them. Special education teachers and IAs are undervalued and taken for granted when they should be our most celebrated and highest-paid educators.

The proposed budget cuts to special education are the exact opposite of what we need. We already don’t have enough special educators in WCPSS. I hear stories every day from families of autistic learners who need smaller classes and fewer substitutes so their school day can be more predictable.

Our amazing teachers are working so hard under unsustainable conditions. When teachers are stressed, students are stressed. When students are stressed, learning is negatively impacted. If we are serious about creating systems, schools, and classrooms where students thrive, we need more special education teachers and more programming options—not less.

Many children, especially those receiving special education, don’t enter school as independent learners. They need the help of an adult to understand the directions, transition between tasks, and stay safe during the school day. Understaffed schools are less safe for students and teachers, especially when teaching neurodivergent learners who more often experience frustration that can lead to negative behavior.

If WCPSS—the largest district in the state—is having to make this decision, then I can only imagine the lack of resources in more rural parts of the state. WCPSS should be considered the canary in the coal mine, sounding the alarm that we are about to fail our most vulnerable children.

Listen in as I talk with my colleagues Dr. Melanie McCabe and Dr. Matt Zakreski, both psychologists who know schools and neurodivergent kids well. The impact of these proposed cuts goes beyond students receiving special education services and their teachers. It’s going to affect everyone.

Links mentioned in this conversation:

WCPSS School Board Special Session on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Read more about school board meetings here.

Look up your board member here and send them an email!

Learn more about private school vouchers here.

Learn more about property tax loopholes here.

Learn more about Leandro here.

Learn more about the NC State Legislature not passing a budget since 2023.

About Dr. Emily

As a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent, I’ve spent the last two decades working with neurodivergent children and teens alongside their families and teachers.

Our kids are complex. What works for one child may or may not work for another. There is so much information out there, but you are ultimately the decision-maker of the next best step on your child’s path. I’m here to help you to feel more capable and experience more joy on this parenting journey.

If you’re ready to learn how to reduce the stress in your home, help others understand your kid, and find more joy, you are in the right place.

Let’s do this together,

~Dr. Emily

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe

Substack LIVE with Dr. Karalynn Royster!

Dr. Royster is a Co-Parenting Expert, Child Psychologist, and a mom. She lives in Colorado and is passionate about helping moms navigate the challenges of divorce and co-parenting. She specializes in guiding moms through high-conflict situations while keeping their children’s emotional the focus.

Dr. Royster’s signature program, the Kids First Co-Parenting System, provides a high level of support for smart, high-achieving moms who are juggling the very hard job of parenting young children while managing a difficult ex. Her approach helps moms move from feeling anxious to empowered and clear about how to support their kids.

Listen in on our conversation as we talk about what is helpful when co-parenting autistic kids during this family transition.

Let’s keep learning together~

~Dr. Emily

Check out Dr. Emily's Workshop Replays

About Dr. Emily

As a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent, I’ve spent the last two decades working with neurodivergent children and teens alongside their families and teachers.

Our kids are complex. What works for one child may or may not work for another. There is so much information out there, but you are ultimately the decision-maker of the next best step on your child’s path. I’m here to help you to feel more capable and experience more joy on this parenting journey.

If you’re ready to learn how to reduce the stress in your home, help others understand your kid, and find more joy, you are in the right place.

Let’s do this together,

~Dr. Emily

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe

Substack LIVE with Carrie Bonnett!

Carrie Bonnett is a veteran teacher, lifelong list-maker, and Executive Function coach based in Bend, Oregon. She works with students and families around the country using a practical, no-shame, brain-first approach that empowers students to thrive, helps parents and teachers better support them, and gives adults tools to stay on top of all that life requires.

In addition to coaching, Carrie creates digital resources—including her signature course Get the Brain on Board and a series of No-Shame Guides for Parents—and provides brain-based workshops and trainings for parents, teachers, and other professionals. She is also an adjunct instructor at the University of Portland, where she supports early-career teachers.

Listen in on our conversation as we talk about supporting our kids’ executive functioning skills throughout the holiday break!

Let’s keep learning together~

~Dr. Emily

Related Workshop Replays…

About Dr. Emily

As a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent, I’ve spent the last two decades working with neurodivergent children and teens alongside their families and teachers.

Our kids are complex. What works for one child may or may not work for another. There is so much information out there, but you are ultimately the decision-maker of the next best step on your child’s path. I’m here to help you to feel more capable and experience more joy on this parenting journey.

If you’re ready to learn how to reduce the stress in your home, help others understand your kid, and find more joy, you are in the right place.

Let’s do this together,

~Dr. Emily

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe

Substack LIVE with Elisabeth Neely

Thanks to LindaJay, Kelly Champagne, Liz Baker, and many others for tuning into my live video with Elisabeth Neely!

Elisabeth is a former special education teacher, writer, and co-founder of Neely Learning Community who helps people create positive changes by helping them find increased safety and comfort in their lives.

Listen in as we talk about what it means to feel sensory safe, what it looks like when a child’s senses are overwhelmed, and what happens when we first support students’ sensory safety (spoiler: they engage in learning!).

Let’s stay connected!

~Dr. Emily

Related Workshop Replays…

About Dr. Emily

As a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent, I’ve spent the last two decades working with neurodivergent children and teens alongside their families and teachers.

Our kids are complex. What works for one child may or may not work for another. There is so much information out there, but you are ultimately the decision-maker of the next best step on your child’s path. I’m here to help you to feel more capable and experience more joy on this parenting journey.

If you’re ready to learn how to reduce the stress in your home, help others understand your kid, and find more joy, you are in the right place.

Let’s do this together,

~Dr. Emily

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe

Substack LIVE with Julie Green…

Thanks to everyone who joined me LIVE to chat with Julie M Green about her new memoir, MOTHERNESS.

Julie is a beautiful storyteller whose book will take you on a journey from her childhood of feeling misunderstood to her experience being diagnosed with autism as an adult.

I related so much to her honest stories about raising her autistic son and how unexpected parenting, while hard, is such a joy. After reading Julie’s story, you will feel less alone.

Check the links below to order Julie’s book, read info on my upcoming book, THE NEURODIVERGENT LEARNER, and browse workshop replays you might find helpful.

Let’s stay connected,

~Dr. Emily

About my book coming in 2026…

Related Workshop Replays…

About Dr. Emily

As a child psychologist, former school psychologist, and parent, I’ve spent the last two decades working with neurodivergent children and teens alongside their families and teachers.

Our kids are complex. What works for one child may or may not work for another. There is so much information out there, but you are ultimately the decision-maker of the next best step on your child’s path. I’m here to help you to feel more capable and experience more joy on this parenting journey.

If you’re ready to learn how to reduce the stress in your home, help others understand your kid, and find more joy, you are in the right place.

Let’s do this together,

~Dr. Emily

**All content provided is protected under applicable copyright, patent, trademark, and other proprietary rights. All content is provided for informational and education purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychological diagnosis, advice or treatment. Information provided does not create an agreement for service between Dr. Emily W. King and the recipient. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to you or your child’s symptoms or medical condition. Children or adults who show signs of dangerous behavior toward themselves and/or others, should be placed immediately under the care of a qualified professional.**

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com/subscribe