Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

📌 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Bright Conversations, host Shontaye Jones sits down with Marni Kammersell, a neurodivergent researcher, consultant, and advocate who helps families build neuroaffirming learning environments.

Drawing from her doctoral research and lived experience, Marni shares how autonomy-supportive practices foster resilience, growth, and well-being for children and families. Together, they explore the unique challenges and strengths of families raising neurodivergent children, with a special focus on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), unschooling/self-directed education, and low-demand approaches to support authentic learning. Listeners will walk away with practical, strengths-based strategies and a deeper understanding of how to create inclusive, affirming, and supportive spaces for children and families.

👤 Guest Bio:
Marni Kammersell is a neurodivergent researcher, consultant, and advocate dedicated to supporting families and educators in creating environments where neurodivergent children can thrive. Through her work, Marni integrates lived experience with research to highlight the importance of autonomy, family resilience, and inclusive approaches to education and therapy. She is passionate about helping professionals partner with families to better understand and support children with complex needs, including those with PDA, giftedness, and multiple neurodivergent profiles.

🗣️ Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Marni’s journey from homeschooling parent to researcher and consultant
• What it means to create neuroaffirming learning environments
• Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and why low-demand approaches matter
• Supporting parents navigating the challenges of school systems and IEP processes
• The role of autonomy and resilience in thriving beyond traditional education models
• Giftedness and neurodivergence: unique barriers and opportunities
• What SLPs and educators should know about partnering with parents of PDA children

📚 Learning Objectives: By listening to this episode, you’ll be able to:
✅ Define “neuroaffirming learning” and explain its importance
✅ Identify strategies to support families of children with PDA and other neurodivergent profiles
✅ Apply autonomy-supportive practices to foster resilience in both students and families
✅ Recognize how strengths-based approaches can transform educational and therapeutic experiences

🔗 Learn more about Marni’s work: WanderingBrightly.com
📩 Follow Bright Ideas Media: bethebrightest.com

Earn ASHA CEUs for listening to this episode and learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bethebrightest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.