Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes filmmaker Nicola Rose, to talk about her film 'Magnetosphere,' a movie about the world of synesthesia. Nicola shares her insights and challenges of portraying neurodivergence in cinema, the difficulty and complexity of independent filmmaking, and the personal journey of understanding her own ADHD diagnosis. They talk about the creative process, the importance of authentic representation, and the universal themes of growing up and self-discovery.

TAKEAWAYS

• Synesthesia is a perceptual phenomenon where senses are intertwined, such as seeing sounds or tasting shapes.

• Nicola Rose's film 'Magnetosphere' explores synesthesia through a coming-of-age story set in the 1990s.

• Independent filmmaking presents challenges, including limited budgets and the need for creative solutions.

• Neurodivergent individuals may find exploring many diverse activities helpful in better understanding themselves.

Here’s a link to check out the Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools courses that will be available soon!

Nicola Rose is a New York City-based film director and writer whose work explores neurodivergence, identity, and human connection through imaginative storytelling. She is the writer and director of Magnetosphere, a coming-of-age comedy about a neurodivergent girl discovering she has synesthesia. The film features a cast including Colin Mochrie, Tara Strong, Steven He, and Debra McGrath, and is available on major streaming platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV.

Nicola’s debut feature film, Goodbye, Petrushka, premiered at Dances With Films in Los Angeles and is now streaming widely. She has also written, directed, and produced several short films, bringing a unique creative voice to every project. Nicola is a graduate of Columbia University and the Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle in Paris.

BACKGROUND READING

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If you'd like members of your organization, school district, or company to know more about the subjects discussed on our podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris provides keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions worldwide, in-person or virtually. You can choose from a list of established presentations, or work with Emily to develop a custom talk to fit your unique situation. To learn more, visit our website.

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Emily Kircher-Morris talks with writer Amy Mackin, author of Henry’s Classroom: A Special Education in American Motherhood, about her experiences navigating the special education system for her son, Henry. They discuss the challenges of accessing appropriate resources, the impact of social isolation, and how community support can make a huge difference. They talk about Amy's transition from public school to homeschooling, and the benefits of a more holistic approach to education that broadens the support group to include family and even medical professionals.

TAKEAWAYS

• Early intervention is extremely important in special education.

• Community support is instrumental in educational advocacy.

• Social isolation is impactful for families with special needs children.

• A holistic approach to education can be transformative.

• Communication between medical and educational systems can be extremely beneficial.

• There can be a big financial toll on families navigating special education.

• Homeschooling can be an alternative educational path for some.

• Student voices should be included in the IEP process.

• Educational resources vary greatly based on the socioeconomic status of each school district.

For information about inviting Emily to your organization or school district, or having her speak at your conference or event, check out the website and get in touch!

Amy Mackin is a writer whose work explores the intersections of education, cultural history, public health, and social equity. Her essays and articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Chalkbeat, The Washington Post, Literary Mama, Witness, The Shriver Report, and other publications.

She holds an MA in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts and an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her debut hybrid memoir, Henry’s Classroom: A Special Education in American Motherhood, was released in May 2025.

BACKGROUND READING

Facebook, Facebook (author page), LinkedIn, Instagram

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Jennifer Dall, a grief-informed neurodivergence specialist and the founder of ADHD Holistically. Jennifer was diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s, and is now an educator, administrator, coach, and grief specialist. They talk about grieving over what might have been, a struggle that often accompanies late-diagnosis. They discuss Jennifer's lived experience with late diagnosis, as well as some common misconceptions about ADHD, especially those faced by women. They also talk about the challenges of identifying ADHD in school settings, particularly for girls and students who may not present with typical disruptive behaviors, and how dependence on a behavioral lens can lead to greater consequences, rather than providing necessary support.

TAKEAWAYS

• There's a lack of training about the diverse presentations of ADHD among educators and professionals.

• It's a persistent myth that people "grow out of" ADHD.

• There can be profound grief and trauma after a late diagnosis, stemming from lost time, opportunities, and years of internalizing negative narratives.

• ADHD often compounds the symptoms of grief.

Dr. Jennifer Dall is a Grief-Informed Neurodivergence Specialist and the founder of ADHD Holistically, where she helps individuals—particularly women—navigate ADHD with practical, personalized strategies that prioritize self-awareness and sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience as an educator and a background in ADHD coaching, yoga instruction, and grief education, her holistic approach is rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience.

Diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s, Dr. Jennifer brings deep insight into the challenges of late diagnosis, masking, and misinformation—especially for women. Through her courses, workshops, and speaking engagements, she supports neurodivergent individuals and the professionals who serve them, including therapists, coaches, and HR leaders. Her work centers on reframing ADHD as a source of strength, helping others unlock their potential with strategies that work in real life.

BACKGROUND READING

Website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

aising kids and teens who struggle with emotional regulation can be tough. Parents must navigate the complexities of societal pressures, and it can lower self-esteem and cause self-doubt. Today we talk about some essential strategies to establish a warm, connected relationship with a challenging child. We try to help find the balance between talking less, and setting clear, aspirational expectations that are crucial for both parents and kids. Our guest is Dayna Abraham, author of the newly released book “Calm the Chaos,” and we’ll try to help quell your fear of the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies raising a challenging child. This is a reprise of a conversation from an earlier episode.

Check out the courses in the Neurodiversity University and join us in bringing society closer to a neurodiversity-affirming world.

Dayna Abraham, bestselling author and National Board Certified Educator, is the founder of Lemon Lime Adventures, which provides resources to parents of neurodivergent kids, and helps them find peace, and meet their kids where they are. Dayna is a mother of three neurodivergent children, as well as being an ADHD adult herself, and brings an out-of-the-box perspective to parents raising kids in a modern world. Her work has been showcased in HuffPost, Scary Mommy, BuzzFeed, ADDitude Magazine, Parents Magazine and Lifehacker. She lives in Little Rock, Arkansas with her husband Jason, her kids, and two huge Newfoundland puppies.

BACKGROUND READING

Book, podcast, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Tom Rademacher, an award-winning educator and author, to explore the nuances of creating affirming educational environments. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in teaching, the impact of neurodivergence on learning, and how personal experiences shape educational philosophies. Tom shares thoughts about his book series "Bucket and Friends," which teaches the power of embracing one's uniqueness and the role of agency and optimism in education.

TAKEAWAYS

• There are always opportunities to improve a supportive learning environment.

• Expressing vulnerability as a teacher can vastly improve relationships with students.

• Personal experiences can and will influence teaching philosophies.

• "Bucket & Friends" emphasizes the importance of embracing uniqueness.

• Agency and optimism have high value in an education context.

We only open the registration window for our Educator Hub a few times a year, and right now the window is open! Become part of this amazing community of teachers, administrators, parents of students, and people interested in making classrooms a better place for everyone.

Tom Rademacher is an award-winning educator and author with over 20 years of experience in education. He currently serves as a professor in the teacher licensure program at Reach University’s Oxford Teachers College and is the author of 50 Strategies for Learning without Screens, It Won’t Be Easy, Raising Ollie, and the upcoming chapter book series Bucket and Friends.

Named Minnesota Teacher of the Year in 2014, Tom brings humor, heart, and honesty to his work in preparing future educators and advocating for students. He lives in Minnesota with his family and their very large dog—just a little too close to the Mall of America.

BACKGROUND READING

Tom’s website, Instagram, LinkedIn

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with licensed mental health counselor Leon Garber, host of the Seize the Moment podcast, about the complexities of perfectionism. They explore the many layers, its ties to neurodivergence, and its impact on mental health. Leon shares what he knows about the different forms of perfectionism, including self-imposed, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism, and they discuss how these can manifest in various domains of life. They also examine the role of environmental factors and personal motivations in shaping perfectionistic tendencies.

TAKEAWAYS

• Self-imposed perfectionism sets unrealistic personal standards.

• Socially prescribed perfectionism stems from external expectations.

• Perfectionism often masks deep-seated shame.

• Domain-specific perfectionism targets areas of strength.

For a limited time, the window is open to join the Educator Hub! Become part of this amazing community of teachers, administrators, parents of students, and anyone else interested in making classrooms a better place for everyone.

Leon Garber, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor based in Brooklyn, NY, specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder, perfectionism, and existential concerns. His work explores how individuals can confront anxiety and cultivate a meaningful life through evidence-based strategies and philosophical reflection.

Leon is the co-host of Seize the Moment Podcast, where he explores a wide range of mental health topics, and shares his writing on Leon’s Existential Cafe, a blog focused on mental wellness, purpose, and personal growth. His approach integrates clinical expertise with deep curiosity about what it means to live well.

BACKGROUND READING

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The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris has a heartfelt conversation with Lake Bell, an award-winning actress, writer, and director, who opens up about her journey as a mother navigating her daughter Nova's epilepsy diagnosis. Emily and Lake talk about the challenges of living with neurodiversity, and discuss ways to turn them into victories. Lake shares the impact of seizures on Nova's identity, and she reflects on her own experiences with dyslexia. They talk about the importance of reframing neurodiversity, and the role of advocacy in destigmatizing conditions like epilepsy.

TAKEAWAYS

• Finding the right epilepsy medication can be challenging.

• Epilepsy can positively impact and shape family dynamics.

• Unique strengths are created in challenging situations.

• Stigmas surrounding epilepsy are an ongoing challenge.

• Uniqueness is just a difference, not a weakness.

Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event is Tuesday, September 9th at 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific. It will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

Lake Bell is an award-winning actress, writer, and director known for her work across film, television, and audio storytelling. She stars in HBO’s upcoming series The Chair Company opposite Tim Robinson and recently received the Hollywood Critics Association Award for her directing work on the Emmy-nominated limited series Pam and Tommy. Bell is also the author and narrator of Inside Voice: My Obsession With How We Sound, an acclaimed audiobook produced by Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Media.

Bell made her directorial debut with In a World…, which premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and earned the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award along with widespread critical praise. Her second feature film, I Do... Until I Don’t, showcased her talents as a writer, director, and lead actress. Her acting credits include roles in Mother Couch, No Escape, Man Up, It’s Complicated, Home Again, and the Harley Quinn and Marvel’s What If animated series. A graduate of The Rose Bruford College in London, Bell is also a dedicated advocate, serving on the board of Women in Film and as a global ambassador for Women for Women International, championing the voices of women survivors of war.

BACKGROUND READING

Instagram, Wikipedia, All About Brains: A Book About People

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Cody Clark, a magician and autistic self-advocate, to talk about Cody's unique approach to blending storytelling and sleight of hand to offer audiences a more authentic perspective on autism. They discuss Cody's personal experiences as a kid, before he understood his autism diagnosis, and how the diagnosis shaped his life. They talk about the importance of embracing special interests, as Cody did for his journey into magic, and the effect of advocacy work for disability inclusion and self-employment for autistic people.

TAKEAWAYS

• Magic and storytelling can help reveal an authentic autistic perspective.

• The power of special interests shapes one's journey.

• Understanding an autism diagnosis can be life-changing.

• Advocacy for disability inclusion is crucial.

• Self-employment is a viable path for autistic people.

• Magic can be a form of self-advocacy.

Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

Check out a couple of tricks from Cody the Magician.

Look, it's Cosmo the puppy, the newest addition to Emily and Dave's family!

Check out the Neurodiversity University courses we talked about in today's episode.

Cody Clark is a professional magician and autistic self-advocate based in Louisville, KY, who uses storytelling and sleight of hand to shift perceptions of autism. Through his performances and talks, Cody shares how being autistic shapes the way he experiences the world, helping audiences—from students to educators to corporate teams—recognize that autistic individuals have the same hopes, dreams, and capacity for connection as anyone else.

Cody has performed and spoken for a wide range of clients, including the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University, Energizer Batteries, Domino’s Pizza, and the Delta Faucet Company. He has even testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee as a voice for disability inclusion.

BACKGROUND READING

Cody’s website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, TikTok

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Sarah Kesty, an executive function coach and host of the Executive Function podcast, to talk about challenges and strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals with executive function and emotional regulation. They discuss offloading working memory, and ideas to help create an executive function-friendly environment at home and in the classroom. Sarah shares her three-phase coaching model and they talk about the importance of self-regulation in both academic and home settings. You'll learn how these approaches can transform the learning experience for students, and provide hope for educators and parents alike.

TAKEAWAYS

• Emotional regulation is key for learning.

• Offload working memory for better focus.

• Create executive function-friendly environments.

• Self-regulation benefits all students.

• Coaching involves exploration and strategy.

• Normalize experimentation for effective learning.

Register and attend TEFOS live, or check out recordings of the event!

Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

This episode is brought to you by the Gifted Learning Lab. Check out the signature program by Dr. Danika Maddocks, Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid.

Sarah Kesty is an executive function, autism, and ADHD coach dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals develop practical strategies to thrive. She is the host of The Executive Function Podcast and the creator of Brain Tools School, a coaching and learning program that supports high schoolers, college students, adults, and fellow coaches in strengthening executive function skills for everyday life.

A four-time Teacher of the Year, Sarah is known for translating research into actionable strategies. She writes and presents for international audiences and outlets such as Psychology Today, KQED, and Edutopia. Her upcoming book for educators, Growing Executive Function, will be published by Solution Tree in August 2025. Based in San Diego, Sarah is also a local trail guide and passionate gardener, committed to building a more brain-friendly and inclusive world.

BACKGROUND READING

Sarah on Psychology Today, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Edutopia, The Executive Function podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

On episode 282, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes occupational therapist and author Tracey DeMaria, to explore emotional regulation through a metaphor of "surfing the waves." They talk about how the analogy helps both children and adults visualize and manage their emotions, and how that visualization helps the process feel more like a skill to be honed rather than a clinical task. They discuss the importance of language in framing behaviors, the impact of school environments on neurodivergent children, and the integration of sensory and cognitive tools to support emotional well-being.

TAKEAWAYS

• "Surfing the waves" aids emotional regulation.

• Language shapes perception of behaviors.

• School environments especially impact neurodivergent children.

• Blend sensory and cognitive tools for balance.

• Self-awareness is key to regulation.

• Mindfulness can be adapted for kids.

• Special interests can aid emotional control.

Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

Tracey DeMaria, OTD, OTR/L, is an experienced occupational therapist specializing in regulation skills, sensory integration, and mental health. With over 20 years in the field, she currently serves as an occupational therapist in the Phillipsburg School District and as an adjunct professor in the occupational therapy master’s program at Moravian University.

Tracey holds a clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Misericordia University and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University. Proudly neurodiverse, she is a dedicated advocate for disability rights and mental health, committed to empowering individuals of all ages and neurotypes through the development of regulation skills.

BACKGROUND READING

Tracey’s website, How To Surf the Waves, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.