Can changing a few words in an IEP change a child’s future? Speech Dude Chris Wenger shares how to reframe support plans to empower neurodivergent kids instead of pushing them to mask. Learn why connection, regulation, and self-advocacy matter more than compliance and how actually to build those skills into your child’s education plan.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why IEPs often miss the mark and how to fix them
• How to replace deficit language with strength-based reframes
• Why connection and regulation need to come before learning
• How co-creating goals with kids leads to better outcomes
• The power of self-advocacy compared to compliance

About Chris Wenger
Chris also known as Speech Dude, is a high school speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent youth. As a neurodivergent educator himself, he brings a unique perspective to his work. Chris is also an internationally recognized presenter who shares practical, affirming strategies to improve speech therapy and better support neurodiverse students.

Connect with Chris

• Website: Speech Dude | NeuroAffirm 
• Facebook: Speech Dude
• YouTube: Speech Dude
• Instagram: @speechdude
• Tiktok: @speechdude
• X: @speechdude)

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/how-to-make-ieps-neuro-affirming-and-student-led

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Ever been told your child has “mild ADHD”? In this episode, we’ll talk about why no ADHD is ever “a little” and how understanding it early can change everything. You’ll hear how small shifts in awareness and support can help your child feel more capable and connected. Tune in to discover a new way to see and support your child’s unique brain.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why “mild to moderate ADHD” can be as misleading as being “a little bit pregnant”
• How gifted kids can mask ADHD challenges until they suddenly hit a wall
• The real hallmark of ADHD: inconsistency across settings and tasks
• What happens when ADHD goes untreated and starts to snowball into anxiety or burnout
• Why managing ADHD means engaging the brain, not just taking medication

 Related Links:

• EP158: ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment: From Skepticism to Evidence-Based Innovation
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-158-adhd-diagnosis-treatment-from-skepticism
• EP231: ADHD And Productivity: How To Work Smarter, Not Harder
  https://impactparents.com/adhd-and-productivity-how-to-work-smarter-not-harder 
• EP236: Executive Function & ADHD: What Parents Need To Know
  https://impactparents.com/executive-function-adhd-what-parents-need-to-know
   

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/mild-to-moderate-adhd-why-labels-mislead-in-helping-your-child-thrive

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Is school preparing kids for the future or just training them to chase scores? In this episode, Ted Dintersmith reveals why outdated priorities fail students and how creativity, agency, and happiness are the real keys to success. Tune in to discover what kids truly need to thrive in an AI-driven world.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why test scores don’t reflect real learning or future success
• The truth behind pandemic “learning loss” and what really matters
• How AI is reshaping your child’s future and what they need to know 
• A powerful school model that blends hands-on skills with new-economy careers
• How to protect your child’s confidence and stop school from crushing their gifts

About Ted Dintersmith
Ted is a leading voice in education innovation and the founder of WhatSchoolCouldBe.org, a platform highlighting student-centered learning across the country. After a successful career in venture capital, he produced the Sundance-premiered documentary Most Likely to Succeed and authored What School Could Be, based on his visits to classrooms in all 50 states. Through his films, books, and speaking, Ted inspires educators, parents, and policymakers to reimagine learning and prepare kids for the future.

Connect with Ted

• Website: Ted Dintersmith | What School Could Be 
• LinkedIn: Ted Dintersmith
• Upcoming Book: Aftermath
• Upcoming Film: Multiple Choice
  
  

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/ted-dintersmith-future-skills-schools-should-teach-now

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents
  
  

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Why does rejection hit so hard for people with ADHD? In this episode, Rick Green joins us to unpack the emotional toll of rejection sensitivity. We’ll explore how it shows up in daily life, why it’s often misunderstood, and what can actually help. With humor, insight, and real-life examples, this conversation sheds light on a powerful but often hidden struggle.

What to expect in this episode:

• What RSD is and how it affects people with ADHD in the moment
• Why ADHD brains sense more rejection and how that shapes confidence
• What it means to reclaim the brain during emotional overwhelm
• How silence can become your most effective tool in conflict
• A simple question that can shift your mindset fast: What’s the best that can happen?
  
  

About Rick Green, CM, OOnt, BSc
Rick is a celebrated Canadian comedian, writer, and ADHD advocate best known for his roles in The Red Green Show, The Frantics, and the cult favorite Prisoners of Gravity. After being diagnosed with ADHD, Rick co-created the award-winning documentary ADD & Loving It?!, which has helped millions better understand the condition. With a background in physics and a career spanning over 700 episodes of TV and radio, Rick blends science, humor, and heart in his ongoing mission to educate and empower the neurodivergent community. He is a recipient of the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada for his contributions to culture and mental health.

 Connect with Rick

• Website: Rick Has ADHD
• Facebook: Rick Has ADHD
• YouTube: Rick Has ADHD  
• Patreon: Rick Green
  
  

Related Links:

• EP16: What Story Are You Telling Yourself?
   https://impactparents.com/what-story-are-you-telling-yourself
• EP150: Recognizing and Managing Stress Triggers as Parents
   https://impactparents.com/managing-stress-as-a-parent 

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/rick-green-on-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-what-is-it-how-to-manage-it 

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents
  
  

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

What if the real reason your child struggles to regulate emotions or stay focused isn't behavior at all? Dr. Marielly Mitchell reveals how airway health, mouth breathing, and sensory processing play a surprising role in brain development. This episode challenges what you think you know about sleep, stress, and why your child just can’t seem to sit still.

What to expect in this episode:

• How sensory integration affects your child's emotional regulation
• The link between airway health, sleep quality, and brain development
• What mouth breathing might reveal about your child's nervous system
• Signs of poor sleep in neurodivergent kids and what to try first
• Why lack of sleep can look like or worsen ADHD symptoms

About Dr. Marielly Mitchell, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, SWC
Dr. Marielly is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy known for her pioneering work in sensory processing, child development, sleep and airway disorders, and feeding and swallowing challenges. Grounded in biology and physiology, her integrative approach combines sensory-motor strategies, sleep, and airway health to support children with ADHD, ASD, and related conditions. As founder of TheraPlay LA, she leads a multidisciplinary team that blends occupational, speech, and airway therapy to help children thrive.

 Connect with Dr. Marielly

• Website: TheraPlayLA 
• Facebook: Doctor Marielly  
• Instagram: @doctormarielly
   

Related Links: 

• Why Sleep Is SO Hard for Neurospicy People (& what to DO about it)
   https://impactparents.com/why-sleep-is-so-hard-for-neurospicy-people-what-to-do-about-it
• ADHD & Sleep pt 2: Getting Kids In & Out of Bed
   https://impactparents.com/adhd-sleep-pt-2-getting-kids-in-out-of-bed
• From Chaos to Calm: Building Sleep Routines for Sensory-Sensitive Kids
   https://impactparents.com/from-chaos-to-calm-building-sleep-routines-for-sensory-sensitive-kids 

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift.


Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/dr.-marielly-mitchell-connecting-sensory-processing-and-sleep-quality

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
 "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics rom the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Struggling with motivation, time management, or emotional outbursts? It might not be what you think. In this episode, we will unpack the real impact of executive function and why it matters more than ever. Tune in to learn what’s really going on behind the behavior, and what parents can do differently starting today.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why executive function affects everything we think, feel, and do 
• Why medication doesn’t actually solve executive function issues and what can help instead
• How to understand the difference between remediation and accommodation at home and in school 
• What self-accommodation really looks like and how to help kids build it 
• Why it's important to support executive function at home and not just rely on IEPs 

 Related Links:

• EP147: Shifting from Nagging to Collaborative Solutions
   https://impactparents.com/collaborative-solutions 
• EP210: Why Smart Kids Struggle in School and What Executive Function Has to Do With It
   https://impactparents.com/why-smart-kids-struggle-in-school-and-what-executive-function-has-to-do-with-it 
• EP220: Tabletop Gaming: Social & Emotional Skills for Neurodiverse Kids
   https://impactparents.com/tabletop-gaming-social-emotional-skills-for-neurodiverse-kids 
  
  

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/executive-function-adhd-what-parents-need-to-know

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
 "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Summary
What if the real breakthrough in parenting starts with you? In this episode, discover how the power of pause, play, and presence can reshape your relationship with your tween. Instead of rushing to fix behavior, you’ll explore how shifting your own approach creates space for growth, connection, and lasting change. Tune in and uncover what truly moves the needle in your family dynamic.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why “driving the car” is a metaphor every parent should understand
• How visual tools and playful structure reduce stress at home
• The surprising power of co-regulation vs. correction
• Why pause practices create more change than fast fixes
• How belief in your child’s ability sets the tone for growth

About Yulia Rafailova
Yulia Rafailova is a coach, speaker, and founder of MindFull Education. She helps parents and adolescents build executive function through mindfulness, collaboration, and personalized strategies. With a background in academic consulting and lived experience with ADHD and anxiety, she brings empathy and insight to every family she supports.

 Connect with Yulia 

• Website: Pause People Coaching | Mindful Education  

About Dan Leibowitz, M.Ed.,M.Sped.,C.E.T.
Dan Leibowitz is an educator, consultant, and parent coach with over 30 years of experience. He supports families in building routines, co-regulation, and emotional self-awareness at home. With advanced degrees in education and training in educational therapy, Dan helps parents shift patterns to foster resilience and independence in kids.

Connect with Dan

• Website: Pause People Coaching | Innovative Learning Services 
   

Related Links: 

• EP135: It’s All About Control: Are You Ready?
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-135-its-all-about-control-are-you-ready
• EP216: ADHD & Memory: It's So Important, I Forgot
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep216-adhd-memory-its-so-important-i-forgot

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/improve-executive-function-and-family-dynamics-in-the-tween-years 

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
 "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

What if growing up doesn’t follow a straight line anymore, and that’s perfectly normal? This episode explores the evolving journey of emerging adulthood, the hidden challenges today’s young people face, and how parents can support them without falling into outdated expectations. From delayed independence to collaborative planning, discover why there's no one-size-fits-all path to thriving.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why the path to adulthood looks different now
• What college readiness really means
• How to recognize when your child needs a pause before a plan
• Why collaboration, not control, helps emerging adults thrive
• What many parents misunderstand about the 18–25 experience

 About Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC
Joanna is the founder of Lilley Consulting, where she helps emerging adults (18–29) who are struggling with the transition to independence. With a Master’s in Counseling from West Virginia University and over a decade of experience in wilderness therapy, college recovery programs, and academic support, she specializes in connecting young adults with the right therapeutic and wellness resources. Joanna is known for her honest, empathetic, and solution-focused approach. She also hosts the Success is Subjective podcast, highlighting non-linear paths to adulthood and the complex realities facing today’s young adults.
 

Connect with Joanna

• Website: Lilley Consulting
• LinkedIn: Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC 
• Facebook: Lilley Consulting
• YouTube: Lilley Consulting / Success is Subjective Podcast
• Podcast: Lilley Consulting
  
   

Related Links: 

• EP144: Helping Young Adults get back on Track
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-144-helping-young-adults-get-back-on-track/id1565976964?i=1000641123620
• EP213: Life After 18: Unique Paths for Neurodivergent Young Adults
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep213-life-after-18-unique-paths-for-neurodivergent/id1565976964?i=1000706653868

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/how-to-support-young-adults-through-nonlinear-life-paths 

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.
Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Homework struggles aren’t always about motivation. Sometimes, the biggest obstacles are invisible, like executive function challenges or stress overload. In this episode, we will discover what’s really going on when kids avoid or resist assignments, why your go-to solutions might not be working, and how to take a fresh approach that actually helps. If you’re tired of nagging and want a smarter way forward, this is your next listen.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why executive function impacts every stage of the homework process
• The 12 invisible steps kids must take to complete and turn in homework
• How stress, motivation, and “effort tax” complicate even simple assignments
• Why planners fail and what to do instead
• When buy-in matters more than strategy

 Related Links:

• The Power of Good Enough: Progress Over Perfection
  https://impactparents.com/the-power-of-good-enough-progress-over-perfection 
• Why Smart Kids Struggle in School and What Executive Function Has to Do With It
  https://impactparents.com/why-smart-kids-struggle-in-school-and-what-executive-function-has-to-do-with-it 
• ADHD & Memory: It’s So Important, I Forgot
  https://impactparents.com/adhd-memory-its-so-important-i-forgot 
  
  

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/why-homework-is-hard-executive-function-stress-and-real-solutions

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

What if the change your child needs starts with you? This episode explores how rethinking your role through an attachment lens can unlock new ways to connect, support, and truly understand your child. Discover what happens when you stop trying to fix and start seeing differently. You may never look at parenting the same way again.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why real change begins when caregivers feel just as empowered as their kids
• How an attachment-based lens helps reframe behavior and connection
• What reflective parenting looks like and why it builds trust over time
• How to move from “fixing” to truly listening and understanding
• Why belonging matters more than we think in classrooms and homes

About Tania Johnson, R.Psych
Tania is a registered psychologist and co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. Originally from South Africa, she holds an Honours degree in psychology and a Master’s in counselling from City University of Seattle. Tania brings a global perspective to her work, having taught in Taiwan and trained at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Chicago. A former foster parent and current supervisor for emerging clinicians, she draws from attachment theory to support meaningful connections between children and caregivers. Tania is known for turning research into practical strategies that parents can apply in daily life.
 

Connect with Tania

• Website: Institute of Child Psychology 
• Facebook: Institute of Child Psychology 
• Instagram: instituteofchildpsych 
• YouTube: Institute of Child Psychology 
  
  

Related Links:

• EP153: Trusting Complex Kids & Helping Them Trust Us
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-153-trusting-complex-kids-helping-them-trust-us/id1565976964?i=1000648999971
• EP207: Rebuilding Trust with Teens: Cleaning the Slate Conversations
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep207-rebuilding-trust-with-teens-cleaning-the/id1565976964?i=1000700897363

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/how-to-build-trust-and-emotional-security-in-kids 

Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

Sponsors
"Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD Intervention
Do you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.

Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com