In today’s episode, Dr. Emily King joins the conversation to explore anxiety in the classroom and how it follows many of us into adulthood. While Emily identifies as neurotypical and I identify as neurodivergent, we’ve both experienced the challenges of anxiety in learning environments. This discussion takes a comprehensive look at the topic from multiple perspectives—educational, parental, and personal—offering insight into how these early experiences shape us and how we can better support neurodivergent children in academic settings.

Connect with Dr. Emily:

• For Parents
• For Teachers
• Website

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate

In today’s episode, Brooke Schnittman, founder of Coaching with Brooke, joins the conversation to share her expertise in executive function coaching for students and adults with ADHD. With years of experience helping people shift from chaos and frustration to confidence and focus, Brooke offers valuable insight into navigating ADHD in both personal and professional life. As a mom with ADHD raising children with ADHD, I’m especially curious to explore the challenges of balancing our own neurodivergence while supporting our kids. This discussion dives into the tools and strategies that help families thrive.

Connect with Brooke:

• Website
• Instagram - DM me “pod” and I'll send you a link to a free guide for ADHD

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Julie Skolnick, author of Gifted and Distractible and a passionate advocate for twice-exceptional (2e) children. As a mother of 2e kids herself, Julie brings deep insight into the unique challenges and strengths of gifted children who also have learning differences. We explore how reframing giftedness can help parents and educators provide the support these children are silently craving. This conversation dives into why a strengths-based approach is critical and how simple shifts in communication can empower 2e kids to thrive.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What giftedness really means and why it’s often misunderstood
• How to check in with your 2e child in a way that fosters connection
• The long-term effects of solving your child's problems for them
• A powerful mindset shift for parents before school drop-off
• Three game-changing strategies to support 2e kids: the pause button, communicating the "why," and "noticing verbs"

Resources mentioned:

Equitable Learning Environments Pamphlet to share with your child’s teacher and create a more supportive classroom environment

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate

In today’s episode, I sit down with Lisa Baskin-Wright, a former educator and IEP coach who specializes in a neurodiversity-affirming approach to the IEP process. We explore how shifting from a compliance-based mindset to a strengths-based framework can empower both children and parents navigating the complexities of IEPs. Lisa shares how parents can advocate more effectively, collaborate with educators, and ensure their child’s unique needs are truly met. This conversation is a must-listen for any parent looking for a more affirming and student-centered IEP experience.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What a neurodiversity-affirming IEP is and why it matters
• How parents can craft effective Parent Input Statements and advocate during meetings
• The problem with compliance-based focus goals and how to reframe them
• Strategies for rebuilding focus goals that set students up for success
• The role of connection, collaboration, and healthy conflict resolution in the IEP process
• Key federal regulations parents should know
• Practical goal ideas for neurodivergent learners
• A mindset shift that helps parents navigate the IEP journey with more confidence

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate

In today’s episode, I sit down with Megan Barnett, an ADHD and Executive Function coach with The Learning Collective, to explore why kids with ADHD struggle with task initiation, procrastination, and perfectionism. We discuss how executive function challenges impact motivation and self-esteem, and how parents and educators can better support neurodivergent learners. Megan and I share practical strategies to help kids feel more confident in their abilities and develop healthier approaches to learning and productivity.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What ADHD really is and the three types of ADHD
• Why grades shouldn’t be the ultimate measure of success
• How executive function skills affect task initiation and motivation
• The concept of cognitive offloading and how it can support ADHD brains
• The link between perfectionism, procrastination, and fear of failure
• Practical strategies to help kids start tasks with confidence
• How to introduce the topic of ADHD to children in a supportive way

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate

In today’s episode, I sit down with clinical pediatric psychologist Dr. Alex Reed to explore why neurodiversity isn’t just an accident—it’s an essential part of human evolution. We discuss how neurodivergent minds have played a critical role in human survival, adaptation, and innovation, and how we can harness these strengths today. Dr. Reed shares insights on how to embrace and support neurodiverse ways of thinking in education, parenting, and daily life.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why neurodiversity is an evolutionary advantage, not a flaw
• How neurodivergent thinkers have historically helped communities thrive
• The importance of embracing different cognitive strengths in today’s world
• How we can support neurodiverse children in education and parenting
• Practical ways to nurture specialized thinking and unique abilities

Grab my FREE equitable Learning Environments Pamphlet to help your child’s teacher create a more inclusive and supportive classroom

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate

In today’s episode, we explore the complexities of Twice Exceptional (2e) students—those who are gifted in certain areas while facing learning differences in others. It can be baffling for parents and educators to see a child excel in math while struggling with reading, leading to misdiagnosis or a lack of support. This conversation sheds light on why 2e students often go unnoticed and how we can better support them in educational settings.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What it means to be Twice Exceptional (2e)
• Why giftedness can sometimes mask learning challenges (and vice versa)
• The importance of recognizing and supporting 2e students in schools
• Strategies for parents and educators to help 2e children thrive
• How to create equitable learning environments that nurture both strengths and challenges

Grab the FREE equitable Learning Environments Pamphlet to help your child’s teacher create a more inclusive and supportive classroom.

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate

In today’s episode, I’m opening up about my experience as a highly sensitive and neurodivergent person—how masking my true self began at a young age and how I’ve learned to unmask, set boundaries, and prioritize what truly fills me up. I share my journey of recognizing the emotional toll of people-pleasing, understanding why I felt safe and valued when I met others’ expectations, and the moment I realized it wasn’t sustainable. This episode is all about reclaiming energy, emotional regulation, and embracing authenticity.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What it means to be both highly sensitive and neurodivergent
• How masking begins early and why it feels necessary for survival
• The emotional impact of people-pleasing and self-abandonment
• How to set healthy boundaries and protect your energy
• Practical ways to regulate emotions and say yes to what truly aligns

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate

In today’s episode, Ana Lorena Fábrega joins me to explore how we can make learning more engaging and help kids express their creative energy. We dive into rethinking traditional schooling methods, the power of letting kids share their own ideas, and what video games can teach us about motivation and fulfillment. Ana, a former teacher turned author and edupreneur at Synthesis, shares insights from her book The Learning Game on how to encourage kids to think independently, embrace challenges, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why we should question the “right” way to do school
• The one thing kids are most excited to write or share about
• How video games tap into key elements for happiness and engagement
• Strategies to help kids embrace challenges and think for themselves
• How to nurture a love for learning in and beyond the classroom

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate

In today’s episode, we dive into the challenges of our education system and why it often fails neurodivergent children—and in many ways, all children. If modern learning goals prioritize creativity and innovation, why are we still using a system built on conformity and standardization? As a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent kids and a former educator, I understand the frustration of navigating a system that wasn’t designed for the way our kids think. Together, let’s unpack why the system operates this way, explore the real impact of its outdated approach, and discuss tangible steps we can take to advocate for change. Because when we create a better learning environment for neurodivergent kids, we create a better system for all kids.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why the education system struggles to support neurodivergent learners
• The historical reasons behind its focus on conformity and standardization
• How misaligned learning goals impact creativity and innovation
• Practical ways to start shifting the system in favor of neurodivergent students
• Why improving education for neurodivergent kids benefits every child

Take the FREE quiz: What Self-Regulation Technique do you need right now?

Join the community: https://neurodiversityadvocate.substack.com/about

Connect with Melissa:

Schedule a complimentary consultation call with me!

Instagram: @neurodiversity_advocate