Spark Launch Podcast

In the season finale of season 2, Mike and Chaya sit down with Candice Christiansen, a leading voice at the intersection of neurodiversity, trauma, and intimacy, for a conversation that gets existential—and a little bit weird. The three explore the sacred energy of creation, the challenge of healing in a world that isn't always helpful, and what it means to harness your own power when you’ve been taught to ignore it.We Also Cover:

• Candice's journey as a late-diagnosed autistic person
• The intricate connection between sensory experiences and sexuality
• Defining and embracing the concept of "neuroculture"
• Why autistic individuals are so vulnerable to trauma and abuse
• Challenging stereotypes that infantilize and desexualize autistic adults
• The idea of sex as a sacred energy exchange
• Using intuition as a tool for protection and setting boundaries
• What forgiveness really means
• Navigating a world that often tries to stifle authentic expression

Quotes:"The way I see, perceive, behave, understand, and live in this world is based on what I view as my brain's culture and way of being, and that doesn't mean I'm deficient. It just means it's different and different really is beautiful.""If we looked at sex truly as a sacred energy exchange, I do have to wonder if... people would just be mindlessly swiping left and right and allowing people's energy into their being, because it does impact who we are.""You are a bright light and to not let anyone dim your light... people will try to, and just to shine love and shine light. And because that wins always, it always wins.""The efforts to remain what you are is actually what limits us. But if you give into constant evolution... there's no expiration date to that. We can continue evolving until the end.""We don't have to hold on to the pain. And we can learn to love ourselves constantly by even doing little things. It doesn't have to be a big, huge purpose."About Candice Christiansen:Candice Christiansen, LCMHC, CSAT-S, CMAT, Neuro-Inclusive IFS, Certified EMDR, and Psychedelic Assisted Therapist (PAT), is the Founder and Clinical Director of Namasté Center For Healing. A trauma-informed care and neurodiversity expert, she supports individuals and couples facing complex mental health challenges from intimate partner violence and betrayal. With over 25 years of experience working with neurologically different children, teens, and adults, Candice offers neuro-affirmative screenings, consultations, and training to professionals at institutions like Yale, Harvard, Seeking Integrity Los Angeles, and IITAP Arizona. She has served as an expert witness in state and federal courts advocating for neuro-affirmative legal care for autistic individuals. Her publications include Mastering the Trauma Wound (2016), Compassionate KAP (2024), and a co-authored chapter in Altogether Us (2023).   In 2023, she and Aly Dearborn, LMFT, developed a gender-inclusive autism screening tool identifying traits common in autistic females and non-binary adults. Her relationship insights have appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune, Talkspace.com, and on Fox 13’s The Place. She served five years on the Division of Professional Licensing Substance Use Disorder Board and on the UMHCA Board, and her work emphasizes resilience and healing through integration of lived experience, empowering individuals and professionals with tools to navigate mental health challenges.Connect with Candice:

• Consulting Website: https://candicechristiansen.com
• Namaste Center for Healing: https://namasteadvice.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theAutismSexpert

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike and Chaya sit down with Rupali Sharma, founder and director of The T.E.C. Schools in Worcester, Massachusetts, who shares her journey from architecture to Montessori education, revealing how autonomy, observation, and child-centered learning create environments where neurodivergent children thrive without labels or limitations.We Also Cover:

• The philosophy behind Think, Explore, Create and its connection to child development
• Freedom within boundaries as the foundation of Montessori learning for neurodivergent kids
• Why sensory-based, hands-on materials unlock potential in ADHD and autistic learners
• The critical triangle: teacher, student, and prepared environment working in partnership
• How neurodivergent children flourish when given time, space, and respect
• Observation as the teacher's most powerful tool for individualized learning plans
• Supporting hyperfocus in ADHD children and channeling special interests into learning
• The spiritual preparation of the Montessori teacher and why mindset matters for inclusive classrooms
• Transitioning Montessori students to traditional school settings while preserving self-advocacy
• Why creativity needs freedom from adult judgment to blossom in neurodiverse learners
• Montessori as an alternative to traditional IEP-focused education
• How parents can support Montessori principles at home with neurodivergent children

Quotes:"Children are very different from adults. They like to be engaged in activity that is driven by their interest, not driven by the teacher's interest, but by their own interest.""I don't really think being neurodivergent is something new. It's always existed throughout history. It's just that what environment are we forcing people into nowadays?""When they are an adult, all of this is going to be behind them. They're going to be successful no matter what. It's while they are under our care, it's our job to give them the environment where they can thrive and not be felt that, oh, I'm not right or I'm not fitting in somehow.""Often people say to me, what if they leave Montessori and go to the real world? Montessori is the real world. We teach them to advocate for themselves. We teach them to be confident. We actually show them what they're capable of in their highest potential."About Rupali Sharma:Rupali Sharma is the Founder and Director of The T.E.C. Schools, established in Worcester, MA in 2016. With a background in architecture and training as a Montessori educator, she is passionate about blending authentic Montessori principles with a modern STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) integrated curriculum. Her vision centers on nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, preparing children to think independently, explore ideas, and build the skills their future will demand. She launched her education career with Imagination Unbound, an initiative designed to lay early foundations for creative thinking and to empower both children and educators to become bold explorers in the learning process.Connect with Rupali:

• Website for The T.E.C. Schools - Montessori Education in Worcester, MA - https://www.thetecschools.com/
• Rupali Sharma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupali-sharma-04b6336
• The T.E.C. Schools on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/the-tec-schools.-think.-explore.-create./
• Instagram: @thetecschools - https://www.instagram.com/thetecschools/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTECschool
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thet.e.c.schoolsthink.expl5950/featured
• Email: [email protected]

Related Reading:

• "More Than Textbooks: A Holistic Approach to Education" by Rupali Sharma: https://www.thetecschools.com/more-than-textbooks-a-holistic-approach-to-education

The T.E.C. School is located at:
15 Jamesbury Dr.
Worcester, MA 01609 Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike and Chaya sit down with Derek Crager to discuss his journey of being late-diagnosed AuDHDer, how embracing his neurodivergence led him from the manufacturing floor to building transformative accessible AI tools for the neurodivergent community, and what it truly means to create human-centered technology that actually fits. We Also Cover:

• How receiving his autism and ADHD diagnosis brought self-acceptance and reshaped Derek's career
• Why "prompt engineering" might actually be a neurodivergence superpower
• The story behind PracticalAI and creating voice-first solutions that are judgment-free
• Making information accessible without internet or apps
• Building workplace inclusion into tech from the ground up
• The "one size fits one" philosophy versus one-size-fits-all systems
• Advice for neurodivergent entrepreneurs on building teams and leveraging community
• Why certification and trust matter in assistive technology
• Derek's advice for his younger self and anyone feeling out of place

Quotes:"I wore my diagnosis like a badge of honor. Embracing who I am allowed me to communicate authentically—something I never had before.""Knowledge is key to the universe. When we put it in the right hands, at the right time, it's a platform for belonging and growth.""The best tech doesn't replace humans; it empowers us to be irreplaceable. If we thrive, so does everyone around us."About Derek Crager:Derek Crager is a neurodivergent entrepreneur, voice-first AI strategist, and the founder of Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com. With a background in industrial reliability and training, Derek spent decades feeling misunderstood in professional environments. At age 50, a late diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia provided a new lens through which to view his life and career, explaining his innate ability for pattern recognition and systems thinking.This personal journey became the catalyst for his professional mission. His flagship product, Pocket Mentor, is the world's first voice-based AI mentor designed for hands-free, real-time industrial support. It addresses the critical problem of "tribal knowledge" loss—where valuable expertise disappears when a key employee leaves—by transforming that knowledge into an on-demand, scalable resource accessible through a simple phone call, with no app or login required.Through AIforAutistics.com, Derek creates a space where neurodivergent individuals can harness AI to create, earn, and build sustainable, independent lives. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion through innovation, blending emotional vulnerability with deep technological insight to empower a community where difference is a strategic advantage.Connect with Derek:

• Practical AI Website: https://www.practicalai.app
• Pocket Mentor: https://www.pocketmentor.us
• AI for Autistics Community: https://www.aiforautistics.com
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amazonleadership/

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All podcast listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike and Chaya sit down with Anu Dayal-Gulati, a certified ancestral healing practitioner, to explore how inherited emotional patterns can create subconscious blocks in our lives. Anu explains how everything from our relationships to our finances can be impacted by these generational traumas, including how they can uniquely affect neurodivergent minds, and provides practical tools to begin the healing process.We Also Cover:

• Identifying recurring emotional and situational patterns.
• The intersection of generational trauma and neurodiversity.
• The impact of childhood, parenting, and societal pressure.
• Reclaiming personal power through healthy boundaries.
• The true meaning of forgiveness for personal closure.
• Healing practices like creating an ancestral altar and journaling.
• Finding support and nurturance outside of family dynamics.
• Anu’s journey from economist to ancestral healing.

Quotes:"One of the ways in which the universe speaks to us is through patterns.""Forgiveness is actually just letting go of the expectation that someone... is going to say sorry, going to make amends, going to recognize what you've gone through.""When you cut your chains, you free yourself. When you cut your roots, you die."About Anuradha Dayal-Gulati:Anu Dayal-Gulati, Ph.D is an ancestral healing practitioner, certified flower essence therapist, and author of the book Heal Your Ancestral Roots: Release the Family Patterns That Hold You Back. She specializes in helping clients recognize and break deep-seated ancestral patterns to foster healing and reconnection with their personal energy. Combining her 15 years in finance and academia with a holistic, spiritual approach, Dr. Anu bridges analytical perspectives with intuitive emotional healing practices.Dr. Anu has guided clients for over a decade, offering private sessions with customized flower essence blends, workshops, online courses, and speaking engagements that empower individuals to set boundaries, release limiting beliefs, and discover self-growth. Her compassionate and accessible approach has earned her international recognition.Connect with Anu:

• Anu's Website: https://www.anudayalgulati.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anudayalgulati/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anudayalgulati/
• Anu's Book, "Healing Your Ancestral Roots": https://www.innertraditions.com/books/heal-your-ancestral-roots

Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike and Chaya sit down with Diana Stelin, an award-winning artist, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy. Diana shares her journey and expertise on the connection between art and emotional healing, explaining how anyone can use creativity to manage burnout, connect with their intuition, and foster better confidence.We Also Cover:

• Art therapy as an accessible tool for emotional expression.
• The impact of childhood criticism on creativity and how to reclaim your inner artist.
• The SPARK Method: Stay present, Pay attention, Allow play, Release the outcome, and be Kind to yourself.
• Using creative outlets to navigate burnout, overwhelm, and life transitions.
• Shifting from seeking external validation to cultivating internal worth.
• Embracing accidents and imperfections.
• How artistic expression connects us to our inner child.

Quotes:

• "There's no such thing as mistakes in art. It's all a matter of what you turn it into... You can just switch and say there's no such thing as mistakes in life. It's all a matter of what you turn this into."
• "The main modality of humankind is artistic expression in some way... forming your personality, all that is actually a form of artistic expression because you are taking experiences, things that happened, beliefs you've built, values you hold dear, and using it to build yourself, using it to transform yourself over time." 
• "The very first thing that they say to me is, 'I don't have a creative bone in my body.' ... And that phrase is almost like permission for them to be little kids again."

About Diana Stelin:Diana Stelin is an award-winning educator, artist, and founder of The Plein-Air Art Academy, with degrees from Cornell and Boston University and a signature free-flowing painting style rooted in mindfulness and emotional expression. Her recent focus is on delivering transformative workshops for corporate teams, teens, and children, using her proprietary SPARK method to address burnout, support emotional growth, and guide participants through periods of transition. A former TEDx speaker, Diana shared her talk Creativity as Antidote to Burnout, highlighting the power of art to build resilience and help individuals reconnect with their inner clarity and sense of purpose. Her Coolidge Corner gallery serves as both a showcase for sustainability-driven art and a dynamic venue for youth programming, team-building events, and leadership retreats—helping kids, teens, and adults tap into creativity as a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal transformation.Connect with Diana:

• https://www.dianastelin.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-stelin/
• https://www.instagram.com/dianastelingallery/
• https://www.instagram.com/diana_stelin/
• https://www.facebook.com/diana.stelin
• https://www.dianastelin.com/plein-air-art-academy

Diana's TEDx Talk, "Creativity as an Antidote to Burnout": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCnQqpZlCS4 As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike and Chaya sit down with neuro-inclusion consultant Gabriela Tardea to get practical about building workplaces where neurodivergent talent can thrive. From auditing culture and rewriting job descriptions to unlearning bias on teams, Gabriela breaks down how to bridge the gap between good intentions and real, embedded change.We Also Cover:

• Bridging intentions and actions with culture-first audits
• Rewriting job descriptions with clear, skill-based language
• Practical recruitment fixes
• Communication clarity
• Flexible policies that adapt to context vs. blanket mandates
• US innovation vs. Nordic structure
• Preventing burnout and supporting recovery with autonomy, fit, and energy-aligned roles
• Unlearning neurotypical bias, integrating strengths, and raising manager readiness
• Aligning roles to cognitive styles, tracking innovation metrics, and making small, sticky changes

Quotes:

• “Workplaces are not just boxes filled with checklists… they need to be adapted depending on the people that you have.”
• “We do not need extraordinary action to make some changes. We just need a shift in mindset.”
• "It's not all about learning new things. Often it's about unlearning the biases that we have."

About Gabriela Tardea: Gabriela Tardea is a Senior Business Consultant and Neuroinclusion Advocate specializing in AI-driven HR strategies, knowledge management, and workplace equity. With certifications in HR Organizational Development and Neurodiversity Support, she pioneers frameworks for neuroinclusive leadership through her book Unlocking the Power of Neurodiversity with AiLA (2023). Her "Pendulum Lifestyle" model combats neurodivergent burnout by aligning work rhythms with cognitive needs. Gabriela advises Fortune 500 companies on psychological safety and mentors neurodivergent professionals through her Adaptive Career Labs. Key affiliations include the Neurodiversity Workplace Alliance and Global DEIB Council.Connect with Gabriela:

• Amazon Bookstore: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gabriela-Tardea/author/B07MP374L8
• https://www.facebook.com/gabrielatardea.careerstrategist/
• https://www.instagram.com/gabrielatardea/
• https://www.facebook.com/gabrielatardea.careerstrategist/

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike and Chaya sit down with Austin psychotherapist Lisa Modur to talk about misunderstood childhood ADHD, self‑stigma, perfectionism, and how “mom‑wine culture” became a coping tool before treatment and long‑term recovery reshaped her life, relationships, and parenting.We Also Cover:

• ADHD and specialized schooling
• Feeling “less than,” comparison, and confidence erosion
• Perfectionism, over‑planning, and early motherhood
• Coping, trauma, and seeking help
• Integrated treatment for ADHD, women’s trauma, and SUD
• Scripts and self‑preservation
• Parenting without stigma
• Social media pressure vs. executive dysfunction skills
• Women‑specific gaps like postpartum, menopause, sober living
• Neuroplasticity timelines, relapse risk, and daily recovery practices

Quotes:

• "Emotionally, you're constantly thinking that you're behind, that you are less than. That you're not good enough to be able to keep up with what society tells you is the norm."
• “This is something that really began in my 40s. Immediate stress, immediate glass of wine, because that would rein in any sense of panic that I had over any situation. And so it was my go-to. It seemed perfectly fine because all of my friends were having wine at lunch."
• “With ADHD, we're thinking about how to respond and whether or not we're going to be shamed for the response, whether it's worthy of our voice, because we've always been told to be quiet.”

About Lisa Modur:Lisa specializes in the treatment of women, complex trauma, substance use disorder, and process addictions. Her approach is client-centered for providers and patients to help individuals and their families find solutions during moments of need. Lisa has over two decades of experience working with hospitals, physicians, mental health professionals, veteran organizations, and EAPs.Lisa attended Colorado Christian University for her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a graduate psychotherapy intern with Austin Oaks Hospital’s Women’s Wellness Program as well. She is certified in behavioral health crisis intervention, a certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, and a certified Clinical Mental Health Coach.Lisa is a member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Group Psychotherapy Association, the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, Chi Omega, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Outside of work, Lisa volunteers in the Austin women’s recovery community obsesses over her dogs and is a staunch UT Longhorns fan with two Longhorns of her own out of her three teenagers, Hook'Em!Connect with Lisa:

• https://austinoakshospital.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-m-5a519059/

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves, a child psychologist and EAP specialist, to discuss the nuances of neurodiversity and mental health from a cross-cultural perspective between India and the United States. Dr. Gonsalves shares her experiences with the state of ADHD awareness in India, how patriarchal norms affect diagnosis in boys and girls, and why she believes parental counseling is more critical now than ever.We Also Cover:

• Why using simple, accessible language is key to destigmatizing neurodiversity.
• The societal pressures that discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking mental health support.
• The importance of integrating mental health education and self-love practices into school curriculums.
• The conflict many adults face between a high-paying job and their true passions.
• Actionable strategies for making mental health services more accessible, especially in rural communities.
• The concept of "brain diversity" as a tool for reframing the conversation around neurodivergence.

Quotes:

• "The world is designed for average people. Anything above or below it is... you don't fit. So if you don't fit, then make your own world."
• "People only talk about the problem. But to understand the problem, you need basic common-man language."
• "Parents need more of counseling today compared to children. Children are ready to change."

About Dr. Pritika Bernice Gonsalves:With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stanford University, an M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cambridge, and a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Delhi, Dr. Gonsalves has dedicated her career to understanding and facilitating child development through innovative therapeutic practices. Currently, she serves as the Director of Child Psychology Services at The Institute for Child Development and Play Therapy and as a Senior Play Therapist at the Child Mind Institute. She also consults for UNICEF, assisting in the development of child welfare programs. Her research focuses on the impact of play therapy on childhood trauma and emotional expression, with numerous publications in prestigious journals. Dr. Gonsalves is actively involved in public speaking, conducting workshops, and mentoring aspiring psychologists. She's a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association for Play Therapy (NAPT), and an advisor for the Child Psychology and Play Therapy Network. Away from work, Dr. Gonsalves enjoys writing, traveling, and exploring different cultures, which enriches her professional insights.Connect with Pritika:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-pritika-bernice-gonsalves-30250451/
• https://www.instagram.com/dr.pritikabernice/
• https://www.youtube.com/@mindbasket_india
• https://www.facebook.com/drpritikabernice/

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593

Mike and Chaya sit down with Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz, co-founder of Sage School of Dallas, who has dedicated her career to reshaping how we support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students. Dr. Skerbetz shares how she identified gaps in public, private, and charter institutions, the hard reality for parents forced to pick between academic or emotional support, and reveals how Sage is rewriting what an effective, compassionate school can be when it’s built for the kids who don’t fit anywhere else.We Also Cover:

• Why “gifted” doesn’t guarantee success without the right support
• The concept of Consequence Choice
• How Sage addresses social, emotional, and academic needs
• Why classrooms shouldn’t look like “traditional schools” anymore
• Tips for parents advocating for their children in non-inclusive systems
• Why busywork and rote memorization fail neurodivergent learners—and what to do instead
• The balance between freedom and structure in a 2e-focused classroom
• The connection between executive functioning skills and long-term career readiness
• How to foster authentic friendships versus just peer connections for neurodivergent students
• How Mandi’s theory of “consequence choice” builds buy-in and confidence
• The role of curiosity, connection, and inclusion in transforming education

Quotes:

• "I want a parent to drop their kid off and know they’re getting everything they need in the same day."
• "Kids do not need to memorize. I don't care who they are, I don't care if they're gifted, I don't care if they have a 'lower IQ.' You can Google anything. We need critical thinking skills."
• "For kids that are super smart, super gifted, but have social emotional challenges, it's like, 'They're smart, they'll be fine.' And no, it doesn't work that way."

About Dr. Mandi Davis Skerbetz:For over 20 years Mandi has worked in the field of special education including being a special education and gifted teacher. Neurodiverse students and their families have been at the heart of everything Mandi has done throughout her career. It has been her dream to have a school where students' strengths are truly enhanced and needs supported for long-term success and achievement. Dr. Skerbetz has worked in various roles at public, charter, and private schools in Dallas, TX and Pittsburgh, PA. She has taught and mentored students in the field of Special Education at Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, Southern Methodist University, and University of Pittsburgh.Connect with Dr. Skerbetz:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandidavisskerbetz/
• https://www.sageschooldallas.org/
• https://www.instagram.com/sageschoolofdallas/
• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567948017506

  As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593

Chaya and Mike speak with Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price, a distinguished professor, legal expert, and program director at National University, about her journey blending personal experience as a parent with her career in family law. Dr. Price shares some eye-opening insights from her book, The Special Needs Child and Divorce, and explains how small changes in legislation and legal practices can make a huge impact for families navigating these challenges.We Also Cover:

• Best practices for individualized parenting plans.
• How transformative mediation elevates cooperation.
• Addressing gaps in family court systems for unique needs.
• Navigating the emotional landscape of divorce.
• Crisis planning and lessons learned post-pandemic.
• The importance of consistent routines for neurodivergent children.
• Strategies for navigating special needs legislation at the state level.
• How emotional burnout in parents impacts child development and legal outcomes.
• The disparity in parental decision-making across different cases.
• Integrating dispute resolution into long-term support plans for families.

Quotes:

• “Parenting ability has nothing to do with gender. Moms aren't always the best parent. Dads aren't always the best parent. It's the individual who prioritizes their child's needs that is a good parent.”
• “Children tend to blame themselves when their parents divorce. They think it was their fault. Now, consider an intelligent child with special needs. That child would have that guilt magnified because they'd think, 'Oh, I was too much trouble.'”
• “A person who is neurodiverse might struggle with transitions and parenting plans often have cookie cutter schedule where the child is with mom every Monday and Tuesday, with dad every Wednesday and Thursday, and then they alternate the long weekends. Would you like to be living out of a suitcase like that for years?”

About Dr. Margaret “Pegi” Price:Dr. Margaret 'Pegi' Price is a distinguished Professor and Academic Program Director with over 25 years of experience in higher education, specializing in public administration, law, and dispute resolution. She currently serves as the Academic Program Director for the Master of Public Administration at National University in San Diego, California. Dr. Price's diverse background includes a successful legal career spanning civil trial work and prosecution, as well as extensive academic leadership at colleges and universities across the Midwest. She is a recipient of the prestigious National Teacher of the Year award (1992) and is a member of the Missouri Bar and Mensa. Her academic credentials include a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida, where she was a Senior Editor of the Law Review and achieved the first perfect score in the Law Review's annual writing competition. She also holds a B.A. in History from the University of North Florida. In addition to her legal and academic pursuits, Dr. Price is an accomplished author, with her notable book Divorce and the Special Needs Child: A Guide for Parents (2010) published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Her scholarly articles focus on complex issues surrounding family law, special needs children, mental health, and divorce, often collaborating with renowned researchers like J. Hamlin and N. Golden. Her expertise in special needs law, especially as it relates to families and divorce, has led her to speak extensively at national and international legal conferences. She is recognized for her insight into the unique challenges faced by families with special needs children, and her work aims to improve judicial understanding and outcomes in these complex cases.Connect with Dr. Price:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-pegi-price-1b15a7224/
• https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=-8_ojS0AAAAJ&hl=en
• Pegi's Book (Divorce & The Special Needs Child) https://www.amazon.com/Divorce-Special-Needs-Child-Parents-ebook/dp/B005M08CUI?ref_=ast_author_mpb
• https://www.nu.edu/degrees/school-of-public-service/faculty/dr-margaret-price/
• https://www.americanbar.org/products/inv/book/426311978/

Further Reading and Resources:

• https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/
• https://www.aaml.org/wp-content/uploads/MAT103_5.pdf
• https://books.google.com/books?id=G8mg5mGvgRgC&lpg=PR9&ots=NPl4ZJchzF&lr&pg=PR9
• https://www.fenchelfamilylaw.com/blog/2024/10/navigating-divorce-with-a-child-who-has-special-needs-what-california-parents-need-to-know/
• https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-child-focused/keeping-a-marriage-together-while-raising-a-child-with-special-needs/
• https://undivided.io/resources/navigating-divorce-and-co-parenting-children-with-disabilities-undivided-conversations-2222
• https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/divorce/
• https://www.pureheartstherapy.com/podcast/autism-family-resources/navigating-divorce-with-a-special-needs-child-protecting-your-childs-well-being

As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Join the Waitlist for SPARKADE: Games for Children and Families Designed for ADHD Minds, by ADHD Minds
https://play.sparkade.app/Your neurodivergent child deserves an educational experience that helps them thrive.Join the Sparkade community to give them a gamified learning journey that sparks confidence and curiosity, builds skills, and strengthens your connection — one playful session at a time.Available soon on iOS and Android.  -  Play on any tablet or phone.Stay Connected:

• Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
• All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
• Play Our Game - For ADHD Minds: https://play.sparkade.app/
• ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
• Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
• Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

• https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593