Struggle Care

By KC DavisEducation Self-Improvement

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Typical duration
36 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Struggle Care episodes

August 15, 2024 106: BEST OF: Is Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria Real? with Dr Lesley
🌟 Taking a Break! 🌟
Hey everyone! I am taking a short break for August to recharge and prepare exciting new content for you. I’ll be back in September with fresh episodes and engaging conversations. Thanks for your support and patience. Stay tuned for what’s coming next!
I’m back with one of my favorite guests who is always up for the challenge of a podcast–no matter what the topic is! I want to explore the term rejection sensitivity dysphoria and get Dr. Lesley Cook’s take on it because I have so many questions. Let’s learn more together!
Dr. Lesley Cook is a psychologist who works with those with ADHD and other kinds of neurodivergence. Born and raised in Hawaii, she now lives in Virginia and works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Show Highlights:
●      What RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria) is and how it is manifested
●      KC’s personal experience with RSD and feelings of worthlessness
●      How RSD is different from sensory sensitivity and autism
●      Thoughts about the strong word dysphoria in RSD
●      KC’s personal experience with RSD and being told she is “too sensitive”
●      How we can grow, change, and find regulatory strategies for RSD
●      Why it is difficult to communicate the facets and nuances of RSD and other interpersonal difficulties

Resources and Links:
Connect with Dr. Lesley Cook: TikTok
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
36 min
August 12, 2024105: BEST OF: Self-Esteem Sucks. You need Self-Compassion with Dr Kristin Neff
🌟 Taking a Break! 🌟
Hey everyone! I am taking a short break for August to recharge and prepare exciting new content for you. I’ll be back in September with fresh episodes and engaging conversations. Thanks for your support and patience. Stay tuned for what’s coming next!
I’m excited about today’s guest because she has had a huge influence on me. I can confidently say that finding her research on self-compassion was a turning point in my healing journey. Do you need more self-compassion? Join us to learn more!
Dr. Kristin Neff is a renowned psychologist, self-care researcher, and author. Her work has had a profound impact on the field of psychology and has helped countless people cultivate self-acceptance and resilience.
Show Highlights:
How self-compassion became Dr. Kristin’s main area of research
Understanding self-esteem vs. self-compassion
The three components of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness
How self-esteem creates comparison and social disconnection by being conditional and unstable
How self-compassion gives the gift of authenticity
The difference between fierce self-compassion and tender self-compassion
How self-compassion helps us get past our shame
Why self-compassion doesn’t mean indulgence
Pathways and blocks to self-compassion
The connection between self-compassion and psychological functioning
How self-compassion helps when we fail and make mistakes
Why the goal of practicing self-compassion is to be simply a compassionate mess who is completely human
Why the practice of self-compassion has to start small with baby steps of warmth and support (What would you say to a friend?)
A look at Dr. Kristin’s latest book, Fierce Self-Compassion
How anger fits into self-compassion

Resources and Links:
Connect with Dr. Kristin and find many helpful resources: Website
Connect with KC: TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
39 min
August 05, 2024104: The Controversy of ABA: A Discussion with Researcher Dr. Robin Roscigno
Our deep dive into ABA and autism continues in this episode. Today’s guest recently finished her Ph.D. in Education, focusing on disability studies and related research in the world of DEI. Dr. Robin Roscigno helps educate parents about neurodiversity to create a more inclusive world for neurodiverse individuals. She posts frequently on social media platforms about autism and autism therapies. Her studies and life experiences give her both a professional and personal relationship to this topic because of her brother’s childhood diagnosis of autism. Robin was also diagnosed with autism along with her young daughter and began navigating the therapy world as a parent who struggled to find therapies that are affirming. After leaving teaching to pursue her Ph.D., she now focuses on autism intervention and challenging the dominant paradigms.

Show Highlights:
Understanding what ABA therapy is and why there is such controversy around this topic
The dilemma for parents in the “explosive landscape” of ABA
Understanding behaviorism as a therapeutic approach
The old-school ABA therapy and its focus on eye contact
How current autism therapies are designed to make people appear “less autistic” and “fit in more” in the world
The need for wisdom and a harm-reduction approach in therapies
Choosing a school program for your child based on goals and techniques and not a binary (ABA:good or ABA: bad) approach
The foundation of neurotypical norms (like eye contact) in connection, relationships, and social referencing—-which we ALL need
Teaching social referencing in affirming ways that help develop skills
Looking for red/green flags in assessing specific goals and techniques from an advocacy perspective
Unrealistic expectations of autistic kids and their parents

Resources and Links:
Connect with Dr. Robin Roscigno: Website, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TEDx Talk: “Your Autistic Child Can Have a Great Life. Here’s How”
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 26 min
August 02, 2024103: Autism (actually) Speaks with Kerry Magro
For several recent episodes, I’ve been interviewing people with autism about their perspectives and experiences. We are discussing the DSM criteria, stereotypes about autism, and how autism affects the lives of both children and adults. An autism diagnosis can have many different nuances, and there is so much more to autism than the DSM criteria. Today’s guest, Kerry Magro, shares his experience in this episode. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:
Kerry’s growing up years with mostly communication and sensory-based challenges, love and support from his family, and his success as a professional certified speaker
Kerry’s various college and graduate degrees
Stereotypes about autism
Understanding autism as a true spectrum with a wide range of complexities and strengths
Kerry’s challenges with eye contact and other social norms
Understanding “autism burnout,” masking, representation, and “honoring” the disability
Kerry’s perspective on autism and relationships
“Repetitive and restricted behaviors” in adulthood
Kerry’s experience as an adult, dealing with sensory sensitivities and learning to speak up for accommodations
Kerry’s experience with autism and physical touch
Advice for parents

Resources and Links:
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
46 min
July 29, 2024102: The Controversy of ABA: A Discussion with an ABA Practitioner
If you heard our episode from a couple of weeks ago, you know we discussed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Today, we are looking at the controversy surrounding ABA, why many people are in favor of it, and why many people oppose it. My guest, Taylor, is a BCBA, a board-certified behavior analyst, so let’s discuss this topic and learn more from her.

Show Highlights:
An explanation of ABA and the role of a BCBA
The language of ABA: desired behaviors, undesired behaviors, behavior contrast, punishment, replacement behaviors, injurious behaviors, tantrum behaviors, etc.
Taylor’s story about going to an ABA conference
The historical harm that ABA has done to autistic children
The dehumanizing aspects of ABA
Is the goal of ABA to make an autistic child seem less autistic?
Therapies covered by health insurance for an autistic child: speech, occupational, and ABA
The side of ABa that no one talks about
ABA: helpful, traumatizing, or distressing?
Taylor’s path to becoming a BCBA
An autism diagnosis does NOT mean that you need ABA.
A look at a typical ABA session (even though each session is highly individualized to the needs of each person)
Taylor’s top three things that can be done to better serve autistic people

Resources and Links:
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 23 min
July 26, 2024101: Bonus Episode: Autism (actually) Speaks with Kathleen Walker
As we continue with our series on autism, I’m joined by Kathleen Walker for today’s bonus episode. We discuss the basic criteria for autism, her experience as a child with an early diagnosis, what it’s like for an autistic person to “play by the rules” of business etiquette in the workplace, and her advice for parents of autistic children. Join us to learn more from Kathleen!
Show Highlights:
The first criteria for autism: “persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction”
Kathleen’s perspective on her social communication and interactions as an early-diagnosed child
Examples of how an autistic person might “miss things” in interaction and communication
Challenges for the autistic person in a professional career vs. in personal relationships
Masking and modified behaviors to be accepted
Kathleen’s suggestion for rewriting the DSM criteria based on communication/interaction
Helping autistic kids feel comfortable and navigate the world in their own ways
Kathleen’s experience with social difficulties around conversations, nonverbal cues, and anxiety
For an autistic person, connection in relationships might not be a top priority in life.
Kathleen’s experience with “repetitive and restrictive interests, rituals, and schedules
Kathleen’s advice for parents of autistic children
Resources and Links:
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
47 min
July 22, 2024100: The Controversy of ABA: A Discussion with a Psychologist
In this episode Psychologist Lesley PsyD discusses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, particularly in the context of autism, during Autism Awareness Month. This conversation aims to provide a neutral and factual overview of ABA, exploring its principles, applications, and the diverse perspectives surrounding it. Lesley explains ABA's focus on understanding and modifying behavior through reinforcement and environmental adjustments. They address the benefits and risks of ABA, emphasizing the importance of individualized approaches and naturalistic learning.
Show Highlights:
Overview of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and its relevance to autism.
Clarification of ABA terminology and its practical applications.
Discussion of the emotional and controversial nature of ABA therapy.
Examination of the challenges parents face in accessing appropriate therapies for children with autism.
Importance of understanding behavior in context, including antecedents and consequences.
Exploration of the benefits and risks associated with ABA practices.
Critique of the focus on compliance and neurotypical standards in ABA.
The role of reinforcement in behavior modification and its implications for intrinsic motivation.
Discussion of the need for individualized approaches to therapy that respect children's unique experiences.
Advocacy for a compassionate and nuanced understanding of autism and behavior analysis.

Resources and Links:
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 7 min
July 19, 202499: Bonus Episode: Autism (actually) Speaks, An Interview Mashup
In today’s episode, you’ll hear from three guests about their autism experience and their perspectives on common stereotypes about autism around communication, relationships, and more. This is a bonus follow-up to our most recent episode about autism with Kaelynn Partlow. Join us as we explore autism further with Syd, Atlas, and Sapphire. I’m happy to have them here to share their insights.
Show Highlights:
Meet Syd, a 22-year-old post-grad student who is self-diagnosed as autistic and ADHD:
Thoughts on relationships, unmasking, and “quality over quantity”
Being yourself in a world that isn’t always welcoming to your kind
Cultivating a special (and rare!) interest in learning and education
Meet Atlas, who was self-diagnosed at age 16:
Identifying with autistic characters on a favorite TV show
What it’s like to pick up on other people’s perceptions of your weirdness
Autistic traits that Atlas recognized from childhood about obsessive routines
Meet Sapphire, who was identified as autistic in 5th grade but not diagnosed until age 19:
Nuances around communication, conversations, and awkward silences
The common misunderstandings about what a relationship with an autistic person can be like
Using an “Excel spreadsheet in my brain” to catalog each person
Relationships and the need for “alone time” to decompress
Sapphire’s advice to parents who are hesitant to have their child tested/diagnosed
Resources and Links:
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
31 min
July 08, 202498: Autism (actually) Speaks with Kaelynn Partlow
Happy Autism Awareness Month! Yes–I know that was in April, but I have ADHD and am easily distracted. I’ve procrastinated for more than a year on doing some really great episodes about autism because I want to do justice to this topic. I’m starting with an amazing TikTokker, Kaelynn Partlow. I’ve followed her for quite a while, but you might know Kaelynn from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. Kaelynn shares about autism from her personal experience and her professional work with autistic kids. She was diagnosed at age 10 with autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Her background provides a unique perspective on advocacy that is worth our attention. Join us!

Show Highlights:
Specific criteria (from the DSM) for autism—and Kaelynn’s experience with each one
Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction
Restrictive or repeated behavior
Kaelynn’s experience in making and maintaining friendships while growing up and now
Masking: What it is and what it feels like
The nuances of eye contact: not enough or too much?
All autistic behaviors ARE human behaviors.
Stimming from an autistic perspective and a non-autistic perspective
Kaelynn’s special interests, routines, and self-imposed “rules”
Kaelynn’s experience with sensory issues: noises, fabrics, etc.
Kaelynn’s perspective on physical touch (Most autistic people don’t like physical touch.)
Kaelynn’s diagnosis at age 10 (after the assumption that she was genius-level intelligent.)
Autism is NOT an invisible disability!
Kaelynn’s reflection on her childhood and helpful therapies and treatments
Kaelynn’s thoughts on common ADA controversies
Kaelynn’s advice to those who might fear being “labeled” if they pursue testing for themselves or their child
What Kaelynn sees as the biggest misunderstanding about autism today
Resources and Links:
Connect with Kaelynn Partlow: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook
**Look for Kaelynn’s book, Life on the Bridge, to be released this summer!
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 hr 9 min
June 24, 202497: In Defense of Video Games (for parents of gamers) with Derrick Hoard, LMFT
We are back for Part 2 of a fascinating discussion with Derrick Hoard, a licensed marriage and family therapist, TikTokker, and video game aficionado. We left off in last week’s episode talking about how some people rely too heavily on gaming for their coping skills in life and how “mindful gaming” can go beyond simply pushing buttons and help in many ways. The conflict over video games extends beyond partner relationships and definitely leads to challenges for parents and their kids. Let’s explore this topic with Derrick!

Show Highlights:
Myths and misconceptions about video games from a parent’s perspective
Being mindful means using as many of the five senses as possible and being purposeful.
Video games can lead to emotional connection, learning, and many problem-solving skills.
Derrick’s perspective on gamers who play a variety of games: good or bad?
Thoughts on the benefits of games like Skyrim and Mass Effect
The value of a collaborative approach by parents who get involved in a child’s gaming life respectfully and appropriately
The benefits of video games for neurodivergent kids, overall mental health, and therapeutic approaches
The key for parents of gamers: accepting video games as ways to promote mindfulness, deep conversations, true interest, growth, skill development, curiosity, and maturity

Resources and Links:
Connect with Derrick Hoard: Website, TikTok, and the Mindful Gaming Podcast
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
42 min

About Struggle Care

From the publisher's feed

A podcast about self-care by a host that hates the term self-care. Therapist KC Davis, author of the book How to Keep House While Drowning talks about mental health, care tasks, and more.