Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

TPP 455: A Conversation with Dr. Naomi Fisher on Neurodivergence, PDA, and Self-Directed Learning


Listen Later

In this conversation, I talk with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Naomi Fisher about self-directed education, and why it can be such a powerful approach for neurodivergent kids, especially those with a PDA profile. Naomi shares why agency is so important in learning, how traditional school can chip away at a child’s self-worth, and what it looks like when we truly support demand-avoidant kids in ways that work for them. We also get into the challenges parents face when stepping outside the norm and why keeping the parent-child relationship at the center is key.

About Dr. Naomi Fisher

Dr. Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist who specialises in trauma, autism and alternative education. She is the author of several books including When the Naughty Step Makes Things Worse and the Teenager’s Guide to Burnout. She runs webinars for parents and more of her work can be found at www.naomifisher.co.uk

Things you'll learn from this episode

  • Why agency in learning is essential for neurodivergent children to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and stay engaged
  • How self-directed education supports children—especially those with PDA—by minimizing pressure and honoring their natural pace
  • Why respecting a child’s right to say no is foundational for creating a safe, trust-based learning environment
  • How understanding the cycle of demand avoidance helps reframe “bad behavior” as a response to overwhelm, not defiance
  • Why shifting away from rigid definitions of academic success can open the door to more authentic growth and capability
  • How prioritizing the parent-child relationship and finding community support helps families confidently navigate less conventional paths
  • Resources mentioned

    • Dr. Naomi Fisher’s website
      • Naomi Fisher on Substack
        • A Different Way to Learn by Naomi Fisher
          • Eliza Fricker Talks About Parenting a Child with PDA (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
            • Eliza Fricker’s website
              • The Family Experience of PDA by Eliza Fricker
                • Eliza Fricker / Missing the Mark on Facebook
                  • Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of Their Own Learning by Naomi Fisher
                    • What Can We Do When School’s Not Working: An Illustrated Handbook for Professionals by Naomi Fisher
                      • Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model
                      • Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

                        ...more
                        View all episodesView all episodes
                        Download on the App Store

                        Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenBy Debbie Reber

                        • 4.8
                        • 4.8
                        • 4.8
                        • 4.8
                        • 4.8

                        4.8

                        936 ratings


                        More shows like Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

                        View all
                        ADHD Experts Podcast by ADDitude

                        ADHD Experts Podcast

                        1,301 Listeners

                        Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled by JLML Press

                        Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

                        3,649 Listeners

                        Beautifully Complex by Penny Williams

                        Beautifully Complex

                        351 Listeners

                        Neurodiversity Podcast by Emily Kircher-Morris

                        Neurodiversity Podcast

                        414 Listeners

                        Raising Good Humans by Dear Media, Aliza Pressman

                        Raising Good Humans

                        1,861 Listeners

                        THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST by Holly Blanc Moses

                        THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

                        632 Listeners

                        Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry by Lynn Lyons LICSW, Robin Hutson

                        Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry

                        446 Listeners

                        Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens by Dr. Lisa Damour/Reena Ninan

                        Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

                        81 Listeners

                        Uniquely Human: The Podcast by ART19    Uniquely Human

                        Uniquely Human: The Podcast

                        412 Listeners

                        The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma} by Robyn Gobbel

                        The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}

                        245 Listeners

                        Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

                        Good Inside with Dr. Becky

                        4,441 Listeners

                        The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast by Kate Brownfield

                        The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast

                        25 Listeners

                        At Peace Parents Podcast by Casey

                        At Peace Parents Podcast

                        333 Listeners

                        The ADHD Parenting Podcast by The ADHD Parenting Podcast

                        The ADHD Parenting Podcast

                        258 Listeners