Divergent Conversations – Détails, épisodes et analyse

If you are the parent of a gifted or twice-exceptional (2e) child, you know the unique challenges and pressures these children face.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Dr. Danika Maddocks, a gifted/2e parent coach and owner of The Gifted Learning Lab, discuss the complexities of raising and supporting gifted and 2e kids, including the internal and external pressures, the impact of growth vs. fixed mindsets, and the innovative strategies that can support these exceptional children.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain insights into the internal and external pressures that gifted and 2e children face, and how these can lead to intense emotional and psychological distress despite their apparent successes.
2. Explore the influence and impact of a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset, especially how understanding and fostering the right mindset aids in developing resilience and coping mechanisms for gifted children.
3. Learn practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support a gifted or 2e child's emotional and cognitive development, including effective validation techniques and the importance of environmental fit.

As you consider the best ways to support and nurture the gifted children in your life, remember to look beyond labels and standards. Focus on creating environments where their unique abilities can thrive, allowing them to grow and develop a healthy sense of self.

More about Danika:

Dr. Danika Maddocks is a gifted/2e parent coach and owner of The Gifted Learning Lab. She helps parents let go of standard parenting pressures and build a unique family life that actually works for their kid and themselves. She has supported gifted and twice-exceptional kids, teens, and their families for over 15 years as a teacher, therapist, school consultant, assessment provider, and coach. Her work is also informed by her personal experiences growing up gifted, being a late-identified autistic adult, and raising a young gifted/2e kid.

• Danika has a free email mini-course called Reduce Power Struggles with Your Gifted/2e Kid. All parents want to feel like they're on the same team as their kid or teen, but gifted/2e parents often feel stuck in negotiations and power struggles, no matter what parenting advice they try. In this free, 5-day mini-course, parents will learn practical strategies to prevent, reduce, and defuse power struggles with their gifted/2e kid or teen. Access the free course: giftedlearninglab.com/power
• Website: giftedlearninglab.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/giftedlearninglab
• Facebook: facebook.com/giftedlearninglab

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Giftedness is paired with a unique cognitive and emotional makeup accompanied by many societal misconceptions. Many individuals find themselves grappling with high expectations, internalized stigma, and a constant quest for intellectual stimulation, often reconciling feelings of exceptional capability with misunderstood struggles.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Katy Higgins Lee, a multiply neurodivergent therapist, discuss the nuanced world of giftedness, including the intersection of giftedness, neurodivergence, and the emotional landscape that comes with it.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Understand the trauma that can arise from being labeled as gifted, and how societal misunderstandings and high expectations can lead to negative perceptions and unresolved emotional struggles.
2. Explore the concept of "overexcitabilities" from the theory of positive disintegration and how recognizing these heightened sensitivities can aid in self-care and managing intellectual and sensory needs for a balanced life.
3. Discover practical approaches and supportive communities that help twice exceptional (2e) individuals navigate their unique challenges, providing a sense of belonging and validation.

As you reflect on your unique journey or that of someone you care about, consider the nuances that shape your experiences and needs. Understanding and embracing these can open doors to self-acceptance and fulfilling connections.

More about Katy:

Katy Higgins Lee, MFT (she/her) is a multiply neurodivergent therapist in private practice in Northern California. She is also a clinical supervisor, continuing education provider, neurodiversity advocate, unschooling parent, gardener, and writer.

• Katy’s Trainings: katyhigginslee.com/trainings
• Katy’s Groups: katyhigginslee.com/groups 
• Instagram: nstagram.com/tendingpaths
• Facebook: facebook.com/katyhigginsleemft
• YouTube: youtu.be/7pMcDdfEj6A
• I Must Be BUG’N Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/3sW2KsIJ8HumxE9YgRZKFS?si=1f9748dbff9d4126
• Our Wild Minds Facebook Group: facebook.com/ourwildminds

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Neuroimmune systems often intertwine with chronic health and neurodivergence, leaving neurodivergent individuals grappling with things like energy management, chronic fatigue, or other long-term health conditions.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Mel Houser, an Autistic family physician, about the intricate dynamics of chronic health, energy management, and the often-overlooked connection between neuroimmune systems and neurodivergence.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of post-exertional malaise (PEM) and how recognizing one's limits can help in avoiding the debilitating crash that often follows overexertion.
2. Using real-life experiences, understand the systemic challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals within a traditional healthcare model, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and community support.
3. Discover practical strategies and tools from Dr. Houser on identifying environmental triggers and making manageable adjustments to improve health, particularly for autistic and ADHD adults.

As you navigate your own healthcare journey, remember to honor your limits, seek out community, and advocate for the care you deserve.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.

More about Dr. Mel Houser:

Dr. Mel Houser (she/they) is an Autistic family physician with a clinical focus on providing primary care for neurodivergent patients across the lifespan. She is the Founder and Executive Director of All Brains Belong VT, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Montpelier, Vermont that uses universal design principles to provide neurodiversity-affirming medical care, social connection opportunities for all ages, and neurodiversity-related educational training. At age 37, Dr. Houser was diagnosed as autistic, ADHD, dyspraxic, dyslexic, and dyscalculic. She is also the parent of an autistic 6-year-old, who is her guru of so many keys to the universe.

• Website: allbrainsbelong.org
• Get Connected: allbrainsbelong.org/get-connected
• Clinician Resources: allbrainsbelong.org/clinician-resources
• Instagram: @allbrainsbelongvt
• Bateman Horne Center Website: batemanhornecenter.org

Check out All Brains Belong’s project: Everything is Connected to Everything: Improving the Healthcare of Autistic & ADHD Adults provides health education resources to support people with this constellation of intertwined conditions, as well as strategies for discussing the project with medical providers. There is also a Clinician Guide with a combination of evidence-based practice and the lived experiences of more than 100 Autistic and ADHD community members.

• Here's the link to the project: allbrainsbelong.org/all-the-things

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By exploring biopsychosocial aspects of life, it can become easier to understand our nervous systems from a holistic perspective offering more options to improve our quality of life with simple and manageable changes.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic fatigue and long COVID, and how these affect one's social life and overall health through the lens of Megan’s experiences.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Learn about realistic and attainable goal-setting to overall health using a biopsychosocial approach, highlighting why it's important to avoid extremes and embrace small, achievable changes.
2. Gain insight into how personal struggles and professional advice sometimes contradict, as well as discover a more holistic perspective that underscores the importance of authenticity.
3. Discover the psychological and biological dimensions of Megan’s chronic fatigue and long COVID, and how these affect her social life and overall health.

As you listen, consider how you can apply these discussions to your own life, setting realistic goals and fostering a sense of balance. Make self-care a priority, and remember that small, positive changes can create ripple effects that significantly enhance your mental and physical health.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.

Resources:

• Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W8zJvBOcokPqW2OIi70hIhlqmJcowdKA/view?usp=sharing

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✨ The Autistic Burnout Workbook:

I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. I'm running a special deal for those who support my work. After you order, you will get a coupon code that you can use toward our store for the same amount. For example, the workbook costs $18.99, so after purchase, you'd get a credit of $18.99 to use in our digital shop or in our Etsy shop, which gets you another digital workbook of your choosing for free. This is technically a pre-order...

A lot can be learned about our nervous system and needs by looking at biopsychosocial aspects of life.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, explore the biopsychosocial aspects of sleep and how they intersect with mental health through the lens of Patrick’s experiences.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain insight into Patrick Casale's ongoing battle with sleep issues, from his childhood to the present day, and learn how various factors—like sleep environment, hydration habits, and caffeine intake—impact his nights.
2. Hear Dr. Neff's expert advice on practical strategies for better sleep, including the use of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) and small, manageable changes that can make a big difference over time.
3. Understand the biopsychosocial dimensions of sleep disturbances, including how stress, rumination, and hypervigilance can disrupt your rest, and discover methods to counter these challenges through visualization and grounding exercises.

If you struggle with sleep, consider doing a biopsychosocial assessment for yourself, and find the small changes you can implement to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is not intended as medical advice.

Resources:

• Patrick’s Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1W5SwQ1x3gmEc6fnpVyMjhPUfzFwI2A07/view?usp=sharing
• Biopsychosocial Venn Diagram Download: drive.google.com/file/d/1W8zJvBOcokPqW2OIi70hIhlqmJcowdKA/view?usp=sharing
• Sleep Resource (Neurodivergent Article): neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/autism-adhd-and-sleep
• Sleep Workbook (Neurodivergent Insights): neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergentstore/sleep (Use Code: DCPOD for 25% off)

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✨ The Autistic Burnout Workbook:

I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and

Dealing with chronic health issues can often feel like a neverending battle, especially when it seems like there’s no clear path to improvement.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, discuss their personal battles with chronic health conditions. They provide an insightful analysis using the biopsychosocial model, share their experiences, and introduce this new series on chronic health issues for neurodivergent individuals.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain practical insights into managing chronic health struggles through the biopsychosocial model, which considers the interconnected biological, psychological, and social factors affecting well-being.
2. Discover the power of setting concrete, manageable goals to tackle issues such as sleep, depression, and chronic pain, and learn strategies to cultivate self-efficacy and align your actions with your values.
3. Learn how diet, exercise, and behavioral health perspectives play crucial roles in managing complex medical conditions, and hear about the hosts' personal plans to focus on movement and diet for improved health.

As you embark on your own journey to better health, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Identify one tangible goal you can work on today, and consider the broader biopsychosocial factors influencing your well-being. Reflect on how you can take actionable steps, no matter how small, towards living a more value-aligned life.

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✨ The Autistic Burnout Workbook:

I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book, The Autistic Burnout Workbook. I'm running a special deal for those who support my work. After you order, you will get a coupon code that you can use toward our store for the same amount. For example, the workbook costs $18.99, so after purchase, you'd get a credit of $18.99 to use in our digital shop or in our Etsy shop, which gets you another digital workbook of your choosing for free. This is technically a pre-order promotion that was originally set to end on March 10th, but for listeners of the podcast, I'm going to extend this deal, so if you buy the book in the next month, you can also redeem this special. Thank you for supporting my work. It means so much to me...

Navigating the complexities of personal identity and public presentation can be incredibly challenging, especially for those in the neurodivergent community with later-in-life discovery who have crafted a well-established public identity and role.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, meet with Maureen Werrbach to discuss the complexities of finding balance between personal identity and public presentation. This deep dive into the experiences of neurodivergent individuals shines a light on the challenges and triumphs of embracing one's true self amidst societal and professional expectations.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Immerse yourself in the personal journeys of Maureen Werrbach, Patrick Casale, and Dr. Neff as they discuss how their diagnoses of ADHD and autism have reshaped their lives both personally and professionally. Hear firsthand accounts of unmasking and embracing authentic identities.
2. Gain insights into the power of vulnerability, and the fine balance required to share personal experiences publicly without losing oneself. Understand how different mediums of communication can impact this delicate balance.
3. Explore the intersection of identity and leadership, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Learn from Maureen’s experience of integrating her social justice beliefs and personal values into her business, and the importance of creating accountable and inclusive leadership teams.

As you listen to this episode, reflect on your own journey of self-discovery and how you can embrace and advocate for your true self. Consider how your unique identity shapes your interactions and contributions, both in your personal and professional life.

More about Maureen:

Maureen developed her coaching program, The Group Practice Exchange, based not only on her own experience with starting her private practice but also growing it into a successful group practice.

She spent countless hours researching how to start a private practice (the legal and procedural steps) and then many more hours learning how to grow it into a group (again trying to figure out the appropriate steps). Through trial and error, she learned what works and what doesn’t in running a counseling group practice.

Maureen thoroughly enjoy helping clinicians become confident and organized group practice business owners.

• Website: thegrouppracticeexchange.com

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Neurodivergent individuals can sometimes feel overwhelmed by emotions or struggle to understand their own stress responses, and entrepreneurship can add another level of intensity to this experience.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Yunetta Smith, a licensed clinician, coach, trauma expert, and EMDR trainer, about the impact of naming emotions on mental health, especially for neurodivergent individuals, entrepreneurs, and people of color, emphasizing the importance of allowing folks to have autonomy over their own experiences and healing.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Discover how naming your emotions can reduce stress and turn tough experiences into opportunities for healing and growth.
2. Gain insights into the reality behind perceived success and the internal struggles many neurodivergent entrepreneurs face—validation that you are not alone if you feel overwhelmed, isolated, or disconnected despite your outward achievements.
3. Learn about Yunetta's groundbreaking work with EMDR therapy, offering marginalized communities access to mental health resources tailored to their unique needs and experiences.

As you listen, consider how emotional awareness can enhance both your personal well-being and your entrepreneurial success, keeping in mind that there is more than one right way to access your emotions and honor your nervous system and uniqueness.

More about Yunetta:

Yunetta Smith is a Thriving Therapreneur (Therapist + Entrepreneur) CEO and founder of Spring Forth Counseling and Ground Breakers Coaching and Consulting. Yunetta is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the States of TN, KY, and ID, as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor, Clinical Trauma Professional, and EMDR Therapist/Approved Consultant.

Yunetta specializes in helping black and brown folks navigate childhood trauma that manifests in adulthood—working exclusively with public figures, professionals, pastors, and practitioners.

She works diligently to spread awareness through various media platforms including the weekly “Talk it out Tuesday” segment on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, co-hosting the Deeper than the Diet Podcast, and self-publishing her self-care workbook “Take the Struggle Out of Self-care: Six Weeks to Create Your Self-care Strategy.”

Yunetta is a groundbreaker, a stigma breaker, and a cycle breaker who cultivates spaces for healing, wholeness, compassion, and change. She strives to create an atmosphere where anyone can take of their masks, stand in their truth, and learn to love what they see!

• Websites: yunettaspring.com & groundbreakerstherapy.com
• Social Media: @yunettaspringsmith & @groundbreakerstherapy
• EMDR Mailing List: text EMDR to 33777

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ADHD entrepreneurs can face unique challenges while balancing creativity, passion, and ideas with organization, implementation, and struggles with executive functioning.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, owner of GJV Consulting and Training and an ADHD entrepreneur, about ADHD's impact on entrepreneurship, offering practical strategies and personal insights.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear real-life stories about managing the emotions of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and burnout, with practical tips for emotional regulation and recovery.
2. Learn practical strategies for improving executive functioning with tools such as the ADHD buddy system, AI assistance, and effective delegation.
3. Discover ways to evaluate and pursue diverse revenue streams while maintaining focus and aligning with her core values.

As you reflect on this episode, consider entrepreneurial strategies that you can apply to balance creativity with organization in your own ventures. Whether it's through better delegation or emotional health reflection, intentional steps can lead you to success.

More about Gabrielle:

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, coach, entrepreneur, and educator based in Sarasota, FL. She has been in the mental health field for over a decade specializing in stress, chronic health conditions, and trauma. 

After realizing her own burnout in 2021, she sold her thriving group practice and made it her mission to educate others on the impact stress has on our everyday lives. Gabrielle pulls from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal Informed therapist to utilize mind/body approaches to help others implement everyday strategies to manage stress and live their best lives. 

Gabrielle is an international speaker, retreat leader, and has been featured in Authority Magazine, The Daily Om, Bustle, and the Everyday Woman TV Network. When she's not working, Gabrielle is teaching Zumba, surfing, or reading a psychological thriller at the beach.

• Website: gabriellejulianovillani.com
• Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Retreat in Belize: allthingspractice.com/belize-neurodivergent-2025

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Entrepreneurship can on the surface appear to bring the promise of freedom and autonomy, but it also comes with unique psychological challenges that many neurodivergent entrepreneurs struggle to navigate.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Megan Anna Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, talk with Dr. Corey Wilks, a psychologist and executive coach, to explore the intersection of psychology, entrepreneurship, and core values.

Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Discover how to leverage the "availability paradox" to make more intentional choices, allowing you to prioritize opportunities that align with your values and long-term goals.
2. Using real-life examples, understand the concept of “memento mori” and pursuing long-term fulfillment and meaningful work, even if it doesn't feel good on a daily basis.
3. Uncover the importance of core values in preventing burnout and achieving long-term fulfillment, especially for neurodivergent individuals, with practical tips on how to identify and stay aligned with your values.

If you choose to pursue entrepreneurship, consider how aligning your work with your core values could enhance your fulfillment and satisfaction. Remember, saying no to certain things can help you say yes to the ones that truly matter, and bring more meaning and intentionality into your business and life.

More about Corey:

Dr. Corey Wilks is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Executive Coach who helps the top entrepreneurs in the world clarify what matters, overcome limiting beliefs, and build a values-aligned life and business. His work explores the psychology of success and what gets in our way. And he shares these insights in his weekly newsletter, which you can check out at coreywilkspsyd.com.

• Website: https://coreywilkspsyd.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coreywilkspsyd
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreywilkspsyd

Additional Resources

• Values Exercise: think2perform.com/values

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✨ The Autistic Burnout Workbook:

I'm Dr. Megan Anna Neff, owner of Neurodivergent Insights, and I'm excited to announce the release of my book,