Welcome to Every Brain is Different, the podcast designed for parents raising kids with Autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions. Discover practical parenting strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories that highlight the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals. Join us to connect with a supportive community of parents, gain tools to help your child thrive, and celebrate the unique ways every brain works. If you're looking for inspiration, effective parenting strategies, or simply a sense of connection, tune into Every Brain is Different and join a community that truly understands.
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Jeaneen Tang, speech-language pathologist and mother of a special needs child. Along with her over 20 years of experience with working go with children and adults with neurodiversity, she also has an 11 year old son who is neurodivergent. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and stroke at 13 months old. Her personal and professional relationship with this amazing population has forever changed her. She hopes to change their world too. She recently published her first book called PLAY DUMB & SABOTAGE. Through preventative training, she believes we can achieve success and raise confident communicators.
Episode Highlights:
Playful Communication for Young Kids - Why “playing dumb” is a powerful strategy to encourage communication and problem-solving in young kids.
Practical Tips for Parents - Easy techniques from Play Dumb and Sabotage that parents can use daily to prompt kids to express themselves.
Creating a Positive Environment for Communication - How humor and playful “sabotage” lower pressure and make it easier for kids to engage in conversation.
Quick Start Guide for Parents - Steps to implement these strategies right away, with tips for adapting them to different developmental stages.
Jeaneen’s playful approach helps kids open up, speak up, and build confidence through fun communication strategies.
Jenny Drennan is a Certified Educational Therapist, Founder of WeThrive Learning, and featured speaker. Her private practice specializes in supporting students with ADHD, and math and language processing challenges. Drawing on best practices and the latest research, WeThrive Learning provides 1-1 tailored support for students and parents globally while considering their complex learning profiles. Her passion, work, and insights have earned her recognition as one of the top 10 most influential educators by MSN, the Association of Educational Therapists, CHADD Groups, and more. She lives in Newport Beach with her pups and husband.
59 - Marlene Sharp and Judith Uttal - Autism in Entertainment
Episode 59
Monday, September 9, 2024 • Duration 39:32
It's inspiring to see people recognizing the potential of individuals on the autism spectrum to thrive in entertainment-related fields! Join Samantha as she engages in a compelling conversation with Marlene Sharp and Judith Uttal about their mission to create meaningful, career-oriented opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities. Integrating neurodivergent talent into different sectors creates a more inclusive society that values everyone's abilities, including in entertainment! Stay tuned!
Here's what to expect on the podcast:
How did Marlene's and Judith's paths cross, and what motivated them to collaborate on this mission?
What is Autism In Entertainment Conference, and what can attendees learn from it?
Steps parents can take to create meaningful opportunities for their children to pursue careers in entertainment.
Resources available to help neurodivergent individuals build successful careers in the entertainment field.
And much more!
About Marlene and Judith:
Marlene Sharp is an LA-based creative executive, producer, and writer who has collaborated with neurodivergent animators and entertainment industry workers for the past 4 years.
Judith Uttal is the President of the Orange County Asperger's Support Group and the Chairperson of the Autism In Entertainment Conference.
While it's natural for parents to focus more on their neurodivergent children due to their unique needs, it's equally important to support their non-neurodivergent children and nurture sibling relationships. Join Samantha and Lauren as they explore how to manage neurodivergent sibling dynamics. By addressing the needs of all their children, parents can strengthen family bonds and ensure everyone feels supported and understood! Stay tuned!
Here's what to expect on the podcast:
The unique challenges and opportunities faced by siblings of autistic and neurodivergent children.
Why is it important for parents to validate the feelings of neurotypical siblings who might feel overlooked?
Some practical ways for parents to acknowledge and address the emotions of neurotypical siblings.
Establish family meetings to discuss issues and find solutions together.
57 - Jasmine Mathew - Jasmine Mathew and Adapted Dance
Episode 57
Monday, August 26, 2024 • Duration 22:37
People with disabilities want to feel included and be an active part of their communities. Thankfully, recreational therapists are making this a reality! Join Samantha as she chats with Jasmine Mathew about her adaptive dance company, which welcomes individuals of all abilities. This initiative empowers everyone, including people with disabilities, to enhance their self-esteem and physical well-being through the joy of dance! Stay tuned!
Here's what to expect on the podcast:
What inspired Jasmine to create a dance company that serves students of all ages and abilities?
What are recreational therapists, and what do they do?
How does this dance company help children with disabilities build confidence and develop social skills?
The unique advantages of recreational therapy that might not be found in traditional therapy approaches.
And much more!
About Jasmine:
Jasmine is a Recreational Therapist with over 20 years of experience working with a variety of populations with disabilities. She founded a company that caters specifically to students of any age and any disability to participate in dance classes, modified and adapted to their needs. She also continues to be an active Recreational Therapist through Home Health Care as well as through community resources, such as speaking on this podcast.
56 - Shannon Thornton and Strategies to Raise Kids with ADHD
Episode 56
Monday, August 19, 2024 • Duration 40:02
Parents are the primary advocates for their neurodivergent children, and it's essential for them to know and understand their child's unique needs truly! In this episode, Samantha sits down with Shannon Thornton to discuss effective strategies for raising children with ADHD. By knowing their child better and observing the best methods, they can become their child's most significant advocate and ally! Stay tuned!
Here's what to expect on the podcast:
Some common mistakes Shannon made when first trying to support her neurodivergent children.
Focusing on a child's executive age rather than their chronological age.
The social challenges faced by children with ADHD.
Be mindful of negative comments and feedback, which can significantly impact a child's self-esteem.
And much more!
About Shannon:
Shannon Thornton is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider through the Institute of Certified ADHD Professionals who Chrysalis Behavioral Therapy and Counseling.
For generations, discussing sex within the family, especially with children, has been considered taboo. This pattern needs to be broken! Join Samantha as she speaks with Lonelle Madsen about the importance of talking to your children about sexual relationships. Parents need to recognize the importance of being the primary source of information on this topic! Stay tuned!
Here's what to expect on the podcast:
Challenges Lonelle faced in her own life that led her to become an advocate for sexual education within families.
How can parents of neurodivergent children approach conversations about dating, relationships, and sex with their child?
Start having open and honest conversations with children about relationships and self-awareness from a young age.
Create a safe environment for children to ask questions and learn about sexual relationships without shame or taboo.
And much more!
About Lonelle:
Lonelle Madsen is dedicated to empowering parents in their sacred mission to raise children who are confidently prepared for the complex world of dating, relationships, and sex. Embedded deep in her is the conviction to create a strong foundation for families whereby they can navigate through societal pressures while upholding their treasured values. As a seasoned expert, she offers a unique blend of personal experience and professional acumen to equip parents for this crucial responsibility.
Lonelle's own story, marked by early sexual encounters leading to a young pregnancy and a tumultuous journey through the sex industry, serves as a powerful testimony of resilience. Her personal experience has fed directly into her commitment to assisting young people and their parents in making confident, wise choices concerning relationships and sexual intimacy. Her fight also extends to addressing and mitigating the damages of mental health conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)- a disorder often associated with sexual trauma and abandonment.
With a first-hand experience of BPD through her daughter's struggle, Lonelle deftly weaves this awareness into her approach to product development and mentoring, enabling her to identify and respond to the personal pain points of her clientele that set her apart in her field.
54 - Back to School Tips for Your Neurodivergent Child
Episode 54
Monday, August 5, 2024 • Duration 27:56
Samantha and Lauren share resources for back to school. They emphasize the importance of communication with teachers, routines at home, fostering independence, and creating supportive environments. Stay tuned!
Here's what to expect on the podcast:
How can open communication between parents and teachers benefit a neurodivergent child?
Create a supportive environment tailored to your child's unique needs.
What is a social story, and how can it help a neurodivergent child?
Focus on highlighting your child's strengths and positive attributes.
53 - Dr. Gilly Kahn and Sleeping Strategies for Neurodivergent Teens
Episode 53
Monday, July 29, 2024 • Duration 40:58
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Gilly Kahn, a clinical psychologist specializing in neurodiversity and emotion regulation. Dr. Kahn shares her personal journey with ADHD, challenges of diagnosis, and the importance of understanding the emotional component of ADHD in women. Stay tuned for valuable insights for parents and individuals navigating neurodiversity!
Here's what to expect on the podcast:
Dr. Gilly Kahn’s journey in understanding ADHD.
The challenges and misconceptions with ADHD.
Parenting tips for neurodivergent teens.
Different tools and techniques to help kids with ADHD fall asleep.
And much more!
About Dr. Gilly:
Gilly Kahn, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, mother, and writer. She specializes in neurodiversity and emotion regulation and provides individual therapy in Atlanta, Georgia. When she is not seeing clients or chasing around her two baby bears (children), you’ll usually find her writing, probably about something psychological. Gilly blogs for ADDitude Magazine, is writing her debut novel (with the working title of, Allow Me to Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women’s ADHD), and engages in other advocacy efforts to raise awareness on women’s health issues.
52 - Melissa Berger and Navigating a New Diagnosis
Episode 52
Monday, July 22, 2024 • Duration 38:38
Navigating the journey of parenting a teenager with autism can be a uniquely challenging experience! Samantha's conversation with Melissa Berger sheds light on this intricate path, offering valuable insights for those embarking on this journey. Parenting a neurodivergent teenager is indeed a next-level experience, but with the appropriate resources, support, and mindset, it can also be immensely rewarding! Stay tuned!
Here's what to expect on the podcast:
Melissa's fears regarding her teenager's future independence and life skills.
What can parents do to prepare their neurodivergent children for college and build their independence?
The three key pieces of advice for parents who have recently received an autism diagnosis for their child.
Melissa's free meltdown workbook.
And much more!
About Melissa:
Melissa’s passion is to help parents of autistic children feel fully supported as they go from surviving to thriving without wasting precious time. Melissa had a 30-year executive leadership career with Whole Foods Market. She is also a certified professional coach through the Co-Active Training Institute. Her work focuses on partnering with parents as they navigate their child’s autism diagnosis, including a 6-month coaching and support program Thriving with Autism, a comprehensive resource for parents in the first year of diagnosis. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys seeing Broadway shows with her daughter, laughing with her husband, playing pickleball, and walking with her beloved Golden Retriever Beau.
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