Explore every episode of the podcast Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raising Neurodivergent Kids Without Losing Your Marriage with Susan Minor | 05 oct. 2026 | 00:29:17 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Get the Free Ultimate Guide to Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Connect with Susan: https://www.LoveBridgecoaching.com
Samantha and Lauren interview Susan Minor, a certified relationship coach trained in the Laura Doyle method, about rebuilding connection in marriage, especially for parents under the stress of raising neurodivergent children. Susan shares how, after nearly 30 years of feeling isolated and disconnected, she used the Laura Doyle skills privately and saw her relationship transform within months, later deepening the work with coaching. She addresses common misunderstandings of The Empowered Wife, emphasizing it is not about shrinking or doing more, but about being heard and creating space for a partner to step up. The discussion covers “triage” after diagnosis, resentment, disengagement, “tools not rules,” gratitude and receiving, self-care, choosing connection over perfect logistics, and using conversation prompts to move beyond schedule-only talk.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What to do When You're Autistic Raising Autistic Kids with Dalisse Sequeiros | 28 sept. 2026 | 00:26:20 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Get the Free Ultimate Guide to Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Connect with Dalisse:
Samantha and Lauren interview Dalisse, an autistic author and mom of two autistic boys, living in Barcelona, Spain, who wrote the five-book Loving Pieces series. Dalisse shares her family’s journey since her oldest son's diagnosis at 17 months, discussing early challenges such as meltdowns, guilt, grief, and uncertainty, and advises parents to give themselves time, take things one day at a time, and not treat bleak predictions as fixed outcomes. Dalisse explains receiving her own autism diagnosis after recognizing similarities with her children, emphasizes being honest without romanticizing autism, and describes balancing differing sensory needs within the family through open communication and support from her husband and grandparents.
00:00 Welcome And Guest Intro
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Out of the Box Parenting: How to Teach Your Neurodivergent Child to Cook | Ep. 184 | 21 sept. 2026 | 00:26:13 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Get the Ultimate Guide to Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Samantha and Lauren discuss out-of-the-box ways to teach neurodivergent kids kitchen skills. They share practical strategies to include kids without overwhelm by breaking cooking into clear steps, assigning specific tasks, and using visuals, play kitchens, and practice activities like pouring between measuring cups or “mud pie” measuring. They cover progressive knife and cutting practice with kid-safe tools, softer foods, and Play-Doh, while emphasizing safety routines. The episode also highlights sensory considerations (smells, textures, loud appliances, heat/steam) and executive-function supports (picture recipes, checklists, timers, color-coded tools), encourages experimentation when safe, and suggests building independence in stages and finding ways to say yes.
00:00 Podcast Welcome
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What to do When You Face Judgement With Your ADHD/Autistic Child | Ep. 183 | 14 sept. 2026 | 00:18:07 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Get the Ultimate Guide to Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/
Samantha and Lauren discuss Samantha’s weekend camping trip with extended family and how a recent change in her son’s ADHD medication affected his behavior. Her son had previously thrived on stimulant medication, describing a “quiet” brain and better focus, but after switching meds due to appetite concerns, he became unusually emotional, restless, and reactive which led to conflicts, safety concerns, and relatives criticizing Samantha’s parenting strategies and implying he needed more discipline. Once Samantha realized the new medication needed a higher dose and adjusted it, he returned to baseline and listened better, though others attributed it to discipline. Samantha and Lauren emphasize advocating for neurodivergent kids, using teachable moments to educate family, balancing compassion with expectations, and offering positive feedback amid frequent negative comments.
00:00 Welcome and Setup
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| How to Make Sensory Friendly Hygiene Routines for Your Neurodiverse Child | Ep. 182 | 07 sept. 2026 | 00:38:24 | |
Get the Guide to Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/
Samantha and Lauren discuss sensory-friendly hygiene routines for neurodivergent kids, emphasizing that hygiene is a health skill, not a test of compliance, and the goal is a safe, sustainable routine that supports autonomy and sensory needs. They review how sensory factors (noise, bright lights, smells, water pressure/temperature, textures) and executive-function demands can make tasks like showering, hair washing, deodorant, toothbrushing, menstrual care, and shaving difficult, and they encourage parents to “get curious, not furious.” Using a notice–name–modify framework, they suggest practical adaptations such as adjusting the bathroom environment, using handheld showerheads, keeping preferred towels nearby, offering shortened routines on hard days, trying different toothpaste/toothbrush options, and using visual schedules and timers. They also cover respectful prompting, privacy and dignity during puberty-related care, when to involve professionals, and the takeaway that sensory distress is information, not defiance.
00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| How to Talk to Your Autistic Boys About Puberty | Ep. 181 | 31 août 2026 | 00:31:10 | |
Get the Ultimate Guide to Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/
Samantha and Lauren discuss how to support autistic boys through puberty. They emphasize that physical puberty changes are generally typical, but sensory sensitivities, uncertainty, social rules, and indirect language can make the experience harder, so autistic youth need complete, factual information about bodies, relationships, boundaries, and safety through many short, ongoing conversations. They recommend explicitly teaching what to expect (odor, acne, hair, genital growth, voice changes, erections, etc.), building visual and predictable supports (timelines, social stories, checklists), and giving choice in how information is delivered, including AAC vocabulary. They myth-bust that education encourages sexual behavior and stress concrete rules for privacy, consent, trusted-adult disclosure, and risks of nude images, plus when to consult a clinician.
00:00 Puberty Kickoff
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Your PDA Child Isn’t Being Defiant and How to Support Them (Ep. 143 Rerun) | 24 août 2026 | 00:25:58 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss strategies for effectively parenting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They emphasize the importance of collaboration over direct demands to help children feel more in control and safe, which mitigates reactive behaviors. They explain how giving children choices and involving them in decision-making can prevent the activation of their parasympathetic nervous system, which is linked to anxiety and defensive behaviors. Practical examples like offering options instead of direct commands are given and the importance of flexibility and patience in parenting, particularly for neurodivergent families is discussed. Samantha and Lauren also highlight the significance of co-regulation and maintaining a calm demeanor to support a child's sense of autonomy and safety. A PDA cheat sheet with useful scripts and strategies is available for listeners.
00:00 Introduction 00:39 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) 03:00 Collaborative Parenting Strategies 06:08 Practical Examples and Scripts 09:37 Managing Parental Expectations and Flexibility 21:30 Maintaining a Regulated Nervous System 24:30 Conclusion and Resources
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What are Non-Traditional Therapies? | Ep. 179 | 17 août 2026 | 00:33:32 | |
Samantha and Lauren discuss non-traditional, child-led approaches to therapy for kids diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and related needs, contrasting them with more compliance-based, clinical models and emphasizing that therapy should match the child. They highlight alternatives that can complement traditional services like OT, speech, and PT, including equine-assisted services, animal-assisted interventions, aquatic/swim therapy (including water safety), creative arts therapies (music, art, dance/movement, drama) provided by credentialed professionals, nature-based/outdoor therapy, and technology/gaming/special-interest-based approaches like Minecraft and GarageBand. They stress these therapies are not about reducing autistic traits but improving quality of life and participation, and they outline how to evaluate legitimacy by asking about evidence, risks, credentials, meaningful progress measurement, and goals, while warning against “cure,” “detox,” guarantees, and testimonial-only expensive programs.
00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What to Expect When Your Child Needs an Evaluation (ADHD, Autism, and More) | Ep. 178 | 10 août 2026 | 00:30:27 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Samantha and Lauren explain the child evaluation process for concerns like ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences. They normalize parents’ nervousness about labels and judgment, emphasizing that evaluations don’t change a child but provide baseline understanding, shared language, and access to resources. They describe signs that may warrant discussion with a primary care provider, encourage trusting instincts, and outline steps: talk to a pediatrician or school staff, get referrals (developmental pediatrician, psychologist, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, specialty clinics), and prepare for long waitlists. They explain typical multi-visit evaluations, forms to complete, what to bring, observation and standardized testing, parent involvement, and the feedback report with diagnoses, strengths, challenges, and recommendations, noting that support is needed even without a diagnosis.
00:00 Welcome and Listener Feedback Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Embracing Your Different Ability with Katey Fortun | Ep. 177 | 03 août 2026 | 00:32:22 | |
Connect with Samantha:
Connect with Katey: Website: https://yourdifferentability.com/ Book: https://yourdifferentability.com/book Book Preview (Katey made this free for this podcast's listeners!): https://yourdifferentability.com/welcome Instagram: https://instagram.com/kateyfortun Personal Website: https://kateyfortun.com/
Samantha and Lauren welcome back disability advocate and dyslexic speaker Katey Fortun to discuss her newly published book, "Embracing Your Different Ability," available in standard print, dyslexic-friendly print, and audiobook, along with her "Different Ability Podcast." Katey shares that she was inspired to write the book after feeling prompted on a walk in late 2023, committed in early 2024 to doing “one new thing,” and self-published through Amazon with support from a book-coaching team, ultimately releasing it on March 26, 2024—the same date she signed up to begin the process. Written initially for her eight-year-old self, the book aims to help kids feel seen and understood while also supporting parents, guardians, and teachers, including chapters from Katie’s mother to show both child and parent perspectives. They discuss distinguishing “won’t” vs. “can’t” by defaulting to “can’t” and investigating, the hidden struggles of kids who appear “fine” at school, the trauma of forced reading aloud, and how diagnosis can be validating and unlock resources; Katey also shares a free “welcome package” with sample chapters and resources at her website.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What is the Third Thing to do After Your Child Gets an Autism Diagnosis? | Ep. 176 | 27 juil. 2026 | 00:16:55 | |
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/
Samantha and Lauren discuss the third step after a child is diagnosed with autism: building a support system. They recap the first two steps—learning about autism by getting curious about your own child and connecting with autistic adults and other parents, and applying early for resources like Medicaid and therapy waitlists. They validate how overwhelming ongoing therapies and frequent specialist appointments can be, emphasizing that parenting isn’t meant to be done alone and that some family or friends may not provide the support you expect, making it okay to set boundaries or create distance. They outline professional supports (pediatricians, therapists, mental health providers) and personal supports (spouses, friends, online communities), encourage learning from parents further along while avoiding comparison, and note research linking parental support to lower stress and improved outcomes.
00:00 Welcome and Recap
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What is the Second Thing to do After Getting an Autism Diagnosis? | Ep. 175 | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:22:05 | |
Connect with Samantha: www.everybrainisdifferent.com Download the Guide to Raising Your Neurodivergent Child: www.everybrainisdifferent.com
Samantha and Lauren continue their discussion on what to do when you suspect or receive an autism diagnosis, revisiting the idea of “being a detective” to learn what makes your child tick while also debating the line between respecting boundaries and pushing kids to get out into the world for social learning and health. They emphasize acting early to access supports, highlighting Medicaid options like the disability-based Katie Beckett Waiver (which can cover broad healthcare and therapies) and other state-specific waivers for non-traditional therapies, plus early intervention (Zero to Three), developmental preschool requirements, IEPs/504s, respite care, parent training, adaptive equipment, grants, and case management. They stress that professionals often won’t volunteer these resources, approvals can take months to years, denials are common, and parents should reapply, follow up persistently, join local Facebook groups for area-specific guidance, get on multiple therapy waitlists, keep organized records, and request school assessments in writing.
00:00 Welcome Back Recap
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What is the Number 1 Thing To Do After Your Child Gets Diagnosed With Autism? | Ep. 174 | 13 juil. 2026 | 00:30:22 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Suzanne Jabour Episode About Grief: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-it-normal-to-grieve-after-your-childs-autism-or/id1697406719?i=1000750957793
Samantha and Lauren discuss the number one thing they would do after getting an autism diagnosis for your child: learn about your child, not just autism. Samantha emphasizes that a diagnosis is a tool for understanding, not fixing, and that parents may feel relief and grief, all of which are valid. They stress that autism presents differently in each person, caution against overreliance on online checklists, and encourage neurodiversity-affirming thinking over deficit-based views by asking what behaviors communicate and what needs they meet. Examples include sensory accommodations for loud toilets, avoiding uncomfortable clothing, and allowing harmless stimming, while still intervening for safety concerns like self-injury or eloping. They suggest tracking strengths, triggers, and ABC patterns, seeking professional or community support, and preview next week’s focus on applying for resources early due to long waitlists.
00:00 Welcome and Summer Catchup Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| How to Build a Supportive Mental Health Network | Ep. 173 | 06 juil. 2026 | 00:24:36 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Get the Guide to Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/
Samantha and Lauren discuss why building a supportive network matters for mental health and how to do it, drawing from Samantha’s postpartum psychosis and breakdown in 2016 and the challenges of parenting children with medical needs. They outline key benefits of support, which include emotional encouragement, practical help, accountability, perspective when “your brain is lying to you,” and connection. They describe four types of support: personal (friends, family, faith/community), professional (primary care, therapists, psychiatrists, coaches, support groups), peer (special-interest and parenting/disability communities), and practical (cleaning, childcare, meal services, assistants). They offer steps to build support without shame: start small, be specific about needs, allow imperfect help while avoiding toxic relationships, and find aligned communities, ending with a one-step takeaway and available resources.
00:00 Why Support Matters Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Your Child Falls Apart After Vacation (And What to Do About It) | Ep. 172 | 29 juin 2026 | 00:22:33 | |
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
Samantha and Lauren discuss how returning home from vacation can be dysregulating for neurodivergent kids due to transitions and delayed stress responses from masking, sensory input, uncertainty, and social demands. They recommend not scheduling extra activities immediately after returning, prioritizing rest and recovery over productivity, and giving kids (and parents) grace during reintegration. They advise returning to familiar routines without trying to overhaul life, focusing on connection before correction, debriefing the trip to build self-awareness and plan future supports, and watching for delayed burnout days or weeks later.
00:00 Welcome and Summer Check In
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Family Vacations Feel Hard with Autistic and ADHD Kids (And What Actually Helps) | Ep. 171 | 22 juin 2026 | 00:29:35 | |
Download the Guide to Raising Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/
Samantha and Lauren discuss how to help vacations go more smoothly for neurodivergent kids by prioritizing safety, predictability, and regulation over nonstop activities. They explain how vacations disrupt routine, sensory input, and expectations (new places, foods, people, airports, planes, theme parks, beaches), which can overwhelm autistic and ADHD children. They recommend preparing kids in advance with photos, maps, videos, itineraries, visual schedules, and honest communication about uncertainty; using supports like airport assistance (Sunflower lanyards, practice tours, early boarding); and building recovery time with hotel breaks, quiet spaces, and rest days. They suggest creating an escape plan or safe word, avoiding forced socialization, packing sensory tools and familiar items, watching early signs of overload, and adjusting parental expectations so everyone ends the day regulated, safe, supported, and connected.
00:00 Vacation Reality Check
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Dance as Self-Care for Parents with Annett Bone | Ep. 170 | 15 juin 2026 | 00:24:44 | |
Samantha and Lauren welcome dance artist and creative coach Annett Bone to discuss dance as self-care—especially for stressed parents raising neurodivergent kids. Annett shares that returning to dance at 43 after a 20-plus year hiatus helped her heal and that dance can be expression, creativity, processing, release, or a way to get out of your head. She encourages starting with the end in mind, then taking small, realistic steps, sometimes just a few minutes alone with music, without fear of judgment. The conversation offers practical ideas like family dance parties, using Just Dance for guidance, exploring movement one body part at a time, and combining movement with writing, drawing, senses, and imagery like animals or weather. Annette invites listeners to DM her “brain” on Instagram for a free customized 20-minute movement session and mentions her podcast, The Dancepreneuring Studio.
Connect with Annette: www.instagram.com/annettbone
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Get the Free Ultimate Guide to Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| The Neurodivergent Family Road Trip Survival Guide | Ep. 169 | 08 juin 2026 | 00:27:20 | |
Connect With Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Samantha and Lauren introduce a multi-part series on road tripping, focusing in this episode on strategies for smoother car travel, especially for kids with autism. They explain why road trips are hard-loss of routine and predictability, sensory overload, limited autonomy, sibling noise conflicts, motion sickness, and movement needs—and emphasize that success is about regulation, not perfection. Tips include planning seating ahead of time, packing comfort items and regulation tools first (headphones, sunglasses, weighted items, fidgets), keeping snacks and water accessible, using GPS timing to reduce “are we there yet,” creating visual roadmaps/schedules, practicing expectations, building in movement breaks, and watching early meltdown signs.
00:00 Summer Chaos Intro
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| How to Help Your Child With Dyslexia and Dysgraphia with Daniela Feldhausen | Ep. 168 | 01 juin 2026 | 00:26:05 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/ Join the Neurodivergent Parent Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Samantha and Lauren interview Daniella Feldhausen, a former DC attorney who founded Kids Up Reading Tutors after earning a master’s in special education and focusing on helping children with reading and spelling challenges, including dyslexia and dysgraphia. Daniella explains that her team tailors one-on-one, high-dosage tutoring (multiple sessions per week) based on a detailed skills evaluation rather than relying on a diagnosis, aiming to help students catch up quickly and build confidence. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
Connect with Daniela: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-feldhausen-kidsupreadingtutors/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/KidsUpReadingTutors/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/kidsupreadingtutors/
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades: Becoming Your Child’s Ally with Linda Silbert | Ep. 167 | 25 mai 2026 | 00:29:48 | |
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Connect with Dr. Linda Silbert: https://stronglearning.com/
Samantha and Lauren interviews Dr. Linda Silbert of Strong Learning Incorporated about supporting neurodivergent learners and reframing bad grades as symptoms rather than reasons for punishment. Dr. Silbert urges parents to stop blaming children or schools, become detectives about root causes (academic, social, emotional, bullying, sensory, or anxiety), and approach teachers and IEP meetings collaboratively. She emphasizes repairing parent-child friction by apologizing, listening, and teaching practical study skills in short, effective bursts rather than long sessions, noting that stress can make students “blank” during tests. Dr. Silbert describes gamifying reading intervention, using card-deck games, fluency activities, and plays aligned with Orton-Gillingham, to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and improve reading, and shares resources including her new book Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Your Child Holds It Together at School, Then Explodes at Home (And How Masking Plays a Role) | Ep. 166 | 18 mai 2026 | 00:18:46 | |
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/podcast Samantha and Lauren discuss how neurodivergent children may mask at school or other settings: suppressing stims, sensory distress, and authentic behavior to appear “typical” and then have meltdowns at home because home feels safest, a pattern also described as after-school restraint collapse. They emphasize that these explosions are nervous system and stress responses, not manipulation, and that chronic masking drains executive functioning and can leave kids in fight-or-flight. The episode outlines signs a child may be struggling at school (shutdowns, irritability, control-seeking, sibling conflict, isolation, increased PDA behaviors, avoiding help, and even not using the bathroom) and suggests ways to reduce nervous system load and improve safety at school through sensory-friendly routines, supportive accommodations, authenticity at home, and self-advocacy skills, while avoiding forced eye contact, dismissing concerns, over-scheduling, and rewarding extreme compliance.
00:00 Masking Recap
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Your Child ‘Falls Apart’ at Home (But Not at School) | Ep. 165 | 11 mai 2026 | 00:24:25 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Samantha and Lauren open by discussing mom guilt and the importance of giving yourself grace when you miss commitments, lose your cool, or have hard parenting moments, emphasizing that apologies and tomorrow-as-a-reset matter. They then explain masking: children, especially neurodivergent kids, may hold it together at school and unravel at home because home is emotionally safe, not because parents are doing something wrong or the child is being manipulative. They describe how cognitive fatigue (executive-function demands), emotional exhaustion (managing expectations, social stress, fear of trouble, rejection sensitivity), and sensory overload (noise, lights, clothing discomfort) accumulate during the day, leaving kids with no capacity for even small demands like “How was your day?” They note masking can also differ between co-parents, and suggest school accommodations (movement, no forced eye contact, IEP/504 supports) and coping skills, with next week focused on making school feel safer.
00:00 Welcome and Mom Guilt Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| How to Handle Finances When You Have ADHD with Julian Kohlbrand | Ep. 164 | 04 mai 2026 | 00:31:24 | |
Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Samantha and Lauren interview Julianne Kohlbrand, an ADHD financial coach who became debt-free after $107,000 in consumer debt and a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis at 42, and now helps neurodivergent families simplify money management. Julianne shares how motherhood intensified overwhelm and led to her diagnosis, and explains that neurodivergent people often need different, less perfection-driven approaches than strict dollar-by-dollar budgets. Key strategies include giving yourself grace, automating bills, weekly calendar check-ins, reducing tempting triggers (like removing budget apps), using visuals and a “would you rather” gamified decision tool, and adding accountability partners while avoiding shame through agreed budgets and separate “fun money” line items for each spouse. They discuss impulse spending, the 24-hour cart rule, a separate email for bills, and ways to teach kids about money through open conversation, goal-setting, savings accounts, and age-based paid home tasks.
00:00 Meet Julianne Kohlbrand
Connect with Julian:
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why are Neurodivergent People Literal Thinkers? | Ep. 163 | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:22:35 | |
Join the Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Samantha and Lauren discuss why many neurodivergent people may interpret language literally and communicate more directly, which neurotypical people can misread as rude. They define literal thinking as interpreting exact words rather than implied meaning, sarcasm, or social context, and share examples such as misunderstandings around figurative phrases (“break a leg”), social pleasantries (“we should hang out sometime”), sarcasm (“nice job”), vague directions (“do the dishes” vs. “clean the kitchen”), and hidden social rules (“make yourself at home”). They explain contributing factors, including a preference for clarity and precision, pragmatic language differences, cognitive load, and predictive processing theories, then outline the benefits of direct language (less confusion, faster problem-solving, clearer boundaries, less social exhaustion).
00:00 Why Literal Thinking
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What is the difference between ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder? | Ep. 162 | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:25:54 | |
Join the Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Episode 18 with Dr. Tosha Strickland: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/18-dr-tosha-strickland-and-central-auditory/id1697406719?i=1000636604839
Samantha and Lauren discuss how ADHD and Central Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) can look similar, distractibility, not following directions, zoning out, school struggles, but involve different underlying challenges: ADHD affects attention regulation and executive functioning, while APD involves difficulty processing spoken information despite normal hearing. They share examples and comparisons (e.g., difficulty in noisy classrooms, frequently saying “what,” slow verbal response time, mishearing similar words, and doing better with written/visual instructions), note that ineffective ADHD medication may indicate APD, and describe how APD can be supported with classroom microphones, hearing aids that modulate timing rather than amplify sound, reduced background noise, extra processing time, and checking understanding. They encourage parents to advocate for evaluations through pediatricians and appropriate specialists, use practical supports like one-step directions and routines, and provide positive feedback since neurodivergent kids receive disproportionate negative feedback.
00:00 Welcome and Topic
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What is the Difference Between Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism? | Ep. 161 | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:21:20 | |
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Samantha and Lauren discuss sensory processing disorder (SPD) versus autism spectrum disorder, explaining what SPD is, where it overlaps with autism, and why sensory challenges alone do not mean autism; they note ADHD can also include sensory differences. They define SPD as difficulty detecting, modulating, or interpreting sensory input and emphasize it is used clinically but is not in the DSM-5, which can limit insurance resources, comparing this to PDA and sharing an example of a bipolar misdiagnosis used to access care. They define autism by social communication differences and restrictive/repetitive behaviors, with sensory reactivity included in criteria, and describe sensory patterns (hyperreactivity, hyporeactivity, and sensory seeking) with everyday examples. They recommend supports such as reducing sensory load, previewing transitions, offering choices (clothing, ear protection, movement breaks), tracking triggers, pursuing occupational therapy evaluations, and prioritizing function over label.
00:00 Introduction
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What to Know About Women and ADHD with Dr. Gilly Kahn | Ep. 160 | 06 avr. 2026 | 00:26:02 | |
Get the Book: https://a.co/d/0fOrLF7d Connect with Dr. Gilly Kahn: https://www.drgillykahn.com/
Samantha welcomes back psychologist, mom, and writer Dr. Gilly Khan to discuss her book Allow Me to Interrupt, which focuses on emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) in females with ADHD. Dr. Kahn explains how she approaches families seeking or newly receiving an ADHD diagnosis, including considering psychological testing, consulting a psychiatrist, and discussing family preferences around medication and stigma. She describes how emotional dysregulation is strongly tied to ADHD but not included in DSM-5-TR criteria, cites Russell Barkley’s advocacy, and outlines what is known and less researched about RSD as popularized by William Dodson. Dr. Khan also discusses balancing ADHD strengths and challenges through accommodations, highlights the role of estrogen and dopamine across the female lifespan, and notes comorbidities such as migraines and their links to hormones and dopamine.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| What is the Difference Between a 504 and an IEP? | Ep. 159 | 30 mars 2026 | 00:27:22 | |
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Samantha and Lauren explain key differences between 504 accommodation plans and IEPs to help parents know what to request when a child struggles at school. They describe how unsupported neurodivergent kids may be mislabeled as misbehaving, defiant, lazy, or unmotivated, and emphasize that children need an environment that works with their brain, not to “try harder.” A 504 plan is generally easier to obtain, doesn’t require a diagnosis, and provides accommodations (e.g., extra test time, movement breaks, preferential seating, reduced homework, sensory supports) within general education without specialized instruction. An IEP adds individualized goals, specialized instruction, related services (speech, OT, PT, music therapy), possible pullout support, progress tracking, and stricter eligibility based on assessment and educational impact. They advise requesting evaluations in writing, asking questions in meetings, pushing back when needed, and being a persistent advocate in an under-resourced system.
00:00 Welcome and Overview
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Are Autistic Kids Labeled as Rigid? (Part 2) | Ep. 158 | 23 mars 2026 | 00:21:14 | |
Get the Parenting Guide: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/
Samantha and Lauren continue their discussion on why autistic and ADHD kids may seem like rigid thinkers, focusing on their need for clear rules and consistent expectations to feel regulated and safe. They explain how inconsistent enforcement or differing rules across households can create confusion, dysregulation, and even meltdowns, and suggest strategies like clearly explaining why rules differ, writing down major house rules for caregivers, and building routines that allow exceptions without breaking the “system.” They reframe “rigid” as a misunderstanding of neurodivergent needs for structure, predictability, and clarity, noting that different processes can still lead to the same outcome. The hosts emphasize supporting structure with advance notice, clear expectations, predictable routines, and choice within structure, while teaching flexibility and coping skills when calm.
00:00 Podcast Intro Recap
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why are Autistic Kids Labeled as Rigid? (Part 1) | Ep. 157 | 16 mars 2026 | 00:19:27 | |
Get the Summit Replay: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/summit
Samantha and Lauren begin a two-part discussion on why autistic people are often labeled “rigid.” They argue the label frequently reflects a neurotypical expectation that others should do things “the correct way,” while autistic people may rely on predictability for clarity, structure, and safety. Using a “manual vs. automatic transmission” analogy, they explain how unclear expectations increase cognitive load and anxiety, which can look like inflexibility or lead to meltdowns. They reframe routines (same breakfast, clothes, routes) as regulation and efficiency, emphasize giving kids autonomy where possible, and suggest strategies like alternating choices in therapy or “sandwiching” hard tasks between preferred ones. They note most environments are built for neurotypical processing, so routines act as scaffolding for navigating sensory and social unpredictability, and they will continue the remaining segments next week.
00:00 Introduction
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Is Medication Right for Your Autistic/ADHD Child? | Ep. 156 | 09 mars 2026 | 00:22:52 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about one of the most common and controversial questions parents ask when raising neurodivergent kids: whether children with ADHD, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges should take medication. They discuss why medication decisions can feel so heavy for parents and emphasize that every brain is different, so what works for one child may not work for another. Samantha and Lauren explain how medication can sometimes help regulate an overwhelmed nervous system and act as a “pattern interrupter,” allowing kids to better learn coping, emotional regulation, and executive functioning skills. They also talk honestly about the downsides, including potential side effects and the trial-and-error process of finding the right medication and dosage. Throughout the conversation, they remind parents that medication is not a magic fix and should be viewed as one tool in a larger toolbox that also includes supportive parenting, environmental supports, therapy, and skill-building. Ultimately, the goal is not to tell parents what decision to make, but to help them feel informed and confident as they work with medical professionals to choose what’s best for their child.
00:00 Introduction 02:00 Why Parents Ask About Medication and Why One Medication Doesn’t Work for Everyone 03:05 Medication Shame: Why Taking Medication Isn’t the “Easy Way Out” 05:00 Nervous System Overwhelm in Neurodivergent Kids + A Child’s “Quiet Brain” Moment 08:05 Pros of Medication: Nervous System Regulation and Skill Building 09:00 Improved Quality of Life: Focus, Less Anxiety, and Fewer Meltdowns 10:05 Breaking the Shame Cycle from Constant Negative Feedback 12:00 Medication Isn’t Risk-Free: Trial and Error and Possible Side Effects 14:25 Finding the Right Medication and Dosage Can Take Time 16:00 Medication Isn’t a Magic Fix: Kids Still Need Skills and Support 17:05 Medication Raises the Threshold So Kids Can Handle Life 19:00 No Right Answer: Some Kids Benefit from Medication, Some Don’t 20:00 Parenting Confidence: Making Decisions Without Outside Pressure 21:55 Final Thoughts
Register for the Summit: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/summit
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| How Does Connection Change Behavior for Autistic and ADHD Kids? | Ep. 155 | 02 mars 2026 | 00:24:59 | |
Samantha and Lauren share Samantha’s experience competing for Mrs. Idaho to encourage parents, especially those raising neurodivergent kids, not to feel guilty for doing something for themselves with the right support. They then discuss choosing “real connection” with a child over society’s idea of “right connection,” emphasizing that behavior improves when children feel connected, safe, and understood, and that a dysregulated nervous system can’t learn or be reasoned with. They explain how typical expectations like eye contact, loud praise, adult-led conversation, or insisting on “proper” responses can backfire, and encourage observing needs (hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, anxiety, masking) before correcting. They suggest supporting regulation through reduced demands, co-regulation, sensory-aware environments, predictability, and joining a child’s interests, and invite listeners to a free Parenting the Child You Have online summit on March 13.
Register for the Summit: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/summit
00:00 Welcome and Hosts
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Is It Normal to Grieve After Your Child’s Autism or ADHD Diagnosis? | Ep. 154 with Suzanne Jabour | 23 févr. 2026 | 00:30:12 | |
Samantha and Lauren welcome certified grief educator and coach Suzanne Jabour to the podcast to discuss grief beyond bereavement, particularly the grief parents may feel after a child’s diagnosis. They explore how grieving the loss of an imagined future does not reflect a lack of love for a child, and how acknowledging emotions can help parents more fully accept and support their kids. Suzanne shares her perspective that diagnoses and labels can be embraced as practical tools to access educational and government systems, resources, and advocacy leverage, even when the label may evolve over time; she also describes her own experience advocating for her son Ben’s needs in school and the importance of being emotionally clear when entering challenging meetings like IEPs. Suzanne offers strategies for moving through ongoing and situational grief, including allowing “hot mess” moments, using a feelings wheel to name nuanced emotions so they can move, finding spaces to be witnessed, and preparing emotionally before difficult conversations to show up empowered. They also discuss the ongoing grief parents feel when neurodivergent children are excluded or mistreated, and Suzanne suggests balancing vigilance with intentionally noticing “glimmers” or micro-joys, small moments of acceptance and safety.
00:00 Introduction
Sign up for the Summit: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/summit
Connect with Suzanne! https://www.suzannejabour.com
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| How Can Clothing Support Emotional Regulation in Kids? | Ep. 153 | 16 févr. 2026 | 00:20:22 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss strategies for parenting neurodivergent children, particularly focusing on issues related to clothing. They share personal anecdotes and emphasize the importance of giving children autonomy over their clothing choices. This can help build their identity, confidence, and ability to navigate the world more successfully. Samantha and Lauren provide practical tips such as buying multiples of favorite clothing items, prioritizing sensory comfort over aesthetics, and involving kids in the shopping process while managing their overwhelm with choices. They also advocate for allowing children to wear unconventional outfits as a way to foster self-expression and emotional regulation.
00:00 Introduction 00:41 Solidarity for Struggling Parents + A PDA Morning Story 02:12 Clothing Beyond Sensory: Identity, Autonomy & Confidence 04:13 Let Them Choose: Regulation, Confidence & Less People-Pleasing 05:50 When Choices Overwhelm: Shopping Strategies That Work 07:54 Sensory Checklists, Repeat Outfits & Buying Duplicates 09:29 Autonomy & Self-Advocacy: Dress for the Nervous System 11:27 Declutter Without Guilt: Keep What Works, Donate the Rest 13:51 Parent Takeaways: Outfit Routines, Comfort First, Acceptance 17:25 Reflection Questions + Share Wild Outfits + Summit Invite
Register for the Summit: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/summit
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Do Neurodivergent Kids Ignore New Clothes? | Ep. 152 | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:19:41 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about the patterns of clothing preferences in children with autism and ADHD. They discuss common scenarios where children suddenly favor previously ignored clothes and share insights from an occupational therapist on managing these behaviors. The conversation encompasses practical strategies from other parents, the importance of sensory safety, and the impact of new clothing on a child's nervous system. Emphasizing the need for comfort over social expectations, they address the pressures parents face and offer solutions for creating a stress-free clothing environment for neurodivergent children.
00:00 Introduction 00:40 Clothing Choices for Neurodivergent Kids 03:14 Strategies for Encouraging Kids to Wear New Clothes 06:10 Understanding Sensory Sensitivities 06:56 Personal Experiences and Reflections 08:30 Balancing Comfort and Social Expectations 17:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics 18:19 Invitation to the Summit
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Can Simple Sensory Inputs Interrupt an Anxiety Spiral? (Featuring our Guest: Ryan Miele and Turbobo!) | Ep. 151 | 02 févr. 2026 | 00:20:38 | |
Samantha and Lauren talk with Ryan Miele, the creator of the Tubrbobo Relief. Ryan describes how Turbobo features five clinically-proven elements to reduce anxiety by targeting physiological symptoms, including a weighted body, fidget tail, tactile ear patches, and customizable sensory inserts. The conversation highlights the product's success in over 400 schools across the US and positive testimonials, such as its calming effect on students. He also emphasizes the importance of using stress-relief tools proactively and shares insights into his foundational research, mentorship experiences, and how Turbobo can help individuals of all ages find calmness and focus in their daily lives.
00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Our Special Guest: Ryan Miele 01:11 The Inspiration Behind Turbobo 03:04 How Turbobo Helps with Anxiety 05:58 Success Stories and Testimonials 07:36 The Science and Research Behind Turbobo 11:29 Tips for Managing Anxiety 13:29 Where to Find Turbobo and Final Thoughts 16:41 Closing Remarks and Personal Reflections
Get the Turbobo: www.Turbobo.co Follow Ryan: www.instagram.com/TurboboRelief
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Shoving the Shoulds We Carry as Neurodivergent Parents with Jessica Frew | Ep. 150 | 26 janv. 2026 | 00:16:55 | |
Jessica Frew is back with her book, 'Shove Your Shoulds,' focusing on the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent parents. Samantha, Lauren, and Jessica discuss the emotional struggles of navigating family dynamics and the societal expectations of parenting. Jessica introduces the concept of 'mini grief' and the importance of acknowledging and processing these emotions without guilt. Emphasizing the need to release unhelpful stories and pressures, she encourages parents to let relationships develop naturally and on their own terms, fostering a safe and empowering environment for their children. Jessica also highlights the significance of redefining success and happiness for both parents and children, breaking away from conditional programming and societal benchmarks. She reassures parents that they are doing enough and underscores the importance of grace, love, and acceptance, both for themselves and their children.
00:00 Introduction 00:37 Extended Conversation with Jessica Fru 00:51 Struggles of Neurodivergent Parents 01:52 Understanding and Accepting Grief 03:42 Releasing Expectations and Stories 06:02 Real-Life Examples of Relationships 08:10 Letting Relationships Blossom Naturally 15:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Connect with Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/heyjessicafrew/ Get the book: https://shoveyourshoulds.com/freebook
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Being Specific with Dr. Temple Grandin (Ep. 64 Rerun) | Ep. 149 | 19 janv. 2026 | 00:56:11 | |
Dr. Temple Grandin is a renowned animal behaviorist, autism advocate, and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, she has used her unique perspective to revolutionize livestock handling systems, designing humane facilities that are used worldwide. Dr. Grandin is also a best-selling author and a leading voice in the neurodiversity movement, advocating for early interventions and supportive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. Her groundbreaking work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. A sought-after speaker, she inspires countless people with her story of turning what others saw as challenges into her greatest strengths.
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| The Feedback Mistake That’s Crushing Your Neurodivergent Kid's Confidence | Ep. 148 | 12 janv. 2026 | 00:27:41 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren continue their discussion on how to communicate positively with neurodivergent children, ensuring your child receives more positive than negative feedback. They explore various strategies such as praising effort over outcome, naming invisible skills like regulation and flexibility, and using descriptive feedback instead of generic praise to help neurodivergent kids feel understood and appreciated. Samantha and Lauren emphasize the importance of catching small, neutral moments and separating behavior from identity to avoid feelings of shame. They also discuss the significance of building positive feedback into daily routines and reflecting strengths during hard moments to establish a predictable, supportive environment. They wrap up by offering practical questions parents can ask themselves to evaluate their feedback practices and promoting resources available on their website for further support.
00:00 Introduction 00:40 Recap of Last Week's Episode 01:22 The Importance of Positive Feedback 04:17 Strategies for Giving Positive Feedback 04:51 Praising Effort Over Outcome 07:18 Naming Invisible Skills 09:37 Using Descriptive Feedback 12:20 Catching Small Moments 14:43 Separating Behavior from Identity 18:59 Reflecting Strengths During Hard Moments 19:30 Building Positive Feedback into Routines 21:23 Recap and Final Thoughts
Get the Questions for Self-Reflection: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/reflection Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Encouragement Matters More Than You Think for Neurodivergent Kids | Ep. 147 | 05 janv. 2026 | 00:18:57 | |
Samantha and Lauren discuss the negative impact of constant corrective feedback and emphasize the importance of recognizing children's efforts rather than just their outcomes. They share personal experiences and research findings that show how neurodivergent kids often receive more negative feedback than their neurotypical peers. They highlight the importance of creating a supportive home environment that counterbalances the critical feedback children might receive from schools and other settings. The episode ends with a promise to provide practical tips on giving meaningful positive feedback in the next discussion.
00:00 Introduction 00:39 New Year Resolutions and Positive Feedback 02:05 The Impact of Negative Feedback on Neurodivergent Kids 05:18 Effort vs. Outcome: Recognizing the Invisible Work 06:50 Personal Stories and Examples 10:25 The Role of Parents and Positive Reinforcement 17:15 Conclusion and Next Week's Topic
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership No, David Book: https://amzn.to/3LjsRzX
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Building a Sustainable New Year for Your Neurodivergent Family | Ep. 146 | 29 déc. 2025 | 00:19:53 | |
In this final episode of the year, Samantha and Lauren discuss the societal pressures of New Year's resolutions and advocate for a more realistic approach, especially for neurodivergent individuals and parents of neurodivergent children. They highlight the overwhelming nature of setting too many goals and emphasize the importance of focusing on one or two manageable objectives at a time to avoid burnout and shame. They also stress the importance of self-compassion and creating a supportive environment for personal growth and effective parenting.
00:00 Introduction 00:51 New Year, No Pressure 02:30 The Reality of New Year's Resolutions 05:18 Understanding Burnout and Stress 08:18 Setting Realistic Goals 13:24 Reflection and Self-Compassion 18:32 Final Thoughts and Community Support
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Autistic and ADHD Kids Need Rest During the Holidays | Ep. 145 | 22 déc. 2025 | 00:20:57 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about the importance of taking a break during the holiday season, particularly for families with neurodivergent members. They discuss the challenges that arise from the busy holiday schedules and emphasize the necessity of rest for mental health and overall well-being. Samantha and Lauren share personal experiences and provide insights on how to manage holiday stress, suggesting that prioritizing rest and downtime can mitigate meltdowns and enhance the holiday experience for both parents and children. They also touch upon the societal expectations to be constantly productive and how this goes against the natural cycles of rest observed in nature.
00:00 Introduction 00:36 Hosts' Personal Updates and Reflections 01:17 The Importance of Rest During Breaks 02:22 Managing Holiday Stress and Expectations 06:01 Adapting Family Traditions 10:30 The Natural Cycle of Rest and Productivity 14:51 Why Downtime is Essential for Neurodivergent Kids 16:15 Parents' Need for Downtime and Managing Triggers 19:28 Final Thoughts and Community Support
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Anneke Elmhirst and Emotional Regulation Tips for Parents and Kids (Ep. 70 Rerun) | 15 déc. 2025 | 00:35:32 | |
Anneke (pronounced UH-nuh-kuh) is a coach with a background in both corporate and clinical settings, having worked as a clinical director, supervisor, and behavior analyst. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, she supports clients worldwide through phone and video conferencing. Anneke specializes in coaching professionals with ADHD, autism, and related neurodivergent experiences. She brings personal insight to her practice, as she has been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Website: www.Anneke-Elmhirst.com
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Your PDA Child Isn’t Being Defiant and How to Support Them | Ep. 143 | 08 déc. 2025 | 00:25:58 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss strategies for effectively parenting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They emphasize the importance of collaboration over direct demands to help children feel more in control and safe, which mitigates reactive behaviors. They explain how giving children choices and involving them in decision-making can prevent the activation of their parasympathetic nervous system, which is linked to anxiety and defensive behaviors. Practical examples like offering options instead of direct commands are given and the importance of flexibility and patience in parenting, particularly for neurodivergent families is discussed. Samantha and Lauren also highlight the significance of co-regulation and maintaining a calm demeanor to support a child's sense of autonomy and safety. A PDA cheat sheet with useful scripts and strategies is available for listeners.
00:00 Introduction 00:39 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) 03:00 Collaborative Parenting Strategies 06:08 Practical Examples and Scripts 09:37 Managing Parental Expectations and Flexibility 21:30 Maintaining a Regulated Nervous System 24:30 Conclusion and Resources
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Shove Your Shoulds with Jessica Frew | Ep. 142 | 01 déc. 2025 | 00:34:20 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren engage in a compelling conversation with Jessica Frew, the author of 'Shove Your Shoulds,' a pivotal book aimed at helping ambitious women shed societal conditioning and make bold decisions without guilt or fear. Throughout the discussion, Jessica shares insights into the importance of setting personal boundaries, trusting one's intuition, and the role of parents in modeling behavior for their children. Jessica’s teachings are for everyone, particularly those raising neurodivergent children, advocating for a parenting approach free from societal 'shoulds'. She provides real-life examples of navigating difficult relationships, establishing firm boundaries, and making aligned decisions.
00:00 Introduction to Every Brand Is Different Podcast 00:39 Meet Jessica Fru: Author and Bold Decision Coach 01:36 The Concept of 'Shove Your Shoulds' 02:17 Releasing the Shoulds and Trusting Your Gut 06:32 Setting Boundaries and Silencing the Noise 13:40 Building a Support System 20:12 Raising Kids Without Shoulds 26:20 Where to Find Jessica Fru and Her Book 27:34 Jessica Fru's Fun and Family Life 28:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Get the book: https://shoveyourshoulds.com/freebook
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Autistic Burnout and What You Can Do About It | Ep. 141 | 24 nov. 2025 | 00:25:23 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss autistic burnout, especially prevalent during the holiday season. They explain the difference between stress and burnout, and share personal experiences to illustrate the impact of prolonged masking and sensory overload on neurodivergent children. Samantha and Lauren provide detailed signs of burnout, including increased irritability, emotional outbursts, and physical symptoms, along with practical advice on how to support recovery through reduced demands, predictability, sensory rest, and encouraging autonomy. They emphasize the importance of parental regulation and offer strategies to prevent future burnout, such as prioritizing recovery time, practicing energy accounting, and teaching children to advocate for their needs.
00:00 Introduction 00:39 Discussing Autistic Burnout During the Holidays 02:58 Understanding Autistic Burnout 09:22 Early Warning Signs of Burnout 12:10 Common Triggers of Burnout 14:59 Supporting Recovery from Burnout 20:48 Preventing Future Burnout 24:28 Conclusion and Community Support
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Using Gratitude to Shift Out of Meltdown Mode | Ep. 140 | 17 nov. 2025 | 00:23:56 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren dive talk about of gratitude. They share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for incorporating gratitude into daily life, especially for parents of neurodivergent children. The discussion covers how gratitude can serve as a tool for self-regulation, helping both parents and kids navigate challenging moments by shifting focus from problems to solutions. Additionally, they explore various sensory and creative methods to make gratitude a concrete and engaging practice for children, thereby fostering emotional well-being and resilience.
00:00 Introduction to Every Brain Is Different Podcast 00:43 Today's Topic: The Power of Gratitude 01:44 Real-Life Example: Halloween Gratitude Story 04:21 The Science Behind Gratitude 06:14 Practical Gratitude Tips for Parents 13:20 Modeling Gratitude for Kids 15:17 Sensory and Creative Gratitude Activities 21:22 Conclusion and Support Resources
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Why Play Is the Best Way to Teach Neurodivergent Kids | Ep. 139 | 10 nov. 2025 | 00:24:06 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about the significant role that play has in children's development. They discuss how play is not only about having fun, but it actually changes brain structure and function, aiding in the learning process. They explain that play releases dopamine, helping with motivation, focus, and learning, especially for children with ADHD. Samantha and Lauren highlight the importance of engaging in play to teach social skills, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility. They also share personal anecdotes and professional experiences to emphasize the profound impact play has on building trust and connection with children.
00:00 Introduction 00:39 The Importance of Play for Adults and Kids 02:36 Neuroscience Behind Play 04:49 Play and Emotional Regulation 06:09 Building Trust and Perspective Through Play 10:11 Connecting with Kids Through Play 15:35 Effective Therapy Through Play 20:15 Practical Tips for Incorporating Play 22:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Rethinking ADHD and Autism Treatment with Functional Medicine Expert Yana Kleyman | Ep. 138 | 03 nov. 2025 | 00:31:01 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren interview Yana Kleyman, a functional medicine health consultant. Yana shares her personal journey from traditional healthcare as a pharmacist to discovering the transformative power of functional medicine. This transition was inspired by her own health crisis at age 33, which led her to explore root cause medicine. Today, Yana is dedicated to helping children with ADHD and other developmental disorders thrive naturally by challenging predetermined futures. Yana and the hosts discuss various approaches to functional medicine, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes like gut health, genetics, and environmental factors rather than just treating symptoms with medication.
00:00 Introduction 00:41 Meet Our Special Guest: Janna Klayman 02:08 Yana's Personal Health Journey 03:25 Understanding Functional Medicine 05:27 The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle 14:35 Practical Tips for Parents 20:36 Resources and Final Thoughts 26:36 Conclusion and Highlights
Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Connect with Yana: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atypically.awesome Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558184355910 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrYanaKleyman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-kleyman-45a76a313/
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||
| Go Touch Grass: Why Nature Is the Ultimate Regulation Tool | Ep. 137 | 27 oct. 2025 | 00:23:47 | |
In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss the positive impacts of spending time in nature on mental health. They explore how outdoor activities activate the parasympathetic nervous system, decreasing cortisol levels, lowering heart rates, and improving sensory integration and attention. Using personal anecdotes and scientific explanations, Samantha and Lauren highlight nature's ability to provide a gentle and predictable sensory input conducive to emotional and cognitive rejuvenation. They also discuss practical strategies for encouraging neurodivergent children to spend more time outdoors, emphasizing the importance of making such activities a part of daily routines.
00:00 Introduction 00:52 Today's Topic: Touching Grass for Mental Health 01:43 Personal Stories and Benefits of Nature 04:59 The Neuroscience Behind Nature's Benefits 15:37 Practical Outdoor Activities for Kids 18:40 Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Time 19:52 Seasonal Outdoor Activities 22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Join the Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/podcast Scavenger Hunt Cards: https://amzn.to/42Ul4hT
Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ | |||