TPP 516: A Conversation with Dr. Gila About Supporting Single Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

Today we’re talking about a parenting experience that comes with its own unique set of challenges and complexities: raising neurodivergent kids as a single parent. My guest is Dr. Gila, a clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, certified parenting coach, and single mom who is passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Gila has a gift for translating complex ideas into practical strategies parents can put into action right away.

In our conversation, we explore the unique realities of solo parenting neurodivergent children, including the emotional load, decision fatigue, and constant balancing act that so many single parents face. Dr. Gila shares practical approaches for managing overwhelm, staying connected to your values, and creating more sustainability in daily life. This is a validating and encouraging conversation for any parent carrying a lot—and especially for those doing it on their own.

About Dr. Gila

Dr. Gila is a single mom, certified parenting coach, clinical psychologist, and neuropsychologist. She’s passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work.

Dr. Gila combines her professional background with her lived experience in a relatable, down-to-earth style. Her background as an educator and medical writer makes her especially skilled at translating complex concepts into practical tools you can understand…and actually use.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• Why grief, worry about the future, and emotional exhaustion are common realities for many single parents

• How the “sink model” helps explain the mental, emotional, and cognitive load that can lead to overwhelm

• How strategies like “stop, drop, and roll” and compassionate reframing can support parents through moments of dysregulation

• Why community, support systems, and self-care practices such as audio journaling are essential for sustainability

• How values-based parenting, creative connection, and letting go of perfection help families thrive through small, meaningful moments

Resources mentioned

• Dr. Gila’s website

• Dr. Gila’s Resources for Tilt listeners

• Single Parenting with Connection podcast

• Dr. Gila on Instagram

• Dr. Gila’s Single Parenting with Connection, Not Perfection Facebook group

• How to Practice Conscious Co-Parenting, with Jenna Flowers (Tilt Parenting podcast)

• Sandi Lerman

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