In today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.ED., LPC is back and we're unpacking what it means to be a neuro-affirmative parent or teacher.
We explore the pressures that neurodivergent kids face, especially the expectation to camouflage their true selves. Emily, with her dual expertise in education and counseling, is sharing invaluable insights, including her CARE acronym, which stands for cultivating authenticity, recognizing strengths, empathy, and creating safety.
We discuss the intricacies of masking and the importance of authentic self-representation for these amazing kids and adults. We also address the negative impacts of non-affirming environments that can lead to stress and school avoidance.
Our chat is laced with discussions on embracing rather than merely accepting diverse communication styles, and how this can transform a child's experience. Emily also sheds light on the 'double empathy problem,' the disconnect that can happen in communication between neurodivergent individuals and the neurotypical majority.
Together, Emily and I are rethinking communication norms and advocating for the celebration of individuality, particularly within the neurodiverse community. As we speak, we're delving into self-advocacy for neurodivergent children and the importance of making that a communicative priority. Let’s talk about the significance of recognizing and leveraging the strengths of these amazing humans.
263: Understood Explains IEPs from Understood.org
262: Emotional Support Animals, with Dan Maigler, LCSW
261: Extreme Language Around Emotions, with Penny Williams
259: Insights on Bullying: Understanding Aggression, Building Resilience, with Brooks Gibbs, Ph.D.
260: Navigating Life Challenges with Purpose and Progress (not perfection), with Shari Leid
258: What to Do When Your Kid Isn’t Listening, with Penny Williams
257: The Control Trap, with Penny Williams
256: Breaking Down Motivation: Helping Teens and Young Adults Find Their Path to Success, with Melanie McNally, Psy.D.
255: 7 Steps to Help Kids & Teens with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, with Penny Williams
253: Beyond the Power Struggles, with Richard Selznick, Ph.D.
252: Transforming Behavior: When You Know Better You Do Better, with Penny Williams
251: Impact of Parental Confidence and Social Pressure on Parenting Complex Kids, with Anouk Briere-Godbout
250: Recognizing Children's Unique Love Languages, with Emily Hamblin
249: Helping Neurodivergent Young Adults, with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke
248: Successes Change Everything, No Matter How Small, with Penny Williams
247: Listening Isn’t a Behavior You Can See, with Elizabeth A. Sautter, MA, CCC, SLP
246: Make this the Year of Connection and Collaboration, with Penny Williams
245: Supporting Siblings of Neurodivergent Kids with Doreen Samelson, EdD, MSCP
244: Is It Can’t or Won’t?, with Penny Williams
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