Exceptional Girls Podcast: Helping our smart but struggling girls feel seen, supported, and celebrated

Episode 14: Managing Child Anxiety with Dawn Friedman

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, host Julie Withrow is joined by Dawn Friedman, founder of Open Book Parenting, to talk about child anxiety and how families can navigate the challenges it presents. Anxiety and anxious avoidance can be tricky to manage, especially in neurodivergent kids. Dawn is quick to point out that parents aren't to blame and needn't feel ashamed if they've made some missteps along the way. But they do have a responsibility to help their children overcome avoidance and get to readiness. This episode will give them a taste of how to do that.🎧 Listen in as Dawn shares:Why anxiety isn’t the real problem—avoidance isHow parents unintentionally reinforce their child’s anxietySimple steps to start helping kids overcome their fearsWhat parents need to know as they support their anxious childrenAbout Dawn Friedman:Dawn Friedman, MSEd, is the founder of Open Book Parenting, an online education and coaching platform for parents of anxious children and teens. A licensed clinical counselor, Dawn has more than 30 years of experience working with children and families in educational, clinical, and community settings. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Dayton and a post-graduate certification in Infant-Toddler Mental Health from Arcadia University. A sought-after speaker, Dawn has presented at national and regional conferences, delivered trainings and workshops to counselors, educators, and parenting professionals across the country, and has appeared on radio programs, including New Hampshire Public Radio’s Word of Mouth. Dawn has also been published in outlets including Yoga Journal, Salon, and Greater Good, and has contributed to multiple books on parenting, adoption, and family life. She lives in the Poconos with her family, where she continues to support parents, children, and professionals in understanding and treating childhood anxiety. To learn more, visit www.openbookparenting.comAbout the Exceptional Girls Podcast:If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

Episode 13: Finding the Right School for Your Gifted or 2e Child with Dr. Jessica Potts

As any parent of a gifted or twice exceptional child knows, finding a learning environment that's capable of meeting your child's particular needs can be a long and difficult journey. Traditional schools often fall short of providing the academic challenge, learning accommodations, or social-emotional support your child needs to be successful. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, host Julie Withrow sits down with Dr. Jessica Potts, curriculum coordinator at Davidson Academy Online, to get research-informed advice and practical tips your family can use to evaluate your educational options.🎧 Listen in as Dr. Potts shares:Some of the telltale signs your child may not be in the right learning environmentHow to evaluate a school's ability to support the whole child—academically socially, and emotionallyPractical tips to more effectively advocate for your child with teachersWhy an online school can be a great choice for gifted and twice-exceptional learnersAbout Dr. Jessica Potts:Dr. Jessica Potts, PhD, is the Curriculum Coordinator at Davidson Academy Online, a fully virtual school for profoundly gifted students. She earned a doctorate from the University of Nevada, Reno in Secondary Education, with an emphasis on gifted education and online learning. Her research focuses on the intersection of these two fields, and along with authoring a chapter in a book on gifted underachievement, she has published articles in Gifted Child Quarterly, Gifted Child Today, Parenting for High Potential, Teaching for High Potential, and EdWeek. Dr. Potts has presented at numerous conferences and has delivered webinars and workshops both online and in-person on topics as wide ranging as online pedagogy, gifted education, administrative organization, social-emotional learning, and parent engagement. She is a four-time recipient of the Blackboard Catalyst Award, a winner of Blackboard’s Exemplary Course Award, a recipient of the J-WEL Vox Innovators Award, and a winner of the World Giftedness Center School Global Award Initiative. Jessica is the incoming NAGC Curriculum Studies Network Chair, serves on the NAGC Professional Standards Committee, leads an ECHA Special Interest Group, and is an ECHA auditor. Dr. Potts and her husband live in the Czech Republic with their sons.Resources:https://www.davidsononline.org/blog/is-your-gifted-child-ready-for-online-learning/ https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/the-changing-role-of-parents-in-gifted-education-programs/ About the Exceptional Girls Podcast:If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

Episode 12: Debunking Misperceptions about Giftedness with Megan Cannella

When most people picture a gifted child, they imagine a straight-A student who thrives in school and loves a challenge. But what happens when giftedness looks more like meltdowns after school, daydreaming in class, or a deep interest in fashion design?In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, host Julie Withrow welcomes Megan Cannella, Director of Outreach at the Davidson Institute, to unpack the most common myths and misperceptions surrounding giftedness—especially in girls. Listen in as Megan shares:What to look for if you suspect your child is giftedThe foolproof way to know what support your child really needsWhy understanding that you're gifted is so importantLinks to resources shared in this episode:Gifted Identification: https://www.davidsongifted.org/resource-library/gifted-resources-guides/identification-and-testing/Laziness Does Not Exist, by Dr. Devon Price: https://www.amazon.com/Laziness-Exist-Devon-Price-Ph-D/dp/1982140100How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing, by KC Davis, LPC: https://www.amazon.com/How-Keep-House-While-Drowning/dp/1668002841About Megan CannellaMegan Cannella is the Director of Outreach at the Davidson Institute (davidsongifted.org), where she has worked since 2019. Her work at the institute focuses on advocacy and equity in gifted education. Before that, she taught college-level humanities courses for almost a decade across Illinois, Nevada, and California. Megan's outreach role allows her to continue to grow the work she is most passionate about and dedicated to, which is connecting students and families with the services and supports they need to reach their goals. About the Exceptional Girls PodcastIf you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

Episode 11: Understanding Eating Disorders with Dr. Gail Post

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, host Julie Withrow sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Gail Post to unpack the complex relationship between neurodivergence and eating disorders. Drawing from decades of experience, Gail offers professional insights and practical advice for parents and caregivers navigating these challenges.🔑 Listen in as Gail shares:The surprising connections between autism, ADHD, and various eating disorders, and how neurodivergence may contribute to disordered eating patterns.The key signs and symptoms parents should look for if they suspect their child is struggling with an eating disorder.Actionable strategies for supporting your child, including how to approach difficult conversations and when to seek professional help.About Dr. Gail Post, PhDDr. Gail Post is a Clinical Psychologist, a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and author of the 2022 book The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children. Gail has worked in the gifted field for over 20 years, has written widely, provided workshops and parenting consultations, and advocates for the needs of the gifted. Over her 35 year career, Gail has also worked extensively with individuals with eating disorders. Her experience includes serving as the director of psychological services for a hospital-based obesity treatment program, the director of group psychotherapy at a residential eating disorder treatment center, and the president of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Anorexia and Bulimia Association. To learn more:Website: www.gailpost.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiftedChallenges/ Substack: https://psychologyperspective.substack.com/About the Exceptional Girls PodcastIf you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

Episode 10: Reframing What It Means to Be Autistic with Dr. Melinda Edwards

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Melinda Edwards. As the mother of an autistic daughter and a practicing physician, Dr. Edwards’ views on autism may surprise you. Listen in as Dr. Edwards shares:How her initial feelings of grief and loss about her daughter's diagnosis shifted in a dramatic wayThe profound insights she's learned about being autistic from her daughter SaachiHow she rectifies the typical medical definition of autism with her own spiritual understanding of itHer comforting advice for those who are still coming to terms with an autism diagnosisAbout Dr. Melinda Edwards, MD:Dr. Edwards is a practicing physician in Charleston, South Carolina. She's also mom to Saachi, her autistic daughter, and the founder and president of Living Darshan, a non-profit organization that’s fostering a deeper understanding of autism in the world.Dr. Edwards attended the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency in psychiatry at Stanford Medical Center. Also a writer, Dr. Edwards is a columnist for Autism Parenting Magazine, as well as the author of the Amazon bestselling book PSYCHE & SPIRIT: How a Psychiatrist Found Divinity Through Her Lifelong Quest for Truth and Her Daughter’s Autism.To learn more about Dr. Edwards, visit www.melindaedwardsmd.com.  About the Exceptional Girls podcastIf you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.