Podcasts · Kids & Family · Education

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

Debbie Reber

300 episodes

Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child? Full-Tilt Parenting is here to help. Hosted by parenting activist and author Debbie Reber, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating life with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), giftedness, and twice-exceptional (2e) kids. With expert interviews and candid conversations, you'll discover practical solutions for things like school challenges and refusal, therapy options, and fostering inclusion, social struggles, advocacy, intense behavior, and more — all through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens. Whether you're struggling with advocating for your child at school or seeking ways to better support their unique needs, Debbie offers the guidance and encouragement you need to reduce overwhelm and create a thriving, joyful family environment. It's like sitting down with a trusted friend who gets it. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back!

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. TPP 527: Why Food Advice Falls Apart for Neurodivergent Families and What Actually Helps

    · 44 min

    Functional nutrition practitioner and ADHD life coach Amy Jones joins me to talk about something that can be surprisingly complicated in neurodivergent families: feeding ourselves and our kids. Amy explains why the…

  2. TPP 325a: Akilah Richards on Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work

    · 38 min

    I really enjoyed exploring unschooling, deschooling, freedom, and liberation with Akilah Richards, host of the Fare the Free Child podcast and author of the book Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and…

  3. TPP 526: A Conversation with Jessica Slice About Her Family's Experience with PANS/PANDAS

    · 48 min

    Journalist and author Jessica Slice comes back to the show to share her family’s experience with PANS, or pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, which began when her daughter experienced a sudden and severe…

  4. You Might Also Like: Zero Reject from Understood.org

    · 32 min

    Beth Gellman-Beer spent her whole career fighting for kids with disabilities — first as a student written off as “lazy,” then as a federal civil rights attorney who found her dream job protecting students like her…

  5. TPP 285a: Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Power of Brain-Body Parenting

    · 47 min

    Psychologist, speaker, and author Dr. Mona Delahooke talks about her new book Brain-Body Parenting, and the power in understanding and responding to children's complicated behavior as a symptom rather than a problem.…

  6. TPP 525: Amanda Diekman on Supporting Kids Going Through Burnout

    · 46 min

    Today I’m welcoming Amanda Diekman back to the show to talk about her new book, The Parents Handbook for Kids in Burnout: A Low Demand Approach to Healing and Thriving, and what parents need to understand when their…

  7. TPP 315a: Dr. Lori Desautels on Rewiring Our Perceptions of Discipline in Schools, and at Home

    · 41 min

    Dr. Lori Desautels (author, Connections over Compliance: Rewiring our Perceptions of Discipline) helps educators, parents, and adults who work with children shift the way they think about discipline by reaching for…

  8. TPP 524: Eli Weinstein on Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years

    · 39 min

    Today I’m talking with Eli Weinstein, a clinical social worker, husband and dad of two, creator of ELIvation, and host of The Dude Therapist podcast, about the pressure cooker that parenthood can create for couples,…

  9. TPP 273a: Author Katherine May on Autism, Wintering, and the Electricity of Every Living Thing

    · 39 min

    New York Times' bestselling author Katherine May (Wintering) talks about her new book, The Electricity of Every Living Thing, about her journey of discovering her identity as an autistic woman. Learn more about your…

  10. TPP 523: Raising Good Gamers, with Dr. Rachel Kowert

    · 37 min

    Research psychologist Dr. Rachel Kowert comes back to the podcast for a fascinating and updated conversation about kids and gaming, and why so much of what parents hear about video games doesn’t necessarily line up…

  11. TPP 266a: A Conversation with Poet and Advocate LeDerick Horne

    · 40 min

    Performance poet and advocate LeDerick Horne talks about his journey with a hidden disability, his advocacy work, and how he found his love for poetry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

  12. TPP 522: A Whole Child Approach to ADHD with Phil Boucher, M.D.

    · 46 min

    Today I’m talking with Dr. Phil Boucher, a board-certified pediatrician who’s particularly interested in helping families understand and support kids with ADHD and help parents better understand their child, trust…

  13. TPP 091a: A Conversation With Steve Silberman About His Book “Neurotribes”

    · 43 min

    My guest this week is Steve Silberman, an award-winning science writer who authored the 2015 book NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, a brilliant book that upends conventional thinking…

  14. TPP 521: A Conversation with Dr. Peter Gray About Restoring Childhood

    · 47 min

    I’m talking with developmental psychologist Dr. Peter Gray about his new book, Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety, which challenges one of the dominant narratives about the youth mental…

  15. TPP 253a: Advocate and Author Jonathan Mooney on Why Normal Sucks

    · 44 min

    I’m excited to share this powerful and gut-punching conversation with Jonathan Mooney, a self-described “do-gooder,” speaker, and writer who didn’t learn to read until he was 12-years-old. Growing up with Dyslexia,…

  16. TPP 520: Dr. Özgür Bolat on Why Rewards Backfire and the Real Science of Motivating Kids

    · 42 min

    In this conversation, Debbie Reber speaks with Dr. Özgür Bolat about his book The Reward Trap and the hidden costs of using rewards to motivate children. Dr. Bolat explains that rewards may create short-term…

  17. TPP 519: Brendan Mahan on Overcoming the Wall of Awful

    · 43 min

    What if the reason you or your child can’t “just do the thing” is not laziness, but a Wall of Awful built from repeated frustration, shame, anxiety, and failure? Brendan Mahan breaks down the hidden emotional barrier…

  18. TPP 426a: Georgie Wisen-Vincent on Unlocking Our Kids’ Emotional Balance and Resilience with The Way of Play

    · 45 min

    Joining me is Georgie Wisen-Vincent, an expert in play therapy and co-author, alongside Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, of the new book The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Kind and Confident Kids.…

  19. TPP 518: Good Sleeping for Neurodivergent Kids, with Dr. Melisa Moore

    · 41 min

    Today we’re talking about the complex and often misunderstood sleep challenges that show up in neurodivergent kids with Dr. Melisa Moore, a clinical psychologist who is board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine and…

  20. TPP 352a: Occupational Therapist Kelly Mahler on the Power in Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergent Kids' Interoception Experience

    · 36 min

    I wanted to explore this concept of interoception and differently wired kids more deeply for the show, so I reached out to Kelly Mahler, an occupational therapist who specializes in interoception and is a co-principal…

  21. TPP 517: James Guttman on Becoming the Father His Autistic Son Needed

    · 32 min

    Today I’m talking with James Guttman, author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. James is the father of a nonspeaking autistic son and a neurotypical…

  22. TPP 280a: Occupational Therapist Rosemary White Talks about DIR / Floortime

    · 46 min

    Pediatric and occupational therapist Rosemary White explains the philosophy behind DIR / Floortime as a powerful modality to support children's sensory, motor, and social / emotional development. Learn more about your…

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

    · 38 min

    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,…

  24. TPP 104b: Dr. Lori Baudino on the Power of Movement, Dance, and the Mind/Body Connection

    · 39 min

    Dance/movement therapist Dr. Lori Baudino talks about how teaching differently wired kids to tap into the mind-body connection can help with emotional regulation, social communication, and more. Learn more about your…

  25. TPP 515: Dr. Emily King & the Neurodivergent Learner: A New Approach to Your Child's Success

    · 49 min

    Today we’re exploring a more holistic, humane approach to supporting neurodivergent learners — one that starts with understanding the nervous system and builds from there. My guest is Dr. Emily King, a child…

  26. TPP 421a: A Bonus Conversation with Dr. Stuart Shanker about Self-Regulation and Helping Our Children Successfully Engage with Life

    · 1 h 04 min

    Dr. Stuart Shanker, author of Self-Reg, shares his expertise on self-regulation, offering practical strategies and compassionate insights to help neurodivergent kids and their families manage stress and build…

  27. TPP 514: An Introduction to Neurodiversity-Affirming OT, with Dr. Bryden Carlson-Giving

    · 39 min

    Today, I’m joined by Bryden Carlson-Giving, an occupational therapy practitioner and the creator of the EMPOWER model, the first neurodiversity-affirming OT framework. Bryden is both neurodivergent and disabled…

  28. TPP 324a: A Conversation about Declarative Language and Co-Regulation, with Linda Murphy

    · 44 min

    Linda Murphy describes declarative language as a positive, thoughtful communication style that emphasizes understanding, patience, respect, and kindness, and as you’ll hear from our conversation, it is an ideal…

  29. TPP 513: Understanding Dysgraphia: Beyond the Surface of Messy Handwriting, with Kelli Fetter

    · 38 min

    Today we’re diving into dysgraphia—what it is, how it’s different from general handwriting struggles, and why so many kids go unsupported for far too long. My guest is Kelli Fetter, a certified handwriting specialist…

  30. TPP 311a: Deb Dana on Befriending Our Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory

    · 41 min

    Deb Dana, a clinician, consultant, and author, gives us a primer of the key points of Polyvagal Theory, and in doing so, explains the ways in which it can support the way we parent our differently-wired kids. Deb…

  31. TPP 512: Dr. Katie Hurley on the "Manosphere" & Breaking the Boy Code

    · 45 min

    Today we’re talking about boys—the messages they receive about emotions, strength, masculinity, and what it means to “be a man” in today’s world. My guest is Dr. Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist,…

  32. TPP 511: Jessica Patay on Building Brave Communities for Caregivers

    · 38 min

    Today we’re talking about the power of community, resilience, and what it really means to show up bravely in the caregiver parenting journey. My guest is fellow community builder and mom on a mission Jessica Patay, the…

  33. TPP 305a: Stuart Shanker on What Self-Regulation Is, Why It Matters, and How to Help Our Children (and Ourselves) Do It Better

    · 45 min

    We are kicking off this season with a conversation with Dr. Stuart Shanker, who I first learned about through my friend Seth Perler as he’s been part of the TEFOS Summit. I love Stuart's message and recently devoured…

  34. TPP 510: Mark Talaga on the Hidden Challenges of Giftedness in the Digital Age

    · 35 min

    Today we’re exploring the intersection of giftedness, identity, and belonging—and what it means to support gifted kids in a world that’s changing faster than ever. My guest is Mark Talaga, director of the Center for…

  35. TPP 335a: Amanda Diekman Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection with Your Uniquely Wired Child

    · 47 min

    Today I’m talking with Amanda Diekman, author of the book, Low-demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection With Your Uniquely Wired Child Because low-demand parenting can be such an…

  36. TPP 509: Martina Nova on What Couples Get Wrong About Parenting Alignment

    · 41 min

    Today we’re talking about something that can make or break the parenting experience: how we align with our partners in raising our kids. My guest is clinical counselor Martina Nova, author of the new book Same Page…

  37. TPP 317a: A Conversation About Autistic Burnout with Neurodivergent Support Specialist Kristy Forbes

    · 48 min

    Kristy Forbes joins me to talk about what autistic burnout is and how it presents, why “deep rest” is critical for someone experiencing autistic burnout, and how autistic burnout is differentiated from mood disorders…

  38. TPP 508: Dr. Zachary Rubin on What Every Parent Should Understand About Allergies

    · 33 min

    Today we’re diving into the complex and often overwhelming world of allergies, asthma, and related conditions—and what it really takes to support kids (and families) living with them. My guest is Dr. Zachary Rubin, a…

  39. TPP 507: A Conversation with Dr. Destiny Huff About Neuroaffirming Advocacy in School

    · 41 min

    Today we’re diving into what it really looks like to advocate for our neurodivergent kids in school in a way that’s truly aligned with who they are. My guest is Dr. Destiny Huff, a trauma therapist, advocate, and…

  40. TPP 307a: Eliza Fricker Talks Parenting a Child with PDA

    · 36 min

    Eliza Fricker joins me to talk about PDA or pathological demand avoidance – and in fact I know many people interpret PDA as persistent desire for autonomy. I’ve done a few episodes on PDA before but never from a…

  41. TPP 506: A Deep Dive into Autistic Burnout in Children with Jodie Clarke

    · 45 min

    Today we’re talking about autistic burnout—what it is, how it shows up in children and young people, and what it actually takes to support recovery. My guest is Jodie Clarke, an autistic and ADHD professional with more…

  42. TPP 301a: Navigating Big Life Transitions with Differently Wired Children (a Solocast)

    · 32 min

    Our family has gone through our fair share of big changes, which you’ll hear all about in this episode, so this is something that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about. Especially as a parent of a differently wired…

  43. Dr. Susan Baum on 2e Learners & Elmbridge University’s Program on Cognitive Diversity

    · 19 min · Bonus

    This is a short, special mini-episode I’m sharing because my friends at Elmbridge University (formerly Bridges Academy) let me know that enrollment is now open for the next cohort of their truly unique graduate program…

  44. TPP 505: What Happens When We’re No Longer Here? Financial Planning for Differently Wired Families

    · 41 min

    Today we’re talking about something many families know they need to think about—but often don’t know where to begin: financial planning for children with disabilities. My guest is Mary McDirmid, a Chartered Special…

  45. TPP 375a: How Can Our Family Navigate Vacations When They Throw Off My Child's Need for Routine

    · 20 min

    In this Parent Lean-In episode, Debbie answers a listener’s question about how to travel and navigate vacations with a child who is tied to routines. Debbie shares her past experiences and offers tips for pre-trip…

  46. TPP 504: Celia Bray on Staying Anchored in an Intense World

    · 42 min

    Today we’re exploring what it means to reconnect with our bodies and how that can transform not just our emotional health, but our parenting and relationships as well, with Celia Bray, a psychologist, somatic…

  47. TPP 015b: A Conversation with 11-year-old Asher About Travel and Vacation Strategies

    · 28 min

    11-year-old Asher joins me to share our best tips and strategies for making travel run more smoothly and having successful vacations with neurodivergent kids. As much as many families and their children may love going…

  48. TPP 503: The Real Work of Parenting Neurodivergent Young Adults (Part 3)

    · 45 min

    You may recall that last fall, my friend and colleague Penny Williams, a parenting coach for neurodiverse families, the author of four books on ADHD including Boy Without Instructions, and the host of the Beautifully…

  49. TPP 013b: Margaret Webb Shares Tools & Mindsets for Surviving Summer Break

    · 40 min

    I’m excited to be bringing parenting coach Margaret Webb back to the podcast this week. Margaret helps parents find more peace in parenting the child they didn’t expect when they were expecting, and part of her work is…

  50. TPP 502: Alex Mortlock Explains Circadian Rhythm & Complex Sleep Challenges

    · 46 min

    Today we’re diving into the nuanced world of circadian rhythm sleep syndromes, and how biological and environmental factors intersect in shaping our children’s sleep. My guest is Alex Mortlock, a registered clinical…

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