Neurodiversity Podcast Emily Kircher-Morris

This week, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Jessica Sinarski, a mental health counselor who merges neuroscience with education and family dynamics. They dig into the complex relationship between trauma and neurodivergence, underscoring the critical need for trauma-responsive practices and a strengths-based perspective in supporting neurodivergent people. They explore how trust and early life experiences shape brain development, and the profound impact these factors have on individuals throughout their lives. They talk about creating neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed environments within schools, and discuss the often overlooked 'hidden senses' that are crucial in supporting neurodivergent students. All of that, packed into episode 224.
Takeaways
Understanding the intersectionality between trauma and neurodivergence is crucial in supporting neurodivergent individuals.
Being trauma-responsive means using awareness of trauma to act accordingly and respond appropriately.
A strengths-based approach recognizes that no part of the brain is bad and focuses on supporting and celebrating individual strengths.
Schools should strive to be neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed, integrating a brain-based perspective and understanding the hidden senses.
Building trust and maintaining trusting relationships is essential in supporting neurodivergent individuals who have experienced trauma.
To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, click the link, and get in touch with us through the contact page if you have questions.
If you see value in rethinking education and building a stronger classroom, consider joining the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub! It’s a group built for educators, and we’ll open registration again soon! Sign up to be alerted, and join us for the learning, sharing, and fun!
Mental health professionals, get on the list and we’ll notify you when we open our upcoming community, the Neurodiversity University Therapist Hub.
Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, is an author, educator, and the founder of BraveBrains. She partners with school districts and child welfare agencies around the world, translating neuroscience into actionable steps for kids and adults alike. Jessica ignites both passion and know-how in audiences through her books, training, and deeply trauma-informed resources.
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Today we’re tackling the challenge of decoding ADHD in children. Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Drs. Yael Rothman and Katia Fredriksen about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence the diagnosis, the disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial and ethnic groups, and the impact of stigma. They also explore the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention, and of recognizing and leveraging the strengths often inherent in ADHD. They touch on a host of other subjects as well, on episode 223.
Takeaways
Cultural and socioeconomic factors influence the diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, leading to disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial and ethnic groups.
Early diagnosis and intervention are beneficial for children with ADHD, as it helps with de-stigmatization, self-esteem, and self-advocacy.
ADHD individuals have unique strengths, such as creative thinking, hyperfocus, and resilience, which can be leveraged for success.
Having conversations with children about their diagnosis is important for their understanding and self-acceptance.
Parents should take time to process information, ask questions, and prioritize their own mental health throughout the diagnosis and management process.
To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, click the link, and get in touch with us through the contact page if you have questions.
Join the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy & Support Group on Facebook!
Because you asked, the music at the end is Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune.
Dr. Katia Fredriksen and Dr. Yael Rothman are pediatric neuropsychologists at a private practice, where they complete assessments with children and adolescents with a wide range of conditions that impact learning, behavior, and/or socioemotional functioning. They recently published the first book of their Different Thinkers series, designed to provide elementary-age children with a resource to understand their diagnosis, manage the associated difficulties, and appreciate the many strengths that come along with their profiles. Their first book, Different Thinkers: ADHD, focuses on the diagnosis of ADHD.
Dr. Fredriksen trained at Princeton University and the University of Massachusetts Boston. She lives with her family in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Rothman trained at the University of Michigan and Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. She lives with her family in Washington, D.C.
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Different Thinkers: ADHD

Our guest is Jane Singleton, an executive function coach and consultant, and she talks with Emily Kircher-Morris about the development of executive functioning skills through different life stages, and how it impacts individuals. They talk about the importance of practicing these skills early on, to prepare for the increasing demands of independence. You’ll pick up strategies for parents to help their children build executive functioning skills, including asking questions, creating a safe space for planning, and celebrating small wins. A healthy skill set includes recognizing the significance of self-reflection, collaboration between home and school, and reframing struggles and failures as necessary tools for growth. Executive Function Growth Throughout Life, straight ahead on episode 222.
Takeaways
Executive functioning demands naturally increase with the level of independence required at each life stage.
Practicing executive functioning skills at a young age prepares individuals for the challenges of adulthood.
Parents can support their children by asking questions, creating a safe space for planning, and celebrating small wins.
Self-reflection and reframing struggles and failures as learning opportunities are essential for growth.
Collaboration between home and school is crucial for supporting neurodivergent individuals.
To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, click the link, and get in touch with us through the contact page if you have questions.
Join the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy & Support Group on Facebook!
Jane Singleton is the founder and executive coach at Launchpad for Life, LLC and specializes in helping clients understand their cognitive and emotional strengths and weaknesses, communicate more effectively, and build their self-awareness in order to meet academic, career, and life goals. She is an educational leader and specialist in analyzing cognitive profiles, creating behavioral interventions, and coaching families and  individuals through life transitions.
Jane als has significant experience with team coaching with the goal of creating alignment of curriculum and protocols as it relates to inclusion, strategic priorities and academic outcomes. She has developed customized training for organizations on topics such as: executive functioning, growing and self-esteem and motivation, and parenting like a coach, as well as a variety of topics on neurodiversity. Jane is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified executive coach, a lifelong learner and an inclusion advocate for people with disabilities.
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In episode 221, Emily talks with Brad Wright, a Neurodivergent Educator and Administrator, and author of the Infinity Blast series of middle grade books featuring neurodivergent characters. They discuss his work as an educator and how it influenced his decision to write fiction for young people. It’s important for educators to be educated about neurodiversity and provide accurate information to children. Brad also talks about the evolution of neurodivergent characters in children's literature and the role they play in the lives of young people. There is a need for more diverse and authentic characters in literature.
Takeaways
Educators should be educated about neurodiversity and provide accurate information to children.
The representation of neurodivergent characters in children's literature has evolved, but there is still a need for more diverse characters.
Authentic portrayal of neurodivergent traits is important to provide a nuanced understanding of different types of brains.
Neurodivergent children should hold onto their special interests and stay true to themselves, as they will find their people and become fully actualized individuals.
To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, click the link, and get in touch with us through the contact page if you have questions.
Join the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy & Support Group on Facebook!
Bradley Wright is an author, educator, and administrator at an independent school. In his earlier years, he was a professional ballet dancer. Brad grew up in Seattle but has been slowly migrating southward with stops in Portland, Eugene, San Francisco, and now Los Angeles where he lives with his family. His current writing project is the Infinity Blast series for middle grade readers. Books one and two are out now. Book three will be released Spring 2025.
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We’re talking STEM today, and Emily Kircher-Morris is joined by Dr. Arash Zaghi, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut, to discuss the importance of neurodiversity in STEM fields. They talk about the need for diverse perspectives and ways of thinking to solve complex problems in science and engineering. There’s a value in different types of contributions, such as creative ideas and detailed execution plans, and a need to shift the focus from deficits to strengths. They also discuss the importance of creating a sense of belonging for neurodivergent students in academia and the need for faculty to be more supportive and inclusive.
Takeaways
Neurodiversity in STEM fields is crucial for solving complex problems and creating innovative solutions.
The focus should shift from individual skills to the true meaning of diversity, bringing together different perspectives and ways of thinking.
Creating a sense of belonging is essential for the success of neurodivergent students in STEM fields.
Faculty should be more supportive and inclusive, valuing diverse contributions and providing options for different types of learning and assessment.
Neurodivergent individuals should embrace their strengths and bring their whole selves to their academic and professional pursuits.
To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, click the link, and get in touch with us through the contact page if you have questions.
Join the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy & Support Group on Facebook!
Arash E. Zaghi is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut. His research is focused on engineering education, emphasizing the role of neurodiversity in fostering creativity within the engineering workforce, as well as strength-based approaches to diversity. Arash’s interdisciplinary work aims to develop personalized tools for middle-school students with dyslexia to engage in STEM, leveraging AI, neuroscience, and education research. Professor Zaghi was diagnosed with ADHD at 33, and his dedication to neurodiversity in engineering education has earned him multiple recognitions, including from Prism Magazine of the American Society of Engineering Education. He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno and is a strong advocate of neurodiversity in STEM education. He hosts the Square Pegs podcast, where he further explores these themes.
Square Pegs Podcast via Spotify

In this episode of the Neurodiversity Podcast, Emily Kircher-Morris answers questions submitted by members of the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy and Support Group on Facebook. The questions cover a range of topics including listening to the podcast with children, supporting processing speed issues, managing low self-esteem, diagnosing ADHD in older age, the overlap between cognitive giftedness and autism, exploring masking, and managing chores and responsibilities for individuals with a PDA profile. The episode provides insights, strategies, and resources for parents and individuals navigating neurodiversity.
To submit questions for our next AMA, join the Neurodiversity Podcast Advocacy & Support Group on Facebook!