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

Debbie Reber
  • 4.9 (57)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

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!

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Margaret Webb Shares Tools & Mindsets for Surviving Summer Break

    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 supporting parents survive summer break. Many parents (and not just parents raising differently-wired kids) limp across the finish line of a long school year only to find themselves facing the stress of summer — new schedules and routines, different expectations, wants, and needs for everyone in the family, and lots of other changes. In our conversation, Margaret shares her personal strategy for not only surviving summer break, but thriving. About Margaret Webb Margaret s a certified Master Life Coach, parenting coach, nature-based coach, former teacher, wife and mother. As a life and parenting coach, she weaves together her experience as an elementary education teacher with the tools she’s learned in Martha Beck’s Life Coach Training, Sagefire Institute’s Nature-Based Coach Training, and what she’s applied to her own life as a mom of a child with special needs.   Key Takeaways How “reality versus expectations” creates unnecessary stress for many parents over the summer Why having “leadership energy” as a parent can help a family thrive The importance of getting clear on both your personal needs as a parent and your child’s needs and wants for the summer break What scheduling, mapping, and tracking have to do with surviving summer holidays How focusing on our own experience and fostering personal self-care actually supports our children Why nature can be so restorative for parents raising differently-wired kids How to envision your ideal day as a way to begin creating a more peaceful reality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    40 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    Alex Mortlock Explains Circadian Rhythm & Complex Sleep Challenges

    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 psychologist who has been in practice since 2010, with training rooted in evidence-based approaches to mental health. Alex will help us unpack what’s actually happening when a child’s sleep rhythm is out of sync, and why this is so often misunderstood. We talk about practical strategies, the role of light exposure and light therapy, and how melatonin can be used thoughtfully to support regulation.  About Dr. Devon Price Alex Mortlock has been a registered clinical psychologist since 2010, trained at the University of Canterbury with a focus on evidence-based approaches to mental health assessment and treatment. His work is grounded in psychological science, with an emphasis on the interplay of emotion, cognition, and motivation. He uses evidence-based methods to help people make positive changes in their behaviour, fostering an environment of authenticity, acceptance, and understanding. Throughout his career, Alex has had the privilege of witnessing growth and transformation in people from diverse backgrounds — experiences that have reinforced his belief that, with the right support and guidance, everyone has the capacity to flourish. He lives in Christchurch, New Zealand with his wife, who is also a clinical psychologist, and their two over-analysed children. Curiosity, compassion, courage, and flexibility are the values that guide him through the professional and personal challenges that human life presents.   Things you'll learn from this episode  How circadian rhythms shape sleep patterns and why they matter for children’s overall health Why conditions like delayed sleep phase, advanced sleep phase, and non-24-hour sleep disorders can disrupt typical sleep cycles How neurodivergence can influence light sensitivity and circadian regulation Why gradual light exposure, environmental adjustments, and low-dose melatonin can help realign sleep rhythms How habits like late-night screen use can interfere with healthy sleep patterns When to seek professional support and how parents can practically support their child’s sleep development Resources mentioned Alex Mortlock’s website Late Nights, Later Days: The Under-Recognized Impact of Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome in ADHD (Additude Magazine) Reset Your Inner Clock: The Drug-Free Way to Your Best-Ever Sleep, Mood, and Energy by Michael Termin, PhD Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Joint Hypermobility Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (National Institute of Health) Article on Light Boxes (Yale School of Medicine) Light Therapy Visors (results page from Amazon search)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    46 min

  3. 28 APR

    An Intimate Conversation with Debbie & Derin About Their Co-Parenting Journey (Part 3)

    In this special episode, I’m joined by my husband, Derin, for a candid and heartfelt reflection on our journey together—more than eight years of parenting, navigating relationship shifts, and supporting our neurodivergent child through adolescence and into early adulthood. This is a personal conversation for us, one where we open up about what this path has really looked like behind the scenes. We talk about how our partnership has evolved over time, the challenges we’ve faced individually and together, and the ways we’ve learned to stay connected through some very intense seasons. We also share what’s helped us—communication, honesty, a willingness to grow—and how we’ve come to better understand each other while showing up for our child. This is an honest look at the complexities of parenting and partnership, and what it means to keep choosing each other along the way. About Derin Basden Derin Basden is a seasoned and accomplished leader with a proven track record in technology, design, and operations, gained through working with major multinational corporations, including NBCUniversal, Disney, and Microsoft. He is also the husband of Debbie Reber, the founder of Tilt Parenting, and a dedicated supporter of her work. He is enthusiastic about his role on the Tilt Team and is committed to contributing to the movement that empowers neurodivergent children to achieve their full potential. Derin leads technology and finance operations for Tilt, and ensures the smooth functioning and effective execution of Tilt’s mission. Things you'll learn from this episode  How family life evolves through moves, global stressors, and the transition from childhood to young adulthood Why adolescence reshapes family dynamics and invites growth for both parents and kids How maintaining a strong partnership through communication, shared routines, and intentional connection supports the whole system Why respecting autonomy while staying connected is essential when parenting a neurodivergent young adult How simple rituals—like walks, humor, and honest conversations—help rebuild and sustain connection Why self-regulation, honesty, and ongoing personal growth are key to navigating changing roles within the family Resources mentioned  Debbie & Derin on Their Parenting Journey: Part 1 (Tilt Parenting podcast, 2017) Debbie & Derin on Their Parenting Journey: Part 2 (Tilt Parenting podcast, 2018) Derin Basden - LinkedIn Minecraft Mods mentioned (Inventory Pets, Animania, Better Invisibility) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  4. 24 APR

    Dr. Gail Post on the Gifted Parenting Journey and Support for Families of Gifted Children

    Dr. Gail Post, the psychologist behind the popular Gifted Challenge blog, joins me to talk about her book, The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children, which combines research, theory, and clinical experience, and extends her advocacy efforts to address the needs of parents of gifted children. In this episode, we dive into the realities of parenting gifted and 2e kids — the common challenges parents experience as part of their journey, why it can sometimes feel uncomfortable to celebrate our child’s accomplishments with others and how that impacts our kids and us, and how to handle our own expectations and pressures we may feel because of our child’s unique learning profile. We also explore what many families of gifted kids' experience as a complicated relation with the word “potential,” as well as how we as parents can manage our own uncomfortable emotions that may arise in parenting our kids, including anxiety, envy, and guilt.   ABOUT GAIL Gail Post, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist, parenting coach and consultant, workshop leader, and writer. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in practice for over 35 years, she provides psychotherapy with a focus on the needs of the intellectually and musically gifted and twice-exceptional, parenting coaching and workshops, and consultation with educators and psychotherapists. Dr. Post is the parent of two gifted young adults and served as co-chair of a gifted parents advocacy group when her children were in school. THINGS YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE The common challenges parents raising gifted and 2e kids may experience as part of their journey Why parents of gifted kids feel intense pressure surrounding their child’s educational path and how that can negatively impact families Why the word “potential” is a loaded one for many families, and how parents can change their relationship with this concept Why anxiety is common amongst parents raising gifted or 2e kids The unique challenges BIPOC parents raising gifted kids face Why self-awareness is the roadmap to attuned parenting when raising gifted and 2e kids About Gail PostThings you’ll learn from this episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    40 min

  5. 21 APR

    10 Years Later: How We’ve Changed, How the Movement Has Grown (And What Comes Next)

    In this special 10-year anniversary and 500th episode of Tilt Parenting, I’m turning the spotlight toward the community that has shaped the show from the beginning. I’ll share key findings from a new parent survey about the lived experience of raising neurodivergent kids, including the profound isolation many families feel and the hard-won confidence parents develop as they learn to support their children. But the bulk of this episode features reflections from longtime community members on how the neurodiversity conversation has evolved over the past decade, how this journey has changed them personally, and where they believe the movement needs to focus next. Across their stories, common themes emerge: greater visibility and language around neurodivergence, deeper compassion and nervous system awareness, the importance of community, and the urgent need for more empathy and change in schools, healthcare, and other systems that still lag behind what families and research already know.   Things You'll Learn from this Episode Why a lack of understanding across schools, communities, and social circles remains the biggest struggle for families How parenting neurodivergent kids can feel exhausting and isolating—and how finding language and community can be life-changing Why so many parents are discovering their own neurodivergence, highlighting this as a whole-family journey How parents are growing more compassionate, self-aware, and willing to trust alternative paths while holding both grief and hope Why the future calls for systems change and a stronger commitment to connection-first, strengths-based support for neurodivergent kids Resources Mentioned The Tilt Parenting Report Zach Morris Ned Johnson  Dr. Mona Delahooke’s website Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted & Supported by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin Neurodiversity University Education Hub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 1min

  6. 17 APR

    Maria Kennedy on What's Needed & What's Next in the Movement to Support 2e Students

    Supporting 2e students continues to be one of the biggest challenges for those of us raising twice-exceptional children, and today we’re going to do a deep dive into how to do this. Maria Kennedy, director of the Bridges Educational Group at Bridges Academy joins me to talk about how the definition of giftedness in some countries keeps gifted students from getting into gifted programs, the importance of appreciating every child’s unique strengths and value, and ways parents can advocate for their children’s unique learning profile, even within their existing school systems that may not be designed to support or understand neurodivergent learners.   ABOUT MARIA KENNEDY Maria Kennedy first joined the Bridges Academy staff as the director of the Phoenix Program. After successfully growing the program each year, she has taken on the position of director of the Bridges Educational Group. A speaker, author, and advocate, Maria has been featured on “Bright and Quirky,” as a panelist and educational expert. Several schools have used her webcast, ‘Strengths, Challenges, and my journey as my son’s advocate,” for teacher training. An educator for almost 30 years, Maria received her B.Ed. and M.Ed. in education from Manchester University (U.K). She earned Advanced Teacher Status from the Manchester Department of Education for her ability to develop curriculum and her skills within the classroom. She traveled internationally, teaching students and training teachers how to tap into the strengths of their gifted and challenged students. THINGS YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE  How the definition of giftedness in some countries prevents gifted students from getting into gifted programs Why we should lean into widening the scope of what giftedness means so we can properly identify everyone’s gifts What appreciating everyone’s unique value can bring to a child’s education and development What the roadblocks are for our educational system to be more open to embracing the changes needed How parents who are navigating a traditional educational system can advocate for their 2e children Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    51 min

  7. 16 APR

    You Might Also Like: Everyone Gets a Juice Box, from Understood.org

    Listen to an episode of Understood.org’s new podcast, Everyone Gets a Juice Box, about the messy realities of neurodiverse parenting with journalist and radio host Jessica Shaw. As a mom of two, she brings honesty and humor to the everyday chaos, victories, and challenges of raising kids who learn and think differently. In this episode, I’m the guest, and I share the story of how we ended up homeschooling—something I truly never imagined choosing. We had tried everything to make traditional school work… multiple schools, supports, specialists. Homeschooling was never part of the plan. But when life shifted in a big way, we found ourselves on a completely different path—one that lasted six years and changed how I think about learning, kids, and what success can look like. If you’ve ever found yourself doing something you swore you’d never do, or questioning the path you thought your family would be on, I think this conversation will resonate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    31 min

  8. 14 APR

    Stephanie Malia Krauss Shares Insights Into How We Thrive

    Today we’re talking about what it really means to thrive in a world that often feels overwhelming—for our kids and for us. My guest is Stephanie Malia Krauss, author, speaker, and strategist whose new book How We Thrive: Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World explores the urgent need to protect the human essentials—things like sleep, play, connection, and wonder—that modern life so often erodes. Stephanie and I explore the idea of “rehumaning” how we live, learn, and parent. We talk about the interconnectedness of body, mind, heart, and spirit, and the importance of collective care in raising kids in today’s world. Stephanie shares practical, grounded ways to navigate overwhelm and make small shifts in daily life that can help families move from merely surviving to truly thriving.   About Stephanie Malia Krauss Stephanie Malia Krauss is an author, speaker, and strategist helping leaders rehuman how we live, learn, and work. Her newest book, How We Thrive: Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World, examines the urgent need to protect the human essentials—like sleep, play, connection, and wonder—that modern life diminishes or denies. Stephanie's commitment to this work began as a teacher and coach, where she witnessed how different environments can deplete or restore people. She later founded a school for young people furthest from opportunity, and now leads national and state efforts in education and youth development. Working with leaders from classrooms to Congress, Stephanie advises states, districts, and national organizations through her consulting shop, First Quarter Strategies. Stephanie is also the author of Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Lives, Learn, and Thrive and Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why collective care and community are essential antidotes to modern overwhelm and burnout How the practice of rehumaning helps us reconnect with our core human needs Why honoring the interconnectedness of body, mind, heart, and spirit is key to real resilience How small, intentional shifts in daily rhythms can meaningfully improve family well-being Why thriving means living in full animation—rooted in love, belonging, and advocacy—not just enduring   Resources mentioned How We Thrive: Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World by Stephanie Malia Krauss Rehumaning Childhood (Stephanie’s Substack) Rehumaning website Geoffrey Cohen on Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides (Stanford Digital Education) Stephanie Malia Krauss’ website Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids Live, Learn, and Thrive by Stephanie Malia Krauss Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World by Stephanie Malia Krauss Whole Child, Whole Life website How We Can Prepare Differently Wired Children for an Uncharted Future, with Stephanie Malia Krauss (Tilt Parenting Podcast) How to Help Our Kids Thrive in Tough Times, with Stephanie Malia Krauss (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Making It: What Today’s Kids Need for Tomorrow’s World by Stephanie Krauss Dr. Eric Soto-Shed (Harvard researcher) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    40 min
See All (687)

Trailer

Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

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!

Information

You Might Also Like