TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

Debbie Reber
  • 4.9 (57)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY
TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child? 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, 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. 3 DAYS AGO

    TPP 161a: Dr. Devon MacEachron on "What's Next?" After Diagnosis

    Strategic learning assessment psychologist Dr. Devon MacEachron provides ideas for next steps for parents after receiving a diagnosis for their child. Connect with Tilt Parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    TPP 409: Dr. Matt Zakreski on Cracking the Code of Living in a Neurotypical World

    My guest for today’s show is likely no stranger to you. He’s been on the podcast before, we’ve co-hosted special live events focused on the mental health crisis among neurodivergent kids, and he’s a key figure in the differently wired revolution. Through his speaking engagements, work as a therapist for kids and adults, and his own lived experience as a neurodivergent individual, he’s a powerful advocate for understanding and supporting neurodivergent students. Yes, I’m talking about Dr. Matt Zakreski. Today, I’m thrilled to have him back to dive into his brand-new book, Neurodiversity Playbook: How Neurodivergent People Can Crack the Code of Living in a Neurotypical World. Full disclosure: I wrote the foreword for this book, and I was honored to do so because it’s such a valuable resource for so many people. In the foreword, and what I’ll share with you now, is that Matt’s book encourages readers to embrace the full neurodivergent experience, offering deep understanding, validation, and a wealth of practical ideas to help “crack the code” and design a life on their own terms. Neurodiversity Playbook feels like a warm “welcome to the Club” for neurodivergent individuals and those who love and support them. In this conversation, while we couldn’t cover everything in the book, we touched on some of the big concepts, including why grounding discussions in neuroscience is key to understanding neurodivergence, how to navigate tricky everyday situations like making small talk, and how awareness of neurodiversity has evolved over the years. We also explored code-switching as an empowering tool and how to do it with intention and choice.   About Dr. Matt Zakresk Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken hundreds of times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective and the author of the The Neurodiversity Playbook: How Neurodivergent People Can Crack the Code of Living in a Neurotypical World.   Things you'll learn from this episode How Dr. Matt's personal journey informs his professional work and shapes his approach to neurodiversity. How neurodiversity awareness has significantly evolved over the years and there is significant progress in understanding. How grounding discussions in neuroscience is crucial for understanding neurodivergence. How the Neurodiversity Playbook aims to be a practical guide to help neurodivergent humans navigate a neurotypical world. How code-switching can be a useful tool for neurodivergent individuals and enhance their ability to adapt. Why compromise is essential for fostering understanding and bridging communication gaps between neurodivergent and neurotypical people.   Resources mentioned Dr. Matt Zakreski’s website The Neurodiversity Playbook: How Neurodivergent People Can Crack the Code of Living in a Neurotypical World by Dr. Matt Zakreski The Neurodiversity Collective Dr. Matt Zakreski on Facebook Suicide and Suicidal Ideation in Neurodivergent Teens & Children, with Dr. Matt Zakreski (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Dr. Matt Zakreski dialogues on Gifted Homeschooler Forum Failure is FUN…damental (Matt’s talk about National Talent Centre of the Netherlands) Mental Health Check-In Masterclass with Matt Zakreski and Debbie Reber, Part 1 Mental Health Check-In Masterclass with Matt Zakreski and Debbie Reber, Part 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min

  3. 11 OCT

    TPP 160a: J.O. Oliver on Being a Differently-Wired, Stay-at-Home Dad

    Speaker and author Jonathan Oliver shares his personal story of being a differently wired (ADHD and dyslexia), stay-at-home father of two children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  4. 8 OCT

    TPP 408: Leslie Martino on Sparking Kids' Learning Through the Joy of Slow

    As a parent of a neurodivergent child, you’ve probably had to let go of the traditional timelines we’re often told our kids should follow, especially when it comes to school milestones. And that requires a big adjustment for us as parents! But what if we all took a step back and focused more on slowing down? That’s exactly what my guest today, educator and author Leslie Martino, encourages us to do. With over twenty years of experience as a teacher, homeschooler, and adjunct lecturer, Leslie has a deep passion for helping parents and educators embrace a slower, more child-directed approach to learning. She homeschools her four children and also works as an educational consultant and parent coach, and her new book, The Joy of Slow: Restoring Wonder and Balance to Homeschool Learning, is a powerful guide to this philosophy. In this conversation, we dive into how slowing down in education leads to deeper understanding and makes space for joyful, spontaneous learning. Leslie shares how creating a learning environment that values curiosity and playfulness—not just during structured learning times, but throughout the day—can foster lifelong learners. We also talk about the importance of connection and relationships in both parenting and education, and how that connection is at the heart of nurturing children who love to learn. Even if you’re not homeschooling, I promise you’ll take away so much from this episode.   About Leslie Martino Leslie Martino has over twenty years of experience teaching—as an elementary school teacher, a home educator, and an adjunct lecturer for graduate courses focused on the role of the teacher in supporting children’s individual work preferences. She homeschools her four children and works as an educational consultant, writing curricula, training teachers, and coaching parents to approach learning in an interest-based and child-directed way. She is a speaker on topics of education and motherhood and is also a contributing writer for the Wild + Free homeschooling community.   Things you'll learn from this episode Why it’s critical that parents create a learning environment that values curiosity How slowing down in education leads to deeper understanding and makes room for learning to be a joyful and meaningful process? How spontaneity in learning fosters natural responses and engagement, and how to “build in” room for spontaneity in everyday life Why playfulness essential in both parenting and education, and ways to ensure education is an exploratory rather than a linear process Why connection and relationship is at the heart of effective education and fostering humans who truly become lifelong learners   Resources mentioned Leslie Martino’s website The Joy of Slow: Restoring Wonder and Balance to Homeschool Learning by Leslie Martino Leslie Martino on Instagram The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming the Wonder in Your Child's Education, A New Way to Homeschool by Ainsley Arment Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self by Manoush Zomorodi Angela Sizer and Maren Goerss on Homeschooling & Thinking Differently About Learning (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Think Differently About Learning: A Homeschool Where Parents and Children Thrive by Angela Sizer and Maren Goerss Becoming a Critical Thinker: A Workbook to Help Students Think Well in an Age of Disinformation by Julie Bogart Julie Bogart on Helping Kids Become Critical Thinkers (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

  5. 1 OCT

    TPP 407: Nutritionist Jill Castle on Helping Kids Thrive at Every Size

    What comes to mind when you think about raising healthy kids? We often focus on physical health — things like height, weight, and nutrition. But today, we're taking a more holistic look at health with return guest, nutritionist and author Jill Castle. Specifically, e're diving into her new book, Kids Thrive at Every Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small, or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health and Happiness. In our conversation, we explore why emotional well-being is just as important as physical health, how COVID-19 has impacted kids’ nutrition, and the often-overlooked difference between feeding and eating. Jill highlights how family culture and values shape a child’s overall health and why it's so important to foster a body-neutral environment at home. We also touch on the connection between executive function and eating, plus the role screens and media play in shaping body image. Before we dive in, a bit about Jill: She's one of the nation’s leading childhood nutrition experts, blending research with practical advice. She believes children can thrive at any size and challenges us to think differently about their health. Jill is the founder and CEO of The Nourished Child®, a nutrition education platform, and the mother of four adult-ish kids. This conversation feels especially timely as our kids are bombarded with messages about how their bodies should look and behave. Now more than ever, it's crucial to provide them with a strong foundation for understanding health. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jill Castle.   About Jill Castle Jill Castle is the author of the book, Kids Thrive at Every Size (Workman, 2024) and one of the nation’s premier childhood nutrition experts. Known for her ability to blend current research, practical application, and common sense, Jill believes that children can thrive at every size. With her paradigm-shifting, whole-child approach, she inspires parents, healthcare professionals, and organizations that serve children and families to think differently about young people’s health and wellbeing. Jill is the founder and CEO of The Nourished Child®, a nutrition education website and podcast for parents, and the mother of four adult-ish children.   Things you'll learn How prioritizing emotional well-being is as important as physical health in children What a “whole child healthy” approach includes beyond nutrition How COVID-19 has impacted children's nutrition as evidenced by increased snacking and coping mechanisms related to food Why cultivating a body-neutral family culture is crucial How parents addressing their own food baggage and modeling healthy behaviors positively influences children Why screens and media significantly influence children's body image and self-esteem How parents can become 'size-wise' by understanding the pillars of wellness and working towards raising a healthy, happy child   Resources mentioned Jill Castle’s website (private consultation and other services) Kids Thrive at Every Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small, or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health and Happiness by Jill Castle The Nourished Child website The Nourished Child Podcast Jill Castle on Instagram Jill Castle on Facebook Nutritionist Jill Castle with the Facts About ADHD and Nutrition in Kids (Tilt Parenting podcast)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  6. 27 SEPT

    TPP 159a: Inside The Flex School with Founder Jacqui Byrne

    Flex School founder Jacqui Byrne shares her vision for creating powerful learning communities for gifted and 2e students through her unique educational model. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  7. 26 SEPT

    TPP 406: Parent Lean-In: How Do I Talk With My Child About a New Autism Diagnosis?

    Parent coach Zach Morris and Debbie answer a listener's question about sharing a new autism diagnosis with a 10 year old who embraces his neurodivergence but lives in a community / culture where the term "autism" has a negative connotation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    21 min

  8. 24 SEPT

    TPP 405: Navigating PDA in America, with Diane Gould and Ruth Fidler

    In today’s conversation, I’m diving into the much-anticipated book Navigating PDA in America with the co-authors and thought leaders in the PDA space, Diane Gould and Ruth Fidler. We've touched on PDA in past episodes, but I learned so much from this book, and I’m excited to share it with you because PDA is a diagnosis bringing a lot of clarity and relief to families. As it gains traction in the neurodivergence space, the more we know, the better we can support PDAers in our communities. In this episode, we talk about the nuances of the PDA profile and how to one might determine if the identification fits, where North America stands in understanding PDA in comparison with the rest of the world, the challenges PDA individuals face in school and how they can effectively be addressed, what type of therapy is best for someone with a PDA profile, and much more.   About Diane Gould Diane Gould is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that specializes in serving autistic individuals. As the Executive Director and Founder of PDA North America, she founded the annual PDA North America conference held in Chicago that has changed the lives of hundreds of PDA (pathological demand avoidance/persistent drive for autonomy) families. She co-authored the book Navigating PDA in America with Ruth Fidler which was published in June 2024. In April 2024, Diane was diagnosed as autistic. Diane has a private practice in the suburbs of Chicago, where she serves neurodivergent children, adults and their families. Over the last 40 plus years, she has worked for both private agencies and school systems. She currently focuses her practice on providing consultation and training. She works primarily with parents and regularly attends school meetings with them. Diane loves to train educators and therapists so they can better serve their students and clients. And learning about PDA, led her to begin the new PDA movement in North America. Diane formed PDA North America at the first American PDA conference in March 2020. About Ruth Fidler Ruth Fidler is an Education Consultant specializing in complex presentations of autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and emotional well-being. She worked at an all age non-maintained special school for 22 years until 2014 and has worked independently since then. Ruth worked within the school promoting interactive approaches and emotional well- being for pupils with varying autistic profiles. As well as providing training, she regularly observes and monitors teaching and learning, supporting staff to embed and refine good autism and SEND practice. She often presents at local or national events and conferences for parents and for a range of professionals. She is co-author of the following books: Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children, Can I Tell You About Pathological Demand Avoidance?, Collaborative Approaches to Learning, Girls and Autism, Being Julia, and Navigating PDA in America.   Things you'll learn How Diane and Ruth came to share their personal journeys working with neurodivergent individuals and collaborate on the book Navigating PDA in America The state of understanding and awareness of PDA in North America in comparison with the UK and Australia The factors that distinguish a PDA profile of autism, including using socially strategic ways to avoid demands and more Ways schools can better support PDA students, such as adopting flexible approaches, building trust, and recognizing the need for fluctuating capacity and recovery time Why traditional therapeutic modalities may be ineffective for PDA individuals, and what is most important for therapy to be successful and positive   Resources mentioned Diane Gould’s website Ruth Fidler’s website Navigating PDA in America: A Framework to Support Anxious, Demand-Avoidant Autistic Children, Teens, and Young Adults by Ruth Fidler and Diane Gould PDA North America PDA Society (UK) Learn more about your ad choices. Visi

    52 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child? 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, 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!

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