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

Debbie Reber

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. HACE 1 DÍA

    TPP 456: Maggie Dent on How to Parent, Love & Support Today’s Teens

    In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by beloved Australian parenting expert and author Maggie Dent to explore what it really takes to raise resilient, emotionally healthy teens in today’s ever-changing world. Drawing on her experiences as a high school teacher, mother of four boys, and trusted voice in the parenting space, Maggie shares practical, compassionate guidance for navigating adolescence with insight, humor, and heart. We dive into the realities of the teenage brain, how the digital age is reshaping childhood, and why curiosity, connection, and unconditional love are more important than ever in building strong, supportive relationships with our kids. About Maggie Dent Commonly known as the ‘queen of common sense’, Maggie Dent has become one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors, educators and podcasters. She has a particular interest in the early years, adolescence and resilience, and is an undisputed ‘boy champion’. Maggie’s experience includes teaching, counselling, and working in palliative care/funeral services and suicide prevention. Maggie is an advocate for the healthy, common-sense raising of children in order to strengthen families and communities. She is a passionate, positive voice for children of all ages. Maggie is the host of The Good Enough Dad podcast and hosted six seasons of the award-winning ABC podcast, Parental As Anything. In 2025, she appears in the genre-bending ABC TV series about the challenges of parenting modern tweens/teens, The Role of a Lifetime. She is the author of 10 major books, plus several other e-books and a prolific creator of resources for parents, adolescents, teachers, early childhood educators and others who are interested in quietly improving their lives. Her books include the 2024 release Help Me Help My Teen: supporting our teens through tough times, Girlhood: Raising our little girls to be healthy, happy and heard, Parental As Anything (a book based on her podcast released in 2021), and her bestselling boys’ books From Boys to Men and Mothering Our Boys.  Maggie is the proud mother of four wonderful sons, and an enthusiastic and grateful grandmother. She lives in the South Coast region of NSW with her good bloke Steve Mountain and their dear little dog, Mr Hugo Walter Dent.   Things you'll learn from this episode Why the changing world requires parents to adapt, even though the core needs of children remain the same How the teenage brain’s pruning and remodeling process impacts memory, emotional regulation, and impulse control Why understanding gender-based differences in brain development can help parents better support behavior and learning How compassion, curiosity, and unconditional love create a secure foundation for teens during turbulent developmental stages Why being a steady “lighthouse” presence helps teens feel safe while learning to make their own choices How approaching tough conversations with calm curiosity opens the door to deeper trust and connection Resources mentioned Maggie Dent’s website Maggie Dent’s YouTube Channel Help Me Help My Teen: Supporting Our Teens Through Tough Times by Maggie Dent The Good Enough Dad Podcast Parental As Anything Podcast From Boys to Men: Guiding Our Boys to Grow into Happy, Healthy Men by Maggie Dent Mothering Our Boys: A Guide for Mums of Boys by Maggie Dent Girlhood: Raising Our Little Girls to Be Healthy, Happy and Heard by Maggie Dent Parental As Anything: A Common-Sense Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids from Toddlers to Tweens by Maggie Dent No Matter What posters on Maggie’s website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    49 min
  2. 22 JUL

    A Conversation with Dr. Naomi Fisher on Neurodivergence, PDA, and Self-Directed Learning

    In this conversation, I talk with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Naomi Fisher about self-directed education, and why it can be such a powerful approach for neurodivergent kids, especially those with a PDA profile. Naomi shares why agency is so important in learning, how traditional school can chip away at a child’s self-worth, and what it looks like when we truly support demand-avoidant kids in ways that work for them. We also get into the challenges parents face when stepping outside the norm and why keeping the parent-child relationship at the center is key. About Dr. Naomi Fisher Dr. Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist who specialises in trauma, autism and alternative education. She is the author of several books including When the Naughty Step Makes Things Worse and the Teenager’s Guide to Burnout. She runs webinars for parents and more of her work can be found at www.naomifisher.co.uk Things you'll learn from this episode Why agency in learning is essential for neurodivergent children to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and stay engaged How self-directed education supports children—especially those with PDA—by minimizing pressure and honoring their natural pace Why respecting a child’s right to say no is foundational for creating a safe, trust-based learning environment How understanding the cycle of demand avoidance helps reframe “bad behavior” as a response to overwhelm, not defiance Why shifting away from rigid definitions of academic success can open the door to more authentic growth and capability How prioritizing the parent-child relationship and finding community support helps families confidently navigate less conventional paths Resources mentioned Dr. Naomi Fisher’s website Naomi Fisher on Substack A Different Way to Learn by Naomi Fisher Eliza Fricker Talks About Parenting a Child with PDA (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Eliza Fricker’s website The Family Experience of PDA by Eliza Fricker Eliza Fricker / Missing the Mark on Facebook Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of Their Own Learning by Naomi Fisher What Can We Do When School’s Not Working: An Illustrated Handbook for Professionals by Naomi Fisher Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    45 min
  3. 17 JUL

    What Do I Do When My 18-year-old Is Stalled Out and Not Ready to Launch?

    This week I’m joined by Zach Morris for a thoughtful conversation about the challenges of parenting neurodivergent teens who are approaching adulthood. We dig into a listener question about an almost-18-year-old who’s still really struggling, despite years of support. Zach and I explore the pressures parents face, the grief that can come up, how to hold boundaries with empathy, and why we need to rethink what success and failure actually mean. We also talk about the importance of understanding each child’s unique developmental timeline—and how to give ourselves and our kids space to pause, regroup, and keep going.   About Debbie: Debbie Reber, MA is a parenting activist, bestselling author, speaker, and the CEO and founder of TiLT Parenting, a resource, top-performing podcast, consultancy, and community with a focus on shifting the paradigm for parents raising and embracing neurodivergent children. A regular contributor to Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine, and the author of more than a dozen books for children and teens, Debbie’s most recent book is Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope. About Zach Zach Morris is a thought leader in education who is committed to helping people increase compassion, collaboration, and learning. Zach supports individuals, families, and organizations who aim to develop a greater sense of safety and empowerment in themselves, in their relationships, and in their communities. Gently guiding humans through the resistance they encounter is at the core of Zach’s work. Learn more about Zach here   Things You'll Learn from This Episode Why parenting neurodivergent teens near adulthood requires extra patience, flexibility, and a long-view approach How societal expectations can increase stress and make it harder to trust our child’s unique path Why processing grief is a necessary part of coming to terms with unmet expectations and ongoing struggles How setting and holding clear, compassionate boundaries helps support both safety and autonomy Why redefining success and failure can reduce pressure and create space for authentic growth How taking breaks, leaning on support, and staying attuned to our child’s timeline can nurture long-term resilience  Resources Mentioned The Self-Driven Children with William Stixrud and Ned Johnson (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Dr. Dan Peters on The Teen Years & Preparing to Launch (Tilt Parenting Podcast) The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan by Dr. Megan Anna Neff A Conversation with Dr. Megan Anna Neff About Autistic Burnout (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    27 min
  4. 15 JUL

    Dr. Lisa Rappaport on Parenting Dyslexia and Supporting Dyslexic Learners in School and Beyond

    In this conversation, I talk with neuropsychologist Lisa Rappaport about the realities of living with dyslexia—something she knows firsthand. We get into what dyslexia really is (and isn’t), how awareness and support have evolved, and why early diagnosis and strong advocacy matter so much. Lisa shares insights from both her personal and professional experience, and we talk through ways parents can support their kids with dyslexia at home and in school.    About Lisa Rappaport, PhD Lisa Rappaport, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Manhattan with a specialty in working with and diagnosing learning disabilities. She has extensive training and experience in treating adults and children with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, and anxiety disorders. In addition to her private practice, Dr.Rappaport is also on the faculty at the Rose F. Kennedy Center Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She lives in Manhattan. Things you'll learn from this episode Why early diagnosis and intervention are essential to support dyslexic children’s learning and confidence How parental advocacy can play a powerful role in securing school accommodations and support Why stigma and misunderstanding around dyslexia can negatively impact self-esteem—and how to counter it How gaps in teacher training contribute to delays in recognizing and addressing dyslexia in the classroom How consistent support at home and school can help dyslexic children thrive academically and emotionally Resources mentioned Dr. Lisa Rappaport’s website Parenting Dyslexia: A Comprehensive Guide to Helping Kids Develop Confidence, Combat Shame, and Achieve Their True Potential by Lisa Rappaport, PhD and Jody Lyons, MEd Parenting Dyslexia on Hachette Author Micki Boas on Advocating for Dyslexic Students (Full-Tilt Parenting) One in Five: How We’re Fighting for Our Dyslexic Kids in a System That’s Failing Them by Micki Boas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    35 min

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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!

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