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

Debbie Reber
  • 4.8 (949)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. 2d ago

    Occupational Therapist Kelly Mahler on the Power in Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergent Kids' Interoception Experience

    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 investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma, and autism. Kelly answered my big questions about interoception, including how it relates to sensory processing differences or SPD, why it’s essential that we help our children get to know their bodies’ unique language, and the relationship between ADHD, autism, and interoception. We also talked about what happens in our kids’ brains when they increase their interoceptive awareness, and effective strategies for helping our kids develop in this area.     Things you'll learn from this episode: * What interoception is and how it relates to sensory processing differences * What the spectrum of interoception awareness is and how extremes may manifest * The relationship between ADHD, autism, and interoception challenges * How to support a child with poor interoception awareness to become more tuned in to their body’s internal experience * What happens in our brains when we start to increase our interoception awareness * How to help older kids who’ve been on the receiving end of compliance-based strategies to reconnect with and trust their bodies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. 5d ago

    James Guttman on Becoming the Father His Autistic Son Needed

    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 daughter, and through his writing and podcast he shares an honest, deeply personal perspective on fatherhood, autism, and the journey toward acceptance. One of the reasons I wanted to have James on the show is because we so rarely hear fathers' voices in conversations about raising neurodivergent kids. Like all of us, James's understanding has evolved over time, and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with him about that evolution, what he's learned from his children, and why acceptance has become such a central part of his story. In our conversation, we talk about fatherhood, acceptance, community, and the unexpected ways our neurodivergent kids can change us for the better. About James Guttman  James Guttman is the author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. As a father to a nonverbal son and a neurotypical daughter, he shares a message rooted in autism appreciation and the belief that our kids’ differences hold their own beauty. His writing reached national attention when his HuffPost Personal essay drew more than 750,000 readers in a single day and became one of the most-clicked stories on Apple News. Through his long-running blog, Hi Blog! I’m Dad, James tells honest, heartfelt stories about parenting, connection, and the shared humanity between his children. James is also the author of the Amazon-bestselling Expectant Father’s Activity Book, and his work has been featured by Love What Matters, The Mighty, the Organization for Autism Research, Yahoo Lifestyle, and more. A survivor of a quintuple bypass at 35 and host of the Hi Pod! I’m Dad podcast, James brings humor, vulnerability, and perspective to conversations about parenting, mental health, and raising kids in a world that doesn’t always understand them. Things you'll learn from this episode  How James’s journey raising neurodivergent children reshaped his understanding of parenting, autism, and himself How surviving a heart attack transformed James’s perspective on fatherhood, presence, and what truly matters Why fathers need more inclusive spaces, community, and support as they navigate parenting neurodivergent kids How authenticity, vulnerability, and redefining masculinity can strengthen relationships with children and challenge outdated assumptions How James’s evolving relationship with his children, and his son’s example, helped him become a more authentic version of himself Resources mentioned  James Guttman’s blog, Hi Blog, I’m Dad Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation by James Guttman James Guttman on Facebook James on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  3. Aug 14

    Occupational Therapist Rosemary White Talks about DIR / Floortime

    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 ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  4. Aug 11

    A Conversation with Dr. Gila About Supporting Single Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

    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, neuropsychologist, certified parenting coach, and single mom who is passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Gila has a gift for translating complex ideas into practical strategies parents can put into action right away. In our conversation, we explore the unique realities of solo parenting neurodivergent children, including the emotional load, decision fatigue, and constant balancing act that so many single parents face. Dr. Gila shares practical approaches for managing overwhelm, staying connected to your values, and creating more sustainability in daily life. This is a validating and encouraging conversation for any parent carrying a lot—and especially for those doing it on their own.   About Dr. Gila Dr. Gila is a single mom, certified parenting coach, clinical psychologist, and neuropsychologist. She’s passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work. Dr. Gila combines her professional background with her lived experience in a relatable, down-to-earth style. Her background as an educator and medical writer makes her especially skilled at translating complex concepts into practical tools you can understand…and actually use. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why grief, worry about the future, and emotional exhaustion are common realities for many single parents How the “sink model” helps explain the mental, emotional, and cognitive load that can lead to overwhelm How strategies like “stop, drop, and roll” and compassionate reframing can support parents through moments of dysregulation Why community, support systems, and self-care practices such as audio journaling are essential for sustainability How values-based parenting, creative connection, and letting go of perfection help families thrive through small, meaningful moments Resources mentioned  Dr. Gila’s website Dr. Gila’s Resources for Tilt listeners Single Parenting with Connection podcast Dr. Gila on Instagram Dr. Gila’s Single Parenting with Connection, Not Perfection Facebook group How to Practice Conscious Co-Parenting, with Jenna Flowers (Tilt Parenting podcast) Sandi Lerman   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. Aug 7

    Dr. Lori Baudino on the Power of Movement, Dance, and the Mind/Body Connection

    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 ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. Aug 4

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

    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 psychologist who has spent more than 20 years working with neurodivergent youth in both school settings and private practice. She’s the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom®, a professional development curriculum for educators, and the author of her new book The Neurodivergent Learner, which we’ll be talking about today. In our conversation, Emily and I talk about why safety and regulation are foundational for learning, how relationships at school can shape outcomes in powerful ways, and what it means to redefine success for kids who don’t fit traditional models. We also explore practical ways parents can partner with schools to better support their children, and how shifting our lens can open up new possibilities for growth, connection, and well-being. About Dr. Emily King  Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist who has worked with neurodivergent learners for over 20 years. She received a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and began her career in Houston, Texas, specializing in school-based mental health in K-12 public schools. She has since worked in private practice in North Carolina supporting the mental health, executive functioning, and social needs of neurodivergent youth. Dr. Emily hosts the Learn with Dr. Emily Substack, where she provides parent workshops, is the creator of The Neurodiverse Classroom®, a professional development curriculum for educators, and her first book, The Neurodivergent Learner, was released in August 2026. Things you'll learn from this episode  How mental health, education, and neurodivergence are deeply interconnected in shaping a child’s experience Why building felt safety and a true sense of community at school is foundational for learning How navigating IEPs, homework, and behavior systems benefits from a flexible, relationship-centered approach Why prioritizing social satisfaction over social achievement supports authentic connection and well-being How parents can assess and choose school environments that truly fit their neurodivergent child Why leading with relationships and adaptability strengthens both parenting and advocacy Resources mentioned  Dr. Emily King’s website Learn with Dr. Emily (Emily’s Substack) Learn with Dr. Emily Podcast Dr. Emily on Instagram Dr. Emily on Facebook Free downloads on Emily’s website Redefining Success for Neurodivergent Children, with Dr. Emily (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. Jul 31

    A Bonus Conversation with Dr. Stuart Shanker about Self-Regulation and Helping Our Children Successfully Engage with Life

    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 self-awareness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. Jul 28

    An Introduction to Neurodiversity-Affirming OT, with Dr. Bryden Carlson-Giving

    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 himself, and his work focuses on helping practitioners challenge ableism and create more supportive, affirming environments for neurodivergent individuals. In our conversation, Bryden walks us through the EMPOWER model and what it looks like in practice, especially when it comes to evaluations, goal-setting, and therapy approaches. We talk about how ableism can show up in subtle and systemic ways, and what it means to truly shift toward inclusive, affirming care. This is a thoughtful, important conversation about reimagining support — not just in therapy, but across education and systems more broadly. About Bryden Carlson-Giving  Bryden Carlson-Giving, OTD, OTR/L is a neurodivergent and disabled occupational therapy practitioner (OTP) with experience in pediatric outpatient, inpatient, and school-based settings. Bryden earned his post-professional doctorate from Boston University, where his research focused on creating a toolkit to support OTPs in challenging ableism within the OT profession. This work led to the development of the first neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy model, the EMPOWER model. He received the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from Boston University, and is the editor of the first neurodiversity-focused occupational therapy book, titled Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy: Empowering Approaches to Foster Neurodivergent Participation. Things you'll learn from this episode  How Bryden’s journey into occupational therapy led to creating a neurodiversity-affirming toolkit Why the Empower model centers strengths-based practice, anti-racism, disability justice, and trauma-informed care How inclusive evaluations can look in practice, especially within school-based systems Why implementing neurodiversity-affirming approaches in bureaucratic settings comes with both challenges and opportunities How ongoing self-reflection and unpacking internalized ableism are essential for practitioners How parents, educators, and therapists can take practical steps to amplify neurodiversity-affirming work Resources mentioned Neuridivergent Nexus (Bryden’s website) Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy: Empowering Approaches to Foster Neurodivergent Participation edited by Dr. Bryden Carlson-Giving Bryon Carlson-Giving on Instagram Activist Emily Ladau on Demystifying Disability (Tilt Parenting podcast) Kassiane Asasumasu (coined the term neurodivergence) Dr. Destiny Huff on Neurodiversity-Affirming Advocacy in School (Tilt Parenting podcast) Dr. Jade Rivera and Strength-Based Assessments (Tilt Parenting podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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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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