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. 13h ago

    Amanda Diekman on Supporting Kids Going Through Burnout

    Today I’m welcoming Amanda Diekman back to the show to talk about her new book, The Parents Handbook for Kids in Burnout: A Low Demand Approach to Healing and Thriving, and what parents need to understand when their child is experiencing burnout. Amanda will explain what burnout actually is, how it can show up differently across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, and why it’s so often mistaken for anxiety or depression. We talk about the signs parents may miss, what’s happening beneath the surface when a child can no longer meet the demands of everyday life, and how a low demand approach can create the conditions for healing. And importantly, Amanda shares what recovery can look like, how parents can support their child without inadvertently adding more pressure, and why healing from burnout requires us to rethink our expectations, timelines, and ideas about progress. About Amanda Diekman  Amanda Diekman is the author of the bestseller Low Demand Parenting and also the exhausted mom of three kids who have all experienced burnout. With relentlessly hopeful determination, Amanda turns her struggles into signposts, guiding the way into true healing for burned out kids—and their parents too. She lives in Durham, NC, and spends her days homeschooling, writing, and supporting vulnerable neighbors. Things you'll learn from this episode  How low demand parenting goes beyond simply asking less and instead centers attunement, collaboration, and responsiveness to a child’s capacity Why burnout is a protective response to prolonged stress and how it can be mistaken for anxiety or depression How pervasive exhaustion, loss of skills, and extreme sensitivity can signal that a child is experiencing burnout Why burnout may progress from “I can’t do this” to withdrawal, disordered eating, self-harm, or other risky behaviors How the three phases of burnout—from total rest to returning curiosity and recovery—can help parents understand the healing process Why trusting a child’s signals, finding community, and holding onto hope are essential for supporting recovery Resources mentioned  Amanda Diekman’s website The Parent’s Handbook for Kids in Burnout by Amanda Diekman Low-demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection With Your Uniquely Wired Child by Amanda Diekman Amanda Diekman on Instagram Why is everything so hard? Quiz on Amanda’s website Parent Coach Amanda Diekman on Low-Demand Parenting & Finding Connection with Your Child (Tilt Parenting podcast) A Deep Dive Into Autistic Burnout with Jodie Clarke (Tilt Parenting podcast) A  Conversation with Dr. Megan Anna Neff About Autistic Burnout (Tilt Parenting podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. 4d ago

    Dr. Lori Desautels on Rewiring Our Perceptions of Discipline in Schools, and at Home

    Dr. Lori Desautels (author, Connections over Compliance: Rewiring our Perceptions of Discipline) helps educators, parents, and adults who work with children shift the way they think about discipline by reaching for sustainable behavioral changes through brain state awareness rather than compliance and obedience. She’s actively pushing back against reactive and punitive practices that can potentially reactivate the developing stress response systems of children, and is advocating for stronger co-regulation practices and regulated brain and body states for adults.  During this conversation, we consider why there is such a powerful foundational belief that discipline and punishment go together, what happens when the traditional methods of punishment are imposed on children who are coming to school with trauma or a heightened nervous system, and why it’s so important for educators to take responsibility over their own nervous system regulation.  Dr. Lori Desautels, has been an Assistant Professor at Butler University since 2016 where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. Lori’s passion is engaging her students through the social and relational neurosciences as it applies to education by integrating the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework, and its learning principles and practices into her coursework at Butler.  Things you'll learn from this episode: Why there is such a powerful foundational belief that discipline and punishment go together What happens when the traditional methods of punishment are imposed on children who are coming to school with traumas or a heightened nervous system Why we should be moving away from the behavior management model Why it’s so important for educators to take responsibility over their own nervous system regulation Strategies for helping teachers (and parents) better show up for dysregulated kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  3. Oct 6

    Eli Weinstein on Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years

    Today I’m talking with Eli Weinstein, a clinical social worker, husband and dad of two, creator of ELIvation, and host of The Dude Therapist podcast, about the pressure cooker that parenthood can create for couples, and what it actually takes to stay connected when life gets loud. In our conversation, Eli and I dig into the expectations, resentment, mental load, and communication breakdowns that can strain relationships during the parenting years, and he shares practical, real-world tools for repair, clearer communication, shared responsibility, and keeping our partnerships strong along the way. About Eli Weinstein  Eli Weinstein, LCSW, is the therapist bringing heart and humor back to mental health. A loving husband and proudly goofy dad of two, Eli is based in Las Vegas and runs a thriving practice serving clients across New York, Nevada, and beyond through his global coaching work. Known for his straight-talking, relatable style, he’s the creator of ELIvation and host of The Dude Therapist podcast, where he dives into the messy, beautiful mix of relationships, parenting, and emotional growth. An international speaker and sought-after guest, Eli has been featured on over 250 podcasts and major media outlets including The Kelly Clarkson Show, Psychology Today, Parents.com, Men’s Health Magazine, and leading relationship and parenting platforms. His debut book, From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage Through Parenting Years (Wiley, 2026), helps couples stay connected when life gets loud. Eli’s mission is simple: make therapy-level wisdom feel human, hopeful, and real. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why becoming parents can expose mismatched expectations, perceptions, and assumptions within a relationship How making the invisible mental and emotional load visible can create more understanding and shared responsibility Why truly sharing responsibilities means allowing your partner to take ownership and do things their own way How setting the table before difficult conversations can reduce defensiveness and make space for honest communication Why tools like a couple’s journal can help partners process feelings and communicate more thoughtfully How benefit of the doubt, active kindness, and simple gratitude can help couples stay connected through burnout and stressful seasons  Resources mentioned Eli Weinstein’s website From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years by Eli Weinstein Eli’s podcast, The Dude Therapist Eli Weinstein on Instagram The Dude Therapist on Instagram The Gottman Institute Dr. Sue Johnson and Emotionally Focused Therapy An Intimate Conversation with Debbie & Derin About Their Co-Parenting Journey (Part 3) (Tilt Parenting podcast) Debbie & Derin on Their Parenting Journey: Part 2 (Tilt Parenting podcast, 2018) Debbie & Derin on Their Parenting Journey: Part 1 (Tilt Parenting podcast, 2017) Dr. Phil Stutz Martina Nova Talks About Same Page Parenting (Tilt Parenting episode) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  4. Oct 2

    Author Katherine May on Autism, Wintering, and the Electricity of Every Living Thing

    New York Times' bestselling author Katherine May (Wintering) talks about her new book, The Electricity of Every Living Thing, about her journey of discovering her identity as an autistic woman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. Sep 29

    Raising Good Gamers, with Dr. Rachel Kowert

    Research psychologist Dr. Rachel Kowert comes back to the podcast for a fascinating and updated conversation about kids and gaming, and why so much of what parents hear about video games doesn’t necessarily line up with what the research actually tells us. In our conversation, we dig into Rachel’s new white paper, Raising Good Gamers, and unpack the research around violent video games, gaming disorder, mental health, and the social, emotional, and skill-building benefits gaming can offer. Rachel also shares her SPACE framework, a practical approach for helping parents move beyond fear and toward curiosity, connection, and collaborative boundaries around their kids’ gaming lives. ​ About Rachel Kowert, Ph.D Rachel Kowert, Ph.D is a research psychologist, award winning author, and globally recognized leader in facilitating policy development for more than 15 years through data-driven research focused on mental health and trust and safety in digital games. She has spoken about her work to thousands of people across the globe, including the United States Congress, United Nations, and Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Kowert is the founder of Psychgeist, a multimedia content production studio for the intersection of science and games, which includes Psychgeist YouTube channel (200+ videos), Most Recent Save podcast, and The Psychgeist of Pop Culture and Games book series’ published by Play Story Press. She currently serves as the Research Director for Games for Change and is a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge. Things you'll learn from this episode  How the conversation around kids, screens, and video games is evolving as research challenges common fears and assumptions Why violent video games aren’t directly linked to real-world violence and what “gaming disorder” actually means How increased gaming can sometimes signal underlying mental health challenges or serve as an important coping strategy Why gaming can support friendships, connection, confidence, competency, and executive function skills How the SPACE framework helps parents stay engaged and curious about their child’s gaming world Why collaborative, flexible boundaries can support healthier gaming habits while preserving connection and trust   Resources mentioned Dr. Rachel Kowert’s website Raising Good Gamers website Games for Change Games for Change on Instagram Games for Change on Facebook Entertainment Software Association (ESA) The Truth About Video Games and Your Child’s Physical, Social, and Psychological Well-Being with Dr. Rachel Kowert (Tilt Parenting podcast) A Parent’s Guide to Video Games: The Essential Guide to Understanding How Video Games Impact Your Child’s Physical, Social, and Psychological Well-Being by Dr. Rachel Kowert Purplicious Cow on CurseForge   Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/tilt or use code TILT and get 70% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. Sep 25

    A Conversation with Poet and Advocate LeDerick Horne

    Performance poet and advocate LeDerick Horne talks about his journey with a hidden disability, his advocacy work, and how he found his love for poetry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. Sep 22

    A Whole Child Approach to ADHD with Phil Boucher, M.D.

    Today I’m talking with Dr. Phil Boucher, a board-certified pediatrician who’s particularly interested in helping families understand and support kids with ADHD and help parents better understand their child, trust their instincts, and make informed decisions about what their family needs. This is a unique conversation for the show because, for the first time, we’re looking at the whole journey through the lens of a pediatrician, especially in those early years when parents may be wondering what they’re seeing, whether to pursue an evaluation, and where to begin. Phil walks us through how he approaches ADHD in his practice, from evaluation and diagnosis to sleep, nutrition, screens, school supports, emotional regulation, anxiety, and medication, and offers a thoughtful, comprehensive look at supporting the whole child and family. ​ About Phil Boucher, MD Phil Boucher, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician, a dad of six, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics who helps parents make sense of pediatric education and development.  After years of answering thousands of parent questions in clinic (and at home), he realized what parents really need isn't more advice—it's honest perspective and practical reassurance from someone who gets it. He writes, speaks, and creates resources that help parents trust their instincts, understand their child, and take care of themselves along the way. Things you'll learn from this episode  How ADHD can look different across childhood, with hyperactivity often appearing earlier and inattentive traits becoming clearer over time Why family history and parents’ own childhood experiences can provide important clues when exploring ADHD How emotional regulation and executive functioning are central parts of ADHD, beyond inattention and hyperactivity Why a comprehensive ADHD evaluation should consider sleep, nutrition, school experiences, family history, and other factors How practical supports like movement, protein, and visual checklists can make everyday routines more manageable When medication may be helpful and why it’s best viewed as a tool for building skills rather than controlling behavior Resources mentioned Dr. Phil Boucher’s website Dr. Phil Boucher’s Substack Dear parents Phil on Instagram Cindy Goldrich on Helping Kids with ADHD Thrive—Without Losing Yourself (Tilt Parenting podcast) Kim & Penn Holderness Talk About How ADHD is Awesome in Love and in Life (Tilt Parenting podcast) Ned Hallowell on How Parents Can Best Support Their Children with ADHD (Tilt Parenting podcast) Dr. Sharon Saline on What Our ADHD Child Wishes We Knew (Tilt Parenting podcast)  Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/tilt or use code TILT and get 70% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. Sep 18

    A Conversation With Steve Silberman About His Book “Neurotribes”

    My guest this week is Steve Silberman, an award-winning science writer who authored the 2015 book NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, a brilliant book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently. Steve’s articles have appeared in Wired, the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Financial Times, the Boston Globe, the MIT Technology Review, and more. In our conversation, Steve and I talk about neurodivergence, autism, acceptance, tolerance, changing cultures, systemic change, and so much more. As a science writer who researched the history of autism in writing his book for more than five years, Steve brings an incredible breadth of knowledge, as well as passion for the neurodiversity movement, to the show. By the end of this interview I was inspired and motivated for the changes to come, and grateful there are thought leaders like Steve doing this important work in the world. I hope you enjoy our conversation!   Things you’ll learn from this episode The impetus for Steve’s book NeuroTribes How and why the anti-vaccine movement has negatively affected the autistic community The real impact of language like “epidemic” in relation to neurodifferences like autism How Steve’s book NeuroTribes has been received by members of the autistic community Steve’s thoughts on how parents raising neurodiverse kids can best support the neurodiversity movement The importance of autistic peer mentoring   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See All (730)

Trailer

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
949 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