Empowering Exceptional Minds

Educational Therapy LLC

Welcome to Empowering Exceptional Minds —the podcast where we dive into real conversations about neurodiversity. We interview parents, individuals, and professionals to explore the challenges, strengths, and unique experiences of diverse learners and thinkers. We discuss ADHD, Executive Functions, dysgraphia, autism, dyscalculia, dyslexia, written expression, auditory processing, visual processing, learning disabilities, evaluations, assessments, parenting and professional development.

  1. 22h ago

    Medication Without Fear: A Real Conversation About OCD and ADHD with Dr. Sir Norman Melancon

    For many families, the idea of medication can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. In this candid and compassionate conversation, Maayan Glaser-Koren sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Sir Norman Melancon to explore the realities of treating OCD and ADHD. Together, they unpack common myths about psychiatric medications, discuss when medication may be helpful, and explain how treatment decisions are made. Dr. Melancon shares his expertise on balancing risks and benefits, addressing parental concerns, and helping children, teens, and adults access the support they need to thrive. Whether you're a parent navigating a new diagnosis, an adult considering treatment, or a professional supporting individuals with OCD and ADHD, this episode offers practical insights, evidence-based information, and reassurance that seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. Join us as we work to remove stigma, replace fear with understanding, and empower families to make informed decisions about mental health care. Dr. Sir Norman Melancon Board-Certified Psychiatrist https://www.drsirpsych.com/ https://www.mindmeetsmedicine.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mindmeetsmedicine_pod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

    44 min

  2. May 26

    Beyond the Mask: Understanding Autistic Burnout, Survival, and True Self-Advocacy with Kory Andreas

    What does it actually cost to fit in? In this episode, we sit down with Kory Andreas, LCSW-C — a clinical social worker, autism and neurodivergent specialist, late-diagnosedautistic adult, and founder of Unmasking Retreats — who brings over 20 years of experience in education and clinical practice to a conversation that is long overdue. We talk about what masking is, why autistic individuals do itfrom a very young age, and the invisible toll it takes over a lifetime. Kory helps us understand why a child who looks like they are "doing fine" at school might be quietly exhausted — and what autistic burnout really looks like when it is misread as anxiety or depression.   We also explore self-advocacy in the workplace, how maskingshows up in relationships and families, and what it takes to truly unmask — not just as a concept, but as a lived practice.   Whether you are a parent, educator, clinician, partner, orsomeone who has spent years wondering why the world feels just a little harderfor you than it seems to for everyone else — this episode is for you.   In this episode: What masking is and when it begins The hidden cost of masking across a lifetimeHow autistic burnout differs from general burnout or depressionEarly warning signs parents and educators should knowSelf-advocacy skills and how to build them early Masking in neurodiverse relationships  The Unmasking Retreats experience  Find Kory: https://koryandreas.com/

    48 min

  3. May 19

    Navigating Adult ADHD in the Workplace with Dr. John Severino, PsyD

    Can you be highly successful, deeply creative, and still struggle with the day-to-day demands of executive dysfunction? Absolutely. In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, we are joined by the multi-talented Dr. John Severino, PsyD—CFO, compliance consultant, professional percussionist, and founder of MyAdultADHDCoach.com. Dr. Severino bridges the gap between the corporate world and neurodiversity coaching to explain how ADHD shows up in the workplace, from both the employee and employer perspectives. In this episode, we explore: The Late-Stage Diagnosis: The common workplace signs that lead adults to realize they might have ADHD. The Strengths & Struggles: Overlooked ADHD superpowers in business versus the realities of executive function challenges. Practical Strategies: Realistic, day-to-day hacks for managing time, priorities, and overwhelming workloads. The HR Conversation: How to confidently approach managers regarding accommodations without the shame. Corporate Culture: What fast-paced companies (especially in tech) need to do to support and retain neurodivergent talent. Whether you are an employee trying to find your footing, a manager looking to better support your team, or a late-diagnosed adult looking to ditch the shame, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Connect with Dr. Severino: Visit: MyAdultADHDCoach.com Join the community: CatholicADHDCoach on Facebook Coach@myadultadhdcoach.com Loved this episode? Leave us a 5-star review on Spotify and share this episode with a colleague or friend!

    50 min

  4. May 12

    Flip the Script: Strengths-Based Learning with Sam Young

    What does school look like when it's built around a child's brilliance instead of their gaps? Sam Young, M.Ed. — Founder of Young Scholars Academy, two-time Fulbright Scholar, TEDx speaker, and neurodivergent educator — joins us to talk about what it really takes to educate gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodivergent learners well. Sam shares his personal path into education, the philosophy behind his strengths-based virtual learning community, and what lesson planning looks like when you start with a student's passions and talents instead of their deficits. If you work with, love, or were once a kid who felt like school wasn't designed for you — this one is for you. 🔗 youngscholarsacademy.org Families can use code YSAMAAYAN10 to save 10%

    44 min

  5. May 6

    Must-Ask Questions For IEP and 504 with Melinda Davis-Gillinger

    What really happens behind the scenes when a school suggests moving your child from an IEP to a 504 plan?In this candid and empowering episode, Maayan Glaser-Koren hosts Melinda David-Gillinger, an educational advocate. Melinda pulls back the curtain on educational advocacy—sharing her personal journey into this work and what drives her to support families navigating complex school systems. She breaks down what advocates actually do behind the scenes, and why their role is often misunderstood.This episode tackles one of the most confusing (and high-stakes) moments for parents: when a school recommends transitioning from an IEP to a 504. Is it always in the child’s best interest—or sometimes the school’s?You’ll learn how to recognize the subtle language used in meetings, what questions to ask before agreeing to any changes, and which data points you should always request. Melinda also shares how parents can advocate effectively without feeling like they’re in constant conflict—and the one thing she wishes every parent knew before signing anything.https://mgandconsultants.com/

    52 min

  6. Apr 29

    Social Wounds We Carry Into Adulthood- With Caroline Maguire

    If you grew up with ADHD, dyslexia, or any kind of neurodivergence — chances are you also grew up feeling like you were always one step behind socially. Like everyone else had been handed a rulebook you never received. This episode is about what that does to us. And what we can actually do about it. My guest is Caroline Maguire — internationally recognized ADHD coach, social-emotional learning expert, Professional Certified Coach, and author of two books: the award-winning Why Will No One Play with Me? and her new release, Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults. She also hosts The ADHD Social Playbook podcast and has trained parents, clinicians, and educators worldwide. Caroline is also neurodivergent herself. She lives with ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. This isn't theory for her. It's lived experience — and it shows in every word. WHAT WE COVER: ✦ Why kids with ADHD are disproportionately bullied — and what parents misread about it ✦ Teaching self-advocacy without escalation when impulse control is already hard ✦ Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: what it actually is and why it keeps getting misdiagnosed ✦ The social survival strategies we built at age 10 — and how they quietly run our adult relationships ✦ How unresolved social trauma shapes what neurodivergent adults expect from friendship ✦ Reinventing friendship to work with your brain, not against it ✦ Lifelong companions vs. seasonal friends — and why this reframe changes everything ✦ What to do when a friendship stalls and you can't tell if it's over or just quiet This one goes deep. Have a notebook nearby. Caroline's new book: Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults https://a.co/d/0fCi3A36 🎙️ Her podcast: The ADHD Social Playbook 🌐 carolinemaguire.com

    56 min

  7. Apr 22

    "Something's Off" — When to Stop Waiting and Get Your Child Evaluated with Dr. Korb

    What does a developmental pediatrician actually do — and how is it different from your child's regular doctor? In this episode, Maayan speaks with Dr. Korb, developmental pediatrician and author of Raising an Organized Child, about early red flags parents often miss, what organization truly means for a developing brain, and when families should stop waiting and seek an evaluation. If your child is struggling and you don't know where to start, Dr. Korb leaves you with one clear, actionable step you can take right now. A must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone supporting kids with learning differences. https://devminds.com/ https://raisinganorganizedchild.com/

    38 min

  8. Apr 15

    The Middle School Storm: Brains, Big Feelings, and Emergency Chocolate

    Your teen isn't lazy. Their brain is just doing something you can't see — and that's exactly the problem. Carrie Bonnett joins us to break down executive function: the invisible mental machinery behind starting, planning, and following through. When it's not working, homework doesn't get touched, assignments get "forgotten," and everyone ends up frustrated. When you finally understand what's actually going on, everything changes. We get into why task initiation — not the work itself — is where most teens fall apart, and what parents can do to make that hidden struggle visible, concrete, and actually manageable. If your kid can spend four hours on YouTube but can't start a worksheet, this one's for you. Checkout Carrie's website for free goodies https://www.carriebonnett.com/

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Empowering Exceptional Minds —the podcast where we dive into real conversations about neurodiversity. We interview parents, individuals, and professionals to explore the challenges, strengths, and unique experiences of diverse learners and thinkers. We discuss ADHD, Executive Functions, dysgraphia, autism, dyscalculia, dyslexia, written expression, auditory processing, visual processing, learning disabilities, evaluations, assessments, parenting and professional development.

Information

  • Creator
    Educational Therapy LLC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Educational Therapy LLC
  • Show Website
    Empowering Exceptional Minds

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