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. 3d ago

    Deb Dana on Co-Regulation & Polyvagal Theory

    Deb Dana, a clinician, consultant, and author, gives us a primer of the key points of Polyvagal Theory, and in doing so, explains the ways in which it can support the way we parent our differently-wired kids. Deb explains the nervous system pathways, why co-regulation is essential to our survival, what befriending and listening to our autonomic nervous system looks like in practice, and the benefits of having a breathing practice. We also talk about why these concepts can change our relationships to our daily life even if our circumstances stay the same.  Things you'll learn from this episode The mission behind Deb’s book Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory What the nervous system pathways are and the three states we can be in What aspects of our nervous systems are innate or “hardwired” versus routed in nurture or life experience Why co-regulation is essential to our survival and examples for ways in which we constantly do naturally What befriending and listening to our autonomic nervous system looks like in practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. 6d ago

    Dr. Katie Hurley on the "Manosphere" & Breaking the Boy Code

    Today we’re talking about boys—the messages they receive about emotions, strength, masculinity, and what it means to “be a man” in today’s world. My guest is Dr. Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting educator, and Vice President of Community Initiatives for The Jed Foundation, a nonprofit focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. Katie is the author of several books on kids’ and teens’ mental health, and her newest release, Breaking the Boy Code, takes a deep look at the societal pressures shaping boys’ emotional lives. In our conversation, Katie and I explore how traditional expectations around masculinity can impact boys’ mental health, emotional expression, and relationships. We talk about the unique pressures boys are facing today, what can happen when emotions get pushed underground, and practical ways parents can support boys in developing emotional awareness, resilience, and a healthier sense of self.  About Dr. Katie Hurley   Dr. Katie Hurley is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting educator, public speaker, and writer, and is the Vice President of Community Initiatives for The Jed Foundation (JED), a nonprofit dedicated to youth and young adult mental health and suicide prevention. She is the author of the award-winning No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, and Compassionate Girls, The Depression Workbook for Teens: Tools to Improve Your Mood, Build Self-Esteem, and Stay Motivated, The Happy Kid Handbook: How to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World, A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens, and her newest book, The Stress-Buster Workbook for Kids. Her newest book is Breaking the Boy Code, which came out in March 2026. Katie covers mental health, child and adolescent development, and parenting for The Washington Post, PBS Parents, Psychology Today, Everyday Health, PsyCom, and US News and World Report, among other places. She splits her time between Los Angeles, California and coastal Connecticut with her husband and two children. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why the “Man Box” and traditional messages about masculinity can limit boys’ emotional well-being and self-expression How social media, gaming culture, and online spaces can influence boys’ identities, including exposure to red pill and incel ideologies Why open conversations about feelings and mental health are critical for helping boys thrive How practical tools, coping strategies, and supportive school environments can strengthen boys’ resilience and self-awareness Why media literacy, positive role models, and inclusive communities help boys navigate today’s complex world with greater confidence and authenticity   Resources mentioned Breaking the Boy Code: The New Playbook for Raising Resilience Boys by Dr. Katie Hurley Katie Hurley’s website Katie Hurley on Facebook Katie Hurley on Instagram Katie Hurley on Twitter Teen Talk / Katie’s Facebook Group for Parents of Teens Katie’s Facebook Group for Parents of younger children The Stress-Buster Workbook for Kids by Katie Hurley A Year of Positive Thinking for Teens by Katie Hurley The Happy Kid Handbook: How to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World by Katie Hurley The Depression Workbook for Teens: Tools to Improve Your Mood, Build Self-Esteem, and Stay Motivated by Katie Hurley No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, and Compassionate Girls by Katie Hurley Not familiar with ‘red pill’ content? Teen boys are, whether they want to be or not (Katie’s article on CNN) We’re Family, and We Lost Loved Ones to Suicide 25 Years Apart. Here’s What’s Changed About Suicide in America, and What Hasn’t (Katie’s article on Oprah Magazine) Ecumundo Dr. Tina Payne Bryson Louis Theroux Inside the Manosphere (documentary on Netflix) Sex Educator Amy Lang Talks About Kids & Pornography (Full-Tilt Parenting) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  3. Jul 7

    Jessica Patay on Building Brave Communities for Caregivers

    Today we’re talking about the power of community, resilience, and what it really means to show up bravely in the caregiver parenting journey. My guest is fellow community builder and mom on a mission Jessica Patay, the founder of We Are Brave Together, a global community supporting moms raising children with disabilities and other unique needs. Jessica’s work is deeply rooted in her own experience as a caregiving mom to her son Ryan, who was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, and her mission is all about making sure no parent has to walk this path alone. In our conversation, Jessica shares her story and the inspiration behind building such a powerful, life-giving community for mothers. We talk about the isolation so many caregivers experience, the importance of connection and support, and what it looks like to cultivate resilience in the midst of ongoing challenges. Jessica also offers practical, compassionate insights for parents who are feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that even in the hardest seasons, we are not alone—and we were never meant to do this by ourselves. About Jessica Patay  Jessica Patay is passionate about serving caregiving moms and creating authentic communities.  She has always fostered deep, life-giving friendships and has been intentional about her community of girlfriends.  As a caregiving mom herself, this passion carries on as she gathers women to encourage them, mentor them, inspire them, and validate their intense and precious journeys. Her own story as a mom to a child with a disability, began in 2003 when her second son, Ryan, was born and diagnosed with a rare, genetic disorder, called Prader-Willi syndrome. Within two days of receiving this diagnosis, she received a phone call from a mentor mom from the Prader-Willi California Foundation.  Immediately she felt relief and comfort knowing she was NOT ALONE. Thankfully, Ryan is sandwiched in the middle of siblings Luke and Kate, both fierce and loving cheerleaders and helpers to Ryan. Jessica is the founder of The We Are Brave Together organization, a supportive community for moms of children with disabilities and all unique needs, which has grown into an international community of over 4200 moms. She has helped launch over 25 support groups all over the United States, and in New Zealand and Australia, in the last five years. She is the host of the Brave Together Podcast. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why community is a critical foundation for healing, resilience, and feeling less alone as a caregiver How distinguishing between caregiving and motherhood can help parents better understand their experience How We Are Brave Together creates connection through circles, retreats, and shared storytelling Why bravery often shows up in small, everyday moments rather than big, visible acts How Jessica’s work, including Suddenly Brave Together, reflects and validates the lived experience of caregivers Why systemic challenges can leave caregivers isolated—and how taking small, practical steps can help them find support now Resources mentioned  We Are Brave Together Brave Together Podcast Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight by Jessica Patay Suddenly Brave Together: Letters to Caregiving Moms in a Defining Moment of Their Lives by Jessica Patay We Are Brave Together Facebook Group Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally by Emily Ladau Emily Ladau on Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Kelley Coleman on Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Margaret Webb Parent Coaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  4. Jul 3

    Stuart Shanker on What Self-Regulation Is, Why It Matters, and How to Help Our Children (and Ourselves) Do It Better

    We are kicking off this season with a conversation with Dr. Stuart Shanker, who I first learned about through my friend Seth Perler as he’s been part of the TEFOS Summit. I love Stuart's message and recently devoured his book Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage With Life, and wanted to dive deeper with Stuart about it. In this episode, we get into the ways in which the brain controls the levels of stress, the difference between self-regulation and self-control, and the difference between stress behavior and misbehaving. Stuart also walks us through his 5 steps to Self-Reg, and talks about the power of us as parents and caregivers and educators doing our own self-reg work so we can support the kids around us. Things you'll learn from this episode * How the explosion of stress-related problems in recent years among children has augmented the need for additional self-reg resources for parents and educators * How the brain controls the levels of stress and simple strategies that can be used to calm the nervous system response * Why self-reg practices for parents and teachers other adults begin with learning how to regulate ourselves * The difference between misbehavior and stress behavior * How self-regulation mechanisms evolve as we get older * The distinction between self-control and self-regulation and the five steps to self-regulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. Jun 30

    Mark Talaga on the Hidden Challenges of Giftedness in the Digital Age

    Today we’re exploring the intersection of giftedness, identity, and belonging—and what it means to support gifted kids in a world that’s changing faster than ever. My guest is Mark Talaga, director of the Center for Identity Potential, where he focuses on helping young people understand themselves more deeply and develop a grounded sense of who they are. In our conversation, Mark and I talk about the complexities of gifted identity—how it forms, how it can get disrupted, and why a strong sense of belonging is so critical for well-being. We also dive into the impact of AI and the digital landscape on gifted youth, and what this means for their development, purpose, and connection. This is a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about how we can better support gifted kids in navigating both their inner world and the rapidly evolving world around them. About Mark Talaga   Mark Talaga is a counselor, speaker, and consultant specializing in the social, emotional, and developmental needs of gifted and asynchronous individuals. As part of the Center for Identity Potential, his work focuses on helping children, adolescents, and adults better understand the complex interaction between cognitive intensity, identity development, executive functioning, and educational environments. He is particularly interested in the ways relationships—with teachers, families, and systems—shape whether gifted learners are able to fully engage in growth. Mark frequently provides professional development for educators and clinicians on topics such as twice-exceptionality, language processing differences, attentional regulation, and strengthening student–teacher relationships through neurodevelopmental understanding. His presentations are known for translating complex psychological concepts into practical strategies that professionals can apply immediately in classrooms and counseling settings. In addition to his clinical work, Mark consults with schools and organizations seeking more effective approaches to supporting advanced learners whose needs are often misunderstood by traditional models. Across settings, his goal is to help people move beyond deficit-based interpretations and toward a deeper understanding of how developmental differences can become sources of clarity, connection, and long-term potential. Things you'll learn from this episode  How redefining giftedness beyond academics to include emotional, moral, and physical domains broadens how we support kids Why the landscape for gifted children has shifted in recent years, especially with the influence of technology and AI How identity development in gifted kids often involves exploring multiple, authentic selves over time Why belonging—both offline and online—plays a critical role in well-being and social development How emotional growth shapes key social skills like asking for help and active listening How parents can use practical strategies, including identity-focused frameworks, to support their children through complex cultural and technological shifts Resources mentioned  The Center for Identity Potential Hopelessly Gifted podcast Andrew Mahoney Dr. Gail Post on the Journey of Parenting Gifted Children (Tilt Parenting Podcast) The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children by Gail Post Supporting Black Gifted Students with Dr. Joy Lawson Davis (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Bright, Talented, & Black: A Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners by Joy Lawson Davis, Ed.D. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. Jun 26

    Amanda Diekman Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection with Your Uniquely Wired Child

    Today I’m talking with Amanda Diekman, author of the book, Low-demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection With Your Uniquely Wired Child Because low-demand parenting can be such an effective approach to supporting differently wired kids, especially kids who fall under the PDA profile of autism, I invited Amanda to join the show for a conversation about what this parenting approach looks like. An autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space, Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practice. She runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community. During this episode, we talk about what low demand parenting is, why it’s different than what might be referred to as “permissive” parenting, why it’s so effective for kids with PDA, and how she helps parents loosen up the mindset around non-negotiables.  Amanda Diekman is an autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space. Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practices, with her book Low Demand Parenting to be published July 2023. Amanda runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community.  Things you'll learn from this episode What led Amanda to implement low-demand parenting in her family What low demand parenting is, and why it’s often misconstrued as permissive The relationship between PDA and low-demand parenting Examples of big demands and tiny demands, and how shifting the focus can reduce stress for kids How Amanda helps parents in loosening their mindset about what they define as non-negotiables Ideas for practicing low-demand parenting in regard to our kids’ relationship with technology and screens How Amanda and her co-parenting partner came to work together using low-demand parenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. Jun 23

    Martina Nova on What Couples Get Wrong About Parenting Alignment

    Today we’re talking about something that can make or break the parenting experience: how we align with our partners in raising our kids. My guest is clinical counselor Martina Nova, author of the new book Same Page Parenting, where she offers a practical framework for helping couples move out of blame and into more honest, connected conversations about parenting. In our conversation, Martina and I explore what gets in the way of alignment, from our own histories and fears to the added layers of neurodivergent parenting, navigating differences around discipline, digital habits, and decision-making, and what it takes to stay connected as our kids grow into adulthood. Martina shares thoughtful questions and practical strategies to help couples better understand each other’s perspectives and build a more intentional, collaborative approach to parenting.   About Martina Nova Martina Nova is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in British Columbia and the founder of NovaCare Therapy. She specializes in working with individuals, parents and couples navigating trauma, ADHD, people-pleasing, and early attachment patterns. Martina helps couples move out of blame and into more honest conversations about parenting, emotional needs, and relationship dynamics. In addition to her clinical work, Martina is an author and educator who creates practical tools to help couples communicate more openly about the realities of family life. Her work highlights how many parenting conflicts are less about discipline strategies and more about the histories, fears, and values each partner brings into parenting. Martina regularly shares mental health education through media, speaking, and social platforms, helping parents feel less alone in the complexities of modern parenting. Things you'll learn from this episode  How intentional communication and aligning values create a stronger foundation for parenting and partnership Why using therapy-informed questions helps parents unpack their upbringing, beliefs, and evolving identities How practical tools like weekly check-ins and family-wide conversations foster connection and collaboration Why recognizing and supporting neurodivergence in both parents and children is essential for healthy dynamics How navigating outside pressures, social media, and autonomy supports long-term trust with kids Why maintaining the parent-child relationship into adulthood requires ongoing reflection, flexibility, and shared tools Resources mentioned  Martina Nova’s website, Novacare Therapy Same Page Parenting: Align with Your Partner to Raise Happy, Confident, and Resilient Kids by Martina Nova Novacare Therapy Resources Page Martina Nova on Instagram The Gottman Institute Dr. Ross Greene on Using CPS with Very Young Kids (Tilt Parenting podcast) Dr. Ken Ginsburg on Lighthouse Parenting — Loving Guidance for an Enduring Bond (Tilt Parenting podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. Jun 19

    A Conversation About Autistic Burnout with Neurodivergent Support Specialist Kristy Forbes

    Kristy Forbes joins me to talk about what autistic burnout is and how it presents, why “deep rest” is critical for someone experiencing autistic burnout, and how autistic burnout is differentiated from mood disorders or depression. We also talk frankly about the challenges of seeing burnout in autistic / PDA children through a neuronormative lens, and how that may lead to therapies and strategies that may be the opposite of what a child in autistic burnout actually needs. About Kristy Forbes Kristy Forbes is an Australian-based autism & neurodiversity support specialist with experience working with clients both nationally and internationally. This includes neurodivergent people and their families; and professionals who wish to support them, such as educators, psychologists, pediatricians, allied health professionals, support workers and integration aides. Her work is informed by her extensive professional experience as an educator (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary teaching), as an integration aide to children with social, emotional and behavioral differences, and as a childhood behavioral and family support specialist. Kristy has degrees in Political Science, Education, Literature, Film and Art. Her most valuable insights, however, come from lived experience. Kristy is formally identified autistic, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as well as being a parent to four neurodivergent children, all with varying neurodivergent experience and expression including being non speaking, apraxia, dyspraxia, tourettes and PDA. She has the unique experience and insight of many perspectives: the teacher, the support specialist, the parent, the partner and the neurodivergent person (including the child she once was!). 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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