Empowering Exceptional Minds

Educational Therapy LLC
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    Parents as Warriors: Loving Our Children Through The Storms with Dave Herz

    What happens when our children push every button we have—and still need us to show up with love, connection, and compassion? In this powerful episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, host Maayan Glaser-Koren sits down with Dave Herz, Co-Founder of Wonder: A Confident Living Company, to discuss trauma, neurodivergence, school refusal, and the critical role of the family system in supporting children and teens. Together, they explore how behaviors are often a window into the nervous system and why healing cannot happen in isolation. Dave shares his insights on supporting neurodivergent children through some of their most challenging moments while helping parents move from survival mode to connection. In this episode, we discuss: Trauma and its impact on children, teens, and families.Neurodivergence and understanding behavior through a nervous system lens.School refusal and what it is communicating.The importance of family systems and relational healing.How to stay connected when our children are dysregulated.Parenting through uncertainty, burnout, and big emotions. Whether you're parenting a child with autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PDA, learning differences, or navigating school refusal, this conversation offers practical insights and a reminder that you are not alone. Because sometimes loving our children means standing beside them in the storm—and helping them find their way through it. Learn more about Dave Herz and Wonder: A Confident Living Company at https://www.teamwonder.org/.

  2. Jul 14

    ARFID: Understanding More Than "Picky Eating" | Featuring Lisa McGlothlin, MS, RD

    In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, I’m joined by Lisa McGlothlin, MS, RD, to explore Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)—an eating disorder that goes far beyond typical picky eating. Lisa brings years of experience helping children, teens, and families navigate ARFID with compassion and evidence-based care. Together, we discuss how sensory differences, anxiety, and neurodivergence can influence eating and why understanding the "why" behind food avoidance is so important. In this episode, we discuss:🍽️ What ARFID is and how it differs from typical picky eating🧠 The connection between ARFID, anxiety, sensory processing, ADHD, autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)👧 Common signs and symptoms in children and teens💙 Practical, compassionate strategies to support children with ARFID👨‍⚕️ When it's time to seek professional help and build a multidisciplinary support team Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or healthcare provider, this conversation offers practical strategies and evidence-based insights to better understand and support individuals with ARFID. Learn more about Lisa McGlothlin and her work at https://lisamcgnutrition.com/. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Empowering Exceptional Minds for more conversations on neurodiversity, executive function, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, OCD, PDA, anxiety, and learning differences. #ARFID #FeedingDisorders #PickyEating #ADHD #Autism #OCD #PDA #SensoryProcessing #Neurodiversity #EducationalTherapy #MentalHealth #Parenting #OccupationalTherapy #Nutrition

  3. Jul 7

    Reading Between the Lines — Dyslexia, Regulation, and Real Talk

    Dyslexia isn't just a reading challenge — it touches every part of a child's emotional world. In this episode, we sit down with Sara Cuen, founder of Journey 2 Learning, a special education professional and mom of two children with dyslexia, to explore where her professional expertise and personal experience intersect. We dig into the biggest myths about dyslexia, why regulation is such an overlooked piece of the puzzle, and what dysregulation actually looks like at home and school. Sara shares practical strategies for weaving regulation into everyday learning, plus one thing parents can try tonight. A must-listen for any parent navigating a new dyslexia diagnosis — or a hard day. https://www.journey2learning.com/

  4. Jul 1

    Fatherhood & Showing Up: A Conversation with Anthony Gracia

    Father's Day may have been a couple of weeks ago, but celebrating the role of fathers shouldn't be limited to just one day. As summer gives families more time together, it's the perfect opportunity to reflect on what it means to be present for our children. In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, I sit down with Anthony Gracia for an honest and heartfelt conversation about fatherhood while raising neurodivergent children. We explore the courage it takes to be vulnerable, why mindfulness matters, and how being fully present can strengthen our relationships with our kids—even during the challenging moments. Whether you're a dad, a co-parent, a caregiver, or someone who supports neurodivergent families, this conversation offers encouragement, practical insights, and a reminder that perfection isn't the goal—connection is. Join us as we talk about embracing authenticity, navigating the ups and downs of parenting, and finding joy in the everyday moments that matter most. Listen in, and if this episode resonates with you, share it with a father or family who could use a little encouragement this summer.

  5. Jun 23

    Is It ADHD, Autism, or Perimenopause? The Overlooked Connection Every Woman Should Know

    What happens when the symptoms of perimenopause collide with neurodivergence? Many women find themselves struggling with brain fog, overwhelm, forgetfulness, emotional sensitivity, anxiety, sensory challenges, and executive function difficulties—often wondering, "What's happening to me?" In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, host Maayan Glaser-Koren sits down with Kara Cruz, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, to explore the often-overlooked intersection of neurodiversity and perimenopause. Together, they discuss how hormonal changes can impact ADHD, autism, executive functioning, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Whether you're navigating perimenopause yourself, supporting a loved one, or working with neurodivergent individuals, this episode provides valuable insights, validation, and practical strategies. In this episode, we discuss: Why ADHD and autistic traits may become more noticeable during perimenopause The impact of hormonal fluctuations on attention, memory, and emotional regulation Brain fog, executive dysfunction, and sensory overwhelm Anxiety, mood changes, and self-compassion during midlife Strategies for managing symptoms and advocating for support The importance of understanding the unique experiences of neurodivergent women About Our Guest: Kara Cruz, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ is a licensed therapist specializing in women's mental health, perinatal mental health, trauma treatment, and neurodivergent-affirming care. She brings a compassionate and evidence-based perspective to helping women navigate major life transitions, including perimenopause and menopause. Please Note: We experienced unexpected technical difficulties during this recording, and the host's audio may sound somewhat muffled at times. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Despite the audio challenges, this conversation is packed with valuable information and insights that we hope you'll find https://www.karacruz.com/ https://www.acog.org/ https://menopause.org/ Books: The Female Brain by Dr. Louann Brizendine M.D. The Galveston Diet by Dr. Mary Claire Haver, M.D. The Hormone Shift: Balance Your Body and Thrive Through Midlife and Menopause by Tasneem Bhatia, M.D. Mayo Clinic The Menopause Solution by Stephanie S. Faubion, M.D. The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter, M.D. The Upgrade: How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better in Midlife and Beyond by Dr. Louann Brizendine M.D. What Fresh Hell is This by Heather Corinna You Are Not Broken by Dr. Kelly Casperson, M.D.

  6. Jun 16

    Beyond Willpower: ADHD, Food Cravings, and the Hidden Search for Dopamine with Kamy Mousavi

    What if overeating wasn't about laziness or a lack of self-control? In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, host, Maayan Glaser-Koren, sits down with Kamy Mousavi, founder of Step Together. Kamy shares his powerful journey from immigrating to Canada to struggling with bullying, body shame, and bulimia—only to discover his relationship with food was rooted in undiagnosed ADHD and unmet emotional needs. Together, we unpack why the ADHD brain turns to food for comfort, stimulation, and regulation, moving past blame to look at the deeper signals behind the behavior. We discuss: The Dopamine Hunt: How impulsivity and emotional dysregulation drive ADHD eating habits. The Shame Cycle: Why strict diets, restriction, and food labeling always backfire. More Than Picky Eating: Recognizing when food patterns are driven by genuine emotional distress, loneliness, or anxiety. Parenting Shifts: Moving away from unintentional traps and toward root-cause healing. Signals vs. Flaws: Why excess weight or screen overuse are communications, not character flaws. If you’ve ever wondered if your child's eating habits are about more than just food, this compassionate conversation will completely shift your perspective. About Our Guest:Kamy Mousavi is the founder of Step Together, an organization dedicated to helping families understand the emotional and neurological factors behind childhood overeating and weight struggles. Learn more: https://steptogether.us/ ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of eating disorders, bullying, body shame, and suicidal thoughts. Please listen with car

  7. Jun 9

    Write Anyway: How to Finish Your Book/Essay When Your Brain Has Other Plans

    What does it take to turn a big idea into a finished book — especially when your brain won't cooperate? This week we're joined by Rochelle Melander Row-SHELL MUH-lander, an ADHD-trained certified professional coach and bestselling author of Level Up: Quests to Master Mindset, Overcome Procrastination and Increase Productivity and the award-winning children's book Mightier Than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World through Writing. Rochelle helps writers, creatives, and entrepreneurs cut through distraction, beat procrastination, and build a sustainable writing life — whether they're crafting their first book or navigating the twists of the publishing world. She's also the founder of Dream Keepers, a writing workshop that gives young people the tools to find their voice and share their stories. In this conversation, we talk about her journey to becoming a writing and ADHD coach, how she works with kids who hate writing, what her book Mightier Than the Sword can do for classrooms and families, and how she helps adults do the deep, focused work that books — and careers — demand. Learn more at writenowcoach.com. https://a.co/d/05iFOQQZ https://a.co/d/03j7pZxN

  8. Jun 2

    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

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Educational Therapy LLC
  • Show Website
    Empowering Exceptional Minds

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