In this episode Samantha and Lauren share practical advice for a smoother transition back to school. They discuss the excitement and challenges of children starting school, emphasizing the importance of planning and coping strategies. Samantha and Lauren share tips such as creating a balanced schedule, managing anxiety, building excitement about school, and practicing practical skills like eating lunch within a limited time. They also highlight the significance of attending school events and ensuring kids can handle their supplies independently.

In this episode we welcome back Karen Kassow, a writer, certified master life coach, and founder of AI Powered Homeschool. As a neurodivergent parent raising two autistic children, Karen shares her journey and dedicated advocacy within the neurodivergent community. She discusses the challenges faced by families in navigating special education services, especially with the potential removal of crucial programs like the family-paid caregiving waiver. Karen emphasizes the importance of making educated voting choices to support these programs and shares the heartbreaking stories of families that rely on them. Karen talks about homeschooling as a viable, flexible alternative for neurodivergent families, offering various strategies and resources that cater to the unique needs of these children. Listeners are encouraged to get involved in local disability resources and make their voices heard to enact change and support for families in similar situations.

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss summer burnout experienced by both parents and neurodivergent children. They share personal stories and offer practical tips for recognizing signs of burnout, such as emotional dysregulation and behavioral changes. Samantha and Lauren emphasize the importance of creating a balanced routine that includes adequate downtime and sensory-friendly spaces to help children self-regulate and recover from overstimulation. They also discuss their own experiences and strategies for managing burnout and encourage listeners to share their own tips for overcoming burnout.

In this episode, Samantha shares practical tips for implementing language shifts and going from telling kids what not to do using "don't" to telling what to do. She emphasizes redirecting behavior with clear and positive alternatives, keeping instructions simple and specific, and being consistent in using positive language.

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren speak with Janet Elliot, author of 'The Alien Savant,' a poignant exploration of her autistic brother's journey through a neurotypical world. Janet recounts the challenges faced by her family in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the lack of understanding and resources for children with developmental disabilities during that time. She discusses the evolution of special education and family advocacy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing strengths and fighting for appropriate educational and social services for neurodivergent individuals. The conversation also touches on the ongoing need for societal acceptance and support for adults with disabilities, along with practical advice and valuable resources for parents and caregivers.

In this episode, Rachel Forrester, an Idaho real estate broker and founder of the support group Idaho Autism Moms, shares her expertise in assisting families with special needs children in finding suitable homes in and around Boise, Idaho. She discusses various considerations when buying a house, such as proximity to therapy services, neighborhood safety, and the importance of functional spaces like sensory rooms. Rachel also addresses the challenges of moving with special needs children and offers strategies to make the process as smooth as possible, including the usefulness of video walkthroughs and conducting thorough neighborhood research.

In this episode, Samantha Foote narrates a personal story about her son's meltdown during a family trip. She recounts the events leading up to the meltdown, the meltdown itself, and what they did after. Samantha shares what she did well in managing the situation, , and also reflects on what she could have done better. She emphasizes the importance of helping children return to a self-regulated state during meltdowns and discusses the plans they made to ensure her son had personal space and ways to calm himself for the rest of the trip.

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk with Dana Kay, a board-certified health practitioner, and two-time international bestselling author. Dana shares her extensive experience working with families across the US through her company, ADHD Thrive Institute, where she helps parents reduce ADHD symptoms naturally by focusing on biological triggers like diet, gut health, and inflammation. She emphasizes the importance of supporting a child's biology rather than 'fixing' them, and discusses the profound impact of the gut-brain connection on overall health and behavior, providing insights into how gut health can influence ADHD symptoms and other disorders.

In this episode, Samantha Foote discusses effective strategies for managing transitions for neurodivergent children. Understanding that transitions can trigger anxiety, resistance, or meltdowns, she emphasizes the importance of preparation and planning. Suggestions include using visual schedules, musical cues, and countdowns to create predictability and ease anxiety. Additionally, she highlights the need for consistent daily routines, transitional objects, positive reinforcement, sensory considerations, and supportive communication as vital tools for smooth transitions.

In this episode, Lauren and Samantha discuss strategies for managing multiple children with different sensory needs. They share personal experiences and provide initial tips, such as understanding individual sensory profiles, creating dedicated sensory spaces, establishing predictable routines, incorporating sensory breaks, and adapting communication strategies. Practical advice is offered for accommodating sensory avoiders who prefer quiet spaces and sensory seekers who crave constant stimulation. The episode concludes with a promotion for their neurodivergent parenting community, where listeners can seek further support and advice.

In this episode Samantha discusses Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and its significance in supporting the neurodivergent community. She explains ABA as a scientific method aimed at improving socially significant behaviors such as communication, self-help skills, emotional regulation, and social interactions through individualized goals, data collection, positive reinforcement, and environmental modifications. Samantha highlights the importance of client-centered care, where the preferences and consent of the individuals are prioritized, and discusses the controversial beginnings of ABA, emphasizing the need for programs that respect and empower individuals rather than solely focusing on behavior modification to appear neurotypical. She also advises on selecting an appropriate ABA program, stressing the involvement of parents and caregivers in the process, and warns against programs that do not respect the insights and expertise of families regarding their own children.

In this episode, Amanda Trisdel and her daughter Leta Rundell join the discussion to talk about their journey in the neurodivergent community and the founding of the Autistic Wings Dance Company. Amanda, the CEO, and Leta, who has been a dedicated dancer since a young age, talk about the struggles faced in traditional dance studios, leading them to establish a safe and accommodating space for neurodivergent dancers. The conversation also touches on the detailed approach towards developing dance IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) for their students, the challenges of dealing with misconceptions about neurodivergence, and the importance of patience and understanding from dance instructors. This episode highlights the importance of specialized programs that go beyond adaptive dance, aiming to provide serious and skill-focused dance education to neurodivergent individuals.

In this episode, Samantha talks about the importance of emotional self-regulation, particularly the effective technique of stepping away. She discusses the significance of managing one's emotions to support both oneself and one’s child, and how stepping away during a moment of escalating emotions can help maintain composure and prevent further escalation. Samantha provides actionable steps on how to ensure a child's safety before taking a break, using breathing and grounding techniques to regain calmness, and returning to the situation with a composed demeanor. She underscores that taking a break is a healthy and necessary part of parenting, and emphasizes the importance of reflecting on triggers and seeking support when needed. The episode also highlights the role of modeling appropriate behavior for children and the value of practicing self-care to manage overwhelming situations effectively.

Samantha and Lauren speak with Robert Delena who discusses the journey he and his son Ryan have navigated through various therapeutic schools and a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder. Robert highlights the challenges of overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis, emphasizing the importance of parental instinct and finding appropriate support. A pivotal moment arrives when Ryan, initially labeled and restrained by the system, discovers skiing, an activity that reshapes his confidence and self-worth. Through their shared experience, Robert underscores the significance of recognizing a child's unique strengths and interests. He recalls how skiing, an unexpected outlet, brought substantial improvement to Ryan's overall well-being. This episode provides insights into parenting neurodivergent children, the potential difficulties with the current educational and medical systems, and the need for perseverance in seeking what genuinely benefits one's child. Samantha, Lauren, and Robert also talk about Robert and Ryan's book, 'Without Restraint, chronicling their remarkable journey.

In this episode Samantha discusses strategies for responding to children who speak disrespectfully, particularly focusing on neurodivergent children such as those with ADHD and autism. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining respect and firmness in responses, highlighting how these children may face unique communication challenges and may not always understand social norms. Samantha shares practical tips for setting clear expectations, modeling respectful communication, and avoiding impulsive reactions to foster better understanding and cooperation within the family. Listeners are invited to attend the next Parenting Power Hour for further discussion and brainstorming on this topic.

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren speak with Scotti Weintraub and discuss the importance of parents paying attention to the struggles their children face in school, collaborating with teachers and professionals, and advocating effectively during school meetings. Scotti emphasizes leading with curiosity, gathering information, and building solid relationships with educators to create a supportive environment for their children's unique needs. Additionally, the conversation touches on the emotional aspects of parenting, the significance of not viewing children’s struggles as a reflection of parenting skills, and the value of involving children in discussions about their needs.

In this episode Samantha Foote discusses the importance of celebrating neurodiversity. She explains that neurodiversity includes the natural differences in how people think and learn and emphasizes the value of these differences. Samantha provides practical tips for creating inclusive spaces, such as listening to neurodivergent voices and respecting individual needs. She highlights the importance of challenging stereotypes and celebrating individual strengths to foster a community where everyone feels valued and included.

In this episode of the 'Every Brand Is Different' podcast, executive coach and author Tucker Miller shares her extensive experience in leadership and advocacy. The conversation addresses the challenges and importance of having difficult conversations, especially for parents of neurodivergent children. Tucker emphasizes the need for neutrality and collaboration in these dialogues, suggesting strategies to ensure effective communication and mutual understanding. Additionally, she touches on her book, 'First Four Words,' which provides practical advice for initiating impactful discussions in both professional and personal contexts.

In this episode Samantha explores the scope of speech therapy for neurodivergent children, including those with autism or ADHD. She explains how speech therapy covers expressive and receptive language, social communication skills, and alternative communication methods. Samantha offers practical signs that may indicate a need for speech therapy and provides home strategies to support communication. She emphasizes the importance of professional evaluations for personalized insights and guidance.

Samantha and Lauren discuss the complexities of managing both ADHD and autism, which often have competing needs. They discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals with both diagnoses. Practical strategies to manage these dual diagnoses are explored, such as creating flexible routines, adapting the environment, building internal awareness, and using transition helpers. Samantha and Lauren emphasize the importance of patience and support, stressing that individuals with ADHD and autism are not broken but need better support to thrive.