Send us a text Come with a glass of milk within reach! Obedience training, even in the case of circus animals is increasingly frowned upon. Subtle or passive aggressive versions of obedience training continue to be thrust on all children, especially neurodivergent ones. Listen to this episode to understand the depth of damage this approach can have on a child's psyche, after which, the choice to continue to engage with it on behalf of your child, is yours to make. Also, Maggie touches on an a...
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Send us a text Come with a glass of milk within reach! Obedience training, even in the case of circus animals is increasingly frowned upon. Subtle or passive aggressive versions of obedience training continue to be thrust on all children, especially neurodivergent ones. Listen to this episode to understand the depth of damage this approach can have on a child's psyche, after which, the choice to continue to engage with it on behalf of your child, is yours to make. Also, Maggie touches on an a...
Send us a text For parents with neurodivergent children it can feel very disempowering to lose direction and purpose. In this episode Maggie describes a secure attachment as the North Star and lists 3 steps to get started and find your way back to the path. The truth is that parenting a neurodivergent child is tough, but it’s not supposed to feel unfulfilling! Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_
After a year long hiatus, Maggie gets back to the mic to renew her commitment to this podcast, only this time with a whole new added dimension. Listen to feel deeply seen and heard as a parent, sometimes that is all the "wisdom" we need. This is a rebirth and a reintroduction of all good things yet to come. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_
This episode is the first in a 3 part series with principles and practical steps to nurture a positive relationship with your autistic child. This the same philosophy and guidelines that transformed my own practice and resulted in consistently successful therapeutic relationships with all the neurodivergent children in my care. As a parent, you need only master one - the one with your baby. The first step is to get clarity on what's most important to you by listing out your preferred values. ...
Skills like speech, language and motor abilities are important, but they are impossible to learn and retain without establishing a baseline of safety. The only way to get your autistic child to engage with you is by nurturing a secure attachment. In over a decade of practicing Occupational Therapy, it is the only strategy that resulted in autistic kids letting me into their world repeatedly which opened up infinite possibilities for both the child and me, as the therapist. It is a strategy th...
This 2 letter word - NO- is often relegated to being problematic/triggering for neurodivergent children who are ostracized and made unjustly responsible for the resulting meltdown. NO- is not only necessary, it is a powerful tool in your tool box. As a parent, you must acknowledge the responsibility that comes with great power by answering some tough questions along the way. Listen to this episode if you want to learn the underlying philosophy to use this powerful word tactfully. Do it right,...
How often has your baby been assessed using independent functioning as the yardstick? Is that the most beneficial goal to work towards? How does a hyperfocus on independent participation backfire? How does this impact you relationship with your baby? In this episode, I'm answering all these questions and presenting an alternate perspective - it is another I-word - one that is not only neurodiversity affirming, but also relationship focused. If that's an approach you're interested in adopting,...
In this episode we dive deeper into the fear of discharge, which leads to another d-word- disempowerment. We talk about the lies and the disillusionment underneath this fear and how these impact, not only you but also your baby's attachment needs. Like everything else, overcoming this ginormous obstacle is quite doable and possible, but I cannot convince you. You must listen and decide for yourself. I can however, vouch for the liberation that results from running towards your fears instead o...
Back to the mic after an extended hiatus. In this episode I talk about two important events that triggered a significant positive change in my personal and professional life since my last episode. It is important to me that I share them with you before we get back to talking about Neurodiverse parenting. I also make a public re-commitment to the mission of this podcast with a greater acceptance of my own neurodiversity. I'm not playing small, not anymore. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on...
In this episode we are deep diving into shame. If you have felt embarrassed about your baby's diagnosis or your baby's behaviour then you are not alone. We are taking hints from Dr Brene Brown's work which informs us that shame thrives in secrecy, silence and judgement. So. as you listen, we'll be doing exactly the opposite, together! Parental acceptance of the child's neurodivergent body and nervous system lays the foundation for self-acceptance, self respect and self esteem as t...
For several generations, it was assumed that it was enough for parents to provide food, safety, shelter and education. Looking at the world in 2023, it's evident there is a mental health crisis resulting primarily from unmet core needs. Turns out your baby needs more than the basics. In this episode we break down the 4 core needs as identified by Dr Gordon Neufeld and further described by Dr Gabor Mate. We also look into the reality of anxiety resulting from unmet core needs. This epis...
In this episode The polyvagal theory is used as a framework to describe your body and your baby's body with deep respect and gratitude, because-why not! We explore the physiological/autonomic states as described by Dr Stephen Porges's work. This perspective is just what you need to build a more compassionate and respectful outlook towards your baby's needs. You will also open up to more compassion for yourself as a parent. Win-win. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_
In this episode, I'm getting curious about the brain- not just your baby's, yours too! We talk about about what parts of the brain take control when your baby feels unsafe and what you can do to best support your baby so he/she can just exist in your presence. Also, we dive into what's going inside your brain when you're around your baby. Listen to this episode if you are tired and unsuccessful at being "patient" with your child. When you understand what's going on inside your baby's b...
What can be done about all this shushing you've been taught to do to your neurodivergent child? Is that the best way to support your child's needs? How can you build a loving connection with your child? All these questions are answered in this episode. You will also be able to decide on a general direction for your parenting and you will learn a wonderful first step towards changing the way you show up for your neurodivergent child- all this, as promised, in a healthy cocktail of challenge an...
In this episode you will get to know the host, Maggie. You will also understand the mission of this podcast which is to empower Neurodiverse Parenting. You will feel hopeful, challenged and optimistic about the journey we are about to take together. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_
Send us a text Come with a glass of milk within reach! Obedience training, even in the case of circus animals is increasingly frowned upon. Subtle or passive aggressive versions of obedience training continue to be thrust on all children, especially neurodivergent ones. Listen to this episode to understand the depth of damage this approach can have on a child's psyche, after which, the choice to continue to engage with it on behalf of your child, is yours to make. Also, Maggie touches on an a...
