In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss strategies for effectively parenting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They emphasize the importance of collaboration over direct demands to help children feel more in control and safe, which mitigates reactive behaviors.

They explain how giving children choices and involving them in decision-making can prevent the activation of their parasympathetic nervous system, which is linked to anxiety and defensive behaviors.

Practical examples like offering options instead of direct commands are given and the importance of flexibility and patience in parenting, particularly for neurodivergent families is discussed.

Samantha and Lauren also highlight the significance of co-regulation and maintaining a calm demeanor to support a child's sense of autonomy and safety.

A PDA cheat sheet with useful scripts and strategies is available for listeners.

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

03:00 Collaborative Parenting Strategies

06:08 Practical Examples and Scripts

09:37 Managing Parental Expectations and Flexibility

21:30 Maintaining a Regulated Nervous System

24:30 Conclusion and Resources

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership
Get the PDA Cheat Sheet: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/pda-cheat-sheet

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren engage in a compelling conversation with Jessica Frew, the author of 'Shove Your Shoulds,' a pivotal book aimed at helping ambitious women shed societal conditioning and make bold decisions without guilt or fear. Throughout the discussion, Jessica shares insights into the importance of setting personal boundaries, trusting one's intuition, and the role of parents in modeling behavior for their children.

Jessica’s teachings are for everyone, particularly those raising neurodivergent children, advocating for a parenting approach free from societal 'shoulds'. She provides real-life examples of navigating difficult relationships, establishing firm boundaries, and making aligned decisions.

00:00 Introduction to Every Brand Is Different Podcast

00:39 Meet Jessica Fru: Author and Bold Decision Coach

01:36 The Concept of 'Shove Your Shoulds'

02:17 Releasing the Shoulds and Trusting Your Gut

06:32 Setting Boundaries and Silencing the Noise

13:40 Building a Support System

20:12 Raising Kids Without Shoulds

26:20 Where to Find Jessica Fru and Her Book

27:34 Jessica Fru's Fun and Family Life

28:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get the book: https://shoveyourshoulds.com/freebook
Connect with Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/heyjessicafrew/

Join the Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss autistic burnout, especially prevalent during the holiday season. They explain the difference between stress and burnout, and share personal experiences to illustrate the impact of prolonged masking and sensory overload on neurodivergent children.

Samantha and Lauren provide detailed signs of burnout, including increased irritability, emotional outbursts, and physical symptoms, along with practical advice on how to support recovery through reduced demands, predictability, sensory rest, and encouraging autonomy.

They emphasize the importance of parental regulation and offer strategies to prevent future burnout, such as prioritizing recovery time, practicing energy accounting, and teaching children to advocate for their needs.

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Discussing Autistic Burnout During the Holidays

02:58 Understanding Autistic Burnout

09:22 Early Warning Signs of Burnout

12:10 Common Triggers of Burnout

14:59 Supporting Recovery from Burnout

20:48 Preventing Future Burnout

24:28 Conclusion and Community Support

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren dive talk about of gratitude. They share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for incorporating gratitude into daily life, especially for parents of neurodivergent children.

The discussion covers how gratitude can serve as a tool for self-regulation, helping both parents and kids navigate challenging moments by shifting focus from problems to solutions.

Additionally, they explore various sensory and creative methods to make gratitude a concrete and engaging practice for children, thereby fostering emotional well-being and resilience.

00:00 Introduction to Every Brain Is Different Podcast

00:43 Today's Topic: The Power of Gratitude

01:44 Real-Life Example: Halloween Gratitude Story

04:21 The Science Behind Gratitude

06:14 Practical Gratitude Tips for Parents

13:20 Modeling Gratitude for Kids

15:17 Sensory and Creative Gratitude Activities

21:22 Conclusion and Support Resources

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about the significant role that play has in children's development. They discuss how play is not only about having fun, but it actually changes brain structure and function, aiding in the learning process. They explain that play releases dopamine, helping with motivation, focus, and learning, especially for children with ADHD.

Samantha and Lauren highlight the importance of engaging in play to teach social skills, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility. They also share personal anecdotes and professional experiences to emphasize the profound impact play has on building trust and connection with children.

00:00 Introduction

00:39 The Importance of Play for Adults and Kids

02:36 Neuroscience Behind Play

04:49 Play and Emotional Regulation

06:09 Building Trust and Perspective Through Play

10:11 Connecting with Kids Through Play

15:35 Effective Therapy Through Play

20:15 Practical Tips for Incorporating Play

22:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren interview Yana Kleyman, a functional medicine health consultant. Yana shares her personal journey from traditional healthcare as a pharmacist to discovering the transformative power of functional medicine.

This transition was inspired by her own health crisis at age 33, which led her to explore root cause medicine. Today, Yana is dedicated to helping children with ADHD and other developmental disorders thrive naturally by challenging predetermined futures.

Yana and the hosts discuss various approaches to functional medicine, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes like gut health, genetics, and environmental factors rather than just treating symptoms with medication.

00:00 Introduction

00:41 Meet Our Special Guest: Janna Klayman

02:08 Yana's Personal Health Journey

03:25 Understanding Functional Medicine

05:27 The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle

14:35 Practical Tips for Parents

20:36 Resources and Final Thoughts

26:36 Conclusion and Highlights

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership

Connect with Yana:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atypically.awesome

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558184355910

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrYanaKleyman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yana-kleyman-45a76a313/

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss the positive impacts of spending time in nature on mental health. They explore how outdoor activities activate the parasympathetic nervous system, decreasing cortisol levels, lowering heart rates, and improving sensory integration and attention.

Using personal anecdotes and scientific explanations, Samantha and Lauren highlight nature's ability to provide a gentle and predictable sensory input conducive to emotional and cognitive rejuvenation. They also discuss practical strategies for encouraging neurodivergent children to spend more time outdoors, emphasizing the importance of making such activities a part of daily routines.

00:00 Introduction

00:52 Today's Topic: Touching Grass for Mental Health

01:43 Personal Stories and Benefits of Nature

04:59 The Neuroscience Behind Nature's Benefits

15:37 Practical Outdoor Activities for Kids

18:40 Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Time

19:52 Seasonal Outdoor Activities

22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join the Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/podcast

Scavenger Hunt Cards: https://amzn.to/42Ul4hT

Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about Halloween and the sensory challenges that can come with it. They discuss the sensory overload issues related to costumes, decorations, loud noises, and changes in routine.

To help parents navigate these challenges, they offer practical advice on practicing with costumes, managing trick-or-treating expectations, and choosing sensory-friendly environments.

They also emphasize the importance of understanding that children's behavior is a form of communication and suggest strategies to support children before, during, and after Halloween events to prevent sensory overload and ensure a positive experience for both parents and their kids.

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Homeschooling Decision and Mom Burnout

04:51 Halloween Sensory Overwhelm

11:57 Preparing for Halloween Night

16:56 Managing Halloween Night

18:12 Post-Halloween Tips and Reflection

20:02 Conclusion and Resources

Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: The Neurodivergent Parenting Community | Every Brain is Different

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Connect with Samantha Foote!

Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent