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Neurodiversity Podcast

Neurodiversity Podcast

By: Emily Kircher-Morris
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 The Neurodiversity Podcast talks with leaders in the fields of psychology, education, and beyond, about positively impacting neurodivergent people. Our goal is to reframe differences that were once considered disabilities or disorders, promote awareness of this unique population, and improve the lives of neurodivergent and high-ability people.2022 Neurodiversity Alliance Hygiene & Healthy Living Neurodiversity Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • The Self-Regulation Revolution: Mastering Executive Function

    The Self-Regulation Revolution: Mastering Executive Function
    Aug 15 2025
    Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Sarah Kesty, an executive function coach and host of the Executive Function podcast, to talk about challenges and strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals with executive function and emotional regulation. They discuss offloading working memory, and ideas to help create an executive function-friendly environment at home and in the classroom. Sarah shares her three-phase coaching model and they talk about the importance of self-regulation in both academic and home settings. You'll learn how these approaches can transform the learning experience for students, and provide hope for educators and parents alike. TAKEAWAYS Emotional regulation is key for learning. Offload working memory for better focus. Create executive function-friendly environments. Self-regulation benefits all students. Coaching involves exploration and strategy. Normalize experimentation for effective learning. Register and attend TEFOS live, or check out recordings of the event! Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now! This episode is brought to you by the Gifted Learning Lab. Check out the signature program by Dr. Danika Maddocks, Support Your Intense Gifted/2e Kid. Sarah Kesty is an executive function, autism, and ADHD coach dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals develop practical strategies to thrive. She is the host of The Executive Function Podcast and the creator of Brain Tools School, a coaching and learning program that supports high schoolers, college students, adults, and fellow coaches in strengthening executive function skills for everyday life. A four-time Teacher of the Year, Sarah is known for translating research into actionable strategies. She writes and presents for international audiences and outlets such as Psychology Today, KQED, and Edutopia. Her upcoming book for educators, Growing Executive Function, will be published by Solution Tree in August 2025. Based in San Diego, Sarah is also a local trail guide and passionate gardener, committed to building a more brain-friendly and inclusive world. BACKGROUND READING Sarah on Psychology Today, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Edutopia, The Executive Function podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.
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    38 mins
  • Surfing Waves of Emotion Through Emotional Regulation

    Surfing Waves of Emotion Through Emotional Regulation
    Aug 7 2025

    On episode 282, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes occupational therapist and author Tracey DeMaria, to explore emotional regulation through a metaphor of "surfing the waves." They talk about how the analogy helps both children and adults visualize and manage their emotions, and how that visualization helps the process feel more like a skill to be honed rather than a clinical task. They discuss the importance of language in framing behaviors, the impact of school environments on neurodivergent children, and the integration of sensory and cognitive tools to support emotional well-being.

    TAKEAWAYS

    • "Surfing the waves" aids emotional regulation.

    • Language shapes perception of behaviors.

    • School environments especially impact neurodivergent children.

    • Blend sensory and cognitive tools for balance.

    • Self-awareness is key to regulation.

    • Mindfulness can be adapted for kids.

    • Special interests can aid emotional control.

    Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

    Tracey DeMaria, OTD, OTR/L, is an experienced occupational therapist specializing in regulation skills, sensory integration, and mental health. With over 20 years in the field, she currently serves as an occupational therapist in the Phillipsburg School District and as an adjunct professor in the occupational therapy master’s program at Moravian University.

    Tracey holds a clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Misericordia University and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University. Proudly neurodiverse, she is a dedicated advocate for disability rights and mental health, committed to empowering individuals of all ages and neurotypes through the development of regulation skills.

    BACKGROUND READING

    Tracey’s website, How To Surf the Waves, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

    The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.
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    40 mins
  • What Behavior is Really Telling Us

    What Behavior is Really Telling Us
    Jul 31 2025

    In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Joshua Stamper, author of The Language of Behavior, to explore decoding and rethinking behavior. Joshua describes his personal journey from a reluctant student to an inspiring educator, and how early experiences shaped his philosophy on supporting students. The conversation covers key topics such as trauma-informed practices, the importance of building relationships in education, and Joshua's innovative framework for understanding behavior through environment, root causes, and intentional response. They also touch on burnout and the need for self-care, and leave you with practical strategies for creating a supportive learning environment.

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Behavior is communication.

    • Connection before correction.

    • Adopt trauma-informed practices.

    • Prioritize educator self-care.

    • Empathize with student experience.

    Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

    Joshua Stamper is an educator, speaker, and author with a deep commitment to fostering growth and leadership in education. As the creator of Aspire to Lead and a former middle school administrator with nine years of experience, he draws on both his professional background and personal journey as a struggling student to advocate for supportive, student-centered learning environments.

    Joshua is the author of The Language of Behavior, a practical guide that equips educators with trauma-responsive strategies and alternative behavior practices to enhance student success. Through his writing, speaking, and leadership work, he empowers education professionals to lead with empathy, embrace innovation, and drive meaningful change in their schools and communities.

    BACKGROUND READING

    Josh’s website, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Aspire to Lead, The Language of Behavior

    The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.
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    40 mins
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Loved this, easy to listen to with good examples.
Using simple language to offer support is so important

Language matters- problem solve and offer support

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I wish this level of knowledge and understanding came in time for my generation too.

Thank you so much

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