Episodios

  • 317: Creating Neurodiverstiy-Affirming Schools, with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC

    317: Creating Neurodiverstiy-Affirming Schools, with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC
    Jun 19 2025
    What if schools didn’t just accommodate neurodivergent kids, but celebrated them? In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris, we dig into what it really means to create neurodiversity-affirming schools. From ditching moral judgments on behavior to prioritizing belonging over compliance, this episode is a must-listen for any parent or educator who wants more for our kids than just surviving school.

    You’ll hear powerful personal stories, practical strategies, and a reminder that our children deserve to be seen, supported, and valued exactly as they are.

    Tune in and discover how we can help create classrooms that don’t just teach, but transform lives.

    You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

    Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/317

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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    41 m
  • 316: Finding Your Kid’s Just Right Balance, with Chris Taylor, LCSW-C

    316: Finding Your Kid’s Just Right Balance, with Chris Taylor, LCSW-C
    Jun 12 2025
    Ever wonder how to push your child just enough without pushing them over the edge?

    In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I sit down with therapist Chris Taylor, LCSW-C, to unpack what it really means to find your child’s “Just Right Balance.” Unlike the more familiar “just right challenge,” this concept is about balancing emotional safety with growth — how to gently nudge our neurodivergent kids out of their comfort zones without creating shutdown or dysregulation.

    Chris and I talk about how to know when to step in and when to step back, why validation and predictability are game-changers for emotionally intense kids, and how your own regulation as a parent sets the tone for everything else. Plus, we dig into why fulfillment — not just short-term happiness — should be the goal when helping kids navigate hard things.

    If you’ve ever felt stuck between protecting your child and encouraging independence, this episode is full of insights (and real talk) to help you find that elusive middle ground.

    Listen now to learn how to help your child grow in confidence and resilience — without losing trust or connection.

    You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

    Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/316

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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    31 m
  • 315: Integrating Creativity and Play into Learning, with Kelsey Cook

    315: Integrating Creativity and Play into Learning, with Kelsey Cook
    Jun 5 2025
    What if a pom pom, a paper tube, and ten minutes a day could transform your child’s learning?

    In this joy-filled episode, I sit down with Kelsey Cook, mom of four, former teacher, and founder of Learning with Kelsey, to unpack the science and soul behind play-based learning. Together, we explore how creativity and play aren't just fun — they're vital tools for connection, emotional regulation, and skill development in neurodivergent kids.

    From sensory-friendly adaptations to parent-child rituals that build predictability, you'll walk away with practical strategies to foster emotional intelligence, meet your child’s sensory needs, and bring more joy to learning (without a single worksheet in sight).

    If you’ve ever struggled to get your child engaged in learning or wondered how to balance structure with flexibility, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.

    🎧 Press play and discover how a little intentional play can lead to big breakthroughs.

    You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.


    Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/315


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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    26 m
  • 314: Don’t Be “That Parent:” How to Advocate Effectively & Compassionately, with Scotti Weintraub

    314: Don’t Be “That Parent:” How to Advocate Effectively & Compassionately, with Scotti Weintraub
    May 29 2025
    Walking into school meetings can feel like navigating a minefield while carrying the weight of your child’s future.

    You're not alone — and in this episode, I sit down with education advocate and parent coach Scotti Weintraub to unpack how to have better, calmer, more productive conversations with your child’s teacher, especially when things are hard. We dig into the reality that most teachers aren’t trained in neurodivergence, and how parents can advocate without alienating and burning bridges. From leading with curiosity to asking, “Can I share this with you?,” instead of handing over a stack of articles, this conversation is packed with strategies for fostering mutual respect, trust, and teamwork.

    If you’ve ever dreaded that parent-teacher conference or IEP meeting, this episode is your roadmap to more effective and empowering communication.

    Tune in now to learn how to build the kind of teacher partnerships that actually help your neurodivergent child thrive.

    You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

    Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/314.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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    40 m
  • 313: Build Resilience and Joy with Awe and Wonder, with Deborah Farmer Kris

    313: Build Resilience and Joy with Awe and Wonder, with Deborah Farmer Kris
    May 22 2025
    The antidote to stress and disconnection could be awe. In this heartwarming episode, I chat with child development expert Deborah Farmer Kris about the transformative power of awe and wonder for beautifully complex kids. From music and nature to kindness and curiosity, we explore how tapping into these moments can reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, and foster belonging. You’ll hear real stories, science-backed insights, and simple ways to help your child (and yourself) become an awe-seeker in a world that often feels overwhelming.

    Listen now and discover the small moments that can create big shifts in emotional regulation and joy.

    You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

    Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/313

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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    39 m
  • 312: Discovering the Right Career Path for Neurodivergent Kids, with Hannah Maruyama

    312: Discovering the Right Career Path for Neurodivergent Kids, with Hannah Maruyama
    May 15 2025
    Is college really the only path to success? Not even close.

    In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Maruyama, co-founder of Degree Free, to challenge the outdated idea that college is the ultimate goal for every kid — especially for neurodivergent kids who may thrive outside traditional systems. We get deep into how redefining success, focusing on real-world needs, and shifting the career conversation can change everything. Learn why starting with your child's unique lifestyle goals leads to a far more satisfying and successful future, and why the old "college = success" formula just doesn't add up anymore.

    Ready to rethink what your child’s future can look like? Listen now and empower your family to build a life by design, not by default.

    You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.


    Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/312


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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    34 m
  • 311: Fostering Self-Discovery for Your Autistic Kid

    311: Fostering Self-Discovery for Your Autistic Kid
    May 8 2025
    What if your child’s “overexplaining” isn’t defiance, but a deep need to be understood?

    In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Sol Smith — autistic adult, author, life coach, educator, and dad of four neurodivergent kids — to talk about the inner world of autistic individuals. From masking and sensory differences to building friendships and finding identity through passion, Sol walks us through what self-discovery really looks like for autistic kids… and how we can better support it as parents.

    We also dive into the hard stuff: the social exhaustion of masking, the difference between “traits” and diagnostic persistence, and why trusting your child’s path — even if it looks different — is the most loving move you can make.

    Sol’s insights are real, relatable, and refreshingly hopeful. If you’ve ever wondered how to support your child in being their true self while also preparing them for “the real world,” this episode is your new roadmap.

    🎧 Don’t miss it — press play and get ready to see your child through a brand-new lens.

    You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

    Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/311

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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    34 m
  • 310: Connecting Through Conversation: Rethinking Behavior Strategies for Schools, with Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns

    310: Connecting Through Conversation: Rethinking Behavior Strategies for Schools, with Erika Bare & Tiffany Burns
    May 1 2025
    What if we stopped calling kids “attention-seeking” and started calling them “connection-seeking?”

    In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with veteran educators and authors Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns to rethink how we approach behavior in schools — especially for neurodivergent kids. From eliminating power struggles to building culture through connection, they break down practical strategies that teachers and parents can use right now to shift from correction to connection.

    You’ll hear why traditional behavior charts often do more harm than good, how to “care out loud” in everyday interactions, and what it really means to co-create emotionally safe spaces for all kids. We explore how small changes in mindset and language can spark massive change for kids who struggle.

    Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone who works with kids, this episode is a breath of fresh air for modern education.

    👉 Tune in and start building the connection-first culture our kids deserve.

    You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

    Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/310

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.
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    32 m
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