Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Emily Paige Ballou about the need for a more nuanced conversation around identity and support for neurodivergent individuals. They talk about the social model of disability, and the implications of public discourse on autism. They also explore the superpower narrative, and the importance of understanding both strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals. They touch on the cultural context of autism today, and critiques of the label of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

TAKEAWAYS

• Neurodiversity is rooted in the concept of biodiversity.

• The term neurodiversity is often misused in mainstream conversations.

• Disability is an inherent part of human diversity.

• The superpower narrative can overshadow the challenges of neurodivergence.

• Support must address both strengths and disabilities.

• The social model of disability is a useful framework but has limitations.

• Identity-related statements can be problematic and oversimplified.

• PDA may obscure underlying issues rather than clarify them.

• Public discourse on autism is regressing in some areas.

Click here to join the Educator Hub! If you're a teacher, administrator, school counselor, or parent of a neurodivergent student, this community is where you can share, ask questions, and find training that will help you along your journey. Please come join us.

Emily Paige Ballou is an AEA stage manager specializing in new plays and musicals based in New York City. She is also the co-editor of Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew about Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity (Beacon Press), a collection of essays offering insights from autistic individuals on self-acceptance and advocacy.

Emily has contributed writing to Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, OnStage Blog, and has forthcoming work in Champagne Room Journal. Beyond her work in theater and writing, she is an avid hiker and a devoted Kansas City Royals baseball fan. Her personal reflections and essays can be found on her blog, Chavisory's Notebook.

BACKGROUND READING

Emily’s blog, Instagram, BlueSky

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com.

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes registered dietician Jackie Silver, who specializes in nutrition for neurodivergent people. They discuss the unique challenges faced by the neurodiversity community, including sensory differences, interoception, and executive functioning barriers that complicate meal planning and nutrition. They also talk about practical strategies to support the neurodivergent people in your life with making good dietary choices. They identify and analyze disordered eating patterns, and discuss the significance of self-compassion in the journey towards better nutrition.

TAKEAWAYS

• Many dietitians overlook the unique needs of neurodivergent clients.

• Meal planning can be overwhelming for those with executive dysfunction.

• It's important to work within people's "safe foods."

• Sensory sensitivities can greatly impact food choices and preferences.

• Interoception plays a crucial role in recognizing hunger and fullness cues.

• Mechanical eating can help those with suppressed appetites due to medication.

• Small, manageable changes can lead to significant improvements in nutrition.

• Disordered eating patterns are common among neurodivergent people, especially with ADHD.

The window will open soon to join the Educator Hub! If you're a teacher, administrator, school counselor, or parent of a neurodivergent student, this community is where you can share, ask questions, and find training that will help you along your journey. Please come join us.

Jackie Silver is a NYC-based Registered Dietitian and founder of Jackie Silver Nutrition, a virtual private practice specializing in supporting neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults with ADHD, ASD and IDD. Her practice is neurodiversity-affirming, nonjudgmental, and weight-inclusive.

he holds a Master of Health Science in Nutrition Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University and has additional training in mindful eating and sensory-based feeding therapy. Jackie works with clients across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ontario, and beyond, offering support with meal planning, selective eating, digestive health, chronic disease management, and more.

In her free time, Jackie enjoys rock climbing, yoga, Pilates, swimming, travel, museums, and spending time with family and friends.

BACKGROUND READING

Jackie’s website, Instagram, Free Grab & Go Foods list, Jackie’s meal prep course, Jackie’s consultation

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Ari Tuckman for a conversation about time blindness, the complexities of ADHD, and the stigma surrounding the disorder. They discuss why ADHD is more about the struggle to convert attention into action than a lack of knowledge. They talk about how and why ADHD affects time perception and performance under pressure. If you're prone to procrastination, anxiety, and time management issues, this is an episode you need to hear.

TAKEAWAYS

• ADHD is often misunderstood as a lack of attention rather than a difficulty in converting attention into action.

• Time perception in ADHD can be distorted, leading to challenges in planning and prioritizing tasks.

• Individuals with ADHD may perform better under pressure, but this can lead to anxiety and self-doubt.

• The internalized stigma can cause ADHD individuals to feel like frauds despite their successes.

• Social dynamics play a significant role in how ADHD behaviors are perceived by others.

• The pressure to conform to neurotypical standards can hinder the ability to find effective personal strategies.

• ADHD can contribute to anxiety, not just in the individual but also in those around them. Procrastination can also cause anxiety for others around you.

• Time management involves multiple components, including attention management.

• Physical clocks can help with time perception.

• Alarms are reminders, not motivators.

• Gamifying tasks can reduce procrastination.

The window will open soon to join the Educator Hub! If you're a teacher, administrator, school counselor, or parent of a neurodivergent student, this community is where you can share, ask questions, and find training that will help you along your journey. Please come join us.

Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA, is a psychologist, author, and recognized expert in adult ADHD with over two decades of experience in the field. He has written five books on ADHD and is a sought-after international speaker, known for his engaging presentations that combine insight, humor, and practical strategies to help individuals better understand and manage ADHD.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Tuckman has been a strong advocate for increasing awareness and access to effective ADHD treatment. He regularly contributes to professional publications, podcasts, and conferences, providing guidance for both individuals with ADHD and the professionals who support them. As a leading voice in the field, he is dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive in both personal and professional settings.

BACKGROUND READING

The ADHD Productivity Manual on Amazon, Ari Tuckman’s website and books