On episode 234, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Austina De Bonte about auditory processing differences. They discuss how these differences can often be mistaken for attention issues or social difficulties, and what it all means for everyday life. Dr. De Bonte shares some methodologies used for testing, accommodations that are available, and ground-breaking auditory therapies that have been found to help those dealing with auditory processing challenges. Takeaways Auditory processing differences can have a significant impact on how individuals experience the world and react to various situati ..read more

Many brilliant young people experience the dichotomy of disability layered on top of their intelligence. It’s called twice-exceptionality, or 2e for short. What are the common misconceptions about twice-exceptional individuals? How do traditional models fall short when identifying the learning disabilities of our brightest kids? And why is early recognition so pivotal? Emily talks with Dr. Danika Maddocks, a psychologist, parent coach, and founder of the Gifted Learning Lab, about the intricacies of twice-exceptionality, in childhood and beyond. This is an encore presentation of the conversati ..read more

Today, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Jeff Karp. Jeff is a professor at Harvard and MIT, a biotech entrepreneur, and an ADHD-er. They talk about Jeff's program, LIT, or Life Ignition Tools, which is a set of strategies to energize the brain, spark ideas, and ignite action. Emily and Jeff talk about metacognition and the transformative impact it can have on the lives of neurodivergent people. They also discuss the importance of intentional actions, the power of asking questions, the necessity of creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment, and the broader implications of neurodi ..read more

This is part two of our conversation with Dr. Jack Naglieri, an emeritus professor at George Mason University and senior research scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. Dr. Naglieri is best known for developing the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test and the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS). Emily and Jack talk about the history and evolution of intelligence testing, exploring how traditional methods like the Stanford-Binet and WISC have influenced our understanding of intelligence for over a century. Dr. Naglieri shares his critical perspective on the limitations and biases of ..read more

As part of our two-part series, we are speaking with Dr. Jack Naglieri, an emeritus professor at George Mason University and senior research scientist at the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. Dr. Naglieri is renowned for his work in intelligence testing and the development of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. In this episode, part one of the interview, he and Emily talk about his insights on the evolution and misconceptions surrounding intelligence assessment. They delve into the history of intelligence testing, highlighting the limitations and biases inherent in traditional methods ..read more

On this episode, we talk about tech ideas that help neurodivergent people. Parker Klein and Joe Steilberg, the co-founders of the notes and organization app Twos, join Emily Kircher-Morris to discuss the benefits of writing things down and how technology can help people stay organized. They share their personal experiences with ADHD, and how their app is helping neurodivergent people take control of their lives. They also talk about the integration of incentives and gamification in their app to motivate users to stay organized. The conversation explores the social component of Twos, and the im ..read more

You often hear people reference their own OCD, but there’s far more to it than just the desire to be orderly or neat. Today, Emily Kircher-Morris explores the topic of obsessive compulsive thinking patterns, their impact on individuals, and the importance of discussing mental health with children. Jessica Whipple, author of 'I Think I Think a Lot,' shares her personal experiences with OCD and the coping strategies she has developed. The conversation also highlights the significance of representation in children's literature and the role of books in teaching coping skills. If you’re curious abo ..read more

There’s a new term circulating in the neurodiversity community, AuDHD. Today, Emily Kircher-Morris is talking with Mattia Maurée, a neurodivergent individual with both ADHD and autism. They talk about how the two diagnoses blend together, one side desiring routine and sameness, while the other seeks novelty and change. They also discuss the challenges of receiving accurate diagnoses, the impact of stigma on neurodivergent individuals, how career pathways are affected, Mattia’s personal experiences of being misunderstood and judged, and the importance of community. The conversation covers many ..read more

Traditional talk-based therapy is sometimes less effective for neurodivergent people. On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes ADHD-er and licensed social worker Chris Nealy, to discuss the effectiveness of experiential therapy for neurodivergent individuals. They talk about some of the different forms of experiential therapy, like applied theater, equine facilitated psychotherapy, and technology-based interventions. These forms of therapy focus on nonverbal communication and body language, allowing for more effective communication and engagement. They also discuss how experiential thera ..read more

This week, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Jessica Sinarski, a mental health counselor who merges neuroscience with education and family dynamics. They dig into the complex relationship between trauma and neurodivergence, underscoring the critical need for trauma-responsive practices and a strengths-based perspective in supporting neurodivergent people. They explore how trust and early life experiences shape brain development, and the profound impact these factors have on individuals throughout their lives. They talk about creating neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed environments ..read more