Is it that they can’t—or that they won’t? In this episode, we break down the common struggle of distinguishing between genuine inability and refusal in neurodivergent kids, teens, and young adults. We explore: • Why challenges can feel insurmountable due to unique brain wiring • How to avoid power struggles and foster autonomy • The neural response to perceived difficulty and how it impacts motivation • The role of resilience and discipline in long-term growth Understanding this gray area can help you respond with more clarity and support—without getting stuck in frustration. ? Want more insig ..read more

If you've ever found yourself saying "Calm down!" during your child's meltdown—only to watch it make things worse—you're not alone. The truth is, neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults don't just know how to regulate their emotions... it's a skill that needs to be taught and developed. But here's the kicker: emotional regulation isn't something you teach in the heat of the moment—it's something you build over time. In this episode, I dive into what emotional regulation looks like for neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, etc.) children, teens, and young adults, why it's often harder for th ..read more

“Why won’t they just change their mind?” If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by a neurodivergent loved one’s black-and-white thinking or their refusal to reconsider a decision, you’re not alone. In this episode of Autism & Neurodiversity, we explore the common pattern of what Jason calls "rigid decisiveness." We unpack how this behavior—often misunderstood as stubbornness or immaturity—is rooted in lower brain functions like the need to avoid pain and conserve energy. We share some real-life examples of this pattern and explain how understanding it through a developmental lens can mak ..read more

? Ever feel like your child’s emotions are a tornado, and you’re just trying to hold on? It’s exhausting, isn’t it? But here’s the truth: the key to helping your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult regulate their emotions starts with your calm. In this episode of Autism & Neurodiversity with Jason & Debbie, I’m sharing why emotional regulation begins with us as parents and how your calm presence can create a ripple effect in your home. If you’ve ever wondered why your best strategies don’t seem to work in the heat of the moment, this episode will give you fresh insight, practica ..read more

Does it feel like no matter how hard you try, you’re not seeing the progress you hoped for with your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult? It’s easy to get caught up in the results we want, but sometimes, that focus can leave us feeling frustrated and disconnected. In this episode, we’ll dive into a fresh perspective that can help you feel more at ease and create real, lasting progress in your parenting journey. You'll Learn: Why focusing on results can unintentionally stall your child’s growth. How a simple mindset shift can unlock more connection and resilience. Practical ways to cele ..read more

The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection, but it can also bring a lot of stress—especially when your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult struggles to navigate the busyness and expectations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to balance it all, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore how to find meaningful moments of connection in the chaos, give yourself and your child grace, and focus on what truly matters during this special time of year. You'll Learn: Why the holidays can feel extra challenging for neurodivergent families. How to shift from overwhelm to ..read more

Parenting comes with challenges. If you're parenting neurodivergents like children, teens, and young adults who are autistic, ADHDers, or have learning differences, those challenges can quickly turn into regular crises. In this episode, Jason discusses the personal and developmental aspects of responding to crises, contrasting it with professional crisis responders like EMTs and firefighters who manage to remain calm under pressure. Crisis response is a skill built with experience, maturity, and perspective. When you learn to regulate your emotional reactions and focusing on what you can contr ..read more

Parenting neurodivergent children can be challenging, and relying on quick fixes may seem like an easy solution. However, these quick fixes can lead to long-term damage and hinder sustainable development. On today's episode of the Autism & Neurodiversity podcast, I'm discussing the pitfalls of using quick fixes and highlighting the importance of embracing development. YOU'LL LEARN: The damage quick fix approaches can create, even the ones that seem to "be working." Why relying on external pressure to motivate our children, teens, and young adults hinders motivation over time. How to ..read more

Our young people, especially our autistic and neurodivergent, thrive when they're met with support and empathy, and spiral down when they're met with shame-based approaches and rejection. It can be challenging to offer empathy, especially when your child, teen, or young adult is behaving negatively or acting out. But empathy is an essential tool for crushing shame and boosting well-being. When you practice empathy, you help your children feel seen, heard, and understood. This can help them to regulate their emotions, develop a sense of self-worth, and overcome challenges. In this podcast episo ..read more

If you've ever felt stuck in your attempts to build a meaningful bond, Debbie is here to share a powerful tool that can transform your relationship into one of influence and connection. Discover how this tool can lead to better support for your child's success, development, and overall happiness while enhancing the joy and fulfillment you experience in your relationship.  Tune in and embark on a path of growth and understanding in your parenting journey. Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram.  Visit our website JasonDebbie.com If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to he ..read more