Autism & Neurodiversity

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a waiting game, hoping your child, teen, or young adult will finally find the motivation to move forward? It’s a common struggle, especially when you’re parenting an autistic and/or neurodivergent, but here’s the hard truth: waiting for motivation is a losing strategy. In this episode of the Autism and Neurodiversity podcast, I’m diving into why waiting for them to g...

Does your brilliant child, teen, or young adult struggle with everyday tasks? It can be incredibly frustrating when they aren’t living up to their IQ potential.  Society often equates intelligence with success, but the reality is more complex. Research also shows that those with high IQs have brains that may actually be getting in the way of their success.  Tune in as I discuss some of the challen...

Join us for this chat with Josh Doyle, an Educational Consultant, with over 25 years of experience focused on helping children, adolescents, and young adults with challenges in learning, attention, social, emotional or behavioral issues. He also helps young adults who are struggling to find the traction necessary to move forward into independence.  We discuss: Why some traditional therapeutic appr...

What if the key to helping neurodivergent young people thrive isn't about intensive therapies, but something far more fundamental: human connection? Join hosts Jason and Debbie Grygla as they chat with Cam Sherman, the new executive director of the new NeuroDev Raleigh campus (formerly known as TechieForLife), about the transformative power of connection. Discover how building strong, supportive r...

Feeling frustrated and discouraged when your efforts to motivate your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult fall flat? We all want to support our young people in being motivated to do the things that will help them be more successful and happy. But often our efforts to help just lead to frustration, disconnect, and negative spirals. In this episode, I share the most important thing to start w...

Do you find yourself frustrated when you correct your child, teen, or young adult and you’re met with resistance?  On today’s episode of Autism & Neurodiversity, I’ll be sharing how one simple shift in communication, inspired by the recent river rafting trip we took our student on, can lead to improved emotional regulation, skill development, and increased trust between you and your loved one,...

Are traditional goal-setting methods like SMART goals failing your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult? In this episode, discover a fresh perspective on fostering growth and connection. Learn why focusing on tasks rather than attributes like kindness and empathy can lead to stress and avoidance, and how an approach rooted in Eastern philosophies can create a healthier, more supportive envir...

Let's talk about clutter! Anxiety, stress, and distractions plague our young people, especially our neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults. Reducing life clutter and focusing on the principals of minimalism can help. Learn the benefits of a minimalistic life approach and why it's a natural fit for our neurodivergent young people. Gain strategies for how to go about it in a way that is su...

We all would like to have meaningful connections with our children, teens, and young adults, and some of our young people are hard to connect with for various reasons. They require different approaches. The quality of our relationships impact our loved one's development and well-being. Discover some strategies for creating meaningful connections and learn how to attune to their unique needs, even...

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 m...

Independence isn't an age (18) or destination, it's having the skills to self-govern, self-advocate, and get needs met in healthy ways. Nurturing independence is important for toddlers to teens to twenty-somethings, and our autistic and neurodivergent young people often need more support. Providing either too much or too little support can impede development and sometimes finding a good balance ca...

Autism is often confused with narcissism. Autistic traits are often misinterpreted as narcissistic. In this episode Jason delves into the complex relationship between autism and narcissism, highlighting the unique ways in which self-centeredness manifests in individuals on the autism spectrum. By exploring the neurological differences that contribute to these behaviors, Jason sheds light on the ch...

The disabling effects of time blindness in neurodivergent individuals are often underestimated, overshadowed by more apparent symptoms. This common but often misunderstood trait in neurodivergent individuals, can have profound consequences on their daily lives and future prospects. Unlike mere forgetfulness or distraction, time blindness presents a unique challenge that affects how individuals wit...

Have you ever felt frustrated because you couldn't get your autistic or neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult to do something desirable or stop doing something undesirable? You've tried so many things and it's not working. Many parents and people working with young people get stuck in negative behavioral focused patterns. On today's episode of the Autism & Neurodiversity with Jason &...

Are you tired of trying to make traditional parenting approaches work for you? Ready to make a profound shift that fosters genuine connections and sustainable growth for your child, teen, or young adult?  In this episode, we explore the transformative power of NDM™ NeuroDevelopmental Mentoring and how adopting a mentor mindset can revolutionize your parenting journey. Discover the key to alleviati...

Friends, Hello! We've got something exciting to share with you in this episode! You know, parenting can be a rollercoaster, especially when it comes to raising neurodivergent young people. But, guess what? It doesn't have to be a struggle without hope. In today's episode, we're peeling back the curtain on our personal transformation moments and the lessons that have led us to our big announcement...

Parenting neurodivergents and those who have struggles can be overwhelming, especially when faced with conflicting advice. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of choosing a framework to operate from. Learn how selecting a clear direction can help you move beyond confusion and towards effective solutions. Discover the key to targeted goal-setting, adjustments, and consistent prog...

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...

Parenting can be hard, especially when you have an autistic or neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult. It's easy to find yourself constantly reacting to your loved one's undesirable or challenging behaviors.  And... it's a stressful way to be parenting.  Reactive approaches fall short of addressing your young person's needs, and it's a damaging cycle to get trapped in. There are reasons you ma...

Ever get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult?  You're not alone. This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles. Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emot...

Ever get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult?  You're not alone. This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles. Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emot...

Ever get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult?  You're not alone. This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles. Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emot...

Feeling the holiday squeeze? The holidays can be magical... and manic, especially when your neurodivergent loved ones are on sensory overload. In this  Part 3 of our holiday stress-busting mini-series, we dive deep into the hidden challenges that neurodivergent kids face and uncover a key strategy for calmer holidays or any time for years to come. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram 👉...

Feeling frazzled instead of festive? The holidays bring joy, but for families with neurodivergent children, the season can be a sensory overload meltdown-maker. Part 2 in this mini-series on reducing stress I'll help you understand the hidden challenges that add to stress and one of the keys to calmer holidays or anytime for years to come. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on  Instagram 👉 If this...

Holiday season is here, bringing festive cheer but also potential meltdowns for families with autistic and neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults. In part one of this mini-series, I have some important perspectives to support you in taking care of yourself and your loved ones so that you can enjoy more of the good stuff over the holidays or anytime.  Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on ...