Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different

In this episode Samantha and Lauren speak with Janet Elliot, author of 'The Alien Savant,' a poignant exploration of her autistic brother's journey through a neurotypical world. Janet recounts the challenges faced by her family in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the lack of understanding and resources for children with developmental disabilities during that time. She discusses the evolution of s...

In this episode, Rachel Forrester, an Idaho real estate broker and founder of the support group Idaho Autism Moms, shares her expertise in assisting families with special needs children in finding suitable homes in and around Boise, Idaho. She discusses various considerations when buying a house, such as proximity to therapy services, neighborhood safety, and the importance of functional spaces li...

In this episode, Samantha Foote narrates a personal story about her son's meltdown during a family trip. She recounts the events leading up to the meltdown, the meltdown itself, and what they did after. Samantha shares what she did well in managing the situation, , and also reflects on what she could have done better. She emphasizes the importance of helping children return to a self-regulated sta...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk with Dana Kay, a board-certified health practitioner, and two-time international bestselling author. Dana shares her extensive experience working with families across the US through her company, ADHD Thrive Institute, where she helps parents reduce ADHD symptoms naturally by focusing on biological triggers like diet, gut health, and inflammation. She empha...

In this episode, Samantha Foote discusses effective strategies for managing transitions for neurodivergent children. Understanding that transitions can trigger anxiety, resistance, or meltdowns, she emphasizes the importance of preparation and planning. Suggestions include using visual schedules, musical cues, and countdowns to create predictability and ease anxiety. Additionally, she highlights t...

In this episode, Lauren and Samantha discuss strategies for managing multiple children with different sensory needs. They share personal experiences and provide initial tips, such as understanding individual sensory profiles, creating dedicated sensory spaces, establishing predictable routines, incorporating sensory breaks, and adapting communication strategies. Practical advice is offered for acc...

In this episode Samantha discusses Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and its significance in supporting the neurodivergent community. She explains ABA as a scientific method aimed at improving socially significant behaviors such as communication, self-help skills, emotional regulation, and social interactions through individualized goals, data collection, positive reinforcement, and environmental...

In this episode, Amanda Trisdel and her daughter Leta Rundell join the discussion to talk about their journey in the neurodivergent community and the founding of the Autistic Wings Dance Company. Amanda, the CEO, and Leta, who has been a dedicated dancer since a young age, talk about the struggles faced in traditional dance studios, leading them to establish a safe and accommodating space for neur...

In this episode, Samantha talks about the importance of emotional self-regulation, particularly the effective technique of stepping away. She discusses the significance of managing one's emotions to support both oneself and one’s child, and how stepping away during a moment of escalating emotions can help maintain composure and prevent further escalation. Samantha provides actionable steps on how...

Samantha and Lauren speak with Robert Delena who discusses the journey he and his son Ryan have navigated through various therapeutic schools and a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder. Robert highlights the challenges of overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis, emphasizing the importance of parental instinct and finding appropriate support. A pivotal moment arrives when Ryan, initially labeled an...

In this episode Samantha discusses strategies for responding to children who speak disrespectfully, particularly focusing on neurodivergent children such as those with ADHD and autism. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining respect and firmness in responses, highlighting how these children may face unique communication challenges and may not always understand social norms. Samantha shares pr...

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren speak with Scotti Weintraub and discuss the importance of parents paying attention to the struggles their children face in school, collaborating with teachers and professionals, and advocating effectively during school meetings. Scotti emphasizes leading with curiosity, gathering information, and building solid relationships with educators to create a supportiv...

In this episode Samantha Foote discusses the importance of celebrating neurodiversity. She explains that neurodiversity includes the natural differences in how people think and learn and emphasizes the value of these differences. Samantha provides practical tips for creating inclusive spaces, such as listening to neurodivergent voices and respecting individual needs. She highlights the importance...

In this episode of the 'Every Brand Is Different' podcast, executive coach and author Tucker Miller shares her extensive experience in leadership and advocacy. The conversation addresses the challenges and importance of having difficult conversations, especially for parents of neurodivergent children. Tucker emphasizes the need for neutrality and collaboration in these dialogues, suggesting strate...

In this episode Samantha explores the scope of speech therapy for neurodivergent children, including those with autism or ADHD. She explains how speech therapy covers expressive and receptive language, social communication skills, and alternative communication methods. Samantha offers practical signs that may indicate a need for speech therapy and provides home strategies to support communication....

Samantha and Lauren discuss the complexities of managing both ADHD and autism, which often have competing needs. They discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals with both diagnoses. Practical strategies to manage these dual diagnoses are explored, such as creating flexible routines, adapting the environment, building internal awareness, and using transition helpers. Samantha and Lauren emp...

Samantha Foote discusses the benefits of taking musical breaks to prevent meltdowns and manage stress. She highlights how music can enhance the immune system, release endorphins, reverse stress, promote creative expression, and offer other benefits without needing any musical training. Samantha shares several practical methods for incorporating music into daily routines, including improvising on i...

In this episode of the Every Brand Is Different podcast, hosts Samantha and Lauren speak with Carissa Beaman, a real estate agent who specializes in helping neurodivergent families find the perfect home. Carissa shares her unique approach to real estate, which includes developing tailored solutions that go beyond standard checklists. Focusing on sensory-friendly spaces, accessible features, and in...

In this episode of the Every Brain Is Different podcast, Samantha Foot introduces and explains the positive discipline strategy known as Distract and Redirect. This approach involves shifting a child's attention from inappropriate or potentially harmful activities to more suitable and engaging alternatives, which is especially effective for children with emotional regulation challenges like ADHD a...

In this episode of the Every Brand Is Different podcast, David Chalk shares his journey as a neurodivergent individual. Diagnosed at the age of 42 with ADHD, dyslexia, and prosopagnosia, David reveals how these conditions affected his life. He highlights the role his mother played in providing unconditional love and a positive environment, which significantly contributed to his success despite his...

In today's episode, Samantha Foote discusses how to support social skills in neurodivergent children, such as those with ADHD and autism. She highlights the differences in communication and thinking styles between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals and emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences to foster meaningful social interactions. Key strategies for supporting socia...

Samantha and Lauren welcome Gail Ewell, founder and executive director of Hope Technology School (HTS), an award-winning K-12 school for neurodivergent students, including those with autism and ADHD. Gail shares her journey of founding HTS, starting as a pilot program for five students and growing into a fully accredited school. As a parent of three, two of whom are neurodivergent, she discusses t...

Samantha explores the role of occupational therapy in supporting children with autism and ADHD. Discover how occupational therapy enhances essential skills for daily living, including dressing, playing, eating, and learning. Samantha shares personal insights into the impact occupational therapy has had on her children's sensory regulation, motor skills, and emotional well-being. Learn how occupati...

In this milestone 100th episode of 'Every Brain is Different,' Samantha and Lauren express their excitement and gratitude to the listeners who have supported them from the beginning. They discuss five major themes that have emerged from their interviews and personal experiences over the last year and a half. They emphasize the importance of community for neurodivergent individuals and parents, tru...

In this episode, Samantha talks about self-regulation with a specific focus on positive self-talk. She begins by defining emotional self-regulation and explains its significance in parenting, emphasizing how this skill can help caregivers respond thoughtfully and constructively to various situations. Samantha then discusses how positive self-talk can serve as a powerful tool for self-regulation, p...