Exceptional Girls Podcast: Helping our smart but struggling girls feel seen, supported, and celebrated

If you’ve ever gotten parenting advice that just didn’t seem to fit your child, this conversation is for you. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Danika Maddocks. Dr. Maddocks is a psychologist, gifted and twice-exceptional parent coach, and founder of The Gifted Learning Lab. She helps parents move beyond standard parenting advice to create a family life that truly...

Autism in girls can present differently than it does in boys, and many girls are very good at masking. As a result, autism in girls is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or missed until later in life, leaving parents of autistic girls searching for clear answers and support. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast , I’m joined by Dr. Theresa Lyons to have a science-grounded, practical con...

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast , I’m talking with Kaia Vernon-Oliveira. This episode is a departure from my recent episodes in that I’m not talking with a clinician or recognized professional, but with an actual exceptional girl. Kaia is a profoundly gifted 11-year-old storyteller and performer who loves making people think. One of the ways she’s doing this is through her TedxLas...

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast , host Julie Withrow is joined by Dawn Friedman, founder of Open Book Parenting, to talk about child anxiety and how families can navigate the challenges it presents. Anxiety and anxious avoidance can be tricky to manage, especially in neurodivergent kids. Dawn is quick to point out that parents aren't to blame and needn't feel ashamed if...

As any parent of a gifted or twice exceptional child knows, finding a learning environment that's capable of meeting your child's particular needs can be a long and difficult journey. Traditional schools often fall short of providing the academic challenge, learning accommodations, or social-emotional support your child needs to be successful.  In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Po...

When most people picture a gifted child, they imagine a straight-A student who thrives in school and loves a challenge. But what happens when giftedness looks more like meltdowns after school, daydreaming in class, or a deep interest in fashion design? In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, host Julie Withrow welcomes Megan Cannella, Director of Outreach at the Davidson Institute, to un...

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast , host Julie Withrow sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Gail Post to unpack the complex relationship between neurodivergence and eating disorders.  Drawing from decades of experience, Gail offers professional insights and practical advice for parents and caregivers navigating these challenges. 🔑 Listen in as Gail shares: The surpri...

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Melinda Edwards. As the mother of an autistic daughter and a practicing physician, Dr. Edwards’ views on autism may surprise you.  Listen in as Dr. Edwards shares: How her initial feelings of grief and loss about her daughter's diagnosis shifted in a dramatic way The profound insights she's learned about b...

In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Alexis Bitting, a licensed mental health counselor who holds a Ph. D. in clinical sexology.  Dr. Alexis has extensive experience working with neurodivergent young people, as well as those who are questioning their gender identity and sexuality.  Listen in as Dr. Alexis shares her expertise and insights: Is this just a phase? How to know if your child&apos...

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Dr. Nicole Tetreault. A neuroscientist, meditation teacher, international speaker, and author of Insight into a Bright Mind , Dr. Nicole shares:  Personal and poignant stories of growing up as a sensitive and precocious girl who later learned she had dyslexia The pivotal experience that led her to bec...

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Dr. Gail Post, a clinical psychologist, professor, and author of The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children. Based on her many years of experience working with gifted and twice exceptional women and girls, Gail shares: Some of the not-so-obvious...

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Brianne Hudak, a veteran educator, about the prevalence of underachievement in gifted and neurodivergent girls.    A veteran teacher certified in gifted and talented education, as well as a school leader, Brianne shares: Why underachievement poses unique problems for girls How to spot the signs of und...

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Dr. Linda Silverman, a well-known and respected expert in giftedness in both girls and adult women.  Dr. Silverman shares invaluable information for parents and caregivers of girls who are gifted, or who they suspect may be.  You'll come away with a deeper understanding of: What giftedness really...

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, you can listen in as I continue my conversation with Maddie, my neurodivergent and twice exceptional daughter. In episode 3, we talked about the challenges we faced as we tried to understand why why things seemed harder for her than other kids. Listen in on the second half of our no-holds-barred conversation, where Maddie and I talk about: My regre...

If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, advocate for, and accept and love herself — just as she is. This episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, you'll hear part 1 of a two-part conversation I had with my twice exceptiona...

If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, advocate for, and accept and love herself — just as she is. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, you'll learn: The "why" behind the creation of this podcast  Mo...