Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different

Samantha and Lauren discuss the negative impact of constant corrective feedback and emphasize the importance of recognizing children's efforts rather than just their outcomes.They share personal experiences and research findings that show how neurodivergent kids often receive more negative feedback than their neurotypical peers. They highlight the importance of creating a supportive home environment that counterbalances the critical feedback children might receive from schools and other settings.The episode ends with a promise to provide practical tips on giving meaningful positive feedback in the next discussion. 00:00 Introduction00:39 New Year Resolutions and Positive Feedback02:05 The Impact of Negative Feedback on Neurodivergent Kids05:18 Effort vs. Outcome: Recognizing the Invisible Work06:50 Personal Stories and Examples10:25 The Role of Parents and Positive Reinforcement17:15 Conclusion and Next Week's Topic Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membershipNo, David Book: https://amzn.to/3LjsRzX  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this final episode of the year, Samantha and Lauren discuss the societal pressures of New Year's resolutions and advocate for a more realistic approach, especially for neurodivergent individuals and parents of neurodivergent children.They highlight the overwhelming nature of setting too many goals and emphasize the importance of focusing on one or two manageable objectives at a time to avoid burnout and shame.They also stress the importance of self-compassion and creating a supportive environment for personal growth and effective parenting. 00:00 Introduction00:51 New Year, No Pressure02:30 The Reality of New Year's Resolutions05:18 Understanding Burnout and Stress08:18 Setting Realistic Goals13:24 Reflection and Self-Compassion18:32 Final Thoughts and Community Support Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about the importance of taking a break during the holiday season, particularly for families with neurodivergent members.They discuss the challenges that arise from the busy holiday schedules and emphasize the necessity of rest for mental health and overall well-being.Samantha and Lauren share personal experiences and provide insights on how to manage holiday stress, suggesting that prioritizing rest and downtime can mitigate meltdowns and enhance the holiday experience for both parents and children. They also touch upon the societal expectations to be constantly productive and how this goes against the natural cycles of rest observed in nature. 00:00 Introduction00:36 Hosts' Personal Updates and Reflections01:17 The Importance of Rest During Breaks02:22 Managing Holiday Stress and Expectations06:01 Adapting Family Traditions10:30 The Natural Cycle of Rest and Productivity14:51 Why Downtime is Essential for Neurodivergent Kids16:15 Parents' Need for Downtime and Managing Triggers19:28 Final Thoughts and Community Support Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

Anneke (pronounced UH-nuh-kuh) is a coach with a background in both corporate and clinical settings, having worked as a clinical director, supervisor, and behavior analyst. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, she supports clients worldwide through phone and video conferencing. Anneke specializes in coaching professionals with ADHD, autism, and related neurodivergent experiences. She brings personal insight to her practice, as she has been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Website: www.Anneke-Elmhirst.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/allforlovecoaching Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss strategies for effectively parenting children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). They emphasize the importance of collaboration over direct demands to help children feel more in control and safe, which mitigates reactive behaviors.They explain how giving children choices and involving them in decision-making can prevent the activation of their parasympathetic nervous system, which is linked to anxiety and defensive behaviors.Practical examples like offering options instead of direct commands are given and the importance of flexibility and patience in parenting, particularly for neurodivergent families is discussed.Samantha and Lauren also highlight the significance of co-regulation and maintaining a calm demeanor to support a child's sense of autonomy and safety.A PDA cheat sheet with useful scripts and strategies is available for listeners. 00:00 Introduction00:39 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)03:00 Collaborative Parenting Strategies06:08 Practical Examples and Scripts09:37 Managing Parental Expectations and Flexibility21:30 Maintaining a Regulated Nervous System24:30 Conclusion and Resources Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membershipGet the PDA Cheat Sheet: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/pda-cheat-sheet  Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent