Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different

• How to Advocate for Your Autistic Child Without Burning Bridges with Gail Ewell | Ep. 102

  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 the motivation behind HTS and key inclusive education strategies like differentiated instruction, project-based learning, and sensory sensitivity awareness.Gail also talks about fostering friendships between neurodivergent and neurotypical students through peer mentoring and collaborative projects. She offers advice on advocating for inclusion in public schools and maintaining positive relationships with educators.Gail highlights HTS’s resources and programs that support neurodivergent learners, making this episode a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about inclusive education. Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:30 – Gail's Journey and the Founding of HTS02:23 – Inclusive Education Strategies at HTS05:15 – Advocating for Inclusive Education06:59 – Personal Experiences and Challenges13:08 – Fostering Friendships and Social Skills18:40 – Fun and Personal Interests20:06 – Podcast Wrap-Up and Highlights  Connect with Samantha Foote!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

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• Friday Five: Helping Kids Thrive with Occupational Therapy | Ep. 101

  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 occupational therapy focuses on empowering children rather than 'fixing' them, providing tailored tools to thrive in their environments.Samantha details specific goals of occupational therapy for neurodivergent children, encompassing sensory regulation, fine and gross motor skills, executive functioning, self-care, and emotional regulation.Explore the importance of finding a skilled occupational therapist who can customize therapy plans to meet each child's unique needs. 00:00 Introduction to the Every Brain Is Different Podcast00:28 Samantha's Personal Experiences with Occupational Therapy02:14 Understanding the Impact of Occupational Therapy02:56 Benefits for Autistic and ADHD Children03:57 Common Goals Addressed in Occupational Therapy05:18 Importance of Personalized Therapy Plans05:56 Tips for Finding the Right Occupational Therapist Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: The Neurodivergent Parent Connect with Samantha Foote!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

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• 5 Lessons Learned About Parenting Autistic and ADHD Kids in 100 Episodes | Ep. 100

  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, trusting oneself in parenting, the significance of advocacy, understanding and interpreting children's behavior, and the educational value of play.Samantha and Lauren also highlight the creation of the Neurodivergent Parenting community as a resource for parents seeking support and understanding. 00:00 Welcome to the 100th Episode Celebration!00:56 The Importance of Community04:32 Trusting Yourself as a Parent09:03 Get Curious, Not Furious15:59 Incorporate Play for Better Learning19:12 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership  Connect with Samantha Foote!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

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• What to Say to Yourself When Parenting Feels Hard | Ep. 99

  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, providing techniques such as affirmations, reframing, and self-compassion to help parents manage their emotions effectively. By integrating these strategies into daily routines, parents can model emotional resilience and foster a supportive family environment.The episode concludes with an invitation to the Parenting Power Hour, a free monthly event designed to offer further guidance on these practices. 00:00 Introduction to Positive Self-Talk00:15 Understanding Emotional Self-Regulation00:48 Importance of Emotional Self-Regulation in Parenting01:28 Benefits of Positive Self-Talk for Parents02:38 Techniques for Practicing Positive Self-Talk04:08 Integrating Positive Self-Talk into Daily Routines05:01 Invitation to Parenting Power Hour05:28 Conclusion and Farewell Parenting Power Hour: www.everybrainisdifferent.com  Connect with Samantha Foote!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

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• Supporting a Foster Child with ADHD and Trauma | Ep. 98

  In this episode, Andrea, a foster mother with three biological children and a 10-year-old foster daughter, shares her struggles with managing her foster daughter's ADHD-related behaviors and past trauma.The conversation goes into Andrea's concerns about morning routines, task completion, and the challenges of maintaining a balance between flexibility and structure in parenting practices.Samantha introduces the concept of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and discusses potential strategies for managing anxiety-driven oppositional behaviors and fostering a more positive family dynamic. 00:37 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:31 Challenges of Parenting a Foster Child with ADHD04:21 Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)11:50 Strategies for Managing Mornings and Chores25:13 Final Advice and Resources Parenting Power Hour: www.everybrainisdifferent.com  Connect with Samantha Foote!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

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