TPP 210a: Dr. Roberto Olivardia Talks About Kids with ADHD and Sleep Challenges
Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, talks about the relationship between ADHD and sleep challenges, and offers strategies for children struggling with sleep.
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TPP 455: A Conversation with Dr. Naomi Fisher on Neurodivergence, PDA, and Self-Directed Learning
In this conversation, I talk with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Naomi Fisher about self-directed education, and why it can be such a powerful approach for neurodivergent kids, especially those with a PDA profile. Naomi shares why agency is so important in learning, how traditional school can chip away at a child’s self-worth, and what it looks like when we truly support demand-avoidant kids in ways that work for them. We also get into the challenges parents face when stepping outside the norm and why keeping the parent-child relationship at the center is key.
About Dr. Naomi Fisher
Dr. Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist who specialises in trauma, autism and alternative education. She is the author of several books including When the Naughty Step Makes Things Worse and the Teenager’s Guide to Burnout. She runs webinars for parents and more of her work can be found at www.naomifisher.co.uk
Things you'll learn from this episode
Why agency in learning is essential for neurodivergent children to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and stay engaged
How self-directed education supports children—especially those with PDA—by minimizing pressure and honoring their natural pace
Why respecting a child’s right to say no is foundational for creating a safe, trust-based learning environment
How understanding the cycle of demand avoidance helps reframe “bad behavior” as a response to overwhelm, not defiance
Why shifting away from rigid definitions of academic success can open the door to more authentic growth and capability
How prioritizing the parent-child relationship and finding community support helps families confidently navigate less conventional paths
Resources mentioned
Dr. Naomi Fisher’s website
Naomi Fisher on Substack
A Different Way to Learn by Naomi Fisher
Eliza Fricker Talks About Parenting a Child with PDA (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
Eliza Fricker’s website
The Family Experience of PDA by Eliza Fricker
Eliza Fricker / Missing the Mark on Facebook
Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of Their Own Learning by Naomi Fisher
What Can We Do When School’s Not Working: An Illustrated Handbook for Professionals by Naomi Fisher
Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model
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Where Do We Go From Here?
In this special mini-episode, Debbie reflects on the Tilt Parenting revolution nearly 10 years after it began and invites listeners to complete a short survey to help assess what’s working and what still needs to change for families raising neurodivergent kids today.
This is your chance to help shape the future of the movement to shift the parenting paradigm and ensure it continues to create more ease, possibility, and joy for neurodivergent children and their families.
Please share this episode and the survey!
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TPP 209a: Blake Boles Asks Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School
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TPP 454: What Do I Do When My 18-year-old Is Stalled Out and Not Ready to Launch?
This week I’m joined by Zach Morris for a thoughtful conversation
about the challenges of parenting neurodivergent teens who are
approaching adulthood. We dig into a listener question about an
almost-18-year-old who’s still really struggling, despite years of
support. Zach and I explore the pressures parents face, the grief that
can come up, how to hold boundaries with empathy, and why we need to
rethink what success and failure actually mean. We also talk about the
importance of understanding each child’s unique developmental
timeline—and how to give ourselves and our kids space to pause, regroup,
and keep going.
About Debbie:
Debbie Reber, MA is a parenting activist, bestselling author, speaker, and the CEO and founder of TiLT Parenting, a resource, top-performing podcast,
consultancy, and community with a focus on shifting the paradigm for
parents raising and embracing neurodivergent children. A regular
contributor to Psychology Today and ADDitude Magazine, and the author of more than a dozen books for children and teens, Debbie’s most recent book is Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope.
About Zach
Zach Morris is a thought leader in education who is committed to helping
people increase compassion, collaboration, and learning. Zach supports
individuals, families, and organizations who aim to develop a greater
sense of safety and empowerment in themselves, in their relationships,
and in their communities. Gently guiding humans through the resistance
they encounter is at the core of Zach’s work. Learn more about Zach here
Things You'll Learn from This Episode
Why parenting neurodivergent teens near adulthood requires extra patience, flexibility, and a long-view approach
How societal expectations can increase stress and make it harder to trust our child’s unique path
Why processing grief is a necessary part of coming to terms with unmet expectations and ongoing struggles
How setting and holding clear, compassionate boundaries helps support both safety and autonomy
Why redefining success and failure can reduce pressure and create space for authentic growth
How taking breaks, leaning on support, and staying attuned to our child’s timeline can nurture long-term resilience
Resources Mentioned
The Self-Driven Children with William Stixrud and Ned Johnson (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
Dr. Dan Peters on The Teen Years & Preparing to Launch (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
The Autistic Burnout Workbook: Your Guide to Your Personal Recovery Plan by Dr. Megan Anna Neff
A Conversation with Dr. Megan Anna Neff About Autistic Burnout (Tilt Parenting Podcast)
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About Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child? Full-Tilt Parenting is here to help. Hosted by parenting activist and author Debbie Reber, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating life with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), giftedness, and twice-exceptional (2e) kids. With expert interviews and candid conversations, you'll discover practical solutions for things like school challenges and refusal, therapy options, and fostering inclusion, social struggles, advocacy, intense behavior, and more — all through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens. Whether you're struggling with advocating for your child at school or seeking ways to better support their unique needs, Debbie offers the guidance and encouragement you need to reduce overwhelm and create a thriving, joyful family environment. It's like sitting down with a trusted friend who gets it. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back!
Listen to Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children, Stretch Marks: The 40's Stretch and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
Ireland