Beautifully Complex

In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I explore the critical issues surrounding neurodivergence and criminalization with ADHD author and activist Sarah Templeton. Sarah shares her powerful experience working with individuals in the prison system and the critical need for early ADHD screening.

Key topics include:

• The alarming criminalization of neurodivergent behavior, particularly for individuals with ADHD.
• The urgent need for early ADHD screening to prevent misunderstandings and punitive consequences.
• How misdiagnoses and lack of understanding lead neurodivergent individuals down a troubling path.
• Proactive, compassionate strategies to break the school-to-prison pipeline and create supportive systems for complex kids and adults.

If you are interested in reducing the school-to-prison pipeline and ensuring all children and adults are understood and supported, this conversation is a must-listen.

You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles, it’s about progress, one step at a time.

Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/298.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

LISTENER NOTE: We openly discuss body parts, sex, and sexuality in this episode. You likely want to listen where you child cannot hear it.Feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to handle complex topics like sexuality and relationships with your neurodivergent kid? In this episode, I sit down with Amy Lang, MA, founder of Birds & Bees & Kids and a seasoned expert in sexual health education, specializing in neurodivergence.

Together, we discuss essential topics like:

• How neurodivergent kids and teens process social cues and navigate puberty.
• Addressing the stark reality of porn exposure and providing age-appropriate, explicit information about sex.
• Strategies for open, shame-free communication with your child about their experiences and discoveries.
• The importance of creating a supportive environment for exploring gender identity and sexual orientation.

This episode is packed with practical, step-by-step advice, from tailoring your conversations to suit your child's learning style, to using clear language that fosters safety and understanding. Amy offers actionable tips to help you build a neuro-affirming, trusting dialogue with your kid. We believe that with the right guidance, every conversation about these delicate topics can be a stepping stone to a more connected and confident relationship with your child.

Listen in for hope, inspiration, and the tools you need to navigate these conversations with confidence and compassion.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Ever feel like you're fighting an uphill battle when it comes to helping your child manage everyday tasks? Do you worry that your neurodivergent child may not be able to navigate the complexities of life independently? There's hope! In this episode of Beautifully Complex, we're diving deep into practical strategies for supporting executive functioning in our unique kids, making daunting tasks more approachable and fostering resilience.

I'm thrilled to be joined by executive functioning expert, Carrie Bonnett. Together, we'll explore:

• Breaking assignments into smaller, manageable parts to aid task initiation and alleviate overwhelm.
• Effective techniques to control impulsive behaviors and enhance emotional control.
• Utilizing visual aids to support smoother routines and reduce daily chaos.
• The importance of celebrating small wins to boost confidence and counteract negative feedback.

Creating a supportive, neuro-affirming environment is key to unlocking your child's potential. We'll guide you through actionable, step-by-step advice to help you set up strategies and supports, enabling your child to gradually function independently and thrive.

Tune in to this episode for a compassionate, practical guide to transforming daily struggles into opportunities for growth and connection. Let's work together to turn worry into hope and frustration into success.

You can find additional resources at parentingadhdandautism.com and Regulated Kids.com — because it’s not just about the struggles; it’s about progress, one step at a time.

Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/295.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Do you find yourself asking, "Why is this happening to me? Why my kid?" It’s okay to feel this way, and I’m here to tell you that you have the power to transform these frustrations into opportunities for joy and growth.

In this episode I will guide you through the journey of shifting your mindset to make room for joy in your life and in your child’s. From being overwhelmed by a sense of victimhood to reclaiming your narrative, I share my personal experiences and proven strategies that have helped me and many other parents.

Together, we will cover:

• How to recognize and challenge a victim mindset, making space for a survivor mentality.
• The neutrality of circumstances and how changing our narrative around them can reduce emotional strain.
• Practical steps for managing and reframing negative thoughts to build resilience and find joy in everyday moments.
• Techniques to harness the power of gratitude and self-compassion to foster a nurturing environment for both you and your child.

By tuning in, you’ll gain practical, step-by-step advice designed to help you manage your thoughts purposefully, fostering a neuro-affirming environment where your child can thrive. My warm and supportive approach provides the empathetic guidance you need to feel understood and reassured.

So join me on this transformative journey. Discover how to reclaim your power, inspire hope, and cultivate an atmosphere of joy and resilience. Listen in for actionable tips that will change not just your mindset, but the entire dynamic of your family life.

Please subscribe and share this episode with other parents who might benefit. Together, we can transform our thinking and make room for the joy that every family deserves.

Show notes and more resources at parentingadhdandautism.com/295.

Check out the Regulated Kids Project at Regulated Kids.com!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.

Are you exhausted from navigating the emotional storms and meltdowns that come with raising a neurodivergent child? Do you sometimes feel like every traditional parenting strategy has led you to a dead-end, leaving you worried about your child's future and overwhelmed by the daily chaos? You're not alone.

In this episode, I'll share my personal and professional journey as a parenting coach and a mom of a neurodivergent kid. I've spent years in the trenches, facing the same challenges you do, and I'm here to tell you there's hope and a path to a fulfilling, peaceful family life.

Join me as I introduce the Regulated Kids Project, a transformative community focused on teaching regulation and emotional intelligence skills to help your neurodivergent child thrive. In this episode, we'll cover:

• Insights into why traditional parenting advice often falls short for complex kids.
• The critical role of regulation and emotional intelligence in lifelong success.
• An overview of the tools and resources available within the Regulated Kids Project, including quick wins lessons, live community support, expert webinars, and the innovative Lumi Bot.

Listen in for practical, step-by-step advice designed with busy, overwhelmed parents in mind. Discover how to weave small, manageable activities into your daily routine, fostering a neuro-affirming environment that empowers your child.

If you're ready to move beyond the frustration and create a connected, calm, and confident family life, this episode is for you. Let's embark on this journey together. Tune in and start building the foundation for your child's lifelong success today.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.