Autism & Neurodiversity
128 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratingsThis weekly podcast is your go-to resource for real answers to parenting, working with or being neurodivergent. With the right information you will better understand neurodivergent brains, develop the skills to parent and mentor more confidently, and get better outcomes addressing neurodivergent challenges.
Join Jason Grygla, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Director of TechieForLife, a specialized mentoring program for neurodivergent young adults and his wife, Debbie Grygla, Certified Life Coach, every Friday for relevant insights, discussions with leading experts, and supportive tools.
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Episodes
The Shift from Parent to Mentor: A Critical Transformation with Jason & Debbie
March 23, 2024 00:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBAre you tired of trying to make traditional parenting approaches work for you? Ready to make a profound shift that fosters genuine connections and sustainable growth for your child, teen, or young adult? In this episode, we explore the transformative power of NDM™ NeuroDevelopmental Mentoring and how adopting a mentor mindset can revolutionize your parenting journey. Discover the key to alleviating pressure, fostering autonomy, and nurturing meaningful connections that lead to long-term p...
Big Announcement! Parenting to Mentor with Jason & Debbie
March 09, 2024 03:19 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBFriends, Hello! We've got something exciting to share with you in this episode! You know, parenting can be a rollercoaster, especially when it comes to raising neurodivergent young people. But, guess what? It doesn't have to be a struggle without hope. In today's episode, we're peeling back the curtain on our personal transformation moments and the lessons that have led us to our big announcement this month. Let's dive straight in! We're thrilled to introduce the Parenting to Mentor mini-c...
The Power in Choosing a Parenting Framework with Debbie
March 01, 2024 14:18 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBParenting neurodivergents and those who have struggles can be overwhelming, especially when faced with conflicting advice. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of choosing a framework to operate from. Learn how selecting a clear direction can help you move beyond confusion and towards effective solutions. Discover the key to targeted goal-setting, adjustments, and consistent progress in your parenting journey. YOU'LL LEARN: The importance of choosing a framework to hel...
Move Beyond Quick Fixes to Sustainable Development with Debbie
February 17, 2024 03:53 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBParenting neurodivergent children can be challenging, and relying on quick fixes may seem like an easy solution. However, these quick fixes can lead to long-term damage and hinder sustainable development. On today's episode of the Autism & Neurodiversity podcast, I'm discussing the pitfalls of using quick fixes and highlighting the importance of embracing development. YOU'LL LEARN: The damage quick fix approaches can create, even the ones that seem to "be working." Why relying on externa...
Stop Reacting and Start Nurturing Connection with Debbie
February 09, 2024 19:15 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBParenting can be hard, especially when you have an autistic or neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult. It's easy to find yourself constantly reacting to your loved one's undesirable or challenging behaviors. And... it's a stressful way to be parenting. Reactive approaches fall short of addressing your young person's needs, and it's a damaging cycle to get trapped in. There are reasons you may be reacting and I have some tips to help you step back and change course. Stop re...
Attachment & Autism Deep Dive Part 3 with Dr. Jack Hinman
January 26, 2024 12:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBEver get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult? You're not alone. This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles. Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emotional well-being in neurodivergent individuals. The highlights: Unmask some of the mystery: ...
Attachment & Autism Deep Dive Part 2 with Dr. Jack Hinman
January 20, 2024 06:48 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBEver get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult? You're not alone. This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles. Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emotional well-being in neurodivergent individuals. The highlights: Unmask some of the mystery: ...
Attachment & Autism Deep Dive Part 1 with Dr. Jack Hinman
January 12, 2024 12:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBEver get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult? You're not alone. This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles. Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emotional well-being in neurodivergent individuals. The highlights: Unmask some of the mystery: ...
3 Steps to Reducing Stress Mini-Series Part 3 with Debbie
December 29, 2023 12:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBFeeling the holiday squeeze? The holidays can be magical... and manic, especially when your neurodivergent loved ones are on sensory overload. In this Part 3 of our holiday stress-busting mini-series, we dive deep into the hidden challenges that neurodivergent kids face and uncover a key strategy for calmer holidays or any time for years to come. If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with some of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpf...
3 Steps to Reducing Stress Mini-Series Part 2 with Debbie
December 22, 2023 12:00 - 13 minutes - 12 MBFeeling frazzled instead of festive? The holidays bring joy, but for families with neurodivergent children, the season can be a sensory overload meltdown-maker. Part 2 in this mini-series on reducing stress I'll help you understand the hidden challenges that add to stress and one of the keys to calmer holidays or anytime for years to come. If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a kind review with some of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful conte...
3 Steps to Reducing Stress Mini-Series Part 1 with Debbie
December 16, 2023 00:01 - 10 minutes - 9.95 MBHoliday season is here, bringing festive cheer but also potential meltdowns for families with autistic and neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults. In part one of this mini-series, I have some important perspectives to support you in taking care of yourself and your loved ones so that you can enjoy more of the good stuff over the holidays or anytime. If you liked today's episode, please take a minute to leave a kind review to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to...
Managing Our Expectations with Jason
November 24, 2023 12:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBParenting is one of those jobs that rarely matches up with our expectations. The challenges of parenting an autistic or neurodivergent is an experience many of us were not well prepared for. Sometimes it's hard to adjust our expectations for what it would be like, what our child would be like, and what our definitions of success look like. If you are feeling disappointed and frustrated, if your relationship with your family is strained, if you often feel unhappiness with your current sit...
Boost Their Resilience with Debbie
November 18, 2023 01:47 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBIt takes resilience to grow, develop, and be happy and successful in life when we have very real struggles. Resilient children, teens, and young adults are more willing to try things and try at them for longer. Low resilience leads to giving up quickly or even refusing to try. Get some insightful tips on how to foster resilience in your child, teen, or young adult, especially if they are autistic or neurodivergent. Help them embrace failure as a learning opportunity and create a supportive...
Supporting the Transition into Adulthood with Jason
November 11, 2023 04:51 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBParenting an autistic and/or neurodivergent child can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. As they transition into adulthood, the question of independence often arises. In this episode, Jason explores practical strategies to help neurodivergent young adults navigate the path to self-reliance. Join him as he delves into essential life skills, self-advocacy, safety considerations, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. He'll also discuss the importance of celebrating milestones and ...
The Secret to Building Their Confidence with Debbie
November 04, 2023 03:10 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBDo you want to raise a confident child, teen or young adult? One who is not afraid to take risks, try new things, and perseveres in the face of challenges? When you get skilled at building their self-confidence you can help them be more successful even if they are autistic, an ADHDer or neurodivergent with disabilities that make things extra challenging. Unfortunately, sometimes the harder we try to build their confidence the more it goes down. It's because we're focusing on the wrong...
When Your Love One Pulls Away with Jason
October 27, 2023 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBDo you have a teen or young adult in your life who is pulling away from you? If so, you're not alone. Many teens and young adults but especially autistic and neurodivergents go through a phase where they need to distance themselves from their parents in order to grow and develop their own identity. When you understand why neurodivergent young people pull away and have strategies to help them through this process, you can play a vital role in supporting their growth and development and reco...
Crush Shame & Boost Well-being by Parenting with Empathy with Debbie
October 21, 2023 02:10 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBOur young people, especially our autistic and neurodivergent, thrive when they're met with support and empathy, and spiral down when they're met with shame-based approaches and rejection. It can be challenging to offer empathy, especially when your child, teen, or young adult is behaving negatively or acting out. But empathy is an essential tool for crushing shame and boosting well-being. When you practice empathy, you help your children feel seen, heard, and understood. This can help ...
Mania and Neurodiversity: What Parents Need to Know with Jason
October 13, 2023 11:00 - 7 minutes - 6.56 MBDoes your autistic or neurodivergent loved one swing between manic, over the top, emotions and depression? In this episode, Jason talks about the challenges of extreme swings in emotionally dysregulated states. This can lead to problems in their relationships, at work, and in other areas of their lives. Being more aware of the signs of mania can help us be more effective in supporting the development of emotional regulation skills. Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit...
Breaking the Cycle of Shame-based Parenting Approaches with Debbie
October 06, 2023 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBHave you ever tried to stop yelling at your kids, only to find yourself yelling again? Have you tried rewarding and punishing, but it's not working? If so, you're not alone. Many of us were parented with shame-based approaches, and we may be unintentionally using the same approaches with our own kids. But the research shows that shame-based parenting is ineffective and destructive. In this episode, learn what shame-based parenting is and why it's so harmful How to identify shame-based pa...
Time Blindness and It's Impact on Connecting Cause and Effect with Jason
September 29, 2023 16:01 - 9 minutes - 9.08 MBTime blindness is a common challenge for autistics and neurodivergents. It can make it difficult to estimate how long it will take to complete a task, to plan ahead, and to meet deadlines. This can lead to frustration and anxiety for both parents and their children. Understanding some of the nuances of time blindness can help us develop more supportive strategies. Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com If you liked today's episode, please leave a review t...
Boundaries with Love: Fostering Attachment and Autonomy with Debbie
September 23, 2023 05:34 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBHave you ever felt powerless, confused, angry, or resentful because you were struggling to hold healthy boundaries with your child, teen, or young adult? Or maybe you thought you were holding boundaries, but they felt ineffective or even damaging to your relationship? In this episode, I share my insights on how to set healthy boundaries with love, in a way that strengthens your relationship, connection, and attachment, while also fostering healthy autonomy and development. I talk about t...
Beyond 'No': Building Stronger Bonds with Debbie
August 18, 2023 17:23 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBLearn how saying 'yes' can strengthen bonds, promote open communication, and guide your child's growth. Discover practical strategies to shift from conflict to connection, leading to empowered, confident kids. Tune in for a fresh perspective on effective parenting. Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to help us bring you more amazing content. All you have to do is head HERE:
Mindful Parenting: Embracing Connection as a Practice for Success with Debbie
July 29, 2023 04:43 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBIf you've ever felt stuck in your attempts to build a meaningful bond, Debbie is here to share a powerful tool that can transform your relationship into one of influence and connection. Discover how this tool can lead to better support for your child's success, development, and overall happiness while enhancing the joy and fulfillment you experience in your relationship. Tune in and embark on a path of growth and understanding in your parenting journey. Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram...
Unraveling the Power of Novelty: How Dopamine Drives Motivation in ADHDers with Jason
July 21, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MB"How do you motivate them?" It helpes to understand dopamine, the neurotransmitter connected with feeling good and motivated. ADHDers have issues with dopamine levels and transmition. They need more support to increase their dopamine. Novelty is a powerful tool that can help. Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram. Visit our website JasonDebbie.com If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to help us bring you more amazing content. All you have to do is head HERE.
101. Motivation Challenges: The intersection of PDA, OCD, and Paralysis by Analysis with Jason
July 13, 2023 23:30 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBIn this episode we explore what may appear as laziness or self-sabotage, but is actually a battle with three anxiety-induced barriers. These common barriers overwhelm and frustrate neurodivergent individuals, hindering their progress. Learn how mindful and intentional mentoring can guide them towards taking that leap of faith, break free of barriers, and unlock their motivation. For full show notes visit: jasondebbie.com/101
100. What Matters Most with Jason and Debbie
July 07, 2023 20:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBAs we celebrate our 100th episode of this podcast, we reflect on our difficult parenting journey and compare what we used to think was most important to what we value now. Join us as we share what we've learned matters most. In this episode, you will be able to: Delve into the power of practicing presence for savoring life's most precious moments. Explore how nurturing deep relationships can be a fundamental cornerstone in parenting. Get a fresh perspective on the importance of addressi...
99. Navigating Through Essential Developmental Experiences with Debbie
June 30, 2023 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBIt’s tricky to navigate through essential developmental experiences–even more so with autistic or neurodivergent young people. You may even find that you’re sheltering them from those experiences. What if there was another way? A way in which you and your autistic young person experience less stress and more delight because you’ve been given the tools to do so. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/99
98. How to Manage Neurodivergent Emotional Dysregulation with Jason
June 23, 2023 11:00 - 8 minutes - 7.88 MBEven with the best of intentions neurodivergent individuals can become emotionally dysregulated. It is a common experience among these young people and it is often misunderstood or overlooked by those around them. Through personal stories we aim to give you the tools to better support your young people in managing their emotions and finding ways to thrive. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/98
97. Decoding Behaviors: Understanding Your Young Adult's Developmental Stage with Debbie
June 16, 2023 22:55 - 26 minutes - 24 MBIs there a better way to view your child’s development and behavior rather than by age? Do you find yourself getting derailed by your expectations of their behavior and developmental stage? In this episode we explore a supportive lens that facilitates a more positive frame of mind for the expectations you have for your child–a lens which benefits them and you. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/97
96. Prioritizing Relationships Over Behaviors with Jason
June 09, 2023 11:00 - 9 minutes - 9.1 MBWe’re all doing our best to raise happy and successful children. Even with the best of intentions, things can go in the opposite direction of what we intended. In this episode, Jason shares a personal story about a negative experience he had while parenting his son and the important lesson in it if you want to improve your relationship with the child, teen, or young adult you're parenting or working with. Get full episode show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/96
95. How to Effectively Homeschool Neurodivergent Children with Shannon Biancamano
May 31, 2023 16:23 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBHave you ever thought about homeschooling your neurodivergent child only to be derailed by your own thoughts of inadequacy? With our guest, Shannon Biancamano, we discuss how homeschool can be a real possibility. She shares her experience and insights into how she successfully does just that with her own neurodivergent children. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/95
94. Emotion Regulation Skill Development with Debbie
May 27, 2023 00:20 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBEmotional regulation is more than just maintaining a state of calmness. It requires an awareness of self and the ability to connect with others we trust. Another part of emotional regulation is being able to sit in our negative emotions, which are a normal part of the human experience. If we model that sadness is bad our children will try to avoid it at all costs. If we label our emotions, rather than avoid them, we are better able to face them head on in the future. Get full show no...
93. Co-regulation Why it Matters When You Parent or Work with Autistic & Neurodivergent Young People with Debbie
May 12, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBOur role in co-regulation can have a significant impact on an autistic or neurodivergent's ability to develop self-regulation skills. Multiple studies suggest this impacts every area of their life and well-being. Are the approaches you're taking offering co-regulation or co-escalation? This matters! Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/93
92. Becoming a Better Mentor with Jason
April 07, 2023 11:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBHave you ever wondered if you are an effective mentor? Is there anything else you could be doing to meet your full mentoring potential? In this episode we talk about four types of roles a mentor can fulfill to reach to their fullest potential. As you build a foundationally strong mentoring relationship your mentee will begin to see greater benefits because trust and collaboration are evident. This type of relationship will help lessen their struggles, allow them to face future challenges h...
91. One of the Biggest Barriers to Effective Parenting with Debbie
March 31, 2023 11:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBThere are many barriers to effective parenting, but in this episode we’re going to discuss one of the biggest barriers that I frequently coach parents on, judgement. It often causes our neurodivergent loved ones to become stagnant in their progress and stay there. It keeps us as a mentor in a lower brain nervous system state, where worry, fear and anxiety thrive. This often sends our mentee into that same state as well, which in turn prevents them from learning and growing. Get full show n...
90. Attachment and Relationships with Jason
March 17, 2023 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBHuman nature leads us to naturally impute our own needs and understanding of the world on others, but is this the best method of developing a relationship with your neurodivergent loved one? We often ask questions that aren’t beneficial for that relationship, like “How social are they?” What if instead we asked, “Does my loved one want to interact with others?” With their needs in mind we avoid imputing our own desires onto them, which frequently causes them to spiral down a negative path. ...
89. Supportive Mentoring Relationships with Debbie
March 10, 2023 12:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBWhy is a supportive mentoring relationship so important? One of the most effective ways to connect and garner trust with our autistic or neurodivergent loved one is by developing this type of relationship. Mentoring is more than just words–It is more than advice. As we tune into their individual and unique needs as a mentor we avoid unrealistic expectations and better position ourselves to support their development and overall well-being. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/89
88. Insights from a Therapeutic Consultant with Shayna Abraham
March 03, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBTake advantage of the expertise of therapeutic consultant Shayna Abraham. She has been helping parents and families navigate therapeutic treatment decisions for 20 years and shares great insights, like alternatives to traditional university, how to overcome the struggles families face, and why it is so important for parents to find like-minded, supportive communities. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/88
87. Seriously Mentally Ill with Jason
February 24, 2023 12:00 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBDoes neurodivergence automatically predispose one to mental health issues? Why is it so difficult for an autistic or neurodivergent individual to manage mental illness? In a subset of this community, severe mental illness is a very real and debilitating issue. There are steps you can take to mitigate the negative effects of those issues. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/87
86. Power Struggles with Debbie
February 17, 2023 12:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBAre you parenting from a behavioral or default mode? Is your child behaving or complying out of fear? Are they stuck in a fight-or-flight brain state? Fear and power tactics damage relationships and development in children, especially neurodivergent children. Learn how to parent from a position of connection and collaboration to strengthen your relationship with your child. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/86
85. When Comfort Now Creates Pain Later with Jason
February 10, 2023 12:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBNeurodivergent children have a more difficult time growing or developing resilience during struggles. For this reason, well-meaning parents often create an environment where their children are not challenged, but instead remain in a constant state of comfort. Learn why this creates comfort and family harmony in the short term, but doesn’t provide the skills necessary for neurodivergent children to succeed later in life and how to prevent or change this mistake with your loved one. Get full...
84. How to Love Parenting Your Autistic or Neurodivergent Young Person with Debbie
February 03, 2023 12:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBThe challenges that come with parenting autistic and / or neurodivergents can be hard. There may be things you dislike or even downright hate. It's hard to show up and parent effectively when we feel this way. What if you could love your parenting experience? Would you show up differently? Be more effective? Learn how to love your experience and show up in a way that supports your neurodivergent's development and well-being. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/84
83. Common Mistakes Parents and Mentors Make When Setting Goals with Jason
January 27, 2023 12:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBThere are some common mistakes we see parents making when they set goals for themselves or to help their autistic and/or neurodivergent loved ones. Don't make these mistakes! Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/83
82. Parental Goals Achieved Easier with Debbie
January 20, 2023 12:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBIf you want to achieve your parenting goals easier then create a plan to set yourself up for success. Don't rely on will-power alone. Learn how to have more fun and make it easier to work on your parenting goals. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/82
81. Balance of Power in a Mentoring Relationship with Jason
January 13, 2023 12:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBThe balance of power in a mentoring type relationship with a young person is continually adjusting as a child develops into adulthood. As you parent, shifting ownership to them is an important part of their development. When they are autistic and/or neurodivergent and have a different timeline for developmental milestones it can create challenges as they start adulting. Here are some principals to consider when navigating these shifts. See full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/81
80. Choosing Parent / Mentor Goals with Debbie
January 06, 2023 20:10 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBWhen one of the children, teens, or young adult's you're parenting or working with is autistic and/or neurodivergent they have higher support needs. Having parental goals is important if you want to meet their needs effectively. Choose a goal and achieve it so that this year looks differently than last year. See full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/80
79. Autism and Co-occuring Diagnosis Issues with Tatiana Matthews
December 09, 2022 12:00 - 46 minutes - 43 MBMany of our autistic and neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults are being traumatized, triggered, shamed, and misunderstood because their unidentified needs aren't being addressed in their treatment plans or by their clinicians and providers. Tatiana shares valuable insights from her extensive experience and expertise working individually and in a case management role with autistic and neurodivergent clients with sophisticated co-occuring diagnosis. Some of the topics we discus...
78. How to Fail for Success with Debbie
December 02, 2022 19:24 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIf you want the autistic and neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult you parent or work with not to fail, meaning you want them to succeed with their goals, you'll want to teach and model HOW to fail. The right way to fail. The useful way to fail. How to use fails to succeed. Failing and then shutting down and giving up is a common issue for many or our neurodivergent young people. Get full show notes here: JasonDebbie.com/78
77. Staying Curious with Jason
November 25, 2022 12:10 - 20 minutes - 19 MBStaying curious may be one of the essential ingredients to empathy and our ability to connect with the young people we parent and mentor. One of the goals of NDM or Neuro-developmental Mentoring,™️ the approach we developed and teach, is to shift our focus from trying to fix a problem to a focus on mentoring development. To be an effective mentor you you can't fake curiosity. There are nuances to utilizing curiosity effectively. Get full show notes: JasonDebbie.com/77
76. Shame and Development with Debbie
November 18, 2022 21:22 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBWhen our autistic and neurodivergent young people struggle and get stuck and their development slows or stalls out, the one thing that's usually at the bottom of their struggles is shame-based thoughts, stories, and beliefs they've internalized. To get full show notes: JasonDebbie.com/76