Season 2, Episode 14
Guest: Amy Wilson — Nurse & Higher-Ed Simulation Specialist; youth fencing parent; advocate for neurodivergent athletes
What we cover
Why “calm down” isn’t a strategy: replacing emotions (anger → engagement, under-arousal → activation)
Fencing’s unique demands: fast decisions, constant stimuli, and doing it alone on the strip
The concept: regulate first, then choose to go explosive (“pull the pin on purpose”)
Early warning signs of dysregulation: posture shifts, breath changes, jittering, gear fidgeting
Prevention beats cleanup: proactive routines that keep athletes near the “middle” zone
Why fencing can be great for neurodivergent athletes (stimulus, boundaries, cross-body movement)
Parent–coach partnership: advocacy without power struggles; translating coach feedback
Tools that work: visual charts, nonverbal cues, brief written notes, peer feedback, snacks/hydration
Emergency resets (when the fuse pops): safe sensory “pattern interrupts” and fast re-engagement
Environment tactics: control what you can control without over-calming a kid who needs to compete
Practical toolkit
Observe first: posture, breath, timing, self-touching (e.g., body cord)
Visual feedback card (12 simple icons): on-target, watched lights, stayed centered, didn’t fall, breath, etc. Use silent hash marks during bouts and review between.
Between bouts script: “Does your body need anything?” (water, snack, bathroom, hug) → “Do you want feedback?”
Proactive role-play at home: rehearse day-of scenarios and the visual card so it’s familiar
Break-glass reset options: cold/ice in hand, pleasant sensory (safe “treat”), quick drawing/notes—replace the feeling, don’t debate it
Parent self-care & coverage: tag-team when possible so your presence stays steady and useful
Timestamps
0:00 — Why “regulate, then explode” beats “calm down”
1:18 — Bringing nursing/simulation methods to the strip
2:52 — What makes fencing uniquely tough for kids’ regulation
3:12 — Emotional regulation vs. “be calm”
4:30 — Early signs of drifting out of the optimal zone
5:53 — “Pull the pin on purpose” explained
7:05 — Why intervene; what’s at risk if we don’t
11:05 — Why fencing can be great for neurodivergent athletes
14:46 — How to start: observe, map home strategies → strip strategies
18:31 — Partnering with coaches; translating instruction
23:51 — Visual tools (the 12-icon card) and peer evaluations
29:50 — When the fuse pops: safe sensory interrupts and quick resets
32:08 — Controlling what you can control without over-calming
38:14 — Quick hits for parents: what to pack, what to say (and avoid), how to check in
Quotable
“Don’t calm it away—regulate it and then pull the pin on purpose.” — Amy Wilson
“The loudest thing at a tournament isn’t the beeping—it’s a kid’s negative thought loop.” — Amy Wilson
Call to action
Try one tool at your next practice or tournament: a simple 6–12 icon feedback card, the two-question check-in (“Does your body need anything?” / “Do you want feedback?”), or a pre-planned sensory reset. Share what worked with your coach.
Resources from Amy
We also benefitted greatly from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's ADHD Parenting Seminars. CCHMC's Center for ADHD is "one of the largest in the country devoted entirely to improving the care of children and adolescents with ADHD."
Center for ADHD | Cincinnati Children's
Credits
Host: Bryan Wendell • Guest: Amy Wilson
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First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing
Host: Bryan Wendell
Cover art: Manna Creations
Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn
