Shows
TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenDr. Gwen Palafox on Supporting and Empowering Neurodivergent Young Adults in the Transitions to AdulthoodMy guest for this conversation is Dr. Gwen Palafox, a psychologist who has been supporting disabled and neurodivergent young adults in the transition to adulthood for more than twenty years. I brought Gwen on the show to talk about helping our teens and young adults “launch” into adulthood, specifically how to prepare for and help them acquire the skills and support that would help them move into the version of independent living that’s right for them. In our conversation, we looked at some of the common challenges neurodivergent teens face in the transition to adulthood, how we can naviga...2025-01-0945 min
Dr. Gwen Empowered94. The Importance of Attending to the Unmet Needs of ParentsIn this episode, Dr. Debra Brause comes onto the show to talk about how she supports parents of neurodivergent children. We explore the very tender and real space of parenting and how important it is to identify the unmet needs of parents because if these needs aren’t identified, parents will struggle to create loving and affirming spaces for their children to grow, develop, and thrive.
GET A HOLD OF DR. DEBRA BRAUSE: https://drdebrabrause.com/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm...2024-02-0334 minDr. Gwen Empowered93. The Power of Book ClubsIn this episode, Jessica Miller, a Family and Education Support Consultant for Riverview School, comes onto the show to talk about how she uses book clubs to promote education, support, and connection between parents.
GET A HOLD OF JESSICA: jrmiller222@gmail.com
RIVERVIEW SCHOOL: https://www.riverviewschool.org/
CHARLES ARMSTRONG SCHOOL: https://www.charlesarmstrong.org/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable k...2023-12-1528 minDr. Gwen Empowered92. Executive Functioning Skills From High School to College and BeyondIn this episode, Michael Delman, CEO of Beyond Booksmart and Brain Tracks, comes onto the show to talk about his unique approach to executive functioning coaching. We specifically explore executive functioning skills needed for the transition from high school to college and then from college to the workplace. We also discuss the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and how experiences are the master teacher.
FIND BEYOND BOOKSMART:
https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/
BEYOND BOOKSMART HANDOUTS:
Building EF Skills - https://app.hubspot.com/documents/331584/view/694395910?accessId=a61be3
EF Development - https://app.hubspot.com...2023-11-1052 minDr. Gwen Empowered91. Understanding the Unseen Systems in Observable BehaviorIn this episode, Dr. Debra Kessler comes onto the show to talk about her roadmap that she uses to help others understand what truly is going on for a neurodivergent individual. Her WHAT system, which stands for Wellness, Home, Around Me, and Task, highlights the unseen systems that play a massive role in observable behavior and how others may interpret a person’s behavior. Debra’s training not only as a nurse but also as a clinical psychologist, gives her a unique perspective as a child and family advocate.
#neurodiversity #autism #asdadvocate
FIND DR. KESSLER
https://drdebrakessler.com/
2023-09-0834 minDr. Gwen Empowered90. The 3 Must-Have Skills for Well-Being with Genie LoveIn this episode, Genie Love comes back on the show to share her top 3 skills that she teaches all of her clients. We discuss the difference between mindfulness and meditation and we talk about procrastination as a tool for productivity.
FIND GENIE LOVE:
https://www.genielove.coach/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and p...2023-08-1137 minDr. Gwen Empowered89. 7 Steps to College Success for Students with DisabilitiesIn this episode, Elizabeth Hamblet comes onto the show to talk about her book, "The Seven Steps to College Success, A Pathway for Students with Disabilities." We discuss the importance of starting college preparation early, some academic and non-academic skills that students need, and a better way to think about accommodations and services at the collegiate level. If you are a student who is preparing to go to college or an adult who’s in a position to help a student make the transition, this episode may be for you…
#neurodivergent #neurodiversity #autism #college
FIND ELIZABETH and her BOOK:
http...2023-07-2144 minDr. Gwen Empowered88. How the Frist Center is Transforming the Workplace for Neurodivergent IndividualsIn this episode, Dr. Dave Caudel comes onto the show to tell us about the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation and how they are directly connecting research to solving the unemployment and underemployment of neurodivergent individuals.
FIND DR. DAVE AND THE FRIST CENTER:
https://www.vanderbilt.edu/autismandinnovation/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing m...2023-07-1449 minDr. Gwen Empowered86. The Empowering Autistic Scholars (EAS) Mentoring & Research Training Program at Cal Poly San Luis ObispoIn this episode, Luna Nombrano Larsen comes onto the show to tell us about the Empowering Autistic Scholars (EAS) Mentoring & Research Training Program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. We explore the deep need for belonging and that everyone needs a place where they are safe, seen, and appreciated for who they are. If you’ve ever questioned what accommodations are available in college (hint, it’s very limited) and what additional services or supports could be helpful for you or a college student you know, this episode may be for you.
FIND EAS:
http...2023-06-2339 min
Autism Knows No Borders145. Empowering Autistic Adolescents, with Dr. Gwen PalafoxDiscover what’s possible when you seek to understand.
Dr. Gwen Palafox is a licensed psychologist with a focus on helping teens and young adults find their most fulfilled and joyful lives. She has been supporting disabled and neurodivergent individuals for over two decades, and is also the host of the podcast Dr. Gwen Empowered.
In today’s conversation, we discuss:
Why Gwen is passionate about working with autistic individuals
Some common challenges autistic adolescents face when forming their identity
How to find a sense of belonging in the right environments
How neurotypicals can intera...2023-06-2246 minDr. Gwen Empowered85. What is Integrative Therapy? What is a Certified ADHD Specialist?In this episode, Kristen Baird-Goldman comes onto the show to educate us on what an integrative therapist is and what it means to be a certified ADHD specialist. We also talk about an underserved population – the high-achieving and visibly successful ADHDers and Autistics out there who can’t get the support they need.
FIND KRISTEN:
https://www.bairdintegratedtherapy.com/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creat...2023-06-1734 minDr. Gwen Empowered84. Reducing Communication Frustration with the Visual Choices AppIn this episode, Julius Su, Co-Founder of Skis Learning, comes onto the show to talk about their new Visual Choices app. We discuss the significant importance of reducing the barriers to communication and how communication is the heartbeat of well-being. We also plug into the Matrix and talk about the potential role of AI in the future of communication.
FIND THE VISUAL CHOICES APP:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/visual-choices/id6448635588
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 y...2023-06-0231 minDr. Gwen Empowered83. ADHD and Autism Life CoachingIn this episode, Genie Love comes onto the show to talk about what an ADHD and Autism Coach is and how she helps her clients through her NeuroAutonomy model. We also talk about the similarities and differences between a coach and a psychologist and how the power of understanding and acceptance is at the heart of both.
https://www.genielove.coach/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through r...2023-05-2635 minDr. Gwen Empowered82. The Sensory-Motor Role in the Expression of CognitionIn this episode, Dr. Nguyen (Occupational Therapist) and Dr. Budding (Neuropsychologist), come onto the show to discuss the integral role the sensory-motor system plays in the expression of cognition.
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in their lives.
You can find general information a...2023-05-1951 minDr. Gwen Empowered81. Occupational Therapy...with Animals!!!!!In this episode, Dr. Iannaccone comes onto the show to share the unique, non-traditional, and very cool way she practices occupational therapy - with animals!!!!
https://sites.google.com/interwovenoccupationaltherapy.com/interwoven-ot
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in their lives.
Y...2023-05-1231 minDr. Gwen Empowered80. Tips 10-12 for Raising Capable Kids with Dr. Deborah WinkingIn this episode, I welcome back Dr. Deborah Winking, author of Capable, educator, and parent of a child with a genetic disorder. Deb shares the last 3 habits that she promotes with parents to see their neurodiverse child as capable.
https://www.raisecapablekids.net
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community t...2023-05-0549 minDr. Gwen Empowered79. What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?In this episode, Shannon Iacobacci comes onto the show to teach us about FASD, it's misconceptions and stigmas, and how we can help individuals and families who are affected by FASD.
https://www.embracingthebrain.com
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in their lives.
Y...2023-04-2842 minDr. Gwen Empowered78. Interoception - The Essential Sensory System That No One is Talking AboutIn this episode, Dr. Samantha Valasek comes back onto the show to teach us about Interoception. We learn what it is and why it's a fundamental sensory system that is critical in self-awareness and self-management.
https://www.lifeskillsot.com/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in t...2023-04-2133 min
Diverse Thinking Different LearningEp. 125: Does Your Teen Need a Transition Assessment? with Dr. Gwen PalafoxWhat is a transition assessment, and how do you know if your child needs one? If they do, when do they need it and what does it look like? There are a lot of questions about transition assessments and today we have the perfect guest to answer them all. Today, we welcome back Dr. Gwennyth Palafox (Dr. Gwen) to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. Dr. Gwen is a clinical psychologist and a fierce ally of neurodiverse and disabled individuals and has supported their wonderful families and support systems for over 25 years. She’s laser-focused (and borderline ob...2023-03-2139 minDr. Gwen Empowered77. ABA Response to Concerns of Trauma - Compassionate ABA and ACTIn this episode, I interview Kristen Carmi, Advocate and BCBA, about how the field is addressing the concerns of trauma and what some providers are doing about it. We also review what Compassionate ABA is and how ACT is informing current ABA practice.
http://www.sbcadvocates.com/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse c...2023-03-1139 minDr. Gwen Empowered76. How NeuroTalent Works is Solving the Unemployment and Underemployment Problem for ND AdultsIn this episode, I interview Jessica Lee and Melody Valenzuela on how NeuroTalent Works is solving the unemployment and underemployment problem for neurodiverse adults today.
https://www.neurotalentworks.org/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in their lives.
You can find general information about m...2023-03-031h 03Dr. Gwen Empowered75. What is Occupational Therapy? (and how it can change the lives of neurodivergent adults)In this episode, I interview Dr. Samantha Valasek about what Occupational Therapy (OT) is, what sensory integration is, and how OT can change the lives of ND folks in very meaningful ways.
https://www.lifeskillsot.com/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in their lives.
2023-02-1738 minDr. Gwen Empowered74. Guiding Bright Minds with Tiffany FeingoldIn this episode, I interview Tiffany Feingold, CEO and co-founder of Guiding Bright Minds, an online parenting resource for parents of neurodivergent kiddos. Tiffany's passion extends beyond establishing her online community. She's in it to change the hearts of minds of our communities towards accepting, embracing, and even celebrating neurodiversity!
Guiding Bright Minds - https://www.guidingbrightminds.com/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and co...2023-02-1040 minDr. Gwen Empowered73. Am I Autistic? The Power of Self-Diagnosis with Andrew BruckerIn this episode, I interview Andrew Brucker, a neurodivergent therapist, about his process of self-diagnosis and the power of self-acceptance.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Andrew Brucker - https://www.andrewbruckertherapist.com/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in their lives.
You can find g...2023-02-0353 minDr. Gwen EmpoweredYT71. Vision and the Significant Role it Plays in Our Everyday LivesIn this episode, I interview Dr. Gary Etting, a Developmental Optometrist (and yes, they are different than regular Optometrists!). Gary helps us understand what vision is, how it's different from seeing clearly, and the significant role the visual system plays in our everyday life.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Gary Etting - https://www.visualprocessing.net/
College of Optometrists in Vision Development: https://www.covd.org/
Learn more about vision: https://visionhelp.com/
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and b...2022-11-1152 minDr. Gwen EmpoweredYT70. What is Auditory Processing Disorder?In this episode, I interview Dr. Bea Braun who is an educational audiologist. She comes onto the show to help us understand the difference between hearing and auditory processing, the symptoms of auditory processing disorder, and the treatments she’s found to be really helpful.
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy...2022-10-0726 minDr. Gwen EmpoweredYT69. Raise Capable Neurodiverse Children With These 3 Parenting HabitsIn this episode, I welcome back Dr. Deborah Winking, author of Capable, educator, and parent of a child with a genetic disorder. Deborah shares 3 habits that she promotes with parents to see their neurodiverse child as capable.
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in their lives.
Y...2022-09-301h 05Dr. Gwen EmpoweredYT68. The Power of Seeing Neurodiverse Children as CapableIn this episode, I welcome Dr. Deborah Winking, author of Capable, educator, and parent of a child with a genetic disorder. Deborah shares why she wrote Capable and how to see children, especially ones with disabilities and neurodiversities, as capable. We explore how seeing children through a capable lens is a powerful tool and one that can positively and meaningfully transform everyday moments.
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I l...2022-08-2851 minDr. Gwen EmpoweredYT64. TiLT Parenting, Providing Support & Community for Neurodivergent Children & Their FamiliesIn this episode, I interview Debbie Reber, Writer of Differently Wired and Founder of TiLT Parenting, a robust online resource that supports parents in raising differently wired, or neurodiverse children. We get into Debbie’s mission to shift the current paradigm from fixing to embracing, from deficits to strengths, and from isolation to connection. She shares why she started TiLT parenting and who can benefit. If you’re interested in finding and belonging to an awesome community that celebrates neurodivergence, keep listening to discover if TiLT parenting is for you.
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neuro...2022-08-2526 minDr. Gwen EmpoweredYT65. Dyslexia Awareness and Advocacy - Signs, Symptoms, and Must-KnowsIn this episode, I interview Eryn Yolac, Founder and Owner of Advocate to Educate. Eryn shares her personal journey with Dyslexia, her experience as a mother of a son with Dyslexia, and how she helps her clients get the right education and support they need. Eryn also shares signs and symptoms of Dyslexia and she emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention.
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I lo...2022-08-2050 minDr. Gwen EmpoweredYT67. Executive Functioning - It's Not About Goal Setting, Planning, and Homework AnymoreIn this episode, I welcome back Dr. Deborah Budding and Dr. Laura Flores Shaw to talk about the executive functioning chapter that they just published. They shed light on how to properly think about executive functioning, explain what top down/bottom up processes are, and explore the potentially oppressive nature of contexts, expectations, and environments on people's performance and functioning.
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and c...2022-08-1941 minDr. Gwen EmpoweredYT66. What is an ADHD and Executive Functioning Coach? Can One Help You?In this episode, I interview Dr. Clarence Perkins, ADHD and Executive Functioning Coach. He helps us understand what ADHD and Executive Functioning problems look like functionally and how he helps his clients achieve their optimal performance. One of my favorite parts of this interview is the idea that people can be successful AND still need help. Brilliant.
WHO I AM: I'm Dr. Gwen, a neurotypical psychologist who's been supporting the neurodiverse community for over 25 years. I'm laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering this community through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. I love curating and collecting tools, sharing m...2022-08-1844 minDr. Gwen EmpoweredYT63. Social Skills Groups Should be a Place for Acceptance and Belonging NOT FixingIn this episode, I interview Portia James, Founder of Behavior Genius. She helps us understand what social skills groups are and we talk about the necessity of creating social spaces where neurodivergent individuals are accepted and comfortable. We also chat about how she’s disrupting the behavior scene with thoughtfulness, creativity, relationship, and by being unconventional. We end our interview with the need to allow our clients to be who they are and not who they should or could be, that our clients don’t need to be fixed, but seen and heard. If you’re wondering what a social...2022-08-1832 minDr. Gwen EmpoweredWelcome to Dr. Gwen EmpoweredNice to meet you! 2022-08-1700 min
Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenTPP 295: Dr. Gwen Palafox on Supporting and Empowering Neurodivergent Young Adults in the Transitions to AdulthoodMy guest for this conversation is Dr. Gwen Palafox, a psychologist who has been supporting disabled and neurodivergent young adults in the transition to adulthood for more than twenty years. I brought Gwen on the show to talk about helping our teens and young adults “launch” into adulthood, specifically how to prepare for and help them acquire the skills and support that would help them move into the version of independent living that’s right for them. In our conversation, we looked at some of the common challenges neurodivergent teens face in the transition to adulthood, how we can naviga...2022-06-2852 minFull-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenTPP 295: Dr. Gwen Palafox on Supporting and Empowering Neurodivergent Young Adults in the Transitions to AdulthoodMy guest for this conversation is Dr. Gwen Palafox, a psychologist who has been supporting disabled and neurodivergent young adults in the transition to adulthood for more than twenty years. I brought Gwen on the show to talk about helping our teens and young adults “launch” into adulthood, specifically how to prepare for and help them acquire the skills and support that would help them move into the version of independent living that’s right for them. In our conversation, we looked at some of the common challenges neurodivergent teens face in the transition to adulthood, how we can naviga...2022-06-2852 min
Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving ParentsTo Diploma or Not to Diploma?Is a High School Diploma actually the right route for your child? In this practical Brave Together episode, Jessica and Advocate, Kristen Carmi and Transition Expert, Dr. Gwen Palafox discuss - in detail - the tips, tricks, questions, and considerations to pose when making this important decision, and navigating your child’s journey through their school district. Learn more about Kristen Carmi at www.sbcadvocates.comLearn more about Dr. Gwen Palafox at www.meaningfulgrowth.comJOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships he...2022-02-2326 min
Diverse Thinking Different LearningEp. 47: Helping Students Transition to Adulthood with Dr. Gwennyth PalafoxI love hearing from previous clients and students who have entered or are entering adulthood. But sometimes, they’re reaching out for assistance because they have found that they aren’t as prepared for this transition as they might have thought. The transition to adulthood can be scary for a lot of families, but is especially overwhelming for those with disabilities and neurodiversities. When should you start planning? What should you start planning for? How do you plan for this transition? There are seemingly endless questions, but today’s guest not only provides great information in this episode, but she al...2021-09-1447 min