Shows
Autism & NeurodiversityEmbracing Neurodivergent Affirming Care: Balancing Acceptance and Practical Support with JasonIf you’ve ever wondered, “How do I support my child’s authentic self while helping them navigate the real world?”—you’re not alone.You’ve heard about neurodivergent affirming care and its emphasis on acceptance, but there’s still a challenge: How do we strike the balance between honoring individuality and addressing the practical demands of life?In this episode, Jason Grygla dives into the complexities of neurodivergent affirming care, exploring both its transformative strengths and potential limitations. You’ll learn:✔ Why affirming care is essential for empowering neurodivergent individuals✔...2025-03-0745 min
Autism & NeurodiversityUnderstanding Rigid Decisiveness with Jason & Debbie“Why won’t they just change their mind?”If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by a neurodivergent loved one’s black-and-white thinking or their refusal to reconsider a decision, you’re not alone. In this episode of Autism & Neurodiversity, we explore the common pattern of what Jason calls "rigid decisiveness." We unpack how this behavior—often misunderstood as stubbornness or immaturity—is rooted in lower brain functions like the need to avoid pain and conserve energy.We share some real-life examples of this pattern and explain how understanding it through a developmental lens can make al...2025-01-2420 min
Autism & NeurodiversityThe Calm Before the Storm: Why Emotional Regulation Starts with You with DebbieEver feel like your child’s emotions are a tornado, and you’re just trying to hold on? It’s exhausting, isn’t it?But here’s the truth: the key to helping your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult regulate their emotions starts with your calm. In this episode of Autism & Neurodiversity with Jason & Debbie, I’m sharing why emotional regulation begins with us as parents and how your calm presence can create a ripple effect in your home.If you’ve ever wondered why your best strategies don’t seem to work in the heat of the...2025-01-1717 min
Autism & NeurodiversityThe Critical Role Connection Plays in Supporting Development with Cam Sherman, MA, ACMHCWhat if the key to helping neurodivergent young people thrive isn't about intensive therapies, but something far more fundamental: human connection?Join hosts Jason and Debbie Grygla as they chat with Cam Sherman, the new executive director of the new NeuroDev Raleigh campus (formerly known as TechieForLife), about the transformative power of connection.Discover how building strong, supportive relationships can be the catalyst for personal growth and well-being in neurodivergent individuals.In this episode, you'll learn:Why connection is crucial: Explore the concept of "Belonging to Become" and how a sense of b...2024-09-1337 min
Autism & NeurodiversityDevelopmental Focus: Why It's Important with DebbieHave you ever felt frustrated because you couldn't get your autistic or neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult to do something desirable or stop doing something undesirable?You've tried so many things and it's not working.Many parents and people working with young people get stuck in negative behavioral focused patterns.On today's episode of the Autism & Neurodiversity with Jason & Debbie podcast, I'm talking about why this may be happening and how to shift into a developmental focus... because it can make all the difference.You'll learn:The negative impacts...2024-04-2719 min
Autism & NeurodiversityBig Announcement! Parenting to Mentor with Jason & DebbieFriends, 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-course – a game-changer designed for parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and all you amazing helping professionals out th...2024-03-0915 min
Autism & Neurodiversity3 Steps to Reducing Stress Mini-Series Part 3 with DebbieFeeling 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.Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star review sharing your favorite takeaway. It helps us create more meaningful content for listeners like you.📩...2023-12-2913 min
Autism & Neurodiversity3 Steps to Reducing Stress Mini-Series Part 2 with DebbieFeeling 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.Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star review sharing your favorite takeaway. It helps us create more meaningful content for listeners like you.📩...2023-12-2213 min
Autism & Neurodiversity3 Steps to Reducing Stress Mini-Series Part 1 with DebbieHoliday 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. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star review sharing your favorite takeaway. It helps us create more meaningful content...2023-12-1611 min
Autism & NeurodiversityManaging Our Expectations with JasonParenting 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 situation, you will hinder your ability to show up as the parent you...2023-11-2416 min
Autism & NeurodiversityBoost Their Resilience with DebbieIt 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 environment where it's safe to experiment and grow.Be sure to f...2023-11-1816 min
Autism & NeurodiversitySupporting the Transition into Adulthood with JasonParenting 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 providing ongoing support.Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a...2023-11-1119 min
Autism & NeurodiversityThe Secret to Building Their Confidence with DebbieDo 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 things.Discover the secret to building the kind o...2023-11-0417 min
Autism & NeurodiversityWhen Your Love One Pulls Away with JasonDo 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 reconnecting.Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram👉 If this epis...2023-10-2712 min
Autism & NeurodiversityCrush Shame & Boost Well-being by Parenting with Empathy with DebbieOur 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 them to regulate their emotions, develop a sense of self-worth, and overcome challenges.In this...2023-10-2113 min
Autism & NeurodiversityMania and Neurodiversity: What Parents Need to Know with JasonDoes 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👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star review s...2023-10-1307 min
Autism & NeurodiversityBreaking the Cycle of Shame-based Parenting Approaches with DebbieHave 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 parenting behaviors in yourself. How to break the cycle of shame-based parenting and start raising...2023-10-0616 min
Autism & NeurodiversityTime Blindness and It's Impact on Connecting Cause and Effect with JasonTime 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👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star review sharing your favorite takeaway. It helps us create more meaningful content for listen...2023-09-2910 min
Autism & NeurodiversityBoundaries with Love: Fostering Attachment and Autonomy with DebbieHave 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 the importance of boundaries, both for you and your child, as well as the difference between holding healthy...2023-09-2314 min
Autism & NeurodiversityBeyond 'No': Building Stronger Bonds with DebbieLearn 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👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star review sharing your favorite takeaway. It helps us create more meaningful content for listeners like you.📩 Want more insights and practical tools? Be sure to join our email list for inspiration and updates.🔵 For...2023-08-1812 min
Autism & NeurodiversityMindful Parenting: Embracing Connection as a Practice for Success with DebbieIf 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. 👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star re...2023-07-2914 min
Autism & NeurodiversityUnraveling the Power of Novelty: How Dopamine Drives Motivation in ADHDers with Jason"How do you motivate them?" It helps to understand dopamine, the neurotransmitter connected with feeling good and motivated. ADHDers have issues with dopamine levels and transmission. They need more support to increase their dopamine. Novelty is a powerful tool that can help.Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram. 👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star review sharing your favorite takeaway. It helps us create more meaningful content for listeners like you.📩 Want more insights and practical tools? Be sure to join our email list for inspirati...2023-07-2121 min
Autism & NeurodiversityWhat Matters Most with Jason and DebbieAs 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'll 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 addressing individual needs over conforming to societal norms.Learn the vital role of self...2023-07-0721 min
Autism & NeurodiversityHow to Manage Neurodivergent Emotional Dysregulation with JasonEven 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 findings ways to thrive.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What are some causes of emotional dysregulationTips for avoiding intense emotionsHow experiences can be too positiveWho experiences emotional dysregulationEffects of emotional dysregulationFeatured on the Show:Join our email...2023-06-2308 min
Autism & NeurodiversityDecoding Behaviors: Understanding Your Young Adult's Developmental Stage with DebbieIs 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What are the clues to different developmental stagesHow to avoid setbacks when interpreting things incorrectlyImportant consideration for different stages of developmentWhat is reflected in their behaviorHaving a fram...2023-06-1726 min
Autism & NeurodiversityPrioritizing Relationships Over Behaviors with JasonWe’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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What makes our best intentions often go wrongThe two parts that together will determine the quality of your...2023-06-0910 min
Autism & NeurodiversityEmotion Regulation Skill Development with DebbieEmotional 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. When we understand that nothing has gone wrong, we are able to develop greater emotion regulation skills.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...2023-05-2726 min
Autism & NeurodiversityCo-regulation Why it Matters When You Parent or Work with Autistic & Neurodivergent Young People with DebbieOur 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!What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why co-regulation matters more than we may realize.What the three developmental stages of self-regulation are and the role caregivers play.How autistic and neurodivergents have extra challenges in developing regulation skills.What approaches you may be using that are actu...2023-05-1218 min
Autism & NeurodiversityBecoming a Better Mentor with JasonHave 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 head on and give you the opportunity to influence them for good.What You'll...2023-04-0712 min
Autism & NeurodiversityOne of the Biggest Barriers to Effective Parenting with DebbieThere 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:How judgment sabotages our mentoring effortsDifferences of lo...2023-03-3113 min
Autism & NeurodiversityAttachment and Relationships with JasonHuman nature leads us to naturally impute our own needs and understanding of the world on others, but is this 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why self-r...2023-03-1716 min
Autism & NeurodiversitySupportive Mentoring Relationships with DebbieWhy 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:How to build trust with your neurodivergent loved oneWhy hyper-focusing on helping them doesn’t helpImportance of realizing that each...2023-03-1014 min
Autism & NeurodiversitySeriously Mentally Ill with JasonDoes 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What it means to be severely mentally illHow mental illness affects neurodivergent individualsStrategies to manage a severely mentally ill diagnosisImportant points for caregivers to considerHow to affect change in lifestyles of the mentally ill2023-02-2422 min
Autism & NeurodiversityPower Struggles with DebbieAre 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Who loses when we engage in power strugglesWhy influence of power is an illusionHow connection and collaboration lead to deeper relationshipsHow to recognize what is actually in your controlWhy power struggles reduce your...2023-02-1714 min
Autism & NeurodiversityWhen Comfort Now Creates Pain Later with JasonNeurodivergent 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why comfort is the enemy of growthThe difference between being uncomfortable and overwhelmedThe higher th...2023-02-1014 min
Autism & NeurodiversityHow to Love Parenting Your Autistic or Neurodivergent Young Person with DebbieThe 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What can often happen when you love parenting.One of the biggest things that get in the way...2023-02-0316 min
Autism & NeurodiversityCommon Mistakes Parents and Mentors Make When Setting Goals with JasonThere 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!What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why the type of goals we set can be a problem.Why a focus on timelines doesn’t work in goal setting for autistic and/or neurodivergent young people.How to look at needs versus wants.One of the most common types of goals that parents set that aren’t in our control.Our role in goal support and mentoring....2023-01-2714 min
Autism & NeurodiversityParental Goals Achieved Easier with DebbieIf 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why relying on your will-power is not an effective way to reach your parenting goals.Why you need to look at the obstacles in the way of your goals.How to go about creating strategies to support yourself in your parenting goals.The biggest obstacle in the way of ac...2023-01-2018 min
Autism & NeurodiversityBalance of Power in a Mentoring Relationship with JasonThe 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.In this episode are some principals to consider when navigating these shifts.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What someone has to feel in order to do something differently.Why you want a...2023-01-1323 min
Autism & NeurodiversityChoosing Parent / Mentor Goals with DebbieWhen 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. We as parents and mentors are the leaders. We choose the direction, focus, and goals. We set the pace, hopefully informed by our families needs and developmental stages.When you’re getting pulled in different directions or there are many things your loved one is struggling with it’s important to have one or two main goals to...2023-01-0615 min
Autism & NeurodiversityHow to Fail for Success with DebbieIf 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why learning how to fail is more important than succeeding.Why failing is an important life sk...2022-12-0213 min
Autism & NeurodiversityStaying Curious with JasonStaying 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.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why curiosity is such a valuable tool.What belief is useful for curios...2022-11-2520 min
Autism & NeurodiversityShame and Development with DebbieWhen our autistic and neurodivergent young people struggle and get stuck and their development slows or stalls out, there’s one thing that’s usually at the bottom of their struggles. It’s not their neurodivergent brain or their disabilities.It’s shame-based thoughts, stories, and beliefs they’ve internalized. They might pick these up from being a neurodivergent in a neurotypical dominate culture and society. Fails, social struggles and their different developmental timeline can also lead them to beliefs shame-based things about themselves. Even all our efforts to help them can come across like we’re trying to “f...2022-11-1820 min
Autism & NeurodiversityWhat You're Doing That's Demotivating Them with DebbieDemotivating is the last thing we want to be doing, but motivation can be a big challenge. We want our autistic and neurodivergent young people to succeed in what their motivated to pursue, create, and do in the world.One of the biggest mistakes parents and mentors make is in how they’re unintentionally demotivating their young person.Learn how to break the pattern that are sabotaging your efforts to support them.What You'll Learn from this Episode:One of the biggest mistakes parents and mentors make.How to stop showing up in...2022-10-1413 min
Autism & NeurodiversityAutism at 18 and Legal Adulthood with JasonAging into legal adulthood is not the same thing as developing into an adult who is ready for the rights and responsibilities governmental laws bestow on adults.Our autistic and neurodivergent young people often still need our support and guidance even if they have turned 18, which is the age most states and countries consider by law to be a legal adult.This legal shift can be intimidating especially if you’re not ready for it.There are ways you can still advocate for what they need until they are developmentally ready to do it...2022-10-0714 min
Autism & NeurodiversityHow to Motivate Autistic and ND Young People with DebbieJason and I get asked all the time, “How do you motivate them?”The short answer is you can’t.But there are things you can do as a parent and mentor to tap into their own desires and support their success while building your relationship in the process.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why many common approaches don’t work.The common assumptions around why our young people perform or don’t perform how we would like.How to tap into long-term motivations.The four things to consider that go beyond mot...2022-09-3021 min
Autism & NeurodiversityGiving Your Best or Burning Yourself Out? with JasonWhen you are parenting or working with autistic and neurodivergent young people there is a line between giving your best and martyring or burning yourself out.Don’t set yourself up for failure.Learn the equation for assessing how much to give and to who.What You'll Learn from this Episode:How to assess the line between giving your best and burning yourself out.The equation for effort and return on investment.How to not set yourself up for failure.Why sacrificing yourself may not get you what you want.Why giving mo...2022-09-2313 min
Autism & NeurodiversityWhat Interferes with Development? with DebbieMany of us with good intentions are sabotaging development.Over time, this can be really discouraging when you’ve invested your time, energy, emotions, and even money, and your neurodivergent young person is still struggling and not making much progress.Listen in for one of the biggest things we see that gets in the way of development.What You'll Learn from this Episode:The biggest thing we see that gets in the way of development.Why we don’t develop when we’re in a lower brain / survival state.What we do as par...2022-09-1618 min
Autism & NeurodiversityRigidity Issues with JasonRigidity issues cause a lot of problems and frustrations for many parents and mentors.When you examine what may be behind rigidity for many autistics and neurodivergents it can be easier to handle and come up with more effective responses.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What someone values when their rigid.What makes it hard for us to see the big picture.How to work with rigidity.When it might be worth it to push thing when you weigh the costs.The helpful questions to be asking yourself to gain more insight.2022-09-0913 min
Autism & NeurodiversityWhat May Be Keeping You From Meeting Them Where They're at with DebbieIf you’ve heard the phrase, “You need to meet them where they’re at,” you may be wondering what it really means and why it’s so important when you’re parenting and mentoring neurodivergent young people.When neurodivergents have developmental challenges and their own unique timelines outside the bell curve of their neurotypical peers, meeting them where they’re at and not where we think they should be or where we would like them to be is how we help them grow.Understanding this and doing it consistently are two different things.What You'll...2022-09-0315 min
Autism & NeurodiversityThe Opportunity in Conflicts with JasonProblems and conflicts are always going to come up.In this episode, Jason shares an example of how some positive things came from some difficult challenges between some of our students at our school NeuroDev.He changed their names and some of the details to protect privacy.This experience is a great example of what can come from conflicts (which are inevitable) and how with a good relationship, a principled approach, and focusing on what really matters, we can support development.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why a willingness...2022-08-2713 min
Autism & NeurodiversityDon't Make This Mistake When Assessing Development & Expectations with DebbieThere are nuances with assessing someone’s capabilities that many people miss.In this episode, I share one of the common ways we assess that’s causing lots of frustration and disappointment. It sets us up for unfair and dishonest expectations.It can also hinder development. Listen in for what it is and what you’ll want to do instead.What You'll Learn from this Episode:The assessment measure that mistakenly sets you up for inaccurate expectations.Why it’s not a good indicator of development.What is a better indicator of developm...2022-08-2015 min
Autism & NeurodiversityHonest Assessment with JasonThe difference between the strengths and weaknesses of our neurodivergent young people can feel frustrating.Passing judgement hurts our relationship.Honest assessment is necessary, but ignoring weaknesses doesn’t work.In this episode, Jason shares the approach and philosophy we take at NeuroDev to support development.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What assessments give us false expectations.The difference between judging and assessing.What shows up in testing for neurodivergents with learning differences or challenges.What usually helps someone get a job and contributes to losing their job.What yo...2022-07-3013 min
Autism & NeurodiversityGoing to War (Sun Tzu) with JasonAs parents, teachers, coaches, therapists, etc. who mentor autistic and neurodivergent young people, it can feel like we’re at war.We’re battling dysfunction, regression, and stagnation.In this episode, Jason shares his favorite quotes from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, and he applies them to mentoring and parenting.We’d love to hear what your favorite quote is from this episode. Email support@jasondebbie.com and let us know which quote resonated for you and why.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What is the “battle” we’re in as...2022-07-2225 min
Autism & NeurodiversityEmotional Dysregulation with DebbieEmotional dysregulation is a core symptom of ADHD and Autism.In this episode, Debbie discusses why neurodivergents are more likely to get emotionally dysregulated, what approach supports emotional regulation, and how we play a role in emotional regulation.Debbie also discusses what you need to detach from to create more attachment and improve your relationship with your child, teen, or young adult.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why neurodivergents have more difficulty emotionally regulating.Why their emotional dysregulation is not their fault and they aren’t being “bad.”How behavioral compliance approa...2022-07-1722 min
Autism & NeurodiversityFactors Compounding the Challenges with JasonWhen you’re parenting and mentoring autistic and neurodivergent young people, there are several factors that can compound the challenges.Only focusing on one factor can lead to power struggles.This topic often comes up in conversations with parents of our students at TechieForLife.In this episode, Jason offers insights into understanding the factors to be aware of and what solutions are needed.What You'll Learn from this Episode:How different factors compound the challenges for autistic and neurodivergent young people.Why focusing on only one factor can contribute to po...2022-07-0815 min
Autism & NeurodiversityMentor Better by Self-Mentoring with DebbieTo effectively and sustainably parent, teach, coach, or work with autistic and neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults, you want to be showing up from a higher brain state not a stressed lower brain state.Self-mentoring is a simple and profound tool to help you engage and recharge your brain so you can access your own wisdom, intuition, and resourcefulness to better mentor and support neurodivergent young people.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What self-mentoring is and why it’s worth your time.How it’s different than a daily meditation practice.What happ...2022-07-0217 min
Autism & NeurodiversityAutism Suicide Support with Jason*Trigger warning, specific talk about suicide.Autism suicide or talk of suicide is a difficult topic that comes up for many autistic and neurodivergent young people.The rates of suicide are higher in the neurodivergent population than among neurotypicals.We are sorry if you are having to deal with suicide or the possibility of it in someone you love.Our goal of this podcast is to support you and the autistic and/or neurodivergent young people you care about.So in this episode, Jason offers his insights and perspectives...2022-06-2542 min
Autism & NeurodiversityEnjoy Parenting with DebbieParenting or working with an autistic and/or neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult comes with challenges.I want you to enjoy your experience more. I want to support you in showing up as the parent and supporter you want to be.You don’t have to wait for things to get better, for your young person to change, or for people to give you the support you need to enjoy things now.Listen in, to find out what I’m talking about.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why wait...2022-06-1814 min
Autism & NeurodiversityDepression in Autistic and Neurodivergent Young People with JasonDepression in autistic and neurodivergent young people and how to effectively treat it, has not been studied as extensively as in the general neurotypical population.There a some common misunderstandings about what depression is and isn’t, what causes it, and what helps it especially for neurodivergents.In this episode, Jason offers some important things to understand about depression and especially how it effects autistic and neurodivergent young people and what they need to overcome it, the role of counseling, medications and the mentors in their lives.This is an important topic to un...2022-05-2225 min
Autism & NeurodiversityMaking Support Decisions with DebbieWhen you have a neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult, it can be challenging to figure out what supports and accommodations are helpful or needed.Whether you are completely new to this with a fresh neurodivergent diagnosis or you’ve been at this a while, I have some perspectives to offer you on this episode to help you approach these decisions with more confidence.Because I know it can be overwhelming to either know where to start or what to do when you and they are struggling.What You'll Learn from this Episode:...2022-05-0822 min
Autism & NeurodiversityAvoiding Burnout with JasonAutistic and neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults need us for the long-haul.When you’re a parent, caregiver, or mentor in some capacity it can be easy to get burned out.In this episode, Jason dives in to one of the biggest contributors to burning out for him and offers some tips for combating it.What You'll Learn from this Episode:One of the big causes of burnout for parents, caregivers, and mentors of autistic and neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults and why it leads to burnout.One of the bi...2022-04-2935 min
Autism & NeurodiversityStressed Parenting with DebbieThere are plenty of things to get stressed about when you are parenting a neurodivergent young person.The extra support demands, the crisis that pop up, the unmet expectations and societal judgements, and our own lack of self care to name a few.When we’re stressed it’s hard to show up as the parent we want to be. I want you to know you don’t have to continue parenting like that. Listen in to learn how to ease your suffering.What You'll Learn from this Episode:Why when we’ve been...2022-04-1518 min
Autism & NeurodiversityHelping Neurodivergents Develop Their Spark with JasonHow do you know you’ve done your job to help your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult develop?We don’t necessarily know what their full capabilities and disabilities will be.In this episode, Jason talks about what it can take to help someone with neurodivergent disabilities develop and live their best life.What You'll Learn from this Episode:How to know if you’ve done your job.How to help them self-spark.The Autism Triad and its implications.What age neurodivergents often hit their stride.What to assess.Feat...2022-04-0815 min
Autism & Neurodiversity51. Turn Fails into Wins with DebbieDo you feel like you struggle and fail a lot as a parent? Or do you watch your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult suffer through fails over and over again?How we respond to these fails can actually support development or hinder it making things so much harder.You really can turn fails into amazing wins. Listen in to learn what I mean by this and start experiencing more developmental wins.What You'll Learn from this Episode:What a real failure is.Where to find the wins.Why your response to...2022-04-0118 min
Autism & NeurodiversityWhen to Remove Yourself from The Equation with JasonAre you making things worse by trying to be an involved parent of your neurodivergent teen or young adult?It can be tricky when they are neurodivergent and still need supports but also want to be more independent.If you stay in the parent roll and try to keep them in a child roll you may ultimately be doing more harm than good.It may be time to remove yourself from the parent/child equation.In this episode, Jason explains unhelpful parent/child dynamics that can do damage to your relationship...2022-03-1828 min
Success is Subjective: Real People. Raw Stories. Embracing a Non-Linear Life!Episode 123 - Your Timeline Doesn’t Define You —Jason and Debbie GryglaWhere you are, is where you’re at, not who you are. It’s not about performative milestones as much as it is about the development process. The timeline you’re on right now doesn’t define you or the outcome of your life so throw the timeline out!Jason and Debbie Grygla are the owners of TechieForLife, a specialized mentoring program for neurodiverse young adults. Both Jason and Debbie have quite different timelines from each other and have been able to see a vast variety of timelines with their own children and with the young adults at Techi...2022-03-1533 min