Shows
Beautifully Complex345: We Need to Talk About Dignity and Humanity, with Penny WilliamsSomewhere along the way, we started normalizing things that should never be normal for kids. Public behavior charts. Compliance scripts delivered to dysregulated nervous systems. Support that’s only available if a child behaves “well enough.” And the cost of all of it is dignity.In this episode, I’m naming what so many parents feel in their gut but struggle to articulate: too many systems prioritize compliance over humanity, especially for neurodivergent kids. When behavior is treated like a moral failure instead of a nervous system signal, children learn that their bodies are a problem, their needs are inco...
2026-02-1222 minBeautifully Complex343: It Isn’t Disrespect. It’s a Biological Response to Stress., with Penny WilliamsWhat if the behavior that feels the most disrespectful isn’t a choice at all?Eye rolling. Yelling. Snapping back. Refusing. These moments hit deep. They sting, especially when they happen in public or in front of people who expect “better behavior.” And so often, we’ve been taught that this kind of behavior must be corrected immediately, or else we’re letting something slide.But that interpretation is costing us more than it’s helping.When a child is overwhelmed, stressed, or emotionally flooded, their nervous system shifts into survival mode. The thinking brain goes o...
2026-01-2919 minBeautifully Complex342 Pressure Isn’t Motivating, It’s Actually Dysregulating, with Penny WilliamsWe’ve been told for generations that pressure builds motivation. Push harder. Raise the stakes. Add consequences. But when you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, that approach doesn’t just fall flat, it actively works against you.Pressure doesn’t inspire effort. It signals threat.When a child’s nervous system senses pressure, their body shifts into protection mode. Fight. Flight. Freeze. And once that happens, access to the thinking brain — the part responsible for learning, planning, organizing, problem-solving, and follow-through — dims or shuts off completely. The very skills we’re trying to access disappear.Most of us...
2026-01-2224 minBeautifully Complex339: When Hope Feels Heavy: Permission to Start A New Year Without Optimism, with Penny WilliamsThere are moments in parenting when hope doesn’t feel light or motivating — it feels heavy. Like something we’re expected to carry when we’re already exhausted. If you’re walking into a new year feeling worn down instead of inspired, this episode is for you.I recorded this specifically for New Years, a day filled with pressure to feel optimistic, goal-driven, and ready for a fresh start. But the truth is, I wasn’t feeling hopeful. I was tired. Uncertain. Emotional. And rather than masking that or forcing a shiny version of hope, I wanted to talk honestl...
2026-01-0123 minBeautifully Complex338: It’s the Small Things that Make the Biggest Impact, with Penny WilliamsSome of the most meaningful shifts in parenting don’t arrive with fireworks or finish lines. They arrive quietly, in the moments we almost miss. I’ve been noticing how much growth hides beneath the surface, both in our kids and in ourselves. And honestly, most of it looks nothing like the traditional markers of success we’re conditioned to watch for.Our neurodivergent kids build skills slowly, internally, and often invisibly. Their progress lives in nervous system shifts, not milestones. It’s in the way they repair a little faster after a rupture. It’s in the moment the...
2025-12-1818 minBeautifully Complex336: ENCORE: Lessons Learned: From Mom and Her Neurodivergent Kid, with Penny & Luke WilliamsEvery once in a while, a conversation lands in your heart in a way that stays. This encore episode is one of those for me. Luke was around twenty when we recorded it, and listening back now, I’m struck all over again by the grounded clarity he had about his neurodivergence, even in the places where life still felt messy or confusing. He spoke with such quiet certainty about seeing his differences as differences, not deficits. That mindset didn’t come from easy experiences. It came from years of feeling misunderstood, moments of being boxed in by systems not desi...
2025-11-2740 min
Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenDebbie & Penny Williams on Navigating the Launch of Neurodivergent Young Adults (Part 1)Today we’re diving into one of the most tender and complex stages of parenting—launching our neurodivergent young adults into independence, or more accurately, interdependence. My guest is Penny Williams, a parenting coach for neurodiverse families and the award-winning author of four books on ADHD, including Boy Without Instructions. In this episode Penny and I talk about the emotional challenges parents face during this transition, how to redefine what success and independence really look like, and why interdependence is often the goal that best supports our kids’ thriving. We also explore the healing and acceptance this stage asks of us...
2025-11-1142 minFull-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenDebbie & Penny Williams on Navigating the Launch of Neurodivergent Young Adults (Part 1)Today we’re diving into one of the most tender and complex stages of parenting—launching our neurodivergent young adults into independence, or more accurately, interdependence. My guest is Penny Williams, a parenting coach for neurodiverse families and the award-winning author of four books on ADHD, including Boy Without Instructions. In this episode Penny and I talk about the emotional challenges parents face during this transition, how to redefine what success and independence really look like, and why interdependence is often the goal that best supports our kids’ thriving. We also explore the healing and acceptance this stage asks of us...
2025-11-1142 minBeautifully Complex331: 5 Truths Every Parent of a Neurodivergent Kid Needs to Hear, with Penny WilliamsWhat if the most powerful shift isn’t a new strategy, but a new story about you and your child? In this heart-forward episode, I offer five truths every parent of a neurodivergent child needs to hear — reminders that land like a soft place to rest: you’re not failing; your child isn’t broken; you don’t have to do this alone; you matter too; and healing takes time. These truths aren’t platitudes. They’re anchors for those messy, brave moments when the plan falls apart, the behavior feels bigger than your tools, and the timeline stretches longer than you hoped...
2025-10-0910 min
Gluten-Free PsychiatryInterview with documentarian Penny Lavin, The Healing Field: Exploring Energy & ConsciousnessEpisode 10: Another hero that does not disappoint. Penny and Ron Lavin's One Light Healing Touch school started in 1996 and has helped hundreds and thousands of people all over the world.
https://vimeo.com/1124118531
Ambassador Slides HANDOUT - Penny Lavin contact information
I first reached out to Penny and Ron just to thank them for their body of work. To tell them that "if I had it to do all over again I would not got to medical school, but would do their class and I would have been healing people this entire time."
What happened next was unexpected.
Penny said "...
2025-10-0330 minGluten Free Psychiatry Podcast Archives - Mindshift CareInterview with documentarian Penny Lavin, The Healing Field: Exploring Energy & ConsciousnessEpisode 10: Another hero that does not disappoint. Penny and Ron Lavin's One Light Healing Touch school started in 1996 and has helped hundreds and thousands of people all over the world.
https://vimeo.com/1124118531
Ambassador Slides HANDOUT - Penny Lavin contact information
I first reached out to Penny and Ron just to thank them for their body of work. To tell them that "if I had it to do all over again I would not got to medical school, but would do their class and I would have been healing people this entire time."
What happened next was unexpected.
Penny said "...
2025-10-0330 minBeautifully Complex330: When Behavior Pushes Your Buttons (And How to Handle It Differently), with Penny WilliamsWhat if instead of asking, “Why is my child being so difficult?” you asked yourself, “What is my child’s nervous system trying to tell me?” That small shift changes everything.As parents of neurodivergent kids, we’ve all had those moments when our child’s behavior pushes every button we have. The yelling, the defiance, the meltdowns! It’s easy to feel disrespected, rejected, or even attacked. And when that storm hits, our own nervous system often gets swept up, too.In this episode, I share a different path forward. You’ll learn how to pause and anchor y...
2025-10-0214 minBeautifully Complex329: Tools That Work Better Than Consequences, with Penny WilliamsWhat if the “problem behavior” isn’t the problem at all, but a signal? This week, we flip the script on rewards and punishments and lean into tools that actually help neurodivergent kids (and their parents) feel safer, calmer, and more connected. When a child’s nervous system is in fight/flight/freeze, the “thinking brain” goes dim. That’s why lectures, sticker charts, and lost-screen-time threats fall flat. They assume choice and control that a dysregulated brain just doesn’t have.In this episode, I unpack three simple, connection-first strategies you can try today: co-regulation before correction, offering bounded...
2025-09-2516 minBeautifully Complex328: Behavior Is a Signal: How to Decode What It’s Telling You, with Penny WilliamsBehavior isn’t random. It’s not about disrespect, laziness, or a “bad attitude.” Every outburst, shutdown, or refusal is your child’s nervous system sending a signal.In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m unpacking what those signals really mean and why the labels we often put on behavior — defiance, aggression, avoidance — miss the mark. You’ll learn how to look past the surface to see the need underneath, and how shifting from control to curiosity changes everything.When you learn to decode behavior as a signal, you stop fighting the symptom and start supporting your ch...
2025-09-1817 minBeautifully Complex327: How Animal Instincts Signal What's Underlying Behavior, with Penny WilliamsWhat if your child’s meltdowns weren’t about defiance, disrespect, or “bad behavior” at all—but simply their nervous system doing what it was designed to do? In this episode, I unpack how animal instincts like Lumi the Owl, Prickles the Porcupine, Bolt the Cheetah, and Tuck the Possum signal what’s happening beneath the surface. When you learn to spot the state and meet the need, you stop wrestling with behavior and start tending the roots.We’ll talk about how to recognize each instinct, what your child actually needs in those moments, and how to support withou...
2025-09-1029 minBeautifully Complex303: How to Prepare for a Successful School Meeting, with Penny WilliamsSchool meetings can stir up a lot of emotions for parents — including overwhelm, confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty. You’re worried about your child's rights, accommodations, and educational success in an ever-changing landscape. In this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m sharing some practical and hard-won wisdom on setting the foundation for successful school meetings.Join me as I share personal stories and insights, exploring the importance of submitting your parent input ahead of time, understanding the structure of these meetings, and cultivating a collaborative mindset. These strategies are not just about surviving the meeting but turning them i...
2025-03-1339 minBeautifully Complex302: Break the Parenting Norms for Kids with ADHD, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m sharing some of the powerful insights gathered from the Unlocking ADHD Summit. You’ll discover the importance of stepping outside the box to let your child's individual strengths shine, and learn how to lay the groundwork for a neuro-affirming, supportive environment and a strengths-based approach where your child can thrive.Join me as I share practical, step-by-step advice on harnessing your child's strengths to overcome challenges, creating a feeling of safety that supports learning and growth, and the crucial role of parental regulation in helping your child navigate their world. We c...
2025-02-2700 minBeautifully Complex300: 5 Myths That Hurt Neurodivergent Kids (And What to Do Instead!), with Penny WilliamsIn this milestone 300th episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m going deep into the misconceptions that many of us face raising neurodivergent kids and that unjustly limit our children’s potential.Join me as I bust the top 5 myths that hurt neurodivergent kids and then provide strategies to challenge outdated thinking and empower your journey as a parent. We’ll tackle the misconception that neurodivergent kids just need to try harder, reveal why success doesn’t hinge on fitting in, and highlight the myriad paths to achieving a fulfilled life beyond traditional ideas. Learn why discipline isn't the answer a...
2025-02-1323 min
The Delivery SpaceRisk Management : Penny PullanPenny works with individuals and groups who are grappling with virtual/hybrid situations or projects, or when they need to run crucial but difficult meetings/workshops. When they work with her, they find they collaborate better, communication becomes smoother, creativity is enhanced, competence is obvious, confidence flows and generally things improve!
She uses tools from coaching, mentoring, change, training, project & programme management, plus facilitation to help - whatever suits the scenario and client.
Connect with Penny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennypullan/?originalSubdomain=uk
Penny's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Risk-Management-Work-Engaging
2025-01-3025 minBeautifully Complex292: Representing Neurodivergence in Kid’s Media, with Deborah Farmer KrisDo you worry that your neurodivergent child might not see themselves represented in the stories they love? If you’ve ever felt this way, this episode of Beautifully Complex is just what you need.I'm Penny Williams, your host and fellow parent navigating the beautifully complex world of neurodivergence. In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Farmer Kris to discuss the heartfelt and eye-opening representation of neurodivergent characters in children’s media — a subject that touches deeply on both our worries and hopes for our kids.We’re unpacking an inspiring new PBS Kids show, Carl the...
2024-12-1229 min
Complicated KidsCircumstances Are Neutral with Penny Williams In this episode of The Complicated Kids Podcast, I dive into the concept of the neutrality of circumstances with guest Penny Williams. We explore how circumstances themselves—things happening in the world—are neutral and only gain meaning through the thoughts and emotions we assign to them. Drawing on personal experiences and insights, Penny discusses how reframing our perspectives can transform our reactions, especially as parents of neurodivergent kids. She challenges us to examine our beliefs, embrace the full spectrum of human emotions, and cultivate a mindset of agency and joy—without resorting to toxic positivity. To...
2024-12-0345 minBeautifully Complex290: Practical Strategies for Reducing School Stress, with Ann Dolin M.Ed.Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed and worry that your neurodivergent kid isn’t getting the support they need? On this week's episode of Beautifully Complex, join me, Penny Williams, as I chat with Ann Dolin, M.Ed., about practical strategies to reduce school stress and promote independence in our children.From managing executive function difficulties to handling emotional ups and downs, we cover it all. Key topics include:Balancing support and independence.Powerful questions to help your child prioritize tasks.Visual tools and routines to enhance learning.Breaking down tasks to manage overwhelm.Ann provides step-by-step advice to cr...
2024-11-2130 minBeautifully Complex288: 5 Reasons Why You Should Stop Trying to Control Your Kid, with Penny WilliamsAre you feeling overwhelmed by the constant need to control your child's behavior, only to find it leads to more frustration and distance? That it isn’t making anything better? You're not alone. Welcome to episode 288 of the Beautifully Complex podcast, where host Penny Williams, a parenting coach and author, dives into the core of these common parenting pitfalls.In this enlightening episode, Penny unravels the five compelling reasons why letting go of control can be the key to your child's growth, and to your peace of mind. She explores how shifting from compliance-based to connection-based parenting can fo...
2024-11-0727 minBeautifully Complex287: Stop Saying “It’s okay”, with Penny WilliamsAre you exhausted from the constant emotional ups and downs, the frustration of trying to connect with your neurodivergent child, and the worry about saying the “wrong” thing? You’re not alone, and there is hope. In this warm and supportive episode of Beautifully Complex, host Penny Williams dives deep into the transformative power of skill-building through everyday life experiences, the crucial role of emotional validation, and how to become a calming anchor for your child.This episode addresses the challenges many parents face, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating your child’s feelings to foster trust and emot...
2024-10-3130 minBeautifully Complex286: When an Anxious, Empathetic Nervous System is Confronted with Natural Disaster, Penny WilliamsDo you ever feel like you're caught in the eye of the storm? Trust me, you're not alone. Join Penny Williams in this profoundly personal episode of Beautifully Complex where she shares her experience living in Asheville, NC through the devastation Hurricane Helene brought, including the trials and triumphs of navigating this challenging time, both literal and metaphorical.Inside This Episode:Community Resilience and Support: Helpers are always out there, ready to support you and your family.Personal Reflections on Anxiety: Penny shares her personal story through a natural disaster, offering invaluable insights into the autonomic...
2024-10-2455 minBeautifully Complex283: We Need to Talk About Anxiety, with Penny WilliamsFeeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to support your child or teen through their anxiety? You’re not alone. As parents, we often face sleepless nights worrying: Are we doing enough to help them feel safe? Are we equipping them with the tools they need to conquer their fears?In this heartfelt episode, I shine a light on the often unsaid struggles parents face. Drawing from both personal insights and the latest expert advice, I reveal the real drivers behind our kid’s anxiety and what we, as parents, can do about it.Tune in as I un...
2024-09-2623 minBeautifully Complex282: Single Parenting with Neurodivergent Kids, with Dr. GilaAre you navigating the challenging, yet rewarding journey of single parenting a neurodivergent child? Do you often find yourself overwhelmed by societal expectations, struggling with feelings of guilt and isolation, or simply looking for practical advice to foster a nurturing environment for your unique family?In this empowering episode of Beautifully Complex, join host Penny Williams and special guest Dr. Gila — an experienced psychologist, single mom, parent coach, and neuropsychologist — as they explore the intricacies of single parenting with neurodivergent children.Together, they discuss the autonomy single parents have in shaping their relationship with their kids and...
2024-09-1944 min
Parenting the Intensity053 - There's no bad Emotions - With Penny WilliamsWelcome to "Parenting the Intensity!"In today's episode, we have guest Penny Williams, a parenting coach for ADHD and autistic families. Together, we'll talk all about the myths behind "good" and "bad" emotions and behaviors, and discuss why trying to change our kids to fit societal norms is misguided. Instead, Penny suggest understanding, compassion, and radical acceptance.We’ll explore how feelings of safety and regulation are crucial for appropriate behavior, and why transparency in our own emotional struggles can model healthier ways for our children to handle theirs. Plus, Penny shares invaluable resources to he...
2024-09-1724 min
Parenting the Intensity048 - Co-Regulation and Co-Dysregulation - With Penny WilliamsWelcome to "Parenting the Intensity!"In this episode, we will explore the concepts of co-regulation and co-dysregulation and how they can help us navigate the unique needs of our exceptional but challenging kids.And to do so we are welcoming Penny Williams, founder of parenting ADHD and autism, to discuss this complicated but oh so essential subject!"We need to have radical acceptance of what is for our kids and what might be different in their lives. Because when we get okay with those things, we're not freaking out about them. We're...
2024-07-0930 minBeautifully Complex268: What to Do When Importance Doesn’t Create Motivation, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of Beautifully Complex, we’re examining a topic that really hits close to home for many of us — what to do when importance doesn’t create motivation, especially for our neurodivergent kids. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get our kids started and keep them going on tasks that matter, but don’t necessarily excite them.I break down why the ADHD brain is motivated by interest and urgency, rather than importance, and share actionable strategies to help bridge that gap. We discuss everything from providing external rewards to setting specific goals and crea...
2024-06-0619 minBeautifully Complex266: A Summertime Plan that Can Work for Everyone, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of Beautifully Complex, we’re focusing on making summertime rewarding and manageable for neurodiverse families. I’ll guide you through a summer plan that encompasses structured activities, personal growth, and meaningful connections. This episode is packed with strategies starting with how to create an adaptable visual plan using tools like a Post-it calendar or a Mighty & Bright schedule board, perfect for kids who find comfort in visual aids and might struggle with schedule changes. Then, we move into exploration — encouraging our kids to follow their interests and passions, which is crucial for their confidence and sense of belong...
2024-05-2323 minBeautifully Complex261: Extreme Language Around Emotions, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of Beautifully Complex, I tackle why our kids and teens might use extreme language to express their emotions. We're recognizing that expressions like "I hate you" or phrases that include aggression or violence often aren't literal but signal an inability to articulate complex emotions. I talk about the importance of distinguishing between different feelings and emphasize the role parents play in guiding their kids to understand and communicate their emotions more precisely. Through my experiences and the stories I share — like my child's alarming description of a recess incident — I highlight how easy it is to misunderstand our...
2024-04-1815 minBeautifully Complex258: What to Do When Your Kid Isn’t Listening, with Penny WilliamsLet's talk about what to do when your kid isn't listening. Remember, they might be processing your words in non-traditional ways, so it's important to find alternative approaches to help them focus, process, and follow through. From recognizing distractions to accommodating slow processing speeds, I offer practical advice to help parents navigate these complex situations, including how to engage them physically, provide written instructions, and be mindful of their individual needs. By understanding these hurdles and meeting your kid where they are, you can foster better communication and cooperation. Join me!Become a supporter of this podcast: https...
2024-03-2816 minBeautifully Complex257: The Control Trap, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of Beautifully Complex, I explore the detrimental effects of trying to control kids, emphasizing the importance of a humanistic approach to behavior. After watching the recent documentary series on Netflix called "The Program," I was both horrified by the trauma that the “troubled teen industry” causes and inspired to talk about the much more helpful perspective science offers regarding behavior. I’ve identified 8 key elements that help us feel good so we can do good, and none of them have anything to do with control. Through personal experiences and impassioned insights, I shed light on the need to emp...
2024-03-2126 minBeautifully Complex255: 7 Steps to Help Kids & Teens with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I tackle the topic of rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) and provide 7 essential steps to help kids and teens facing this challenge. I share insights on recognizing signs of RSD in kids and teens, fostering open communication, building self-esteem, challenging negative thought patterns, teaching coping strategies, practicing self-compassion, and seeking professional support when needed. Our role as parents and caregivers is crucial in helping our neurodivergent kids navigate these challenges and thrive. If you want to learn more about supporting your child with RSD, don't miss this episode. Remember, you are not alone...
2024-03-0720 minBeautifully Complex252: Transforming Behavior: When You Know Better You Do Better, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m sharing a deeply personal story about a challenging experience with my son and the valuable insights it brought us regarding challenging behavior and supporting our neurodivergent kids. Through sharing this experience, I emphasize the need for flexibility and understanding in dealing with challenging behaviors, as well as the role of an individual’s nervous system and behavior. I’m also sharing info about the upcoming Transforming Behavior workshop series, which will provide free workshops for parents and caregivers.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/suppor...
2024-02-1530 min
Emotionally Uncomfortable1089: “How to Reduce Yelling and Frequent Battles” {Interview with Penny Williams} "Children with differences are not problems to be solved, but mysteries to be embraced." -Andrew Solomon In this episode, Penny shares her perspective and highlights: The challenges of parenting neurodiverse children and underscores the need for parents to change their approach and mindset to better support their children The importance of understanding the nervous system as a trigger for challenging behavior and the need for parents to remain calm and non-reactive The impact of societal norms and the school system on neurodiverse children, and the need for acceptance and understanding in various environments A parenting coach for n...
2024-01-3031 minBeautifully Complex248: Successes Change Everything, No Matter How Small, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m exploring the profound impact of successes on our neurodivergent kids (and all of us humans). I discuss how experiencing successes contributes to building confidence, motivation, and a positive mindset, all through the lens of brain science. I also offer practical ways for parents and educators to create opportunities for success and the importance of celebrating even the smallest victories. Join me as we explore the power of successes in shaping our children's journey and the strategies to support them along the way.Become a supporter of this podcast: ht...
2024-01-1819 minBeautifully Complex246: Make this the Year of Connection and Collaboration, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, we’re setting achievable intentions for the new year, with a strong focus on nurturing connections and fostering collaboration with our neurodivergent kids and teens. As always, I’m challenging the traditional authoritarian parenting/educating approach and advocate for a collaborative relationship with your kids and students, and I provide practical insights and resources for creating a collaborative environment. I emphasize the importance of spending quality time without distractions to build connections and suggest ways to provide opportunities for children to connect with you and with peers. You can even download my annu...
2024-01-0423 minBeautifully Complex244: Is It Can’t or Won’t?, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I’m taking a deep dive into the concept of "can't versus won't" when examining a child's behavior. It’s important to understand that the majority of the time, when a child is struggling, it is a "can't" rather than a "won't," even when it feels like an undoubtable won’t. I cover the complexities involved in assessing the "doability" of tasks for neurodivergent kids and provide an acronym, "DESKS," to help parents and educators analyze the factors that contribute to a task's doability for that child. Each factor plays a significant role i...
2023-12-2121 minBeautifully Complex242: 5 Ways to Boost Your Teen’s Confidence, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of the Beautifully Complex podcast, I outline five strategies to boost the confidence of neurodivergent teens and young adults. I emphasize the importance of leaning into a strengths-based approach, fostering a growth mindset, providing opportunities for talents, interests, and passions, making "time in" a part of the family culture, and being transparent about your humanness, frustration tolerance, grit, and resilience for your teens. I share practical examples and insights on implementing these strategies to help you guide your neurodivergent kids towards building confidence and self-esteem.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com...
2023-12-0622 minBeautifully Complex240: Navigating Childhood OCD: A Parent’s Journey, with Brendan MahanIn this episode of Beautifully Complex, join host Penny Williams as she delves into the topic of childhood OCD with guest Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS. Brendan opens up about his personal journey raising a child with OCD and the challenges his child and family faced, and continues to face, along the way. From the early signs of OCD in his son to the impact of COVID on his family dynamics, Brendan shares the highs, lows, and important lessons learned about raising a kid with OCD. Join us as we explore the complexities of OCD, the power of connection, and...
2023-11-1647 minBeautifully Complex239: How to Address 5 Common Behavior Challenges at School, with Penny WilliamsIn this episode of Beautifully Complex, I’m diving into behavior challenges at school. We'll discuss the common struggles faced by children with ADHD, autism, and other developmental delays, and explore effective strategies to help them navigate these challenges. From poor frustration tolerance and off-task behavior to big emotions and argumentativeness, we'll unpack it all. Join me as I share practical tips, insights, and stories to empower parents, educators, and professionals in supporting these beautifully complex individuals.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beautifully-complex--6137613/support.You can find additional resources at pa...
2023-11-0931 minBeautifully Complex238: Music as Medicine, with Luke WilliamsIn this episode of Beautifully Complex, we’re discussing the incredible power of music for those who are neurodivergent with Penny’s son, Luke. Luke shares his personal journey with music, starting from using it as a tool to assist his focus and mental clarity beginning in fourth grade. He also delves into his experience with creating digital music on his iPad and phone. Penny and Luke explore how this particular form of music — with its rhythmic and often heavy nature — has been instrumental in helping Luke regulate his emotions, cope with overwhelm, and ultimately improve his ability to refocus on his s...
2023-11-0221 minBeautifully Complex237 - Keeping Your Cool: Practical Strategies for Remaining Calm When Your Child Isn’t with Penny WilliamsIn today's episode, our host Penny Williams dives deep into a topic that many parents struggle with: how to stay calm in the midst of the storm. As a parenting coach, author, and mindset mama, Penny shares her personal journey of going from a parent who yelled and felt frustrated to one who responds calmly, compassionately, and clear-headedly. From reframing our children's behavior to understanding that it's not personal, Penny offers valuable insights and strategies on how to manage our emotions and effectively support our neurodivergent kids. Let's dive into this beautifully complex topic together.Become a supporter...
2023-10-2619 min
The Writing Glitch: Hack Dysgraphia No Pencil RequiredTWG EKS 10: Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergent Children: A Conversation with Penny WilliamsWelcome to today’s interview on the Emotional Kids Summit. Join host Cheri Dotterer from The Writing Glitch in an enlightening interview with Penny Williams, an expert in parenting children with ADHD and autism. Penny shares her personal journey as a parent and educator, offering valuable insights and strategies for parents of neurodivergent children. Discover the power of understanding behavior through a compassionate lens, the importance of interoception, and the need for a revolution in how we approach behavior and education. Don't miss this empowering conversation that sheds light on the beautifully complex world of...
2023-08-1429 min
Learn with Dr. Emily37. Supporting Neurodivergent Teens, with Penny WilliamsToday, Penny Williams shares her personal journey as a parent of a neurodivergent child, starting with her son's ADHD diagnosis at age six and his subsequent diagnosis of autism spectrum and learning disabilities. The challenges she faced led her to become a passionate advocate for neurodivergent families. Dr. Emily and Penny discuss the importance of understanding the biology-behavior connection when parenting neurodivergent teens, emphasizing the need to prioritize mental and emotional health over academic achievements, providing support and flexibility in a way that best suits each individual's needs. They challenge traditional expectations surrounding high school, college, and s...
2023-08-0255 minBeautifully Complex226: 5 Tools to Foster Self-Regulation, with Sarah Wayland, Ph.D. & Penny WilliamsOne of the struggles we hear from parents again and again is that their child lacks self-regulation. Being with a kid who can’t self-regulate day in and day out is challenging, no doubt. But you can help your kid calm and kids can learn to self-regulate — you just need the right strategies. In this episode of Beautifully Complex, outline five strategies to help your child get regulated or to foster their own self-regulation skills. Most of these can be woven into your everyday lives and things you’re already doing. Remember, when kids are regulated, their bodies and brains are ab...
2023-07-1336 min
Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenTPP 093a: A Conversation with ADHD and Autism Parent Coach Penny WilliamsThis weeks' guest is Penny Williams, author of the book Boy Without Instructions: Surviving the Learning Curve of Parenting a Child with ADHD, as well The Insiders Guide to ADHD, and What To Expect When Parenting a Child with ADHD. Penny is also the founder of Parenting ADHD and Autism, which features a blog, coaching, and the Parenting ADHD podcast, all aimed at helping parents raising special kids survive, thrive, and parent with purpose. In our conversation, Penny shares her story of raising her differently wired son, gives us the inside scoop on her books, and shares s...
2023-06-3054 minFull-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenTPP 093a: A Conversation with ADHD and Autism Parent Coach Penny WilliamsThis weeks' guest is Penny Williams, author of the book Boy Without Instructions: Surviving the Learning Curve of Parenting a Child with ADHD, as well The Insiders Guide to ADHD, and What To Expect When Parenting a Child with ADHD. Penny is also the founder of Parenting ADHD and Autism, which features a blog, coaching, and the Parenting ADHD podcast, all aimed at helping parents raising special kids survive, thrive, and parent with purpose. In our conversation, Penny shares her story of raising her differently wired son, gives us the inside scoop on her books, and shares s...
2023-06-3054 min
The Life and Leadership PodcastE 012 How Collaborative Leadership Drives Transformation with Penny WilliamsPenny Williams shares her insights on how collaborative leadership can drive transformation in an organisation. Sharing from her own lived experience and leadership journey, Penny highlights the importance of creating a positive and inclusive environment, inspiring and investing in team members, and being a problem solver. Subscribe here to be notified of new episodesPenny Williams is the CEO of Kenward Trust, with 36 years media experience in sales and marketing with specific disciplines of research, radio and brand development. She has over 22 years’ experience in senior management, working on business strategy planning and rel...
2023-06-2842 min
Military MurderGREAT LAKES: Penny WilliamsIn 1993, when 27-year old Penny Williams went missing after she moved in with her ex-husband, everyone had a suspect in mind - her ex, Navy Chief Petty Officer Herman Williams. When she was discovered dead a few days later, investigators only looked in one direction - Herman. At his 1994 trial, experts and investigators testified about all the circumstantial evidence, while Herman maintained his innocence. Herman Williams was convicted and he spent 29 yrs in prison….until his case got the attention of the Illinois Innocence Project. Join Margot as she tells you the tragic and st...
2023-05-2921 minBeautifully Complex223: Feeling Stuck in the Stuck of Stuck, with Penny WilliamsWe talk a lot about strategies for when our kids get stuck, but what about us? Parents can certainly feel stuck too. I’m feeling it to the nth degree these days, and I’ve decided to share my current feelings of being stuck in the stuck of stuck and what I’m doing to slowly find my way out of that darkness. In this episode I share my current stuckness, how doing simple things has been hard for me, and what my therapist is helping me do to feel better so I can do better. I hope that my opennes...
2023-05-2523 minBeautifully Complex218: Check Your Judgment, with Penny WilliamsYou want to help your child. So you make some assumptions as to why they’re upset, why they’re not getting things done, why they’re avoiding or disengaging… You show empathy and validation with that info, still trying to help, and then your kid gets more upset and you can’t figure it out because you feel that you did everything right. The hurdle you tripped over may be assumptions and judgment. We have an opinion about why the behavior is happening and act on it as fact, when it’s really just a guess, at best. This causes so ma...
2023-04-2023 min