Atypical Kids, Mindful Parents Podcast

A chat with neurodivergent coach Talia Zamora about parenting, burnout, authenticity, and why doing things differently can open doors we never expected.

A lot of parents (moms) of neurodivergent kids don’t leave traditional careers because they want to, or because they lack ambition.

They leave because caring for their kids requires a level of flexibility most workplaces simply don’t offer.

If you’re raising neurodivergent kids, this may sound familiar:

• You’ve reduced work hours or left a job because the school called constantly.

• Therapies and IEP meetings make traditional schedules impossible.

• You’ve wondered if there’s another way to build a career that fits your reality.

• You’re exhausted trying to follow norms that simply don’t work for your family.

In this conversation with Talia Zamora, we talk about parenting autistic kids, burnout, authenticity, and what happens when families start building lives that work for them.

Talia didn’t originally plan to become an entrepreneur. She spent years working in business improvement roles. But when her children were young, the traditional workplace stopped fitting her life. Her two sons (now teenagers) are autistic. As their needs became clearer, the logistics of parenting, appointments, and school meetings made conventional work increasingly difficult.

“I needed flexibility. I needed to be able to go to school meetings or take time when my kids needed me.”

“Sometimes the battles we’re fighting are really about society’s expectations, not what’s best for our child.”

“I was mimicking what other moms were doing. But it was to my own detriment.”

“The more you accept yourself, and realize not everybody is going to like you, the easier it becomes to show up authentically.”

Burnout is extremely common among parents of neurodivergent children. Between advocacy, appointments, school challenges, and the supercharged emotional rollercoaster we’re strapped into, many parents run on empty for years.

Talia and I agree that preventing burnout is easier than recovering from it.

Small moments of self-regulation matter.

If you’re trying to build a life that actually works for your neurodiverse family, you’re in the right place. Subscribe for conversations, tools, and honest reflections about raising atypical kids with compassion for them and for ourselves.

When parenting neurodivergent kids is a full-time job, create a business that bends instead of breaking you with Laura Robinson.

This is the conversation I wish I had a decade ago, back when I thought grit and sacrifice were the only way to run a business while raising a neurodivergent child.

Spoiler: You don’t need more grit. You need more permission.

Laura’s story isn’t the shiny “I had a dream and built a business!” narrative we’re sold online. It started in crisis.

“Our second son was in and out of the hospital from birth. I’d had two C-sections, appendicitis, pleurisy, a major bereavement… I was as broken as I could possibly be.”

When Business Begins Out of Necessity, Not Ambition

“The thought that I could’ve had a job was ridiculous. I’d walk in the front door and the school would call: ‘We need you back.’ This happened constantly.”

An honest look at Dr. Becky’s influence, the limits of “deeply feeling,” and why accurate labels matter for autistic and ADHD kids. 

When journalist E.J. Dickson published her viral article “Do Deeply Feeling Kids Really Exist?” for The Cut, it sparked an emotional debate among parents who follow Dr. Becky Kennedy’s parenting philosophy. In this conversation, E.J. joins me to share what she learned while reporting on the Deeply Feeling Kid (DFK) concept — and how it can unintentionally delay autism and ADHD evaluations for children who need support.

We talk about what worked (and didn’t) when she tried Dr. Becky’s strategies with her own neurodivergent son, why highly verbal interventions often fail autistic kids, and the deeper forces at play: ableism, access barriers, and the pressure on mothers to never get it wrong.

E.J. also reflects on the long history of blaming mothers for their children’s struggles, the intense pushback to her article, and why a diagnosis isn’t an ending — it’s a beginning.

If you’ve ever wondered where “deeply feeling” ends and neurodivergence begins, this conversation offers clarity and community.

A conversation with Ina Chung on finding power in accurate labels, and how modeling advocacy with her autistic and allergic kids helps them feel truly seen.

“Parents would tell me, ‘If I had known when my child was three instead of seven, we could have gotten so many more supports in place.’ That breaks my heart.”

A candid, courageous conversation about the messy intersections of parenting, privilege, and support for neurodivergent kids.

“Fear isn’t unsafe. Discomfort isn’t unsafe. It’s where growth begins.”

A live, candid conversation with Parenting Pivot creator Patrick Weir on parenting special needs kids, ambiguous loss, and finding connection when you feel alone.

When you first notice something’s different — finding connection, clarity, and compassion through community.

Meet Patrick Weir, dad to a 10-year-old daughter with special needs.

Patrick shares the story behind Parenting Pivot — a passion project built to help parents feel less alone through honest conversations with both caregivers and experts.

We discuss the early days of realizing something was different, navigating evaluations, and the emotional terrain of ambiguous loss.

Together, they explore what it means to center parents’ voices while advocating for their kids.

This episode reminds us that no matter where you are in your parenting journey, you’re not alone — and community makes all the difference.

"Every episode, I want parents to feel seen and walk away with something useful.”

— Patrick Weir

"We don’t have to be perfect parents to be present ones.”

— Kate Lynch

Topics:

• Why Patrick started Parenting Pivot

• The moment parents realize something is different

• Navigating the diagnostic process and finding a neuropsychologist

• The concept of ambiguous loss and redefining expectations

• Finding your people: community, compassion, and support for parents

• What it means to put parents at the center of the conversation

• 
  

  Timestamps:

  [00:00] Welcome and Introductions – Kate introduces Patrick and the Parenting Pivot Podcast

• [02:45] Why Patrick Created Parenting Pivot – Turning pain into purpose

• [08:30] The Parent’s Point of View: Centering Caregivers’ Stories

• [13:10] From “Something’s Different” to Diagnosis: The Early Steps

• [20:00] Ambiguous Loss and the Power of Community

  [27:30] Advice for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

Learn how self-regulation and visualization practices can enhance your relationship with your children.

Outside of crises, we can work on our relationships through meditation techniques, including guided visualization.

I’m Kate Lynch (she/her), a mindful parenting teacher on a mission to create a kinder, more inclusive future.

Widely known for my compassionate, nonjudgmental approach, I’ve supported thousands of highly sensitive parents internationally with self-compassion and mindfulness practices, so their families can feel more ease and joy.

Emphasizing the importance of creating new neural pathways of love and connection, I'll guide you to imagine ideal scenarios with your kids, fostering a sense of support and calm.

By visualizing the details of respectful interactions, you can build cooperation and trust with your neurodivergent kids.

Get comfy and join in to explore these methods that will help you to strengthen parental bonds and cultivate a nurturing family environment.

SPOILERS: Unpacking Netflix's "Adolescence" From a Peaceful Parenting Perspective With Sarah Rosensweet

Why are we scapegoating the symptom of social media when oppressive systems are the root cause of a disconnected generation?

As an artist obsessed with breaking generational cycles (while raising a budding filmmaker) the series had me riveted from the opening shot.

I wish someone had told me the advice Ryan gives parents worried about the IEP process.

When she said it in the interview, I almost cried.

Follow for more mindful parenting for neurodiverse families. An honest review helps other parents find this community, and I'm grateful for yours.

Ryan Rose Weaver is an educator and parent to a twice-exceptional child. In this episode, we talked about the challenges of balancing intensive caregiving seasons, and the importance of parental self-compassion. In particular, we focused on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. 

Ryan shared her personal story of navigating her child's struggles in a Montessori school setting. offering insights into how she balanced her own self-care through creative practices like movement and writing. 

We also explored the importance of creating relational rituals, advocating for better communication between parents and teachers, and practical practices to maintain mental and emotional well-being. 

The most impactful part of the conversation for me was Ryan’s perspective as a teacher conducting IEP meetings, and her advice and strategies for stressed out parents.

The episode wraps up with a guided mindfulness practice for parents, encouraging tranquility and resilience. 

00:00 Introduction to Atypical Kids Mindful Parents Podcast

00:43 Introduction to Ryan Rose Weaver

01:47 Challenges in Early Education

03:02 Discovering Sensory Integration Issues

04:30 Navigating the IEP Process

08:18 Creative Practices as Survival Instinct

08:59 Balancing Parental Identity and Self-Care

09:28 The Importance of Self-Tending

10:15 Challenges in the Education System

16:01 Teacher-Parent Relationships

17:02 Preparing for IEP Meetings

18:11 Advocating for Children in IEP Meetings

25:05 Creating Rituals for Self and Relational Care

27:54 Including Children in IEP Meetings

34:22 Mindfulness and Support Practices

41:45 Conclusion and Guest Information

Find Ryan on Substack and Instagram at Ryan Rose Weaver.

Want to give back? Your reviews are always a gift!

Generational Autism: A Mom's Journey of Radical Acceptance and Connection with Julie M. Green

In this episode, listen in on an enlightening conversation with Julie M. Green, a writer and artist from Kingston, Canada. Julie discusses the nuances of parenting as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and the evolving narrative around autism and neurodivergence.

Explore generational autism, radical acceptance, and the importance of connection over fear.

Julie shares her personal parenting journey, coping mechanisms, and insights as well as the details of her autism diagnosis later in life... and how her autistic teen reacted to the news that they share a diagnosis.

Navigating public spaces with atypical kids, overcoming stigma, and building an inclusive future!

Self-compassion helps parents and their neurodivergent children to feel more resilient.

Essential skills for parenting neurodivergent children, from managing expectations to dealing with discomfort.

In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist, founder of the Neurodiversity Collective, and co-host of the Nerding Out on Neurodiversity Podcast.

We’re sharing personal stories and expert advice on managing expectations and finding community support.

Dr. Matt introduces his book, 'The Neurodiversity Playbook,' aimed at helping parents and neurodivergent individuals navigate a neurotypical world.

3 Ways To Enter the Book Giveaway:

Listen in on an intimate conversation between myself and one of my beloved private parent coaching clients. She's building confidence and compassion while raising her neurodivergent kid. Learn how self-compassion plays a crucial role in mindful parenting. Building Confidence in Parenting: Strategies and Support for Neurodiverse Families

Discover:

-the power of a judgment-free coaching relationship.

-the simplicity of self-regulation techniques.

-the value of connecting deeply with your child.

Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids podcast helps parents feel less alone. Kate interviews parents and experts who share her mission to co-create a more inclusive future.

Join us in this insightful interview where we're discussing parenting with compassion, empathy, and boundary-setting.

This episode delves into my client's goals, including safety, mindful spending, balancing screen time, fostering open communication, and developing self-compassion as a parent.

How to Balance Support and Independence in Neurodivergent Teens

Raising neurodivergent teens requires us to walk the razor's edge between offering support and encouraging independence...

...it's a balance that can sometimes feel elusive.

I'm Kate Lynch, and the other day I discussed this with Dr. Emily W. King, a child psychologist with a wealth of experience working with neurodivergent kids.

Before she became a parent, Dr. Emily was a licensed psychologist. Despite all her academic knowledge and training, having her own kids and working with her clients provided the real education. Nothing prepares you for the emotional experience of parenting. Knowledge helps, but understanding how our brains and bodies work together—in vastly different ways—comes from lived experience. As Dr. Emily put it, “Lived experience is just as valuable as any letters we have behind our name.”

Every child is different, and each family figures out what work best for them. For instance, my son is now comfortable taking the subway to school, although that journey had its challenges. He has navigated train disruptions, struggled with confusion, and yet persisted, growing more independent over time. 

Dr. Emily noted that our kids are on their own timelines, and traditional age-based developmental milestones don’t apply to neurodivergent kids. Trusting the process, allowing for those inevitable challenges, and seeing them as growth opportunities are critical. Understanding and accepting this can alleviate some parental anxiety.

Sometimes, teens might feel they no longer need certain therapies, even when their parents think otherwise. Emily suggested a collaborative approach: understanding the child’s perspective, discussing their goals, and finding compromises that respect their feelings while ensuring they get the support they need.

 One particularly touching moment Dr. Emily recalled was when her son unexpectedly grabbed her hand in a crowd, a simple yet profound reminder that there’s a last time for everything—we just don’t know when it will be.

By sharing experiences and learning from each other, we can help our neurodivergent kids feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow.

Join the Movement! Come Together to Create a More Inclusive World for Our Kids, One Parent at a Time...

If you’re anything like other parents I talk to, you’re seeking 3 things:

1. Connection with other parents who get it.

2. Support, empathy and guidance through the rough spots.

3. Resources to help your children.

When you're suffering and searching for self-compassion, you may be thinking, "But I'm already feeling so vulnerable! I can't take it. I need to numb out. This is too much!!!"

Right over that hill you can't quite see beyond, self-compassion is waiting for you. 

How to Find Peace in the Mess of Parenting Neurodivergent Kids

Join us as my guest Kathryn Barbash, PsyD, a mom of four and a clinical psychologist, shares her experiences and strategies for parenting neurodivergent children. Kathryn discusses the importance of flexibility, the pitfalls of striving for perfection, and the concept of resilience.

Hear her personal stories, including the hilariously chaotic 'flour fiasco,' and gain insights on how to manage morning routines and emotional outbursts with kindness, creativity, and self-compassion. 

This episode is a rich resource for parents seeking support, connection, and practical advice for their unique parenting experiences. 

00:00 Morning Struggles and Parenting Challenges

00:43 Introduction to Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids

01:18 Meet Kathryn Barbash: Psychologist and Mom

03:33 The Flour Fiasco: Embracing Parenting Messes

08:00 The Second Arrow: Understanding and Managing Parental Guilt

16:46 Morning Routines: Tips and Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids

22:11 Collaborative Parenting: Working with Your Kids

26:21 Core Values and Joyful Parenting Moments

29:11 Conclusion and Where to Learn More

Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids podcast helps parents feel less alone. Kate interviews parents and experts who share her mission to co-create a more inclusive future. 

Our podcast is a baby, and it needs your love to grow.

If you appreciate the strategies, connection, and support here, please help it reach other parents by leaving us a review.

Your Neurodivergent Family = a Summer Filled With Fun and Relaxation

I’ve tested this method with many neurodiverse families with totally chill results!

Summer Prep For Maximum Chill! With Amy Weber, LCSW

Get support and strategies to co-create a fun, relaxed summer with your unique family.

This is an upcycled episode, so the workshop is over, but you can get all you need, INCLUDING FREE HANDOUTS AND UPDATED CALENDARS, HERE:

Planning for day camp success with your neurodivergent kid!

I'm joined by Amy Weber, LCSW, to talk about practical steps you can take to sail through summer with less stress. Amy has been running a day camp for intense kids for 9 years through her interdisciplinary pediatric therapy practice in Brooklyn, New York: Speak, Learn, & Play.

Learn how to navigate summer day camp with neurodivergent kids in this insightful podcast episode. From mindful parenting to creating an inclusive environment, this episode covers it all. If you're a parent looking for tips on how to support your neurodivergent child at day camp and communicate with camp leadership, this episode is a must-listen! Mindfully parenting atypical kids has never been easier with these helpful tips.

Amy runs a camp for neurodivergent children every summer, so she has a unique perspective on the summer challenges of neurodiverse families. Amy also sees children for individual and group therapy sessions, and coaches parents too!

What questions do you have for a teen money expert who wants to help us teach our neurodivergent kids how to manage money?

Amanda L. Grossman isn't just an award-winning money expert with a passion for helping neurodivergent kids manage their finances. She's walking alongside us, raising her own neurodivergent kid.

In this episode, she shares a "wealth" of expert financial literacy advice for neurodivergent kids. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, Amanda understands the challenges and stresses that come with parenting our kids.

She's the founder of Money Prodigy, a platform that empowers children and teens to achieve financial independence. Featured on prominent sites such as Experian, Rockstar Finance, and Colonial Life, Amanda is on a mission to ensure every child grows up with the skills to manage their money confidently.

We discuss the importance of sharing our personal money stories—warts and all—to make financial conversations less intimidating and more relatable for our children. We'll explore the pros and cons of allowances, paid chores, and the general responsibilities kids can take on within a family setting. Amanda has fantastic tips on using visual supports and categorizing chores to help our kids understand these concepts better.

I do my best to answer her questions, and you can too:

1. When you think of teaching your child (kid or teen) about money, what do you think about doing?
2. What access to money does your child have? Is it consistent, or not consistent?
3. What does your child do with money in their lives?
4. What do you secretly get scared about when it comes to your child and money (the kind of thing that you tend to just "bury your head in the sand" about, or get anxious about at 3:00 in the morning)?”

We'll also discuss the delicate balance of allowing children the freedom to make their own spending decisions while setting boundaries and responsibilities to guide them.

At the end I'll guide you through an abundant breath to release any anxiety that may arise.

This episode will instill parents with confidence around teaching kids about money. Even if you never received a money education from your own parents, and maybe your finances aren't so great. You are perfectly suited for teaching your kids how to manage their money.

So, get ready to rethink how you approach financial education at home.

How We Can Help Our Kids and Ourselves Feel Safer Today

What have you heard about Polyvagal Theory?

I love sharing about how it informs my parenting. We're parents of neurodivergent kids. Of course we need nervous system regulation skills.

How to find strength and acceptance in inclusive parenting with Sonali Vongchusiri.

A mindful exploration of belonging versus fitting in, and combating internalized ableism.

Sonali is a highly-sensitive mom with three deeply-feeling and strong-willed kids. She also happens to be legally blind and have albinism. With her heartwarming stories and profound revelations, Sonali teaches us that you don't have to fit in to truly belong. 

In this episode, we'll discuss the beauty of embracing one's true self, and the power of labels in accessing support and understanding. Sonali shares her journey of accepting her visual impairment, and transforming her internal struggle with albinism into strength. 

The compassionate way she and her children embrace their differences fosters a family dynamic rich in confidence, humor, and sensitivity to individual needs. 

By the end of the episode, you'll be able to answer these 3 questions:

1. How has Sonali's journey of embracing her albinism and visual impairment influenced the way she parents and advocates for her neurodivergent children? 

2. How can parents balance the need to tell their children about their disability without inducing feelings of being an outsider or internalized ableism? 

3. What are some strategies to create an environment of belonging for atypical kids, both within the family and in wider social settings? 

With her heartwarming stories and profound revelations, Sonali teaches us that you don't have to fit in to truly belong.

Happy Autism Awareness-Acceptance-Appreciation Month!

This popular episode from the archives of 2020 is worth a listen for the honest perspective of an autistic kid who can and does advocate for himself. Hearing that little high voice compared to the deep one he has now, I'm almost nostalgic...

...but not really!

_______

Advice for parents of atypical kids, from Ocean as he begins his 5th grade year, amid pandemic confusion.

He offers simple, logical suggestions about parenting anyone, really, in a mindful, observant and collaborative way. 

Ocean has some thoughts about when parents should tell their kid about their diagnosis. 

He has strong feelings about the way his ABA Pre-K tried to deal with his aversion to snaps and buttons. He did look adorable at his Aunt's wedding, but he definitely was NOT wearing a tie.

Then I share a mindfulness practice to help you appreciate the present moment, just in case you're like me and the millions of other parents who feel guilty from time to time. You are not alone. Ruminating about the past or expecting ourselves to be perfect parents isn't helpful. Befriend the feelings, learn the lessons, let it go.

Why Curiosity Helps You SHINE as a Parent of Neurodiverse Kids

I had the pleasure of interviewing Valerie Arbeau, an inspiring life and health coach, and a resilient mom navigating the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising neurodiverse children. The result is a  moving podcast episode full of twists and turns, as we follow her 21-year parenting story. 

Valerie introduces us to the "SHINE Principle" that has guided her through the tumultuous parenting of her two neurodiverse children with grace and strength. From navigating her child's non-binary identity to pioneering ways for her non-verbal daughter to communicate, Valerie's story is a testament to the power of acceptance, support, and unwavering love. Valerie advocates for attentive parenting, learning to tune in to the diverse ways her children convey their needs, a skill she humbly admits wasn't always second nature.

We discuss how to overcome parental burnout. I asked Valerie about communication devices, low demand parenting, pathological demand avoidance, autism, adhd, cerebral palsy, and more.

The practical suggestions in her book, “The SHINE Principle," along with the relatable stories, will motivate you to care for yourself, which will positively impact your whole neurodiverse family.

Ocean and I were swapping YouTube videos about bullying, and we decided to record a conversation. I'm a bit anxious about Ocean starting middle school next year. 'Bullies' are everywhere throughout life, so it is important to me that we keep an open dialogue. 

Please note that we are NOT talking about any sort of physical abuse. 

Rebekah Lara has 3 daughters with multiple health challenges. Her story of resilience shows how pursuing our own interests can liberate our whole family.

Rebekah joined me to talk about time freedom and the importance of pursuing our own interests as parents. Her story is one of resilience, wisdom, and hope that's going to resonate with so many of you. We discuss the transformative power of setting boundaries, the grace found in accepting help, and the unequivocal importance of self-care.

With 3 neurodivergent daughters, her life changed course when faced with the significant health challenges of her eldest daughter, a survivor of acute liver failure and subsequent multiple organ failure. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Rebekah navigated this complex journey with calm determination. As she marks the sixth year since her life took this unexpected turn, her personal struggle turned into her mission—aiming to support other parents navigating similar paths.

Rebekah's experience is not just a tale of survival but a testament to her dedication to bring understanding, freedom, and hope to families like hers.

As parents of neurodivergent kids, we know, when it RAINS, it pours. 

I'm re-releasing this popular episode now because times are hard!

In the process of living a life of meaning, my vulnerability arises.

Emotionally raw places become exposed, and my precarious serenity is challenged not only by my relationship with my son, but by life in general. 

Join me in a self-compassion process which has helped me heal my underlying emotional wounds. Recognize, allow, investigate and nurture your uncomfortable feelings, and then saturate your nervous system with compassion.

I first learned RAIN from meditation teacher Tara Brach.

Don’t panic about your neurodivergent child’s future, do something!

What’s most important for a meaningful life, as far as you’re concerned?

I'm re-releasing this popular episode, which was one of the first Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids podcast episodes.

“All parenting turns on a crucial question: to what extent parents should accept their children for who they are, and to what extent they should help them become their best selves.”

-Andrew Solomon

This podcast is my answer to that question. 

We can set an example by caring for ourselves and others.

By taking responsibility for our own happiness and our relationships.

We have an opportunity to transform. As we do, we can have an impact on the future of our children. Envisioning that future, and taking steps towards it, can help us feel more hopeful and motivated on the parenting path. 

When we feel we are making a valuable contribution, our stress response can shift from fight, flight or freeze (panic, yell, compete, abandon, give up or numb out) to attend and befriend: “We’re in this together, we’ve got this!”

You can do a grounding practice, and try a guided visualization.

Journaling and visualizing can help you feel more hopeful and motivated when parenting neurodivergent kids. It can be empowering to have a few steps you can take to teach your child life skills and model the values you hold most dear.

What skills did your caregivers model when you were growing up?

What skills are you modeling in your neurodiverse family?

Where can you grow? What support would help your family?

“Why do you never put your shoes away?” and other questions that aren't helping.

Do you recognize any of these?

• “We need to do it this way!”
• “Why can't you follow my system?”
• “Why do you never put your shoes away?”
• “Why do you always leave your stuff everywhere?”

“A lot of times it's because we have these different organizing styles.”

-Audrey Berry

You may have beliefs about how things should be organized in your home, but those ideas aren’t helping your kids get out the door in the morning. This podcast will help you organize your home to make it easier for your whole neurodiverse family to navigate. Audrey is an expert in organizing spaces for people with ADHD and has a wealth of knowledge on creating calm and organized homes for neurodiverse families. In this episode, Audrey will be sharing valuable insights on understanding different organizing styles, managing conflicts, and setting up systems that work for your family's unique needs. We'll dive into the concept of visual and non-visual organizing, macro and micro organizing, and how these preferences can impact our home environments. We'll also explore the challenges of morning routines and getting out the door, as well as discuss practical tips for creating functional spaces that support our children's independence. So, get ready to discover a new perspective on organization and find empowerment in creating a calm and organized home for your neurodiverse family.

Audrey has a FREE gift for you as a listener of the Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids Podcast:

An interview with a parent of grown children about her journey from isolated to empowered, and how you can support others too. Audrey Berry is a parent who can relate to the challenges of raising a child with neurodivergence and disabilities. Although she doesn't have a formal diagnosis herself, Audrey acknowledges the difficulties and frustrations that come with navigating life when things don't seem to work as smoothly as they do for others. She describes it as constantly paddling upstream in a rapid current while others effortlessly float along down a lazy river. Audrey understands firsthand what it's like to be in the trenches, advocating for and supporting her child. Audrey shares her personal experiences and the struggles she has faced in a system that often feels broken. She discusses the feelings of being left behind as a parent, watching other children reach milestones while her own child faces different challenges. Audrey emphasizes the importance of finding support and connecting with other parents who truly understand. As a parent of grown children now, she offers words of encouragement and reminds us of the power in being a listening ear and a source of support for those who are just starting their journey. Stay tuned as we delve into a heartfelt conversation about the realities of parenting atypical kids and the vital role of mindful parents like us in helping each other along the way. Sharing our vulnerabilities and honest experiences is crucial. It helps others move out of isolation and find solace in knowing they're not alone. Audrey's reminder to share our own stories and encourage one another touched me. Let's lift each other up! 🌈

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful!

Here's how I rewrite the list my inner critic has been writing all night long, and turn inward with compassion.

If today is triggering for you, I hear you, I see you, and you are not alone.

The weight our culture gives to Mother’s Day is a symptom.

An unequal burden is placed on the shoulders of individual parents: the implicit and explicit pressure for the day, much less the children’s lives to be perfect. We will crack under that pressure.

Am I on the right path? Am I taking care of this body well enough? This mind? This home? Am I a good enough teacher? Partner? Citizen of the world? Yoga practitioner? Friend?

I know am not the only parent cracking open.

I wake up most mornings overflowing with doubts. But most of all, I doubt my mothering.

Meditation teacher Tara Brach often shares the image of a solid gold Buddha covered over with layers of clay. After centuries, no one knew about the gold until the statue was moved, and accidentally dropped. The cracks revealed the hidden gold shining through. I look for the gold by peering into the cracks in my own wounded psyche.

I’m parenting my inner child with compassion.

Trouble with tech-related mental health issues and struggles with getting off screens?

Learn a self-regulation strategy that will help you through the eggshell moments, then once you're calm, rethink your family's screen health.

When we help our child make informed choices about their screen life, and balance it with activities that we know support well-being, we will change their very experience of childhood, and that impacts their long term social, emotional and cognitive development.

We asked parents about their struggles, and what question they wanted to ask us about parenting. 

Amy Weber and I are planning our next coaching group for parents of neurodivergent kids, and we want your input! The questionnaire will only take a minute or two, and we will reach out personally to answer your questions! 

Hear my conversation with Amy Weber, LCSW, as we answer some fantastic questions from parents! 

Kate: We are answering questions for the wonderful people who filled out our parent survey, and if you fill out the parent survey this week, we will come back and answer your questions too! 

Amy: Thank you to the people who did fill out the survey. 

Kate: Yeah. So we're just gonna go in the order that we received them. It's totally anonymous. If this applies to you, good. It might. A lot of these apply to me. 

If you haven't submitted a question yet,  the survey is here we'd love to hear from you:

Parents, do you really need another condescending person telling you that you should be practicing self-care?

I mean, it’s just another thing on the list when we’re already so tired and stressed and frustrated. Right?

That’s why I prefer the term self-respect, or self-honoring. Those don’t take extra time or require us to do anything at all. It’s a mindset. A mindset we can model for our kids.

Let’s dispel a few myths:

1. Self-care is self-improvement. Self-care doesn’t need to be earned, and it isn’t about changing you. Authentic self-care supports your inherent goodness.

2. Self-care is self-indulgence. There’s nothing wrong with numbing out, but if you feel regretful afterwards, that’s not self-care. When we avoid our stress, it will still be there to deal with later.

3. Self-care is specific things on a list written by someone other than you. You get to define what self care is for you. 

Authentic self-care nourishes, energizes and grounds you by working on the root issue: the unnecessary backlog of tension in your body.

I don’t want to go around holding on to all of the stress that has built up over the years of advocating for my neurodivergent kid, navigating a world that dehumanizes them, and being expected to figure it out on my own as an unpaid second or third job. 

Of COURSE we don’t have time for spa days!

The thing is, our kids are learning emotional regulation by watching us. Self-regulation can’t be taught, it has to be modeled.

Authentic self-care doesn’t use up your time or energy, it frees up your energy by giving you more awareness of what is and isn’t serving you. If a self regulation practice isn’t useful in 30 seconds, stop doing it. Try something else. 

When we are more regulated, we will not only be there for our kids, we will be present for ourselves. 

We’re breaking cycles to co-create a more inclusive future. Thank you for going on this journey with me. 

Your comments, ratings and reviews mean a lot to me, and help other parents find our community. 

Connect with Kate Lynch:

In which Ocean makes a surprise appearance to eat chips and talk about his expectations for summer. 

In which I recap and reinforce the tips and practices we've covered to help you sail through summer with your neurodiverse family. 

In which I throw a curveball, by telling a story about plans gone awry. 

How My Family Is Prepping for a Summer Filled With Fun and Relaxation:

Call a casual family meeting. Grab some paper. Get curious.

1. Ask everyone, "⁠How do we want to FEEL this summer?⁠⁠" Write everything down.

2. Ask everyone, "How are we going to make these feelings happen?" Write everything down.

3. Make everyone's dreams come true. There are creative ways to do this!

4. Make it visible by posting a summer calendar.

Some Kids Come With Operating Instructions 

Michelle Neuringer, a fellow parent, wrote to me recently: 

"I’d like to get your thoughts on some struggles I’m having finding inclusive enrichment programs for my daughter (eg afterschool, camp). I think there’s a big opportunity to educate these enrichment providers on how to work with neurodivergent kiddos." 

Michelle wants to introduce her autistic 7 year old to a range of experiences aligned with her special interests. Here in NYC, there's so much available, but in her experience the providers don't know how to work with our kids. Why do they freak out when we mention a diagnosis? How can we help them be more inclusive? What can we do as parents to support and educate enrichment providers on our kids?

So, we talked and came up with some ideas as a starting point: 

1. Start with things that light your kid up - their special interests. 
2. Communicate with the directors, but also the counselors who will actually be caring for your kid day to day. Share your expertise on your kid, beginning with their strengths and interests. 
3. Preview, plan and prime with your child before the program begins. 

Here are some metrics Michelle envisions enrichment programs being adapted to be more inclusive: 

• Kind of activity. 
• Size of group. 
• Parent involvement. 
• Space, sensory environment, breaks. 
• Meaningful inclusion: Kids co-create the curriculum, have a voice. 

Michelle says, "I want listeners to join me in changing the world for our kids, so they can grow up in a world where they can take up space, be themselves and not be beholden to neurotypical goals and milestones." 

Michelle Neuringer is mom to two amazing kids that have different ways of being in the world. She has also spent over 20 years designing & building technology products that help small businesses do what they love. She learned early in her career that to craft solutions that work, you must first discover and deeply understand who you’re serving, their needs, aspirations and motivations. Michelle has translated this mindset to her autistic daughter’s educational and therapeutic journey, learning and discovering alongside teachers and therapists.

Welcome to Season 2 of Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids! We're Back Just in Time to Prep for Summer!

Are you feeling overwhelmed, parenting your neurodivergent kids during these stressful times? Yeah, me too. Welcome to Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids, a neurodiversity-affirming parenting podcast where you'll find connection, strategies, and support for your journey.  

I can’t wait to walk this path alongside you. 

Connect with Kate Lynch: 

This is a simple practice for when you're feeling a bit down on yourself. 

Practice it when you feel okay, so it is readily available to you in moments of suffering.  

It is a breathing practice connected with affirmations. It is adapted from walking meditations by Thich Nhat Hanh.   

Think to yourself: 

"I am home" as you breathe in. 

"I have arrived" as you breathe out. 

"I am worthy" as you breathe in. 

"I belong here" as you breathe out. 

Finish with the Bodhisattva vow: "May whatever arises in my life awaken compassion."  

Kate Lynch is a meditation coach and inclusive yoga teacher. She specializes in using meditation, breath patterns, mindfulness, relaxation and gentle yoga to build resilience to anxiety.  

This is NOT medical advice!   

5 Days to Calmer Kinder Parenting: Connection, Strategies and Support for Parents of Intense Kids