Every parent has moments when they wonder if their kid’s behavior is a normal phase or a sign of something more. Is a high-spirited middle schooler just full of energy or struggling with ADHD? Is a child’s efforts to excel a sign of healthy self-motivation or the result of excessive anxiety? It can be difficult to know the difference. 

For this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris shares insights into how parents and caregivers can discern what's developmental and what’s something that needs support. As a counselor and the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, she’s an expert on parsing typical behavior from neurodiversity indicators. She’s also taking her counseling into the future by using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help build coping skills. She has great advice about how parents of kids with learning disabilities or autism can help their children thrive.

Listen now to hear: 

• The meanings of the terms neurodivergent and twice exceptional [01:45];
• Signs parents can look for that might correlate to diagnoses [04:07];

• Steps to take if you believe your child needs support [07:19] and

• How you can use AI to support your efforts to help your child [09:00]. 

Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways! Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to help your neurodiverse child. 

Links and Resources 

• Listen to The Neurodiversity Podcast and learn more about Neurodiversity University. 
• Don’t miss Emily’s free course, Using Fandoms + AI to Develop Coping Skills for Neurodivergent Kids
• Check out Emily’s books, Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today’s Classrooms and Raising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids. 
• Connect with Emily on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, and check out The Neurodiversity Podcast’s Facebook page too! 
• Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and follow! 
• Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them.
• Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.

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About Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC

Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent and cognitively gifted. Her private practice outside of St. Louis, Missouri, specializes in mental health support for neurodivergent kids, teens, and their families.

Podcast Credits

• Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price
• Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb, TillCo Media 
• Senior Producer: Amanda Avery
• Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
• Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions
• Music Producer: Dyami Wilson