Stop Saying This to Neurodivergent Kids (It Contributes to Depression)

At 50 years old, I still feel physically sick when I hear these two words. My throat closes up, my chest tightens, and I'm instantly transported back to being that confused, overwhelmed neurodivergent kid who could never seem to get things right. Those words? "Should be." In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, I share how "should be" thinking is accidentally creating mental health crises in our ADHD and autistic children - and what to do instead. Whether you are a parent, therapist or educator, you're going to gain valuable insights on how to better support neurodivergent kids:) Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist ⭐️ Get your FREE GET TO KNOW MY CHILD SNAPSHOT Set your child up for success by providing essential information at a glance! This one-page snapshot takes less than 5 minutes to complete and helps anyone supporting your child, including camp counselors, coaches, teachers, therapists, sitters, and more. • Parents click here ⭐️ Click here for free resources, trainings, and continuing education-  ⭐️ Get your FREE BEHAVIOR DETECTIVE GUIDE  To support neurodivergent children and teens, we need to understand their unique needs and honor their experiences. The Behavior Detective Guide breaks down information to help identify barriers and patterns, leading to neurodiversity affirming approaches.  • Parents click here  • Therapists click here  • Educators click here  ⭐️ Get your FREE SOCIAL SUCCESS GUIDE  Social interaction can be confusing and anxiety-provoking for neurodivergent children and teens. The Social Success Guide provides practical strategies to support social confidence and authenticity.  • Parents click here  • Therapists click here • Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION  Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A  Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents click here for your masterclasses  ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:)  ➡️ Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents  ➡️ Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals  ❤️ Thanks for sharing this episode and supporting The Autism ADHD Podcast!

Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast. I'm glad you joined me today because my guest, Reid Miles, host of "Inside the Asperger's Studio," and I are talking about why it's so hard to move outside our comfort zone. We are also discussing how to move outside the zone with more comfort and confidence. Some of the topics we are covering are:  Why forcing neurodivergent kids out of their comfort zone backfires The real reason behind the "I don't want to" responses How to use "starter sentences" to understand your child's fears The anchor person strategy for building confidence Small, doable steps that actually work Planning strategies for overwhelming environments Why shared interests make all the difference After you take a listen, please share this episode! We appreciate you helping to spread the word about neurodiversity-affirming approaches:) Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist ⭐️ Get your FREE GET TO KNOW MY CHILD SNAPSHOT Set your child up for success by providing essential information at a glance! This one-page snapshot takes less than 5 minutes to complete and helps anyone supporting your child, including camp counselors, coaches, teachers, therapists, sitters, and more. • Parents click here ⭐️ Click here for free resources, trainings, and continuing education-  ⭐️ Get your FREE BEHAVIOR DETECTIVE GUIDE  To support neurodivergent children and teens, we need to understand their unique needs and honor their experiences. The Behavior Detective Guide breaks down information to help identify barriers and patterns, leading to neurodiversity affirming approaches.  • Parents click here  • Therapists click here  • Educators click here  ⭐️ Get your FREE SOCIAL SUCCESS GUIDE  Social interaction can be confusing and anxiety-provoking for neurodivergent children and teens. The Social Success Guide provides practical strategies to support social confidence and authenticity.  • Parents click here  • Therapists click here • Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION  Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A  Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents click here for your masterclasses  ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:)  ➡️ Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents  ➡️ Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals  ❤️ Thanks for sharing this episode and supporting The Autism ADHD Podcast! ➡️ Make sure to check out "Inside the Aspergers Studio" podcast hosted by Reid Miles! Mentions - Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Edward Hallowell and Adrienne Wilkinson  

I'm honored to interview Jan Stewart, author of "Hold on Tight." In today's episode, she shares her powerful journey raising two neurodivergent children and provides five essential tips that every parent of ADHD and autistic kids needs to hear. Jan's wisdom comes from decades of advocacy, partnership-building, and learning to trust her instincts while navigating systems that often misunderstand our children. After you take a listen, please share:) Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist ⭐️ Click here for free resources, trainings, and continuing education-  ⭐️ Get your FREE BEHAVIOR DETECTIVE GUIDE  To support neurodivergent children and teens, we need to understand their unique needs and honor their experiences. The Behavior Detective Guide breaks down information to help identify barriers and patterns, leading to neurodiversity affirming approaches.  • Parents click here  • Therapists click here  • Educators click here  ⭐️ Get your FREE SOCIAL SUCCESS GUIDE  Social interaction can be confusing and anxiety-provoking for neurodivergent children and teens. The Social Success Guide provides practical strategies to support social confidence and authenticity.  • Parents click here  • Therapists click here • Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION  Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A  Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents click here for your masterclasses  ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:)  ➡️ Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents  ➡️ Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals  ❤️ Thanks for sharing this episode and supporting The Autism ADHD Podcast! 🙋🏻‍♀️ LEARN MORE ABOUT JAN STEWART AND HER BOOK

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Kate Moryoussef, host of the award-winning ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, to discuss the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent mothers. Both diagnosed in their 40s, Kate and I share authentic insights about self-acceptance, burnout prevention, and how to be the calm anchor for our families. Key Topics Discussed The grief and relief that comes with a late ADHD diagnosis Why self-compassion must come before self-acceptance Recognizing the subtle signs of approaching burnout How ADHD presents differently across life stages and hormonal changes The importance of being the calm anchor in dysregulated family moments Practical burnout prevention strategies for ADHD women Breaking free from societal expectations and "shoulds" The ripple effect of self-care on family dynamics Sincerely,  ❤️ Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist  ⭐️ Click here for free resources, trainings, and continuing education- ⭐️ Get your FREE BEHAVIOR DETECTIVE GUIDE  To support neurodivergent children and teens, we need to understand their unique needs and honor their experiences. The Behavior Detective Guide breaks down information to help identify barriers and patterns, leading to neurodiversity affirming approaches.  • Parents click here  • Therapists click here  • Educators click here  ⭐️ Get your FREE SOCIAL SUCCESS GUIDE  Social interaction can be confusing and anxiety-provoking for neurodivergent children and teens. The Social Success Guide provides practical strategies to support social confidence and authenticity.  • Parents click here - https://www.hollyblancmoses.com/pl/276666  • Therapists click here - https://www.hollyblancmoses.com/pl/271718  • Educators click here - https://www.hollyblancmoses.com/pl/271424  ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION  Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC.  Neurodiversity therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A  Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled.  Parents click here for your masterclasses  ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:)  ➡️ Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents https://www.facebook.com/groups/WiredDifferentlyGroup  ➡️ Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/professionalsforwdchildren  ❤️ Thanks for sharing this episode and supporting The Autism ADHD Podcast! 🙋🏻‍♀️ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST, Kate Moryouseff Order her book today!   

In this powerful episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I sits down with social worker, educator, and author Stephanie Malia Krauss to explore how our society's obsession with productivity can be dangerous for the mental and physical health of neurodivergent children. The good news is that Stephanie and I walk you through practical strategies that make a BIG impact! Don't miss it! Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist CLICK HERE for Holly's Free Behavior & Social Interaction Guides and MORE! Learn more about Holly's private practice in North Carolina Learn more about Holly's continuing education trainings for mental health therapists ⭐️Join the Facebook Groups ➡️ Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents ➡️ Professionals, join the Facebook Group for Therapists and Educators 🌟 Learn more about Stephanie and her books:) 

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Harry Psaros, author of the Amazon bestseller "From Struggle to Strength: A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity." Harry shares his personal journey of initially denying his son Gus's autism diagnosis and how he eventually became a passionate advocate in the community. He discusses the challenges fathers face in accepting their children's diagnoses, his practical "2% rule" for moving forward, and the importance of building a supportive community. Harry also shares insights about sibling relationships, maintaining a positive mindset as a parent, and what he would tell his younger self if he could go back to the day of Gus's diagnosis. Thank you for supporting the podcast and sharing it with others:) Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist CLICK HERE for Holly's Free Behavior & Social Interaction Guides and MORE! Learn more about Holly's private practice in North Carolina Learn more about Holly's continuing education trainings for mental health therapists ⭐️Join the Facebook Groups ➡️ Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents ➡️ Professionals, join the Facebook Group for Therapists and Educators 🌟 Learn more about Harry Psaros 🌟 Get Harry's book   

In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I explore how mothers of neurodivergent children can embrace their authentic selves—quirks, sensitivities, and all—and why this is so powerful for modeling self-acceptance. I chat about the pressure to conform to the "good mom" ideal, the costs of masking, and practical strategies for living more authentically. Most importantly, you'll hear about how your authenticity directly teaches your child that their differences are valid and worthy of acceptance. Thank you for supporting the podcast and sharing it with others:) Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist CLICK HERE for Holly's Free Behavior & Social Interaction Guides and MORE! Learn more about Holly's private practice in North Carolina Learn more about Holly's continuing education trainings for mental health therapists ⭐️Join the Facebook Groups ➡️ Parents, Come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents ➡️ Professionals, Join the Facebook Group for Therapists and Educators  

In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, we explore how the nervous system's survival responses (Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn) shape the experiences of neurodivergent children—and ourselves as parents, educators, and therapists. Learn how recognizing these responses can transform challenging behaviors into opportunities for connection and growth. What You'll Learn Why neurodivergent individuals often experience chronic nervous system hyperarousal How to identify the four survival responses in children and in yourself Practical strategies for supporting regulation and creating safety The importance of co-regulation before attempting to change behaviors Thank you for supporting the podcast and sharing it with others:) Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist CLICK HERE for Holly's Free Behavior & Social Interaction Guides and MORE! Learn more about Holly's private practice in North Carolina Learn more about Holly's continuing education trainings for mental health therapists ⭐️Join the Facebook Groups ➡️ Parents, Come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents ➡️ Professionals, Join the Facebook Group for Therapists and Educators  

I'm excited to welcome Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll back to The Autism ADHD Podcast for this special rebroadcast! We are chatting about neurodivergent children and their experience with self-critcism and how this is impacted by social differences, learning needs and executive functioning. Catherine and I also talk about how to move forward with self-compassion.  In This Episode You'll Learn: What brain shame is and how it develops in neurodivergent individuals How executive function challenges are brain-based skills, not character flaws The impact of brain shame on academic performance, social interactions, and home life Catherine and I talk about our journeys. How parent and educator expectations can unintentionally foster brain shame Strategies for combating brain shame and building self-compassion Why understanding your brain's unique wiring is crucial for mental health Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist CLICK HERE for Holly's Free Behavior & Social Interaction Guides and MORE! Learn more about Holly's private practice in North Carolina Learn more about Holly's continuing education trainings for mental health therapists ⭐️Join the Facebook Groups ➡️ Parents, Come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents ➡️ Professionals, Join the Facebook Group for Therapists and Educators  Learn more about Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll

In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, join Dr. Adrian Wood, co-author of the new book "Autism Out Loud" and me, as we dive into anxiety, emotional regulation, and redefining success. We also discuss the significance of flexibility and compassion in parenting, the role of siblings, and the importance of raising awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. Don't miss this episode!  Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist CLICK HERE for Holly's Free Behavior & Social Interaction Guides and MORE! Learn more about Holly's private practice in North Carolina Learn more about Holly's continuing education trainings for mental health therapists ⭐️Join the Facebook Groups ➡️ Parents, Come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents ➡️ Professionals, Join the Facebook Group for Therapists and Educators  Learn more about Dr. Adrian Wood and Tales of an Educated Debutante Get Adrian's new book on Amazon - "Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum, from Diagnosis to Young Adulthood―Moving Stories and Parenting Lessons Learned from Three Mothers of Children with Autism"