Ep 103: Embracing Hope for FASD, ADHD, Neurdivergence, and Traumaa

In this episode of Regulated & Relational, hosts Julie Beem and Ginger Healy sit down with two fathers on a mission to transform the way families and schools understand neurodiversity—Carl Young and Joel Sheagren.Carl and Joel are the co-creators of Embracing Hope: A Caregiver’s Guide to Neurodiversity, a groundbreaking book that bridges lived experience, creative storytelling, and research-based strategies to empower families raising children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and trauma.👉 Get the book on Amazon: Embracing Hope 👉 Learn more about the project: embracinghopebook.comThis book challenges deficit-focused narratives, instead celebrating the strengths, creativity, and resilience that neurodivergent individuals bring to their families and communities.Through a blend of:Personal stories from caregivers and neurodivergent individualsFictional vignettes that illustrate everyday challengesEvidence-based interventions that can be adapted to each family’s needs…readers are invited to move beyond labels and see the unique gifts of every child.In our conversation, Carl and Joel share:Why they recognized a critical gap in resources for parents raising neurodiverse teensHow storytelling and character-driven vignettes help families engage with complex contentThe surprising and transformative insights from Embracing Hope that resonate most with overwhelmed caregiversHow community, creativity, and advocacy can shift families from survival to thrivingThis book is more than a manual—it’s a companion for families, educators, and allies who are seeking practical tools, renewed confidence, and the reassurance that they are not alone.Join us for this inspiring conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the future of supporting neurodiverse children and families.

In this unforgettable episode, Ginger and Julie sit down with the one and only Barb Clark—a powerhouse trainer, parent, and advocate known for saying the things most people are too afraid (or too tired) to say out loud. With her signature honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Barb opens up about raising kids with complex needs, navigating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and what it really takes to help families thrive—not just survive.Barb shares her own parenting journey—including the very recent revelation of her own FASD diagnosis at age 56—and how it’s reshaped her perspective on everything from behavior to burnout. Together, we explore why traditional parenting strategies often backfire with neurodivergent kids, and how brain-based, compassion-rooted approaches can shift the entire family dynamic.This episode is a must-listen for educators, caregivers, and anyone supporting children impacted by trauma, prenatal exposure, or hidden disabilities. It’s filled with relatable stories, regulation strategies you can use today, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments.Because as Barb says, “There is always hope—even if it’s buried under a pile of unfolded laundry.”What FASD really is—and why it’s more common than most people thinkHow emotional regulation and brain-based strategies change the game for kids and caregiversWhy traditional behavior charts and consequences often fail neurodivergent kidsBarb’s personal journey—from raising a child with FASD to discovering her own diagnosisTips for educators and leaders working with students impacted by trauma or prenatal substance exposurePractical, real-world advice you can use immediatelyWhy humor, honesty, and connection are essential parenting toolsBarb’s book, Raising Kids and Teens with FASD: Advice and Strategies to Help Your Family Thrive, will be released October 21, 2025.In This Episode, We Explore:Preorder Barb’s Book: https://a.co/d/eDc38tv

In this foundational episode of Regulated & Relational, Ginger and Julie dive deep into attachment disorders—what they are, how they’re diagnosed, and the realities families face when raising children with these challenges.From the history of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) to the proposed Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD), Ginger and Julie unpack decades of evolving research, personal experience, and practical tools for caregivers and professionals. They also address the hallmark behaviors—like manipulation, triangulation, lack of empathy—and explore why these behaviors occur, and how to respond in ways that promote healing and connection.This conversation is both honest and hopeful—acknowledging the challenges while sharing effective therapeutic parenting strategies, the importance of pacing and dosing nurture, and the long-term potential for growth and change.The history and evolution of attachment disorder diagnoses in the DSMHow RAD and DSED differ—and why splitting the diagnosis has caused confusionPrevalence rates and why research has been limitedHow attachment disorders can be mistaken for, or co-exist with, autismThe why behind hallmark behaviors:Manipulation and controlTriangulation between adultsLack of cause-and-effect thinkingLow empathyTherapeutic parenting strategies, including:Offering limited, safe choicesMaking implicit care explicitPacing and dosing nurture to build trustReducing chaos and avoiding power strugglesWhy Developmental Trauma Disorder matters—and how it may fill gaps in our understanding of trauma’s impact on childrenHopeful outcomes and the critical importance of early intervention and ongoing supportAttachment & Trauma Network: www.attachmenttraumanetwork.orgNational Institute of Health prevalence statistics (2023)Reactive Attachment Disorder - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537155/ (Published: May 1, 2023)Introduction to children's attachment - NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK356196/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537155/#:~:text=Epidemiology,Adolescent%20Well%2DBeing%2C%20No.Research on RAD subtypes: Dr. Charles Zeanah (2004)https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4342270/ACEs Study: CDC ACEs Resources

In this enlightening episode, Ginger Healy and Julie Beem sit down with Diane Gould, LCSW, and leading voice in the PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) movement in North America. As co-author of Navigating PDA in America and Founder of PDA North America, Diane shares her deep expertise and personal journey—including her recent autism diagnosis—to help unpack the complexities of this misunderstood profile of autism.Together, we explore what PDA is, how it differs from traditional views of autism and oppositional behavior, and why recognizing it matters so much. From practical strategies to systemic change, this episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and professionals working with neurodivergent children.What Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is—and what it isn’tWhy PDA is often misunderstood as oppositional defianceThe power of the distinction: “I can’t” vs. “I won’t”The origin and mission of PDA North AmericaWhat effective support looks like for PDA individualsCommon misconceptions in schools and clinical settingsThe importance of collaborative, flexible approachesOne small but powerful change you can make todayNavigating PDA in America By Diane Gould, LCSW is a groundbreaking guide for parents, educators, and clinicians seeking to understand and support individuals with PDA in a U.S. context. https://a.co/d/4HS7wy1🌐 Connect with Diane Gould & PDA North America:📥 Website: https://pdanorthamerica.org/https://pdanorthamerica.org/free-pdfs/ [email protected] www.pdanorthamerica.org learn.pdanorthamerica.org facebook.com/pdanorthamerica Instagram.com/pdanorthamerica@PDANorthAmerica PDA North America Resources: PDA Learning Lab - self-paced pre-recorded webinars & trainings - https://learn.pdanorthamerica.org/ Annual Conference - March 5-7th Virtual & In-Person outside Chicago PDA Insights Articles - Articles posted regularly on various PDA topics - https://pdanorthamerica.com/insights PDA-Affirming Provider List - over 500+ providers that consider themselves PDA-affirming, sorted by state/province - https://pdanorthamerica.org/pdaaffirming-providers/ Upcoming Webinars & Events - details and registration for all upcoming announced offerings - https://pdanorthamerica.org/events/ Parent Provided Educators List (if you have a PDA child that goes to an educator that is PDA affirming, we'd love for you to submit them to be listed!) https://pdanorthamerica.org/pda-affirming-providers/ Free Peer Support Groups - support groups that meet regularly - https://pdanorthamerica.org/support-groups/ YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/Free Downloadable PDF Resources - free downloadables - https://pdanorthamerica.org/free-pdfs/ PDA Community Contact List - parents and PDAers seeking a local community of people that understand and value their experience - https://pdanorthamerica.org/community-list/ Support Shop - PDA Swag shop - https://pdanorthamerica.org/supportshop/#products Don’t Miss Future Episodes!Subscribe to Regulated & Relational on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Have feedback or topic suggestions? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you.Let’s keep growing a trauma-informed, attachment-focused community. 💙

In this heartfelt and reflective episode, Julie Beem and Ginger Healy return to a profound conversation from Season 1 with the late Cissy White—trauma survivor, fierce advocate, and the originator of the term Joy Stalking.As the world faces rising despair and isolation, Julie and Ginger explore what it means to stalk, savor, and sustain joy—especially in the face of pain, trauma, and fear. Drawing from Cissy’s wisdom, Brene Brown’s research, theological insights, and their own personal journeys, they unpack how joy can be a radical act of healing and resistance.You’ll discover why joy is not the same as happiness, how trauma can block joy, and why cultivating even the tiniest moments of joy might just be one of the most important things we can do—for ourselves, our children, and our communities.“Joy stalking is always healing and useful. It’s about savoring life through sensing, using my body, absorbing, feeling all the good stuff.” — Cissy White“Joy isn’t the opposite of sadness. It’s the opposite of fear.” — Anne Robertson via Brené Brown“Joy doesn’t betray but sustains activism… joy is a fine initial act of insurrection.” — Rebecca Solnit“We can’t experience joy when we’re scanning for danger. Trauma blocks joy—but healing invites it back in.” — Julie & Ginger

In this thought-provoking episode of Regulated & Relational, Ginger Healy and Julie Beem invite you to explore the transformative power of empathy—not just as a personal virtue but as a vital, actionable skill that the world needs now more than ever.Listen actively – Focus on understanding, not fixing.Challenge your assumptions – Seek to understand those who are different from you.Model empathy for children – Help them recognize their own feelings first.Be compassionate with yourself – Self-awareness is the foundation for empathy.“Empathy isn’t about imagining yourself in someone else’s shoes—it’s about listening deeply to their story and believing them.” – Ginger Healy

In this special birthday-themed episode of Regulated & Relational, we’re doing something a little different—and a lot more personal. Julie Beem is celebrating her birthday by inviting the entire ATN podcast team into the studio for a heartfelt and reflective conversation about birthdays, aging, and the complexities surrounding these milestones—especially for children impacted by early childhood trauma.You’ll hear from Julie, Ginger, Lorraine, and Stephanie as they open up about their own birthday reflections, share meaningful life lessons, and discuss how birthdays can be both joyful and emotionally complicated—especially for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or displacement. Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or someone who just loves a good reflection, this episode is both thought-provoking and full of warmth.

In this insightful episode of Regulated & Relational, hosts Ginger Healy and Julie Beem are joined by Ce Eshelman, LMFT—an expert in attachment, trauma, and therapeutic parenting. With decades of experience as a therapist and adoptive parent, Ce brings both professional depth and personal understanding to this rich conversation.Together, we explore the foundations of therapeutic caregiving, how trauma impacts a child's behaviors and relationships, and what caregivers, educators, and clinicians can do to better support healing. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or simply someone passionate about trauma-informed care, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools for supporting children from hard places.What therapeutic parenting really means—and why it worksCommon misconceptions about children with trauma historiesHow traditional parenting approaches can fall short for these childrenPractical ways professionals and extended family can support adoptive and foster familiesWords of wisdom for overwhelmed caregivers—and why there is always hopeCe Eshelman, LMFT is the founder of The Attach Place Center for Strengthening Relationships in Sacramento, CA. A passionate advocate for children from difficult beginnings, Ce is the creator of the Love Matters Parenting Program and author of two powerful books (links below). With over 35 years of clinical experience and lived expertise as an adoptive mom, Ce has helped countless families build connection, resilience, and healing.The Attach Place CenterAttachment & Trauma NetworkLove Matters Parenting Program – Learn Morehttps://www.lovemattersparenting.com/podcastDrowning with My Hair on Fire: Insanity Relief for Adoptive Parentshttps://a.co/d/6Z4MQki20 Things Children from Difficult Beginnings Wish Friends and Family Knewhttps://payhip.com/b/Y90UJ

Today, we’re honored to sit down with a friend of ATN, Martin Ali Simms—a Neurosequential Sports Specialist, Mental Health Consultant, and Founder of The DOPE Coach Academy. Martin has dedicated his life to helping athletes and coaches tap into the healing potential of brain-based approaches, somatic practices, and trauma-informed care.In this episode, we dive into:🧠 What it means to be a Neurosequential Sports Specialist and how brain development intersects with trauma recovery in sports 💪 How somatic practices support healing in athletes (and non-athletes) ⚽ Why sports and movement are such powerful tools for emotional and mental wellness 🏆 The mission and philosophy behind The DOPE Coach Academy 💬 How coaches can foster environments of emotional safety and growth 🔍 The evolving conversation around mental health in the sports world—and what’s still missing ✨ Simple, practical ways anyone can use movement to begin their own healing journeyWhether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or simply curious about the intersection of mental health and physical movement, this episode offers inspiration and actionable insights.Instagram: @thedopestcoachWebsite: www.thedopestcoach.com💬 “Trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it lives in the body. And the body remembers.” — Martin SimmsIf you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with someone who needs to hear it. And tag us when you’re listening—we love seeing how this community is growing through these conversations.

In this vital episode, Julie and Ginger dive into the intersection of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with trauma-informed practices. As DEI comes under political and cultural scrutiny, the hosts make the case that there is no trauma-informed approach without embracing DEI.DEI is not optional for trauma-informed practice—it is essential.Diversity includes more than race: gender, neurodiversity, age, ability, and lived experience.Equity means adjusting systems and supports so everyone can thrive.Privilege isn’t shameful—it’s an opportunity to advocate and build awareness.Systems can either heal or harm—it's up to us to make them more inclusive.Diverse environments enhance safety, fairness, innovation, and connection.📚 Referenced Research & Resources:Merriam-Webster DefinitionsDiversity: “The condition of having or being composed of differing elements.”Equity: “Fairness or justice in the way people are treated.”SAMHSA’s Three E’s of TraumaEvent, Experience, and EffectSource: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Trauma and ViolenceGreater Good Science Center – UC BerkeleyArticle: Why Diversity MattersSummary: Diversity enhances well-being, social connection, and community resilience.Website: https://greatergood.berkeley.eduuvonen et al. (2018) – UCLA Study on School DiversityTitle: Diversity and Peer Relations in SchoolsFinding: Diverse classrooms foster safety, reduce loneliness, and encourage cross-race friendships.Citation: Juvonen, J., Kogachi, K., & Graham, S. (2018). Psychological Science, 29(2), 230-241.Kenneth Braswell -https://www.kennethbraswell.com/Website: https://www.attachmenttraumanetwork.orgFacebook: facebook.com/AttachmentTraumaNetworkEmail: [email protected]