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Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

Advertise on podcast: Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
949 reviews
This podcast has
733 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Debbie Reber
Explicit
No
Date created
2016/04/09
Latest episode
2026/10/20
Average duration
43 min.
Release period
4 days

Description

Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child? Full-Tilt Parenting is here to help. Hosted by parenting activist and author Debbie Reber, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating life with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), giftedness, and twice-exceptional (2e) kids. With expert interviews and candid conversations, you'll discover practical solutions for things like school challenges and refusal, therapy options, and fostering inclusion, social struggles, advocacy, intense behavior, and more — all through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens. Whether you're struggling with advocating for your child at school or seeking ways to better support their unique needs, Debbie offers the guidance and encouragement you need to reduce overwhelm and create a thriving, joyful family environment. It's like sitting down with a trusted friend who gets it. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back!

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A Conversation with Jessica Slice About Her Family's Experience with PANS/PANDAS
2026/10/20
Journalist and author Jessica Slice comes back to the show to share her family’s experience with PANS, or pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, which began when her daughter experienced a sudden and severe change in behavior and functioning following a viral illness. Jessica recently shared her story in a viral article in New York Magazine, and today she takes us deep into what happened to her daughter, the medical dismissal her family encountered, and the long path toward getting a diagnosis and treatment. We also dig into why PANS and PANDAS remain controversial, what researchers believe may be happening in the brain, and what Jessica learned through both her family’s experience and her reporting. And importantly, we talk about what parents can do if their child experiences a sudden, dramatic onset of symptoms that they suspect could be PANS or PANDAS, including where to begin and how to advocate for care. About Jessica Slice  Jessica Slice is a journalist, author, and podcaster. Her book, Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World was one of NPR’s top books of 2025. She has been published in Modern Love, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, the Guardian, The Globe & Mail, LitHub, Alice Wong’s bestselling Disability Visibility, Slate, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and more.She’s been featured in Vogue, The New Yorker, PBS, NPR, The Cut, the BBC, etc. She is the co-author of Dateable: Swiping Right, Hooking Up, and Settling Down, This is How We Play, This is How We Talk, and the forthcoming We Belong which was co-authored with the late Judy Heumann. She lives in Toronto with her family. Things you'll learn from this episode  How Jessica’s daughter’s sudden, dramatic loss of functioning after a routine virus ultimately led to a PANS diagnosis Why PANS symptoms can be mistaken for psychosis, autism-related behavior, or other mental health conditions, potentially delaying appropriate care How PANS differs from PANDAS and why infections beyond strep may be associated with sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms What researchers are exploring about immune dysfunction, the blood-brain barrier, and the basal ganglia in understanding PANS Why controversy, conflicting medical guidance, insurance barriers, and treatment costs can make accessing care extraordinarily difficult for families How parents can advocate for evidence-based care, evaluate trustworthy medical information, and keep pushing when their child’s sudden changes aren’t adequately explained Resources mentioned  Life with PANS: When a Virus Causes Psychiatric Symptoms (Jessica’s story in New York Magazine) Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World by Jessica Slice Jessica Slice’s website Jessica Slice’s Whatever What Is (Substack) Jessica on Instagram Jessica Slice on What We Can All Learn from Disabled Parenting (Tilt Parenting podcast) PANS/PANDAS Physicians Network Page PANS/PANDAS Support Groups Allison Raskin on the Made Visible podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
You Might Also Like: Zero Reject from Understood.org
2026/10/19
Beth Gellman-Beer spent her whole career fighting for kids with disabilities — first as a student written off as “lazy,” then as a federal civil rights attorney who found her dream job protecting students like her younger self. But on one ordinary night, a phone call changed everything: Her entire office had been eliminated. In the premiere of Zero Reject, reporter Anya Kamenetz traces Beth’s journey from an unfair fourth-grade classroom to the front lines of a sweeping overhaul at the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights — the agency families turn to when a school isn’t meeting their child’s needs. Anya breaks down the reduction in force that gutted OCR’s staff, what it means for the 25,000 families still waiting for a response to their complaints, and the plan to dismantle the Department of Education altogether. With fewer people to enforce the law, what happens to the students the system was built to protect? https://lnk.to/zerorejectFD!fulltiltparenting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Power of Brain-Body Parenting
2026/10/16
Psychologist, speaker, and author Dr. Mona Delahooke talks about her new book Brain-Body Parenting, and the power in understanding and responding to children's complicated behavior as a symptom rather than a problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Amanda Diekman on Supporting Kids Going Through Burnout
2026/10/13
Today I’m welcoming Amanda Diekman back to the show to talk about her new book, The Parents Handbook for Kids in Burnout: A Low Demand Approach to Healing and Thriving, and what parents need to understand when their child is experiencing burnout. Amanda will explain what burnout actually is, how it can show up differently across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, and why it’s so often mistaken for anxiety or depression. We talk about the signs parents may miss, what’s happening beneath the surface when a child can no longer meet the demands of everyday life, and how a low demand approach can create the conditions for healing. And importantly, Amanda shares what recovery can look like, how parents can support their child without inadvertently adding more pressure, and why healing from burnout requires us to rethink our expectations, timelines, and ideas about progress. About Amanda Diekman  Amanda Diekman is the author of the bestseller Low Demand Parenting and also the exhausted mom of three kids who have all experienced burnout. With relentlessly hopeful determination, Amanda turns her struggles into signposts, guiding the way into true healing for burned out kids—and their parents too. She lives in Durham, NC, and spends her days homeschooling, writing, and supporting vulnerable neighbors. Things you'll learn from this episode  How low demand parenting goes beyond simply asking less and instead centers attunement, collaboration, and responsiveness to a child’s capacity Why burnout is a protective response to prolonged stress and how it can be mistaken for anxiety or depression How pervasive exhaustion, loss of skills, and extreme sensitivity can signal that a child is experiencing burnout Why burnout may progress from “I can’t do this” to withdrawal, disordered eating, self-harm, or other risky behaviors How the three phases of burnout—from total rest to returning curiosity and recovery—can help parents understand the healing process Why trusting a child’s signals, finding community, and holding onto hope are essential for supporting recovery Resources mentioned  Amanda Diekman’s website The Parent’s Handbook for Kids in Burnout by Amanda Diekman Low-demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection With Your Uniquely Wired Child by Amanda Diekman Amanda Diekman on Instagram Why is everything so hard? Quiz on Amanda’s website Parent Coach Amanda Diekman on Low-Demand Parenting & Finding Connection with Your Child (Tilt Parenting podcast) A Deep Dive Into Autistic Burnout with Jodie Clarke (Tilt Parenting podcast) A  Conversation with Dr. Megan Anna Neff About Autistic Burnout (Tilt Parenting podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dr. Lori Desautels on Rewiring Our Perceptions of Discipline in Schools, and at Home
2026/10/09
Dr. Lori Desautels (author, Connections over Compliance: Rewiring our Perceptions of Discipline) helps educators, parents, and adults who work with children shift the way they think about discipline by reaching for sustainable behavioral changes through brain state awareness rather than compliance and obedience. She’s actively pushing back against reactive and punitive practices that can potentially reactivate the developing stress response systems of children, and is advocating for stronger co-regulation practices and regulated brain and body states for adults.  During this conversation, we consider why there is such a powerful foundational belief that discipline and punishment go together, what happens when the traditional methods of punishment are imposed on children who are coming to school with trauma or a heightened nervous system, and why it’s so important for educators to take responsibility over their own nervous system regulation.  Dr. Lori Desautels, has been an Assistant Professor at Butler University since 2016 where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. Lori’s passion is engaging her students through the social and relational neurosciences as it applies to education by integrating the Applied Educational Neuroscience framework, and its learning principles and practices into her coursework at Butler.  Things you'll learn from this episode: Why there is such a powerful foundational belief that discipline and punishment go together What happens when the traditional methods of punishment are imposed on children who are coming to school with traumas or a heightened nervous system Why we should be moving away from the behavior management model Why it’s so important for educators to take responsibility over their own nervous system regulation Strategies for helping teachers (and parents) better show up for dysregulated kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Eli Weinstein on Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years
2026/10/06
Today I’m talking with Eli Weinstein, a clinical social worker, husband and dad of two, creator of ELIvation, and host of The Dude Therapist podcast, about the pressure cooker that parenthood can create for couples, and what it actually takes to stay connected when life gets loud. In our conversation, Eli and I dig into the expectations, resentment, mental load, and communication breakdowns that can strain relationships during the parenting years, and he shares practical, real-world tools for repair, clearer communication, shared responsibility, and keeping our partnerships strong along the way. About Eli Weinstein  Eli Weinstein, LCSW, is the therapist bringing heart and humor back to mental health. A loving husband and proudly goofy dad of two, Eli is based in Las Vegas and runs a thriving practice serving clients across New York, Nevada, and beyond through his global coaching work. Known for his straight-talking, relatable style, he’s the creator of ELIvation and host of The Dude Therapist podcast, where he dives into the messy, beautiful mix of relationships, parenting, and emotional growth. An international speaker and sought-after guest, Eli has been featured on over 250 podcasts and major media outlets including The Kelly Clarkson Show, Psychology Today, Parents.com, Men’s Health Magazine, and leading relationship and parenting platforms. His debut book, From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage Through Parenting Years (Wiley, 2026), helps couples stay connected when life gets loud. Eli’s mission is simple: make therapy-level wisdom feel human, hopeful, and real. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why becoming parents can expose mismatched expectations, perceptions, and assumptions within a relationship How making the invisible mental and emotional load visible can create more understanding and shared responsibility Why truly sharing responsibilities means allowing your partner to take ownership and do things their own way How setting the table before difficult conversations can reduce defensiveness and make space for honest communication Why tools like a couple’s journal can help partners process feelings and communicate more thoughtfully How benefit of the doubt, active kindness, and simple gratitude can help couples stay connected through burnout and stressful seasons  Resources mentioned Eli Weinstein’s website From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage in the Parenting Years by Eli Weinstein Eli’s podcast, The Dude Therapist Eli Weinstein on Instagram The Dude Therapist on Instagram The Gottman Institute Dr. Sue Johnson and Emotionally Focused Therapy An Intimate Conversation with Debbie & Derin About Their Co-Parenting Journey (Part 3) (Tilt Parenting podcast) Debbie & Derin on Their Parenting Journey: Part 2 (Tilt Parenting podcast, 2018) Debbie & Derin on Their Parenting Journey: Part 1 (Tilt Parenting podcast, 2017) Dr. Phil Stutz Martina Nova Talks About Same Page Parenting (Tilt Parenting episode) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Author Katherine May on Autism, Wintering, and the Electricity of Every Living Thing
2026/10/02
New York Times' bestselling author Katherine May (Wintering) talks about her new book, The Electricity of Every Living Thing, about her journey of discovering her identity as an autistic woman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Raising Good Gamers, with Dr. Rachel Kowert
2026/09/29
Research psychologist Dr. Rachel Kowert comes back to the podcast for a fascinating and updated conversation about kids and gaming, and why so much of what parents hear about video games doesn’t necessarily line up with what the research actually tells us. In our conversation, we dig into Rachel’s new white paper, Raising Good Gamers, and unpack the research around violent video games, gaming disorder, mental health, and the social, emotional, and skill-building benefits gaming can offer. Rachel also shares her SPACE framework, a practical approach for helping parents move beyond fear and toward curiosity, connection, and collaborative boundaries around their kids’ gaming lives. ​ About Rachel Kowert, Ph.D Rachel Kowert, Ph.D is a research psychologist, award winning author, and globally recognized leader in facilitating policy development for more than 15 years through data-driven research focused on mental health and trust and safety in digital games. She has spoken about her work to thousands of people across the globe, including the United States Congress, United Nations, and Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Kowert is the founder of Psychgeist, a multimedia content production studio for the intersection of science and games, which includes Psychgeist YouTube channel (200+ videos), Most Recent Save podcast, and The Psychgeist of Pop Culture and Games book series’ published by Play Story Press. She currently serves as the Research Director for Games for Change and is a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge. Things you'll learn from this episode  How the conversation around kids, screens, and video games is evolving as research challenges common fears and assumptions Why violent video games aren’t directly linked to real-world violence and what “gaming disorder” actually means How increased gaming can sometimes signal underlying mental health challenges or serve as an important coping strategy Why gaming can support friendships, connection, confidence, competency, and executive function skills How the SPACE framework helps parents stay engaged and curious about their child’s gaming world Why collaborative, flexible boundaries can support healthier gaming habits while preserving connection and trust   Resources mentioned Dr. Rachel Kowert’s website Raising Good Gamers website Games for Change Games for Change on Instagram Games for Change on Facebook Entertainment Software Association (ESA) The Truth About Video Games and Your Child’s Physical, Social, and Psychological Well-Being with Dr. Rachel Kowert (Tilt Parenting podcast) A Parent’s Guide to Video Games: The Essential Guide to Understanding How Video Games Impact Your Child’s Physical, Social, and Psychological Well-Being by Dr. Rachel Kowert Purplicious Cow on CurseForge   Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/tilt or use code TILT and get 70% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Conversation with Poet and Advocate LeDerick Horne
2026/09/25
Performance poet and advocate LeDerick Horne talks about his journey with a hidden disability, his advocacy work, and how he found his love for poetry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Whole Child Approach to ADHD with Phil Boucher, M.D.
2026/09/22
Today I’m talking with Dr. Phil Boucher, a board-certified pediatrician who’s particularly interested in helping families understand and support kids with ADHD and help parents better understand their child, trust their instincts, and make informed decisions about what their family needs. This is a unique conversation for the show because, for the first time, we’re looking at the whole journey through the lens of a pediatrician, especially in those early years when parents may be wondering what they’re seeing, whether to pursue an evaluation, and where to begin. Phil walks us through how he approaches ADHD in his practice, from evaluation and diagnosis to sleep, nutrition, screens, school supports, emotional regulation, anxiety, and medication, and offers a thoughtful, comprehensive look at supporting the whole child and family. ​ About Phil Boucher, MD Phil Boucher, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician, a dad of six, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics who helps parents make sense of pediatric education and development.  After years of answering thousands of parent questions in clinic (and at home), he realized what parents really need isn't more advice—it's honest perspective and practical reassurance from someone who gets it. He writes, speaks, and creates resources that help parents trust their instincts, understand their child, and take care of themselves along the way. Things you'll learn from this episode  How ADHD can look different across childhood, with hyperactivity often appearing earlier and inattentive traits becoming clearer over time Why family history and parents’ own childhood experiences can provide important clues when exploring ADHD How emotional regulation and executive functioning are central parts of ADHD, beyond inattention and hyperactivity Why a comprehensive ADHD evaluation should consider sleep, nutrition, school experiences, family history, and other factors How practical supports like movement, protein, and visual checklists can make everyday routines more manageable When medication may be helpful and why it’s best viewed as a tool for building skills rather than controlling behavior Resources mentioned Dr. Phil Boucher’s website Dr. Phil Boucher’s Substack Dear parents Phil on Instagram Cindy Goldrich on Helping Kids with ADHD Thrive—Without Losing Yourself (Tilt Parenting podcast) Kim & Penn Holderness Talk About How ADHD is Awesome in Love and in Life (Tilt Parenting podcast) Ned Hallowell on How Parents Can Best Support Their Children with ADHD (Tilt Parenting podcast) Dr. Sharon Saline on What Our ADHD Child Wishes We Knew (Tilt Parenting podcast)  Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/tilt or use code TILT and get 70% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Conversation With Steve Silberman About His Book “Neurotribes”
2026/09/18
My guest this week is Steve Silberman, an award-winning science writer who authored the 2015 book NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, a brilliant book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently. Steve’s articles have appeared in Wired, the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Financial Times, the Boston Globe, the MIT Technology Review, and more. In our conversation, Steve and I talk about neurodivergence, autism, acceptance, tolerance, changing cultures, systemic change, and so much more. As a science writer who researched the history of autism in writing his book for more than five years, Steve brings an incredible breadth of knowledge, as well as passion for the neurodiversity movement, to the show. By the end of this interview I was inspired and motivated for the changes to come, and grateful there are thought leaders like Steve doing this important work in the world. I hope you enjoy our conversation!   Things you’ll learn from this episode The impetus for Steve’s book NeuroTribes How and why the anti-vaccine movement has negatively affected the autistic community The real impact of language like “epidemic” in relation to neurodifferences like autism How Steve’s book NeuroTribes has been received by members of the autistic community Steve’s thoughts on how parents raising neurodiverse kids can best support the neurodiversity movement The importance of autistic peer mentoring   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Conversation with Dr. Peter Gray About Restoring Childhood
2026/09/15
I’m talking with developmental psychologist Dr. Peter Gray about his new book, Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety, which challenges one of the dominant narratives about the youth mental health crisis: that smartphones and social media are largely to blame for the rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among kids. Peter argues that this picture is incomplete, and that when we look more closely at the data and at what has changed in childhood over the past several decades, a very different story emerges.  So today we dig into what Peter believes we’re missing when we focus so much attention on screens, including the rise of intensive parenting and overprotection, the loss of independence and free play, and especially the increasingly stressful and demanding role that school plays in children’s lives. We also talk about why kids need unstructured time, autonomy, and opportunities to take age-appropriate risks, and Peter shares practical ideas for giving our kids more freedom to build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of agency. ​ About Dr. Peter Gray  Dr. Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College. He has conducted and published research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He did his undergraduate study at Columbia University and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences at Rockefeller University. His current research and writing focus primarily on children’s natural ways of learning and the life-long value of play. He has helped found and continues to support nonprofit organizations aimed at bringing more play and independent activity to children’s lives.He is the author of an internationally acclaimed college introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, now in its 8th edition), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective, and of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Things you'll learn from this episode  How Peter Gray defines childhood as a gradual process of growing independence, autonomy, and responsibility Why the rise of intensive parenting and overprotection has reduced kids’ freedom and may be contributing to increased stress and anxiety How Common Core and increasingly demanding, high-pressure school environments have fundamentally changed children’s experience of childhood Why Peter argues that school pressure and the loss of independence may be bigger drivers of the youth mental health crisis than smartphones and social media How free play, self-directed activity, and opportunities to take age-appropriate risks build confidence, resilience, and agency What parents can do to give kids more freedom, independence, and control over their own lives Resources mentioned Dr. Peter Gray’s website Dr. Peter Gray’s Substack Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of Anxiety by Dr. Peter Gray Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life by Dr. Peter Gray A Historic Settlement Over Social Media Addiction (The Daily podcast) Let Grow   Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/tilt or use code TILT and get 70% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Advocate and Author Jonathan Mooney on Why Normal Sucks
2026/09/11
I’m excited to share this powerful and gut-punching conversation with Jonathan Mooney, a self-described “do-gooder,” speaker, and writer who didn’t learn to read until he was 12-years-old. Growing up with Dyslexia, Jonathan faced a number of low expectations: he was told he would be a high-school dropout and likely end up in jail. Instead, he earned a degree in English Literature, started his first non-profit organization in his college dorm, and has gone on to write a number of books, including his latest title Normal Sucks (which, side note: should be required reading for everyone). He’s been a champion for neurological and physical diversity for more than two decades, and his award-winning advocacy projects have been featured in major media outlets across the US.  THINGS YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE: The powerful messages, both positive and negative, Jonathan heard from the adults in his life as a child with dyslexia What it means to pathologize difference, and how even well-meaning organizations participate in this The difficult and disturbing historical outcomes for differently-abled people, including the ideas and legacy of the Eugenics movement.  How the idea of “normal” has evolved since Jonathan started his advocacy work Why Jonathan believes that learning differences are a gift and why this is such an important concept What parents and teachers can do to help children to see their differences as strengths Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/tilt or use code TILT and get 70% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dr. Özgür Bolat on Why Rewards Backfire and the Real Science of Motivating Kids
2026/09/08
​In this conversation, Debbie Reber speaks with Dr. Özgür Bolat about his book The Reward Trap and the hidden costs of using rewards to motivate children. Dr. Bolat explains that rewards may create short-term compliance, but they often undermine intrinsic motivation, self-esteem, and long-term confidence by teaching kids that love and approval are conditional on performance.  Drawing from his own experience as a highly accomplished student who became dependent on external validation, he argues that parents should shift from a control mindset to a connection mindset—asking what a child needs, helping them feel understood, and building internal motivation through effort, autonomy, and trust rather than prizes or pressure. About Dr. Özgür Bolat  Dr. Özgür Bolat is a distinguished education scientist, researcher, associate professor, and author with a career spanning academia, media, and corporate partnerships. His groundbreaking research on parenting and teaching has earned him international recognition, including the prestigious Best Young Researcher award in New Zealand. He holds a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education (Fulbright and TEV scholar) and a PhD from the University of Cambridge.  During his doctoral studies, he spent one year as a visiting PhD student at MIT Sloan. His academic work has been complemented by a successful media career, where he served as a columnist for a major national newspaper for 12 years, establishing himself as a leading voice in education and parenting. Dr. Bolat is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and parenting workshop leader. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why rewards and praise can create short-term compliance while undermining intrinsic motivation over time How conditional praise and external validation can contribute to anxiety, perfectionism, and a sense that approval must be earned Why behavior is often a signal of an unmet need rather than a lack of discipline How shifting from a control mindset to a connection mindset changes the way we respond to our kids Why focusing on effort rather than intelligence helps children build resilience and authentic motivation How parents can nurture kids who are internally motivated, self-respecting, and connected rather than focused on obedience Resources mentioned  Dr. Özgür Bolat’s website The Reward Trap book website The Reward Trap: Why Rewards Backfire and the Real Science of Motivation Kids by Dr. Özgür Bolat (on Amazon) Alfie Kohn on Practicing Unconditional Parenting (Tilt Parenting podcast) Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishment to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes by Alfie Kohn David Yeager on the Science of Motivating Young People (Tilt Parenting podcast) Mindset: How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential by Carol Dweck Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/tilt or use code TILT and get 70% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Brendan Mahan on Overcoming the Wall of Awful
2026/09/01
What if the reason you or your child can’t “just do the thing” is not laziness, but a Wall of Awful built from repeated frustration, shame, anxiety, and failure? Brendan Mahan breaks down the hidden emotional barrier behind procrastination, avoidance, and shutdown - and shows how to actually get through it without burning out. Debbie Reber welcomes Brendan back to unpack his new book, Overcoming the Wall of Awful: Why It’s Hard to Get Things Done with ADHD, Autism and Anxiety, and How to Do Them Anyway. Together they make this deceptively simple metaphor concrete, useful, and surprisingly validating for parents, educators, clinicians, and anyone who has ever stared at a task and felt their brain go sideways. About Brendan Mahan  Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS., is the author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful™, and host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast. A sought-after speaker, and neurodivergent person himself, Brendan helps organizations and individuals manage neurodiverse challenges through education, collaborative problem-solving, compassion, and accountability.  He is on the board of the Men’s ADHD Support Group, Director of Professional Resources for Calmer Con Boston, and a former committee member of the International Conference on ADHD. He has featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, LinkedIn, Understood, How to ADHD, VeryWell Mind, and ADDitude. Things you'll learn from this episode  How the Wall of Awful creates an emotional barrier that can make starting or completing tasks feel impossible Why anxiety and adrenaline can sometimes help us climb the Wall of Awful while also taking a toll How creating “doors” in the Wall can provide quicker paths to regulation and getting unstuck Why making tasks interesting, meaningful, or connected to personal values can reduce avoidance How rejection sensitive dysphoria can add another layer to the Wall of Awful and how parents can support kids through it Why having shared language and practical tools for talking about Walls of Awful can help kids better understand and navigate their experience Resources mentioned Brendan Mahan’s website Overcoming the Wall of Awful: Why It’s Hard to Get Things Done with ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety (and How to Do Them Anyway) by Brendan Mahan The Wall of Awful Brendan’s ADHD Essentials Community on Facebook ADHD Essentials on Instagram Brendan Mahan on LinkedIn ADHD Essentials on Blue Sky ADHD Essentials on X Jessica McCabe How to ADHD YouTube channel Wall of Awful on How to ADHD (YouTube videos) The Anti-Planner: How to Get Sh*t Done When You Don't Feel Like It - Undated ADHD Planner Alternative for Adults, Women & Teens, 100+ Productivity Strategies for Focus & Procrastination by Dani Donovan Dani Donovan’s website Dr. William Dodson  Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to https://heypolo.com/tilt or use code TILT and get 70% off your first year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Podcast reviews

Read Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
949 reviews
★★★★★
Ocean's mama 2026/04/23
From the beginning
I loved the 500th episode where we heard from longtime listeners. We share an inspiring vision, but it’s heartbreaking that we still have a long way t...
★★★★★
TMYW 2025/05/27
So informative!
Great podcast, but please stop Zach from saying “right” so many times. It makes it very difficult to listen to the ones he’s a guest on.
★★★☆☆
PodGirl41 2025/05/01
Ad Issues, Great Content
I love the content but the way the ads are structured turns me off of this show and makes me reconsider listening. There are way too many ads and they...
★★★★★
lovlee1999 2025/04/16
A beacon of hope
Debbie is the bestie every parent raising a neurodiverse child needs. Her podcasts bring information, insights and hope. Her TILT community has been i...
★★★★★
fantakat 2025/03/21
Great!
She did a wonderful interview with Dr. Melanie Hayes about 2e kids. That is what helped me find the podcast, and now I enjoy listening to it. Thanks f...
★★★★★
Rebecca Mullen Coaching 2025/01/20
New Again!
I overlapped with Debbie Reber years ago and the lasting impression she made on me was, “wow! Tenderness and Competence in the same package!” Now, re-...
★★★★★
Kelli @ Handwriting Solutions 2024/12/20
The real deal!
OG follower here! Debbie and TILT is one of our go-to resources for neurodivergent families (including my own!). Thankful for this resource!
★★★★★
Charis Your Life 2024/11/30
Helpful!
I’m a coach and wanted to learn more about PDA in order to help my clients with kids who may have some level of PDA. Thank you!
★★★★★
JMPK11797 2024/08/04
This podcast is so worthwhile
Amazing and helpful content and has lead me to so many other helpful resources.
★★★★★
KFHMom 2024/04/02
NVLD Episode- Thank you!
I am the mom of an 8 year old neurodivergent little boy who has quite complex needs. I just listened to your episode with Dr. Marcia Eckerd and I am ...
check all reviews on apple podcasts

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