Advertise on podcast: Exceptional Girls Podcast: Helping our smart but struggling girls feel seen, supported, and celebrated

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, I’m talking with Kaia Vernon-Oliveira. This episode is a departure from my recent episodes in that I’m not talking with a clinician or recognized professional, but with an actual exceptional girl. Kaia is a profoundly gifted 11-year-old storyteller and performer who loves making people think. One of the ways she’s doing this is through her TedxLasVegas talk called The Myth of the Gifted Girl.  🎧 Listen in as Kaia shares: What inspired her to present a TED TalkEye-opening insights from her research into giftedness in girlsThe best and hardest parts of being a gifted girlHer advice for struggling girls — and their parentsAbout Kaia Vernon-Oliveira: Kaia Vernon-Oliveira is a profoundly gifted student, writer, and performing artist who attends Nasri Academy for Gifted Children in Las Vegas and the Davidson Young Scholars program. Known for her bold curiosity, emotional depth, and comedic timing, Kaia uses her platform to advocate for equity in gifted education, especially for girls. A multiracial 11-year-old storyteller and performer, Kaia loves making people think. When she’s not deep in debate, reading, writing, or building a prototype for her next big idea, she can be found on stage. From dancing to acting, she loves putting on a good show. She has performed with Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, Dynamic Performing Arts Center, Drama Kids of Las Vegas, and Bright Star Acting Academy. Kaia also loves comedy. Whether delivering a monologue or cracking a joke (the bluer, the better!), she believes her words have the power to move people—to action, to laughter, and if she’s lucky, both. Whatever she chooses to do with her life, Kaia plans to use her creativity and talents to empower girls and make the world a better place for everyone.  A fan of TED Talks since kindergarten, Kaia delivered a TEDxLasVegas talk that marked one of the few public talks addressing giftedness through the lens of gender and neurodiversity. Watch Kaia's TEDxLasVegas talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoEKdXIRQRg&t=58s   About the Exceptional Girls Podcast: If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, host Julie Withrow is joined by Dawn Friedman, founder of Open Book Parenting, to talk about child anxiety and how families can navigate the challenges it presents. Anxiety and anxious avoidance can be tricky to manage, especially in neurodivergent kids. Dawn is quick to point out that parents aren't to blame and needn't feel ashamed if they've made some missteps along the way. But they do have a responsibility to help their children overcome avoidance and get to readiness. This episode will give them a taste of how to do that. 🎧 Listen in as Dawn shares: Why anxiety isn’t the real problem—avoidance isHow parents unintentionally reinforce their child’s anxietySimple steps to start helping kids overcome their fearsWhat parents need to know as they support their anxious childrenAbout Dawn Friedman: Dawn Friedman, MSEd, is the founder of Open Book Parenting, an online education and coaching platform for parents of anxious children and teens. A licensed clinical counselor, Dawn has more than 30 years of experience working with children and families in educational, clinical, and community settings. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Dayton and a post-graduate certification in Infant-Toddler Mental Health from Arcadia University. A sought-after speaker, Dawn has presented at national and regional conferences, delivered trainings and workshops to counselors, educators, and parenting professionals across the country, and has appeared on radio programs, including New Hampshire Public Radio’s Word of Mouth. Dawn has also been published in outlets including Yoga Journal, Salon, and Greater Good, and has contributed to multiple books on parenting, adoption, and family life. She lives in the Poconos with her family, where she continues to support parents, children, and professionals in understanding and treating childhood anxiety. To learn more, visit www.openbookparenting.com About the Exceptional Girls Podcast: If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

As any parent of a gifted or twice exceptional child knows, finding a learning environment that's capable of meeting your child's particular needs can be a long and difficult journey. Traditional schools often fall short of providing the academic challenge, learning accommodations, or social-emotional support your child needs to be successful.  In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, host Julie Withrow sits down with Dr. Jessica Potts, curriculum coordinator at Davidson Academy Online, to get research-informed advice and practical tips your family can use to evaluate your educational options. 🎧 Listen in as Dr. Potts shares: Some of the telltale signs your child may not be in the right learning environmentHow to evaluate a school's ability to support the whole child—academically socially, and emotionallyPractical tips to more effectively advocate for your child with teachersWhy an online school can be a great choice for gifted and twice-exceptional learnersAbout Dr. Jessica Potts: Dr. Jessica Potts, PhD, is the Curriculum Coordinator at Davidson Academy Online, a fully virtual school for profoundly gifted students. She earned a doctorate from the University of Nevada, Reno in Secondary Education, with an emphasis on gifted education and online learning. Her research focuses on the intersection of these two fields, and along with authoring a chapter in a book on gifted underachievement, she has published articles in Gifted Child Quarterly, Gifted Child Today, Parenting for High Potential, Teaching for High Potential, and EdWeek. Dr. Potts has presented at numerous conferences and has delivered webinars and workshops both online and in-person on topics as wide ranging as online pedagogy, gifted education, administrative organization, social-emotional learning, and parent engagement. She is a four-time recipient of the Blackboard Catalyst Award, a winner of Blackboard’s Exemplary Course Award, a recipient of the J-WEL Vox Innovators Award, and a winner of the World Giftedness Center School Global Award Initiative. Jessica is the incoming NAGC Curriculum Studies Network Chair, serves on the NAGC Professional Standards Committee, leads an ECHA Special Interest Group, and is an ECHA auditor. Dr. Potts and her husband live in the Czech Republic with their sons. Resources: https://www.davidsononline.org/blog/is-your-gifted-child-ready-for-online-learning/  https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/the-changing-role-of-parents-in-gifted-education-programs/  About the Exceptional Girls Podcast: If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

When most people picture a gifted child, they imagine a straight-A student who thrives in school and loves a challenge. But what happens when giftedness looks more like meltdowns after school, daydreaming in class, or a deep interest in fashion design? In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, host Julie Withrow welcomes Megan Cannella, Director of Outreach at the Davidson Institute, to unpack the most common myths and misperceptions surrounding giftedness—especially in girls.  Listen in as Megan shares: What to look for if you suspect your child is giftedThe foolproof way to know what support your child really needsWhy understanding that you're gifted is so important Links to resources shared in this episode: Gifted Identification: https://www.davidsongifted.org/resource-library/gifted-resources-guides/identification-and-testing/Laziness Does Not Exist, by Dr. Devon Price: https://www.amazon.com/Laziness-Exist-Devon-Price-Ph-D/dp/1982140100How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing, by KC Davis, LPC: https://www.amazon.com/How-Keep-House-While-Drowning/dp/1668002841 About Megan Cannella Megan Cannella is the Director of Outreach at the Davidson Institute (davidsongifted.org), where she has worked since 2019. Her work at the institute focuses on advocacy and equity in gifted education. Before that, she taught college-level humanities courses for almost a decade across Illinois, Nevada, and California. Megan's outreach role allows her to continue to grow the work she is most passionate about and dedicated to, which is connecting students and families with the services and supports they need to reach their goals.   About the Exceptional Girls Podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, host Julie Withrow sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Gail Post to unpack the complex relationship between neurodivergence and eating disorders.  Drawing from decades of experience, Gail offers professional insights and practical advice for parents and caregivers navigating these challenges. 🔑 Listen in as Gail shares: The surprising connections between autism, ADHD, and various eating disorders, and how neurodivergence may contribute to disordered eating patterns.The key signs and symptoms parents should look for if they suspect their child is struggling with an eating disorder.Actionable strategies for supporting your child, including how to approach difficult conversations and when to seek professional help. About Dr. Gail Post, PhD Dr. Gail Post is a Clinical Psychologist, a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and author of the 2022 book The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children. Gail has worked in the gifted field for over 20 years, has written widely, provided workshops and parenting consultations, and advocates for the needs of the gifted.  Over her 35 year career, Gail has also worked extensively with individuals with eating disorders. Her experience includes serving as the director of psychological services for a hospital-based obesity treatment program, the director of group psychotherapy at a residential eating disorder treatment center, and the president of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Anorexia and Bulimia Association. To learn more: Website: www.gailpost.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GiftedChallenges/ Substack: https://psychologyperspective.substack.com/ About the Exceptional Girls Podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Melinda Edwards. As the mother of an autistic daughter and a practicing physician, Dr. Edwards’ views on autism may surprise you.  Listen in as Dr. Edwards shares: How her initial feelings of grief and loss about her daughter's diagnosis shifted in a dramatic wayThe profound insights she's learned about being autistic from her daughter SaachiHow she rectifies the typical medical definition of autism with her own spiritual understanding of itHer comforting advice for those who are still coming to terms with an autism diagnosisAbout Dr. Melinda Edwards, MD: Dr. Edwards is a practicing physician in Charleston, South Carolina. She's also mom to Saachi, her autistic daughter, and the founder and president of Living Darshan, a non-profit organization that’s fostering a deeper understanding of autism in the world. Dr. Edwards attended the Medical University of South Carolina and completed her residency in psychiatry at Stanford Medical Center. Also a writer, Dr. Edwards is a columnist for Autism Parenting Magazine, as well as the author of the Amazon bestselling book PSYCHE & SPIRIT: How a Psychiatrist Found Divinity Through Her Lifelong Quest for Truth and Her Daughter’s Autism. To learn more about Dr. Edwards, visit www.melindaedwardsmd.com.  About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Alexis Bitting, a licensed mental health counselor who holds a Ph.D. in clinical sexology.  Dr. Alexis has extensive experience working with neurodivergent young people, as well as those who are questioning their gender identity and sexuality.  Listen in as Dr. Alexis shares her expertise and insights: Is this just a phase? How to know if your child's gender questioning is a special interest, if they're being influenced by their friends, or if it's "real."Cis and trans and nonbinary — oh my! Understanding gender vocabulary and why it's important.Breaking down gender identity: What gender is AND what it isn't.Dr. Alexis also shared two resources to help understand the differences between gender identity, gender expression, sexual gender, and sexual orientation:  https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2018/10/the-genderbread-person-v4/https://www.autisticparentsuk.org/post/understanding-gender-identity-for-autistic-parentsAbout Dr. Alexis Bitting, Ph.D.: A licensed mental health counselor and clinical sexologist, Dr. Alexis Bitting works with children, teens, and adults with social and developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s, ADHD, non-verbal learning, and other challenges. With extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, as well as supporting young people who are questioning their gender identity and sexuality, she regularly presents on topics including gender diversity and neurodiversity, sexuality across the spectrum, and social skills development. To learn more about Dr. Alexis, visit https://www.southfloridatherapists.com/team/dr-alexis-bitting/. About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com. **A Special Note about this Episode from the Host** This episode was especially personal for me. I’ve shared a little about my own child’s gender exploration. I even took some time away from the podcast to contemplate how to proceed since my own "daughter," who inspired this podcast and is now a senior in high school, no longer identifies as female.  Where I landed is that whether my child identifies as a girl or not doesn’t change how I feel about the importance of raising awareness about the female experience of being neurodivergent. I’m also hopeful that by being transparent and sharing our experiences navigating gender identity, it will be helpful to others who are going through a similar experience.   ***Some audio errors were found in the original release of this episode. Those errors were fixed, and the episode was updated on April 15, 2024.***

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Dr. Nicole Tetreault. A neuroscientist, meditation teacher, international speaker, and author of Insight into a Bright Mind, Dr. Nicole shares:  Personal and poignant stories of growing up as a sensitive and precocious girl who later learned she had dyslexiaThe pivotal experience that led her to become a neuroscientistHow to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy perfectionismA simple but not always easy way to identify people pleasing and tap into what we really wantHer one-word advice to parents about how to support their exceptional girlsAbout Dr. Nicole Tetreault, Ph.D. Dr. Nicole is the founder of Awesome Neuroscience and Beyond the Cell.  Using positive neural plasticity with compassion and wisdom, Dr. Nicole believes in our ability to wire our minds for love and liberate ourselves to live the lives we dream. She translates the most promising neuroscience and positive psychology into corporate trainings and meditation retreats, supporting people around the world to increase creativity, deepen peace, and awaken compassion. About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Dr. Gail Post, a clinical psychologist, professor, and author of The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children. Based on her many years of experience working with gifted and twice exceptional women and girls, Gail shares: Some of the not-so-obvious signs that your daughter may be strugglingWhy the middle school years are often challenging for exceptional girlsEye-opening statistics that explain why being a neurodivergent girl can be especially challengingAdvice for supporting your daughter through the transition to middle school and beyondIf you're the parent of a tween or middle-school aged exceptional girl, this episode is a must-listen.   About Dr. Gail Post Gail is a Clinical Psychologist, a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, a workshop leader, and writer. Gail raised two gifted kids of her own, and she's been in practice for over 35 years, providing psychotherapy and parent coaching with a focus on the needs of the intellectually and musically gifted, and the twice-exceptional. In addition to contributing articles and chapters to several books, Gail is the author of the Gifted Challenges blog and a book on parenting gifted kids called The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children. About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Brianne Hudak, a veteran educator, about the prevalence of underachievement in gifted and neurodivergent girls.    A veteran teacher certified in gifted and talented education, as well as a school leader, Brianne shares: Why underachievement poses unique problems for girlsHow to spot the signs of underachievement, which can look different in girls than boysHow to evaluate learning environments and talk with teachers to set your daughter up for successWhat you can do to support an underachieving girl — and why it's a problem worth prioritizingAbout Brianne Hudak Brianne has served in public, private, and charter schools for over 16 years, including teaching gifted and talented students, teaching STEM and theatre classes, and holding several administrative leadership positions. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in communications and theater, a certification in gifted and talented education, a master’s in educational administration and supervision, and she’s currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership. She is an active member of several state, federal, and international organizations serving gifted and exceptional children, including the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, the National Association for Gifted Children, and the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and She’s also the North Caroline state liaison for SENG. A vocal advocate for gifted learners, Brianne is especially passionate about overcoming underachievement in gifted and twice exceptional (2e) girls. About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Dr. Linda Silverman, a well-known and respected expert in giftedness in both girls and adult women.  Dr. Silverman shares invaluable information for parents and caregivers of girls who are gifted, or who they suspect may be.  You'll come away with a deeper understanding of: What giftedness really is and how it presents in girls differently than boysWhat you really need to know about IQ testsWhy gifted and neurodivergent girls can easily slip through the cracksThe critical clues that your daughter may be gifted or twice exceptionalWhy early identification of neurodivergence in girls is so importantDr. Silverman also shares helpful insights about gifted adult women at the end that you won't want to miss. About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit our website at: www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, you can listen in as I continue my conversation with Maddie, my neurodivergent and twice exceptional daughter. In episode 3, we talked about the challenges we faced as we tried to understand why why things seemed harder for her than other kids. Listen in on the second half of our no-holds-barred conversation, where Maddie and I talk about: My regrettable reaction to the results of her neuropsychological evaluationThe light bulb moment for me — and how I found the missing link we neededHow the female experience of neurodiversity is different than the male experience About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, advocate for, and accept and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit our website at: www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, advocate for, and accept and love herself — just as she is. This episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, you'll hear part 1 of a two-part conversation I had with my twice exceptional daughter, Maddie. We talk about our experiences over the past several years as we grew to understand her unique wiring.  Listen in to this candid and intimate conversation as Maddie and I discuss: What led us to explore why things seemed harder for her than other kidsThe challenges she's experienced as both a student and a daughterThe mistakes and missteps I made as a mom, despite my best intentions Want to learn more about the podcast? Visit our website at: www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, advocate for, and accept and love herself — just as she is. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, you'll learn: The "why" behind the creation of this podcast More about my personal experience raising an exceptional girlThe two things I hope you get from this podcastI'm not embarrassed to admit that creating this podcast took almost two years.  As the mom of my own exceptional daughter, I want to be certain I handle the topic of female neurodiversity with the care and thoughtfulness it deserves. (And like many of us who experience neurodiversity, I may be prone to overthinking and perfectionism.) To be clear, I'm not an expert on female neurodiversity. But I am a passionate advocate for helping our exceptional girls be seen for all that they are, supported with their challenges, and celebrated for their strengths and talents. I've experienced firsthand what it's like to raise a neurodiverse girl, and I've come to understand how I am one myself. Want to learn more about the podcast? Visit our website at: www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.