Raising a neurodivergent child: How connection, co-regulation, and self-compassion change everything with Debbie Reber

Debbie Reber, founder of Tilt Parenting and author of Differently Wired, joins me for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to raise a neurodivergent child and why supporting these children begins with changing the way we understand them, not trying to change who they are.

 

Together we explore:

 

• What it really means to be "differently wired" and why that shift in language matters.

• Why so many parents of neurodivergent children feel isolated, even as awareness continues to grow.

• The hidden emotional work of parenting children with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence.

• How understanding your child's nervous system can transform the way you respond to meltdowns and big emotions.

• Why co-regulation starts with your own self-regulation and practical ways to support both.

• How to move from trying to "fix" behavior to building connection, safety, and trust.

• Why repair matters more than getting parenting "right."

• How raising a neurodivergent child can lead parents into profound personal growth and healing of their own.

 

Whether you're parenting a neurodivergent child, wondering if your child might be differently wired, or simply looking for a more compassionate way to understand children's behavior, this conversation offers both practical tools and a powerful mindset shift.

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 Tilt Parenting  

📚 Differently Wired: A Parent's Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope 

📱IG: @tiltparenting FB: Tilt Parenting YouTube: Full-Tilt Parenting with Debbie Reber

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:

🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren  

🔗 Check out my group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group, offering therapy and coaching for individuals, children, parents, and families  

📱IG: @drsarahbren

 

 

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

🔗 The Tilt Parenting Report

 

🎧 Full-Tilt Parenting: 10 Years Later: How We've Changed, How the Movement Has Grown (And What Comes Next)  

 

💻 Dr. Dan Siegel - Explains Mirror Neurons in Depth

 

🔗 Listen to Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Securely Attached podcast and read her book, Brain-Body Parenting  

 

👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family.

 

 

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether a Neuropsych Evaluation is right for your child with Dr. Yael Rothman & Dr. Katia Fredriksen

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about secure attachment in autism: How to help neurodiverse kids build joy, confidence, and connection with Dr. Pe