On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with licensed mental health counselor Leon Garber, host of the Seize the Moment podcast, about the complexities of perfectionism. They explore the many layers, its ties to neurodivergence, and its impact on mental health. Leon shares what he knows about the different forms of perfectionism, including self-imposed, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism, and they discuss how these can manifest in various domains of life. They also examine the role of environmental factors and personal motivations in shaping perfectionistic tendencies.

TAKEAWAYS

• Self-imposed perfectionism sets unrealistic personal standards.

• Socially prescribed perfectionism stems from external expectations.

• Perfectionism often masks deep-seated shame.

• Domain-specific perfectionism targets areas of strength.

For a limited time, the window is open to join the Educator Hub! Become part of this amazing community of teachers, administrators, parents of students, and anyone else interested in making classrooms a better place for everyone.

Leon Garber, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor based in Brooklyn, NY, specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder, perfectionism, and existential concerns. His work explores how individuals can confront anxiety and cultivate a meaningful life through evidence-based strategies and philosophical reflection.

Leon is the co-host of Seize the Moment Podcast, where he explores a wide range of mental health topics, and shares his writing on Leon’s Existential Cafe, a blog focused on mental wellness, purpose, and personal growth. His approach integrates clinical expertise with deep curiosity about what it means to live well.

BACKGROUND READING

Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, Bluesky

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris has a heartfelt conversation with Lake Bell, an award-winning actress, writer, and director, who opens up about her journey as a mother navigating her daughter Nova's epilepsy diagnosis. Emily and Lake talk about the challenges of living with neurodiversity, and discuss ways to turn them into victories. Lake shares the impact of seizures on Nova's identity, and she reflects on her own experiences with dyslexia. They talk about the importance of reframing neurodiversity, and the role of advocacy in destigmatizing conditions like epilepsy.

TAKEAWAYS

• Finding the right epilepsy medication can be challenging.

• Epilepsy can positively impact and shape family dynamics.

• Unique strengths are created in challenging situations.

• Stigmas surrounding epilepsy are an ongoing challenge.

• Uniqueness is just a difference, not a weakness.

Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event is Tuesday, September 9th at 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific. It will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

Lake Bell is an award-winning actress, writer, and director known for her work across film, television, and audio storytelling. She stars in HBO’s upcoming series The Chair Company opposite Tim Robinson and recently received the Hollywood Critics Association Award for her directing work on the Emmy-nominated limited series Pam and Tommy. Bell is also the author and narrator of Inside Voice: My Obsession With How We Sound, an acclaimed audiobook produced by Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Media.

Bell made her directorial debut with In a World…, which premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and earned the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award along with widespread critical praise. Her second feature film, I Do... Until I Don’t, showcased her talents as a writer, director, and lead actress. Her acting credits include roles in Mother Couch, No Escape, Man Up, It’s Complicated, Home Again, and the Harley Quinn and Marvel’s What If animated series. A graduate of The Rose Bruford College in London, Bell is also a dedicated advocate, serving on the board of Women in Film and as a global ambassador for Women for Women International, championing the voices of women survivors of war.

BACKGROUND READING

Instagram, Wikipedia, All About Brains: A Book About People

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Cody Clark, a magician and autistic self-advocate, to talk about Cody's unique approach to blending storytelling and sleight of hand to offer audiences a more authentic perspective on autism. They discuss Cody's personal experiences as a kid, before he understood his autism diagnosis, and how the diagnosis shaped his life. They talk about the importance of embracing special interests, as Cody did for his journey into magic, and the effect of advocacy work for disability inclusion and self-employment for autistic people.

TAKEAWAYS

• Magic and storytelling can help reveal an authentic autistic perspective.

• The power of special interests shapes one's journey.

• Understanding an autism diagnosis can be life-changing.

• Advocacy for disability inclusion is crucial.

• Self-employment is a viable path for autistic people.

• Magic can be a form of self-advocacy.

Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

Check out a couple of tricks from Cody the Magician.

Look, it's Cosmo the puppy, the newest addition to Emily and Dave's family!

Check out the Neurodiversity University courses we talked about in today's episode.

Cody Clark is a professional magician and autistic self-advocate based in Louisville, KY, who uses storytelling and sleight of hand to shift perceptions of autism. Through his performances and talks, Cody shares how being autistic shapes the way he experiences the world, helping audiences—from students to educators to corporate teams—recognize that autistic individuals have the same hopes, dreams, and capacity for connection as anyone else.

Cody has performed and spoken for a wide range of clients, including the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University, Energizer Batteries, Domino’s Pizza, and the Delta Faucet Company. He has even testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee as a voice for disability inclusion.

BACKGROUND READING

Cody’s website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, TikTok

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

On episode 282, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes occupational therapist and author Tracey DeMaria, to explore emotional regulation through a metaphor of "surfing the waves." They talk about how the analogy helps both children and adults visualize and manage their emotions, and how that visualization helps the process feel more like a skill to be honed rather than a clinical task. They discuss the importance of language in framing behaviors, the impact of school environments on neurodivergent children, and the integration of sensory and cognitive tools to support emotional well-being.

TAKEAWAYS

• "Surfing the waves" aids emotional regulation.

• Language shapes perception of behaviors.

• School environments especially impact neurodivergent children.

• Blend sensory and cognitive tools for balance.

• Self-awareness is key to regulation.

• Mindfulness can be adapted for kids.

• Special interests can aid emotional control.

Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

Tracey DeMaria, OTD, OTR/L, is an experienced occupational therapist specializing in regulation skills, sensory integration, and mental health. With over 20 years in the field, she currently serves as an occupational therapist in the Phillipsburg School District and as an adjunct professor in the occupational therapy master’s program at Moravian University.

Tracey holds a clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Misericordia University and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University. Proudly neurodiverse, she is a dedicated advocate for disability rights and mental health, committed to empowering individuals of all ages and neurotypes through the development of regulation skills.

BACKGROUND READING

Tracey’s website, How To Surf the Waves, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

In this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Joshua Stamper, author of The Language of Behavior, to explore decoding and rethinking behavior. Joshua describes his personal journey from a reluctant student to an inspiring educator, and how early experiences shaped his philosophy on supporting students. The conversation covers key topics such as trauma-informed practices, the importance of building relationships in education, and Joshua's innovative framework for understanding behavior through environment, root causes, and intentional response. They also touch on burnout and the need for self-care, and leave you with practical strategies for creating a supportive learning environment.

TAKEAWAYS

• Behavior is communication.

• Connection before correction.

• Adopt trauma-informed practices.

• Prioritize educator self-care.

• Empathize with student experience.

Join us for our free event, Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools, a learning and continuing education opportunity. The event will feature a presentation by Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin, and you'll hear from a panel of experts about the future of education. Register now!

Joshua Stamper is an educator, speaker, and author with a deep commitment to fostering growth and leadership in education. As the creator of Aspire to Lead and a former middle school administrator with nine years of experience, he draws on both his professional background and personal journey as a struggling student to advocate for supportive, student-centered learning environments.

Joshua is the author of The Language of Behavior, a practical guide that equips educators with trauma-responsive strategies and alternative behavior practices to enhance student success. Through his writing, speaking, and leadership work, he empowers education professionals to lead with empathy, embrace innovation, and drive meaningful change in their schools and communities.

BACKGROUND READING

Josh’s website, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky, Aspire to Lead, The Language of Behavior

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

On today's episode, Emily Kircher-Morris talks about the transformative power of play with Georgie Wisen-Vincent, a nationally recognized expert in play therapy. Emily and Georgie explore how play supports emotional resilience, not just in young children, but across all ages. They talk about the importance of adapting play for neurodivergent children, and the role of play in fostering emotional regulation and executive function. They also discuss ways to engage with children through play, and provide suggestions on how to create meaningful connections that nurture their development.

TAKEAWAYS

• Play is essential for emotional resilience.

• Play therapy has a role in neurodevelopment.

• Adapt play for neurodivergent children.

• Play has an impact on emotional regulation and executive function.

• You should establish a balance between screen time and real-world play.

• Play should remain present in educational settings.

Let the courses in the Neurodiversity University help you be a better educator, parent, and/or clinician.

Georgie Wisen-Vincent, LMFT, RPT-S, ECMHS is a nationally recognized play therapy expert and co-author of The Way of Play (Penguin Random House, January 2025) with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson. She is the Founder and Director of The Play Strong Institute, a center focused on the study and practice of play therapy through a neurodevelopmental lens, and also practices as a child, adolescent, and family psychotherapist at The Center for Connection in Southern California.

Georgie is a graduate professor at Santa Clara University and an active researcher in childhood play, attachment science, and mental health. She studied play therapy at the University of Roehampton in London and is currently completing her doctoral degree.

BACKGROUND READING

Instagram, Facebook, Play Strong Institute

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Christopher Willard, a clinical psychologist and author, about the complexities of life's major transitions. At this time of year, this is an especially-important conversation, as some students prepare for the shift to college life. They share their own experiences and provide advice on navigating the pressures of newfound independence, the importance of self-care, and the role of systemic support in easing major transitions. Yes, they also talk about farts, so this episode has something for everyone.

TAKEAWAYS

• It's important to understand the mental health challenges that often arise during major life transitions.

• There's a role for social media in destigmatizing mental health issues, but it also spreads misinformation.

• Systemic support is essential in educational institutions, in order to better assist students, especially those from marginalized communities.

• It's important not to over-pathologize normal emotional experiences.

• There was a creative process behind Dr. Willard's children's book, "Feelings Are Like Farts," which uses humor to engage kids in understanding emotions.

Let the courses in the Neurodiversity University help you be a better educator, parent, and/or clinician.

Dr. Christopher Willard is a clinical psychologist, author, and consultant based in Massachusetts, with a global presence as a speaker in over 40 countries and two TEDx events. He is the author of 20 books on mental health and mindfulness, including Alphabreaths, Growing Up Mindful, Feelings Are Like Farts, and the upcoming College Mental Health 101 (2025).

Dr. Willard's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN.com, and mindful.org. In addition to his clinical and writing work, he teaches at Harvard Medical School, where he continues to shape conversations around mindfulness, emotional well-being, and mental health in education and beyond.

BACKGROUND READING

Chris’s website, Instagram, Facebook, Feelings Are Like Farts

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.