Empowering Exceptional Minds

Educational Therapy LLC

Welcome to Empowering Exceptional Minds —the podcast where we dive into real conversations about neurodiversity. We interview parents, individuals, and professionals to explore the challenges, strengths, and unique experiences of diverse learners and thinkers.
We discuss ADHD, Executive Functions, dysgraphia, autism, dyscalculia, dyslexia, written expression, auditory processing, visual processing, learning disabilities, evaluations, assessments, parenting and professional development.

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34 episodes
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Avg 42 min
English

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S3 · E16
November 2 · 34 min
Not What I Expected: The Unexpected Journey of Parenting With Dr. Rita Eichenstein
What happens when the child you imagined is different from the child you have? In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, Maayan sits down with Dr. Rita Eichenstein, pediatric neuropsychologist and author of Not What I Expected, to explore the emotional journey of parenting a neurodivergent child. Together, they discuss the unexpected emotions parents may experience following a diagnosis, including shock, denial, anger, guilt, grief, and the gradual journey toward acceptance. They explore the pressure of parental expectations, the importance of recognizing and celebrating a child's unique strengths, and why parents need support just as much as their children do. This conversation offers an important reminder: acceptance doesn't mean giving up on growth. It means letting go of the child we imagined and making room to truly understand, appreciate, and celebrate the child in front of us. A meaningful conversation for parents, educators, and professionals who support neurodivergent children and their families. https://drritaeichenstein.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Not-What-Expected-Atypical-Children/dp/0399171762/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WINWAK8ROZS8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kKltIeUhJFJpwdUSYsBVLVk0FC3UWjw8Qcgl1GBLTfBjw1YnQaiWwHobEK1xwK8D1QBnoGF-FfvGUfNL4Kz2dtay-U5PSVLduPuJCPJyVUzKBynxlq9p5lnlzSel-WFS7nyf6-pky1SCnLBuPB0vNmbKY_mqnQF28V3OaC-f6eXVwriLWwn0FhMGZLU0VH8LWkRuZNKLBGzKMkErKV4MdnaqPr6dMzZWsarKoMFiiVI.-2I4AKZu4tsqFGskw_1yBZ9OGYbS8BZx4_faov-hNB8&dib_tag=se&keywords=not+what+i+expected+book&qid=1793660401&sprefix=not+what+I+%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-1
S3 · E15
October 26 · 54 min
Clean Your Room! Why This Simple Request Turns Into a Family Battle?
Is your child’s bedroom a disaster zone? Are you tired of reminding them to pick up clothes, put things away, and clean up after themselves? Before you ask them to clean their room again, there may be something important you’re missing. In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, Maayan Glaser-Koren sits down with Jessica Kennedy, certified neurodiversity coach, productivity consultant, and professional organizer, to explore why organizing can be so challenging for neurodivergent children, teens, and adults. A messy room isn’t always about laziness, defiance, or a lack of motivation. Organizing requires a complex set of executive functioning skills, including planning, decision-making, task initiation, working memory, and the ability to create and maintain systems. Add sensory sensitivities, emotional overwhelm, and a long day at school, and even a seemingly simple request can become a source of conflict. Together, Maayan and Jessica discuss how parents can move away from nagging, shame, and power struggles toward practical, compassionate strategies that actually work. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why “clean your room” can feel like an overwhelming, undefined task. How executive functioning challenges affect organizing, decluttering, and maintaining routines. Why traditional organizing systems don’t work for every child—and how to create systems that fit your child’s needs. How sensory sensitivities and after-school overwhelm can affect a child’s ability to follow through. Ways to build independence by offering choices, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and using timers, music, visual cues, and body doubling. How to set reasonable household boundaries without turning every messy room into a battle. Why functional is more important than perfect when creating spaces that work for your family. If you’re a parent who feels like you’re constantly asking your child to clean up, this conversation offers a different perspective: What if the goal isn’t a picture-perfect bedroom, but a child who gradually learns what works for them? Jessica Kennedy Owner, JOY - Jessica Organizes You LLC https://www.jessicaorganizesyou.com
S3 · E14
October 20 · 50 min
What will it look like when I'm done? A conversation with Sarah Ward
Why is it so difficult for some children and adults to get started, manage time, and follow through—even when they know exactly what they need to do? In this episode, Maayan Glaser-Koren sits down with Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, a leading executive functioning expert and co-director of Cognitive Connections, to discuss practical ways to develop executive functioning skills and support greater independence. Sarah shares insights from more than 30 years of experience and explains why traditional tools like planners and checklists may not be enough. Together, they explore mental simulation, time blindness, situational awareness, and the power of the Done, Do, Get Ready approach. ✨ What you'll learn: Why executive functioning is more than organization and reminders How mental imagery and mental simulation help us plan tasks Supporting individuals with aphantasia who cannot easily visualize Understanding time blindness and the time horizon The ACE Your Time strategy: At a specific time, Chill time, and Extra time How analog clocks and visual time tools can improve time awareness Using situational awareness: Space, Time, Objects, and People How to help children and adults plan backward from a clear goal Why starting with “What will it look like when I'm done?” can change the way we approach tasks Sarah also shares practical examples from everyday life, including getting ready for school, completing errands, and helping students move through multistep tasks with less adult prompting. About Sarah Ward Sarah Ward, MS, CCC-SLP, is co-director of Cognitive Connections LLP and co-developed the 360 Thinking Executive Program with Kristin Jacobsen. She provides training and consultation to support executive functioning development. 🔗 Sarah Ward's resources: https://www.efpractice.com/team-members-1/sarah-ward About Maayan Glaser-Koren Maayan is an educational therapist, ADHD educator, and autism-informed professional and the founder of Educational Therapy LLC. She supports children and adults with executive functioning and learning differences. 🌐 Website: https://educationaltherapyllc.com
S3 · E14
October 13 · 42 min
Organize Your Thoughts, Communicate Your Message
Ever know what you want to say but struggle to organize your thoughts, find the right words, or get started? In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, Maayan sits down with Suzy Carbrey, speech-language pathologist, ADHD coach, and author of You’re Not Doing It Wrong, to explore the powerful connection between executive functioning, communication, and self-talk. Discover practical strategies to manage overwhelm, navigate workplace conversations, and build systems that work with your brain, not against it. 💛 Because you’re not broken—you may just need a different approach! 🎧 Listen now and discover tools you can start using today. https://a.co/d/021uq7f8 Suzy Carbrey ADHD & Executive Functioning Coach suzycarbrey.com
S3 · E13
October 5 · 34 min
Why Can’t I Just Do It? Executive Functioning in Adults
Do you know what you need to do—but somehow just can't get yourself to do it? In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, Maayan Glaser-Koren talks with educational therapist and executive function coach Eric Kaufman about the everyday challenges adults face with executive functioning. They discuss procrastination, working memory, emotional regulation, task initiation, prioritization, workplace challenges, and practical strategies for getting things done without constantly feeling overwhelmed. You'll hear about: Why procrastination happens How emotions affect task initiation Working memory and using external reminders The ABC method and Eisenhower Matrix Breaking overwhelming tasks into smaller steps Using self-talk to move forward Why there is no one-size-fits-all EF strategy Starting small and celebrating progress Most importantly, your brain isn't broken. Executive functioning is a set of skills, and we can build strategies that work with the way our brains work. 🎧 Follow Empowering Exceptional Minds for more conversations about neurodiversity, ADHD, learning differences, and practical strategies for everyday life. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice. https://www.upskillspecialists.com/team
S3 · E8
September 29 · 49 min
Beyond the After-School Collapse: Somatic Tools with Lisa Danahy
Did you know that many "behavioral issues" in children aren't behavioral at all—they’re sensory? Following up on our last conversation with Aaron about sensory integration, we’re taking a deeper dive into the specifics of how our nervous systems process the world around us. In this episode, host Maayan sits down with Lisa Danahy, founder of Create Calm, featured Hay House author, and international speaker with over 30 years of experience across education, healthcare, and community organizations. Lisa breaks down the complex science of stress and human behavior into relatable, practical strategies you can use immediately in the classroom or at home. The 8 Sensory Systems: Moving beyond sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to explore Vestibular (balance), Proprioception (body awareness), and Interoception (internal signals like hunger or heart rate). Behavior vs. Sensory Processing: Why a child's meltdown might actually be an unmapped hunger signal or a shrunk "window of tolerance"—and how to spot the difference between sensory modulation and discrimination issues. Somatic Regulation Techniques: Experiential tools to ground the nervous system, including: 🎈 Balloon Breath: Aligning mind and body through intentional breath. 🤲 Body Tapping: Activating proprioception to feel "back inside the body." 🧺 The "Washing Machine": Using twisting and sound to release tension via vestibular engagement. Co-Regulation in Practice: Why adult energy dictates child regulation, and how to use mindfulness for somatic awareness rather than behavior control. Support for Neurodivergent Students: Effective, non-verbal physical "containers" (like weighted tools or child’s pose) for nonverbal or autistic learners. Lisa Danahy is the founder of Create Calm, a Hay House author, and an international speaker. For over three decades, Lisa has dedicated her career to making stress science and nervous system regulation accessible, engaging, and transformative for educators, healthcare workers, and communities worldwide. Learn more about her work at Create Calm. https://createcalm.org/ https://a.co/d/0bk52982 👉 Missed our previous episode on sensory integration with Aaron? Be sure to go back and give it a listen to get the full picture! https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oHQllOf8ql7lGfjMf9rCT?si=-T4Kz7G7TOGJHU496Kw_ZA Enjoying the show? Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Spotify to help other educators and parents find these tools!
S3 · E11
September 22 · 50 min
Why Does My Child Fall Apart After School? The Sensory Connection With Aaron
Why might a student press incredibly hard on their pencil, bump into things, avoid sports, or completely fall apart after holding it together all day at school? In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, Maayan sits down with occupational therapist Aaron DeNardo, founder of Laughing Giraffe Therapy, for a fascinating conversation about the connection between the brain, body, sensory processing, movement, and learning. Aaron explains what occupational therapists actually look for during an evaluation—including fine and gross motor skills, visual processing, sensory processing, body awareness, and functional skills. Maayan and Aaron dive into primitive reflexes, proprioception, vestibular processing, and interoception, and how these systems can influence movement, regulation, coordination, attention, and everyday functioning. The conversation includes practical examples of what these challenges can look like in the classroom—from difficulty copying from the board to pencil pressure, clumsiness, avoiding movement, and exhaustion after school. Most importantly, Maayan and Aaron discuss a message every parent and educator needs to hear: behavior is communication, and children are doing the best they can with the skills and nervous systems they have. You’ll also hear why connection and attunement matter, how play can reveal valuable information about a child, what school-based OT can address, and why homework can sometimes become counterproductive when a child is already overwhelmed. If you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or anyone supporting a neurodivergent child, this conversation offers a different way of looking at the behaviors we often misunderstand—and a reminder to get curious about what might be happening underneath. Listen, learn, and see the child behind the behavior. https://laughinggiraffetherapy.com/
S3 · E10
September 14 · 21 min
The Moon Cactus Effect: Autism, Adulthood, and Finding Your Bloom Later in Life
What happens when a life-altering diagnosis arrives at 48 — not in childhood, but in the middle of adulthood, after decades of unexplained struggle? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Caldwell, journalist, science fiction author, and self-advocate on Alabama's Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, to talk about what it means to finally understand yourself later in life. Robert shares the story behind his moving "moon cactus" metaphor — comparing developmental disabilities to a mutation that can't survive alone, but becomes something beautiful when grafted onto the right support. We dig into how undiagnosed autism shaped (and sabotaged) his early career in journalism and web design, how his neurodivergent perspective fuels the strange, imaginative worlds of his science fiction, and the discrimination he faced — and only recognized in hindsight — as an invisible disability. We also get into Robert's advocacy work, including his fight to protect voting access for disabled Alabamians, and his message to anyone recently diagnosed as an adult: this isn't the end of your story — it might be the key that finally makes sense of it. Whether you're autistic, love someone who is, or work with neurodivergent individuals, this conversation offers a powerful reframe on late diagnosis, resilience, and the "superability" that can come with seeing the world differently. Topics covered: Late autism diagnosis • Workplace discrimination • Creative writing as neurodivergent expression • Disability advocacy • Voting rights • The moon cactus metaphor https://robertwcaldwell.home.blog/page/2/ https://a.co/d/0eFEexd8 https://a.co/d/08NJeyNz https://a.co/d/032SASMU
S3 · E9
September 7 · 40 min
Off the Lines - Understanding Dysgraphia with Kelli Fetter
Words get stuck. Letters flip. The hand can't keep pace with the mind. For millions of people, dysgraphia turns something as simple as writing into a daily battle — one that's often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed as laziness or carelessness. In this episode, we sit down with Kelli Fetter, owner of Handwriting Solution, to dig into what dysgraphia really is, how it shows up in kids and adults, and why so many people go years without the right support. Drawing on her hands-on experience helping students overcome writing challenges, Kelli breaks down the signs parents and teachers often miss, practical strategies that actually work, and how to shift the narrative from "try harder" to "here's what your brain actually needs." Whether you're a parent trying to understand your child's struggle, an educator looking for real strategies, or someone who's always felt "off the lines" yourself — this conversation offers clarity, tools, and hope. Because how you write shouldn't define what you're capable of saying. https://www.handwritingsolutions.org/about The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects by Joan Sedita M.Ed. (Author), Jan Hasbrouck Ph.D. Email: kelli@handwritingsolutions.org Website: www.handwritingsolutions.org Access to over 100 articles on our blog Free Guide to 15 Multisensory Handwriting Practices
S3 · E7
September 1 · 48 min
Does your child’s IEP actually provide what they need? With Kara Orlando
IEPs can feel overwhelming—especially when you're hearing terms like IDEA, FAPE, LRE, push-in, pull-out, and service minutes. In Part 3 of our IEP & 504 series, I’m joined by Kara Orlando, founder of Kind Mind Executive Function Coaching and former school psychologist. We break down what these terms actually mean, how services can be delivered, and what parents should understand when advocating for their child. If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting thinking, “Wait… what does that actually mean?”—this episode is for you.
S3 · E8
September 1 · 48 min
Does your child’s IEP actually provide what they need? with Kara Orlando
IEPs can feel overwhelming—especially when you're hearing terms like IDEA, FAPE, LRE, push-in, pull-out, and service minutes.In Part 3 of our IEP & 504 series, I’m joined by Kara Orlando, founder of Kind Mind Executive Function Coaching and former school psychologist.We break down what these terms actually mean, how services can be delivered, and what parents should understand when advocating for their child.If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting thinking, “Wait… what does that actually mean?”—this episode is for you.https://kindmind-efcoaching.tutorbird.com/
S3 · E7
August 24 · 42 min
Parental burnout is real—and it deserves more attention with Roopa Belur
In the newest episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, we’re talking about parental burnout—especially the kind that can happen when you’re constantly advocating, coordinating, worrying, problem-solving, and supporting a neurodivergent child. I’m joined by Roopa Belur, clinical director, therapist, and founder of Belur Neurodiversity Consulting and Coaching. With more than 23 years of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families, Roopa brings so much insight and compassion to this conversation. We talk about: What parental burnout really looks like Signs parents may overlook Why neurodivergent families can be particularly vulnerable What to do when you're already completely depleted How to begin recovering without adding another thing to your to-do list Why struggling doesn't mean you're failing One message I hope parents take away from this episode: Burnout doesn't mean you're a bad parent. It means you've been carrying too much for too long.. And if you know a parent who needs to hear this, send them this episode. ❤️ roopablore@gmail.com
S3 · E7
August 17 · 44 min
Is Gaming Really the Problem? What Your Child’s Screen Time Might Be Telling You with Mark Talaga
Is gaming really the problem—or is it telling us something important about what a child needs? In this episode, we move beyond the “screens are good vs. bad” debate and look at gaming through a developmental and regulation-focused lens. Games can provide connection, creativity, mastery, immediate feedback, and a sense of competence—especially for kids who may struggle to find those experiences elsewhere. But what happens when gaming becomes the only place a child feels successful? We explore the powerful Input vs. Output framework: consuming games isn't inherently problematic, but healthy development requires opportunities to turn that input into real-world creativity, skills, relationships, and meaningful experiences. We also talk about transitions, executive function, limits, teen screen use, and practical ways parents can reduce conflict without vilifying games. The goal isn't to ask, “How many hours did my child play?” It's to ask: “What is gaming giving my child that they aren't getting somewhere else?” https://www.centerforidentitypotential.com/ https://drdouglas.org/drdpdfs/Gentile-5Dimensions.pdf https://www.hopelesslygifted.com/
S3 · E6
August 10 · 37 min
Backpacks & Butterflies: The Back-to-School Transition with Jasleen Kaur Monga
The night-before-school-starts anxiety is real — and if you're raising a neurodivergent kid, so is the pressure to get it "right." In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, we sit down with a mom and educational therapist Jasleen Kaur Monga to break down how to ease the back-to-school transition without the meltdowns (yours or theirs).We cover:Why the shift back to school hits neurodivergent kids so hardHow to reset sleep & routines gradually (no 90-minute jumps)Writing a teacher introduction letter that actually gets readHow to talk to your kid about school A simple first-two-weeks checklist you can start using todayWhether your kid is 6 or 16, this episode gives you practical, compassionate tools to make September a little easier for everyone. Subscribe for more episodes on raising and advocating for neurodivergent kids.
S3 · E7
July 28 · 13 min
Flying with Neurodivergent Kids & Teens: Air Travel, Safety, and Nervous System Regulation
Traveling by airplane can be exciting, but for many neurodivergent children and teens, it can also feel overwhelming. New environments, crowds, changes in routine, loud noises, unfamiliar smells, and sensory input can place significant demands on the nervous system. In today's episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, we explore how to make air travel safer, more comfortable, and more predictable for neurodivergent children and adolescents. We'll discuss: Why airports and airplanes can overwhelm the nervous system. The impact of sensory differences, anxiety, ADHD, autism, OCD, PDA, and sensory processing challenges during travel. Understanding airplane air quality and common concerns about flying. Practical strategies for nervous system regulation before, during, and after a flight. Safety considerations for children and teens who may wander, become dysregulated, or experience panic. Tips for preparing your child for international and domestic travel.
S3 · E5
July 21 · 32 min
Parents as Warriors: Loving Our Children Through The Storms with Dave Herz
What happens when our children push every button we have—and still need us to show up with love, connection, and compassion? In this powerful episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, host Maayan Glaser-Koren sits down with Dave Herz, Co-Founder of Wonder: A Confident Living Company, to discuss trauma, neurodivergence, school refusal, and the critical role of the family system in supporting children and teens. Together, they explore how behaviors are often a window into the nervous system and why healing cannot happen in isolation. Dave shares his insights on supporting neurodivergent children through some of their most challenging moments while helping parents move from survival mode to connection. In this episode, we discuss: Trauma and its impact on children, teens, and families. Neurodivergence and understanding behavior through a nervous system lens. School refusal and what it is communicating. The importance of family systems and relational healing. How to stay connected when our children are dysregulated. Parenting through uncertainty, burnout, and big emotions. Whether you're parenting a child with autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PDA, learning differences, or navigating school refusal, this conversation offers practical insights and a reminder that you are not alone. Because sometimes loving our children means standing beside them in the storm—and helping them find their way through it. Learn more about Dave Herz and Wonder: A Confident Living Company at https://www.teamwonder.org/.
S4 · E4
July 14 · 33 min
ARFID: Understanding More Than "Picky Eating" | Featuring Lisa McGlothlin, MS, RD
In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, I’m joined by Lisa McGlothlin, MS, RD, to explore Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)—an eating disorder that goes far beyond typical picky eating. Lisa brings years of experience helping children, teens, and families navigate ARFID with compassion and evidence-based care. Together, we discuss how sensory differences, anxiety, and neurodivergence can influence eating and why understanding the "why" behind food avoidance is so important. In this episode, we discuss: 🍽️ What ARFID is and how it differs from typical picky eating 🧠 The connection between ARFID, anxiety, sensory processing, ADHD, autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 👧 Common signs and symptoms in children and teens 💙 Practical, compassionate strategies to support children with ARFID 👨‍⚕️ When it's time to seek professional help and build a multidisciplinary support team Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or healthcare provider, this conversation offers practical strategies and evidence-based insights to better understand and support individuals with ARFID. Learn more about Lisa McGlothlin and her work at https://lisamcgnutrition.com/. 🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Empowering Exceptional Minds for more conversations on neurodiversity, executive function, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, autism, OCD, PDA, anxiety, and learning differences. #ARFID #FeedingDisorders #PickyEating #ADHD #Autism #OCD #PDA #SensoryProcessing #Neurodiversity #EducationalTherapy #MentalHealth #Parenting #OccupationalTherapy #Nutrition
S3 · E6
July 7 · 41 min
Reading Between the Lines — Dyslexia, Regulation, and Real Talk
Dyslexia isn't just a reading challenge — it touches every part of a child's emotional world. In this episode, we sit down with Sara Cuen, founder of Journey 2 Learning, a special education professional and mom of two children with dyslexia, to explore where her professional expertise and personal experience intersect. We dig into the biggest myths about dyslexia, why regulation is such an overlooked piece of the puzzle, and what dysregulation actually looks like at home and school. Sara shares practical strategies for weaving regulation into everyday learning, plus one thing parents can try tonight. A must-listen for any parent navigating a new dyslexia diagnosis — or a hard day. https://www.journey2learning.com/
S3 · E5
July 1 · 43 min
Fatherhood & Showing Up: A Conversation with Anthony Gracia
Father's Day may have been a couple of weeks ago, but celebrating the role of fathers shouldn't be limited to just one day. As summer gives families more time together, it's the perfect opportunity to reflect on what it means to be present for our children. In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, I sit down with Anthony Gracia for an honest and heartfelt conversation about fatherhood while raising neurodivergent children. We explore the courage it takes to be vulnerable, why mindfulness matters, and how being fully present can strengthen our relationships with our kids—even during the challenging moments. Whether you're a dad, a co-parent, a caregiver, or someone who supports neurodivergent families, this conversation offers encouragement, practical insights, and a reminder that perfection isn't the goal—connection is. Join us as we talk about embracing authenticity, navigating the ups and downs of parenting, and finding joy in the everyday moments that matter most. Listen in, and if this episode resonates with you, share it with a father or family who could use a little encouragement this summer.
S3 · E4
June 23 · 47 min
Is It ADHD, Autism, or Perimenopause? The Overlooked Connection Every Woman Should Know
What happens when the symptoms of perimenopause collide with neurodivergence? Many women find themselves struggling with brain fog, overwhelm, forgetfulness, emotional sensitivity, anxiety, sensory challenges, and executive function difficulties—often wondering, "What's happening to me?" In this episode of Empowering Exceptional Minds, host Maayan Glaser-Koren sits down with Kara Cruz, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, to explore the often-overlooked intersection of neurodiversity and perimenopause. Together, they discuss how hormonal changes can impact ADHD, autism, executive functioning, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Whether you're navigating perimenopause yourself, supporting a loved one, or working with neurodivergent individuals, this episode provides valuable insights, validation, and practical strategies. In this episode, we discuss: Why ADHD and autistic traits may become more noticeable during perimenopause The impact of hormonal fluctuations on attention, memory, and emotional regulation Brain fog, executive dysfunction, and sensory overwhelm Anxiety, mood changes, and self-compassion during midlife Strategies for managing symptoms and advocating for support The importance of understanding the unique experiences of neurodivergent women About Our Guest: Kara Cruz, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ is a licensed therapist specializing in women's mental health, perinatal mental health, trauma treatment, and neurodivergent-affirming care. She brings a compassionate and evidence-based perspective to helping women navigate major life transitions, including perimenopause and menopause. Please Note: We experienced unexpected technical difficulties during this recording, and the host's audio may sound somewhat muffled at times. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. Despite the audio challenges, this conversation is packed with valuable information and insights that we hope you'll find https://www.karacruz.com/ https://www.acog.org/ https://menopause.org/ Books: The Female Brain by Dr. Louann Brizendine M.D. The Galveston Diet by Dr. Mary Claire Haver, M.D. The Hormone Shift: Balance Your Body and Thrive Through Midlife and Menopause by Tasneem Bhatia, M.D. Mayo Clinic The Menopause Solution by Stephanie S. Faubion, M.D. The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter, M.D. The Upgrade: How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better in Midlife and Beyond by Dr. Louann Brizendine M.D. What Fresh Hell is This by Heather Corinna You Are Not Broken by Dr. Kelly Casperson, M.D.

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