Kaelynn Partlow is an autism advocate and author, and one of the stars of the Netflix series, Love on the Spectrum. Today she joins Emily to talk about her experiences with autism, and they cover a lot of ground in this conversation. They discuss the evolution and effectiveness of ABA therapy, the need for accurate labeling, and using declarative language in communication. They also offer advice for parents of newly diagnosed children, and talk about the importance of finding community.

TAKEAWAYS

• The world will label children if parents don't.

• The superpower label is a double-edged sword.

• Nuance is often lost in discussions about autism.

• Profound autism requires specific understanding and advocacy.

• Declarative language can reduce pressure in communication.

• Specific questions help autistic individuals engage better.

• Finding community is essential for parents of autistic children.

Have Emily come and speak to your school district, company, or organization. Here's where you can find out more and get in touch.

Kaelynn Partlow is an autism advocate, speaker, and author widely recognized for her appearance on the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum. Through her impactful social media presence, she promotes meaningful inclusion and practical support, reaching millions with her message of autism acceptance and understanding.

Kaelynn is the author of Life on the Bridge, a book that offers both personal and professional insights to foster deeper connection between autistic and non-autistic people. Since joining Project Hope in 2015 as a Registered Behavior Technician, she has led therapy sessions, developed staff training materials, and shared her expertise nationally to support more informed and compassionate autism care.

BACKGROUND READING

Kaelynn’s LinkTree links

Today's episode is a heartfelt conversation about the importance of helping neurodivergent children understand themselves and their brain profile, and how this understanding can foster confidence and self-advocacy. Emily talks with Dr. Liz Angoff about the need for transparent communication with children about their diagnoses, and the use of relatable metaphors to explain complex concepts. They discuss collaborative approaches in assessments, the challenges of co-occurring diagnoses, and the role of parents in supporting their children. How can families find practitioners who align with neurodiversity-affirming practices, and how can that lead to understanding and acceptance for both children and their families? Get comfortable, today's conversation covers a lot of ground.

TAKEAWAYS

• Helping kids understand their brain profiles is crucial.

• Self-understanding fosters confidence and self-advocacy.

• Using relatable metaphors can aid in explaining neurodiversity.

• Labels can serve as anchors for understanding experiences.

• Children often internalize negative labels if not addressed.

• Collaborative assessments enhance understanding for both kids and parents.

• Empowering parents shifts the narrative from deficits to differences.

• Finding the right practitioner is essential for supportive assessments.

• Normalizing neurodiversity can change family dynamics for life.

Have Emily come and speak to your school district, company, or organization. Here's where you can find out more and get in touch.

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Dr. Liz Angoff is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and a Diplomate in School Neuropsychology, specializing in assessment and consultation for children and their families in the Bay Area, California. Her work centers on helping neurodivergent children better understand and embrace how their brains work, fostering confidence, self-advocacy, and empowerment.

She is the author of the Brain Building Books and Our Brains, a series designed to support children in navigating their learning and identity through affirming, accessible language. Through her practice and writing, Dr. Liz is committed to demystifying the evaluation process and creating tools that help families and educators work together to support thriving learners.

BACKGROUND READING

Liz Angoff’s website, Explaining Brains, Upcoming book - Our Brains, tools for parents, Instagram

Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Emily Paige Ballou about the need for a more nuanced conversation around identity and support for neurodivergent individuals. They talk about the social model of disability, and the implications of public discourse on autism. They also explore the superpower narrative, and the importance of understanding both strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals. They touch on the cultural context of autism today, and critiques of the label of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

TAKEAWAYS

• Neurodiversity is rooted in the concept of biodiversity.

• The term neurodiversity is often misused in mainstream conversations.

• Disability is an inherent part of human diversity.

• The superpower narrative can overshadow the challenges of neurodivergence.

• Support must address both strengths and disabilities.

• The social model of disability is a useful framework but has limitations.

• Identity-related statements can be problematic and oversimplified.

• PDA may obscure underlying issues rather than clarify them.

• Public discourse on autism is regressing in some areas.

Click here to join the Educator Hub! If you're a teacher, administrator, school counselor, or parent of a neurodivergent student, this community is where you can share, ask questions, and find training that will help you along your journey. Please come join us.

Emily Paige Ballou is an AEA stage manager specializing in new plays and musicals based in New York City. She is also the co-editor of Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew about Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity (Beacon Press), a collection of essays offering insights from autistic individuals on self-acceptance and advocacy.

Emily has contributed writing to Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, OnStage Blog, and has forthcoming work in Champagne Room Journal. Beyond her work in theater and writing, she is an avid hiker and a devoted Kansas City Royals baseball fan. Her personal reflections and essays can be found on her blog, Chavisory's Notebook.

BACKGROUND READING

Emily’s blog, Instagram, BlueSky

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group. For more information go to www.NeurodiversityPodcast.com.