Neuropositive

The Problem with The Telepathy Tapes

In this week's episode, Phyllis critiques the wildly popular 'Telepathy Tapes' podcast.
The Telepathy Tapes is a documentary-style podcast that explores the possible phenomenon of non-speaking autistic people and telepathic abilities. Despite her admiration for producer Kai Dickens' work, Phyllis finds the telepathy podcast deeply problematic, including:
Lack of scientific process and real evidence
Potential harm to the neurodivergent community by sensationalizing and othering autistic people
Distracting from meaningful progress and understanding of how to support non-speaking autistic people and their families/caregivers  
Devaluing the contribution and self-advocacy of actually autistic non-speakers
Links to non-speaking autistic advocates:
Danny Whitty
Bri Guerra
Jordyn Zimmerman

Hotline: How Can Educators & Schools Better Support ND Children?

In this Hotline episode, Phyllis answers a listener question about how teachers (and others who work in schools) can better support neurodivergent children. 
Drawing from her own experiences with various educational environments for her daughter, Phyllis emphasizes:
The importance of recognizing and accommodating individual needs in the classroom
Understanding that all behavior is communication
Why sensory breaks should never have to be "earned" and why withholding recess is counterproductive
The need for regular communication between teachers and parents 
Always presuming competence in neurodivergent students

Ash Brandin on Screen Time as a Positive Tool for Learning & Connection

In this episode of Neuropositive, we're tackling a topic that's highly relevant to parents raising neurodivergent children-- screen time.
We talk with Ash Brandin,  EdS (they/them) who has been a public school educator for over a decade. In that time they found innovative ways of using student interests --including video games-- to increase engagement and make learning more fun and effective. Since February 2021, their Instagram page (@TheGamerEducator) has helped tens of thousands of families make screen time beneficial for the whole family.
Ash believes screens should be  part of our lives, not the center of our lives, and helps caregivers navigate the world of tech using consistent, loving boundaries.
In this interview Ash:
Highlights the importance of approaching screens with neutrality, recognizing the benefits they offer without judgment.
Explains how we can take what works from the accommodating environment video games provide and apply it to the real world to help our children learn new skills and thrive
Discusses screen time as an intersectional issue including the broader societal voids filled by screens

What I Wish I Knew When My Daughter Was First Diagnosed

In this episode of Neurpositive, Phyllis Brasenell offers empathy and guidance for parents and caregivers of newly identified neurodivergent children.
Several years into her journey, she shares what she wishes she'd known when her daughter was first identified as autistic. No matter the flavor of neurodivergence -- whether it's ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, autism, etc.-- you'll walk away from this episode feeling more supported and less alone knowing that:
It's Okay to Pause and Process First
Your Child is Still the Same Child
Free Yourself from Comparing Your Child to Others
Allow Yourself to Cry
Go Slow and Ask Questions

What is Neuropositive All About?

 
In this first episode of the Neuropositive Podcast I share my personal journey as a late-diagnosed ADHD mom to neurodivergent daughters. In this episode I unpack what I believe a Neuropositive future looks like, the need to address the intersectionality of neurodiversity with issues like race, class, and gender, and the importance of creating an inclusive, supportive community. 
 
I also offer a peek into what future episodes will cover including topics, interviews, listener questions, and more real-time reflections as I continue traveling my own neurodivergent path.
 
Discover:
Who the podcast is for and what you can expect in future episodes
What it means to be Neuropositive and how we can create a truly inclusive community
The importance of amplifying neurodivergent voices
Why we can't skip over intersectionality when talking about neurodiversity
 

Introducing the Neuropositive Podcast

An affirming podcast about celebrating neurodivergence in every form with conversations that are both pragmatic and heartfelt. Subscribe now!