Neuropositive

S1.E9: What Does The Department of Education Actually Do?

 
On March 30th, Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. Some are cheering the move while others, especially parents of children with learning and/or developmental disabilities, are scared. Who's right?
 
In this episode of Neuropositive, we're digging into the Department of Education and laying out the facts including:
When and why the DOEd was created
What the DOEd actually does vs. what your State Board of Education does
The importance of DOEd's primary functions of distributing funding (especially to low income schools), protecting the civil rights of students, and improving access to higher education
Common myths and misconceptions about the DOEd
Ramifications of dismantling the DOEd
Resources:
- You can follow writer and advocate, Mariana Hernandez, on Facebook and Substack
- TIME article: The Real Impact of Eliminating the Department of Education
- The Century Foundation: How Gutting the DOEd Would Hurt Students and Their Families

S1.E8: Jackie Kelley on Navigating Partnership As An ND Couple

Ever wonder why your partner does that thing?! Or frustrated that your partner doesn't get what you need as a ND person? 
In this episode we talk with Jackie Kelley-- author, illustrator, mom, wife and neurodiversity advocate.
Jackie shares her journey with ADHD, from her late diagnosis to coping with anxiety, depression, and sensory issues. We discuss:
 
Why motherhood is often the catalyst for uncovering our own neurodivergence
Challenges and triumphs of marriage and motherhood
Need for self-advocacy, especially in creating a supportive environment at home
Importance of respecting each other's needs in partnerships and effective communication
You can get more of Jackie's content on Instagram: @stayathomejackie

S1.E7: 504s Are Under Attack In The Texas v. Becerra Case

After taking a needed mental health break, Phyllis is back and covering a current event you may not have heard of in the news: the court case Texas v. Becerra and why it's important, even if you don't have children in public school.
The lawsuit was initiated in September, 2024 led by Attorney General Ken Paxton of Texas along with 16 other states and argues that Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 --which prohibits discrimination against disabled people-- is unconstitutional.
In this episode we'll do a quick but important run down of this case, including:
What is Section 504? 
Who is protected by Section 504? 
How the impact of 504 goes far beyond public school classrooms
Why Texas v. Becerra was filed in the first place
What happens if Section 504 goes away?
What we can do next
Resources from this episode:> Brief overview from the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund that hits the highlights of Section 504 and the Texas v. Becerra case
> Time magazine essay from disabled self-advocate, Rebekah Taussig, detailing more of the history of Section 504 and the Disability Rights Movement
> 5 Calls App: Easy to use, free tool for making calls to your political representative to make your voice heard 
 
 

S1.E6: Why Neurodivergent Labels Are Important

How often have your heard a parent say that they suspect their child is autistic or ADHD but they don't want them to grow up having "that label"? In this episode of the Neuropositive Podcast, Phyllis discusses why neurodivergent labels are important and the power of talking openly about them with our children. Highlights include:
How avoiding labels such as autism, ADHD, bipolar, etc. is a form of ableism that can potentially prevent children from accessing necessary support and accommodations
Why it's important for us to reclaim our neurodivergent labels as a form of self-advocacy, empowerment, and to fight social stigma
How to talk to your child about their neurodivergent identification in ways that are age-appropriate, practical, and positive

S1.E5: 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

S1.E4: 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

S1.E3: 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

S1.E2: 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

S1.E1: 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!