Have you ever felt frustrated because you couldn't get your autistic or neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult to do something desirable or stop doing something undesirable? You've tried so many things and it's not working. Many parents and people working with young people get stuck in negative behavioral focused patterns. On today's episode of the Autism & Neurodiversity with Jason & Debbie podcast, I'm talking about why this may be happening and how to shift into a developmental focus... because it can make all the difference. You'll learn: The negative impacts of using behavioral quick fixes and manipulations to change behavior. Why focusing on changing behaviors not only hurts our young people, but us, too.The concept of maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses.Why it's challenging to not slip back into behavioral tactics.How a developmental focus can transform how you approach your loved one. Don't miss the replays of our free 4-week mini-course ‘PARENTING to MENTOR’ for resources, support, and guidance. Visit JasonDebbie.com/parentingcourse to learn more.

Are you tired of trying to make traditional parenting approaches work for you? Ready to make a profound shift that fosters genuine connections and sustainable growth for your child, teen, or young adult?  In this episode, we  explore the transformative power of NDM™ NeuroDevelopmental Mentoring and how adopting a mentor mindset can revolutionize your parenting journey. Discover the key to alleviating pressure, fostering autonomy, and nurturing meaningful connections that lead to long-term positive outcomes. What You’ll Learn: Why it’s critical to shift to a mentoring mindset. How adopting a mentoring mindset can alleviate pressure, judgments, and prioritize genuine connection with your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult. The proactive and influential dynamic of the mentor-mentee relationship, emphasizing autonomy and sustainable development. Practical strategies for investing in the mentoring process, including building strong connections and providing unconditional positive regard. The transformative journey from power-driven relationships to collaborative partnerships, and the significance of fostering stability and trust in our relationship dynamics.   Start your journey towards NDM NeuroDevelopmental Mentoring today! Join our free upcoming 4-week mini-course ‘PARENTING to MENTOR’ for resources, support, and guidance. Visit JasonDebbie.com/parentingcourse to sign up. Connect with us on social media instagram.com/debbiegrygla to stay updated on the latest insights and discussions on NDM NeuroDevelopmental Mentoring. If you found this episode valuable, share it with fellow parents and mentors who are seeking to better support neurodivergent individuals through meaningful connections. Together, let's create a nurturing environment where every individual can thrive.

Friends, Hello! We've got something exciting to share with you in this episode! You know, parenting can be a rollercoaster, especially when it comes to raising neurodivergent young people. But, guess what? It doesn't have to be a struggle without hope. In today's episode, we're peeling back the curtain on our personal transformation moments and the lessons that have led us to our big announcement this month. Let's dive straight in! We're thrilled to introduce the Parenting to Mentor mini-course – a game-changer designed for parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and all you amazing helping professionals out there. This FREE 4-week mentoring course is kicking off LIVE online on March 27th, 2024, and it's tailor-made to transform your relationships with neurodivergent loved ones. FREE for a limited time!  🚀 Join our mini-course by going to JasonDebbie.com/parentingcourse 🌟 This is for you if... You're on the hunt for more effective answers, insights, and solutions to help your young person truly thrive.You want to make sure your energy and resources are invested where they truly matter. 🎯 This is for... Parents or grandparents navigating the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent chilren, teens, or young adults.Teachers, coaches, helping professionals, or mentors looking to tailor their approach for diverse needs. 🔄 Let's Make the Shift From... Reacting to Nurturing ConnectionQuick-fixes to Sustainable DevelopmentConfusion to Practical FrameworkRigid to Organic StrategiesStuck to Confidently Knowing Are you ready to move from reacting to undesirable behaviors to nurturing genuine connections? Introducing Parenting to Mentor: A 4-Week Mini-Course, crafted by us, Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA, Founder and Director at TechieForLife, and Debbie Grygla, Certified Parent/Life Coach. This course is the key to unlocking your loved one's unique potential through the magic of the mentoring relationship. What's in store for you? 🔍 Comprehensive Strategy for All Young People: Prioritize sustainable development – crucial for neurodivergents facing challenges like autism, ADHD, learning differences, and social anxiety. 🔄 Easy-to-Remember Framework: Adaptable to any developmental stage, neurotype, or situation, helping you meet your young person where they're at with ease. 🤝 Builds Connections and Confidence: Enhance your ability to connect, navigate challenges, and inspire confidence for a lasting impact. 🌟 Embrace Your Strengths and Uplevel Your Parenting Experience: Unlock your unique strengths to skillfully mentor your loved one with a flexible, effective approach for real-life parenting. 💡What You'll Discover in This Free Program: Dive into purposeful foundations and apply NDM tools for positive connection.Week One: Begin Your NDM Journey - Explore why other approaches may have missed the mark.Week Two: Explore the Three Pillars of NDM - Dive into purposeful foundations and enhance your understanding and influence.Week Three: Start Mentoring Using NDM Tools - Create positive connections and collaboration using foundational NDM tools.Week Four: In Crisis Quickly Assess and Problem Solve - Learn how to reorient in crises and avoid burnout while confidently mentoring your loved one.Bonus 5th Session: Avoid the three most common mistakes in practicing NDM. Finish by making a plan to grow and hone your skills. Discover what's effective for you and what's effective for them. 🚀 Join us by going to JasonDebbie.com/parentingcourse Be sure to follow us on instagram.com/debbiegrygla/ Visit our website JasonDebbie.com and make sure you get on our email list for inspiration and updates.

Parenting neurodivergents and those who have struggles can be overwhelming, especially when faced with conflicting advice. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of choosing a framework to operate from. Learn how selecting a clear direction can help you move beyond confusion and towards effective solutions. Discover the key to targeted goal-setting, adjustments, and consistent progress in your parenting journey. YOU'LL LEARN: The importance of choosing a framework to help you stay on track.   The hidden benefits of using a defined structure.   Why it’s important to commit to a specific approach.   Strategies for nurturing your child's development and addressing their unique needs.   The long-term rewards of investing effort in practicing within a framework. If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with one of your favorite take-aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow us on instagram.com/debbiegrygla/ Visit our website JasonDebbie.com and make sure you get on our email list for inspiration and updates.

Parenting neurodivergent children can be challenging, and relying on quick fixes may seem like an easy solution. However, these quick fixes can lead to long-term damage and hinder sustainable development. On today's episode of the Autism & Neurodiversity podcast, I'm discussing the pitfalls of using quick fixes and highlighting the importance of embracing development. YOU'LL LEARN: The damage quick fix approaches can create, even the ones that seem to "be working."Why relying on external pressure to motivate our children, teens, and young adults hinders motivation over time.How to foster an environment that is conducive to long-term development.What trips us up from being successful with developmental approaches.How to create positive change and improve your relationship with your loved ones. If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with one of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow us on instagram.com/debbiegrygla/ Visit our website JasonDebbie.com and make sure you get on our email list for inspiration and updates.

Parenting can be hard, especially when you have an autistic or neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult.  It's easy to find yourself constantly reacting to your loved one's undesirable or challenging behaviors.    And... it's a stressful way to be parenting.    Reactive approaches fall short of addressing your young person's needs, and it's a damaging cycle to get trapped in. There are reasons you may be reacting and I have some tips to help you step back and change course.   Stop reacting and start nurturning connection so you can transform your impact on your loved ones and change the trajectory of your family life.   If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with one of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow us on instagram.com/debbiegrygla/ Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

Ever get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult?  You're not alone. This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles. Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emotional well-being in neurodivergent individuals. The highlights: Unmask some of the mystery: Understand how attachment styles, secure or insecure, can act as a shield or a hurdle for emotional health in teens and young adults with neurodivergent diagnoses.Double the challenge: Uncover the two-way street between attachment trauma and neurodiversity, and how they can intensify each other's impact.Hope for healing: Get practical guidance on navigating this complex interplay, with treatment strategies to nurture secure attachments and empower your neurodivergent loved one to thrive.   About our guest: Jack Hinman is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Engage Young Adult Transitions. A young adult transition program in Cedar City, UT for adults ages 17 to 25 that their mental health is limiting their independence.  Jack has been  providing mental health and administrative services to individuals and families in a variety of treatment settings including hospitals, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers and community mental health for over 20 years. He is a licensed clinical psychologist who is a passionate and committed clinician and administrator in helping young adults cross that bridge into healthy and engaging independence. This blend of clinical and administrative experience has provided Jack a comprehensive perspective of the therapeutic journey.  He believes through the power of connection we thrive. Jack’s clinical foundations are driven in attachment theory. Jack has also serves on the board of directors for YATA, the Young Adult Transition Association. Jack loves living in the outdoor rich area of Cedar City with his wife of 25 years and their two teenage children. Jack is an avid mountain biker and a coach for his son’s high school mountain bike team. You can contact Jack at: jack@engagelifenow.com or http://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-hinman-engagelifenow ------------------------------------------- To take the free, 5 minute attachment style quiz mentioned in this episode to explore how childhood conditioning manifests in your adult relationships visit: https://www.attachmentproject.com/attachment-style-quiz/ ------------------------------------------- If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with some of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow us on instagram.com/debbiegrygla/

Ever get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult?  You're not alone. This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles. Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emotional well-being in neurodivergent individuals. The highlights: Unmask some of the mystery: Understand how attachment styles, secure or insecure, can act as a shield or a hurdle for emotional health in teens and young adults with neurodivergent diagnoses.Double the challenge: Uncover the two-way street between attachment trauma and neurodiversity, and how they can intensify each other's impact.Hope for healing: Get practical guidance on navigating this complex interplay, with treatment strategies to nurture secure attachments and empower your neurodivergent loved one to thrive.   About our guest: Jack Hinman is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Engage Young Adult Transitions. A young adult transition program in Cedar City, UT for adults ages 17 to 25 that their mental health is limiting their independence.  Jack has been  providing mental health and administrative services to individuals and families in a variety of treatment settings including hospitals, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers and community mental health for over 20 years. He is a licensed clinical psychologist who is a passionate and committed clinician and administrator in helping young adults cross that bridge into healthy and engaging independence. This blend of clinical and administrative experience has provided Jack a comprehensive perspective of the therapeutic journey.  He believes through the power of connection we thrive. Jack’s clinical foundations are driven in attachment theory. Jack has also serves on the board of directors for YATA, the Young Adult Transition Association. Jack loves living in the outdoor rich area of Cedar City with his wife of 25 years and their two teenage children. Jack is an avid mountain biker and a coach for his son’s high school mountain bike team. You can contact Jack at: jack@engagelifenow.com or http://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-hinman-engagelifenow ------------------------------------------- To take the free, 5 minute attachment style quiz mentioned in this episode to explore how childhood conditioning manifests in your adult relationships visit: https://www.attachmentproject.com/attachment-style-quiz/ ------------------------------------------- If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with some of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow us on instagram.com/debbiegrygla/

Ever get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult?  You're not alone. This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles. Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emotional well-being in neurodivergent individuals. The highlights: Unmask some of the mystery: Understand how attachment styles, secure or insecure, can act as a shield or a hurdle for emotional health in teens and young adults with neurodivergent diagnoses.Double the challenge: Uncover the two-way street between attachment trauma and neurodiversity, and how they can intensify each other's impact.Hope for healing: Get practical guidance on navigating this complex interplay, with treatment strategies to nurture secure attachments and empower your neurodivergent loved one to thrive.   About our guest: Jack Hinman is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Engage Young Adult Transitions. A young adult transition program in Cedar City, UT for adults ages 17 to 25 that their mental health is limiting their independence.  Jack has been  providing mental health and administrative services to individuals and families in a variety of treatment settings including hospitals, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers and community mental health for over 20 years. He is a licensed clinical psychologist who is a passionate and committed clinician and administrator in helping young adults cross that bridge into healthy and engaging independence. This blend of clinical and administrative experience has provided Jack a comprehensive perspective of the therapeutic journey.  He believes through the power of connection we thrive. Jack’s clinical foundations are driven in attachment theory. Jack has also serves on the board of directors for YATA, the Young Adult Transition Association. Jack loves living in the outdoor rich area of Cedar City with his wife of 25 years and their two teenage children. Jack is an avid mountain biker and a coach for his son’s high school mountain bike team. You can contact Jack at: jack@engagelifenow.com or http://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-hinman-engagelifenow ------------------------------------------- To take the free, 5 minute attachment style quiz mentioned in this episode to explore how childhood conditioning manifests in your adult relationships visit: https://www.attachmentproject.com/attachment-style-quiz/ ------------------------------------------- If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with some of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow us on instagram.com/debbiegrygla/ Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

Feeling the holiday squeeze? The holidays can be magical... and manic, especially when your neurodivergent loved ones are on sensory overload. In this Part 3 of our holiday stress-busting mini-series, we dive deep into the hidden challenges that neurodivergent kids face and uncover a key strategy for calmer holidays or any time for years to come. If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with some of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" onInstagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

Feeling frazzled instead of festive? The holidays bring joy, but for families with neurodivergent children, the season can be a sensory overload meltdown-maker. Part 2 in this mini-series on reducing stress I'll help you understand the hidden challenges that add to stress and one of the keys to calmer holidays or anytime for years to come. If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a kind review with some of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

Holiday season is here, bringing festive cheer but also potential meltdowns for families with autistic and neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults. In part one of this mini-series, I have some important perspectives to support you in taking care of yourself and your loved ones so that you can enjoy more of the good stuff over the holidays or anytime.  If you liked today's episode, please take a minute to leave a kind review to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

Parenting is one of those jobs that rarely matches up with our expectations. The challenges of parenting an autistic or neurodivergent is an experience many of us were not well prepared for. Sometimes it's hard to adjust our expectations for what it would be like, what our child would be like, and what our definitions of success look like. If you are feeling disappointed and frustrated, if your relationship with your family is strained, if you often feel unhappiness with your current situation, you will hinder your ability to show up as the parent you want to be. You will continue to struggle to support your child, teen, or young adult in what they need. When you align your expectations with reality, parenting becomes more satisfying.   If you liked today's episode, please take a minute to leave a kind review to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

It takes resilience to grow, develop, and be happy and successful in life when we have very real struggles. Resilient children, teens, and young adults are more willing to try things and try at them for longer. Low resilience leads to giving up quickly or even refusing to try. Get some insightful tips on how to foster resilience in your child, teen, or young adult, especially if they are autistic or neurodivergent. Help them embrace failure as a learning opportunity and create a supportive environment where it's safe to experiment and grow. If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

Parenting an autistic and/or neurodivergent child can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. As they transition into adulthood, the question of independence often arises.  In this episode, Jason explores practical strategies to help neurodivergent young adults navigate the path to self-reliance.  Join him as he delves into essential life skills, self-advocacy, safety considerations, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. He'll also discuss the importance of celebrating milestones and providing ongoing support. If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

Do you want to raise a confident child, teen or young adult? One who is not afraid to take risks, try new things, and perseveres in the face of challenges?  When you get skilled at building their self-confidence you can help them be more successful even if they are autistic, an ADHDer or neurodivergent with disabilities that make things extra challenging. Unfortunately, sometimes the harder we try to build their confidence the more it goes down. It's because we're focusing on the wrong things. Discover the secret to building the kind of confidence that will have your loved one succeeding and thriving.   If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE. Be sure to follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

Do you have a teen or young adult in your life who is pulling away from you? If so, you're not alone. Many teens and young adults but especially autistic and neurodivergents go through a phase where they need to distance themselves from their parents in order to grow and develop their own identity. When you understand why neurodivergent young people pull away and have strategies to help them through this process, you can play a vital role in supporting their growth and development and reconnecting. Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE.

Our young people, especially our autistic and neurodivergent, thrive when they're met with support and empathy, and spiral down when they're met with shame-based approaches and rejection. It can be challenging to offer empathy, especially when your child, teen, or young adult is behaving negatively or acting out. But empathy is an essential tool for crushing shame and boosting well-being. When you practice empathy, you help your children feel seen, heard, and understood. This can help them to regulate their emotions, develop a sense of self-worth, and overcome challenges. In this podcast episode, we'll discuss the importance of empathy in parenting. We'll also explore the challenges of offering empathy, and how to overcome them. If you want to learn how to parent with more empathy, this episode is for you. Listen now and learn how to: -Crush the hold shame has on your loved ones -Support their confidence and sense of well-being -Build connection, attachment, and trust -Develop your own emotional regulation skills -Parent more effectively   Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE.

Does your autistic or neurodivergent loved one swing between manic, over the top, emotions and depression?   In this episode, Jason talks about the challenges of extreme swings in emotionally dysregulated states. This can lead to problems in their relationships, at work, and in other areas of their lives.   Being more aware of the signs of mania can help us be more effective in supporting the development of emotional regulation skills.   Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to help us bring you more supportive content. All you have to do is head HERE.

Have you ever tried to stop yelling at your kids, only to find yourself yelling again? Have you tried rewarding and punishing, but it's not working? If so, you're not alone. Many of us were parented with shame-based approaches, and we may be unintentionally using the same approaches with our own kids. But the research shows that shame-based parenting is ineffective and destructive. In this episode, learn what shame-based parenting is and why it's so harmful How to identify shame-based parenting behaviors in yourself. How to break the cycle of shame-based parenting and start raising happy, resilient kids. If you're concerned about the impact of shame-based parenting on your kids, this episode is for you. This episode is especially important for parents of autistic, neurodivergent, highly sensitive, anxious, or strong-willed kids. These kids are more likely to be negatively impacted by shame-based parenting. Follow "Debbie Grygla" on Instagram Visit our website JasonDebbie.com If you liked today's episode, please leave a review to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE.