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Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

TPP 320: Dr. Karen Wilson on How (and When) to Talk to Kids About Their Diagnoses

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

Debbie Reber

Education, Kids & Family, Parenting

4.81K Ratings

🗓️ 28 February 2023

⏱️ 47 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

I know that there are concerns among many families that their child’s self-esteem can be negatively impacted by a label, or that others, including teachers may treat a child differently if they know they have one or more diagnoses, especially because of the stigma associated with neurodifferences. So this is what Dr. Karen Wilson and I get into — demystifying the process and offering suggestions for approaching these important conversations.  In our conversation, Karen breaks down the kind of language we can use when talking with kids about their diagnosis, as well as how that conversation will likely continue to evolve as our kids get older. We also talked about how to navigate this process with a child or teen who is resistant to labels, why it’s critical that we have all of these conversations from a foundation of prioritizing and recognizing strengths.  and how to have this conversation in a household with neurotypical siblings. Dr. Karen Wilson is a Clinical Neuropsychologist, Director of West LA Neuropsychology, PC, the founder of ChildNEXUS.com, and the host of the Diverse Thinking · Different Learning podcast. She specializes in the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents, and she has extensive experience evaluating children and adults who present with neurological, medical and psychiatric disorders. Things you'll learn from this episode What a diagnosis actually is and what it can mean to a family How to balance communication surrounding your child’s areas of strengths and weaknesses so the emphasis is not on challenges What types of language to use when talking with your kids about their diagnoses, and how to evolve language as kids get older How to navigate talking with children and teens about their neurodifferences if they’re resistant to labels or being “otherized” Best practices for talking about diagnoses in households with neurotypical siblings How to give kids the tools and empowerment they need to ultimately feel confident navigating situations in their lives where they are judged by their diagnosis and related stigma Resources mentioned  Dr. Karen Wilson’s website Dr. Karen Wilson on Twitter Dr. Karen Wilson on LinkedIn ChildNEXUS Diverse Thinking, Different Learning (Karen’s podcast)  Dr. Karen Wilson on How to Know if Your Child is Ready for the Transition to Elementary School (Tilt Parenting podcast) Carol Dweck and Mindset Support the showConnect with Tilt Parenting Visit Tilt Parenting Take the free 7-Day Challenge Read a chapter of Differently Wired Follow Tilt on Twitter & Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

If you're listening to this podcast, it's probably because a child you love and care for is differently wired.

0:07.0

Are they also struggling in their current educational setting, seen only for what they're doing wrong, while longing for positive relationships with peers and

0:14.8

others?

0:15.8

Envision a world where your child's unique abilities are not just recognized but celebrated.

0:21.0

A world where they can connect with others and their true potential is seen and

0:24.9

appreciated. The Strength-based Assessment Lab's mission is to build a world for your child just

0:30.7

like that. Through its innovative approach that aims to empower students, families, educators, and professionals

0:36.3

to create positive, effective, and collaborative learning experiences.

0:40.2

Be a part of shaping a brighter future for your child.

0:43.0

Visit W.

0:45.0

BGS.ed.

0:47.0

to learn more about what a strength-based assessment could mean for your family.

0:51.0

That's BGS. E. D Edu. I think that's usually one of the things that keeps

0:55.9

parents from sharing that information with their kids is that marrying parents are

1:00.0

afraid that when you're labeling a child, that that child will be less willing to try,

1:06.4

that it'll become a self-fulfilling prophecy, they'll say, well I can't do that because I have ADHD

1:11.5

or, you know, I can't read because I have dyslexia but in fact the

1:15.0

opposite is true that giving your child an understanding of the nature of their

1:19.4

struggles often provides relief and I've seen it in my practice and motivates that child

1:25.0

to persist when things get tough.

1:29.4

Welcome to Tilled Parenting, a podcast featuring interviews and conversations aimed at

1:35.1

inspiring, informing, and supporting parents raising differently wired kids. I'm your

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