In part one of a two-part conversation, Emily Kircher-Morris and Dr. William Dodson discuss the complexities of ADHD, emotional dysregulation and its subset, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). He explains how RSD can manifest in ADHDers, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of understanding and treating these conditions. There is a need for updated diagnostic criteria and effective treatment strategies, including medication and supportive environments. They dig into the complexities of ADHD, including management strategies, and the importance of understanding the overlap between social anxiety and mood disorders.

TAKEAWAYS

• Emotional dysregulation is often overlooked in ADHD diagnoses.

• RSD is a specific condition affecting many with ADHD.

• The emotional pain from RSD can be both emotional and physical, and can lead to significant life impairments.

• Childhood experiences can exacerbate RSD but are not the sole cause.

• Medication can be effective in managing emotional dysregulation.

• Understanding RSD is essential for clinicians working with ADHD patients.

• Preventative strategies are key in managing RSD episodes.

• Sleep, nutrition, structure, and routine play vital roles in emotional regulation.

• Social anxiety and rejection sensitivity can coexist but are distinct.

The window is open for Educator Hub sign-up for a limited time, beginning January 31. Join a community of like-minded teachers, administrators, and advocates who are passionate about supporting neurodivergent kids. Click and join us.

Dr. Bill Dodson is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who has specialized in adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder for the last 27 years.

In recognition of his clinical contributions to the field of ADHD he was named a Life Fellow of the APA in 2012. He was the 2006 recipient of the national Maxwell J. Schleifer Award for Distinguished Service to Persons with Disabilities.

His contributions to the field of ADHD include:

• The only currently available methodology for the fine-tuning of ADHD medications.

• The concept of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and its treatment with medications.

• The first non-behavioral theory of what ADHD is and how it can be treated successfully with an emphasis on what goes right rather than what goes wrong.

Dr. Dodson has a book for clinicians, patients, and parents on the practice of ADHD medicine coming out at the end of 2025.

BACKGROUND READING

Bill Dodson’s website

Dr Dodson’s contributions to ADDitude magazine

This week, we’re sharing the inaugural episode of the Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools podcast! Today, hosts Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin introduce themselves, and talk about their new book, Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported. This podcast is great as a learning tool on its own, and it's designed to align with the chapters of the book. It provides actionable insights, strategies, and inspiration for educators and parents. Emily and Amanda discuss their personal neurodivergent journeys, how they came to collaborate, and why neurodiversity is a vital topic for schools today.

TAKEAWAYS

• The evolution of the neurodiversity movement and its roots in the autistic community.

• Understanding the terms "neurodiverse," "neurodivergent," and "neuro-normative."

• Why person-first vs. identity-first language matters and how to respect individual preferences.

• The importance of finding like-minded communities, and making small, yet meaningful shifts in educational practices.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• The Neurodiversity University Educator Hub: Learn more here

• Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported (Available for pre-order before January 21, 2025)

We’re only days away from open registration for the Educator Hub! It’s a community of teachers and administrators who are working to build a better, more productive atmosphere for neurodivergent students. The hub includes Expert Q&A Webinars, one-on-one consultations with Emily Kircher-Morris, monthly Five-Minute PD videos, roundtable discussions, and open office hours chats. You’ll find resources that can be shared with your school’s staff, and great opportunities for continuing education credits. Get on the list now.

Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.Ed., LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a leading advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Specializing in supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families, she combines her background as an educator with her clinical expertise to create inclusive strategies for fostering growth and resilience. Emily collaborates with schools and organizations to train educators and develop practices that support neurodivergent students. As an author, she provides valuable resources to help parents and educators nurture the strengths of neurodivergent youth, equipping them to thrive in all areas of life. Emily Kircher-Morris holds a Master of Arts in Education, a Master of Arts in Counseling, and is certified in elementary education, gifted education, and school counseling.

Amanda Morin is a neurodivergent activist, award-winning author, early childhood specialist, and nationally known speaker dedicated to fostering accessible and inclusive environments for all individuals. With a background as a classroom teacher and early intervention specialist, she played an integral role in launching Understood.org in 2014 and served as its Director of Thought Leadership and Expertise. Amanda has authored six books, including "The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education" and "Adulting Made Easy." She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maine and has received special education advocacy training from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.

Emily Kircher-Morris and Robyn Gobbel, author of Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors, chat about those baffling behaviors, and how they can leave parents and teachers scratching their heads. It’s also important to understand how adults' emotions can affect how they react to kids' behavior, and why it's so important to create an environment that helps kids feel safe and connected. The conversation also includes some practical tips for parents and teachers about understanding baffling behaviors. It’s all on episode 254!

TAKEAWAYS

• Baffling behavior requires deeper understanding rather than judgment.

• Trauma can significantly impact a child's nervous system and behavior.

• Co-regulation is essential for emotional support and development.

• Neurodivergent children often experience heightened sensitivity to stressors.

• Behavior is often a response to unmet needs or stress.

• Parents and educators should look for underlying triggers in behaviors.

• The brain-body sensory approach can help in managing behaviors.

• Children develop self-regulation through experiences of co-regulation.

• Behavior is often an attempt to find regulation.

• To be helpful co-regulators, adults must navigate their own emotional states.

• Reactions are often based on personal history, not just current conditions.

Check out Strategies for Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students, a course for educators by Emily Kircher-Morris, in the Neurodiversity University. You’ll find a variety of courses available there as well, with more being added soon.

Robyn Gobbel, MSW holds a Master of Social Work degree and specializes in relational neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and child development. She has dedicated her career to supporting helpers, healers, educators, and parents working with children impacted by trauma.

Robyn has provided professional development workshops, keynote presentations, and ongoing educational resources for those seeking to better understand the intersection of brain science and behavior. She is the author of Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors: Brain-Body-Sensory Strategies that Really Work and the host of The Baffling Behavior Show podcast. Her work focuses on practical strategies for building connection, emotional regulation, and resilience in both children and caregivers.

BACKGROUND READING

Robin’s website

Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors

The Baffling Behavior Show podcast

Instagram

Facebook

The Neurodiversity Podcast is available on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you can also join our private Facebook group.