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

Today’s episode is a deep dive into tactile defensiveness and sensory distress, especially around clothing. My guest is Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco, an occupational therapist who helps kids and families understand their brains and bodies through everyday neuroscience. Kathryn will break down what’s actually happening in the brain and nervous system when children experience tactile defensiveness, and why clothing can feel so overwhelming for some kids. We talk about the role of co-regulation, how parents can help create positive associations with getting dressed, and practical strategies for supporting children in navigating their sensory experiences with more safety and less stress. This episode is a grounding, compassionate look at sensory processing—and a reminder that when we understand what’s underneath the behavior, everything shifts.

About Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco

Kathryn (Katie) Hamlin-Pacheco, M.S., OTR/L, ASDCS, is an occupational therapist, former teacher, author, and founder of the Brain Executive Program. Kathryn is an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) and holds certifications in Neuroscience for Mental Health Professionals and in Brain Structure and Function: Application to Sensory Integration and Processing. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, where she also worked with the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program to pursue her desire to be an advocate and leader in pediatric healthcare.

She has shared her work at AOTA’s Inspire Conference (the world’s largest gathering of occupational therapy practitioners!), Sensory Integration Education’s international conference, and at William & Mary’s Center for Gifted Education. In addition, Katie has written for OT Practice Magazine, Autism Parenting Magazine, Washington Family Magazine, and Stars & Stripes Magazine. Her book, How to Be a Brain Executive: And Get Sensory Sharp!, was a top Amazon release in two categories.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

How tactile defensiveness reflects a nervous system response rather than behavioral resistance

Why understanding sensory processing is essential for supporting children with clothing challenges

How co-regulation helps children feel safe, connected, and more able to tolerate sensory input

Why play and low-pressure practice can make clothing experiences more manageable

How creating calm environments and positive associations supports sensory integration over time

Why sensory health is a vital part of children’s overall well-being

Resources mentioned


Brain Executive Program (Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco’s website)

Kathryn’s online Sensory Dressing Course


How to Be a Brain Executive: And Get Sensory Sharp! by Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco

Brain Executive Program on Instagram

Brain Executive Program on Facebook


Deb Dana on Befriending Our Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory (Tilt Parenting podcast)


Dr. Stephen Porges & Karen Onderko on the Safe and Sound Protocol (Tilt Parenting podcast)


Dr. Mona Delahooke on the Power of Brain-Body Parenting (Tilt Parenting podcast)


Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids by Dr. Mona Delahooke


Sensory Processing Differences with Carol Kranowitz (Tilt Parenting podcast)


The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Differences by Carol Kranowitz

Polyvagal Card Deck: 58 Practices for Calm & Change


Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety by Deb Dana

Debbie’s TedxBerlin talk: What if Feeling Broken Wasn't the End of the Story?

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This is one of only a few solocast episodes I’ve made over the past several years, but I wanted to talk one-on-one with you about self-care. If you’ve read my book or regularly listen to this show, you know I am a big proponent of self-care—I don’t think it’s even close to optional for parents raising neurodivergent kids. And, I also recognize that it can be a hard thing to make time for and prioritize. I get asked a lot about what my self-care looks like, and so today, I’m sharing with you twelve strategies and ideas for creating a sustainable, doable self-care practice. These are all things I rely on
and, I give you my word…they work.

I’ve also created a printable PDF cheat sheet of these strategies in case you want to print them out and post them somewhere where you’ll regularly see them and be reminded of the importance of prioritizing YOU. Grab it on the show notes page.

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:


Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World by Debbie Reber (on Amazon)


The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron


Yoga With Adriene (YouTube channel)


The Scientific 7-Minute Workout (New York Times)


Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes

Dan Pink’s website

Eye to Eye Learn Different Days

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Today’s show is all about navigating the school system when your child has disabilities—and how to do that with clarity, confidence, and a whole lot more support. My guest is Stacey Shubitz, author of the new book Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future. In this episode, Stacey shares her journey as both an educator and a parent, and we dig into what parents really need to understand about special education, effective communication with schools, and the IEP process. She offers practical, empowering strategies for advocating for your child, managing the complexity of the system without losing yourself, and finding moments of joy and meaning along the way, even if (or when) the path feels overwhelming.

About Stacey Shubitz 

Stacey Shubitz is a certified literacy specialist and former fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in the New York City Public Schools and a public charter school in Rhode Island. Since 2009, she has been a literacy consultant, supporting teachers with writing instruction. Stacey has also taught graduate literacy education courses at Lesley University and Penn State–Harrisburg.

She is the Chief of Operations and Lead Writer for Two Writing Teachers, a leading resource for writing instruction since 2007. She also co-hosts the Two Writing Teachers Podcast. Stacey earned an M.A. in Literacy Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an M.S.Ed. in Childhood Education from Hunter College.

She has published several books about writing instruction, including Welcome to Writing Workshop and Craft Moves. Stacey’s most recent book, Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future, was published by Guilford Press in January 2026. In this book, she shares her experiences as both a parent and an educator, equipping families with real-life stories, inclusive resources, and the knowledge to advocate for their children confidently. Stacey lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and children.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

How Stacey’s dual perspective as an educator and parent strengthens her advocacy for families in special education

Why educating yourself about your rights, school processes, and the IEP system is essential for effective advocacy

How partnerships with teachers — built through clear, ongoing communication and regular check-ins — support your child’s success

Why building a support network helps parents navigate the overwhelm of special education

How practicing consistent self-care and finding joy in small moments protects parents from burnout

Why celebrating every bit of progress, no matter how small, helps families stay grounded and encouraged

Resources mentioned

Stacey Shubitz’ website


Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities: Empowering Kids for the Future by Stacey Shubitz

Parenting Training & Information Centers

Two Writing Teachers Blog

Two Writing Teachers Podcast

Stacey Shubitz’s Substack

Stacey Shubitz on Instagram

Stacey Shubitz on LinkedIn


The Kids Who Aren’t Okay: The Urgent Case for Reimagining Support, Belonging, and Hope in Schools by Dr. Ross Greene


Strength-Based Assessments with Dr. Jade Rivera (Tilt Parenting podcast)

The Strength-Based Assessment Lab at Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Development

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Picture this. You’re sitting in the neuropsych’s office after you just got your kid’s diagnosis. You’re relieved to have some information on how to help them but have no clue how to explain their neurodivergence to them. Do you talk about the science? Do you wait until they are a certain age where they might understand more about their brains? Or maybe you think about waiting for them to start asking the questions. If you can relate, you’re not alone in wondering what the best way to have this conversation is. And the reality is, the how and when does matter. Dr. Liz Angoff has spent years working with children and families to make learning differences easier to understand. She’s the author of the Brain Building Books, a resource designed to help kids see their neurodivergence as a strength rather than a limitation.

In our conversation, Liz shares why early and open discussions about neurodiversity are so important, how parents can guide their children through assessments in a way that fosters trust, and why shifting from a deficit-based model to a discovery-based approach can be transformative for the whole family. We also explore how different kids process this information in their own ways—some may embrace it, while others, especially teenagers, might resist labels altogether. She also provides thoughtful strategies to meet kids where they are and help them feel seen and supported. If you’ve ever struggled with how to talk to your child about their neurodivergence, this episode is full of practical insights and reassurance.

 

Liz Angoff, Ph.D., is a Licensed Educational Psychologist with a Diploma in School Neuropsychology, providing assessment and consultation services to children and their families in the Bay Area, CA. She is the author of the Brain Building Books, tools for engaging children in understanding their learning and developmental differences. More information about Dr. Liz and her work is available at ⁠www.ExplainingBrains.com⁠.

 

Things you'll learn from this episode

* How early conversations about neurodiversity help normalize differences and make children feel unique and valued

* Why parents should approach assessments as discovery processes rather than problem-solving exercises

* How to prepare children for assessments by discussing their experience to foster understanding and trust

* The importance of respecting how children choose to process information about their neurodivergence, especially teenagers resistant to labels

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Today we’re taking a fresh, much-needed look at screen time—one that moves beyond fear, shame, and power struggles and into something far more nuanced and humane. My guest is Ash Brandin, also known as TheGamerEducator, and the author of the new book, Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. In this episode, Ash and I talk about screen time through the lenses of social equity and moral neutrality, and why empowering kids with skills, not control, is key to navigating technology well. We also explore practical strategies for managing screen use, how engaging with kids around their interests can change everything, and what a truly collaborative approach to technology can look like inside families. This is a grounded, compassionate conversation for anyone feeling stuck or conflicted about screens and modern parenting.

About Ash Brandin, EdS

Ash Brandin, EdS, known online as TheGamerEducator, empowers families to make screen time sustainable, manageable, and beneficial for the whole family. Now in their 15th year of teaching middle school, they help caregivers navigate the world of tech with consistent, loving boundaries, founded on respect for children, appreciation of video games and tech, and knowledge of pedagogical techniques. Ash has appeared on podcasts including Thinking with Adam Grant, Good Inside with Dr. Becky, and Culture Study with Anne Helen Petersen, and has contributed to articles featured on Romper, Scary Mommy, Lifehacker, The Daily Beast, USA Today, and NPR. Their bestselling book, Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family debuted in August, 2025. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with their family.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

How screen time can be reframed more positively when we move away from fear-based narratives

Why understanding social equity issues is essential for having nuanced, moral-neutral conversations about technology

How focusing on access, behavior, and content helps parents manage screen time more effectively

Why empowering kids with skills—and engaging with their interests—builds trust and connection

How creating safe, clear boundaries allows children to explore technology responsibly

Why collaborative approaches (and simple tools like the sticky note trick) make screen time transitions smoother and more supportive

Resources mentioned


Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family by Ash Brandin

Ash Brandin on Instagram


The Game Educator (Ash Brandin’s Substack)


The Game Educator (website)


Meryl Alper on Screens & Growing Up Autistic in the Digital Age (Tilt Parenting podcast)


Kids Across the Spectrums: Growing Up Autistic in the Digital Age by Meryl Alper (via MIT Press website)


Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World by Dr. Devorah Heitner


Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World by Dr. Devorah Heitner


Dr. Devorah Heitner on Online Safety, Internet “Rabbit Holes,” and Differently Wired Kids (Tilt Parenting Podcast)


Dr. Devorah Heitner on the Pros & Cons of “Managing” Our Kids’ Screen Time (Tilt Parenting podcast)


Dr. Devorah Heitner on Parenting Kids Who Are Growing Up Online (Tilt Parenting podcast)


Dr. Alok Kanojia on How to Raise Healthy Gamers (Tilt Parenting podcast)


We Asked Roblox's C.E.O. About Child Safety (Hard Fork episode)

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