Why Your Neurodivergent Kid Goes 0 to 60 (And Why They're Never Really at Zero) | EP124
About this episode
This episode discusses the challenges faced by neurodivergent children in the education system and offers insights from expert Jen Dryer.
If you've ever sat in an IEP meeting feeling like everyone's speaking a different language — and like you're the only one in the room who actually knows your child — this one's for you. Parent coach and educational consultant Jen Dryer has 25 years in classrooms, boardrooms, and living rooms with families of neurodivergent kids. And she also has a teenage son who is autistic, has ADHD and OCD. This is the conversation you wish you'd had five years ago. WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EPISODE Why your neurodivergent child keeps 'failing' school — and why it's the system, not your kid The real difference between an IEP and a 504 plan (and why nobody at the school is going to explain this to you unprompted) The orchid vs. dandelion metaphor that reframes everything about raising a highly sensitive or neurodivergent child What happens inside your child's nervous system when they go from 0 to 60 — and why Jen says they're NEVER actually at zero A desk story from Jen's son Max's school that will make you rethink what 'accommodation' can actually look like WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU You've probably been told to 'wait and see.' To give it time. That he's a boy. That she'll grow out of it. And meanwhile…
People in this episode
Host: Natalie McCabe
Guest: Jen Dryer
Topics covered
- neurodivergent children
- IEP vs 504 plan
- education system
- parenting strategies
- accommodations in school
- nervous system responses
Keywords
- neurodivergent
- IEP
- 504 plan
- education
- parenting
- accommodations
- ADHD
- autism
- OCD
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: IEP, 504 plan, school, system
More episodes of Mom Life: Uncomplicated - Parenting tips, organization, routines, self-care, mindset
- What Causes Mom Rage and 3 Ways to Stop It Before It Starts | EP131
- IEP vs. 504: What Every Special Needs Parent Must Know with Allison Lloyd | EP130
- Stop Accepting What Schools Hand You: IEP Advocacy with Allison Lloyd | EP129
- Why Kids Need Boredom: The Neuroscience Every Overwhelmed Mom Should Know | EP128
- Mom Identity Loss: Why Losing Yourself in Motherhood Is a System Problem, Not a Personal Failing | EP127
- Gentle Parenting Backlash: What Went Wrong and What to Do Instead | EP126
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Mom Life: Uncomplicated - Parenting tips, organization, routines, self-care, mindset podcast page.