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

Today we’re exploring the intersection of giftedness, identity, and belonging—and what it means to support gifted kids in a world that’s changing faster than ever. My guest is Mark Talaga, director of the Center for Identity Potential, where he focuses on helping young people understand themselves more deeply and develop a grounded sense of who they are.

In our conversation, Mark and I talk about the complexities of gifted identity—how it forms, how it can get disrupted, and why a strong sense of belonging is so critical for well-being. We also dive into the impact of AI and the digital landscape on gifted youth, and what this means for their development, purpose, and connection. This is a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about how we can better support gifted kids in navigating both their inner world and the rapidly evolving world around them.

About Mark Talaga  

Mark Talaga is a counselor, speaker, and consultant specializing in the social, emotional, and developmental needs of gifted and asynchronous individuals. As part of the Center for Identity Potential, his work focuses on helping children, adolescents, and adults better understand the complex interaction between cognitive intensity, identity development, executive functioning, and educational environments. He is particularly interested in the ways relationships—with teachers, families, and systems—shape whether gifted learners are able to fully engage in growth.

Mark frequently provides professional development for educators and clinicians on topics such as twice-exceptionality, language processing differences, attentional regulation, and strengthening student–teacher relationships through neurodevelopmental understanding. His presentations are known for translating complex psychological concepts into practical strategies that professionals can apply immediately in classrooms and counseling settings.

In addition to his clinical work, Mark consults with schools and organizations seeking more effective approaches to supporting advanced learners whose needs are often misunderstood by traditional models. Across settings, his goal is to help people move beyond deficit-based interpretations and toward a deeper understanding of how developmental differences can become sources of clarity, connection, and long-term potential.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

How redefining giftedness beyond academics to include emotional, moral, and physical domains broadens how we support kids

Why the landscape for gifted children has shifted in recent years, especially with the influence of technology and AI

How identity development in gifted kids often involves exploring multiple, authentic selves over time

Why belonging—both offline and online—plays a critical role in well-being and social development

How emotional growth shapes key social skills like asking for help and active listening

How parents can use practical strategies, including identity-focused frameworks, to support their children through complex cultural and technological shifts

Resources mentioned 

The Center for Identity Potential

Hopelessly Gifted podcast

Andrew Mahoney


Dr. Gail Post on the Journey of Parenting Gifted Children (Tilt Parenting Podcast)


The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children by Gail Post


Supporting Black Gifted Students with Dr. Joy Lawson Davis (Tilt Parenting Podcast)


Bright, Talented, & Black: A Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners by Joy Lawson Davis, Ed.D.

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Today I’m talking with Amanda Diekman, author of the book, Low-demand Parenting: Dropping Demands, Restoring Calm, and Finding Connection With Your Uniquely Wired Child

Because low-demand parenting can be such an effective approach to supporting differently wired kids, especially kids who fall under the PDA profile of autism, I invited Amanda to join the show for a conversation about what this parenting approach looks like. An autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space, Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practice. She runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community. During this episode, we talk about what low demand parenting is, why it’s different than what might be referred to as “permissive” parenting, why it’s so effective for kids with PDA, and how she helps parents loosen up the mindset around non-negotiables. 

Amanda Diekman is an autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space. Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practices, with her book Low Demand Parenting to be published July 2023. Amanda runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community. 

Things you'll learn from this episode

What led Amanda to implement low-demand parenting in her family

What low demand parenting is, and why it’s often misconstrued as permissive

The relationship between PDA and low-demand parenting

Examples of big demands and tiny demands, and how shifting the focus can reduce stress for kids

How Amanda helps parents in loosening their mindset about what they define as non-negotiables

Ideas for practicing low-demand parenting in regard to our kids’ relationship with technology and screens

How Amanda and her co-parenting partner came to work together using low-demand parenting

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Today we’re talking about something that can make or break the parenting experience: how we align with our partners in raising our kids. My guest is clinical counselor Martina Nova, author of the new book Same Page Parenting, where she offers a practical framework for helping couples move out of blame and into more honest, connected conversations about parenting.

In our conversation, Martina and I explore what gets in the way of alignment, from our own histories and fears to the added layers of neurodivergent parenting, navigating differences around discipline, digital habits, and decision-making, and what it takes to stay connected as our kids grow into adulthood. Martina shares thoughtful questions and practical strategies to help couples better understand each other’s perspectives and build a more intentional, collaborative approach to parenting.

 

About Martina Nova

Martina Nova is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in British Columbia and the founder of NovaCare Therapy. She specializes in working with individuals, parents and couples navigating trauma, ADHD, people-pleasing, and early attachment patterns. Martina helps couples move out of blame and into more honest conversations about parenting, emotional needs, and relationship dynamics.

In addition to her clinical work, Martina is an author and educator who creates practical tools to help couples communicate more openly about the realities of family life. Her work highlights how many parenting conflicts are less about discipline strategies and more about the histories, fears, and values each partner brings into parenting.

Martina regularly shares mental health education through media, speaking, and social platforms, helping parents feel less alone in the complexities of modern parenting.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

How intentional communication and aligning values create a stronger foundation for parenting and partnership

Why using therapy-informed questions helps parents unpack their upbringing, beliefs, and evolving identities

How practical tools like weekly check-ins and family-wide conversations foster connection and collaboration

Why recognizing and supporting neurodivergence in both parents and children is essential for healthy dynamics

How navigating outside pressures, social media, and autonomy supports long-term trust with kids

Why maintaining the parent-child relationship into adulthood requires ongoing reflection, flexibility, and shared tools

Resources mentioned 

Martina Nova’s website, Novacare Therapy


Same Page Parenting: Align with Your Partner to Raise Happy, Confident, and Resilient Kids by Martina Nova

Novacare Therapy Resources Page

Martina Nova on Instagram

The Gottman Institute


Dr. Ross Greene on Using CPS with Very Young Kids (Tilt Parenting podcast)


Dr. Ken Ginsburg on Lighthouse Parenting — Loving Guidance for an Enduring Bond (Tilt Parenting podcast)

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Kristy Forbes joins me to talk about what autistic burnout is and how it
presents, why “deep rest” is critical for someone experiencing autistic
burnout, and how autistic burnout is differentiated from mood disorders or depression. We also talk frankly about the challenges of seeing burnout in autistic / PDA children through a neuronormative lens, and how that may lead to therapies and strategies that may be the opposite of what a child in
autistic burnout actually needs.

About Kristy Forbes
Kristy Forbes is an Australian-based autism & neurodiversity support
specialist with experience working with clients both nationally and internationally. This includes neurodivergent people and their families; and professionals who wish to support them, such as educators, psychologists, pediatricians, allied health professionals, support workers and integration aides. Her work is informed by her extensive professional experience as an educator (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary teaching), as an integration aide to children with social, emotional and behavioral differences, and as a childhood behavioral and family support specialist. Kristy has degrees in Political Science, Education, Literature, Film and Art. Her most valuable insights, however, come from lived experience.

Kristy is formally identified autistic, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) as well as being a parent to four neurodivergent children, all with varying neurodivergent experience and expression including being non speaking, apraxia, dyspraxia, tourettes
and PDA. She has the unique experience and insight of many perspectives: the teacher, the support specialist, the parent, the partner and the neurodivergent person (including the child she once was!).

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Today we’re diving into the complex and often overwhelming world of allergies, asthma, and related conditions—and what it really takes to support kids (and families) living with them. My guest is Dr. Zachary Rubin, a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who’s known for making allergy science accessible and understandable to millions. He’s also the author of the new book, All About Allergies, which is a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.

In our conversation, Dr. Rubin breaks down how the immune system responds in different allergic scenarios, what’s behind the rise in things like pollen counts and food allergies, and how conditions like asthma fit into the bigger picture. We also talk about practical strategies for managing symptoms, supporting kids in everyday life, and reducing some of the stress and uncertainty that can come with allergies. 

 About Dr. Zachary Rubin

Dr. Zachary Rubin is a double board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist who practices at Oak Brook Allergists in the Chicago area. A nationally recognized medical educator and public health advocate, he shares evidence-based, accessible information on allergies, asthma, and public health with over 3 million followers under the handle @rubin_allergy. Dr. Rubin earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, completed his pediatrics residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, and his allergy/immunology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. Outside of medicine, he enjoys swimming, hiking, golfing, hula hooping, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and three German Shepherds. All About Allergies is his first book, offering a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.

 

Things you'll learn from this episode

How allergies work in the body and how the immune system responds across different triggers and scenarios

Why the connection between allergies and neurodivergence is gaining attention, despite ongoing research gaps

How environmental changes, including climate factors, are contributing to rising allergy prevalence

Why understanding diagnosis, prevention, and emergency planning is essential for managing food allergies

How asthma functions as an allergic lung condition and what that means for long-term health

Why addressing the emotional, social, and practical realities of living with allergies is key forsupporting kids and families

Resources mentioned

Dr. Zachary Rubin’s Substack


All About Allergies: Everything You Need to Know About Asthma, Food Allergies, Hay Fever, and More by Zachary Rubin, MD

Dr. Zachary Rubin on Instagram

Dr. Zachary Rubin on Threads

Dr. Zachary Rubin on Facebook

Dr. Zachary Rubin on YouTube

 
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