Move Beyond Quick Fixes to Sustainable Development with Debbie

Autism & Neurodiversity

#Parenting #Self-Improvement #Aspergers #Autism #Autismspectrumdisorder #Autistic #Highfunctioningautism #Learningdisabilities #Lifecoach #Nvld #Spectrum #Jason & Debbie Grygla #x26; Debbie Grygla #Podcasting Education #ADHD #ASD #Neurodiversity

35:12

Sidhu Moose Wala explodes onto the Canadian music scene. His sound is a fusion of two worlds - hip-hop with the poetic language of rural Punjab, where he is from. After years of struggle he’s making it. But with the spotlight comes a dark side. As his fame grows, so do the threats. "We will kill you." Presented by broadcaster and DJ Bobby Friction and investigative journalist Ishleen Kaur. Season 8 of World of Secrets, The Killing Call, is a BBC Eye investigation for the BBC World Service. Archive audio credits: Lovepreet Waraich, Malwa TV, BritAsia TV, MPHONE Canteeni Mandeer, GK Digital, Thakur Media, Capital Extra, Famous Punjab TV, ModernSings, Dheeth.jeha, RealRohitBlogs, Mirror Now, India Today. Here’s a link to the BBC Eye two-part documentary films, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://bit.ly/thekillingcall If you are in the UK, you can watch on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002f18y…

about a year ago 21:42

MP3•Episode home

Parenting neurodivergent children can be challenging, and relying on quick fixes may seem like an easy solution. However, these quick fixes can lead to long-term damage and hinder sustainable development.

On today's episode of the Autism & Neurodiversity podcast, I'm discussing the pitfalls of using quick fixes and highlighting the importance of embracing development.

YOU'LL LEARN:

The damage quick fix approaches can create, even the ones that seem to "be working."
Why relying on external pressure to motivate our children, teens, and young adults hinders motivation over time.
How to foster an environment that is conducive to long-term development.
What trips us up from being successful with developmental approaches.
How to create positive change and improve your relationship with your loved ones.

Be sure to follow us on instagram.com/debbiegrygla/

👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star review sharing your favorite takeaway. It helps us create more meaningful content for listeners like you.

📩 Want more insights and practical tools? Be sure to join our email list for inspiration and updates.

🔵 For deeper support, consider joining our NDM Circle Community at NDM.Circle.so—a space for parents and professionals navigating the complexities of parenting neurodivergent young people.

156 episodes

Move Beyond Quick Fixes to Sustainable Development with Debbie

Autism & Neurodiversity

23 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

On today's episode of the Autism & Neurodiversity podcast, I'm discussing the pitfalls of using quick fixes and highlighting the importance of embracing development.

YOU'LL LEARN:

The damage quick fix approaches can create, even the ones that seem to "be working."
Why relying on external pressure to motivate our children, teens, and young adults hinders motivation over time.
How to foster an environment that is conducive to long-term development.
What trips us up from being successful with developmental approaches.
How to create positive change and improve your relationship with your loved ones.

Be sure to follow us on instagram.com/debbiegrygla/

👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick 5 star review sharing your favorite takeaway. It helps us create more meaningful content for listeners like you.

📩 Want more insights and practical tools? Be sure to join our email list for inspiration and updates.

🔵 For deeper support, consider joining our NDM Circle Community at NDM.Circle.so—a space for parents and professionals navigating the complexities of parenting neurodivergent young people.

156 episodes

All episodes

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Crash or Protect? The Parenting Dilemma No One Talks About 21:31

22 days ago21:31

21:31

You want your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult to grow into a confident, capable adult. But what do you do when they’re heading straight toward failure? Do you step in and save them—or let them crash and hope they learn? If you’ve ever wrestled with that gut-wrenching decision, this episode will speak right to you. Because most parents are making one of two well-intentioned mistakes—and both can leave their loved one stuck, discouraged, or completely shut down. In this episode, Jason breaks down the complex—and often painful—decision parents face: When do I intervene? And when do I let go? What he shares may just change how you approach your role entirely. 🎧 Tune in now, and then come get support inside our NDM Circle Community—where you’ll connect with others who are navigating these same questions with empathy and expert guidance. Visit NDM.Circle.so to learn more and start your free trial. What You’ll Explore: What if your instinct to “teach a lesson” is actually backfiring? What happens when failure doesn’t build resilience—but destroys it? Is rescuing always enabling—or is something deeper going on? What if they’re not lazy —but stuck in a brain state that blocks growth? How do you tell the difference between a hard moment… and a harmful one? 💬 This kind of nuance isn’t something you figure out alone. Join us in the NDM Circle Community for live coaching, connection, and practical mentoring support. Your first 14 days are free— NDM.Circle.so…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
5 Patterns That Help Neurodivergent Young Adults Transition to Adulthood with Confidence (Instead of Anxiety) with Debbie 16:46

4 weeks ago16:46

16:46

If your neurodivergent teen or young adult is struggling to launch or if you find yourself constantly questioning whether you’re doing too much or not enough... this episode is for you. There’s a reason things feel stuck or fragile, even when you're working so hard to support them. It’s not about your efforts. It’s about the patterns shaping your day-to-day interactions. In this episode, I’ll share five foundational patterns that can shift the trajectory from anxiety and shutdowns… to confidence and steady progress. Inside, we’ll explore: What might be missing beneath the surface of your daily routines A common mindset trap that increases anxiety (without you realizing it) Why “more responsibility” backfires without this key support piece The one thing your child needs more than productivity A quiet but powerful strategy that strengthens independence from the inside out 🎧 Tune in now and if this resonates, join us inside NDM Circle for ongoing coaching, live workshops, and a supportive community of parents and professionals who truly get it. 🔗 NDM.Circle.so…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Is This Helping or Hurting? 5 Ways We Accidentally Undermine Independence with Debbie 22:52

5 weeks ago22:52

22:52

You’re doing everything you can to help your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult grow into an independent adult, but what if some of the things you’re doing to help are actually holding them back? It’s not because you don’t care. It’s because so many of us are working from outdated ideas about what builds independence, and those ideas just don’t work for neurodivergent development. In this episode, I’ll walk you through five common patterns that loving, well-meaning parents fall into, and how they can unintentionally keep your child stuck. We’ll zoom in on one of those patterns and give you a practical shift you can make right away. If you recognize yourself in this episode, it’s a sign you’ll enjoy our upcoming workshop, The Independence Pathway: From Home to Thriving. What You’ll Learn: 5 parenting patterns that can quietly undermine independence Why solving problems for your child may do more harm than good A simple shift to start mentoring instead of managing The key mindset change that supports real growth How to get support that actually fits your neurodivergent loved one’s brain 📅 Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 🕖 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM MDT 🎟 $27 or FREE for NDM Circle members 💻 RSVP now at NDM.Circle.so to build mentoring strategies that support autonomy, emotional well-being, and life skills—without the power struggles.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
From Surviving to Thriving—Our Journey, Lessons, and the Heart Behind NDM 11:35

6 weeks ago11:35

11:35

You’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and doing everything you can to help your neurodivergent loved one. So why does it still feel like nothing’s working? You’re not alone. We’ve been there too—desperate for answers, bouncing from expert to expert, trying every intervention, school, and strategy we could find… and still feeling stuck in survival mode. In this special 150th episode (a rerecording of our very first), we open up about our early struggles as parents to neurodivergent kids, how little support there was, and the painful moments that nearly broke us. But it was also the beginning of something transformative—the start of what would become Neuro-Developmental Mentoring (NDM™). If you’ve ever wondered where to begin—or how to keep going—this episode will give you hope, direction, and a sense that someone finally gets it. Tune in and get a deeper understanding of where we’ve come from, what we’ve learned, and why this podcast and community exists—for YOU. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The real-life crisis moment that changed everything for us as parents Why most traditional mental health and educational approaches fall short for neurodivergent kids What finally started working—and why development, not behavior, is the key How our approach evolved into NDM™ and what makes it different Where to start when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and don’t know what else to try 🎧 If this episode resonates, take the next step and join our NDM Circle community at NDM.Circle.so . You don’t have to do this alone.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Navigating the Parent-Mentor Balance with Jason 24:48

7 weeks ago24:48

24:48

Ever catch yourself wondering "Am I doing too much… or not enough?" Whether you're stepping in to help your child solve a problem—or stepping back to let them figure it out—finding that balance can feel like walking a tightrope. You might be working overtime to fix, rescue, or guide every decision, only to feel exhausted… or you might pull back too far, unsure when to re-engage. Either way, when the balance is off, kids struggle to grow into capable, confident adults. In this episode, Jason unpacks how to know when to parent, when to mentor, and why this distinction matters more than you think —especially for neurodivergent kids, teens, and young adults. You’ll learn: ✔ Why over-parenting or under-parenting can lead to emotional and developmental roadblocks ✔ How to recognize when your child needs a parent vs. a mentor (and how to shift gears) ✔ What happens when parents aren’t aligned —and how to get on the same page ✔ How parenting from survival mode affects your child’s emotional health ✔ The simple mindset shift that helps you balance intervention and autonomy for long-term growth If you're ready to stop second-guessing and start feeling confident in how you support your child’s journey to independence, this episode is for you. ✨ Want to go deeper? Join us for our upcoming workshop: "The Independence Pathway: From Home to Thriving." You'll learn how to foster autonomy, emotional well-being, and life skills without power struggles or overwhelm. 🔗 RSVP for the Workshop here: NDM.Circle.so 📩 Get more insights & tools—Join our email list for inspiration and updates. 👉 Need a supportive community? Join our NDM Circle Community at NDM.Circle.so —a space for parents and professionals mentoring neurodivergent young people.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Embracing Neurodivergent Affirming Care: Balancing Acceptance and Practical Support with Jason 45:27

14 weeks ago45:27

45:27

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I support my child’s authentic self while helping them navigate the real world?”—you’re not alone. You’ve heard about neurodivergent affirming care and its emphasis on acceptance, but there’s still a challenge: How do we strike the balance between honoring individuality and addressing the practical demands of life? In this episode, Jason Grygla dives into the complexities of neurodivergent affirming care, exploring both its transformative strengths and potential limitations. You’ll learn: ✔ Why affirming care is essential for empowering neurodivergent individuals ✔ How trauma-informed and client-centered approaches promote healing and growth ✔ Why we need to balance authentic self-expression with real-world life skills ✔ Practical considerations in supporting neurodivergent individuals without ignoring necessary social norms and behavioral adaptations If you’re ready to move beyond just acceptance and create a balanced approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals, this episode will help you get clear on the next steps. ✨ Want to go deeper? 📩 Get more insights & tools —Join our email list for inspiration and updates. 👉 Need a supportive community? Join our NDM Circle Community at NDM.Circle.so —a space for parents and professionals mentoring neurodivergent young people.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Why You Keep Getting Stuck in the Same Parenting Struggles (And How to Break Free) with Debbie 12:29

15 weeks ago12:29

12:29

If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this keep happening?!” —whether it’s battles over transitions, screen time, or meltdowns—you’re not alone. You try different strategies, set boundaries, offer choices… yet you keep getting stuck in the same frustrating cycles. The truth is, the situation isn’t actually the problem —it’s how we think about the situation that keeps us stuck. You’ll learn: ✔ Why shifting your thoughts (not just the situation) is the key to breaking frustrating cycles ✔ How lower brain survival patterns—Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn—keep parents and kids stuck ✔ A simple mindset shift that helps you respond instead of react ✔ How to notice and reframe thoughts in the moment for better connection and cooperation If you’re tired of power struggles and emotional exhaustion, this episode will help you take the first step toward real change . ✨ Want to go deeper? Join us for our upcoming workshop: "Mastering the Brain STEARing Model™: From Survival Reactions to Thriving Responses." You'll learn step-by-step how to shift from reacting to responding , helping both you and your child move toward more connection, regulation, and peace. 🔗 RSVP for the Workshop here: NDM.Circle.so 📩 Get more insights & tools —Join our email list for inspiration and updates. 👉 Need a supportive community? Join our NDM Circle Community at NDM.Circle.so —a space for parents and professionals mentoring neurodivergent young people.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Decoding the 'I Can't vs. I Won't' Paradox in Neurodivergence with Jason & Debbie 22:39

18 weeks ago22:39

22:39

Is it that they can’t—or that they won’t? In this episode, we break down the common struggle of distinguishing between genuine inability and refusal in neurodivergent kids, teens, and young adults. We explore: • Why challenges can feel insurmountable due to unique brain wiring • How to avoid power struggles and foster autonomy • The neural response to perceived difficulty and how it impacts motivation • The role of resilience and discipline in long-term growth Understanding this gray area can help you respond with more clarity and support—without getting stuck in frustration. 📩 Want more insights and practical tools? Be sure to join our email list for inspiration and updates. 👉 For deeper support, join our NDM Circle Community at NDM.Circle.so —a space for parents and professionals navigating the complexities of parenting neurodivergent young people.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Teaching Calm: How to Help Build Emotional Regulation Skills with Debbie 10:15

19 weeks ago10:15

10:15

If you've ever found yourself saying "Calm down!" during your child's meltdown—only to watch it make things worse—you're not alone. The truth is, neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults don't just know how to regulate their emotions... it's a skill that needs to be taught and developed. But here's the kicker: emotional regulation isn't something you teach in the heat of the moment—it's something you build over time. In this episode, I dive into what emotional regulation looks like for neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, etc.) children, teens, and young adults, why it's often harder for them, and what you can do to help. I share practical tools for teaching calm, not by demanding it, but by modeling it, practicing it, and making it part of everyday life. You'll learn: Why emotional regulation is a skill—not a personality trait The role of co-regulation and why your calm is the first step How to teach regulation tools outside of the meltdown moment Simple, actionable strategies to help your child access calm If meltdowns, emotional outbursts, or shutdowns feel like a daily struggle, this episode if for you. And if you want to go deeper, join us for our upcoming workshop: " Helping Neurodivergent Children, Teens, and YAs Access Calm." We'll walk you through even more tools, real-life examples, and step-by-step strategies to support emotional regulation at home. ✨ RSVP for the Workshop here: NDM.Circle.so 📩 Want more insights and practical tools? Be sure to join our email list for inspiration and updates. 👉 For deeper support, join our NDM Circle Community at NDM.Circle.so —a space for parents and professionals navigating the complexities of parenting neurodivergent young people.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Understanding Rigid Decisiveness with Jason & Debbie 20:18

20 weeks ago20:18

20:18

“Why won’t they just change their mind?” If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by a neurodivergent loved one’s black-and-white thinking or their refusal to reconsider a decision, you’re not alone. In this episode of Autism & Neurodiversity, we explore the common pattern of what Jason calls "rigid decisiveness." We unpack how this behavior—often misunderstood as stubbornness or immaturity—is rooted in lower brain functions like the need to avoid pain and conserve energy. We share some real-life examples of this pattern and explain how understanding it through a developmental lens can make all the difference. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or someone navigating your own neurodivergence, this episode offers practical tools and a fresh perspective on how to approach rigid decisiveness with patience and support. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why rigid decisiveness is common in neurodivergent individuals • How black-and-white thinking ties to lower brain, survival functions • The pitfalls of labeling this behavior as “stubbornness” or “immaturity” • Developmental strategies to better support and connect 📩 Want more insights and practical tools? Be sure to join our email list for inspiration and updates. 👉 For deeper support, join our NDM Circle Community at NDM.Circle.so —a space for parents and professionals navigating the complexities of parenting neurodivergent young people.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
The Calm Before the Storm: Why Emotional Regulation Starts with You with Debbie 17:36

21 weeks ago17:36

17:36

Ever feel like your child’s emotions are a tornado, and you’re just trying to hold on? It’s exhausting, isn’t it? But here’s the truth: the key to helping your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult regulate their emotions starts with your calm. In this episode of Autism & Neurodiversity with Jason & Debbie, I’m sharing why emotional regulation begins with us as parents and how your calm presence can create a ripple effect in your home. If you’ve ever wondered why your best strategies don’t seem to work in the heat of the moment, this episode will give you fresh insight, practical tools, and hope for real change. What You’ll Learn The science behind co-regulation and why your calm matters more than you think. How to spot your own emotional triggers before they escalate. Simple strategies to stay grounded during your teen or young adult’s emotional storms. Why emotional regulation isn’t about “fixing” them—it’s about modeling what’s possible. How to build a foundation of trust and connection through your steady presence. 👉 If this episode resonated with you, we’d love for you to leave a quick review sharing your favorite takeaway. It helps us create more meaningful content for parents like you. 📩 Want more insights and practical tools? Be sure to join our email list for inspiration and updates. 🔵 For deeper support, join our NDM Circle Community at NDM.Circle.so —a space for parents and professionals navigating the complexities of parenting neurodivergent young people. 🌟Don't miss our upcoming workshop, Helping Neurodivergent Children, Teens, and YA's Access Calm: Tools for Emotional Regulation. Learn practical strategies to support your young person's ability to find calm and build emotional regulation skills—while strengthening your relationship. RSVP now for just $27 or join our community to access this and more workshops at NDM.Circle.so . Let's work together to bring more calm and connection into your family. Let’s keep building calm, connection, and confidence together.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Better Outcomes by Focusing on the Process with Debbie 14:42

26 weeks ago14:42

14:42

Does it feel like no matter how hard you try, you’re not seeing the progress you hoped for with your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult? It’s easy to get caught up in the results we want, but sometimes, that focus can leave us feeling frustrated and disconnected. In this episode, we’ll dive into a fresh perspective that can help you feel more at ease and create real, lasting progress in your parenting journey. You'll Learn: Why focusing on results can unintentionally stall your child’s growth. How a simple mindset shift can unlock more connection and resilience. Practical ways to celebrate effort and progress that truly matter. 👉 Ready to support your child in developing healthy habits while building strong relationships? Join our Developing Healthy Habits Workshop to kick off 2025 with tools that work for you and your family. Join our email list for more info. 🔵 Visit jasondebbie.com/ndmcircle/ to learn more.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Finding Connection in the Chaos of the Holidays with Debbie 10:17

27 weeks ago10:17

10:17

The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection, but it can also bring a lot of stress—especially when your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult struggles to navigate the busyness and expectations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to balance it all, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore how to find meaningful moments of connection in the chaos, give yourself and your child grace, and focus on what truly matters during this special time of year. You'll Learn: Why the holidays can feel extra challenging for neurodivergent families. How to shift from overwhelm to connection, even during busy moments. Practical ways to give yourself and your child grace this season. The power of letting go of perfection and focusing on what truly matters. 👉 Looking for ongoing support? Join our NDM Circle community for parent coaching, live events, and tools to better mentor your child, teen, or young adult. 🔵 Visit jasondebbie.com/ndmcircle/ to learn more.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
7 Resilience Building Beliefs with Debbie 31:04

30 weeks ago31:04

31:04

Does your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult seem to get stuck when facing challenges? Do they shut down or withdraw easily? If you're looking for ways to help them build resilience and navigate life's ups and downs with more confidence, this episode is for you. Join us as I share seven powerful beliefs that can transform your approach and help you and your loved one to thrive. You'll Learn: Why neurodivergents often have low resilience. What three things lower the development of resilience. The connection between a stressed nervous system and low resilience. 7 beliefs if practiced that will boost resilience How to use these beliefs. 👉 Looking for more support? Catch the replay of my workshop: Cultivating Resilience in our NDM Circle. 🔵NDM Circle: Our app provides parent coaching, educational resources, live events, and a great community based on Neuro-Developmental Mentoring (NDM) so you can better mentor your child, teen, or young adult’s development and well-being. Visit https://jasondebbie.com/ndmcircle/ to learn more.…

Autism & Neurodiversity

1
Why Waiting for Them to Get Motivated Is a Bad Idea with Debbie 13:26

33 weeks ago13:26