Autism & Neurodiversity

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Podcast by Jason & Debbie Grygla

Autism & Neurodiversity

This weekly podcast is your go-to resource for real answers to parenting, working with or being neurodivergent. With the right information you will better understand neurodivergent brains, develop the skills to parent and mentor more confidently, and get better outcomes addressing neurodivergent challenges. Join Jason Grygla, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Director of TechieForLife, a specialized mentoring program for neurodivergent young adults and his wife, Debbie Grygla, Certified Life Coach, every Friday for relevant insights, discussions with leading experts, and supportive tools.

Latest episodes

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23 March 2024

The Shift from Parent to Mentor: A Critical Transformation with Jason & Debbie

Are you tired of trying to make traditional parenting approaches work for you? Ready to make a profound shift that fosters genuine connections and sustainable growth for your child, teen, or young adult? 

In this episode, we  explore the transformative power of NDM™ NeuroDevelopmental Mentoring and how adopting a mentor mindset can revolutionize your parenting journey. Discover the key to alleviating pressure, fostering autonomy, and nurturing meaningful connections that lead to long-term positive outcomes.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why it’s critical to shift to a mentoring mindset.

  • How adopting a mentoring mindset can alleviate pressure, judgments, and prioritize genuine connection with your neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult.

  • The proactive and influential dynamic of the mentor-mentee relationship, emphasizing autonomy and sustainable development.

  • Practical strategies for investing in the mentoring process, including building strong connections and providing unconditional positive regard.

  • The transformative journey from power-driven relationships to collaborative partnerships, and the significance of fostering stability and trust in our relationship dynamics.

 

Start your journey towards NDM NeuroDevelopmental Mentoring today! Join our free upcoming 4-week mini-course ‘PARENTING to MENTOR’ for resources, support, and guidance. Visit JasonDebbie.com/parentingcourse to sign up.

Connect with us on social media instagram.com/debbiegrygla to stay updated on the latest insights and discussions on NDM NeuroDevelopmental Mentoring.

If you found this episode valuable, share it with fellow parents and mentors who are seeking to better support neurodivergent individuals through meaningful connections. Together, let's create a nurturing environment where every individual can thrive.

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09 March 2024

Big Announcement! Parenting to Mentor with Jason & Debbie

Friends, Hello! We've got something exciting to share with you in this episode!

You know, parenting can be a rollercoaster, especially when it comes to raising neurodivergent young people. But, guess what? It doesn't have to be a struggle without hope. In today's episode, we're peeling back the curtain on our personal transformation moments and the lessons that have led us to our big announcement this month.

Let's dive straight in! We're thrilled to introduce the Parenting to Mentor mini-course – a game-changer designed for parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and all you amazing helping professionals out there. This FREE 4-week mentoring course is kicking off LIVE online on March 27th, 2024, and it's tailor-made to transform your relationships with neurodivergent loved ones. FREE for a limited time! 

🚀 Join our mini-course by going to JasonDebbie.com/parentingcourse

🌟 This is for you if...

  • You're on the hunt for more effective answers, insights, and solutions to help your young person truly thrive.
  • You want to make sure your energy and resources are invested where they truly matter.

🎯 This is for...

  • Parents or grandparents navigating the unique challenges of raising neurodivergent chilren, teens, or young adults.
  • Teachers, coaches, helping professionals, or mentors looking to tailor their approach for diverse needs.

🔄 Let's Make the Shift From...

  • Reacting to Nurturing Connection
  • Quick-fixes to Sustainable Development
  • Confusion to Practical Framework
  • Rigid to Organic Strategies
  • Stuck to Confidently Knowing

Are you ready to move from reacting to undesirable behaviors to nurturing genuine connections? Introducing Parenting to Mentor: A 4-Week Mini-Course, crafted by us, Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA, Founder and Director at TechieForLife, and Debbie Grygla, Certified Parent/Life Coach. This course is the key to unlocking your loved one's unique potential through the magic of the mentoring relationship.

What's in store for you? 🔍 Comprehensive Strategy for All Young People: Prioritize sustainable development – crucial for neurodivergents facing challenges like autism, ADHD, learning differences, and social anxiety.

🔄 Easy-to-Remember Framework: Adaptable to any developmental stage, neurotype, or situation, helping you meet your young person where they're at with ease.

🤝 Builds Connections and Confidence: Enhance your ability to connect, navigate challenges, and inspire confidence for a lasting impact.

🌟 Embrace Your Strengths and Uplevel Your Parenting Experience: Unlock your unique strengths to skillfully mentor your loved one with a flexible, effective approach for real-life parenting.

💡What You'll Discover in This Free Program:

  • Dive into purposeful foundations and apply NDM tools for positive connection.
  • Week One: Begin Your NDM Journey - Explore why other approaches may have missed the mark.
  • Week Two: Explore the Three Pillars of NDM - Dive into purposeful foundations and enhance your understanding and influence.
  • Week Three: Start Mentoring Using NDM Tools - Create positive connections and collaboration using foundational NDM tools.
  • Week Four: In Crisis Quickly Assess and Problem Solve - Learn how to reorient in crises and avoid burnout while confidently mentoring your loved one.
  • Bonus 5th Session: Avoid the three most common mistakes in practicing NDM. Finish by making a plan to grow and hone your skills. Discover what's effective for you and what's effective for them.

🚀 Join us by going to JasonDebbie.com/parentingcourse

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

Visit our website JasonDebbie.com and make sure you get on our email list for inspiration and updates.

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01 March 2024

The Power in Choosing a Parenting Framework with Debbie

Parenting neurodivergents and those who have struggles can be overwhelming, especially when faced with conflicting advice.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of choosing a framework to operate from.

Learn how selecting a clear direction can help you move beyond confusion and towards effective solutions.

Discover the key to targeted goal-setting, adjustments, and consistent progress in your parenting journey.

YOU'LL LEARN:

  • The importance of choosing a framework to help you stay on track.

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    The hidden benefits of using a defined structure.

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    Why it’s important to commit to a specific approach.

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    Strategies for nurturing your child's development and addressing their unique needs.

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    The long-term rewards of investing effort in practicing within a framework.

If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with one of your favorite take-aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE.

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

Visit our website JasonDebbie.com and make sure you get on our email list for inspiration and updates.

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17 February 2024

Move Beyond Quick Fixes to Sustainable Development with Debbie

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.

If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with one of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE.

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

Visit our website JasonDebbie.com and make sure you get on our email list for inspiration and updates.

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09 February 2024

Stop Reacting and Start Nurturing Connection with Debbie

Parenting can be hard, especially when you have an autistic or neurodivergent child, teen, or young adult.  It's easy to find yourself constantly reacting to your loved one's undesirable or challenging behaviors. 
 
And... it's a stressful way to be parenting. 
 
Reactive approaches fall short of addressing your young person's needs, and it's a damaging cycle to get trapped in. There are reasons you may be reacting and I have some tips to help you step back and change course.
 
Stop reacting and start nurturning connection so you can transform your impact on your loved ones and change the trajectory of your family life.
 

If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with one of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE.

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

Visit our website JasonDebbie.com

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26 January 2024

Attachment & Autism Deep Dive Part 3 with Dr. Jack Hinman

Ever get discourage with trying to connect with your neurodivergent teen or young adult?  You're not alone.

This 3-part episode series dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, link between neurodiversity (like ADHD or autism) and attachment styles.

Experts Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA and Dr. Jack Hinman, with over 50 years of combined experience, unpack the surprising ways attachment impacts emotional well-being in neurodivergent individuals.

The highlights:

  • Unmask some of the mystery: Understand how attachment styles, secure or insecure, can act as a shield or a hurdle for emotional health in teens and young adults with neurodivergent diagnoses.
  • Double the challenge: Uncover the two-way street between attachment trauma and neurodiversity, and how they can intensify each other's impact.
  • Hope for healing: Get practical guidance on navigating this complex interplay, with treatment strategies to nurture secure attachments and empower your neurodivergent loved one to thrive.

 

About our guest:

Jack Hinman is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Engage Young Adult Transitions. A young adult transition program in Cedar City, UT for adults ages 17 to 25 that their mental health is limiting their independence. 

Jack has been  providing mental health and administrative services to individuals and families in a variety of treatment settings including hospitals, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers and community mental health for over 20 years.

He is a licensed clinical psychologist who is a passionate and committed clinician and administrator in helping young adults cross that bridge into healthy and engaging independence. This blend of clinical and administrative experience has provided Jack a comprehensive perspective of the therapeutic journey. 

He believes through the power of connection we thrive. Jack’s clinical foundations are driven in attachment theory. Jack has also serves on the board of directors for YATA, the Young Adult Transition Association.

Jack loves living in the outdoor rich area of Cedar City with his wife of 25 years and their two teenage children. Jack is an avid mountain biker and a coach for his son’s high school mountain bike team.

You can contact Jack at: jack@engagelifenow.com or http://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-hinman-engagelifenow

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To take the free, 5 minute attachment style quiz mentioned in this episode to explore how childhood conditioning manifests in your adult relationships visit: https://www.attachmentproject.com/attachment-style-quiz/

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If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a minute to leave a quick review with some of your favorite take aways to help us bring you more helpful content. All you have to do is head HERE.

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

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