Finding Hope on the Spectrum

Why Teens Pull Away: Understanding Teen Defiance, Anxiety, and Connection

In this episode of Finding Hope on the Spectrum, host Brooke talks with teen and parent wellbeing coach Laura Ollinger about why parenting teens is harder in today’s tech-driven, high-pressure world and how parents can better understand teen behavior. Laura shares how her daughter’s early anxiety and her nephew’s suicide shaped her calling to support ages 12–20, and explains teen brain development as a “renovation project,” where the amygdala and emotional sensitivity outpace the still-developing prefrontal cortex, fueling risk-taking and big reactions. They discuss fear of social rejection, healthy individuation and pulling away, red flags for withdrawal, and the need for balanced boundaries plus warmth (authoritative parenting). Laura addresses common misunderstandings like “defiance,” highlights teens’ needs for belonging and significance, notes similar core needs for neurodiverse teens, shares a coaching success story, and describes her Cracking the Parent Code course and HeartMath-based self-regulation tools. 00:00 Why Teens Feel Pressure 01:02 Meet Laura Ollinger 02:04 Her Calling to Coach 03:57 Parenting Four Teens 04:29 Teen Brain Renovation 06:34 Fear and Rejection 08:19 Pulling Away Is Normal 09:55 Red Flags and Check Ins 11:28 Boundaries With Warmth 13:04 Misread Teen Behaviors 17:32 Neurodiverse Teen Overlaps 18:49 Put Relationship First 21:30 A Coaching Success Story 23:53 Programs and HeartMath 27:37 Hope Through Perspective 28:39 Where to Find Laura 28:55 Final Thanks and Wrap Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum: www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com Email: bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com [bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/]  Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum  TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum Guest Contact: Website: https://www.positivelyhealthycoaching.com/ [https://www.positivelyhealthycoaching.com/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivelyhealthycoaching/ [https://www.instagram.com/positivelyhealthycoaching/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ollinger/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ollinger/]

When Gifted Kids Struggle: Executive Function, Identity, and Finding Hope | Ep. 54

Host Brooke interviews counselor, speaker, and consultant Mark Talaga of the Center for Identity Potential, who specializes in supporting gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) individuals and hosts the Hopelessly Gifted Podcast. Mark shares his own path from being an unrecognized gifted student to struggling in a video game job due to executive functioning and processing issues, then shifting into counseling and mentoring under Andy Mahoney. He explains giftedness as developmental extremes, 2e as giftedness plus diagnoses like ADHD, and asynchronous development as the gaps driving challenges such as anxiety, perfectionism, and shame. Mark describes identity work using the FIT Model across life systems, outlines evaluation including possible neuropsychological testing, emphasizes scaffolding and school collaboration for executive-function supports, and frames “Hopelessly Gifted” as accepting who you are and finding hope through difficulty. 00:00 Hopelessly Gifted Meaning 01:06 Meet Mark Talaga 02:18 From Gifted Kid to Counselor 04:22 Failure to Purpose 05:57 Vulnerabilities Not Weaknesses 08:13 What Twice Exceptional Means 11:21 Why Anxiety Shows Up 13:25 Identity as Expression 17:20 The FIT Model Framework 18:59 Building Positive Identities 21:21 Perfection and Self Kindness 21:56 Assessment Process Next 23:10 Intake And Systems View 24:27 When Testing Helps 25:46 Scaffolding In Action 30:25 Ego And Letting Help In 31:08 Breakthrough Case Story 33:23 Finding The Right School 36:32 Classroom Support Playbook 38:59 Why The Podcast Exists 41:32 Hope For Families 43:24 How To Reach Them 44:51 Wrap Up And Thanks Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum: www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com Email: bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com [bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/]  Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum  TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum Guest Contact: Website: https://www.centerforidentitypotential.com/ [https://www.centerforidentitypotential.com/]  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marktalaga [http://linkedin.com/in/marktalaga]

Healing from the Inside Out: Cellular Health and Autism with Dr. Knight | Ep. 53

Brooke interviews Dr. Knight, founder of the Autism Wellness Center of Utah, about his path from pre-med studies and business into chiropractic care and then cellular/foundational medicine to better serve children on the autism spectrum. Influenced by early experiences with individuals with special needs and family connections to autism, he pursued extensive training in digestion, nervous system support, cellular healing, and safe detoxification, prioritizing courses that improve his ability to help autistic individuals. He explains cellular inflammation as a barrier to nutrient and hormone signaling and links stressors like toxins, chemicals, mold, infections, and emotional stress to impaired cellular function and regeneration. In practice he starts with dietary changes (avoiding seed/vegetable oils and food dyes), supports detox pathways (liver, kidneys, bowel regularity, lymph), and provides cellular and nervous system support. He describes Health Empowered Families, a remote five-month, four-phase program with weekly access, education videos, phased detox, mitochondrial and gut support, and a lab-informed but cost-conscious approach. 00:00 Continuing Education Mindset 00:48 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:27 From Pre Med to Chiropractic 05:33 Calling to Serve Autism 08:56 Training in Detox and MAPS 13:10 Cellular Healing Explained 19:27 Practical First Steps at Home 23:50 Virtual Program Overview 30:27 Labs and Tracking Progress 33:24 Handling Detox Speed Bumps 35:25 Wrap Up and Resources Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum: www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com Email: bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com [bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/]  Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum  TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum Guest Contact: https://autismwellnesscenter.org/ [https://autismwellnesscenter.org/]

Finding Hope Through Art: Supporting Autism, Connection, and Growth | Ep . 52

Brooke hosts an episode of “Finding Hope on the Spectrum” on art therapy with board-certified art therapist and RDI consultant Christine “Kiki,” and guests Debbie Zimmer and her 22-year-old son Ben. Kiki explains how she was drawn to art therapy, how RDI deepened her work through parent involvement, and clarifies misconceptions by distinguishing “art as therapy” from clinical art therapy with a trained mental health professional as a guide and witness. She describes focusing on process over product, observing engagement and family dynamics, and tailoring art materials to sensory and physical needs to support regulation, communication, and growth. Ben shares via his AAC device how art helps him move from frustration to calm, choose colors/tools, and give, sell, or keep his work. Debbie describes Ben’s post-COVID and post-surgery challenges, how art therapy improved family support, confidence, vocabulary, wellbeing, and led to exhibitions, community classes, commissions, and broader family connection through art. 00:00 Art Heals Without Therapy 00:53 Podcast Welcome and Guests 02:54 Kiki Origin Story 06:39 RDI Meets Art Therapy 09:29 Art Therapy Myths 13:08 Not Artistic No Problem 15:32 Brain and Nervous System 17:51 Why It Helps Autism 20:32 Sensory Smart Materials 24:56 Communication and Agency 27:43 Coping Through Sensory Discomfort 28:13 Strength Building With Art 29:28 Ben Joins The Conversation 30:07 Ben Shares His Art Story 31:36 Debbie Preps Ben’s Message 33:31 Before Art Therapy Challenges 34:47 Why They Tried Art Therapy 35:50 Mom’s Mindset Shift 38:31 Art Show Breakthrough 41:06 Confidence And Communication Gains 42:42 Regulation And Wellbeing 43:50 Family Connection Through Art 45:49 Advice For Unsure Parents 49:10 Village Support And Collaboration 52:18 Finding Art Therapy Resources 53:52 Final Thanks And Goodbye Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum: www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com Email: bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com [bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/]  Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum  TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum Guest Contact: www.tagforgrowth.com [http://www.tagforgrowth.com] Resources: https://atcb.org/ [https://atcb.org/]

What Every Parent Should Know About IEPs, Inclusion, and Advocacy | Ep. 51

Brooke interviews Vicki Christensen, founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy and mother of 21-year-old Luke, who has a rare partial trisomy of chromosome 14 and global developmental delays, and 17-year-old Everett, who has ADHD and an IEP. Vicki describes Luke’s early diagnosis, intensive therapies, and how he defied early “he may never” predictions, developing walking and verbal communication in his own time. She explains how an IEP meeting prompted her to earn a special education advocacy certificate, leave pharmaceutical sales, and advocate for families navigating IDEA, IEPs, and implementation fidelity. Vicki distinguishes 504 plans from IEPs, offers tips for monitoring services and requesting assessments, and emphasizes meaningful inclusion in schools and the community. She also discusses her book,“Uniquely, Fully, Enough: The Neurodivergent Parenting Journey - A Memoir and Handbook” combining a memoir and practical lessons, and encourages overwhelmed parents to find a supportive community early. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:44 Meet Vicki Christensen 02:12 Luke’s Early Diagnosis 04:02 Emotional Rollercoaster 07:03 Finding Parent Support 08:40 IEP Wake Up Call 11:43 Advocacy Philosophy 14:37 Everett’s ADHD Journey 20:45 504 vs IEP Explained 24:15 Ensuring IEP Fidelity 26:56 Requesting School Assessments 31:02 Who Luke Really Is 33:43 Luke’s Joyful Spirit 34:33 Support Needs and Internship 35:46 How Much Therapy Is Enough 37:44 Meaningful Inclusion Defined 41:47 Changing Minds on Inclusion 42:56 Inclusive Assemblies Impact 46:06 Why She Wrote the Book 48:26 Finding Your Village 52:23 Advocacy as a Long Game 56:05 Transitioning to Adulthood 58:27 Advice for New Diagnoses 01:01:16 Where to Find Her 01:02:30 Closing Thanks and Goodbye Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum: www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com Email: bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com [bwagner@findinghopeonthespectrum.com]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/]  Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum  TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum Guest Contact: https://www.blueglassesadvocacy.com/ [https://www.blueglassesadvocacy.com/] Instagram: @blueglassesadvocacy