Social struggles are not just about making friends. For many neurodivergent and 2e or “twice exceptional” kids, misunderstood social cues, complex peer dynamics, and hurt feelings can quickly turn into conflict or isolation. In this episode, Elizabeth Smith unpacks what is really happening beneath these interactions and how parents can guide their kids through them with greater clarity and understanding. Dive in to learn how you can help your child navigate social situations, respond confidently to teasing, and feel like they truly belong with peers.

What to expect in this episode:

• The differences between social feedback, teasing, & bullying and why it matters
• How social hierarchies influence behaviors in middle school and beyond
• Why neurodivergent kids may struggle to interpret social cues
• How to teach “snappy comebacks” so kids can respond to teasing in real time
• What to do when teasing becomes repeated or escalates into bullying

About Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth, a New York City-based social coach, has a deep-rooted passion for empowering 2e and profoundly gifted children. Her journey into social coaching was personal: she was working as a physician assistant in psychiatry when her own 2e child needed support. Elizabeth discovered the evidence-based PEERS program from UCLA’s Semel Institute. After obtaining certification, Elizabeth conducted further research into best practices for affirming neurotypes and strategies to avoid masking and forced behavior. This developed into her own strengths-based approach, utilizing empathy, acceptance, and current research to empower children to meet their own goals.

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Connect with Elizabeth Smith

• Website: 2e Kids Coaching
• LinkedIn: Elizabeth Smith

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.

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Connect with Impact Parents:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParents
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparents

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