『Episode 119: Supporting Neurodivergent Families with Morganne Crouser』のカバーアート

Episode 119: Supporting Neurodivergent Families with Morganne Crouser

Episode 119: Supporting Neurodivergent Families with Morganne Crouser

無料で聴く

ポッドキャストの詳細を見る

このコンテンツについて

 In this episode, I sit down with therapist and parent Morganne Crouser, who brings a rare mix of lived experience and clinical insight. Morganne has worked for years with neurodivergent families in the US, providing intensive in-home therapy, supervising clinicians, and consulting with parents who are trying to make sense of new diagnoses. She’s also a parent to three neurodivergent young people—ages 4, 8, and 23—so she truly understands both sides of the story. Together, we talk about what it really looks like to support kids and parents in a way that’s practical, compassionate, and grounded in how the brain develops. What Morganne Does - and Why It Matters Morganne’s work centres around supporting families as a whole, not just the child. She explains in-home family therapy, which involves visiting families multiple times a week and helping everyone move in the same direction. Her big message: Individual therapy is helpful… but it only works well when the whole family understands the plan and can grow together. This becomes even more important when a family includes multiple neurotypes or when parents are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start. Understanding the ARC Model (Attachment, Regulation, Competency) Morganne introduces the ARC model, a framework she uses with families—and in her own home: 1. Attachment Building a strong sense of safety, comfort, and connection. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being predictable and emotionally available. Kids need to know: I can trust you. You know me. My world makes sense. 2. Regulation Before kids can manage big feelings, they need to understand what’s happening inside their bodies and minds. Morganne reminds us that adults need this too. Sensory tools, deep breaths, stepping away for a moment—these help parents just as much as kids. 3. Competency This is where skills grow—problem-solving, independence, executive functioning. But Morganne is clear: Kids can’t build skills if they’re dysregulated or don’t feel safe. Trying to teach “competency” without the first two levels is like building a second storey before the walls are up. Why Parents’ Regulation Matters Just As Much One of my favourite parts of our conversation is when Morganne talks about parents using the same tools they teach their kids. If your child is learning: deep breaths sensory breaks body socks or weighted blankets naming feelings stepping away to calm down …then those same strategies can help you too. Kids learn best when they can see regulation in action, not just hear it explained. As Morganne says, it also helps children feel less “different” when they see the grown-ups using the same supports. The Real Life Side of Parenting Neurodivergent Kids Morganne shares openly about becoming a foster parent to an 8-year-old and a 1-year-old with little notice—and how overwhelming that first week was. Even as an experienced therapist, she felt lost. Her message is one all parents need to hear: Being a professional doesn’t make parenting magically easy. When emotions, exhaustion, and real-life pressure show up, it’s normal to struggle. This honesty is one of the things that makes this conversation so reassuring. What Happens as Kids Grow? We also talk about how ARC isn’t linear. You don’t “finish” attachment or regulation and move on. Kids grow, life changes, and parents need to revisit these layers again and again. Toddlers need different responses than teens. Parents’ needs shift when life throws curveballs. Some stages require us to circle back to basics. And that’s normal. If You’re Parenting a Neurodivergent Child… This episode will leave you feeling seen, understood, and more confident about what your child and your family system might need. You’ll walk away with: a clearer understanding of why safety and connection come first simple ways to support emotional regulation in kids and adults a helpful framework for thinking about development over time permission to be human, not perfect reassurance that you don’t have to “fix everything” at once Listen Now This is a warm, real, and practical chat that I know so many parents will find helpful—especially if you’ve ever wondered, “Where do I even start?” 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Parent Like a Psychologist with guest Morganne Crouser
まだレビューはありません