Understanding Neurodivergence: Beyond the Buzzword

Join us for a powerful conversation with Sierra Grandy—attorney, speaker, and advocate—as we dive deep into what neurodivergence really means beyond the popular buzzword. Sierra brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this essential discussion, sharing her journey from childhood mental health struggles through electroconvulsive therapy to eventual diagnosis with autism and ADHD as an adult.

In this episode, we explore:

• What neurodivergence actually means (and why it's more than just a trendy term)
• The difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical experiences
• How masking works and why it's both protective and exhausting
• The intersection of mental health, chronic pain, and neurodivergence
• Why accommodations benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent individuals
• Practical advocacy and the importance of "nothing about us without us"

Sierra candidly discusses her path from surviving multiple hospitalizations to becoming a thriving advocate, revealing how proper diagnosis transformed her understanding of decades of struggles. This conversation challenges assumptions about disability, accommodation, and what it means to create truly inclusive systems. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, support someone who is, or simply want to better understand the diverse ways brains work, this episode offers invaluable insights into building a more accessible world for everyone.

Hosted by: Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C long time therapist, trainer, and consultant. Learn more about him at www.cbtbaltimore.com

Resources mentioned: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), questifyyourlife.com, sierragrande.com Support the show by rating, sharing, and helping us reach more listeners who need these conversations.

Find out more at https://mental-filter.pinecast.co

The Education Evolution: A Conversation with a Veteran Teacher

In this episode of Mental Filter, we explore the dynamic world of education with Stacey Herring, a high school math teacher with over 26 years of experience. We discuss the evolution of education, changes in technology and state testing, and the introduction of vendor-based curriculums. Stacey shares her personal journey, the ups and downs of teaching, the impact of social media, and the mixed motivations of students. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on students' social behaviors and mental health, the challenges of classroom discipline and accommodations, and the declining profession of teaching. Stacey offers a candid perspective on the realities and future of the education system.

So much to listen to! Thank you for listening. Please, kindly support us by rating, reviewing, and sharing :)

Shmuel Fischler https://www.cbtbaltimore.com/about/team/shmuel-fischler/?swcfpc=1

00:00 Introduction to Education Discussion 01:28 Meet Stacey Herring: A Veteran Math Teacher 03:16 Early Teaching Experiences 05:21 Changes in Education Over the Years 10:24 Impact of Technology on Education 17:42 Challenges in Modern Education 24:19 Teacher Hiring Challenges 25:13 Impact on Student Mental Health 27:21 The Role of Accommodations in Education 33:20 Discipline and Authority in Schools 39:04 COVID-19's Impact on Education 42:21 Bullying in the Digital Age 44:44 Keeping Up with Former Students 47:05 Advice for Aspiring Educators

Find out more at https://mental-filter.pinecast.co

What's your first thought when you hear about a house fire or mass casualty? It's likely to run out of the building or immediately get to safety. For our first responders, their instinct is to run into the burning building and towards the gunfire. This week's episode features Chaya Deitsch, of the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office department of Emergency Management, in which she shares the adrenaline that comes with an emergency and how solutions to different emergencies come about.

To learn more about emergency management, you can simply do a quick search of your local government and emergency management opportunities in your area!

Thank you again to Chaya for joining us for this conversation! And thank you to our loyal listeners (and for sharing this with your local ice cream man).

Shmuel Fischler, LCSW-C

www.cbtbaltimore.com