#73 "Understanding Giftedness: Hope & Strategies for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens" with Dr. Matt Zakreski

**Key Takeaways:**
- Understanding the nuances of giftedness and neurodivergence
- The impact of anxiety on school performance and social interactions
- Strategies for parents to support their teens without taking over
- The importance of community and connection in fostering hope
- How to celebrate strengths and build resilience in your teen

**Call to Action:**
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with other parents who may benefit from this conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe to *Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined* for more insights and support on your parenting journey. 

For personalized coaching and support, connect with me, Cheryl, at Insight to Impact. Let’s work together to create a stronger, more meaningful relationship with your teen. 

#ParentingTeens #Neurodiversity #GiftedKids #ADHD #MentalHealth #ParentingAdvice #StrengthBasedApproach #Resilience #ParentingSupport #DrMattZakreski #InsightToImpact

1. Introduction to Parenting Challenges

• Pain and support for children
• The role of parents in advocating for their kids
• The prevalence of anxiety in gifted and neurodivergent teens

2. Guest Introduction: Dr. Matt Zakreski

Background and expertise

• Focus on neurodivergent individuals
• Introduction of his book, "The Neurodivergent Playbook"

3. Understanding Giftedness

• Definition of giftedness (IQ of 130 or higher)
• Misconceptions about giftedness and elitism
• Differences in brain function among gifted individuals

4. The Experience of Gifted Kids

• Intensity of thought and emotion
• Precocity and asynchronous development
• Challenges faced in school settings

5. Imposter Syndrome in Gifted and Neurodivergent Individuals

• Definition and causes of imposter syndrome
• The impact of feeling different
• Intersectionality and increased susceptibility

6. Anxiety in Teens

• Relationship between intelligence and anxiety
• Manifestations of anxiety in school avoidance
• Emotional activation and regulation challenges

7. Supporting Anxious Teens at Home

• Importance of curiosity over frustration
• Strategies for understanding and addressing emotions
• The role of communication in problem-solving

8. Advocacy for Teens in School

• The importance of involving teens in discussions
• Coaching versus coercing in advocacy
• Building resilience through challenges

9. The Lighthouse Metaphor in Parenting

• Supporting children through pain without shielding them
• The importance of being a beacon of support
• Encouraging independence and self-advocacy

10. Hope and Community

• The significance of community in fostering hope
• The role of parents in creating supportive environments
• The importance of understanding and accepting neurodivergence

11. Strength-Based Approaches

• Shifting focus from deficits to strengths
• The importance of meeting kids where they are
• Encouraging growth and resilience through realistic expectations

12. Practical Steps for Parents

• Meeting kids where they are developmentally
• Being curious and gathering information
• Planting seeds for future growth and respect

13. Conclusion and Call to Action

• The importance of evolving alongside teens
• Encouragement for parents to seek support and connection
• Invitation to explore coaching and consulting for personal growth

About Dr. Matt
Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, PsyD is a high-energy professional speaker and clinical
psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism,
Dyslexia, etc.) people. He has spoken more than 400 times all over the world on both stages
and podcasts about supporting neurodivergent people in all walks of life, from schools to college
to the workplace. Dr. Matt specializes in taking knowledge of the brain, human behavior, and
clinical psychology and making that accessible and practical for people to improve their lives.
Dr. Matt is the co-founder and lead clinician at The Neurodiversity Collective, an active member
of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and Supporting Emotional Needs of the
Gifted (SENG), as well as the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC) and the
Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE).
The Links
Socials
Dr. Matt’s Website: https://www.drmattzakreski.com/
https://www.facebook.com/drmattzakreski/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-zakreski-0a32358
https://www.instagram.com/drmattzakreski/
CTA Links
Book Dr. Matt for a speaking engagement: https://www.drmattzakreski.com/blank-3
Buy his book:
https://www.amazon.com/Neurodiversity-Playbook-Neurodivergent-People-Neurotypical/dp/195
336036X
Listen to his podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nerding-out-on-neurodiversity/id1771917660

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