Episode #184. Parenting Neurodiverse and Twice-Exceptional Children Yush Sztalkoper

In this episode, Yush Sztalkoper shares her transformative journey as a parent raising neurodiverse and twice-exceptional children—kids who are both gifted and experience challenges such as ADHD or dysregulated behaviours. 

By replacing screen time with enriching activities like reading, outdoor play, and family board games. Within two weeks, her children exhibited reduced impulsivity and became more autonomous, underscoring the power of reducing dopamine-seeking behaviours.

Diagnosed with ADHD herself, Yush reframed her understanding of behaviours as linked to brain function and dopamine regulation. This realization led her to leave her corporate career and dedicate herself to raising awareness about twice-exceptionality, fostering innovation and community in this often-isolated parenting journey.

Key Insights:

Screen Detox and Family Connection

Recognizing the impact of technology addiction, Yush implemented a strategic family-wide screen detox. Key steps included:

Educating her children about the harmful effects of screens on brain development.

Building buy-in by involving her kids in creating the plan.

Yush emphasized the need for parents to model the behaviours they want to see, create healthy boundaries, and prioritize quality connections. She highlighted how small, intentional steps—like spending time in nature and saying no to overcommitment—can significantly improve family dynamics.

Support for Neurodiverse Families

Yush founded a nonprofit to help parents navigate the challenges of raising neurodiverse children, offering authentic community connections and practical resources. She stressed the importance of in-person support groups to combat isolation and foster shared growth.

Building Resilience and Shifting Perspectives

Yush advocates for a strengths-based approach to parenting, where understanding a child’s unique brain and behavior replaces judgment with empathy. She encourages parents to focus on personal growth, recognizing how trauma and environment shape behaviors and brain development.

Breaking Generational Patterns

Inspired by research on epigenetics and early life experiences, Yush underscores the importance of love, connection, and healing in parenting. She shares personal insights about overcoming generational trauma and fostering a thriving environment for her children.

Final Message:

Yush calls on parents to step away from screens, create healthier boundaries, and connect deeply with their children. She reminds us that parenting neurodiverse children is challenging but immensely rewarding, requiring community, intentionality, and a willingness to grow alongside our kids.