Neurodivergence and Giftedness – with Emily Kircher-Morris

Neurodivergence and Giftedness – with Emily Kircher-Morris

Author: Carolyn Kiel March 20, 2023 Duration: 37:06

After working as a gifted education teacher, Emily Kircher-Morris became a clinical mental health counselor who supports gifted and twice-exceptional (gifted + neurodivergent) children. She is also the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast and the author of several books, including "Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today's Classroom" and the revised edition of "A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children." She has three neurodivergent children and is neurodivergent herself.

During this episode, Emily talks about:

  • What her life was like as a twice-exceptional student (gifted and ADHD)  
  • Her experience as a teacher of gifted and twice-exceptional children, and why she decided to become a clinical mental health counselor
  • The importance of neurodiversity-affirming therapy, and what it looks like in practice
  • What inspired her to start The Neurodiversity Podcast
  • The story behind the books that she wrote

Find out more about Emily and her work at these links:
Twitter: @EmilyKM_LPC
The Neurodiversity Podcast
Neurodiversity University
Her books: Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today's Classroom and Raising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Support this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds and get a shout-out on a future episode!

Read the episode transcript.

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
Space To Exhale – with Lisa Hurley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:39
Lisa Hurley is an Anthem award-winning activist and author of the new book, "Space To Exhale: A Handbook For Curating A Soft, Centered, Serene Life." She is also the Founder of The Great Exhale, a serene virtual communit…
Down syndrome advocacy – Matthew Schwab Speaks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:37
Matthew Schwab is a 27-year-old North Carolina native with Down syndrome who has his own public speaking business, Matthew Schwab Speaks. In 2019, he gave a TEDx talk about the importance of employing people with intelle…
Autism Inclusion in the Christian Church – with Sunita Theiss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:01
CW: Eating disorder, death of a parent. Sunita Theiss is an autistic, ADHD and PDA* parent, writer, and advocate. A second-generation Indian American, she has a rich background in communications, marketing, and storytell…
Tourette syndrome community and research - with Dr. Daniel P. Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:44
Dr. Daniel P. Jones is a Creative Practitioner, Disability Scholar, and Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Daniel specializes in inclusive research methodologies, focusing on the em…
Dyslexia advocacy in Nigeria – with Oladoyin Idowu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:59
Content warning: This episode mentions physical and verbal abuse in school, suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt, and drug use. Oladoyin Idowu is a pioneering dyslexia advocate and mental health professional dedicated…
Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina – with Lya Batlle-Rafferty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:47
Lya Batlle-Rafferty, an MIT graduate with a degree in Cognitive Science, has had a career focused mostly on technology. She has often been a trailblazer as the only woman in a large company performing that type of work.…
Trans and ADHD inclusion – with Trystan Reese [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:20
Trystan Reese is an award-winning author and facilitator dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with nearly two decades of experience in the trans community. He also has ADHD and identifies as neurodivergent. Try…