TPP 494: Lindsay Lyons on Navigating Hard School Conversations Around Inclusion, Equity, and Neurodivergence

TPP 494: Lindsay Lyons on Navigating Hard School Conversations Around Inclusion, Equity, and Neurodivergence

Author: Debbie Reber March 17, 2026 Duration: 44:59
Lindsay Lyons, an educational justice coach, former NYC public school teacher, and parent who helps families and educators create space for real, meaningful conversations with kids joins me to talk about the challenges educators and families face when navigating hard conversations in schools, especially around inclusion, equity, and neurodivergence. We talk about the importance of student voice, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and addressing the fears and barriers that can get in the way of real change. At the heart of it all is dignity—how honoring kids’ humanity and lived experiences is foundational to building school environments where all learners can truly belong. About Lindsay Lyons Lindsay Lyons is an educational justice coach who helps families and educators create spaces for real conversations with kids about current events, hard history, and other high-emotion topics. A parent and former NYC public school teacher, she holds a PhD in Leadership and Change, and is the founder of the blog and podcast, Time for Teachership. Lindsay believes all students deserve literacy, criticality, and leadership skills. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why creating emotionally safe spaces for honest conversation is essential for learning and connection How listening to students’ insights can shift adult perspectives and lead to more just educational practices Why meaningful professional development requires ongoing, year-long support rather than one-off workshops How restorative practices and constructive disorientation can strengthen community and transform school culture Why engaging families in difficult conversations—with respect and care—is critical to lasting change  Resources mentioned Lindsay Lyons website Grab the free Staying Engaged framework from Lindsay Lindsay’s Rstorative Conference Companion (free access for listeners) Want to Spark Change? Create “Constructive Disorientation” (blog post by Lindsay Lyons) Controversy in the Classroom: The Democratic Power of Discussion by Diana Hess Challenge Day Zoretta Hammond Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Zoretta Hammond Ready for Rigor Dr. Chris Wells Explains the Theory of Positive Disintegration (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children is a space for parents who are moving at the speed their kids require. Hosted by Debbie Reber, an author and activist who understands the terrain, this podcast offers more than just advice-it offers a sense of shared experience. Each episode delves into the real-world challenges and joys of raising children with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), giftedness, or twice-exceptional (2e) profiles. You’ll hear from specialists, educators, and therapists who provide actionable strategies, but the core of the conversation is always connection. Debbie guides discussions that move beyond theory to address the daily realities: managing meltdowns, advocating within school systems, nurturing a child’s unique strengths, and preserving your own well-being in the process. It’s a resource for those moments when standard parenting approaches fall short, offering insights that are both practical and deeply empathetic. Listening to this podcast feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who gets it, one that leaves you with tangible ideas and the reassurance that you’re not navigating this path alone. The focus is on building a supportive framework for your family, one episode at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
Podcast Episodes
TPP 307a: Eliza Fricker Talks Parenting a Child with PDA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:55
Eliza Fricker joins me to talk about PDA or pathological demand avoidance – and in fact I know many people interpret PDA as persistent desire for autonomy. I’ve done a few episodes on PDA before but never from a parent’s…
TPP 504: Celia Bray on Staying Anchored in an Intense World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:13
Today we’re exploring what it means to reconnect with our bodies and how that can transform not just our emotional health, but our parenting and relationships as well, with Celia Bray, a psychologist, somatic therapist,…