TPP 516: A Conversation with Dr. Gila About Supporting Single Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

TPP 516: A Conversation with Dr. Gila About Supporting Single Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

Author: Debbie Reber August 11, 2026 Duration: 37:44
Today we’re talking about a parenting experience that comes with its own unique set of challenges and complexities: raising neurodivergent kids as a single parent. My guest is Dr. Gila, a clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, certified parenting coach, and single mom who is passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Gila has a gift for translating complex ideas into practical strategies parents can put into action right away. In our conversation, we explore the unique realities of solo parenting neurodivergent children, including the emotional load, decision fatigue, and constant balancing act that so many single parents face. Dr. Gila shares practical approaches for managing overwhelm, staying connected to your values, and creating more sustainability in daily life. This is a validating and encouraging conversation for any parent carrying a lot—and especially for those doing it on their own.   About Dr. Gila Dr. Gila is a single mom, certified parenting coach, clinical psychologist, and neuropsychologist. She’s passionate about helping grownups support beautifully complex kids with compassion, connection, and brain-based tools that actually work. Dr. Gila combines her professional background with her lived experience in a relatable, down-to-earth style. Her background as an educator and medical writer makes her especially skilled at translating complex concepts into practical tools you can understand…and actually use. Things you'll learn from this episode  Why grief, worry about the future, and emotional exhaustion are common realities for many single parents How the “sink model” helps explain the mental, emotional, and cognitive load that can lead to overwhelm How strategies like “stop, drop, and roll” and compassionate reframing can support parents through moments of dysregulation Why community, support systems, and self-care practices such as audio journaling are essential for sustainability How values-based parenting, creative connection, and letting go of perfection help families thrive through small, meaningful moments Resources mentioned  Dr. Gila’s website Dr. Gila’s Resources for Tilt listeners Single Parenting with Connection podcast Dr. Gila on Instagram Dr. Gila’s Single Parenting with Connection, Not Perfection Facebook group How to Practice Conscious Co-Parenting, with Jenna Flowers (Tilt Parenting podcast) Sandi Lerman   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: 50

Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
Podcast Episodes
TPP 517: James Guttman on Becoming the Father His Autistic Son Needed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:07
Today I’m talking with James Guttman, author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. James is the father of a nonspeaking autistic son and a neurotypical daughter,…
TPP 512: Dr. Katie Hurley on the "Manosphere" & Breaking the Boy Code [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:17
Today we’re talking about boys—the messages they receive about emotions, strength, masculinity, and what it means to “be a man” in today’s world. My guest is Dr. Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist, pare…