Goooooooal! Soccer, Dopamine, and Dreams with Author-Comedian Ana Karina de Silva

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes Ana Karina de Silva, a neurodivergent author, comedian, and educator, to celebrate her new picture book Pedro's Dream. The story follows Pedro, a passionate young soccer player with ADHD who learns to understand his brain, advocate for himself, and build strategies for success—like using checklists and visual cues, and working with a supportive coach and dad who also has ADHD.

Ana shares how her own late ADHD diagnosis reshaped her understanding of "forgetfulness" and "not finishing tasks," reframing them as brain-based challenges rather than character flaws. She offers practical examples of "dopamine hits" that help her complete tasks—like calling a friend, listening to music, or tuning into podcasts.

Ana and Jed dive into the importance of seeing neurodivergence not as something to "fix" but as a different way of thinking that deserves support, accommodations, and respect. They celebrate books as mirrors and windows, helping kids see themselves and understand others. Ana also describes her work teaching stand-up comedy to kids on the spectrum, using exaggeration, silliness, and performance to help them process big feelings, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of identity. Her broader "Emma's Dream" curriculum focuses on uncovering children's strengths—like pattern recognition—and helping families and schools nurture them.

Later in the episode, Jed speaks with Joyce Fitt, author of Are You Ready For Us?, a playful, thought-provoking picture book for aspiring parents narrated by Spermio and Agatha. Joyce draws on her experiences as a war refugee, educator, and songwriter to encourage adults to consider preconception health, finances, mental well-being, and, most importantly, children's emotional needs before bringing them into the world.