Help! My 18-year-old Is Stalled Out and Not Launching

Help! My 18-year-old Is Stalled Out and Not Launching

Author: Debbie Reber February 18, 2026 Duration: 23:31
This week I’m joined by Zach Morris for a thoughtful conversation about the challenges of parenting neurodivergent teens who are approaching adulthood. We dig into a listener question about an almost-18-year-old who’s still really struggling, despite years of support. Zach and I explore the pressures parents face, the grief that can come up, how to hold boundaries with empathy, and why we need to rethink what success and failure actually mean. We also talk about the importance of understandin...

Debbie Reber hosts TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children, a space that moves beyond simple advice to explore the real, layered experience of this journey. As a parenting activist and author, Debbie guides conversations that are both deeply informative and genuinely connecting. The discussions in this podcast focus on a range of neurodivergent experiences, including ADHD, autism, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), giftedness, and twice-exceptionality. You’ll hear from specialists, educators, and other parents, but the tone remains grounded and candid, focusing on applicable strategies over theory. Episodes often tackle specific, daily hurdles like school refusal, communication breakdowns, or managing overwhelm, translating insights into actionable steps. More than just a resource, the podcast fosters a sense of community, reminding listeners they are not navigating this path alone. It’s about finding clarity within the complexity, shifting perspectives, and building a toolkit that honors both your child’s unique brain and your own well-being. Tune in for a blend of solidarity and practical takeaways that can make a tangible difference in your family’s life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

TILT Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children
Podcast Episodes
A Deep Dive into Autistic Burnout in Children with Jodie Clarke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:52
Today we’re talking about autistic burnout—what it is, how it shows up in children and young people, and what it actually takes to support recovery. My guest is Jodie Clarke, an autistic and ADHD professional with more t…
The Real Work of Parenting Neurodivergent Young Adults (Part 3) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:31
You may recall that last fall, my friend and colleague Penny Williams, a parenting coach for neurodiverse families, the author of four books on ADHD including Boy Without Instructions, and the host of the Beautifully Com…
The Inner Work Behind Staying Present, with Matthew Fishleder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:58
Today we’re turning the lens inward and talking about the inner life of parents—especially those of us raising neurodivergent kids. My guest is Matthew Fishleder, a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with a…
Alex Mortlock Explains Circadian Rhythm & Complex Sleep Challenges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:45
Today we’re diving into the nuanced world of circadian rhythm sleep syndromes, and how biological and environmental factors intersect in shaping our children’s sleep. My guest is Alex Mortlock, a registered clinical psyc…
Mark Talaga on the Hidden Challenges of Giftedness in the Digital Age [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:48
Today we’re exploring the intersection of giftedness, identity, and belonging—and what it means to support gifted kids in a world that’s changing faster than ever. My guest is Mark Talaga, director of the Center for Iden…