Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent Children

I wanted to explore this concept of interoception and differently wired kids more deeply for the show, so I reached out to Kelly Mahler, an occupational therapist who specializes in interoception and is a co-principal investigator in several research projects pertaining to topics such as interoception, self-regulation, trauma, and autism.

Kelly answered my big questions about interoception, including how it relates to sensory processing differences or SPD, why it’s essential that we help our children get to know their bodies’ unique language, and the relationship between ADHD, autism, and interoception. We also talked about what happens in our kids’ brains when they increase their interoceptive awareness, and effective strategies for helping our kids develop in this area.





Things you'll learn from this episode:

* What interoception is and how it relates to sensory processing differences

* What the spectrum of interoception awareness is and how extremes may manifest

* The relationship between ADHD, autism, and interoception challenges

* How to support a child with poor interoception awareness to become more tuned in to their body’s internal experience

* What happens in our brains when we start to increase our interoception awareness

* How to help older kids who’ve been on the receiving end of compliance-based strategies to reconnect with and trust their bodies
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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, and through his writing and podcast he shares an honest, deeply personal perspective on fatherhood, autism, and the journey toward acceptance.

One of the reasons I wanted to have James on the show is because we so rarely hear fathers' voices in conversations about raising neurodivergent kids. Like all of us, James's understanding has evolved over time, and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with him about that evolution, what he's learned from his children, and why acceptance has become such a central part of his story.

In our conversation, we talk about fatherhood, acceptance, community, and the unexpected ways our neurodivergent kids can change us for the better.

About James Guttman

James Guttman is the author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. As a father to a nonverbal son and a neurotypical daughter, he shares a message rooted in autism appreciation and the belief that our kids’ differences hold their own beauty.

His writing reached national attention when his HuffPost Personal essay drew more than 750,000 readers in a single day and became one of the most-clicked stories on Apple News. Through his long-running blog, Hi Blog! I’m Dad, James tells honest, heartfelt stories about parenting, connection, and the shared humanity between his children.

James is also the author of the Amazon-bestselling Expectant Father’s Activity Book, and his work has been featured by Love What Matters, The Mighty, the Organization for Autism Research, Yahoo Lifestyle, and more.

A survivor of a quintuple bypass at 35 and host of the Hi Pod! I’m Dad podcast, James brings humor, vulnerability, and perspective to conversations about parenting, mental health, and raising kids in a world that doesn’t always understand them.

Things you'll learn from this episode

How James’s journey raising neurodivergent children reshaped his understanding of parenting, autism, and himself

How surviving a heart attack transformed James’s perspective on fatherhood, presence, and what truly matters

Why fathers need more inclusive spaces, community, and support as they navigate parenting neurodivergent kids

How authenticity, vulnerability, and redefining masculinity can strengthen relationships with children and challenge outdated assumptions

How James’s evolving relationship with his children, and his son’s example, helped him become a more authentic version of himself

Resources mentioned

James Guttman’s blog, Hi Blog, I’m Dad

Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation by James Guttman

James Guttman on Facebook

James on TikTok

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Pediatric and occupational therapist Rosemary White explains the philosophy behind DIR / Floortime as a powerful modality to support children's sensory, motor, and social / emotional development.

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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


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Dance/movement therapist Dr. Lori Baudino talks about how teaching differently wired kids to tap into the mind-body connection can help with emotional regulation, social communication, and more.

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