~187~How to Advocate WITH Your Neurodivergent Teen (Not Just FOR Them) | ADHD, Autism, IEPs & School Success with Lisa Richer

#ParentingTeens #NeurodivergentTeens #ADHDParenting #AutismParenting #EducationalAdvocate #FamilyAdvocateParents often believe advocacy means speaking louder.But what if the most powerful advocacy is teaching your teen to speak for themselves?In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with neurodiversity consultant Lisa Richer to discuss what every parent of an ADHD or autistic teen needs to know about advocacy, collaboration, and creating lasting independence.Together, we explore why a diagnosis should inform—not define—your child, why accommodations are only effective when your teen understands them, and how parents can move from fighting every battle to empowering their child to eventually lead the conversation.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by IEP meetings, school systems, accommodations, or simply wondering whether you're "doing enough," this episode will remind you that advocacy isn't about conflict—it's about connection.In this episode you'll learn:✔ Why neurodiversity should be understood—not fixed✔ The difference between advocating for your child and advocating with your child✔ How to help your teen develop lifelong self-advocacy skills✔ Why involving your child in IEP and school meetings matters✔ Common mistakes parents make after an ADHD or autism diagnosis✔ How to collaborate with schools instead of entering every meeting in battle mode✔ Why the best advocates help families become independent—not dependent✔ Practical ways to create stronger parent-school partnershipsWhether your teen has ADHD, autism, executive functioning challenges, learning disabilities, or another neurodivergent profile, this conversation offers practical strategies that build confidence, connection, and long-term success.Key TakeawayYour goal isn't to become your child's lifelong advocate.Your goal is to raise a young adult who knows how to advocate for themselves.That journey starts long before graduation.Connect with Lisahttps://journey2bloom.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaricher/ https://www.facebook.com/LisaLazarRicher https://www.instagram.com/journey2bloom/Connect with CherylIf you're navigating a new diagnosis, struggling with school supports, preparing for high school, interpreting psychoeducational assessments, or need guidance through the IEP process, I help parents become confident advocates—while helping teens develop the skills to advocate for themselves.Visit CherylPankhurst.com to learn more about Educational Consulting and my 90-Day Family Advocacy Program. YOUR GIFT- GUIDE FOR GRADE 8 TO GRADE 9 IEP TRANSITIONShttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/iep-high-school-transition-parent-quick-guideLet’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chatConnect with Cheryl!Get the book here!Daring to Belong: Autism Stories of Courage and ConnectionDIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL email : [email protected] Website  cherylpankhurst.comSOCIALS:My Substacklinkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurstPODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLDTHE PODCASThttps://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_tOptin-podcast subscriberParenting Teens Advice Redefined