Regulation Station: The Environment Is the Intervention

In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by psychologist, speaker, author, and neurodiversity advocate Dr Matt Zakreski for a wide-ranging conversation about giftedness, ADHD, neurodivergence, education, and what true regulation actually looks like.Together, Becca and Dr Matt explore why so many neurodivergent people grow up feeling like "weird horses" before discovering they're actually zebras, how environments shape success more than most people realise, and why many of the systems designed to support neurodivergent people still miss the mark. From gifted education and twice-exceptionality to school accommodations, therapy, and burnout, this episode challenges assumptions about what support should look like. In this episode: What it means to be twice-exceptional (2e)  Why giftedness is a form of neurodivergence  The connection between justice, advocacy, and neurodivergent identity  Common misconceptions about ADHD and neurodivergence  What regulation really looks like beyond social media advice  Why environment plays a critical role in wellbeing and success  The limitations of traditional educational and therapeutic systems  Universal design and creating neurodivergent-affirming environments  Supporting gifted, disabled, and twice-exceptional learners  The importance of self-compassion and understanding your own needs Guest:Dr Matt Zakreski is a clinical psychologist, professional speaker, author, podcaster, and leading advocate for gifted and neurodivergent individuals. His work focuses on helping neurodivergent people better understand themselves, develop practical strategies, and thrive in environments that often weren't designed with them in mind.🚂 Subscribe now to hear future episodes.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Learn more about the network at AutisticCulturePodcastNetwork.com🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.