EPISODE · Jun 23, 2025 · 35 MIN
Trusting Your Gut Over the Experts While Raising a Neurodivergent Child with Robert Delena | Ep. 114
from Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different · host Samantha Foote
Samantha and Lauren speak with Robert Delena who discusses the journey he and his son Ryan have navigated through various therapeutic schools and a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder.Robert highlights the challenges of overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis, emphasizing the importance of parental instinct and finding appropriate support. A pivotal moment arrives when Ryan, initially labeled and restrained by the system, discovers skiing, an activity that reshapes his confidence and self-worth.Through their shared experience, Robert underscores the significance of recognizing a child's unique strengths and interests. He recalls how skiing, an unexpected outlet, brought substantial improvement to Ryan's overall well-being.This episode provides insights into parenting neurodivergent children, the potential difficulties with the current educational and medical systems, and the need for perseverance in seeking what genuinely benefits one's child.Samantha, Lauren, and Robert also talk about Robert and Ryan's book, 'Without Restraint, chronicling their remarkable journey. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:40 Meet Robert Delena01:20 Ryan's Diagnosis Journey02:18 Challenges with the System10:38 Skiing: A Life-Changing Discovery18:33 Encouraging Curiosity and Passion in Children19:20 Ryan's Journey: From Skiing to Rock Climbing20:58 The Impact of College and Certifications22:58 Ryan's Online Presence and Sponsorships24:44 Reflections on Parenting and Finding the Right Path27:00 Connecting with the Audience and Final Thoughts31:16 Parenting Power Hour: Join the Community Connect with Robert and Ryan:www.robertdelena.comwww.without-restraint-book.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/extreme_ryan_delenawww.instagram.com/robert.delena Join the Parenting Power Hour: www.everybrainisdifferent.com Connect with Samantha Foote!Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent
What this episode covers
Samantha and Lauren speak with Robert Delena who discusses the journey he and his son Ryan have navigated through various therapeutic schools and a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder. Robert highlights the challenges of overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis, emphasizing the importance of parental instinct and finding appropriate support. A pivotal moment arrives when Ryan, initially labeled and restrained by the system, discovers skiing, an activity that reshapes his confidence and self-worth. Through their shared experience, Robert underscores the significance of recognizing a child's unique strengths and interests. He recalls how skiing, an unexpected outlet, brought substantial improvement to Ryan's overall well-being. This episode provides insights into parenting neurodivergent children, the potential difficulties with the current educational and medical systems, and the need for perseverance in seeking what genuinely benefits one's child. Samantha, Lauren, and Robert also talk about Robert and Ryan's book, 'Without Restraint, chronicling their remarkable journey.
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Trusting Your Gut Over the Experts While Raising a Neurodivergent Child with Robert Delena | Ep. 114
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