The Vysdym Podcast

Send us Fan MailCaring for a neurodivergent child demands everything — your time, your energy, your emotional bandwidth, and often your own needs get pushed to the very bottom of the list. If you're running on empty, constantly exhausted, and feeling guilty for even thinking about self-care, this episode is your permission slip to finally put yourself back on the priority list.Maggie addresses the root cause for burn out and will help you rediscover your own needs, rebuild your energy, and show up as the parent you want to be — without burning out completely. If you're tired of feeling tired and ready for self-care that feels doable instead of impossible, press play. You're not alone, and your well-being matters too.Consider this episode a simple first step taken in the right direction.If you're are looking for more resources, here is an opportunity to co-regulate your nervous system with Maggie. Introducing Borrow my calm calls - a one time coaching session for exhausted parents like yourself seeking a quick reset. Follow the link and book yourself in. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailThis episode is a  tender, raw exploration of what it looks like to mother your children when you never fully experienced being mothered yourself.In this intimate episode, Maggie dives into the quiet ache of that missing bond, the unspoken grief that lingers, and the fierce, beautiful way we can learn to get ourselves unstuck in our pursuit of freedom from pain.If you've ever felt the weight of breaking a cycle while building a new one, this one is for you. Deeply healing!Last episode of a very long season 1. Season 2 resumes in the Spring 2026.Additional resources:Grief meditation: https://conscious.is/meditation/grief-and-grieving-meditationMeditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOzYU0FtovYThanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailThe do-as-I-say-no questions asked method endorsed by your ABA team is extremely damaging to your autistic child and can finally be put to bed. In its place, Maggie offers a new philosophy in which parents are invited to lead this movement focused on empowering your neurodivergent child. Listen to this episode to learn about Relational Intelligence and its components. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailCome with a glass of milk within reach! Obedience training, even in the case of circus animals is increasingly frowned upon. Subtle or passive aggressive versions of obedience training continue to be thrust on all children, especially neurodivergent ones. Listen to this episode to understand the depth of damage this approach can have on a child's psyche, after which, the choice to continue to engage with it on behalf of your child, is yours to make. Also, Maggie touches on an alternative idea, one that is better suited to the needs of your neurodivergent child. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailFor parents with neurodivergent children it can feel very disempowering to lose direction and purpose. In this episode Maggie describes a secure attachment as the North Star and lists 3 steps to get started and find your way back to the path.  The truth is that parenting a neurodivergent child is tough, but it’s not supposed to feel unfulfilling! Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailAfter a year long hiatus, Maggie gets back to the mic to renew her commitment to this podcast, only this time with a whole new added dimension. Listen to feel deeply seen and heard as a parent, sometimes that is all the "wisdom" we need.  This is a rebirth and a reintroduction of all good things yet to come. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailThis episode is the first in a 3 part series with principles and practical steps to nurture a positive relationship with your autistic child. This the same philosophy and guidelines that transformed my own practice and resulted in consistently successful therapeutic relationships with all the neurodivergent children in my care. As a parent, you need only master one - the one with your baby. The first step is to get clarity on what's most important to you by listing out your preferred values. Listen to this episode if you want to refer my list to guide your own reflection. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailSkills like speech, language and motor abilities are important, but they are impossible to learn and retain without establishing a baseline of safety. The only way to get your autistic child to engage with you is by nurturing a secure attachment. In over a decade of practicing Occupational Therapy, it is the only strategy that resulted in autistic kids letting me into their world repeatedly which opened up infinite possibilities for both the child and me, as the therapist. It is a strategy that MUST be transferred to one/both parents. This episode is for those parents who are willing to do the hard work. A secure attachment is a gift that keeps on giving, for you and your baby! Give it a listen if that stirs something in you. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailThis 2 letter word - NO- is often relegated to being problematic/triggering for neurodivergent children who are ostracized and made unjustly responsible for the resulting meltdown. NO- is not only necessary, it is a powerful tool in your tool box. As a parent, you must acknowledge the responsibility that comes with great power by answering some tough questions along the way. Listen to this episode if you want to learn the underlying philosophy to use this powerful word tactfully. Do it right, and surprisingly, it will strengthen your relationship with your baby. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailHow often has your baby been assessed using independent functioning as the yardstick? Is that the most beneficial goal to work towards? How does a hyperfocus on independent participation backfire? How does this impact you relationship with your baby? In this episode, I'm answering all these questions and presenting an alternate perspective - it is another I-word - one that is not only neurodiversity affirming, but also relationship focused. If that's an approach you're interested in adopting, then go ahead, give it a listen. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we dive deeper into the fear of discharge, which leads to another d-word- disempowerment. We talk about the lies and the disillusionment underneath this fear and how these impact, not only you but also your baby's attachment needs. Like everything else, overcoming this ginormous obstacle is quite doable and possible, but I cannot convince you. You must listen and decide for yourself. I can however, vouch for the liberation that results from running towards your fears instead of away. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailBack to the mic after an extended hiatus. In this episode I talk about two important events that triggered a significant positive change in my personal and professional life since my last episode. It is important to me that I share them with you before we get back to talking about Neurodiverse parenting. I also make a public re-commitment to the mission of this podcast with a greater acceptance of my own neurodiversity. I'm not playing small, not anymore. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we are deep diving into shame. If you have felt embarrassed about your baby's diagnosis or your baby's behaviour then you are not alone. We are taking hints from Dr Brene Brown's work which informs us that shame thrives in secrecy, silence and judgement. So. as you listen, we'll be doing exactly the opposite, together! Parental acceptance of the child's neurodivergent body and nervous system lays the foundation for self-acceptance, self respect and self esteem as the child grows and develops. You will learn a simple affirmation to address the embarrassing feelings whenever they come up. Listen to this episode to overcome parental shame and champion your neurodivergent child!Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailFor several generations, it was assumed that it was enough for parents to provide food, safety, shelter and education. Looking at the world in 2023, it's evident there is a mental  health crisis resulting primarily from unmet core needs. Turns out your baby needs more than the basics. In this episode we break down the 4 core needs as identified by Dr Gordon Neufeld and further described by Dr Gabor Mate. We also look into the reality of anxiety resulting from unmet core needs. This episode is easily the most important one I've ever written/published. References for further reading:1. Maté, G. (2000). Scattered Minds: A New Look at the Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder. 2. Maté, G. & Maté, D. (2022). The Myth of Normal. Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture.3. Neufeld, G. and Maté, G. (2013). Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers. 4.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0145213419303047Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailIn this episode The polyvagal theory is used as a framework to describe your body and your baby's body with deep respect and gratitude, because-why not! We explore the physiological/autonomic states as described by Dr Stephen Porges's work. This perspective is just what you need to build a more compassionate and respectful outlook towards your baby's needs. You will also open up to more compassion for yourself as a parent. Win-win. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I'm getting curious about the brain- not just your baby's, yours too! We talk about about what parts of the brain take control when your baby feels unsafe and what you can do to best support your baby so he/she can just exist in your presence. Also, we dive into what's going inside your brain when you're around your baby.Listen to this episode if you are tired and unsuccessful at being "patient" with your child. When you understand what's going on inside your baby's brain, you get to show up as the best adult caregiver you can possible be for your child, with a lot less trying and a lot more, just, being.Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailWhat can be done about all this shushing you've been taught to do to your neurodivergent child? Is that the best way to support your child's needs? How can you build a loving connection with your child? All these questions are answered in this episode. You will also be able to decide on a general direction for your parenting and you will learn a wonderful first step towards changing the way you show up for your neurodivergent child- all this, as promised, in a healthy cocktail of challenge and compassion for you my superheroes! We're in this together. Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_

Send us Fan MailIn this episode you will get to know the host, Maggie. You will also understand the mission of this podcast which is to empower Neurodiverse Parenting.You will feel hopeful, challenged and optimistic about the journey we are about to take together.Thanks for tuning in! Follow on Instagram @vysdym_