35:11

In this episode of The Parent Whisperer Podcast, host Richard R. Ramos interviews Cheryl Pankhurst, an OCT‑certified special‑education educator, speaker, author, and founder of Insight to Impact. Cheryl shares how a pandemic‑driven shift from in‑person crisis management to private‑school consulting sparked her advocacy work for parents of neurodivergent teens. The conversation covers the overwhelming flow of information parents face, the importance of parental vulnerability and collaborative problem‑solving, and the dangers of seeking guidance from anonymous online groups. They discuss building trust with families, self‑compassion, and the role of values in parenting. Cheryl explains Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), the critical transition from middle to high school, and proactive communication tactics for both public and private schools. The hosts explore family values as a guiding framework, Cheryl’s recent contribution to the autism anthology Daring to Belong, and her podcast Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today’s World, which tackles AI, screen addiction, disordered eating, and other emerging teen issues. They debate AI’s double‑edged impact—its potential to aid neurodivergent learners versus ethical concerns—and consider how parents can stay informed. The episode concludes with practical resources, Cheryl’s website and contact information, and a rallying call for parents to give themselves grace while continuing to seek support.

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