Low demand parenting amanda diekman

EPISODE 90
Low-demand Parenting:
A Discussion with Amanda Diekman,
Autistic Author, Advocate, Mother,
and Ordained Minister

Play the Episode…

Show Notes

Amanda Diekman discusses and provides examples of the approach she refers to as “Low Demand Parenting” and presents this approach in contrast to advice often given to parents of autistic and other neurodivergent children. With her lived experience as a mother of three neurodivergent children, and as an autistic person, she challenges many mainstream beliefs about raising children, especially those who are defined as having behavioral patterns perceived as problematic by others. Her work prioritizes building trusting relationships focused on supporting the emotional growth and well-being of children.

Find Low-Demand Parenting Book Here

Featuring

Amanda Diekman

AMANDA DIEKMAN

Amanda Diekman is an autistic adult, parent coach, and author in the neurodiversity space. Amanda has become a leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practices, with her book Low Demand Parenting, published July 2023. Amanda runs a successful coaching practice for parents of neurodivergent children including online courses and a vibrant membership community. She has a Master’s in Theology and is an ordained Presbyterian Pastor and Spiritual Director. She lives with her husband and three neurodivergent children in an intentional community in Durham, NC.

👉 Know more about Amanda’s work on her website👈

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) How has Amanda’s personal experience as a mother and autistic individual led to a career in supporting parents of autistic and neurodivergent children? Were there any aspects of her experiences that were particularly striking to you?

2) How does Amanda define “low-demand parenting”? How does this contrast with other parenting “styles” or recommendations that you know that parents often receive? If you are a parent or professional, does it challenge your previous or current beliefs about supporting children’s development?  If yes, how so?

3) Do you already use any strategies/guidelines that Amanda discusses as definitive of a low demand parenting approach with your own children, or with children you support? Has this resulted in judgmental attitudes from others about what you do, and if so, how have you dealt with others who disagree with your approach?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.