Share
Regulation Station
Holding Space You Don’t Inhabit: Supporting Neurodivergent Students
Season 1, Ep. 3
•
In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by school principal Anthony Chiles for a conversation about neurodivergent students, school systems, regulation, and what children really need to thrive in educational environments.
Together they explore the increasing number of neurodivergent students entering schools, the challenges educators face in supporting diverse needs, and the importance of balancing academic expectations with nervous system regulation. Anthony shares practical examples from his school, including sensory spaces, visual supports, transition planning, and even reintroducing rest time for young learners.
The conversation also examines the role of relationships in education, debates around intervention approaches, and how schools can create environments that support both learning and wellbeing.
In this episode:
- Supporting neurodivergent students in mainstream schools
- Why regulation and learning should work together
- The impact of transitions on autistic and neurodivergent children
- Building flexibility into educational environments
- Sensory needs, classroom design, and school culture
- Technology, attention, and modern childhood
- The importance of trusted relationships in education
- Rethinking traditional approaches to behaviour and support
Guest:
Anthony Chiles is a primary school principal with more than 20 years of experience in education. He is passionate about creating flexible, supportive learning environments that meet children where they are and help them succeed.
🚂 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
More episodes
View all episodes
Trailer: Welcome to Regulation Station
00:56|Parenting shouldn't require a law degree.Welcome to Regulation Station, a podcast helping parents and carers navigate neurodivergent childhood with confidence and clarity. Part of the Autistic Culture Podcast Network.Hosted by Becca Engle, the series explores evaluations, accommodations, IEPs, advocacy, education, regulation, and the realities of raising neurodivergent children.Through conversations with parents, educators, and professionals, Regulation Station turns overwhelming systems into practical, actionable guidance.🚂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.com1. Regulating Two Nervous Systems: Parenting Through Crisis
42:23||Season 1, Ep. 1In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by Jillian Eisloeffel, founder of Bobby's World: Profound Autism and parent to an 11-year-old child with high support needs.Together they discuss caregiving, self-injurious behaviours, medical advocacy, and the realities of supporting a child with complex needs. Jillian shares her family's experiences navigating crisis periods, adapting their home for safety, advocating for medical answers, and finding ways to regulate herself while caring for her son.The conversation also explores the challenges families face accessing support, the importance of community, and why understanding the full spectrum of autistic experiences matters.In this episode:Parenting a child with profound autismSelf-injurious behaviours and medical advocacyWhy caregiver regulation mattersCreating safe environments at homeThe realities of school, healthcare, and support systemsFinding community and support as a caregiverBalancing privacy, dignity, and advocacy onlinePractical advice for families navigating difficult seasonsContent Note: This episode includes discussion of self-injurious behaviour, caregiver stress, medical trauma, family challenges, and disability support systems.🚂 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.com2. Finding the Right School Too Late
36:42||Season 1, Ep. 2In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by author and advocate Mitch Grace to discuss growing up autistic, receiving an autism diagnosis during high school, and navigating education from childhood through to postgraduate study.Mitch reflects on the challenges of social communication, feeling different from his peers, and the mixed emotions that came with finally understanding why certain aspects of life had always felt harder. Together, Becca and Mitch explore the educational environments that helped them thrive, the importance of accommodations, and how autistic students can advocate for the support they need.In this episode:Receiving an autism diagnosis and what it changedSocial communication, friendships and understanding yourselfThe impact of specialist schools and smaller class sizesWhat makes an educational environment truly inclusiveCollege accommodations and disability support servicesNavigating higher education as an autistic studentThe importance of self-advocacy and asking for supportWhy autistic-led advice and lived experience matterGuest:Mitch Grace is the author of Growing Up with Asperger's: Lessons Learned and Shareable Wisdom, where he shares practical advice and personal reflections drawn from his experiences growing up autistic.🚂 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.com4. Work the Way You Are
37:17||Season 1, Ep. 4In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by neurodivergent business coach and former educator Megan Bonde to explore what happens when we stop trying to fit ourselves into systems that weren't designed for us.Together they discuss burnout, productivity, entrepreneurship, and the importance of understanding how your brain works. Megan shares her journey from special education leadership to building a business around her strengths, while Becca reflects on creating flexibility in both education and work. The conversation explores delegation, self-advocacy, and why success looks different for every neurodivergent person.In this episode:Recovering from burnout and survival modeBuilding a business around your strengthsWhy productivity isn't one-size-fits-allDelegation, support, and letting go of perfectionismCreating neuroinclusive workplaces and systemsStructure, flexibility, and autonomyEntrepreneurship for neurodivergent peopleRedefining success beyond money and outputGuest:Megan Bonde is a neurodivergent business coach, TEDx speaker, former speech-language pathologist, and founder of an intentional community focused on neuroinclusive living and learning.🚂 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.com5. It Starts with One Child: Creating Inclusive Classrooms
31:23||Season 1, Ep. 5In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by autism care specialist, author, and advocate Carra Dixon to discuss inclusion, education, and the power of early understanding.Carra shares the experience that inspired her children's book series Malia Makes a Friend and reflects on the importance of teaching children about autism from an early age. Together, Becca and Carra explore the role educators play in supporting autistic students, the need for greater neurodiversity education, and how small moments of understanding can create lasting change.The conversation also examines friendship, acceptance, advocacy, and why meaningful inclusion extends beyond the classroom into parks, restaurants, and everyday community spaces. In this episode: Why autism acceptance must go beyond awareness Teaching children about neurodiversity from an early age Supporting autistic students in educational settings The role of educators as both teachers and nurturers Friendship, belonging, and inclusion Creating sensory-friendly community spaces Advocacy, activism, and creating change How stories can help children understand differences Guest:Carra Dixon is an autism care specialist, advocate, and author of the Malia Makes a Friend children's book series, which helps children learn about autism, friendship, and inclusion through relatable stories and characters.🚂 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.com6. Navigating Life as an AuDHD Therapist
36:49||Season 1, Ep. 6In this episode of Regulation Station, Becca Engle is joined by psychotherapist and Clinically Awkward host Alyssa Zimmerman for a conversation about therapy, neurodivergence, relationships, and what it means to build a life that works with your brain rather than against it.Together they explore the realities of being an AuDHD therapist, the impact of masking and burnout, and the importance of creating environments that support neurodivergent needs. Alyssa shares insights from both her professional practice and personal experiences, discussing everything from executive dysfunction and special interests to dating, boundaries, and self-acceptance. In this episode: Being an AuDHD therapist Creating neurodivergent-friendly work environments Masking, burnout, and identity Executive dysfunction and reducing shame Special interests and hyperfixations Neurodivergence, dating, and relationships Boundaries, communication, and emotional safety Why humour can be an important regulation tool Guest:Alyssa Zimmerman is a New York City-based psychotherapist and the host of Clinically Awkward, a podcast for neurodivergent women, femmes, and thems exploring hyperfixations, identity, and everyday life.Clinically Awkward Podcast 🚂 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