In today’s episode, I am delighted to welcome Dr. Thomas Welch to the podcast. Dr. Welch is a child and family clinical psychologist and leading expert in working with neurodiverse young people and their families. He specializes in working with those on the autism spectrum, and those identified as Twice Exceptional (2e). Dr. Welch is also the author of “The Breakaway: A Parent’s Guide to Transitioning the Autistic and Twice Exceptional Adolescent Into Young Adulthood.” During our conversation, Dr. Welch offers valuable insights about the best ways to help neurodiverse teens transition through and beyond adolescence. He also explains the five stages of change as well as the biggest mistake that parents make. You won’t want to miss Dr. Welch’s expert advice on equipping teens with the most important skills needed to succeed in the world. Whether you have a neurodivergent teen or not, this is a must-listen for parents.
About Dr. Thomas Welch
Dr. Welch is a child and family clinical psychologist and leading expert in working with neurodiverse young people and their families. He specializes in working with those on the autism spectrum, and those identified as Twice Exceptional (2e). He is an owner of Humanex Academy, in Englewood, CO, a middle and high school dedicated to the growth and development of this population. He is also the author of “The Breakaway: A Parent’s Guide to Transitioning the Autistic and Twice Exceptional Adolescent Into Young Adulthood”. Through his additional roles as a field instructor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology and psychologist in private practice, Dr. Welch is passionate about the training of young professionals who have a specific interest in neurological and behavioral issues. Dr. Welch began his education at Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in psychology, and a minor in business management. Later, he completed a research-focused Masters in Clinical Psychology at Mississippi State University and both a clinically focused Masters of Arts and Doctorate of Psychology at California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. He completed his internship and post-doctoral fellowship training at Children’s Medical Center in Tulsa, OK. He currently lives in the foothills of Denver Colorado where he enjoys skiing, hiking/camping, sailing, and long-distance running.
Episode Highlights
- Focusing on strengths instead of deficits
- How to define neurodiverse and twice-exceptional
- The five stages of change
- When your teen isn’t ready to transition
- Maintaining momentum is the most important thing
- Electronics should not be a coping mechanism
- Performance-based versus learning-based expectations
- The human experience is critical to successful learning
- There is no data that shows homework improves learning or executive functioning
- Slow down and determine the plan that makes sense for your teen
- Advocate for your child with knowledge and experts
- Finding local resources to help your family
- Helping teens learn accountability
- The most important skills needed to succeed in the world
- The biggest mistake parents make
Resources
The Breakaway: A Parent’s Guide to Transitioning the Autistic and Twice Exceptional Adolescent Into Young Adulthood by Dr. Thomas Welch