Scaffolding social skills and finding supportive spaces

Today I’m talking with neurodivergent educator Sam Young about a topic I haven’t covered on the podcast before, and that is our neurodivergent kids’ social lives. The world has changed so very much in the past few years, including in no small way how our kids relate to other kids. I get a pang of nostalgia when I think about how I used to form friendships when I was younger in a more analog world, but I can also feel excitement about the many possibilities that have opened up for kids like ours to find their communities thanks to the technology they’re growing up with.

In this episode, Sam is going to talk with us about what a meaningful and healthy social life might look like for our differently wired kids, and how we can support them in the process. We explored how online communities have impacted socializing for neurodivergent kids, how parents can support kids in developing the skills to help with social anxiety, key elements to look for in ideal social environments for our differently wired kiddos, and much more.

About Sam Young

Sam Young MEd, or Mr. Sam as his families call him, is a growth-minded, two-time Fulbright Scholar and Director of Young Scholars Academy, a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment center that supports twice-exceptional, neurodivergent, and gifted students and their families.

Mr. Sam is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has a tremendous understanding of, experience in, and respect for all things related to neurodiverse education. Before founding Young Scholars Academy, Mr. Sam taught in a variety of capacities—including nearly a decade at Bridges Academy — at an array of programs in the US, Europe, and Asia. Travel and culture are near and dear to him. He has led 2e students to over 7 countries for immersive cultural and educational trips.

Mr. Sam has been featured in the documentary 2e2: Teaching The Twice Exceptional, the textbook Understanding The Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Students, 2nd Ed., Variations Magazine, over 20 podcasts, 10 seminars, 2e News, and other publications.

Things You'll Learn from This Episode:

• What reimagining our kids’ social life really is about

• How online communities have impacted our kid’s social lives

• What Sam’s students wish their social lives looked like

• How parents or adults in kids’ lives can support them in building skills to help them with social anxiety

• Sam’s thoughts on social skill groups and their efficacy

• Expectations that parents have that might be getting in the way of their kid’s social lives

• How parents can support a kid who is feeling alone to the point of their self-confidence and self-worth being affected

 Resources Mentioned

• Young Scholars Academy
• Young Scholars Academy Winter Courses
• 10 tips to help 2e kiddos socialize AND a bonus video
• Young Scholars Academy on Facebook
• Young Scholars Academy on Instagram
• Bridges Academy
• Davidson Young Scholars
• Joseph Renzulli
• Susan Baum
• Asher Talks About the Highs and Lows of His Social Life (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

About Sam YoungThings you’ll learn from this episodeResources mentioned about the social lives of 2e students

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