Exceptional Girls Podcast: Helping our smart but struggling girls feel seen, supported, and celebrated

About Exceptional Girls Podcast: Helping our smart but struggling girls feel seen, supported, and celebrated

Raising girls is no joke. Add exceptionalities like giftedness, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning differences, and anxiety into the mix, and you may feel like you're the only one struggling to figure it all out. You're not. As a mom myself, I know what it's like to help your neurodivergent child navigate the challenges of school, friendships, and family dynamics. Once my kiddo and I finally figured out her unique wiring, life got so much better. But it took almost 15 years, and that’s way too long. I created this podcast to shorten the learning curve for others and increase awareness and understanding of female neurodiversity. Join me as we learn together how we can help our exceptional girls be seen, supported, and celebrated. Want to learn more? Visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.

Publisher

Julie Withrow: Podcast host, mom, neurodiversity advocate, education reformer, curiosity follower

Category

kids & family · kids & family · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jun 2021

Latest episode

24 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Aug 2026

   Episode 18: When Your Child Can't Sit Still with Katherine Connolly

   Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever found yourself wishing your child could just “sit still” to focus, pay attention, or learn, this conversation may change the way you think about movement. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, I'm joined by Katherine Connolly. Katherine is a licensed clinical counselor who specializes in supporting neurodivergent children and their families. Drawing from both her professional expertise and her own lived experience as an autistic and ADHD adult...

2. 

   28 Mar 2026

   Episode 17: Why Most Parenting Advice Backfires for Gifted & 2e Kids with Dr. Danika Maddocks

   If you’ve ever gotten parenting advice that just didn’t seem to fit your child, this conversation is for you. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Danika Maddocks. Dr. Maddocks is a psychologist, gifted and twice-exceptional parent coach, and founder of The Gifted Learning Lab. She helps parents move beyond standard parenting advice to create a family life that truly works for their unique child. Her approach is grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm and inform...

3. 

   11 Feb 2026

   Episode 16: What Parents Need to Know About Autistic Girls with Dr. Theresa Lyons

   Autism in girls can present differently than it does in boys, and many girls are very good at masking. As a result, autism in girls is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or missed until later in life, leaving parents of autistic girls searching for clear answers and support. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Theresa Lyons to have a science-grounded, practical conversation about parenting autistic girls. Dr. Lyons, founder and CEO of Navigating AWEtism, Ivy Le...

4. 

   11 Nov 2025

   Episode 15: What It's Really Like to Be a Gifted Girl with Kaia Vernon-Oliveira

   In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, I’m talking with Kaia Vernon-Oliveira. This episode is a departure from my recent episodes in that I’m not talking with a clinician or recognized professional, but with an actual exceptional girl. Kaia is a profoundly gifted 11-year-old storyteller and performer who loves making people think. One of the ways she’s doing this is through her TedxLasVegas talk called The Myth of the Gifted Girl. 🎧 Listen in as Kaia shares: What inspired h...

5. 

   2 Sept 2025

   Episode 14: Managing Child Anxiety with Dawn Friedman

   In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, host Julie Withrow is joined by Dawn Friedman, founder of Open Book Parenting, to talk about child anxiety and how families can navigate the challenges it presents. Anxiety and anxious avoidance can be tricky to manage, especially in neurodivergent kids. Dawn is quick to point out that parents aren't to blame and needn't feel ashamed if they've made some missteps along the way. But they do have a responsibility to help their children overcome...

6. 

   18 Aug 2025

   Episode 13: Finding the Right School for Your Gifted or 2e Child with Dr. Jessica Potts

   As any parent of a gifted or twice exceptional child knows, finding a learning environment that's capable of meeting your child's particular needs can be a long and difficult journey. Traditional schools often fall short of providing the academic challenge, learning accommodations, or social-emotional support your child needs to be successful. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, host Julie Withrow sits down with Dr. Jessica Potts, curriculum coordinator at Davidson Academy...

7. 

   16 Jun 2025

   Episode 12: Debunking Misperceptions about Giftedness with Megan Cannella

   Megan Cannella of the Davidson Institute joins host Julie Withrow to debunk common myths about giftedness, particularly in girls who may not fit the stereotype, in this interview episode.

8. 

   26 Jan 2025

   Episode 11: Understanding Eating Disorders with Dr. Gail Post

   In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, host Julie Withrow sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Gail Post to unpack the complex relationship between neurodivergence and eating disorders. Drawing from decades of experience, Gail offers professional insights and practical advice for parents and caregivers navigating these challenges.🔑 Listen in as Gail shares:The surprising connections between autism, ADHD, and various eating disorders, and how neurodivergence may ...

9. 

   22 Sept 2024

   Episode 10: Reframing What It Means to Be Autistic with Dr. Melissa Edwards

   In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Melinda Edwards. As the mother of an autistic daughter and a practicing physician, Dr. Edwards’ views on autism may surprise you. Listen in as Dr. Edwards shares:How her initial feelings of grief and loss about her daughter's diagnosis shifted in a dramatic wayThe profound insights she's learned about being autistic from her daughter SaachiHow she rectifies the typical medical definition of autism with her...

10. 

    11 Apr 2024

    Episode 9: Navigating Gender Questioning & Exploration with Dr. Alexis Bitting

    In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Alexis Bitting, a licensed mental health counselor who holds a Ph.D. in clinical sexology.  Dr. Alexis has extensive experience working with neurodivergent young people, as well as those who are questioning their gender identity and sexuality. Listen in as Dr. Alexis shares her expertise and insights: Is this just a phase? How to know if your child's gender questioning is a special interest, if they're being influenced by their friends, or if it's "real." Cis and trans and nonbinary — oh my! Understanding gender vocabulary and why it's important. Breaking down gender identity: What gender is AND what it isn't. Dr. Alexis also shared two resources to help understand the differences between gender identity, gender expression, sexual gender, and sexual orientation: https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2018/10/the-genderbread-person-v4/ (https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2018/10/the-genderbread-person-v4/) https://www.autisticparentsuk.org/post/understanding-gender-identity-for-autistic-parents (https://www.autisticparentsuk.org/post/understanding-gender-identity-for-autistic-parents) About Dr. Alexis Bitting, Ph.D.: A licensed mental health counselor and clinical sexologist, Dr. Alexis Bitting works with children, teens, and adults with social and developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s, ADHD, non-verbal learning, and other challenges. With extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, as well as supporting young people who are questioning their gender identity and sexuality, she regularly presents on topics including gender diversity and neurodiversity, sexuality across the spectrum, and social skills development. To learn more about Dr. Alexis, visit https://www.southfloridatherapists.com/team/dr-alexis-bitting/ (https://www.southfloridatherapists.com/team/dr-alexis-bitting/). About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com (https://www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com/). **A Special Note about this Episode from the Host** This episode was especially personal for me. I’ve shared a little about my own child’s gender exploration. I even took some time away from the podcast to contemplate how to proceed since my own "daughter," who inspired this podcast and is now a senior in high school, no longer identifies as female. Where I landed is that whether my child identifies as a girl or not doesn’t change how I feel about the importance of raising awareness about the female experience of being neurodivergent. I’m also hopeful that by being transparent and sharing our experiences navigating gender identity, it will be helpful to others who are going through a similar experience. ***Some audio errors were found in the original release of this episode. Those errors were fixed, and the episode was updated on April 15, 2024.***

11. 

    1 Apr 2024

    Episode 8: Growing Up Smart, Sensitive & Dyslexic with Dr. Nicole Tetreault

    In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Dr. Nicole Tetreault. A neuroscientist, meditation teacher, international speaker, and author of Insight into a Bright Mind (https://www.amazon.com/Insight-Into-Bright-Nicole-Tetreault/dp/1953360033/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KGXRV1C5HEPZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pWkkDajoC_-ODCucUU7MV8HrN9lwmMSoqtfdt8bJh6IRnhNLhnw1uXCmT2oVGOsIOMrQLEciMAlLeWSoKDeKcRlNYvZ_LJizOQnRKcW153iOqFZxYzxEY1R0MrtoqRNwJAYydtpXbslOom4PU7PU-Jww5op44cZCiXW0wV9boW6ttEuq0XocTFMHJlscyYxIVLObsgvIaBTRGYWTAaBLEHqRGYO5zag36IJv1ovM_mc.8ZmQ04z2O8nNbUdCm7NK5Q9hTGNfuooG6soWzfsH90k&dib_tag=se&keywords=insight+into+a+bright+mind&qid=1711939738&sprefix=insight+into+a+%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1), Dr. Nicole shares: Personal and poignant stories of growing up as a sensitive and precocious girl who later learned she had dyslexia The pivotal experience that led her to become a neuroscientist How to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy perfectionism A simple but not always easy way to identify people pleasing and tap into what we really want Her one-word advice to parents about how to support their exceptional girls About Dr. Nicole Tetreault, Ph.D. Dr. Nicole is the founder of Awesome Neuroscience (https://www.nicoletetreault.com/) and Beyond the Cell (https://www.beyondthecell.org/).  Using positive neural plasticity with compassion and wisdom, Dr. Nicole believes in our ability to wire our minds for love and liberate ourselves to live the lives we dream. She translates the most promising neuroscience and positive psychology into corporate trainings and meditation retreats, supporting people around the world to increase creativity, deepen peace, and awaken compassion. About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com (https://www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com/).

12. 

    28 Jan 2024

    Episode 7: How Parents Can Support Their Exceptional Girls with Dr. Gail Post

    In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Dr. Gail Post, a clinical psychologist, professor, and author of The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children. Based on her many years of experience working with gifted and twice exceptional women and girls, Gail shares: Some of the not-so-obvious signs that your daughter may be struggling Why the middle school years are often challenging for exceptional girls Eye-opening statistics that explain why being a neurodivergent girl can be especially challenging Advice for supporting your daughter through the transition to middle school and beyond If you're the parent of a tween or middle-school aged exceptional girl, this episode is a must-listen. About Dr. Gail Post Gail is a Clinical Psychologist, a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, a workshop leader, and writer. Gail raised two gifted kids of her own, and she's been in practice for over 35 years, providing psychotherapy and parent coaching with a focus on the needs of the intellectually and musically gifted, and the twice-exceptional. In addition to contributing articles and chapters to several books, Gail is the author of the Gifted Challenges (https://giftedchallenges.blogspot.com/) blog and a book on parenting gifted kids called The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children (https://www.amazon.com/Gifted-Parenting-Journey-Self-Discovery-Families/dp/1953360157/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zEs1K&content-id=amzn1.sym.8cf3b8ef-6a74-45dc-9f0d-6409eb523603&pf_rd_p=8cf3b8ef-6a74-45dc-9f0d-6409eb523603&pf_rd_r=H4FBK2BN156HVHK88GZC&pd_rd_wg=7lvfv&pd_rd_r=fae75b41-108e-4ba3-8ea3-779b123b731f&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mi). About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com (https://www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com/).

13. 

    23 Jan 2024

    Episode 6: The Prevalence—and Price—of Underachievement with Brianne Hudak

    In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Brianne Hudak, a veteran educator, about the prevalence of underachievement in gifted and neurodivergent girls. A veteran teacher certified in gifted and talented education, as well as a school leader, Brianne shares: Why underachievement poses unique problems for girls How to spot the signs of underachievement, which can look different in girls than boys How to evaluate learning environments and talk with teachers to set your daughter up for success What you can do to support an underachieving girl — and why it's a problem worth prioritizing About Brianne Hudak Brianne has served in public, private, and charter schools for over 16 years, including teaching gifted and talented students, teaching STEM and theatre classes, and holding several administrative leadership positions. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in communications and theater, a certification in gifted and talented education, a master’s in educational administration and supervision, and she’s currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership. She is an active member of several state, federal, and international organizations serving gifted and exceptional children, including the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, the National Association for Gifted Children, and the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and She’s also the North Caroline state liaison for SENG. A vocal advocate for gifted learners, Brianne is especially passionate about overcoming underachievement in gifted and twice exceptional (2e) girls. About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com (https://www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com/).

14. 

    6 Oct 2023

    Episode 5: Giftedness and Early Identification in Girls with Dr. Linda Silverman

    In this episode of the Exceptional Girls podcast, you're invited to listen in as I talk with Dr. Linda Silverman, a well-known and respected expert in giftedness in both girls and adult women. Dr. Silverman shares invaluable information for parents and caregivers of girls who are gifted, or who they suspect may be.  You'll come away with a deeper understanding of: What giftedness really is and how it presents in girls differently than boys What you really need to know about IQ tests Why gifted and neurodivergent girls can easily slip through the cracks The critical clues that your daughter may be gifted or twice exceptional Why early identification of neurodivergence in girls is so important Dr. Silverman also shares helpful insights about gifted adult women at the end that you won't want to miss. About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit our website at: www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com (https://www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com/).

15. 

    5 Aug 2022

    Episode 4: A Candid Mother and Daughter Conversation, Part 2

    In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, you can listen in as I continue my conversation with Maddie, my neurodivergent and twice exceptional daughter. In episode 3, we talked about the challenges we faced as we tried to understand why why things seemed harder for her than other kids. Listen in on the second half of our no-holds-barred conversation, where Maddie and I talk about: My regrettable reaction to the results of her neuropsychological evaluation The light bulb moment for me — and how I found the missing link we needed How the female experience of neurodiversity is different than the male experience About the Exceptional Girls podcast If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, advocate for, and accept and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit our website at: www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com (https://www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com/).

16. 

    1 Aug 2022

    Episode 3: A Candid Mother and Daughter Conversation, Part 1

    If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, advocate for, and accept and love herself — just as she is. This episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, you'll hear part 1 of a two-part conversation I had with my twice exceptional daughter, Maddie. We talk about our experiences over the past several years as we grew to understand her unique wiring. Listen in to this candid and intimate conversation as Maddie and I discuss: What led us to explore why things seemed harder for her than other kids The challenges she's experienced as both a student and a daughter The mistakes and missteps I made as a mom, despite my best intentions Want to learn more about the podcast? Visit our website at: www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com (https://www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com/).

17. 

    28 Jun 2021

    Episode 1: Two Wishes for Our Smart but Struggling Girls

    If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, advocate for, and accept and love herself — just as she is. In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, you'll learn: The "why" behind the creation of this podcast More about my personal experience raising an exceptional girl The two things I hope you get from this podcast I'm not embarrassed to admit that creating this podcast took almost two years.  As the mom of my own exceptional daughter, I want to be certain I handle the topic of female neurodiversity with the care and thoughtfulness it deserves. (And like many of us who experience neurodiversity, I may be prone to overthinking and perfectionism.) To be clear, I'm not an expert on female neurodiversity. But I am a passionate advocate for helping our exceptional girls be seen for all that they are, supported with their challenges, and celebrated for their strengths and talents. I've experienced firsthand what it's like to raise a neurodiverse girl, and I've come to understand how I am one myself. Want to learn more about the podcast? Visit our website at: www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com (https://www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com/).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

13 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

34

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

82

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