Why So Many Neurodivergent Kids Struggle in School — And What Needs to Change

If school feels more like a battle than a place to learn, this conversation will hit home.

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Riegel to talk about why so many neurodivergent students are misunderstood in classrooms, IEP meetings, and behavior systems. We get into the gap between what schools measure, what they actually support, and why that mismatch can leave kids feeling like they’re the problem.

I’m sharing a conversation that goes beyond labels like ADHD and autism and gets to the heart of what many parents, educators, and caregivers see every day: bright kids struggling in systems that were never built with their brains in mind. You’ll hear why behavior is often misread, what schools miss about executive functioning, and how small shifts in the classroom can change far more than most people expect.

About the guest: Lisa Riegel is an educator, leadership expert, and author of NeuroWell. She works with schools and professionals to bring brain-based practices into real learning spaces, with a strong focus on helping students feel safe, seen, and supported.

If you’ve ever wondered why some kids keep falling through the cracks—or what it could look like if we actually got it right—this episode will give you a lot to think about.

Timestamps

• 0:03 - I welcome Lisa Riegel and set up the conversation
• 0:30 - What Lisa noticed early about students who didn’t fit the system
• 2:08 - Why IEP data and school supports often don’t match
• 4:37 - Why behavior plans can miss what autistic students really need
• 7:33 - The personal moment that changed Lisa’s work forever
• 12:09 - A simple classroom shift that helped students focus better
• 16:49 - Why teachers need a better understanding of how the brain works
• 23:22 - What Lisa wishes more people understood about ADHD and autism
• 31:52 - The biggest mistake schools make about behavior
• 33:31 - Small changes that created big results in real classrooms
• 38:29 - Where the education system breaks down most for neurodivergent people
• 47:36 - What helps neurodivergent minds thrive

Listen in, then share this with a parent, teacher, or caregiver who needs this conversation. #Neurodivergent #ADHD #AutismAwareness #InclusiveEducation #IEP

Hosted by Reid Miles.
Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush.

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📩 Guest inquiries & media: Reid@AspergersStudio.com

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