All Brains Grow
Progress can often feel impossible. Whether you’re parenting a neurodivergent child, navigating a life-changing conflict, or struggling to help yourself, it’s easy to feel stuck and overwhelmed. But I’ve learned through my journey—from growing up with an autistic brother, raising a deaf son with cochlear implants, to working as a neurotherapist—that growth is always within reach. Every brain can learn and adapt, no matter the diagnosis. Hosted by Louloua Smadi El Hajj, founder of the educational platform All Brains Grow and author of ”From Client to Clinician”, this podcast offers tools, stories, and conversations to help guide you through possibilities which you might have thought unimaginable. I’ll be sharing insights from inspiring caregivers, experts, and my personal experiences, answering questions like: ”How can I support my child’s development at home?”, ”What therapies or interventions are most effective?”, ”How do I manage challenging behaviours?”, ”How do I take care of myself?”, ”Am I doing enough for my child?”, ”How can I manage my feelings of guilt or grief?”, ”How do I stay resilient and optimistic?” No matter how hard things may seem, believing in growth and change can lead to transformation—for your child, your family, and yourself. From neurodiversity to mental health, therapy, parenting or science, we won’t shy away from asking the vulnerable questions that will get you the intimacy and knowledge that you’ve been craving. Let’s rewrite the narrative around neurodivergence and celebrate the everyday heroes who are moving mountains. Together, we’ll build a life of confidence, love, and acceptance—one story at a time. Visit allbrainsgrow.com/podcast for support and resources, and be sure to rate, review and subscribe wherever you’re listening to never miss a episode! (Parenting neurodivergent children, autism, neurodiversity, therapy, mental health, science, support for families with special needs, managing behaviors, home therapy techniques, sibling dynamics, resilience, and self-care for parents.)
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
Supporting neurodivergent children in learning, communication, and daily life requires more than just structure—it requires flexibility. In this episode of All Brains Grow, I sit down with Krystel Alhayek, a neurodiversity specialist and my teammate at All Brains Grow, to explore how adapting our approach can lead to real progress for children who think and learn differently.
We discuss:- Why flexibility is essential when working with neurodivergent kids- The balance between structure and adaptability in learning and behavior- How allowing stimming, choices, and natural learning leads to better outcomes- Why rigid expectations can hinder progress—and what to do instead
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to help a child fit into a system that doesn’t work, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover practical, science-backed strategies that help create an environment where growth happens naturally.
🎧 Listen now and start embracing flexibility for better learning and connection.
Head to allbrainsgrow.com/podcast for resources and support

Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Are you constantly running on empty? Do you feel like no matter how much “self-care” you do, burnout keeps creeping back in? You’re not alone. Parents of autistic and dyspraxic/ developmental coordination disorder (DCD) kids experience some of the highest levels of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion, yet their own well-being is often overlooked.
In this episode of All Brains Grow, I sit down with clinical psychologist and PhD candidate Lea Chawki, who studies the mental health of parents raising neurodivergent children. We break down:
- Why traditional self-care often fails parents of autistic & dyspraxic kids- What research shows actually helps—from mindset shifts to real-life strategies- How to move beyond survival mode and start feeling stronger, calmer, and more in control
If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a break, overwhelmed by daily challenges, or just worn out from advocating for your child, this episode is for you. Real talk, research-backed insights, and practical tools—because your well-being matters too.

Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
As parents, we want to teach our kids everything—how to navigate the world, how to grow, how to thrive. But when does teaching become too much? When does guiding turn into pushing? And how do we strike the balance between structure and freedom?
Jessy is the perfect example of this. A lifelong educator, she spent years shaping how children learn, only to realize that when it came to raising her autistic son, Nathan, she had to unlearn everything she thought she knew. In this conversation, we talk about the limits of teaching—how too much structure can take the joy out of learning, yet too little can leave a child lost. Jessy shares her journey of stepping back, of shifting from being a teacher to simply being a mom, and how she’s still learning every day.

Friday Jan 31, 2025
Reclaiming Our Narrative: Deema Al Alami on Culture, Education & Books
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Raising children who are deeply connected to their culture, proud of their heritage, and confident in their identity is more important than ever. In this episode, I sit down with Deema Al Alami, a Palestinian educator, author, and advocate, who has spent over 16 years shaping the way children and families engage with Arabic culture through literature and education. From co-authoring books like “48 Stories of Exile” on body safety and Palestinian heritage to launching the Arab Child Summit, Deema is on a mission to help Arab parents embrace their values while raising the next generation.
We talk about the power of reading, the challenges of parenting in a world full of outside influences, and why creating stories that reflect our realities matters. If you've ever questioned whether you're "doing parenting right" or struggled to find children's books that speak to your experience, this episode is for you.You can get your copy of "48 Stories of Exile From Palestine" with proceeds going to the PCRF here: https://www.48stories.com/products/48-stories-of-exile-from-palestine
For more ressources and support, find us at https://allbrainsgrow.com/podcast/

Friday Jan 24, 2025
Unlocking Potential In Occupational Therapy With Raghida Ashkar
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Join me as I explore The Developing Child Center in Dubai with neuro-pediatric occupational therapist Raghida Ashkar. From her personal journey in post-war Lebanon to her work with neurodiverse children, Raghida shares her empathetic, hands-on approach to therapy while guiding us through the center’s neuroscience and sensory rooms. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: believe in every child's potential and work tirelessly to help them achieve it.

Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
There’s no universal blueprint for parenting—especially when it comes to balancing connection and correction. In this episode, I sit down with Karen Abou Jaoude and Sarah Raslan, the minds behind The Wise Parent, to explore their transformative approach to parenting. Combining their Arab roots with a Western perspective, they offer insights into navigating the complex dynamics of discipline, connection, and fostering resilience in children. Drawing from their coaching experiences and our shared reflections, we discuss how small shifts in awareness and intentionality can create meaningful change—not just in parenting but in shaping the next generation. Whether you're a parent or simply curious about the ripple effect of connection, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink what it means to guide, nurture, and grow.

Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Hooked on Struggle: Why It’s Blocking Your Growth
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
What does it really take to change? In this solo episode, I share a raw and personal experience about transforming my 15-month-old daughter's chaotic sleep patterns into peaceful nights, and what it taught me about the science—and struggle—of change. I dive into the invisible addictions that hold us back, the roles we unconsciously play in perpetuating problems—both our own and those of others—and how rewiring our brains can create lasting transformation. As we step into a new year, let’s uncover the messy, rewarding truth about growth and the power we have to create real change—not just for ourselves, but for the people we love.
Head to www.allbrainsgrow.com/podcast for support and resources.

Friday Dec 20, 2024
From Cerebral Palsy to a Dancing Queen - Maya’s Story
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Leila Nashabe shares her journey of raising her daughter Maya, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. From the confusing early days of the diagnosis to the incredible moment of watching Maya dance on stage, Leila walks us through the struggles, the sacrifices, and the little victories that meant the world to her family.
This isn’t just about cerebral palsy; it’s about a mother who had to slow down, shift her whole world, and find a new balance between who she was and who she needed to be for her daughter. Maya’s journey to the stage, despite all the odds, shows just how far love and belief can take you. Every challenge can lead to a beautiful, defiant dance. Head to www.allbrainsgrow.com/podcast for support and resources.

Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Let’s be honest: Talking about sexual health isn’t exactly a strength—or a regular habit—in the Arab world. These topics are often shrouded in taboo and remain under-researched in our region. But no matter how uncomfortable they make us, these conversations are essential.
In this episode, Dr. Asmahan shares transformative insights on how to navigate these discussions with honesty and practicality. She offers a realistic framework for families in the region and reminds us that sometimes, the first step is simply learning to say the words we tend to whisper out loud.

Friday Dec 06, 2024
Friday Dec 06, 2024
Kicking off our first guest episode with the inspiration behind All Brains Grow: my mom..
Growing up, she made it all look effortless, as if caring for my autistic brother came naturally. But when I sat down and asked her intentional questions, I realized how far from the truth that illusion was. My brother, now an independent 30-year-old and a sous-chef, wouldn’t be the man he is today without her unwavering support.
Head to www.allbrainsgrow.com/podcast for support and resources