All Brains Grow

Hormones and Hugs: The Chalak Family Story

Riwa Derbas Chalak joins me from Lebanon to share the story of her son Ziad, who is now 14 and entering a new phase of his autism journey. As Ziad moves through adolescence, Riwa opens up about the shifts her family has made—stepping away from traditional therapy, encouraging independence, and embracing real-life learning.
We talk about what it means to trust your instincts as a parent, the emotional toll of changing course after years of structure, and the powerful wins that come with seeing your child grow. From cooking and rock climbing to working without a shadow teacher, Ziad’s progress is a reminder that milestones don’t stop after early intervention—they evolve.
This is a conversation about hope, courage, and the ongoing process of finding what works—together, as a family.
 
Head to www.allbrainsgrow.com for support and resources

From Silence to Connection: How to Help Your Child Communicate Even Before a Diagnosis

When my son wasn't talking yet, I felt lost. As a neurotherapist, I thought I had the tools — but nothing was working. I didn’t know yet that he was deaf, and every day felt like a guessing game. In this episode, I share the raw, honest journey of trying to connect with him before we had answers.
If you're in that uncertain communication space — waiting for a diagnosis, wondering what’s “wrong,” or feeling like your child just can’t or won’t communicate — this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through the shift I made that changed everything: from waiting and worrying… to shaping communication in real time.
You’ll learn:
Why “wait and see” isn’t enough
What it means to “shape as you wait”
How to respond in ways that help your child want to communicate
Why improving brain function is key — no matter the diagnosis
This episode is part story, part strategy — and it’s all heart.
Don’t miss the free upcoming workshop on Tuesday April 29 with Dr. Lynette Louise and Krystel Alhayek. We’ll be diving even deeper into the tools that get kids communicating — with or without words.
Save your seat at: www.allbrainsgrow.com/registerapril29

Unlearning Motherhood: Joelle Lahlouh on Rare Diagnoses, Autism, and Finding Strength

When Joelle Lahlouh became a mother, nothing prepared her for what was to come. In this moving episode, Joelle opens up about raising her son Mounir, who was later diagnosed with a rare genetic condition and autism. She shares the emotional journey of unlearning everything she thought motherhood would be, navigating uncertainty, and hitting rock bottom — before choosing a new path rooted in healing, resilience, and self-prioritization.
We talk about the power of mindset, the critical role fitness played in her recovery, and how supporting your own well-being as a parent can be the most impactful way to support your child.
Whether you're a parent, professional, or someone touched by neurodivergence, Joelle’s story will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and reminded that strength can look like starting over.
 
Head to www.allbrainsgrow.com for support and resources.

Autism Myths or Inconvenient Truths? 5 autism beliefs that may be stopping growth

In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Host Louloua Smadi El Hajj and guest Krystel Alhayek come together for Autism Awareness Month to unpack 5 common myths about autism that may be standing in the way of real growth—for parents, professionals, and autistic individuals themselves.
From the damaging belief that autistic children are just being “difficult,” to the myth that they always need supervision or must be “fixed” to live a happy life, this episode invites you to gently unlearn and reframe outdated ideas. Louloua and Krystel bring their personal and professional experiences to the table, offering real-life examples, thoughtful reflections, and a much-needed reminder: when we change the lens, we change the possibilities.
✨ Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or just curious about how to better support autistic individuals, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and hopeful.
💬 Have more myths you think we should bust? Send them our way—we’d love to keep the conversation going.
Head to www.allbrainsgrow.com for parent support and resources

What It’s Really Like Being the Sibling of an Autistic Child: A Conversation Between Sisters with Yasmine Smadi

What does it really feel like growing up with an autistic sibling?
In this intimate and emotional conversation, I'm joined by my youngest sister, Yasmine Smadi, for the first time on All Brains Grow. Together, we open up about what it was like growing up in a loud, unpredictable home shaped by love, neurodivergence, and therapy programs—centered around our autistic brother, Milo.
Yasmine reflects on:
Being the “quiet kid” in a family of chaos
Watching her parents evolve through neurofeedback and the Son-Rise Program®
Finding her own bond with Milo—sometimes as the little sister, sometimes as the big one
How those early experiences led her to become a teacher and advocate for inclusion
The power of leading with love in education and at home
This episode is a love letter to all the siblings who walk alongside autism—whether they feel seen or not.
If you’ve ever wondered how autism shapes family roles, childhood memories, and career paths… this one’s for you.

How to Move from Stuck to Clear: The Reset That Changes Everything

Ever feel like your emotions are getting in the way of how you want to show up in tough moments? In this episode, I share The Reset Strategy—a powerful mindset shift that helps you pause, clear the noise, and respond with intention. Whether you're navigating conflict, meltdowns, or your own overwhelm, this tool can help you break free from emotional loops and get back to what matters most.
💬 Want more strategies like this? Book a free discovery call to learn how BioPlay can support you and your child at home.

"Am I Playing God?" – A Conversation on Raising Special Needs Children with Dr Lynette Louise

When guiding a neurodivergent child, how do we balance teaching them new skills while respecting who they inherently are? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr Lynette Louise, neurotherapist, mother of eight (six with special needs), and creator of BioPlay, to explore the art of teaching, motivation, and connection.
We discuss:✅ The difference between teaching and changing a child✅ Why motivation is just as crucial as regulation✅ How to set high expectations while embracing the present moment✅ The power of listening and genuine connection in neurodivergent communication
If you resonated with this conversation, this is exactly what 1:1 BioPlay support looks like—tailored, insightful guidance to help your child grow in a way that works for their unique brain.
💡 Want to bring BioPlay into your home? Book a free discovery call today and explore how this transformative approach can support your family.
👉 Click Here To Learn More & Book Your Free Call

Is Flexibility the Key to Helping Neurodivergent Kids Thrive? with Krystel Alhayek

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

Beyond Burnout: How Parents of Autistic & Dyspraxic Kids Can Reclaim Their Well-Being

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.

Mom, Not Teacher: The Hardest Lesson to Learn in Autism Parenting For Jessica Behna Beydoun

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.