Hot Topics Ep. 2 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Inclusivity

02/26/25 • 32 min

In this episode of Hot Topics, hosts J Fotsch and Will Cox sit down with Dr. Kyle John, Medical Director at Arc of the Ozarks, to explore neurodiversity, inclusivity, and early intervention for autism and other developmental disorders.

Dr. John explains what neurodiversity is, how early diagnosis impacts long-term outcomes, and why dads often struggle more than moms when their child receives a diagnosis. The discussion also highlights the importance of inclusive education, breaking stigmas, and advocating for neurodiverse children at home, school, and in the community.

This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to better understand neurodiversity and how to support children with unique learning needs.

Episode Highlights

[05:00]"The earlier you diagnose, the better the outcome."

[06:56]"Your brain may be structured and function differently, but that’s not something to feel bad about."

[08:06]"Men struggle to see their kids as flawed... They think, ‘He’s just being a boy.’"

[14:33]"If I learn about you, I realize we have more in common than differences."

[21:51]"Instead of judging, say, ‘That kid’s having a hard day. I hope they get the support they need.’"

[26:32]"It’s not a knowledge-based disorder, it’s a performance-based disorder."

[31:19]"I love you, but I don’t like this behavior. Let’s work on it."

Resources

📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com

📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]

This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to better understand neurodiversity and how to support children with unique learning needs.

Episode Highlights

[05:00]"The earlier you diagnose, the better the outcome."

[06:56]"Your brain may be structured and function differently, but that’s not something to feel bad about."

[08:06]"Men struggle to see their kids as flawed... They think, ‘He’s just being a boy.’"

[14:33]"If I learn about you, I realize we have more in common than differences."

[21:51]"Instead of judging, say, ‘That kid’s having a hard day. I hope they get the support they need.’"

[26:32]"It’s not a knowledge-based disorder, it’s a performance-based disorder."

[31:19]"I love you, but I don’t like this behavior. Let’s work on it."

Resources

📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com

📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]

Previous Episode

The Intentional Dad Ep 2 - Instilling Kindness, Responsibility & Teamwork

In this episode of The Intentional Dad, hosts Jason Hynson and J. Fotsch welcome guest David Anderson, a school counselor, father of three and 2024 Dad of the Year honoree. Together they dive into what it means to instill kindness, responsibility and teamwork in children both at home and in the community.

David shares how his experience in the Peace Corps shaped his family's commitment to service, including taking each of his children on a mission trip before they graduate. The conversation highlights how leading by example, fostering gratitude and encouraging responsibility through everyday actions help shape the next generation.

Join us for an insightful discussion on how small intentional steps can create a lasting impact on children, families and communities.

Episode Highlights

[01:50] "My wife is pretty special. She submitted an essay for me, and somehow I got selected as a 2024 Dad of the Year. She probably made me look way better than I really am."

[03:41] "When you live in a third-world country for a while, you realize just how blessed you are. It gives you a sense of wanting to spread that and give back."

[11:56] "I tell kids if you're only filling buckets when you're doing big grandiose things you're never going to be good at this. It's about the day-to-day small things that make an impact."

[13:02] "I think one of the best ways to teach responsibility is to put your kids in sports or activities outside the home. They learn firsthand that hard work and commitment lead to results.”

[14:19] "I thought I was helping my sons by making everything a competition, but looking back, I probably created more sibling rivalry than teamwork."

Resources

Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast! Learn more at gooddads.com Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected].

Next Episode

The Difference a Dad Makes Ep. 2 - Encouraging Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

In this episode of The Difference a Dad Makes, hosts Brian and J Fotsch welcome Rudy Martinez, Director of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, to explore the role of curiosity, outdoor exploration, and lifelong learning in parenting.

Rudy shares how his love for the outdoors influenced his parenting style and how exposing kids to nature sparks curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The conversation highlights why hands-on experiences matter, how fathers can foster curiosity in their children, and simple ways to get outside—even for families new to outdoor activities.

Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or just looking for ways to connect with your child, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and inspiration for raising curious, resilient kids.

Episode Highlights

[01:42] "You can see in the eyes of your child when they learn something new—from the moment they’re born through their teens."

[10:07] "If you just provide the opportunity to be outside, people will start noticing things around them—whether they realize it or not."

[12:30] "He got curious because he got to experience. That was the thing—being experiential in nature led to his curiosity moving forward."

[14:45] "Children are like sponges—they absorb everything from us. The way we react is the way they may react too."

[22:15] "In today’s world, everything is preprogrammed. When you go camping, you’re forced to slow down and figure things out—how do we fill this time without screens?"

[29:34] "We’ve lost critical reasoning skills in today’s society. When you're outdoors, you don’t have Google to lean on—you have to figure it out."

Resources

📩 Sign up for the Good Dads Newsletter and never miss a podcast!

🌐 Learn more at gooddads.com

📧 Questions or comments? Reach out to Good Dads at [email protected]