The Parenting Cipher is the podcast for innovative Black parents raising neurodiverse and special needs children who want clear answers, fresh strategies, and a supportive community. Each week, host Genie Dawkins — best-selling author, award-winning podcaster, and unstoppable advocate — breaks down the intersections of special education, family lifestyle, and advocacy so you can confidently lead your child’s educational journey. Genie has walked this path herself, helping her own children access…
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Are you worried your child might forget crucial academic skills during the summer break? Wondering how to keep them engaged, confident, and ready for the new school year without turning your home into a classroom? In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Pam Roggeman, Dean of the College of Education at the University of Phoenix and a former award-winning high school English teacher, joins Genie…
Are you planning a summer adventure to an amusement park but worried about how to make the experience accessible and enjoyable for your child with disabilities? This episode dives deep into the essential tools, systems, and mindsets families need to know before heading out for summer fun—so you can spend more time making memories and less time feeling overwhelmed. The conversation focused on the…
Why do I always put my kids first — until I am completely drained and barely recognize myself? ABOUT THIS EPISODE Burnout sneaks up on Black and brown parents raising neurodiverse kids. There’s this pressure to grind, stay strong, and ignore your own needs while holding everything together for your family. But exhaustion is not just part of life; it's a warning sign that your body and mind can’t…
Why is homework such a battle at the end of the year—especially when my child is already struggling, and the school's answers don't add up? ABOUT THIS EPISODE Homework always gets harder in the last weeks of school, not because our kids are lazy, but because their brains and bodies are tired from months of pushing through systems that rarely meet their needs. For Black and brown parents raising…
Why does my Black autistic or anxious child’s school anxiety get worse every spring, and nothing the school suggests actually helps? ABOUT THIS EPISODE Spring is when many of our kids’ anxiety spikes, and the usual school advice is not made for Black and brown neurodiverse families. For children with an autism or anxiety diagnosis, the end of the year is a pressure cooker. Family fears,…
Why does my neurodiverse child start shutting down, acting out, or refusing work when we’re so close to the end of the school year? ABOUT THIS EPISODE When your child seems to hit a wall in the final weeks of school, it’s not a character flaw or your failure as a parent. Their brains have been in overdrive all year, working harder than most people realize just to keep up — and by May, the tank is…
In this special bonus episode, I’m sharing a spoken-word piece created just for The Parenting Cipher community — a moment of calm in a season that can feel loud, rushed, and overwhelming for our neurodivergent kids and for us as parents. “We Slow the Season Down” is a reminder that even when the world moves too fast, we have the power to create space, steady the pace, and protect our children’s…
Do you find yourself worrying that your child’s academic progress—and your own parenting—are being measured only by grades and big milestones? In this heartfelt episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins explores how parents can recognize and celebrate the quieter wins, support their children’s unique strengths, and give themselves grace—all while navigating the pressures of expectations at…
Have you ever felt lost or anxious when your child gets sick—especially when trying to navigate the healthcare system as the parent of a neurodiverse or minority child? Wondering how to advocate confidently for your child’s medical needs or open doors that support their long-term success, from managing acute illness to exploring STEM careers? In this powerful episode of The Parenting Cipher ,…
Ever wonder how you can keep your neurodiverse child regulated and happy amid the overstimulation, social pressures, and chaos of the holiday season? In this episode of The Parenting Cipher, Genie Dawkins shares her personal journey of navigating holiday triggers, family microaggressions, and anxiety—while empowering parents with practical tools to help their neurodiverse kids find calm during…
