Speaker Series
Latest Events
Understanding and Parenting Demand-Avoidant Children by Maratea Cantarella, LMSW
Friday, March 20, 2026 • 12 p.m. ET
Parenting a demand-avoidant child can be both confusing and exhausting. Even minor requests can trigger significant distress or shutdown. Between home and school, children encounter hundreds of demands each, and without realizing it, parents and teachers may inadvertently exceed a child’s capacity to cope, leading to resistance, even around preferred activities.
This presentation will outline key characteristics of demand avoidance and introduce practical, low-demand parenting strategies, including increasing “demand awareness” and using communication approaches that reduce a child’s overall demand load.
Maratea Cantarella, LMSW is a social worker providing clinical and parent coaching services through the clinical practice of Melissa Sornik, LCSW PLLC, and is also a candidate at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. She works primarily with parents of children who are gifted, twice exceptional, and neurodivergent.
Previous Events
Misdiagnosis & Misunderstanding: 2e/HSPs by Dr. Sandra Clifton, Ed.D., BCET, PCC, SLDI
January 14, 2026, 12 p.m. ET
The Power of Co-Regulation in Neurodiverse Parenting
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Bridging the Gap: Talking to Our Kids About Mental Health
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A Game-Based Approach to Connection and Socioemotional Skill Building
Dr. Michael Fu
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“Trying to Fill the Black Hole: How to Parent a Gifted Child”
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"The Future of Navigating Digital Spaces"
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Supporting Your Child with Polyvagal Theory and The Safe and Sound Protocol
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“Working with 2e/LGBTQ+ Youth”
Julia Rutkovsky, LCSW
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The Power of Meaningful Relationships and Mentorship for the 2e Population
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Ashley Bove, LMSW
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Unraveling the Rumored Link Between Neurodivergence and Mental Illness
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"Transition Planning For When Your Child Turns 18"
Patricia A. Craig, Esq.
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"Helping Youth Unplug: Internet, Technology and Screen Addiction”
Dr. Michael Fraser
"Sibling Relationships: Raising Neurodivergent AND Neurotypical Kids"
Ashley Bove, LMSW
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"Strategically Supporting Executive Functioning at Home"
Dr. Stephanie Phekoo
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“Setting Limits and Boundaries with your 2e Child"
Melissa Sornik, LCSW
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