Podcast Summary

Podcast: ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka
Episode: EP. 348: Doing It Differently — ADHD, Autism & Rewriting the Script for Our Kids with Natasha M. Nurse, Esq.
Date: September 3, 2025
Host: Tracy Otsuka
Guest: Natasha M. Nurse, Esq.

Episode Overview

This episode features Natasha M. Nurse, Esq., a neurodivergent leader, strategist, and Managing Director at MRM Education. Tracy and Natasha delve into Natasha's dual ADHD and autism diagnosis, her journey as an adult and mother, and her mission to create inclusive systems for neurodivergent learners. The conversation is rich with lived experience, frank reflections on childhood, parenting philosophies, the intersection of culture and achievement, and practical insights on educational reform.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Natasha’s Diagnosis and Neurodivergent Journey

• Motherhood as Catalyst: Natasha describes how becoming a mother sparked her journey toward understanding her brain, as she struggled with overwhelming emotions in response to her son’s crying ([04:09]).
• Dual Diagnosis: She was diagnosed at age 37 with both autism (level 1) and ADHD, "combined type," leading to new self-understanding ([04:09]).
• Childhood Loneliness: Natasha recalls feeling "like an alien" as a child, never quite connecting with peers and finding solace in books and adult films ([07:30]).
• Cultural Expectations: Achievement-oriented parenting, stemming from her Jamaican upbringing, played a central role in her academic drive but also left her perpetually chasing the next milestone ([08:50]).

Quote:
"I've always...felt like I was an alien, feeling like I just didn't know how to connect...I grew up very lonely...I did well in school, like so many of us do, but it just was a lonely, challenging experience." — Natasha ([04:09])

Parenting & Rewriting the Script

• Conscious Parenting: Natasha intentionally fosters self-reflection and emotional awareness in her son, emphasizing self-pride over external validation ([11:23]).
• Breaking Intergenerational Patterns: She asks her son, “Are you happy? Are you proud of yourself?”, questions she never heard growing up ([11:28]).
• Finding Community: Through intentional parenting, Natasha supports her son (also autistic) in forging meaningful friendships and practicing social skills ([13:16]).

Quote:
"Every time we go to swimming or soccer, I don't tell him I'm proud of him, I say, ‘Are you proud of yourself?’ What did you enjoy the most out of this? I want him to be reflective around experiences." — Natasha ([11:28])

Coming Into Her Own

• College as Turning Point: Natasha credits Penn State for helping her develop interpersonal skills and self-understanding, especially meeting her now-husband ([15:16]).
• Law School & Career: Despite challenges, the structure and logic of law appealed to her neurodivergent mind. She shifted from traditional law to education-focused leadership ([19:01], [20:17]).

Quote:
"I have been creating rules as to how to live life. ...The parts of life that become more difficult for me are when I don't have a set rule and I have to figure it out." — Natasha ([19:01])

Reimagining Education for Neurodivergent Learners

• MRM Education: As Managing Director, Natasha helps build inclusive educational systems, consults with families, and develops strategic partnerships ([21:13]).
• Philosophy: Meeting each learner where they are—"Our brains work the way they work. So let's figure out how to make it work in an efficient and productive way" ([21:13]).
• Challenges in Public Education: Natasha and Tracy discuss how overwhelmed educators are unprepared for true inclusion, and how services like MRM fill those gaps ([24:14]-[30:59]).
• Systemic Change: Natasha stresses the importance of honesty from educators and parents, thorough needs assessments, and teaching to students' interests to create real transformation ([30:40]-[35:14]).

Quote:
"We want to meet the child where the child is at, and we want to create systems and educate in a way that helps people thrive...When you try to do the opposite, it doesn't work." — Natasha ([21:13])

ADHD, Autism, and Leadership

• ADHD Strengths: Natasha credits ADHD for her wide range of interests, drive for holistic professional development, and adaptability ([37:40]).
• Hyperfocus: She describes long stretches of creative productivity but notes the physical cost and need for boundaries ([38:28]-[39:52]).
• Strategies: Natasha relies on calendar-blocking (supported by her autistic trait of loving rules), content creation for accountability, and being interrupted by her son to break hyperfocus ([41:08]-[43:20]).

Quote:
"I live and die by calendar blocking. So now I just put in lunch break, walk, drink water, because if I don't, then I won't." — Natasha ([41:08])

• Emotional Growth: Natasha practices self-education and radical self-acceptance, and is determined to model emotional openness for her son ([44:21]-[45:41]).

Memorable Quotes

• On Brains:
  "Your ADHD brain is not the problem. The way you've been taught to use it is." — Tracy ([00:05])

• On Social Connection:
  "Adult friendships, like, are convenient. People will only make time for you when it works for them...But at least with school, if you can forge relationships early on and intentionally foster them...hopefully they can go into their adult life feeling more secured and connected to others." — Natasha ([13:39])

• On Educational Philosophy:
  "If we could teach to interest…But in order to do that, we're going to have to nix the whole school system. Because the school system insists on going wide instead of deep." — Tracy ([33:23])

• On Authenticity in Parenting:
  "He's the only person who just wants the totality of me. I don't have to be a certain version of me for him. He wants all of Mommy...I've never felt that before." — Natasha ([47:04])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:05–03:47 — Introduction, Tracy’s vision, Natasha’s intro
• 04:09–07:30 — Natasha’s childhood and late diagnosis
• 08:50–12:26 — Achievement culture, self-worth, and parenting differently
• 13:16–16:21 — Social skills, motherhood reflections, fostering community
• 19:01–21:13 — Structural learning preferences, transitioning to law and beyond
• 21:13–24:14 — MRM Education’s mission and Natasha’s leadership
• 24:14–30:59 — Challenges in public education, supporting diverse learners
• 30:59–35:14 — Systemic change, teaching to students’ interests
• 37:40–39:52 — ADHD as leadership superpower, hyperfocus, setting boundaries
• 41:08–43:47 — Calendar tricks, self-awareness, content-driven accountability
• 44:21–46:53 — Emotional intelligence, modeling for children
• 47:04–48:11 — Authentic love and removing the mask with her son
• 48:50–49:22 — Where to find Natasha and MRM Education

Further Resources & Where to Find Natasha

• MRM Education: mrmeducation.com
• MRM Swellcast Channel: swellcast.com/mrm
• Tracy’s Academy: Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy

Listener Takeaways

• Neurodivergence can be a source of creativity, leadership, and resilience.
• Intentional, emotionally attuned parenting radically improves outcomes for neurodivergent kids.
• Education must evolve to celebrate difference, meet students’ interests, and support teachers.
• Hyperfocus is both a gift and a challenge; boundaries and self-care are essential.
• Self-acceptance starts with understanding the “why” behind your brain’s wiring.

Final Note:
This episode is a powerful testament to the value of embracing neurodivergence and rewriting the scripts around achievement, education, and parenting. Both Tracy and Natasha offer laughter, wisdom, and concrete steps to help families, educators, and individuals support neurodivergent people in thriving as their full selves.