Before You Label It: What’s Actually Normal in Childhood? | Katie Davis (Bonus Episode)

When our children struggle - with attention, learning, emotions, friendships, or behavior - it's natural to wonder: Is something wrong? Do we need an evaluation? Am I missing something?

Clinical neuropsychologist and learning disorder expert Dr. Katie Davis, author of Actually, You're Fine, joins me to unpack the increasingly complicated world of childhood development and diagnosis. We talk about the difference between a symptom and a disorder, how much developmental variation is actually normal, and why parents may need to become more comfortable observing a struggle before immediately trying to fix it.

Katie also explains how to recognize when a child genuinely needs additional support, what parents should consider before pursuing an evaluation, and how to advocate for a child without inadvertently sending the message that something is “wrong” with them.

This conversation isn't about dismissing diagnoses or necessary interventions. It's about becoming more thoughtful about when to worry, when to seek help, and when our kids may simply need time and space to develop.

Links Discussed in This Episode |Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.Subscribe to the Minimalist Moms Youtube ChannelPrevious Episode: Your Teen’s Brain Isn’t Broken: Understanding ADHD Beyond Behavior | Dr. Tamara Rosier (Bonus Episode)Nikole Hannah Jones essayConnect with Katie:WebsiteInstagramBook: Actually, You’re Fine: A Compassionate, Practical Guide to Maximizing Your Child's Potential in the Age of Anxiety

About Katie |Dr. Katie Davis is a clinical neuropsychologist, child development expert, and author of Actually, You’re Fine. She specializes in helping children with learning and developmental challenges and serves as an assistant professor of psychology at Yeshiva University. Her research focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities, and child mental health, with work published in leading academic journals. She has also been featured in New York Magazine, Psychology Today, and Reader’s Digest. Dr. Davis lives in New York City with her family.

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