Today we’re diving into what it really looks like to advocate for our neurodivergent kids in school in a way that’s truly aligned with who they are. My guest is Dr. Destiny Huff, a trauma therapist, advocate, and educator whose work is deeply informed by her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic mother.
In our conversation, we explore the limitations and pitfalls of traditional IEP processes, what a genuinely neurodiversity-affirming approach can look like in practice, and how families can build more effective, collaborative relationships with schools. Destiny shares both big-picture reframes and practical strategies, offering a grounded, honest look at how to navigate systems that weren’t designed with our kids in mind, while still holding onto possibility and meaningful change.
About Dr. Destiny Huff
Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, is a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mental health therapist, non-attorney special education advocate, and national speaker. She is the founder of Destiny Huff Consulting, where she supports families and schools in implementing neuroaffirming practices and navigating the IEP process.
As the mother of two neurodivergent learners in public school special education, Dr. Huff brings both lived and professional experience to her work. She focuses on dismantling deficit-based narratives in education and addressing the intersection of race, disability, and trauma.
Dr. Huff has presented nationally and co-hosts The Affirming Village Podcast, where she explores advocacy, disability justice, and the realities of navigating special education systems.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How Dr. Huff’s journey from parent to advocate informs her approach to neurodiversity-affirming support
Why individualized, meaningful IEPs matter more than compliance-driven plans
How systemic barriers like underfunding and lack of training impact school support for neurodivergent students
What distinguishes traditional IEPs from neuroaffirming ones—and how that shows up in real life
How documenting data at home can strengthen advocacy for accommodations and services
Why supporting kids in understanding themselves and building self-advocacy is essential, alongside leveraging community and advocacy to create change
Resources mentioned
Neuroaffirming Advocacy: A Neuroaffirming Guide to Special Education Advocacy
Destiny Huff Consulting
Advocating for Kids, Inc. (Cheryl Poe)
Affirming Village Podcast with Lisa Baskin-Wright
Dr. Destiny Huff on Instagram
Dr. Destiny Huff on Facebook
Lisa Baskin Wright
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