Dr. Liz Angoff

Dr. Liz Angoff Helping kids understand their amazing brains!

Often, we think of demand avoidance as what individuals are trying to get away from. But what is it that they are trying...
07/08/2026

Often, we think of demand avoidance as what individuals are trying to get away from.
But what is it that they are trying to hold onto?
For many PDAers, autonomy is incredibly important. One practitioner described autonomy as if it were a baby - you hold onto it, cherish it, care for it, and only give it to those you trust completely.

No matter how many evaluations a family has been through, the information they are hearing can sound different, hit them...
07/01/2026

No matter how many evaluations a family has been through, the information they are hearing can sound different, hit them differently, every time.

I remember working with one family whose child was first identified by the school district as autistic at age 3. He was now 13 and had had many evaluations. And yet...this was the first time they were hearing the diagnosis from an outside professional. While I assumed the diagnosis was "known information," mom burst into tears as soon as I mentioned it. We took a step back and talked about what autism means...and more importantly what it meant for her 13yo. I never made that assumption again.

Each family we work with is on a different journey. We owe it to them to approach every conversation with curiosity, humility, and respect for where they are in their process.

Supporting trans youth doesn't always require big changes.Often, it's the small moments that matter most: using a child'...
06/24/2026

Supporting trans youth doesn't always require big changes.

Often, it's the small moments that matter most: using a child's chosen name, respecting their pronouns, and ensuring they feel seen in the spaces we create.

As clinicians, we have countless opportunities to help children feel recognized, respected, and understood.

The words we choose don't just document a child's experience—they become part of the story a child tells themselves about who they are.

This Pride Month, let's continue building practices where every child has the opportunity to feel safe being their authentic self.🏳️‍🌈

The language we use with children matters.Phrases like “it’s just a phase” are often said with the intention of minimizi...
06/10/2026

The language we use with children matters.

Phrases like “it’s just a phase” are often said with the intention of minimizing worry or uncertainty. But for many kids, those words can unintentionally communicate that their feelings, identity, or experiences are not being taken seriously.

Affirming language doesn’t require parents to have every answer. Often, it simply means creating space for curiosity, safety, and open conversation while a child continues learning about themselves.

Kids have big questions about ADHD.-What is ADHD?-Why do some people have it?-What does neurodivergent mean?-How can I b...
06/05/2026

Kids have big questions about ADHD.

-What is ADHD?

-Why do some people have it?

-What does neurodivergent mean?

-How can I better understand my brain?

🎧 Join me and host Jane Lindholm on a recent episode of But Why? A Podcast for Curious Kids as we answer questions submitted by kids from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective.

If you have a curious ADHDer at home, this is a great resource to listen to together!

Comment PODCAST for a direct link, or check it wherever you get your podcasts.

One of the most powerful things we can do for children is help them put words to what’s happening inside.Feeling underst...
05/27/2026

One of the most powerful things we can do for children is help them put words to what’s happening inside.

Feeling understood can change the way kids experience themselves, their emotions, and the world around them.

Mental health support doesn’t always start with having the right answer. Sometimes it starts with listening.🌈

Mental Health Awareness Month is also about listening to the ways kids explain their own experiences.Children often desc...
05/20/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month is also about listening to the ways kids explain their own experiences.

Children often describe big feelings in ways that are honest, creative, and surprisingly insightful. When we slow down and listen, we create opportunities for kids to feel seen, understood, and supported.

For many neurodivergent kids, the emotional weight doesn’t come from being different. It comes from constantly feeling c...
05/13/2026

For many neurodivergent kids, the emotional weight doesn’t come from being different. It comes from constantly feeling corrected, misunderstood, overwhelmed, or pressured to function in ways that don’t align with how their brains work.

Mental health awareness includes creating environments where kids feel safe, understood, and supported as themselves 🌈

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954 Risa Road
Lafayette, CA
94549

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