 |
Exceptional Girls Podcast: Helping our smart but struggling girls feel seen, supported, and celebratedAuthor: Julie Withrow: Podcast host, mom, neurodiversity advocate, education reformer, curiosity follower
Raising girls is no joke. Add exceptionalities like giftedness, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning differences, and anxiety into the mix, and you may feel like you're the only one struggling to figure it all out. You're not. As a mom myself, I know what it's like to help your neurodivergent child navigate the challenges of school, friendships, and family dynamics. Once my kiddo and I finally figured out her unique wiring, life got so much better. But it took almost 15 years, and thats way too long. I created this podcast to shorten the learning curve for others and increase awareness and understanding of female neurodiversity. Join me as we learn together how we can help our exceptional girls be seen, supported, and celebrated. Want to learn more? Visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com. Language: en-us Genres: Education for Kids, Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Episode 15: What It's Really Like to Be a Gifted Girl with Kaia Vernon-Oliveira
Episode 15
Tuesday, 11 November, 2025
In this episode of the Exceptional Girls Podcast, I’m talking with Kaia Vernon-Oliveira. This episode is a departure from my recent episodes in that I’m not talking with a clinician or recognized professional, but with an actual exceptional girl. Kaia is a profoundly gifted 11-year-old storyteller and performer who loves making people think. One of the ways she’s doing this is through her TedxLasVegas talk called The Myth of the Gifted Girl. 🎧 Listen in as Kaia shares:What inspired her to present a TED TalkEye-opening insights from her research into giftedness in girlsThe best and hardest parts of being a gifted girlHer advice for struggling girls — and their parentsAbout Kaia Vernon-Oliveira:Kaia Vernon-Oliveira is a profoundly gifted student, writer, and performing artist who attends Nasri Academy for Gifted Children in Las Vegas and the Davidson Young Scholars program. Known for her bold curiosity, emotional depth, and comedic timing, Kaia uses her platform to advocate for equity in gifted education, especially for girls. A multiracial 11-year-old storyteller and performer, Kaia loves making people think. When she’s not deep in debate, reading, writing, or building a prototype for her next big idea, she can be found on stage. From dancing to acting, she loves putting on a good show. She has performed with Rainbow Company Youth Theatre, Dynamic Performing Arts Center, Drama Kids of Las Vegas, and Bright Star Acting Academy. Kaia also loves comedy. Whether delivering a monologue or cracking a joke (the bluer, the better!), she believes her words have the power to move people—to action, to laughter, and if she’s lucky, both. Whatever she chooses to do with her life, Kaia plans to use her creativity and talents to empower girls and make the world a better place for everyone. A fan of TED Talks since kindergarten, Kaia delivered a TEDxLasVegas talk that marked one of the few public talks addressing giftedness through the lens of gender and neurodiversity. Watch Kaia's TEDxLasVegas talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoEKdXIRQRg&t=58s About the Exceptional Girls Podcast:If you know and care deeply about a girl who learns, thinks, and experiences the world differently, I invite you to journey with me as we learn how we as parents, adults, and role models can help her understand, self-advocate, accept, and love herself — just as she is. To learn more, visit www.exceptionalgirlspodcast.com.
