Discovery Ranch South is proud to announce a new season of its podcast, Nurture and Challenge: How Parents Can Empower Teens Struggling With a Mental Health Crisis. This season, hosted by Nate Marble, features in-depth interviews with Jennifer Hedrick, MS, LCMHC, Associate Executive Director and Clinical Director at Discovery Ranch South. The new episodes take a close look at autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in teen girlsan often overlooked and misunderstood populationand how families can provide effective, compassionate support.
Jennifer Hedrick shares insights into why signs of autism in girls are frequently missed and how that delay in recognition can impact treatment. She encourages families and professionals to shift their perspective from trying to "fix" teens to meeting them where they are. "The goal isn't to 'fix' themit's to help them manage their lives in a way that feels good and works for them," says Hedrick. Throughout the season, she emphasizes building foundational skills such as emotional and sensory regulation before targeting social development, and she underscores the importance of comprehensive, individualized care.
In addition to discussing therapeutic strategies, Hedrick also addresses the mental health challenges that often accompany neurodivergence, including anxiety and depression. She advocates for a full-spectrum approach that includes therapy, medication when needed, and strong family involvement. The podcast provides tools and insights for clinical professionals and parents seeking to understand and support their daughters more effectively.
Listen to the podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nurture-and-challenge-how-parents-can-empower-teens/id1731239409
About Discovery Ranch South:
Discovery Ranch South is a residential treatment center for teen girls ages 1218 who are navigating emotional, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental challenges. Located in southern Utah, Discovery Ranch South combines relationship-based therapy, experiential learning, and a strengths-focused approach to help girls and their families grow and heal together. For more information, visit https://discoveryranchsouth.com/ or call 855-667-9388.