Season 2, Episode 14Guest: Amy Wilson — Nurse & Higher-Ed Simulation Specialist; youth fencing parent; advocate for neurodivergent athletesWhat we coverWhy “calm down” isn’t a strategy: replacing emotions (anger → engagement, under-arousal → activation)Fencing’s unique demands: fast decisions, constant stimuli, and doing it alone on the stripThe concept: regulate first, then choose to go explosive (“pull the pin on purpose”)Early warning signs of dysregulation: posture shifts, breath changes, jittering, gear fidgetingPrevention beats cleanup: proactive routines that keep athletes near the “middle” zoneWhy fencing can be great for neurodivergent athletes (stimulus, boundaries, cross-body movement)Parent–coach partnership: advocacy without power struggles; translating coach feedbackTools that work: visual charts, nonverbal cues, brief written notes, peer feedback, snacks/hydrationEmergency resets (when the fuse pops): safe sensory “pattern interrupts” and fast re-engagementEnvironment tactics: control what you can control without over-calming a kid who needs to competePractical toolkitObserve first: posture, breath, timing, self-touching (e.g., body cord)Visual feedback card (12 simple icons): on-target, watched lights, stayed centered, didn’t fall, breath, etc. Use silent hash marks during bouts and review between.Between bouts script: “Does your body need anything?” (water, snack, bathroom, hug) → “Do you want feedback?”Proactive role-play at home: rehearse day-of scenarios and the visual card so it’s familiarBreak-glass reset options: cold/ice in hand, pleasant sensory (safe “treat”), quick drawing/notes—replace the feeling, don’t debate itParent self-care & coverage: tag-team when possible so your presence stays steady and usefulTimestamps0:00 — Why “regulate, then explode” beats “calm down”1:18 — Bringing nursing/simulation methods to the strip2:52 — What makes fencing uniquely tough for kids’ regulation3:12 — Emotional regulation vs. “be calm”4:30 — Early signs of drifting out of the optimal zone5:53 — “Pull the pin on purpose” explained7:05 — Why intervene; what’s at risk if we don’t11:05 — Why fencing can be great for neurodivergent athletes14:46 — How to start: observe, map home strategies → strip strategies18:31 — Partnering with coaches; translating instruction23:51 — Visual tools (the 12-icon card) and peer evaluations29:50 — When the fuse pops: safe sensory interrupts and quick resets32:08 — Controlling what you can control without over-calming38:14 — Quick hits for parents: what to pack, what to say (and avoid), how to check inQuotable“Don’t calm it away—regulate it and then pull the pin on purpose.” — Amy Wilson“The loudest thing at a tournament isn’t the beeping—it’s a kid’s negative thought loop.” — Amy WilsonCall to actionTry one tool at your next practice or tournament: a simple 6–12 icon feedback card, the two-question check-in (“Does your body need anything?” / “Do you want feedback?”), or a pre-planned sensory reset. Share what worked with your coach.Resources from AmyBout Feedback Image SheetEmotional Regulation Pattern IdentifierWe also benefitted greatly from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's ADHD Parenting Seminars. CCHMC's Center for ADHD is "one of the largest in the country devoted entirely to improving the care of children and adolescents with ADHD." Center for ADHD | Cincinnati Children'sCreditsHost: Bryan Wendell • Guest: Amy Wilson
--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

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