PENNY WILLLIAMS | SPEAKER & TRAINER

It only takes one caring adult to change the life of a child. I want to help you be that adult.

Get 14 years of real-world experience, mixed with the science-backed understanding of the interconnectedness of biology and behavior, simplified for action in everyday settings.

Book Penny

I help parents and educators help neurodivergent kids shine.

Why is it that some kids just don’t seem to listen or “behave?” They seem to insist on doing things their own way, no matter the consequences.

It’s not that they’re “bad kids” — there’s no such thing. It’s that their biology makes it more difficult for them to process the world and respond in the “typical” ways expected.

We set rules. We instill fear. We punish. We try to force kids to comply to our will.

And yet, it doesn’t work.

To be blunt… that’s because you’re doing it wrong.

Instead, we must meet neurodivergent kids with the openness, understanding, and compassion needed to embrace their differences and fully accept them for who they are.

And that’s just step 1.

There’s so much more work to be done… by the adults, not the kids.

Yep, I said it! The change has to come from you.

And that’s what I’ll teach you.

Hello! I’m Penny Williams.

When my son was diagnosed with ADHD, I had no idea how to help him. I was desperate to turn things around, but had no compass. So, I hit the books, and the internet. I spent every spare moment learning about ADHD. Yet, I wasn’t making any real progress for him, or for our family.

A few years after diagnosis, the lightbulb finally sparked. We, his caregivers, are the ones who need to change. We had to accept ADHD (and later, autism). We had to see behavior as a signal sending a message to us. This is how we would help our son thrive, in spite of his challenges.

That was more than a decade ago and those shifts made all the difference. We have less chaos and more peace, and we have a great family dynamic. Let me teach you how to turn things around for your child, students, or the kids or families you work with too.

Speaking & Training Options

PRESENTATIONS

Up to 1 Hour

I have a lot of hard-won wisdom and science-backed insights to share, not to mention the ability to help parents of neurodivergent kids feel less alone. Some topics I have presented on include: The Power of Good Enough, The Importance of Parent Self-Care, Letting Go to Move Forward, and more… And I LOVE to present on how shifting our mindset about behavior is empowering and transformational for the child and all the adults in their lives.

This is a presentation with Q&A for small or large groups and can be tailored to your needs.

WORKSHOPS

2 Hours to Full Day to Several Days

There’s a lot that goes into helping neurodivergent kids find their path to success. There’s the interconnectedness of biology and behavior, the characteristics of the diagnosis, and learning how to truly see who kids are and meet them where they are. From there you need tools and strategies that actually work for neurodivergent kids and the know-how to implement them with efficacy and compassion.

You can choose from a workshop I’ve already created, or I can design a workshop just for your organization’s needs. This is interactive training for small to large groups.

INTERVIEWS & MEDIA APPEARANCES

I am available to discuss neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, challenging behavior, acceptance, and parent self-care for your podcast, conference, or news media segment, either in-person or remotely.

Here’s a sample of a remote interview.

Let’s talk about your group needs and how I can help you achieve your goals for your event or training.

Book a Time to Chat

Speaking Engagements

Spectrum Documentary, Stone Village Television, Interviewed by Scott Steindorff, Director/Producer & Zhara Astra, Producer
Coming 2023
Decoding Behavior, YE International Forum: Whole Brain Development Support
October 2022, Online Presentation in China
How EF Deficits Contribute to Challenging Behaviors, The Executive Function Online Summit (TEFOS)
August 2022, Online Presentation
Working with Neurodivergent Kids, Half-Day Workshop for the After School Staff at the Cherokee Community Center
August 2022, Cherokee, NC
Mindset and Mental Health for Parents (Presented with Sarah Wayland, Ph.D.), Autism Explained Online Summit
August 2021, Event Out of Australia
Taking Care of You, Presentation for St. Gerard House Parent Night, Virtual Presentation
October 2020, Hendersonville, NC
Executive Functioning, Presentation for St. Gerard House Parent Night, Virtual Presentation
July 2020, Hendersonville, NC

Taking Care of You, Live Presentation for the Wired Differently Conference
October 2018, Raleigh, NC
Let It Go, Live Presentation for the Happy Mama Retreat
Spring 2018, Montreat, NC
Honoring Your Own Truth, Live Presentation for the Happy Mama Retreat
Spring 2017, Asheville, NC
How to Fight for Your Child’s Rights — and Happiness, ADDitude Magazine ADHD Experts Webinar
August 2016, Online Presentation
You Are Enough, Live Presentation for the Happy Mama Retreat
Spring 2016, Asheville, NC
Where’s Mama? Live Presentation for the Happy Mama Retreat
Spring 2015, Asheville, NC

Have questions? I have answers.

Is it possible to do a virtual training?

Absolutely! There are times when an in-person training is ideal, but virtual training is often more geographically or financially feasible. Whatever your reason, we can do virtual training either live or pre-recorded and on demand for your staff.

How long are your presentations?

I can do as little as 30 minutes or as long as a few days in a row. It will be dependent on your needs and your budget.

Who do you do presentations and trainings for?

My audience is actually somewhat broad. I do trainings for parents, educators, caregivers, and professionals. Anyone in the life of a neurodivergent child I will do a presentation or training for.

Can you do a presentation or training outside the U.S.?

Yes! I’ve done virtual trainings for an international audience on many occasions. I’m also open to in-person trainings outside the U.S. if your budget permits.

Your success is my success.

My one and only goal is to empower you to help the neurodivergent kids in your life. I can’t be successful unless you are.

Book Penny