DeBusk Foundation

07/16/2026

07/16/2026

When a child consistently resists everyday demands, it's easy to assume they're being oppositional, manipulative, or defiant.

But what if those behaviors are actually signs of a nervous system in distress?

In Episode 323: What We're Learning About (Pervasive) Pathological Demand Avoidance, Emily revisits a conversation with Sandra McConnell (PDA Mama Bear) about how understanding PDA can transform the way we respond to autistic children and teens.

Together, they explore why increasing pressure often intensifies anxiety, how traditional reward and consequence systems can backfire, and why relationships, trust, and collaboration create better long-term outcomes than compliance.

It's a thoughtful conversation about shifting from managing behavior to understanding what's driving it.

🎧 Episode 323 is available now, listen at the link in our comments.

07/02/2026

What if the problem isn't that rewards don't work well enough... but that they're solving the wrong problem?

In Episode 321: The Rewards and Punishment Paradox, Emily revisits a thought-provoking conversation with Alfie Kohn, author of Punished by Rewards. Together, they examine why systems built on praise, token economies, behavior charts, and PBIS often prioritize compliance over genuine learning, autonomy, and problem-solving.

This episode challenges us to look beyond surface-level behavior and ask deeper questions about what children need, what motivates them, and how we can move from controlling kids to collaborating with them.

It's an important conversation for parents, educators, and clinicians seeking neurodiversity-affirming ways to support children.

🎧 Episode 321: The Rewards and Punishment Paradox with Alfie Kohn is available now at the link in our comments.

06/27/2026

06/26/2026

We could not call this incredible 32nd summer complete without you! From the bottom of our hearts, 💙 THANK YOU 💙 for joining us. Nothing will hold us back from fulfilling our mission to make a difference in the lives of gifted children - our life's work for three decades. We are so grateful to be able to contribute to your Scholar's education in the formation of tomorrow's leaders.

Our profound gratitude as well goes to DeBusk Foundation for its leading financial support to make our program possible, as well as to our host sites and staffs at Incarnate Word Academy, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and St. Anne Catholic School - Tomball .

Our rodeo for this summer may be complete, but the fun isn't over yet: stay tuned for a full round-up of professional photos from all three sites and other updates from us. We'll see you in 2027!

06/25/2026

That’s a wrap from Super Slime!!

06/25/2026

Our Business Academy scholars have been turning big ideas into real businesses, and now it's time to launch! Join us this Thursday from 10:00–11:00 a.m. for the Scholars Market, immediately following the Closing Ceremony. Come shop creative products, support our young entrepreneurs, and see innovation in action as scholars showcase the businesses they have developed throughout the program.

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate their hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit while taking home something special!

💡🚀🎉🛍️