Dr. Rita Eichenstein

11/14/2025

What a pleasure to enjoy time with Susan Stiffelman on her podcast!

In this episode, I talk with neuropsychologist Dr. Rita Eichenstein about what she calls the parent brain — how becoming a parent literally reshapes our brains, rewiring us for empathy, resilience, multitasking, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Eichenstein and I explore how understanding these changes can help us see parenthood as a distinct and deeply meaningful stage of human development, and appreciate the brain’s incredible capacity to grow and adapt through love and caregiving. https://go.susanstiffelman.com/parent-brain-podcast

11/12/2025

🙏🔆Embracing Neurodiversity with Compassion 🌈

As neurodiversity becomes more welcomed and normalized, it’s important to remember that raising a neurodiverse child still comes with moments of challenge, uncertainty, and deep emotional growth for parents.

In Not What I Expected, I wrote:

“Parenthood invites us into the unknown, where our children become our greatest teachers—especially when they don’t fit the mold we imagined.”

Acceptance doesn’t erase the complexity of the journey, but it opens the door to understanding, resilience, and connection. Every child deserves to be seen for who they truly are—and every parent deserves grace as they learn to see differently. 💛

📖 Read more in Not What I Expected: Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children — available here:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/Not-What-Expected-Atypical-Children/dp/B01LTHXK0O

As diagnosis rates continue to rise for autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other developmental differences, parents face a maze of medical, psychological, and educational choices – and a great deal of emotional stress. Many books address children’s learning or behavior problems and advi...

11/09/2025

💞 The Bond That Shapes Us
There is a moment — quiet, almost invisible — when a parent and child lock eyes, and something ancient stirs.
It’s not just love. It’s biology, memory, and soul
Because in the end, love isn’t taught.
It’s co-regulated, neuron to neuron, heart to heart. 💫

— Dr. Rita Eichenstein
www.RitaEichenstein.com

11/05/2025

✨ It was such a pleasure to join Dr. Jessica Block’s Support Book Club at The Yellin Center! I’m truly honored that they selected Not What I Expected: Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children as their very first book.

What an incredible surprise and privilege to be part of such a thoughtful and inspiring discussion. Thank you to everyone who participated — your insights, honesty, and reflections meant so much to me. 💛

I’m looking forward to many more meaningful conversations ahead!

11/04/2025

It was a pleasure to join such a dedicated professional group at the wonderful Park Century School last week! True to their mission, Park Century continues to be a leading force in educating uncommonly bright kids and supporting their unique strengths.

Here’s to all of our uncommonly bright learners—may they continue to thrive, inspire, and surprise us every day!

10/26/2025

👀 Parents ‼️, Do You Know What ASMR Is?
ASMR—short for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response—is the internet trend where teens watch whispering, tapping, or “soothing” videos 🎧 to relax or fall asleep. While these clips can calm the mind temporarily, they often replace real-world comfort with a digital imitation of connection 💻. The brain feels soothed, but the heart stays hungry—like feeding on empty calories for the nervous system 🍬. Parents, take a moment to ask what your teen turns to for comfort, and help them rediscover true soothing through music, art, nature, movement, and shared presence 🤝💛.

(Learn more about nurturing the developing brain at www.RitaEichenstein.com)

10/23/2025

🧠 The Neuroscience of Being a Parent: Top 3 Brain Changes

10/21/2025

The Parent Brain: What Do We Understand?

10/18/2025

The Neuropsychology of Hatred of one specific ethnic group
When hatred toward a group takes root, it doesn’t just distort our emotions—it reshapes our perception of reality.
The human brain is wired to protect our sense of belonging and moral certainty. When fear or bias enters that system, people can come to believe anything that reinforces their worldview, even in the face of facts.

Understanding this isn’t just about politics—it’s about healing minds and communities.

Search for the truth - erase hate - love peace

—
Dr. Rita Eichenstein

10/15/2025

Did you know? 🔆
Becoming a parent doesn’t just change your life — it reshapes your brain. 🧠✨

Neuroscience shows that parenthood actually rewires brain structure, strengthening areas involved in empathy, emotional regulation, and connection. It’s nature’s way of preparing you to nurture, protect, and love.

Stay tuned for more fascinating insights into the Parent Brain — how biology and love conspire to make us the caregivers we’re meant to be.

🌿 Learn more at

10/11/2025

✨ The Biochemistry of Hope ✨
Hope is not just a feeling — it’s a biological state that can be nurtured and taught.
Emerging research shows that cultivating hope leaves measurable imprints on our immune system, brain chemistry, and overall well-being. When we engage in hopeful thinking — envisioning possibilities and setting goals — our bodies respond with increased dopamine activity and more
🌿 Building hope is one of the most powerful forms of resilience. It’s a skill we can strengthen, share, and pass along.

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To learn more about nurturing the mind and spirit, visit

10/09/2025

I'm excited to announce that my audiobook is now available at a discounted price. Please take a moment to listen.

A pediatric neuropsychologist presents strategies to help parents of specialneeds children navigate the emotional challenges they face As diagnosis rates continue to rise for autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other developmental differences, parents face a maze of medical, psychological, and....