top of page
Dr David at the beach with family

When I'M NOT Tranforming Families and Disrupting Systems

I'm probably: Reading the latest neuroscience research, driving my kids somewhere, reading a Marvel comic book, wishing I were at the beach, or advocating for a better understanding of neurodivergent kids in schools and communities.

 

My superpower: Translating complex nervous system science into practical tools exhausted parents can actually use.

 

My kryptonite: Seeing amazing kids labeled as "problems" when they just need different support.

What Makes Me Different?

I Don't Give Generic

Parenting Advice

Everyone else says:

"Try harder with consequences."

Everyone else says:

"Be more consistent."

Everyone else says:

"Your child is manipulative."

I say:

"Your child's nervous system needs different support."

I say:

"Consistency without nervous system understanding is just repeated failure."

I say:

"Your child is communicating the only way their nervous system knows how."

Melissa and James H. Parents

It has been a privilege to work with Dr.Palmer! His insights and guidance were a tremendous help in navigating all things neurodivergence and parenting in general. The reassurance and validation he gave us in knowing what we were dealing with on a daily basis was not only typical but expected, really helped us feel so much more at ease! 

Jennifer R. 2nd-Grade Teacher

Dr. Palmer's collaboration transformed my classroom practice.  he offered insights that changed my understanding of all students' needs, not just those with special needs.  His methods challenged my views on classroom management, leading to remarkable improvements in student engagement and classroom dynamics.  

Jessica and Tony G. Parents


Dr. Palmer has been a blessing to our family. He has gone the extra mile to support our child and our whole family. He has provided very informative assessments, and his coaching has been instrumental in meetings at school. He has been and continues to be a lighthouse in navigating new waters.

Kelsey M. Teacher and ADHD Certified Coach

Dr Palmer's insight on supporting  neurodivergent children is both powerful and practical. As a teacher, creating a space where students feel safe, seen and valued is essential and that starts with connection before correction. His emphasis on building  nervous system safety through relationships is a vital reminder that regulation comes through co-regulation. This work is a must for educators committed to honoring neurodiversity and helping every child thrive and being unapologetically  themselves.

The Rewire the Response Framework

THE REWIRE THE RESPONSE DIFFERENCE

My 6-Step Framework That Actually Works:
 

🧠 EMBRACE the nervous system state behind the behavior
🧠 ENGAGE with the need, not the symptom
🧠 ENHANCE their capacity for regulation
🧠 EQUIP them with personalized tools
🧠 EMPOWER their unique strengths
🧠 EMBODY their authentic self safely


This isn't behavior modification. This is nervous system transformation.

CREDENTIALS THAT MATTER

Why You Can Trust Me With Your Family:

✓ Doctor of Special Education - Liberty University
✓ Specialized Training - Polyvagal Theory, Trauma-

Informed Care, Neurodivergent Affirming Practice
✓ 15+ Years supporting neurodivergent children and families
✓ Creator of the Rewire the Response Framework
✓ Speaking/Training Experience - NAMICon, TEDx, Riverside County SELPA Mental Health Symposium, + more
 

But here's what matters most: I've been where you are. Confused, exhausted, wondering if you're failing the child you love most.

Dr Palmer at Liberty University receiving his Doctor of Education degree
Dr Palmer speaking at Riverside SELPA Mental Health Symposium 2025

My Mission

To Change How the World Sees Neurodivergent Kids

I believe every child deserves to have their nervous system understood.
I believe parents deserve tools that actually work for their unique child.
I believe educators can create classrooms where all nervous systems thrive.
I believe your 'difficult' child is actually your most gifted one.

Your child's sensitivity will become empathy.
Their intensity will become passion.
Their need for control will become leadership.
Their hypervigilance will become protection of others.
But first, we need to help their nervous system feel safe.

THE STORY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Dr David in elementary school with unknown ADHD

Enough was Enough:

What finally got me totally pissed off:

As a learning specialist with an EdD in special education, I kept seeing the same heartbreaking pattern:

  • Amazing neurodivergent kids labeled as "behavior problems."

  • Loving parents told they weren't "consistent enough."

  • Good teachers using discipline that made everything worse.

    The breaking point? An 8-year-old with ADHD, suspended again, whispered to me: "Why do they always think I'm doing something bad?"


That's when I got FURIOUS.

Not at him. Not at his parents. But the system failing this beautiful kid.

This child wasn't defiant. His nervous system was in protection

mode.

But nobody spoke that language.

 

That's when I discovered polyvagal theory. That's when everything clicked.

 

Your child isn't giving you a hard time. Your child is HAVING a hard time.

And I refuse to watch one more amazing kid get damaged by methods that don't understand their wiring.

Dr. David Headshot at museum

Hi, I'm Dr. David A Palmer

The Nervous System Expert Who Finally Understands Your Amazing, Complex Child

After 15 years of watching families struggle with methods that don't work for neurodivergent kids, I knew there had to be a better way.

 

Spoiler alert: There was. And it changes everything.

I'm the guide who finally speaks your child's nervous system language.

Close-up of a subtle seam in vibrant blue fabric

LET'S TRANSFORM YOUR FAMILY

Ready to Finally Understand Your Child's Beautiful, Complex Nervous System?

Your child has been waiting for someone to get it.
You've been waiting for tools that actually work.
Your family has been waiting for peace.

The wait is over.

bottom of page