Academic Pressure | Angles on Autism, Ep. 9

Phones get most of the blame. Is that the whole story? A lot of parents have been told the problem is screens and social media. In this episode of Angles on Autism, Samara Tricarico talks with Dr. Stuart Slavin, author of The Success Trap, educator and behavioral specialist Korina Maestas, and youth ambassador Quade Kelly about what teens say is actually weighing on them: the pressure to perform, the competition, the lost sleep, and the lost joy of learning. Then they turn to what works, from flexible schools to connection over correction. In this episode: Why screens are a concern but not the whole story What the pressure to be perfect looks like from a teen's point of view, from chasing grades to juggling school, sports, and activities How social pressure and academic pressure feed each other How to protect a love of learning What a school built on connection and flexibility can look like What one medical school changed to protect its students' well-being Why the "dream college" isn't the only path to a good life Three basic needs from self-determination theory: autonomy, connection, and competence Connection over correction "We have this misguided belief that more is always better." Dr. Stuart Slavin This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or your child need support right now, call or text 988. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome, and meet the guests 02:02 It's not only phones: what students told researchers 03:20 The pressure to perform 04:47 Academic pressure, social pressure, and the need to fit in 06:26 Extracurriculars and the juggling act 09:15 Connection versus grades: what parents prioritize 10:29 Intrinsic motivation and the love of learning 16:40 A different kind of school 19:38 What are you proud of that wouldn't show up on a report card? 26:32 The factory model, and what changed in one medical school 31:03 Where does change start? 32:31 Sleep and exhaustion 38:59 The "dream college" myth 41:46 Habits, structure, and flexibility 50:42 Three basic needs: autonomy, connection, competence 54:25 Connection over correction 56:50 Understanding needs: the themes of the conversation 58:12 Parting thoughts 1:00:06 The teacher who made a difference 1:06:03 Closing Dr. Stuart Slavin is the author of The Success Trap. Korina Maestas is an educator and behavioral specialist who brings her own lived experience to the conversation. Quade Kelly is a youth ambassador working in mental health and literacy. Samara Tricarico is co-founder and Executive Director of the Endurant Movement and brings a parent's lived experience to every conversation. Together they ask one question: what would it take to lower the pressure on teens without lowering their hopes? Learn more about the Endurant Movement: https://www.endurantmovement.org No one should have to disappear to belong. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text) · Text HOME to 741741 ABOUT ANGLES ON AUTISM Angles on Autism is a conversation series from the Endurant Movement, hosted by co-founder and Executive Director Samara Tricarico. Each episode brings clinicians, educators, and families together on the topics that matter most to neurodivergent youth and the people who love them, because all angles matter. The Endurant Movement is a San Diego nonprofit creating safe spaces and real tools for autistic and neurodivergent youth and their families. This conversation is for education and awareness. It is not medical advice. Subscribe for new episodes:    / @endurantmovement