About Dr. Joanna Rullo

I’m Dr. Joanna Rullo, a sociologist, certified parent coach, and neurodiversity-affirming disability advocate. I help families raising beautifully complex, curious, challenging kids.

I have a Ph.D. in sociology and years of experience with education-focused nonprofits, advocating for disability inclusion in schools, and organizing parent-education nights. I’m also the parent of an awesome, curious, neurospicy kiddo, so I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate systems, sift through advice that doesn’t fit, and parent a truly unique child.

My work starts from a simple belief: kids do well when they can. Rigidity, big feelings, impulsivity, and “noncompliance” aren’t moral failings. They’re nervous-system responses. I help parents see behavior as communication, build stronger connection with their child, and create strategies that honor their child’s neurotype instead of fighting it.

I partner with parents to understand their child, work effectively with schools, and advocate within systems that were never designed for neurodivergent kids. My style is warm, collaborative, deeply respectful, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. I also advocate for systemic change in education so that unique children can unmask, experience joy, feel affirmed, and be seen for the beauty and strengths their uniqueness brings.

Instead of teaching parents to make their child fit the world, I help families expand the world to meet their child, one moment of clarity, compassion, and connection at a time.