Podcasts about IEP

Starting your first school-based OT job can feel overwhelming. Between IEP meetings, evaluations, accommodations, and the endless acronyms, it can be hard to know where to start.In this episode, we break down the basics of school-based occupational therapy. Amanda shares what she wishes every new school-based OT knew before walking into their first IEP meeting, explains the differences between IEPs, 504 plans, and MTSS, and offers practical tips for collaborating with teachers, administrators, and the rest of the educational team.We'll also discuss how school-based OT differs from clinic-based practice, why goals need to be educationally relevant, what consultative services actually look like, and how to feel more confident advocating for students while working as part of a multidisciplinary team.Whether you're a new graduate, transitioning into the schools, or just curious about how school-based OT works, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel more prepared.LinksWe'd love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Sensory Strategies for the Classroom Coursehttps://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-training?srsltid=AfmBOoqG8NnYkiSWB_T-oxJNV3RI0lYd5-kUy9draacDoX5fsnDIxqvtClassroom Sensory Kitshttps://harkla.co/products/classroom-sensory-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopRCtKs2HeI1HXt-Iw30p0DTLiFkRgc2SyW7PUyCSGW8Zd5e__HSlant Board for Writing https://amzn.to/44GU0mILoop Scissorshttps://amzn.to/4pv9x2qAll Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courseshttps://harkla.co/collections/courses 

Barbara and Jacie kick off their annual CIRSx 2026 Conference recap series, focusing this episode on remediation and environmental talks, with a reminder to consult an indoor environmental professional (IEP) for climate-specific guidance. They summarize key presentations: Bill Weber and Christine Semabeu on prevention-first building and homeowner maintenance (leak management, access panels, alarms, early mechanical planning, and the book “Mold Controlled” by John Banta); contractor Brian Tinker on why building code isn't sufficient for “medically clean homes,” the need to budget for mold-safer materials, identify dust reservoirs, and validate with testing throughout construction; forensic engineer Joe Lstiburek's moisture-management building science emphasizing drying potential and prioritizing people/building health over energy efficiency; Air Oasis updates including a planned 2027 model with requested features and current 2.0 model features; Max McCord on using thermal imaging to find hidden moisture; Osman Zelaya on making inspection reports function like construction blueprints through clearer communication; and Jack Getz's case study building an 800 sq ft CIRS-friendly home over a garage with detailed design choices and costs. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:40 Bill Weber and Christine Cimabue: Prevention is better than remediation 07:00 Brian Tinker: building beyond code 12:03 Joseph Lstiburek - Building Science Masterclass: Don't do stupid things 16:07 Brad Baxter, COO of Air Oasis: new model in 2027 21:17 Max McCord: finding hidden moisture 24:51 Osmin Zelaya: better inspection reports - better communication 28:06 CIRS Friendly Home Case Study 35:09 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS: Bill Weber's website: https://avelar.net/articles_publications/team/bill-weber/ Christine Cimabue's website: https://byholistichomes.com/ John Banta's book, Mold Controlled: https://www.johncbanta.com/publications Brian Tinker's website: https://breathewellhomes.com/ Joseph Lstiburek's website: https://buildingscience.com/users/jlstiburek Air Oasis air filters: https://www.airoasis.com/ Max McCord's website: https://www.stonecrest.team/ Osmin Zelaya's website: https://medviro.com/Leadership John Goetz's recommendation for people interested in building their own CIRS safe home: https://buildshownetwork.com/  Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie's book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

Ja, mooie zomer gewenst! Maar we praten je even bij over de laatste Volvo en Scania ontwikkelingen. En we bellen met Sivar Buining van ITL Attorneys die in opdracht van Transport in Nood namens honderden beboette bedrijven ten strijde trekt tegen het 'verbod' op de bullbar. Het OM wil nog niet mee in de argumenten van Bruining, maar dit was pas de eerste kaart uit zijn mouw. Wat de volgende stappen zijn hoor je hier.En verder: Tussen de lijntjes, glimmende kant boven! Groeten van Iep van der Meer, Maarten van der Westen en Wim Brons.

Send us Fan MailThe hardest part of “helping” a family after an autism diagnosis can be admitting that your old playbook no longer fits. Jennifer Kaufman knows that tension from both angles: she spent years as a principal at a school for children with autism through age 21, and she's also the grandmother of an autistic eight-year-old. When her grandson was diagnosed, expertise wasn't the missing piece. The missing piece was learning how to shift expectations, step back from the expert role, and show up as the kind of support her daughter actually needed. We dig into what grandparenting on the spectrum looks like in real life: respecting the parent's lead at IEP meetings, avoiding unsolicited advice, and offering support that's specific and proactive. Jennifer shares why “let me know if you need anything” often lands as extra work for exhausted parents, and how practical help like childcare, errands, or simply creating space for parents to reconnect can ease caregiver burnout and strengthen the whole family system. We also talk about vacations, routines, and why the most meaningful moments often happen when you follow the child's lead instead of forcing a plan. Communication is a major thread too, including AAC devices, the idea that behavior is communication, and how autonomy grows when a child has reliable ways to say what they want and don't want. Jennifer closes with a safety message every autism family should hear, especially around water safety and swimming lessons. If you care about autism support, neurodiversity-affirming family relationships, and practical strategies that actually help, listen now and share this with a grandparent or family member who wants to show up better. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what kind of support has mattered most in your life?Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LISTWEBSITES- Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org- The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.comYOUTUBE- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow- Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielouFACEBOOK- Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford- Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc- The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork- The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShowINSTAGRAM- https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/TIKTOK- https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllcLINKEDIN- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/PODCAST PLATFORMS- Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC- Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291CONTACT EMAIL- sjchildsllc@gmail.com

  How to Thrive as the Default Parent When you're doing it all in a neurodiverse family  with Stephanie Holmes   What do you do when you are the only one who sees what your child needs, the only one managing the appointments, the IEPs, the protocols, the meltdowns, the mental load — and the other parent is sitting right there in the same house? If that question landed somewhere deep in your chest, this episode was made for you. Leslie sits down with Dr. Stephanie Holmes, a certified autism specialist, trained therapist for neurodiverse couples, and founder of Autism Spectrum Resources — a woman who has also lived this road personally as both a wife and a mother. Together they pull back the curtain on what it really costs a woman to carry the full weight of parenting a neurodiverse child alongside a disengaged or neurodiverse spouse, what it takes to finally speak up, and how you can protect your own mental, emotional, and spiritual health even when you cannot change your husband or your circumstances. You will walk away from this conversation feeling seen, equipped with practical perspective shifts, and reminded that your faithfulness to your children matters more than you can imagine. Key Takeaways   The Mental and Emotional Cost of Being the Default Parent Is Real — and It Is Not Weakness Stephanie describes nearly reaching a complete breakdown after years of functioning as the sole executive for her entire household — managing three neurodiverse family members, running a counseling practice, and absorbing every logistical, emotional, and spiritual demand without asking for help. The toll showed up as migraines, exhaustion, depression, and a crisis of faith. If you have been white-knuckling it through your days and wondering why you are falling apart when you look like you are holding it together, this is not a character flaw. It is the predictable result of one person carrying what two people were designed to share.   Lies Dressed as Biblical Mandates Can Keep You Trapped and Suffering Longer Than Necessary Stephanie carried a painful burden for years because a pastor told her in premarital counseling that if she chose to work outside the home, she could never ask her husband to carry any of the domestic load. She signed onto that belief at nineteen, never anticipating children, neurodiversity, or the reality of what their life would actually require. Leslie names this pattern directly — cultural ideas packaged as spiritual law that keep good women silent, overloaded, and ashamed to ask for what they need. Naming the lie is the first step toward freedom.   Making the Mental Load Visible Can Open a Door That Silence Never Could The turning point in Stephanie's marriage came not from an argument or an ultimatum, but from a simple, concrete act: she wrote every task down and laid both lists on the table. For her husband, seeing the imbalance visually was the thing that finally made it real. If your husband has not responded to your exhaustion or your words, it does not automatically mean he is cruel — it may mean he genuinely cannot perceive what he has never been shown. This does not excuse a lack of action, but it does suggest that a different kind of communication may open a different kind of conversation.   You Cannot Control the External, But You Can Steward What Is Internal Leslie offers one of the most grounding frameworks in the episode: when we are overwhelmed by everything we cannot control — our husband's choices, what happens on his parenting time, whether the school cooperates — we tend to redouble our efforts to control the external, which only deepens our distress. The real work, the work that actually moves the needle, happens inside. Choosing to build community, finding your support people, deciding who you want to be in the middle of this hard season — these are the things within your reach. As Stephanie says, she eventually made a decision: I am going to survive this and I am going to thrive despite this. You Do Not Have to Earn Permission to Get Help, Go to Church, or Take Your Kids on Vacation One of the most practically liberating moments in this conversation is when Stephanie realizes that her husband's unwillingness to participate does not mean she and her children cannot participate in life. He had never told her she could not take the girls on vacation — she had simply assumed that a good Christian wife would not go without him. When she stopped waiting for his yes and started making choices for her children's good, things began to shift. If your husband is not leading, someone still has to keep the plane in the air. Choosing to do that is not a failure of submission — it is a faithful act of stewardship. Personal Invitation If this conversation stirred something in you — if you recognized yourself in the exhaustion, the false beliefs, the longing for someone to finally name what you have been living — we want you to know there is a place to go deeper. My Moving Beyond People Pleasing course was built for women who have spent years putting everyone else's needs, comfort, and approval ahead of their own, and who are ready to learn how to show up differently. It is grounded in Scripture, filled with practical tools, and designed for women who are serious about becoming the truest, most grounded version of who God created them to be. You can learn more and get started here: https://leslievernick.com/mbpp Closing Encouragement You are not failing. You are carrying something extraordinarily heavy, and you have been carrying it largely alone. But you were not meant to do this without God, without community, and without a honest look at what is truly yours to hold and what is not. Stephanie prayed it beautifully in this episode — God is Emmanuel, which means He is with us. He is with you in the IEP meeting, in the exhausted silence after the kids are in bed, in the anger you have been afraid to admit, and in the small faithful steps you take every single day. James 1:5 promises that if you ask for wisdom, He will give it generously. He is not withholding from you. He is walking with you, one step at a time, lighting just enough of the path ahead to keep moving forward. You are not alone. And change — in you, through you, and around you — is possible.

Send us Fan MailABA on Tap is proud to sit down with Lupe Castañeda (Part 1 of 2):If you've ever walked into a school confident in your assessment, your data, and your “best practice” plan, and still watched it fall apart by week two, you're not alone. Mike and Dan sit down with Lupe Castaneda, a longtime school-based BCBA and consultant, to talk about what actually makes ABA in schools work, and what quietly makes it fail even when everyone has good intentions.We start with Lupe's path into the field, from early exposure to children with disabilities to adapted physical education, autism support, and becoming one of the earliest full-time BCBAs employed by a Texas school district. Along the way, he shares the moments that reshaped his practice, including a hard lesson about making changes without family input and a blunt IEP meeting reminder that experience means nothing if you cannot explain what you will do for this specific child.From there, we dig into the practical heart of school-based behavior support: family-centered programming, meaningful long-term goals, parent education, and the legal and team-driven reality of the IEP process. We also break down two essentials for any behavior intervention plan or functional behavior assessment in a school setting: collaboration and contextual fit. A plan is only “evidence-based” if it can be implemented by real educators in real classrooms with real constraints, and if it respects the priorities of the student and family.This is Part 1 of our conversation with Lupe. Subscribe so you don't miss Part 2, and if this resonates, share it with a BCBA, teacher, or parent navigating school services. What's the biggest challenge you've seen when ABA meets the classroom?Tune in, drink up and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBLY.Support the show

Drop us some Fan Mail. Thanks!Navigating special education can feel overwhelming—but you don't have to do it alone. In this episode, we're joined by Paula J. Yost, a licensed clinical mental health therapist, special education advocate, lawyer, educator, and author who breaks down IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, and how to effectively advocate for your child.In this episode, we discuss:What led you to focus on helping families navigate the special education system?For parents and caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even intimidated by this process, what would you want them to know right at the beginning?Is there a preferred or more respectful language we should be using—special education, exceptional children education, or something else?What are the key laws that govern special education in the United States?FAPEIDEAWhat are some of the most common acronyms parents & caregivers will encounter, and what do they mean?IEPs504 plansLRESDIOHIWhat are some early signs that a child might need additional support or an educational assessment?How does trauma impact a child's ability to learn and show up in the classroom?What are the first steps a parent or caregiver should take if they believe their child needs to be evaluated?What is involved in an educational assessment, and what should families expect from that process?Once a child is evaluated, how do families understand the results and translate them into meaningful support?Can you explain the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan in terms of the support and accommodations they include?What kinds of accommodations or supports should parents and caregivers be aware of that they can request in an IEP or 504 plan?What are some common mistakes or misconceptions parents have when entering this process?What rights do foster or kinship parents have when it comes to requesting evaluations and services?Are foster or kinship parents allowed to attend IEP or 504 meetings, and what role can they play in those discussions?How can foster or kinship parents support a child with learning differences or disabilities at home, to reinforce what is being done at school?What should parents do if they feel the school isn't providing adequate support or following through on a plan?For families just beginning this journey, what are a few practical first steps they can take this week to start advocating for their child?What message of encouragement or reassurance would you like to leave with parents and caregivers who are walking this path?Support the showPlease leave us a rating or review.  This podcast is produced by www.CreatingaFamily.org. We are a national non-profit with the mission to strengthen and inspire adoptive, foster & kinship parents and the professionals who support them.Creating a Family brings you the following trauma-informed, expert-based content:Weekly podcastsWeekly articles/blog postsResource pages on all aspects of family building

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amy Moore, a cognitive psychologist, child development specialist, ADHD mom, and Director of Psychology and Research at LearningRx, to talk about supporting kids with ADHD at home and in school. We discuss 504 plans, IEP struggles, homeschooling with ADHD, emotional regulation, sleep, nutrition, exercise, medication, and what parents can do when the traditional school system is not working. If your child has big emotions, challenging behaviors, or feels like they are failing in school, this conversation will give you hope, practical tools, and a better way to understand the ADHD brain. https://www.thebrainymoms.com/ https://www.learningrx.com/homeschool/ https://www.amymoorephd.com/ SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES:  Janae's Links for Vintage Books and More! Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com

Outline and Show NotesShow Title: What SPED Needs from You with Liz CaponeGuest: Liz CaponeTeaser:It's pretty typical for new assistant principals to be given fairly substantial responsibilities, related to special education, especially in terms of attending IEP meetings. This is fine if the assistant principal has a background in special education, but when they don't, it can present complex and meaningful challenges in today's episode will explore, at least at a surface level what it means to be a good and capable steward for special education, students, families, and their teachers.Sponsor Spot 1:If you love travel, but your student trips are starting to feel a little… copy-and-paste, it might be time to level up.That's why I recommend Kaleidoscope Adventures.They've been planning educational travel for more than 30 years. And the best part? No cookie-cutter itineraries. Every trip is built around your program, your budget, and your goals.Whether you're dreaming of a trip to Universal's EPIC Universe, a history-filled journey to Washington, D.C., or even an international adventure, Kaleidoscope Adventures can help you plan a trip your students will never forget.Get inspired today at mykatrip.com. Kaleidoscope Adventures - Travel Beyond ExpectationsShow Intro:It's not too early to think about summer. No. not the vacation, the learning that can happen. The team at Summer Pops are educators with a passion for preventing the backwards summer slide in math, and Summer Pops is a unique and engaging approach to summer enrichment. I encourage you to connect with Summer Pops for free workbook samples. Go to summerpopsworkbooks.com to get your free copy and of course, the link is in the show notes.Guest Bio:Liz Capone, M.S. is the co-founder of PD Ninja, which provides custom K-12 PD for buildings and districts. She is a former Special Education teacher who taught every grade level from pre-K to 12 in settings ranging from inclusion, self-contained, ESY, and a locked residential treatment center. Liz has also worked nationally as an expert witness in education and family law cases involving children with special needs.Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn't stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It's no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today's podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you'd like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upFind an expert and don't assume it is the teacher, leverage that expertise to support the teacherRelationships, check ins, self-care (for the T)Facilitate discussions on role claritySpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon't overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Guest Links:PDninja.com Frederick's Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588.ck.page/fdf37cbf3a The Strategic Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_...

Before your child ever needs extra support, it's helpful to understand how to navigate the systems designed to help them. In this episode, Deb speaks with attorney and mental health clinician Paula Yost about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), advocating within the school system, and how parents can confidently speak up when they know something isn't quite right. Paula shares practical guidance on recognizing early signs that a child may benefit from additional support, preparing for IEP meetings, and working collaboratively with educators while understanding your rights. She also discusses the importance of trauma-informed education, when to seek additional advocacy, and how parents can build a strong support network throughout the process. Whether you're already navigating special education or simply want to be prepared for the future, this conversation offers valuable insights into advocating for your child's unique needs. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at:prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Accommodation” is a loaded word. On one hand, we want to provide reasonable accommodations in K-12 so kids can access their education.But determining what is “reasonable” accommodation or modification can be messy.Both parents and educators can unintentionally “overaccommodate” in the moment without realizing it, which over time can impede a child's ability to work through daily challenges and solve problems on their own. This can be in the context of adding too many “cookie-cutter” accommodations on a 504 Plan or IEP, or it can be unofficial accommodations in the way we interact with kids. My colleagues who work on college campuses are seeing the impact of this “overhelping” in K-12. And it's not just kids with neurodevelopmental disorders. It's the neurotypical kids too. That's why I invited my colleague, Jill Fahy, back to De Facto Leaders to talk about the state of college readiness, the upstream impacts of what's happening in K-12 on success both during and after college. Jill Fahy, Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders & Sciences, serves as the Director of STEP, a transitional education program for EIU students with autism. STEP programming supports the development of executive functions, social communication, self-appraisal, and self-regulatory skills to facilitate students' management of their academic and university living demands. Ms. Fahy specializes in the assessment of executive dysfunction, particularly as it is associated with concomitant disorders of language, cognition, or social/pragmatics. She is a widely-known lecturer in the area of executive functions, speaking nationally and internationally on aspects of evaluation and treatment of executive dysfunction, and the role of language in executive functions. Ms. Fahy is co-author of The Source for Development of Executive Functions, 2nd edition, and various articles on self-talk and executive functions.  Ms. Fahy teaches graduate courses in Aphasia/Right Hemisphere Dysfunction,  Cognitive-Communication and Executive Function Disorders, and Medical Grand Rounds. She previously taught undergraduate courses in Neurology and Advanced Clinical Practicum and Diagnostics. Prior to teaching at EIU, Ms. Fahy worked for several years as a medical SLP providing services for patients with acquired neurological deficits resulting from stroke and TBI, including those in acute care, inpatient and day rehabilitation, and home health. In this conversation, we discuss:✅ The difference between accommodations and modifications, what “overhelping” looks like, and why it impedes development of important metacognitive skills.✅ The state of college student mental health, and how it relates to the opportunities students have to practice self-regulation and experiencing failure.✅ Skills many college students are lacking, including managing due dates, extended writing assignments, study skills, working through conflict, and managing their daily life.✅ How and when to start fading supports, and how to recognize if you've been “overaccommodating” for a studentYou can connect with Jill at jkfahy@eiu.edu or on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-fahy-250478b/Learn more about the Students with Autism Transitional Education Program (STEP) Program at Eastern Illinois University here: https://www.eiu.edu/step/Be sure to listen to my first interview with Jill on De Facto Leaders here: Executive Functioning for College Students: Beyond Checklists and Planners (with Jill Fahy)Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-122-executive-functioning-for-college-students-beyond-checklists-and-planners-with-jill-fahy/You can also listen to my commentary on her first interview in this episode: Balancing Language, Academic Content Areas, and Executive Functioning (featuring Jill Fahy)Link here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/ep-232-balancing-language-academic-content-areas-and-executive-functioning-featuring-jill-fahy/In this episode, I mentioned Language Therapy Advance Foundations, my program that gives speech pathologists a scalable framework for building language skills needed to thrive in school, social situations, and daily life. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapyI also mentioned School of Clinical Leadership, my program that helps related service providers design scalable executive functioning interventions to ensure students get the scaffolding they need across the school day. You can learn more about the program here: https://drkarendudekbrannan.com/clinicalleadership

Welcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, host Gabrielle Crichlow welcomes back guest Robin Simpson for her unprecedented 7th visit to the podcast! Together, they explore "The GUIDE Framework," Robin's doctoral dissertation that provides a structured approach for neurodivergent students to navigate the complexities of academia by effectively leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT. They discuss the pivotal moments students often encounter when they sit down to tackle assignments. Do you find yourself freezing in front of a blank document, getting sidetracked, or overanalyzing the instructions? If so, this episode is designed just for you! Who is Robin Simpson?Robin Renee Simpson holds an Associate degree in Human Services from New York City College of Technology and a Bachelor's degree from Metropolitan College. She earned her Master's degree in Childhood and Special Education (Birth–Grade 2) from St. John's University in 2022. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction, pursuing a PhD in Education with a focus in Philosophy of Education. She is an adjunct professor and the creator of the GUIDE Framework (Simpson, 2024), a structured approach to using generative AI to support student learning. In addition to her academic work, she is a Residential Family Group Daycare owner and a Master Life Coach. Her work focuses on social justice in education and supporting twice-exceptional learners, with an emphasis on helping students understand how they think and learn.You can find Robin Simpson:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577355294427On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_robins_daycareOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-simpson-01363011aOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cherish9801On Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/cherish5162By email: simpsonrobin@ymail.comResearch Study Invitation: Are you a college or graduate student with a learning disability? Do you have an IEP or 504? If you don't have an official diagnosis, do you suspect you have one? If your answer is yes to any of the above, then participate in Robin's study! Email her at simpsonrobin@ymail.com for more info.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/bq2bMmp4wZoRate this episode on IMDB: TBA********************************************Follow Gabrielle Crichlow:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.crichlowOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielle.crichlowOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-crichlow-92587a360Follow A Step Ahead Tutoring Services:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astepaheadtutoringservicesOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astepaheadtutoringservicesOn X: https://www.x.com/ASATS2013On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-step-ahead-tutoring-services/On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@astepaheadtutoringservicesOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asats2013On Eventbrite: https://astepaheadtutoringservices.eventbrite.comVisit us on the web: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.comSign up for our email list: https://squareup.com/outreach/a41DaE/subscribeSign up for our text list: https://tapit.us/cipPJOCheck out our entire "Hot Topics!" podcast: https://www.astepaheadtutoringservices.com/hottopicspodcastSupport us:Cash App: https://cash.app/$ASATS2013PayPal: https://paypal.me/ASATS2013Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/ASATS2013Zelle: success@astepaheadtutoringservices.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/supportOriginal date of episode: April 18, 2026

In this final episode of the series with Mandy Pinckley, we explore what advocacy truly looks like beyond awareness posts and hashtags. Mandy shares how lived experience can create meaningful change in schools, communities, organizations, and policy spaces when autistic voices are included in the conversation. Together, Brian and Mandy discuss neurodiversity-affirming advocacy, navigating IEP meetings, building confidence in public speaking, collaborating with professionals, and why empowering autistic children starts with giving them autonomy and honoring their interests. Mandy also shares her work helping improve autism representation and language within organizations like National Alliance on Mental Illness, along with conversations surrounding policy, digital safety, and reducing stigma around autism and neurodivergence. This conversation is grounded, honest, and deeply encouraging for parents, caregivers, autistic individuals, and professionals who want to create safer and more supportive environments for neurodivergent children and adults. Topics Covered Turning autism awareness into meaningful advocacy Why lived experience matters in policy conversations Navigating IEP meetings with confidence Supporting autistic autonomy and self-advocacy Collaboration between parents, professionals, and autistic adults Neurodiversity-affirming language and reducing stigma Public speaking anxiety and building confidence over time Digital safety concerns for neurodivergent youth online Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:00 What advocacy and action really look like 04:20 Building neurodivergent support spaces through collaboration 10:50 Overcoming fear and speaking publicly 13:20 Advocacy tips for parents navigating IEPs 17:20 Collaboration between families and professionals 20:40 Digital safety and protecting children online 23:30 Encouraging autonomy and self-expression in autistic children Memorable Quote "Your child's voice, you're their sword and their shield." — Mandy Pinckley About the Guest Mandy Pinckley is an autistic advocate focused on neurodiversity-affirming support, policy conversations, community collaboration, and empowering autistic voices in leadership spaces. Through advocacy work, peer-led initiatives, and public speaking, Mandy works to reduce stigma and help create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals and families. Resources Mentioned National Alliance on Mental Illness Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Discord Roblox About the Host Brian Keene is an occupational therapist and founder of Pure Hearts Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming pediatric therapy company providing home-based OT, PT, ST, and parent support services. Through the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian shares practical conversations and supportive resources to help families navigate autism, sensory needs, regulation, advocacy, and everyday life. Subscribe & Connect If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another parent who might benefit from this conversation. Listen and subscribe to the Autism Family Resource Podcast: Autism Family Resource Podcast Explore more resources for families at: Pure Hearts Therapy 

Every student deserves a way to communicate with the world, and that belief has guided my work from the very beginning.Today, I'm sharing something incredibly special, the story behind my new book, Say It With Me: Naturalistic Tools to Spark Speech and Social Engagement. This is the resource I wish I had when I first started working with autistic learners who were not yet speaking, struggled to engage in therapy, or faced behavioral barriers that made learning more challenging.I take you behind the scenes of my journey, from my early days at the Cleveland Clinic Autism Center to the lessons that shaped the compassionate, collaborative approach I use today. I also walk through the practical strategies featured in the book, including assessment, joint attention, play-based learning, AAC, social engagement, group therapy, behavior supports, and meaningful goal writing. My goal has always been to make research approachable and actionable so you can feel confident putting these ideas into practice right away.Whether you're a speech-language pathologist, BCBA, educator, or parent, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged and equipped with new ways to support learners who are often the hardest to reach.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Building the foundation for communication through engagement, play, and joint attentionPractical strategies for AAC, language development, and meaningful generalizationSupporting learners with behavioral barriers through collaborative careWriting effective goals and creating stronger IEP and team meetingsMentioned In This Episode:Grab Say it With MeEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

Rebroadcast of episode 188, Building Strong Special Education Parent Partnerships. Originally released February 25, 2025.The Classical Academies is committed to supporting students with special needs through flexible, personalized special education programs. Program Specialist Regina Darling shares insights on creating collaboration between families and educators, addressing key challenges such as navigating the special education system, maintaining open communication, and ensuring IEPs (Individual Education Plans) adapt to each student's evolving needs. She emphasizes the importance of assuming the best intentions, fostering strong communication, and creating adaptable IEP plans to support student success best.

Episode 79 of the Unspoken Words podcast features Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Dr. Jenna Blum exploring the power of intensive group treatment for Selective Mutism — and why it works as a springboard that propels children and teens further, whether they're just starting treatment, midway through, or looking for one final push. Drawing on nearly ten years of CommuniCamp, the SMart Center's intensive group treatment and parent education program, they explain why these few days can do what weekly therapy alone often cannot: create frequent communication opportunities, real-world exposures, and a sense of community that builds confidence one step at a time. The episode emphasizes that parents are the most instrumental part of progress — that 15-plus hours of parent education help families understand the whys behind their child's mutism, learn how to talk to their child, and carry skills home long after camp ends. Dr. E and Dr. Jenna explore the social identity shift that happens when a child realizes they're not alone, why comfort, connection, and confidence must precede communication, and why meeting a child where they are on the Social Communication Bridge® is never a regression but the true starting point for growth. Through real-world examples — restaurant and store exposures, the buddy process, and teens who form lasting friendships across states and countries — they show how progress looks different for every child. The heart of the episode turns to what a group setting uniquely reveals: hidden whys like ADHD, autism, and processing challenges that one-on-one therapy can miss, and how those insights translate into IEP and 504 supports at school. The episode closes with practical guidance on choosing any intensive program, and a reminder that courage is not always loud.--Chapters: (03:26) Why Group Treatment Is a Springboard—And How Parents Drive the Progress(14:20) Meeting Kids Where They Are on the Bridge Without Rushing Them(16:50) The Social Identity Shift: Why Realizing "I'm Not Alone" Changes Everything(22:02) Real-World Exposures and the C's That Make Communication Possible(32:33) What a Group Reveals About the Hidden "Whys"—And Carrying Gains Into School- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/resources/ Ask Dr. E a question of your own! Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum Explore our SMart Center success stories! Get started at the SMart Center Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here. For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support programLearn more about our 6-week, virtual social skills series, which are skills-based groups designed to help children, teens, & young adults build social communication, comfort, and connection with similar aged-peers in a supportive setting.- For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠ This podcast was produced and published by New Edition Productions (neweditionconsulting.com)

In Episode 148 of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie speaks with Francesca Corbis and Melanie Roy from K Altman Law, a nationally recognized special education and disability rights law firm, who walk through the most common pitfalls families encounter in the IEP and 504 process - including the critical distinction between medical and educational diagnoses, the subjectivity of "educational need," the danger of template-driven dropdown goals without clear baselines, and the painful strategic reality that outside tutoring can actually undermine a child's eligibility case.Resources:K Altman Law Website: https://www.kaltmanlaw.comAdvocacy Circle: https://www.kaltmanlaw.com/special-education-services/the-advocacy-circleFrancesca's Contact Information: francescakorbas@kaltmanlaw.comMelanie's Contact Information: melanieroy@kaltmanlaw.comContact info for the podcast: letstalklearningdisabilities@gmail.comE-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/Twitter: @diaglearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/diagnostic-learning-services/Instagram: @diaglearning

If you're writing goals for primitive reflex integration, this episode is for you.In this episode, we break down one of the biggest mistakes therapists make when writing goals for primitive reflex integration and explain how to connect reflex work to meaningful, functional outcomes that matter to families, IEP teams, and insurance providers.We discuss why reflex integration itself should never be the goal, how retained reflexes can impact skills like handwriting, attention, coordination, regulation, and participation, and how to write goals that focus on the real-life challenges a child is experiencing. We also share practical examples of how to connect primitive reflex interventions to functional outcomes that support independence and participation.Whether you're an OT, COTA, PT, or therapist interested in reflex integration, this episode will help you think differently about goal writing, advocacy, and demonstrating the value of the services you provide.Thanks for listening

Shannon and Mary record their Season 8 finale, catching up on what they've been doing during the school year.    They've both been busy with balancing personal and professional responsibilities, with work hours increasing for Shannon in tutoring and for Mary in advocacy work and supporting parents in IEP meetings.   In their tutoring practices, they're both advancing beyond decoding work with many of their students, and during the discussion, they both realized they had adopted sentence-composing activities, inspired by 8.8's guest, Sara Lee.   During the discussion, they detail how their students use literature-based model sentences and scaffolded imitation to build sentence skills, comprehension, and vocabulary.   Shannon describes how she adds language support using English Linking Blocks and word lists.   The discussion then highlights their excitement about UFLI's upcoming structured morphology curriculum, Word Origins (adapted from Australia).   In the episode chat, they also touch on the AMIRA screener, Mary's recent SWI professional learning through Word Torque, and how they're both supporting students' math knowledge and skills in their tutoring.   Listen in to catch up with these reading teachers and find out how their literacy instruction continues to evolve.00:38 Life as Busy Parents02:30 Tutoring and Advocacy Load04:29 Discovering Sentence Composing07:37 Harry Potter Hook09:17 Linking Blocks Breakthrough13:18 From Sentences to Writing19:43 Structured Morphology Word Origins22:58 Structured Morphology Wins23:48 Curriculum Fidelity First27:06 Word Origins Details28:41 Australia Connections31:17 Getting It Into Schools32:15 Georgia Reading Screening37:59 Math Fluency Intervention40:22 Subitizing And Word Problems47:12 Wrap Up Season NotesRECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE:UFLI Word Origins news updates formUFLI Word Origins InformationHands-On English Linking BlocksWord Torque websiteWord Inquiry In ActionReviews of Curriculum - The Reading LeagueGA Dyslexia Handbook related to updated laws for HS 307Math Their WayAubree Teaches - conceptual, visual math Aubree Teaches - store (this is not an affiliated link)Support the showGet Literacy Support through our PatreonBonus Episodes access through your podcast appBonus episodes access through PatreonBuy us a coffeeGet a FREE Green Chef box using our link

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Dr. Candida Fink and special educator Jo-Ann Berry dive into the nuances of supporting students with ADHD in the classroom. Moving beyond repetitive "pay attention" reminders, they explore the "curious approach" to prompting—asking students if they are stuck or simply thinking. The conversation covers practical classroom strategies for high schoolers, the importance of student autonomy, and how simple adjustments like doodling or movement breaks can transform a student's ability to engage with challenging or tedious tasks.Key Points & HighlightsThe Power of Curiosity: Replacing standard redirections with curious questions (e.g., "Are you thinking or are you stuck?") helps students re-engage without feeling singled out or shamed.The "Neuro-Spicy" Classroom: Strategies like doodling, fidgets, and varied seating (wobbly stools, yoga balls, or spin chairs) are essential tools that help ADHD brains "reset" their attentional systems.Autonomy in High School: Giving older students the choice to opt-out or delay a task often leads to better engagement, as it shifts the dynamic from compliance to personal responsibility.Functional Writing Skills: For 11th and 12th graders, the focus shifts from academic perfection to functional communication, such as emailing a doctor or writing a job application.The Flaw in IEP Goals: Jo-Ann critiques the common IEP phrasing "the student needs to..." and argues that goals should reflect what the educator wants to see, rather than placing the "need" solely on the student.Takeaways & Practical TipsFor Teachers: Use neutral "check-ins" like "Are you with me?" rather than demanding eye contact. If a student is looking away, they may still be listening.For Students: Identify which sensory "muscle" helps you focus—whether it's a specific fidget, standing up for a minute, or taking a strategic "mental break" by looking out the window.Movement as a Tool: Understand that movement helps "wire" the brain to focus. Even a brief walk to the restroom can serve as a necessary cognitive reset.Writing Prompts: Use low-stakes, non-daily writing prompts to build the "writing muscle" without the pressure of a major grade.Resources MentionedRoss Greene's Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) Model: Referenced for its "What's up?" approach to problem-solving.Classroom Tools: Wobbly stools, yoga balls, spin chairs, and fidget bins.Digital Tools: iPads/Tablets for doodling during lessons or, even better, paper and pencil.Connect With UsWe want to hear from you! What strategies have worked in your classroom or for your child?Website: MentalHealthGoesToSchool.com.Social Media: Watch on YouTube and be sure to follow us on Instagram for more tips and "good things" from our travels and teaching.Timeline[00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 32.[02:15] The frustration of repetitive ADHD prompts in the classroom.[05:40] Strategies for high school: Doodling, fidgets, and movement breaks.[09:20] The "Are you stuck or are you thinking?" technique.[12:10] The importance of student autonomy and choice.[16:45] Reimagining IEP goals: Moving away from "Student needs to..."[20:30] Functional writing skills for upperclassmen.[24:50] "One Good Thing": Recapping our trip to Iceland and the beauty of the glaciers.If you enjoy our content, please like and follow - and review if you can!

"Stop comparing the hard. Start validating the hard." That one line from Heidi Price might be the whole episode. Heidi spent years in the autism community before she was a mom. She worked as a recreational therapist, and she married into a family that knows autism well, with two brothers-in-law on the spectrum and two nephews too. She thought she understood it. Then she had her own kids, and she learned how much the level one experience can humble even someone who works in the field. Heidi and her husband live in North Carolina with their three kids. Two of the three are autistic, and both are level one. Her six-year-old son has autism, ADHD, and a PDA, or pathological demand avoidance, profile. Her five-year-old daughter was diagnosed at three and spent about a year and a half in ABA therapy. Her youngest, who is three, has severe food allergies. As Heidi puts it, it's a fun place at her house. In this Seen and Heard episode, Heidi gives Rob a real, unscripted look at what their days actually hold. The morning rules you can't break. The clothing battles when the seasons change. The way her son and daughter can need the exact opposite things at the exact same time. And one recent win that will stick with you, where a couple of soda cans, a pair of new shoes, and three days of patience turned a meltdown into a victory lap. But the heart of this one is Heidi's message about comparison. Every level of autism is hard. The level threes and the level ones. The non-verbal days and the principal-calling days. They can coexist, and one does not have to threaten the other. She's honest about the services gap too, about how her daughter could not get an IEP because she wasn't considered bad enough, even while she was still struggling. What you'll hear: Why working in autism for years still didn't prepare her for level one PDA, control, and why you can't just wake her kids up The soda-can trick that got her son into new shoes How autism showed up differently in her son than her daughter Why level one kids can fall through the cracks for services "Stop comparing the hard. Start validating the hard." "Everyone's hard is hard. We need to stop comparing the hard. We need to start validating the hard." Heidi Price This episode is presented by Best Part Kids, a sensory-friendly multivitamin for selective eaters created by dietitian Brittyn Coleman. Use code THEAUTISMDAD for 10% off at BestPartKids.com. #ad About Rob: Rob Gorski is the founder of The Autism Dad, a blog and podcast dedicated to supporting parents raising kids on the autism spectrum. As a dad of three autistic sons with over 25 years of experience, Rob brings lived experience, honesty, and heart to every conversation. Rob's book, So Your Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism, lands December 29, 2026 from Fair Winds Press. Updates and preorder: theautismdad.com/book Where to find Rob: You can find me at theautismdad.com, on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at The Autism Dad, and on YouTube at The Autism Dad. New episodes drop every week at listen.theautismdad.com. Where to find Heidi: [CONFIRM: Heidi's handles or site. She did not share them on the episode.]

If you are a parent who cannot unschool or homeschool your PDA child, or who needs practical support navigating the school system, this episode is for you. I am joined by Dr. Destiny Huff, a licensed professional counselor, non-attorney special education advocate, and neuro-affirming trainer who is also late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD and a mother of neurodivergent children.Dr. Huff shares the most common patterns she sees as PDA families navigate schools, how she frames the nervous system lens in IEP meetings, the specific accommodations she advocates for most consistently, her approach to functional behavioral assessments, and practical steps parents can take right now.Key TakeawaysTwo Patterns Dr. Huff Sees Advocating for PDA Families | 00:05:06 The first is families who have learned about PDA but are still defaulting to the demand avoidance frame when explaining it to schools, which makes it easy for administrators to push back by saying the child just needs to deal with demands. The second is schools latching onto the term PDA itself, either saying they do not recognize it or using it superficially, without understanding the nervous system mechanisms underneath it. Dr. Huff's approach is to move past the label entirely and focus on the root cause: what is happening in the nervous system, what does dysregulation look like for this specific learner, and what changes in the environment and approach can support access and safety.How to Frame the Conversation in an IEP Meeting | 00:13:53 Dr. Huff focuses on three areas that school staff are almost never formally trained on: sensory needs, communication access when regulated and dysregulated, and executive functioning, of which regulation is a component. She always starts with a profile letter that describes the whole learner before getting into accommodations or concerns, and she prefers working with teachers directly because they are often the most unheard people in the room and the most open to trying something new when asked what they are actually seeing.Accommodations Dr. Huff Advocates for Most Consistently | 00:29:43 The first is declarative language, documented with a concrete example of what it actually looks like in practice, because most teams have heard the term but are not using it correctly. The second is a nonverbal communication plan, for when the learner is dysregulated, that could include a designated safe space and trusted person, identified by the learner rather than assigned by the school, paired with a low-profile signal like a hand gesture or an email so the learner can access that space without drawing attention.Her Approach to Functional Behavioral Assessments | 00:40:11 Dr. Huff sees FBAs as useful primarily because they reveal the school's perception of the learner, even when the terminology reflects a behavioral lens she does not share. Once she understands what the school believes is driving the behavior, she goes into rewrite mode with her families: adjusting the language, shifting the approach toward relationship, safety and trust, and pushing back on behavior intervention plans that default to token economies and compliance strategies.What to Do When a Child Is Too Burned Out to Access School | 00:37:27 Dr. Huff has successfully advocated for truncated days and reduced schedules. Her consistent position is that a reduced schedule does not let the school off the hook for providing free and appropriate public education, but it does acknowledge where the child's nervous system is right now and creates a starting point that can be adjusted over time based on what is actually working.Relevant ResourcesYour FBA Is a Fantasy — Book by Rick and Doris Bowman on how to approach functional behavioral assessments through a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming lens rather than a behavior modification lens, recommended directly by Dr. Huff in this episode.Collaborative & Proactive Solutions — Ross Greene's framework for addressing the root causes of challenging behavior through collaboration rather than compliance, referenced by Dr. Huff as a resource for reframing FBAs.The Affirming Village Podcast — Podcast hosted by Dr. Destiny Huff and Lisa Baskin Wright on neuro-affirming approaches to education and parenting.Neuro-Affirming Special Education Handbook — Dr. Huff's book on navigating special education in the US from a neuro-affirming standpoint, including guidance on IEPs, FBAs, and supporting PDA learners.Advocacy and Consultation With Dr. Destiny Huff — Dr. Huff's direct services for families, including IEP meeting attendance, drafting parent input statements, and consultation on supporting PDA and neurodivergent learners in schools.Dr. Destiny Huff on Instagram — Follow Dr. Huff for ongoing content on neuro-affirming special education advocacy, IEP navigation, and supporting neurodivergent learners in schools.Paradigm Shift Program — My signature program for parents of PDA children and teens taught across twelve weeks of live coaching.

Welcome to the ultimate late-night audio ride where the serious meets the surreal! Hosted by "midnight misfit" Walter Sterling, this eclectic podcast swings wildly from gritty breakdowns of geopolitical deals and heartfelt special-needs parenting advocacy to the absolute fringes of conspiracy. Buckle up for unfiltered conversations covering everything from shape-shifting, bowling-ball-sized UFO orbs attacking nuclear sites to the suppressed free energy of the erased Tartarian civilization. Add in a generous helping of bizarre true news—like naked men stealing police cars, thrill-seekers petting Great Whites, and teenagers fiercely guarding their Walmart vests—and you have a truly unpredictable midnight mix. Whether you're worried about corporate greed, your kid's IEP, or interdimensional space invaders, Walter has your late-night cravings covered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to "The Other Side of Midnight," hosted by the ultimate midnight misfit, Walter Sterling. Tune in for an eclectic late-night ride that swings wildly from the serious to the surreal. In this episode, Walter is joined by international military affairs expert Edward Jones to break down the complexities of a potential new US geopolitical deal with Iran. Then, educator and author Marilyn Carter steps in to share her powerful, deeply personal journey of advocating for her special needs child in the public school system. The episode also features a gritty breakdown of New York's juvenile crime laws with retired NYPD detective Vic Ferrari. Whether you're worried about global issues, your kid's IEP, or space invaders, Walter has you covered! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself!In this episode, Wendy sits down with Karen Mayer Cunningham, special education advocate and author of Epic IEP, a framework that transforms the complicated federal special education law into actionable steps. After years of doing 500 IEP meetings annually, Karen realized her greatest pain in motherhood had become her biggest calling: helping families navigate special education when the system feels impossibly complicated.They explore:What it means to advocate WITH schools, not against them, and why that partnership mattersWhy children with disabilities have capacity, but they need the right intervention and support to reach equityThe scope of need: why individual advocacy alone isn't enoughKaren's approach is fundamentally collaborative: she works alongside teachers, administrators, and families because she knows they're all navigating a system that's overwhelming for everyone. Her conviction is simple: when we start seeing each other as partners working toward the same goal, that's when children actually get what they need. Connect with Karen:Get her book, The Epic IEP: amazon.com/Epic-IEP-Educators-Advocates-Navigating/dp/1637635125?tag=syty-20SpecialEducationAcademy.comInstagram: instagram.com/specialeducationboss________________________________________________________________________________________Connect with Wendy:LinkedinInstagram: @wendy.harropFacebook: Phineas Wright HouseWebsite: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm StaysPWH Curated Experience and TravelInterested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.comPodcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat!If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

VOV1 - Theo ước tính của Viện Kinh tế và Hòa bình (IEP), nếu căng thẳng Trung Đông tiếp tục ở mức hiện nay, kinh tế toàn cầu sẽ thiệt hại khoảng 1.300 tỷ USD mỗi năm. Và nếu xung đột bùng phát trở lại trên diện rộng, mức thiệt hại có thể lên tới 3.500 tỷ USD mỗi năm.Trong đó, các nền kinh tế nhập khẩu năng lượng, đặc biệt là những nước có mức nợ công cao và nền tảng kinh tế dễ tổn thương, có nguy cơ chịu ảnh hưởng nặng nề nhất từ tình trạng bất ổn kéo dài tại Trung Đông. Từ giá năng lượng, chi phí vận tải cho tới tâm lý thị trường, nhiều yếu tố đang chịu ảnh hưởng từ những bất ổn kéo dài tại một trong những khu vực có vị trí chiến lược hàng đầu thế giới.Trong bối cảnh kinh tế thế giới vẫn đang đối mặt với nhiều thách thức về tăng trưởng, lạm phát và nợ công, câu hỏi đặt ra là, liệu những cú sốc từ Trung Đông chỉ mang tính ngắn hạn hay đang tạo ra những thay đổi sâu sắc hơn đối với triển vọng kinh tế toàn cầu. Tiến sĩ Nghiêm Tuấn Hùng, Viện Nghiên cứu châu Âu và châu Mỹ  cùng phân tích vấn đề này. Khu vực châu Phi cận Sahara chịu sự ảnh hưởng nặng nề do gián đoạn nguồn cung lương thực.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly Podcast, co-hosts Brian Mavis and Courtney Williams engage with Paula Yost, an attorney and licensed clinical medical health clinician, who shares her journey of advocacy for children in foster care and those with special needs. The conversation explores the impact of personal experiences, such as preeclampsia, on advocacy work, the complexities of navigating the foster care system, and the importance of education and support for both children and their advocates.Paula emphasizes the need for unconditional love and the power of hope in transforming the lives of kids in foster care, while also addressing the hidden traumas they face and the systemic failures that often hinder their progress. The episode concludes with a call to action for foster parents to see themselves as advocates and to provide the love and support that these children desperately need.Pickup a copy of her book: "Tumbleweeds: How to Be an Advocate for Your Children and Yourself in a Failing System"https://a.co/d/07naKZELTakeawaysPaula Yost blends legal advocacy with therapeutic support.Preeclampsia changed Paula's perspective on health and advocacy.Foster parents need to be informed about children's backgrounds.The foster care system often fails to support children's needs.Advocacy is essential for navigating educational systems.Unconditional love is crucial for foster children.Trauma impacts foster children's development and relationships.Education and support can change the trajectory of foster kids' lives.Building trust with foster children is vital for their healing.Hope is a powerful tool in advocating for foster children. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption.Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

Today we're diving into what it really looks like to advocate for our neurodivergent kids in school in a way that's truly aligned with who they are. My guest is Dr. Destiny Huff, a trauma therapist, advocate, and educator whose work is deeply informed by her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic mother. In our conversation, we explore the limitations and pitfalls of traditional IEP processes, what a genuinely neurodiversity-affirming approach can look like in practice, and how families can build more effective, collaborative relationships with schools. Destiny shares both big-picture reframes and practical strategies, offering a grounded, honest look at how to navigate systems that weren't designed with our kids in mind, while still holding onto possibility and meaningful change. About Dr. Destiny Huff  Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, is a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mental health therapist, non-attorney special education advocate, and national speaker. She is the founder of Destiny Huff Consulting, where she supports families and schools in implementing neuroaffirming practices and navigating the IEP process. As the mother of two neurodivergent learners in public school special education, Dr. Huff brings both lived and professional experience to her work. She focuses on dismantling deficit-based narratives in education and addressing the intersection of race, disability, and trauma. Dr. Huff has presented nationally and co-hosts The Affirming Village Podcast, where she explores advocacy, disability justice, and the realities of navigating special education systems. Things you'll learn from this episode  How Dr. Huff's journey from parent to advocate informs her approach to neurodiversity-affirming support Why individualized, meaningful IEPs matter more than compliance-driven plans How systemic barriers like underfunding and lack of training impact school support for neurodivergent students What distinguishes traditional IEPs from neuroaffirming ones—and how that shows up in real life How documenting data at home can strengthen advocacy for accommodations and services Why supporting kids in understanding themselves and building self-advocacy is essential, alongside leveraging community and advocacy to create change Resources mentioned Neuroaffirming Advocacy: A Neuroaffirming Guide to Special Education Advocacy Destiny Huff Consulting Advocating for Kids, Inc. (Cheryl Poe) Affirming Village Podcast with Lisa Baskin-Wright Dr. Destiny Huff on Instagram Dr. Destiny Huff on Facebook Lisa Baskin Wright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tangled ball of spaghetti. That's how aspiring therapist Rebecca Gonzalez-Ojeda describes her ADHD brain. Diagnosed with ADHD in fifth grade, Rebecca grew up hearing messages to “just try harder” while struggling with school and self-esteem. It felt like giving 110% still wasn't enough.  Rebecca reflects on painful IEP meetings, discouraging comments from teachers, and the emotional drain of being misunderstood for years. She also shares what it was like “raw-dogging” life after losing access to treatment, then getting re-diagnosed with ADHD after college — and how ADHD medication changed her life. For more on this topic Listen: The “devastating” findings of a decades-long ADHD study Read: ADHD and self-esteem: What to say to kids Watch: Psychologist explains the biggest challenges of adult ADHD For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org. You can also email us at adhdaha@understood.org . Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transition IEP meetings are essential when your child transitions from elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, and high school to college/vocational school. If you haven't had a transition IEP meeting for the end of this school year, you can still get one scheduled as soon as the new school year begins. We are breaking it down in today's episode. Join us!Show Highlights:What the law provides for parents regarding transition IEP meetingsThe transition IEP meeting is NOT just a box to check.Waiting 30 days into the new school year means 30 days of missed opportunities for the student to be successful.From middle to high school, the student's diploma track has to be determined.From elementary to middle school, executive functioning skills are put to the test; we need to prep the student.The transition IEP meeting is a chance to “think outside the box” to meet a student's needs.How can we “front-load” a student for success in each transition?Each transition is a chance for a fresh start for students, parents, teachers, and the IEP team.Streamlining communication with the IEP teamResources:Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org.Thank you for listening!Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Your rating and review help other listeners find this show.Connect with us and reach out with any questions or concerns: Facebook, Instagram, X, IEP Website, and Email.

In this episode of The Forgotten Podcast, Jami sits down with Candace Smouse, a TFI advocate from Spokane, Washington, who is a foster, adoptive, and birth mom to six kids. Fostering as a family for five years, Candace shares her journey of opening her home to children with special needs and navigating the unique joys and demands of raising her now-adopted son who has autism. She explores the common fears foster parents face when considering a special needs placement and offers insight on moving forward through the unknown with faith and expectation. Candace candidly details the realities of bringing her son home just before his fourth birthday as his fourth placement in a short span of time. She describes the initial challenges of caring for a child who was completely nonverbal, not potty trained, and struggling with behavior and severe dietary restrictions. Through her family's story, she highlights the exhausting early months, the complex dynamics and feelings of parental guilt that can surface with biological siblings, and the turning point of finding the right in-home therapeutic support. The conversation also breaks down the different levels of autism to help listeners better understand the wide spectrum of care children may require. Candace shares practical advice on how to become a "squeaky wheel" and fiercely advocate within the school system, utilizing resources like Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and special education accommodations. Ultimately, this episode provides deep encouragement for any caregiver feeling isolated or overwhelmed in the thick of special needs parenting. Candace points listeners toward a profound hope rooted in the Lord, reminding foster and adoptive families that they are never truly alone and that stepping into the hard places can expand a family's world with unexpected blessings, deeper empathy, and unconditional love. About the Guest Candace Smouse is a TFI advocate based in Spokane, Washington. She has been married for 18 years and is a mother to six children through birth, foster care, and adoption. With five years of active fostering experience, Candace is deeply passionate about serving the foster care community, supporting families, and sharing the lessons she has learned through years of dedicated care for her adopted son with autism. In This Episode An introduction to Candace's background and how a recurring dream prepped her heart to accept a special needs placement. The realities of navigating the foster care licensing system and handling the emotional weight of saying no to difficult placements. A look into the early days with her son Anthony, including the challenge of being his fourth placement in less than six months. Understanding the three levels of autism, ranging from high-functioning traits to intense, around-the-clock physical care needs. Navigating the hidden challenges of special needs parenting, such as public outbursts, sibling jealousy, and the pressure of public judgment. Learning to advocate in the school system by utilizing therapeutic partners, tracking data, and calling IEP meetings. How special needs parenting expands a family's perspective, fostering deep empathy, awareness, and immediate acceptance within biological children. A message of hope and perseverance for caregivers enduring seasons of parenting exhaustion and spiritual despair. Resources + Links Learn more about The Forgotten Initiative - https://theforgotteninitiative.org/ Follow TFI on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theforgotteninitiative/ Full Spectrum Parent by Christian Parenting (podcast) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/full-spectrum-parent-christian-autism-support-special/id1589016732 The Warner Boys by Ana and Curt Warner (book) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40552513-the-warner-boys Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm (book) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/163659.Ten_Things_Every_Child_with_Autism_Wishes_You_Knew  

Rick Lesser is back at the bar — snowbird tan and all — and this one runs from a 2012 trash-can fire to a city-manager form of government nobody fully understands. Under all of it sits one question: who actually runs this town — the mayor or the city manager? Along the way we get into the windscreens that turned West Park into a wall, a $170K no-bid tech contract, and the beach concession scorecard the city still won't release.We document. You decide.

Justin Bowman had a dream his son would be autistic before the boy was born. Years later, after his son Sawyer was diagnosed with level 1 autism, Justin did what a lot of dads only wish they could do. He built something to help. Justin is back for a deeper dive than his Seen and Heard episode earlier this season. He's the founder and CEO of VizyPlan, a visual routine and planning app he built for Sawyer and then opened to the whole neurodivergent community. Rob and Justin go deep on the dad-as-fixer instinct, what actually comes after an autism diagnosis, and why you can't fix autism but you can support your kid. What you'll hear: - The dream Justin had before Sawyer was born - Why waiting on evaluation results feels like waiting on the SATs - The fixer instinct dads struggle with, and a healthier reframe - The grocery-store meltdowns that inspired VizyPlan - The moment Sawyer saw himself as the hero character and it clicked - How VizyPlan handles IEP transcription, social stories, visual schedules, and advocacy - Why one app beats juggling six - Privacy: VizyPlan does not train its models on your child's data "I would have paid any amount of money to help him. Any amount of money." Justin Bowman Try VizyPlan: 30-day free trial with code theautismdad at vizyplan.com/app. Just $9.99 a month for your whole family. About Justin: Justin Bowman is the founder and CEO of VizyPlan and Associate Director of Product Management at Chewy. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he's a varsity hockey coach and autism dad. He and his wife Danielle, a speech-language pathologist, have two kids: Sawyer, turning six and diagnosed level 1 autism, and Peyton, four. Sponsors this week: This episode is presented by Best Part Kids, a sensory-friendly multivitamin for selective eaters created by dietitian Brittyn Coleman. Use code THEAUTISMDAD for 10% off at BestPartKids.com. Mightier emotional-regulation games (code theautismdad22, mightier.com) About Rob: Rob Gorski is the founder of The Autism Dad, a blog and podcast dedicated to supporting parents raising kids on the autism spectrum. As a dad of three autistic sons with over 25 years of experience, Rob brings lived experience, honesty, and heart to every conversation. My book, So Your Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism is out on Dec. 29, 2026. Updates and preorder: theautismdad.com/book You can find me at theautismdad.com, on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at The Autism Dad, and on YouTube at The Autism Dad. New episodes drop every week at listen.theautismdad.com.

In this episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah sits down with autism advocate and certified autism coach Roshenna “Ro” McHaney for a powerful conversation about rethinking how we support neurodivergent children. Together, they discuss the importance of shifting away from deficit-based thinking and focusing instead on children's strengths, emotional safety, and individualized support needs.Ro shares her son's journey to diagnosis, including early signs of advanced learning abilities paired with social struggles, school misunderstandings, suspensions, and the difficult process of advocating for proper educational support through ARC meetings and IEP planning. She opens up about the emotional toll families experience when children are misunderstood and emphasizes the importance of persistence, research, yearly IEP revisions, and meeting children where they are.The conversation also explores Ro's upcoming app, Superhero Summit, launching in August. Designed to bridge communication between home, school, and community, the platform will include tools such as a “Knowledge Vault” for diagnoses and IEPs, calendars, trigger tracking, educator communication features, parent forums, and future “Superhero Certified” training for businesses seeking to create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals and families.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Badass Moms Welcome01:04 Episode Mission 02:36 Meet Roshenna04:27 Diagnosis Journey Begins07:15 Early Social Clues09:04 Fighting for Support12:10 Advocacy Armor On14:17 Tailored School Plan18:48 IEP Meetings Strategy23:02 Pivotal ARC Moment24:26 Superhero Summit App26:13 Features Vault Forum30:00 Kryptonite Triggers Tab31:42 Teacher Access Explained32:49 Beyond Autism Use Cases33:46 Building the App Team35:09 August Launch 37:28 Business Certification Tab41:41 Scaling Global Access44:51 Top Three Rethinks48:12 Letting Go of Norms50:14 Wrap Up 54:21 Guest Application Connect with Roshenna:Be sure to head over to the Superhero Summit website to learn more about the app and how this platform aims to better support neurodivergent children and their families.Website: https://superherosummit.onlineInstagram: www.instagram.com/superhero_summit22Facebook: Superhero SummitIf this episode resonated with you:• Follow the Autism for Badass Moms Podcast on your favorite platform• Leave a review to help other autism moms find this community• Share this episode with a parent who may feel unseen or misunderstoodInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcastYouTube: autismforbadassmomsJoin us every Tuesday for more inspiring stories and insightful discussions that empower and uplift.

Moving out of state with a child who has an IEP can feel like starting from scratch, but federal law says otherwise. The problem is that while IDEA travels with you, the procedures, criteria, and even the language used to classify your child's disability can shift dramatically depending on where you land. Today, I'm breaking down what actually happens to your child's IEP when you cross state lines, and why that 30-day transition meeting is often too soon for anyone to make informed decisions about your child's services. I walk you through the federal protections that still apply, the truth about whether a new evaluation is actually required, and why the specificity of your child's eligibility classification matters more than most parents realize. The focus of this conversation is making sure you don't lose ground during a high-stakes transition. Remember, a new state doesn't mean starting from zero - but it does mean you need to be paying attention! My free resource, Is AI Writing Your Struggling Reader's IEP?, walks you through exactly what to look for when you open your child's document and what the research says about the current state of IEP quality. Grab it now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/ai-iep! Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia! My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers, is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered. Topics Covered: What can be influenced by your new state on top of the federal foundation, and why knowing your state's specific special education regulations matters [3:18] Key reasons that transition IEP meetings around the 30-day mark don't give schools enough time to truly know your child, and why you shouldn't feel rushed to sign anything [3:52] The truth about re-evaluations when moving out of state: you don't automatically need a new one just because you crossed state lines [5:06] The critical difference between "SLD dyslexia" and just "SLD," and why specific eligibility language matters for every teacher working with your child [6:09] The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) for military families navigating out-of-state moves, and what support is available at your installation [8:16] Why your child's complete records are your most reliable constant through every move, and what documents you need before transitioning to a new state [9:21] Key Takeaways: IDEA is federal, but states build their own procedures on top, and some build much more than others. A new evaluation isn't automatic just because you moved states; if it's within three years, it should still be valid. "SLD dyslexia" is far more protective than just "SLD"; specificity follows your child through every transition. Links & Resources Mentioned: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) EFMP - Exceptional Family Member Program #77 My Dyslexic Child Is Changing Schools: Will Their IEP Stay the Same When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers! Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com or a DM on Instagram. I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website - Sign up for my newsletter - Follow me on Instagram - Join me on Facebook

In this inspiring episode, Tracey Lyons-Tozier joins host Robert Plank to discuss her mission of helping families navigate the world of special education, neurodiversity, and self-advocacy through her powerful children's book series, Mama Bulldog Books. Drawing from her experience as a master's-level clinical social worker, professional education advocate, and parent of children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, Tracey shares how personal struggles, including a devastating legal battle with a school district, inspired her to empower other families facing similar challenges. https://youtu.be/mVcPLgoPCBs?si=0FIy3JNFI57NVS3h Whether you're a parent, teacher, advocate, or simply someone passionate about inclusion and education, this episode delivers practical insights, emotional encouragement, and hope for families navigating special education and neurodiversity. Throughout the conversation, Tracey explains how books like Benny Speaks Up, Fiona Finds What's Fair, and Mikey Can't Help It help children better understand autism, ADHD, dyslexia, IEPs, 504 plans, bullying, fairness, and emotional regulation. She reveals why teaching children to advocate for themselves is one of the most important life skills parents can nurture and why compassion and understanding are critical for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids alike. Tracey also opens up about the emotional realities of parenting children with special needs, the challenges families face in the education system, and the importance of having advocates during IEP meetings. She shares details about her upcoming ADHD-focused book, Abby and Jack Aren't Bad Dogs: Mama Bulldog Tackles ADHD, which explores hyperactive, inattentive, and combined ADHD presentations through relatable family storytelling. Quotes: “Fair isn't everybody getting exactly the same thing. It's everybody getting what they need to learn.” “Not being timid and silent, not being angry or aggressive, but being calm and assertive—even when you're scared—that's how children learn to advocate for themselves.” “I promised myself at that moment that if I could keep anybody from hearing ‘Google it,' I would.” Contact Details: Connect with Tracey Lyons-Tozier on Facebook Follow Tracey Lyons-Tozier on Instagram Connect with Tracey Lyons-Tozier on LinkedIn Fiona Finds What's Fair (Mama Bulldog Book) on Amazon Tracey Lyons-Tozier Official Website

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara cover Phase Two (part two of five) of the Shoemaker Protocol for CIRS, focusing on foundational steps before starting binders:  Lipid replacement therapy (primarily fish oil) to lower inflammation and help prevent common binder side effects like fatigue, constipation, and overall dryness, with Shoemaker-recommended omega-3 dosing (EPA 2,400 mg and DHA 1,800 mg daily) and cautions about blood-thinning;  Limbic retraining to address errant threat signals from chronic illness, with nuance that intensive programs can be too difficult early on and may work better once out of exposure and/or on binders, while also warning against symptom suppression without addressing root causes;  And the critical priority of getting out of exposure through testing (dust tests for mold, endotoxins, and actinos), remediation or moving, and exploring hidden, internal exposures that can cause plateaus or backslides in your health. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode, all about Phase Three, removing the toxic burden! For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Phase Two of the Shoemaker Protocol 01:25 Why this foundational phase matters 02:54 What is Lipid Replacement? and why is it important? 06:17 Fish Oil / lipid dosing tips 08:04 Limbic Retraining explained 10:51 When Limbic Retraining backfires 14:23 Hyperreactivity Catch-22 18:25 Get out of exposure 20:42 Hidden exposures and healing stalls 22:27 Key takeaways and next phase 24:08 Wrap up and resources For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Check out these episodes mentioned in this episode: Interview with Michael Schrantz about remediation: https://youtu.be/_BEwFVdpRcY?si=mzNeGslwGjaYhWqi Interview with Bill Weber about testing your home: https://youtu.be/RlKjTqVAeNU?si=Eymfvcdk4G6kzylV Interview with Kendra Seymour on choosing a remediator or IEP: https://youtu.be/zmt9e42LLac?si=cTTvunobvEt8YL_n Dust testing 101: https://youtu.be/nRrZs7xbXcc?si=55oXFRCV5kO_p0JD Endotoxin episode: https://youtu.be/O0iKndNzfYA?si=X-iX1NoRO2U7U-QV Actinos episode part one: https://youtu.be/yf9EoTbyAEo?si=d2KUSzNpX2cs0DKE and Part two: https://youtu.be/2rCXhUP6dbY?si=wDHiSy58Vw5fZ5fa Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie's book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

The IEP meeting is supposed to be about your child. Have you noticed that it often feels like it's about everyone else's comfort?  Dr. Diana Fannon spent 24 years inside public school systems as a bilingual school psychologist and director of special education. She now works with families. And in this podcast, she shares with us a few red and green flags of special education.   

In this powerful episode of Autism for Badass Moms, host Rashidah speaks with Jessica Pereira from the Bronx, NY, about raising her daughter Ja'Niyah, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2.5. Jessica shares how her bond with her sister, Chasity, evolved into a deeply connected co-parenting partnership rooted in unconditional love, advocacy, and autism acceptance.Together, they have created a home where stimming is welcomed, communication in all forms is honored, and Ja'Niyah is embraced exactly as she is. This heartfelt conversation explores sisterhood, support, neurodiversity, and helping autistic children thrive without forcing them into conventional molds.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Badass Moms Welcome00:55 Why Moms Need Support03:02 Meet Jessica Pereira04:52 Bronx Beginnings05:53 Early Signs and Referral08:27 Diagnosis Day and Next Steps10:44 Mom Guilt and Sister Steps Up14:38 Single Mom Survival Mode15:57 School Trauma and Homeschool Choice19:04 Aggression and Communication Tools21:51 Sister Co Parenting System28:05 Acceptance Stimming and Public Stares30:13 Future Fears and Big Love33:52 Routine Changes and Respite35:45 Sister as Lifeline38:28 Dating and Limited Support40:35 ADHD and Mental Health43:45 IEP and School Struggles46:38 Gratitude and Softening Up49:02 Mourning Expectations53:16 Badass Mom Reality57:08 Advice to Keep Going01:00:58 What Makes Her Badass01:03:38 Closing and Call to ActionConnect with Jessica:Instagram: www.instagram.com/crzyfantasy128Facebook: Jessica JanetteIf this episode resonated with you, don't forget to:-Follow the podcast-Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform-Leave a review to help us reach more autism moms across the globe-Share this episode with a mom who needs to hear thisInstagram: www.instagram.com/theabmpodcastFacebook: www.facebook.com/theabmpodcast

When a student refuses to eat at school, it affects everything—academic performance, regulation, social interactions, and the afternoon meltdown that follows.In this episode, @Jayson Davies sits down with Alisha Grogan, MOT, OTR/L, founder of Your Kid's Table, to talk about feeding challenges in school-based OT. Alisha brings over 20 years of experience working with extreme picky eaters and shares what school-based practitioners need to know about supporting students who struggle with lunch and snacks.You'll learn how to identify when picky eating crosses into extreme territory, why the cafeteria environment can be so overwhelming for sensory-sensitive students, and what accommodations actually help. Alisha also clarifies the often-confusing scope question: what can school-based OTs reasonably address versus what requires outside support?Whether you're freezing up when feeding comes up in an IEP or wondering how to support a student who won't eat at school, this conversation offers practical, realistic guidance grounded in both clinical expertise and respect for the school setting.Listen now to learn how to make lunchtime less stressful and more successful for the students on your caseload.Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this episode, learners will be able to:Learners will identify the clinical indicators that distinguish extreme picky eating from typical developmental selectivity, including the 20-food threshold and sensory-behavioral red flags (Remember/Understand)Learners will identify and address environmental barriers in the cafeteria that prevent students from eating at school—including sensory overwhelm from noise, lighting, smells, and peer interactions—and implement appropriate accommodations such as quiet eating spaces, noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, and regulation strategiesLearners will identify scope of practice for feeding intervention in schools by understanding what is appropriate for school-based OT (supporting participation in lunch/snack routines, environmental modifications, family education) versus what requires outside clinic-based or medical feeding therapy (expanding food repertoire, intensive feeding protocols, home mealtime culture changes)Click here to register & get the best deal on the 2026 Back to School Conference!  Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.comSee you in the next episode! 

Elyse Scheeler spent years inside the public school system as a speech language pathologist. She had a classroom full of kids making real, measurable progress. The district shut it down — not because anything was wrong, but because her program made their compliance numbers look bad.That's when she knew she had to leave.In this episode Elyse pulls back the curtain on what school staff see every single day but aren't allowed to say out loud. She couldn't tell parents what she suspected. She couldn't refer kids to outside specialists. The system had a rule for that too.We also get into the airway health connection to ADHD and behavior that nobody in a school can mention, how COVID masking quietly set back an entire generation of language development, and how Elyse now helps families with kids who have additional needs homeschool successfully — without doing it alone.In this episode:— Why your child's school limits services even when kids need more— The data vs. children problem hiding inside every IEP meeting— Airway health, sleep, and the hidden root causes of ADHD and behavior issues— How COVID masking impacted language development— Using AI to build a custom curriculum for any learning style— How to homeschool a child with additional needsLinks:→ Free 30-Day Homeschool Quick Start Guide→ What Do I Actually Teach? ($17): thehomeschoolhowto.com/what-do-i-actually-teachCONNECT WITH ELYSE

In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Mike and Ryan tackle a provocative but critical topic: why high expectations are the most loving thing you can do for a child with ADHD. They respond to a listener's experience in which an effective classroom point system—backed by decades of research—was canceled after other parents of children with ADHD complained. Mike and Ryan break down the difference between evidence-based structure and popular social media narratives, explaining why removing consequences and lowering the bar can lead to learned helplessness, prompt dependence, and failure to launch. They cite leading ADHD researchers like Dr. Russell Barkley, clarify what the science actually says about connection vs. consequence, and offer practical advice for IEP meetings, home life, and navigating parent group chats. Above all, Mike and Ryan argue that high expectations combined with high empathy aren't the opposite of love—they are love.Find Mike @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.grownowadhd.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find Ryan @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.adhddude.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠{{chapters}}[00:00:00] Start[00:05:29] Debunking the "connection, not consequence" myth[00:08:14] Dr. Russell Barkley: ADHD as a self-regulation problem[00:10:39] The cost of removing structure: Learned helplessness[00:14:05] "It's not fair": Neurology explains but does not exempt[00:15:30] Setting kids up for failure to launch[00:16:53] Research-backed classroom policies that work[00:21:26] What parents can do at home and in IEP meetings[00:25:05] Confidence is earned by meeting standards[00:25:44] Closing: High expectations + high empathy = loveCitations:Gaastra, G. F., Groen, Y., Tucha, L., & Tucha, O. (2016). The effects of classroom interventions on off-task and disruptive classroom behavior in children with symptoms of ADHD. Consequence-based approaches showed the largest positive effect.Barkley, R. A. (2015 / 2022). ADHD: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. Self-regulation model and "point of performance" principle.Power, T. J., Mautone, J. A., & Soffer, S. L. Family-School Success for Children with ADHD: A Guide for Intervention. Guilford Press. From the Center for Management of ADHD at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia — research-based home-school partnership intervention.Pelham, W. E., Fabiano, G. A., and colleagues. Daily Behavior Report Card evidence base.Rosenthal & Jacobson lineage. Pygmalion Effect / adult-expectation research in education.Milich and colleagues; 2024 review on learned helplessness in ADHD populations.

ur guest today, Vicki Christensen in her own words:  I am passionate about advocating for families of special needs children through the IEP process always with a child-centered approach. Equally important is educating parents/guardians on the rights of a person with a disability and on communication strategies to allow for a positive and open relationship with the IEP team, school & district. My background is a unique combination of 15 years of special education advocacy both as a parent and a professional with a Certificate of Special Education Advocacy from USD, a small business owner giving back to the special needs community and over 10 years as a professional in the healthcare field allowing me to utilize my degree and experience in Communication Studies. I am a mother of a 21 year old (who wears Blue Glasses) with global developmental delays and am experienced in early intervention, the IEP and 504 processes as well as working with the Regional Center. I am widely networked with both parents of special needs children and professionals in the San Diego area and look forward to continuing to provide advocacy services to many more families. I am currently on the Special Education Advisory Committee in the Carlsbad Unified District working to increase awareness and inclusion for our special education students.  In this episode, Vicki Christensen shares her journey parenting a neurodiverse son, Luke, with a rare chromosome disorder, offering insights, practical strategies, and emotional support for parents navigating similar challenges. Enjoy! 01:09 - Intro and welcome Vicki Christensen 01:11 - Vicki's journey from her son's diagnosis to adulthood 02:15 - Initial reactions and how we process a diagnosis 04:09 - Overwhelm of early medical and therapy appointments 05:19 - Living life amidst caregiving responsibilities Ref: what is IEP? 06:24 - Why Vicki wrote her book and its purpose 07:45 - Practical advice for parents 09:44 - On the importance of protecting your marriage 11:49 - Balancing caregiving and personal boundaries 13:05 - On building your support village 14:44 -  How can people find you? • Website: https://www.blueglassesadvocacy.com/ Socials: @BlueGlassesAdvocacy on INSTA Uniquely, Fully, Enough: The Neurodivergent Parenting Journey - A Memoir and Handbook on Amazon Thank you for being here- give us a shout anytime! https://linktr.ee/petershankman Substack:  petershankmanofficial.substack.com Email: peter@shankman.com Podcast: Faster Than Normal Thank you for staying tuned-in; more episodes coming up soon! Do you happen to know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain? We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman

Most parents walk into IEP or 504 meetings hoping to advocate for their child, but unfortunately, many of them walk out feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and unsure of what just happened. In this  episode of The Soaring Child podcast, Dana sits down with attorney and licensed clinical mental health clinician Paula Yost to break down exactly why these meetings feel so difficult and what you can do to change that. Paula brings a rare and deeply valuable perspective, combining legal expertise with real-life experience as a mom navigating the system herself. She is the author of Tumbleweeds: How to Be an Advocate for Your Children and Yourself in a Failing System. You'll learn the critical differences between IEPs and 504 plans (and why many children with ADHD are often placed in the wrong one), how to recognize when your child isn't truly being supported (even if their grades look "fine"), and what to say in the moment when you feel dismissed or unheard. This conversation is packed with practical strategies, real scripts you can use immediately, and empowering insights to help you walk into your next school meeting with clarity and confidence. Most importantly, it will remind you that you have the right to advocate for your child every step of the way. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Paula's Website - https://paulayost.com Paula's book, Tumbleweeds - https://amzn.to/3O2ej9y CONNECT WITH PAULA YOST Website: https://paulayost.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulajyostauthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulayostauthor  KEY TAKEAWAYS [00:01] Why parents often leave school meetings feeling unheard [04:34] The real reason IEP meetings feel so difficult [06:08] The mismatch between parent and school goals [06:47] What FAPE means and why it matters [07:17] Key difference between IEP and 504 [09:13] Why IEPs matter long-term for your child [10:20] High IQ masking ADHD struggles [13:00] Signs your child isn't properly supported [16:18] Common mistakes parents make in meetings [19:36] What to say when you're not being heard [21:11] What to do if your child doesn't qualify [24:13] Why after-school crashes matter [26:39] 3 things to prepare before a meeting [27:47] Emotional reality of advocacy [29:31] You always have the right to another meeting MEMORABLE MOMENTS "It's not a fair fight." "That IEP is a legal document that follows you all the way through your life." "The height of the IQ is masking the ADHD." "I feel like I'm not being heard." "We have to let them fail until they're nine." "You are paying for your attorney and their attorney." "I have never left anything as upset as I was when I have left an IEP meeting." "Some days are just going to be like that." "You always have the right to another meeting." DANA KAY RESOURCES

This week, the long-awaited part two about Tess's IEP for this year.

In this final episode of our “What I Wish I Knew” series, we're taking a step back to reflect on advocacy—what it's looked like for us over the years, what's changed, and what we wish we understood earlier.We talk honestly about the emotional weight of advocating for our kids with Down syndrome, the tension of speaking up in systems that don't always listen, and the growth that comes from learning to trust your instincts.From early parenting moments to IEP meetings and navigating social media, this conversation explores the complexity of advocacy—how it evolves, where it gets messy, and why it's never just one moment, but a lifelong process.We also dig into how advocacy has shifted in the age of social media—the connection it brings, but also the pressure, comparison, and confusion around what it's supposed to look like.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, unsure, or alone in advocating for your child, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and encouragement.Why advocacy is unavoidable as a parent of a child with Down syndromeLearning to trust your gut—even when “experts” disagreeThe emotional reality of speaking up and pushing backHow advocacy evolves over time and gets more complexSocial media: connection, pressure, and comparisonRedefining what advocacy actually looks likeAdvocacy isn't about doing more or being louder—it's about staying grounded in your “why,” trusting your instincts, and showing up for your child over time. What We CoverKey Takeaway

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Sha'mya Jones, a graphic designer and entrepreneur who was diagnosed as Autistic in early childhood — but didn't learn about it until she was a teenager.Sha'mya shares what it was like to grow up knowing she was different but not understanding why, navigating school, relationships, and identity without the language to describe her experience. From early academic success to social challenges and bullying, her story reflects the complexity of being both supported and left in the dark.Together, Angela and Sha'mya explore masking, college burnout, creative identity, and what it means to build a life and business that reflects who you truly are.

Recess is often the first thing to go when kids are struggling at school. But what if taking it away is actually making things worse?In this episode, we break down why recess is not a reward and should never be used as a punishment. From a sensory and nervous system perspective, movement is one of the most important tools kids have to regulate, focus, and learn throughout the day.We talk about what a typical school day looks like today and how different it is from previous generations. Many kids are spending hours sitting, working on computers, and getting very little movement. For some students, recess may be the only time all day they have the opportunity to run, play, socialize, and reset their nervous system.This episode walks through what's actually happening in the brain and body during recess, including the role of movement, social play, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and even digestion. We also discuss why the kids who “struggle the most” are often the ones who need recess the most, and how removing it can create a cycle of more dysregulation, more behavior challenges, and more frustration for everyone involved.We'll also share practical ways to think differently about discipline and motivation in the classroom, along with simple strategies that support regulation without removing movement. From adding movement into the school day to advocating for your child through an IEP or 504 plan, this conversation is all about supporting kids in a way that actually works.Thanks for listening