Podcasts about Special education

Welcome back to Be the Exception in Special Education! I'm your host, Dawn Ellis, and today we're jumping into one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of back-to-school season—classroom setup! Whether you're a veteran teacher or fresh on the scene, this episode is packed with tips to help you set up a functional, organized, and stress-free special education classroom that works for you and your students. Here's what you'll hear in today's episode:

In this episode, we're joined by literacy expert Dr. Molly Ness, author of Making Words Stick, to unpack the science behind orthographic mapping and what truly effective spelling instruction looks like. If you've ever found yourself wondering whether “irregular” words really exist—or how to teach spelling in a way that actually transfers to reading and writing—this episode is for you.Dr. Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia, and spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University in New York City. The author of five books, Molly served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York state chapter founder of the Reading League. Dr. Ness has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. She is also the host of the End Book Deserts podcast. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm supporting schools, districts, and states align with and implement the science of reading.

This is the 3rd installment of the paraprofessional series for July.In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we're tackling one of the toughest (but most necessary) parts of leading a team—what to do when a paraprofessional is disengaged, resistant, or just not meeting expectations.If you've ever avoided a hard conversation, felt frustrated but unsure how to speak up, or simply wished you had the words and tools to handle tricky para situations… this episode is for you.We'll cover:✅ Common signs of disengagement or burnout✅ How to lead with both accountability and compassion✅ A simple 3-step feedback framework: Observe, Ask, Collaborate✅ What redirection and support can look like in real time✅ A mini training idea you can use on the spot✅ Why support doesn't mean lowering expectations—it means raising your leadershipPlus, I'll walk you through how to access a FREE bundle of tools to help make these courageous conversations easier. It includes:Courageous Conversation StartersPara Expectations ChecklistActionable Tips for Para EffectivenessA List of Practical Para Training Topics

Join Dr. Stephanie on Converge Autism Radio with special guest Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA and PhD candidate, as they unpack the real-world impact of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in autism. Courtney shares insights from her 10+ years leading compassionate, trauma-informed clinical teams at ABS Kids, explores common myths, highlights crucial components of effective ABA care, and reveals how leadership strategies can foster psychological safety in therapy settings. Whether you're a caregiver, clinician, or advocate, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical guidance to support autistic individuals and their families with dignity and expertise.About the speaker: Courtney Lasky, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA Courtney Lasky is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) amd PhD candidate with over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As the Director of Clinical Operations for ABS Kids, she leads clinical teams in providing high-quality, compassionate care to children and families.Recognized as a subject matter expert, Courtney has been featured on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace and the Dr. Drew Podcast, where she shares her insights on behavior analysis and its broader applications. She is passionate about leadership, staff training, and fostering psychological safety within clinical teams.Beyond her professional work, Courtney is a dedicated wife and mother of six, living in Irmo, South Carolina. Balancing a thriving career with a full and adventurous family life, she brings both expertise and heart to everything she does.

Welcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, we welcome back Renée Peña Lopez, an early childhood inclusion specialist, to share her journey of living with dyslexia and her surprising recent diagnosis of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). While our initial focus was on dyslexia, Renée's revelation about her comorbid ADHD adds a fascinating layer to her story.Renée reflects on her childhood experiences marked by perfectionism, where her struggles with comprehension, spelling, and writing were often overshadowed by her grandfather's insistence on academic excellence. She candidly discusses her late dyslexia diagnosis in college and the emotional challenges that accompanied it, including the impact of her learning difficulties on her self-esteem.Throughout the episode, Renée shares her coping strategies, such as utilizing dictation tools and seeking support from mentors, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's learning differences. She explores how her recent ADHD diagnosis intertwines with her dyslexia, offering insights into the unique experiences of women and girls of color navigating these conditions.Renée also dives into the cultural context surrounding learning disabilities, particularly within Black and Afro-Caribbean families, highlighting the need for better awareness and resources to support families dealing with learning differences. She critiques current educational practices regarding spelling and writing instruction and advocates for diverse learning strategies tailored to individual needs.As a parent herself and an educator, Renée reflects on her growth and the importance of empowering children to embrace their learning differences. She concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to seek help and explore their unique learning styles, fostering a culture of curiosity and understanding.Join us for a compelling conversation that champions resilience, empowerment, and advocacy for those navigating the complexities of dyslexia and ADHD.Who is Renée Peña Lopez?Renée Peña Lopez is an Early Childhood Inclusion Specialist, and proud Native New Yorker. She is a licensed special education early childhood teacher who has a passion for quirky learners such as herself. Renée attended Bard College for her B.A. in Dance and Integrated Arts (Video and Arts Education). While on her journey, she fell in love with Early Childhood working at an enrichment school, where the director took a chance on her and suggested she go into the field. She decided to attend Mercy College for (Birth-6th with Student with Disabilities). Now, Renée pulls from her creative background in dance and her vast experience in an array of classrooms from museums to progressive spaces to play-based models. She is also a Mama of a quirky and lovely kiddo who works with Families and Teachers of Littles to help them make sense of their Littles play by finding the magic that makes them shine. Together, we rethink inventions!You can find Renée:On the web: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMagicOfLittles/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themagicoflittlesOn Threads: https://www.threads.net/@themagicoflittlesOn Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/themagicoflittles/On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-pena-lopez-9a93957Download "The Mighty Advocate Guide" for free: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/page/619933Purchase digital "Stay on Top of IEPs" Planner with 50% discount for our audience: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/purchase/212062-Stay-on-Top-of-IEPs-Planner/coupon/ASTEPAHEADRenee has a podcast called "The Magic of Littles with Renee Pena Lopez." Listen and subscribe here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-magic-of-littles-with-renee-pena-lopez/id1460070377Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/e_fziDUjflcRate this episode on IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt37610844/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk********************************************Follow Gabrielle Crichlow:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.crichlow On 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://eztxt.s3.amazonaws.com/534571/widgets/61fc686d8d6665.90336120.htmlCheck 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/ASATS2013Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/support Original date of episode: May 10, 2025

In this encore episode of The Autism Little Learners Podcast, Tara reconnects with Cari Ebert, a respected speech-language pathologist and passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Together, they revisit a powerful conversation that redefines what play and connection can look like for autistic children. Cari shares valuable insights into why autistic play is real, meaningful, and should be honored as such. She explains how deep interests can be a gateway to learning, joy, and communication—and how adults can build stronger relationships with children by embracing these passions. The episode also explores the idea of presuming competence and cultivating supportive environments where every child feels seen and valued. Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or listening again, it's packed with practical ideas and heart-centered strategies to help you support autistic children in ways that truly honor who they are. Key Takeaways: Autistic children experience and express play in unique, valid ways. Deep interests are powerful tools for building trust and engagement. Connection and respect must come before compliance or correction. Play is not a prerequisite for learning—it is learning. Presuming competence opens the door to authentic communication. Environments that support individuality fuel growth and joy. Reflecting on our practices helps us better support each child. Bio: Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in private practice in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master's degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, product developer, and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most—TALK! She has an animated personality, and this translates to a high-energy speaking style. Cari has an Autistic son, allowing her to engage audiences both as a professional and as a parent of a neurodivergent child. Website: www.cariebert.com Cari's free handout "Autistic Play Is Authentic Play": https://cariebert.com/freebie You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook  

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CTL Script/ Top Stories of July 11th Publish Date: July 11th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, July 11th and Happy Birthday to President John Quincy Adams I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Marine Corps League Detachment hosting 10th anniversary commemoration Woodstock couple runs Peachtree after losing 143 pounds Cherokee elections board conducts two risk limiting audits Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oils We’ll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you’re looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  Commercial: MILL ON ETOWAH REV GENERIC_FINAL STORY 1: Marine Corps League Detachment hosting 10th anniversary commemoration The LCpl Squire “Skip” Wells Marine Corps League Detachment 647 will host a commemorative service on July 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, marking the 10th anniversary of LCpl Squire “Skip” Wells’ death in the 2015 Chattanooga terrorist attack. The ceremony will honor Wells and four other fallen servicemen. Open to the public, the event reflects the Marine Corps League’s dedication to remembrance and support for Marines, veterans, and their families. For details, contact Senior Vice Commandant Getzie Lamar at 770-810-5598 or mcldet647@gmail.com. STORY 2: Woodstock couple runs Peachtree after losing 143 pounds Woodstock couple Chris and Nicole Russell celebrated a major milestone by completing the Peachtree Road Race after losing a combined 143 pounds. Their health journey began in 2024, inspired by Chris’s recovery from a COVID-19 coma and Nicole’s struggle to fit into her wedding dress. With guidance from Northside Hospital and Beltline Health, they focused on daily nutrition and exercise goals. The race marked an emotional victory, with Chris reflecting on small wins like improved mobility and Nicole feeling a weight lifted. Their next goals include the Publix Marathon in 2026 and competing in HYROX. STORY 3: Cherokee elections board conducts two risk limiting audits The Cherokee County Board of Elections conducted two risk-limiting audits for the June 17 Public Service Commission Special Election. A pre-certification audit on June 20 reviewed 446 ballots from five Election Day precincts, matching machine counts 100%. A state-required audit on June 26 examined ballots from advance voting, Election Day at R.M. Moore, and provisionals, also confirming 100% accuracy. No party monitors or public observers attended either audit. For more details, visit cherokeegavotes.com. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.    Break: HISTORY CHEROKEE STORY 4: Cherokee County School District honors transportation employees The Cherokee County School District honored its top school bus drivers at the fourth annual Transportation Employee of the Year Awards. Wanda Fowler, a 17-year veteran serving the Creekview Innovation Zone, was named the overall winner for her dedication to student safety and teamwork. Zone winners included drivers from Cherokee North, Cherokee South, Etowah, River Ridge, Sequoyah, Woodstock, and Special Education. Winners, selected by peers and administrators, were celebrated at a back-to-school event with gift cards, banners, and gift bags sponsored by local businesses. The program highlights the vital role of transportation staff in the district. STORY 5: Cherokee County Health Department hosting back-to-school health clinics The Cherokee County Health Department will host Back-to-School Health Clinics in July and August at the Canton and Woodstock Health Centers. Screenings for hearing, dental, vision, and BMI/nutrition are $60, with immunizations available for $21.90 each for uninsured or underinsured children. Accepted insurances include Medicaid, PeachCare, and major providers. Clinics at Woodstock Health Center (7545 Main St.) are on July 22, 29, and Aug. 5, while Canton Health Center (1219 Univeter Rd.) clinics are on July 24, 31, and Aug. 12, all from 1-6 p.m. Appointments are also available on weekdays. Commercial: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on seed oils We’ll have closing comments after this.   COMMERCIAL: Ingles Markets 4   SIGN OFF –   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com Etowah Mill historycherokee.org/ #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The principal of a Clare school for children with learning disabilities has dismissed a recent ministerial visit as a "tick-the-box exercise". Representatives from a number of schools nationwide have attended a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth centering on the proposed redesignation of schools for children with mild general learning difficulties. Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, visited St Anne's School in Ennis recently where a number of issues relating to the sector were discussed. Principal of St Anne's School, Rose Marie Flanagan, says while the engagement was positive, the aftermath has been disappointing.

Ready or not, the new school year is just around the corner—and if your to-do list is already giving you anxiety, you're in the right place! In this episode of Be the Exception in Special Education, we're tackling that all-too-familiar beginning-of-year stress head-on. Whether you're staring down a fresh IEP caseload, knee-deep in classroom setup, or just wondering how you're supposed to do everything and still enjoy your summer—breathe easy. I've got a plan for you.

Ever feel like your school is trying all the “right” strategies—social skills groups, planners, behavior charts—but students still struggle with time management, motivation, and peer relationships?You're not alone—and there's a reason why.This episode is a clip from my free training, “Create a Research-Based Implementation Plan for your School Team.”It's designed for school leaders who want to guide their teams in embedding executive functioning support across both general and special education settings—without burning out staff.This episode is for you if you're ready to: ✔️ Help students truly benefit from academic instruction ✔️ Support social-emotional growth alongside learning ✔️ Avoid overwhelming your team with another “initiative”In the training, I'll reveal:✅Why social skills groups fall flat—and how to really boost students' emotional regulation and peer connections.✅The truth about planners, lists, and behavior charts—and why they're not improving student's time management or motivation.✅The 3 key elements school teams need to support executive functioning across gen ed and special ed—without burning out your staff (in this episode, I share element #1).This episode is the first half of the training in audio format, but to view the whole training with the video, you can go to drkarendudekbrannan.com/efteams. We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Welcome back to our July podcast series all about working with paraprofessionals!Last week in Episode 217, we talked about making the mindset shift from boss to leader. And this week, we're building on that foundation with one of the most practical skills you can master as a special educator: delegating.If you've ever thought, “It's just easier to do it myself,” or if you've assigned a task and then felt frustrated when it wasn't done right—this episode is for you.In this episode, Jennifer shares:Why delegation is a skill that builds confidence, not controlHer “5W + H” formula for giving clear, respectful directionsThe glitter door debacle that taught her the power of being specificReal-life examples of how vague vs. clear delegation changes everythingA free downloadable toolkit to help you plan and organize delegation tasksWhen done right, delegating doesn't just free up your time—it builds trust, ownership, and confidence within your classroom team. It turns your paras into true collaborators instead of passive assistants.

On this episode of Careers4Kids, we interview Karen Joseloff, a Special Education teacher from New York City. We talk about her goals, why she chose this job, and about her key takeaways from her past and current experiences. We are sorry for the delay in production, and hope to have more interviews on the way soon. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Careers4Kids podcast!

Amy Barmore, Head Volleyball Coach, Transylvania University and Co-Director, Lexington United Volleyball Club Amy is from Louisville, KY and went to Georgetown College where she was a four-year volleyball player and graduated in 2010. After graduation, Amy coached at a few high schools in Lexington and Scott County. She began her collegiate coaching career at Georgetown College in 2012 and left Georgetown College in 2014 when she was hired as an assistant coach at Transylvania. After being the assistant for 4 years, she was named Head Coach at Transylvania and is going into her 8th year in that role. Her teams have won 5 straight conference tournaments and have been to the elite 8 and sweet sixteen. Amy also serves as the Senior Women's Administrator. While coaching at collegiate level, Amy has also been a club director. She started coaching club volleyball in Lexington in 2008 and has not stopped. In 2020, I was the club director for Alpha performance for one year. After Chris Beerman passed away, she and Jenni Morgan merged Alpha Performance and Lexington United and she has been the co-club director of Lexington United since. Jenni Morgan, Head Volleyball Coach, Dunbar High School and Co-Director, Lexington United Volleyball Club Jenni Morgan is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana. She attended Western Kentucky University, where she played college volleyball and earned a degree in Exceptional Education. She went on to obtain a Master's in Elementary Education from Georgetown College and later achieved her Rank I certification in Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. She has two children, Kennedy (16) and Clayont (13), and two step children, Alayana (21) and Griffin (15). Since graduating college, she has dedicated the past 25 years to teaching and coaching, with a focus on Special Education. At Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, she has served in multiple leadership roles, including Special Education Department Chair, member of the SBDM Committee, and Assistant Athletic Director. Her coaching journey began right out of college when she was a student assistant under current Head Coach Travis Hudson. Before moving to Lexington, she coached one year in Indiana and two years in Illinois. In 2004, she began coaching at Dunbar, and was honored to be named Head Coach in 2005. Over the years, the Dunbar volleyball program has secured 10 District Championships and 7 Regional Championships. In 2022, Dunbar became one of only three public schools to reach the state tournament finals. She has been recognized as Region 11 Coach of the Year six times and was named the 2023 Kentucky High School Volleyball Coach of the Year. In addition to her work at Dunbar, she has been actively involved in club volleyball, coaching in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. In 2020, following the passing of Club Director Chris Beerman, she and Amy Barmore merged Lexington United and Alpha to continue building and supporting the volleyball community. For more information about Lexington United Volleyball Club, visit the website: https://lexunitedvbc.com/.                                             If you enjoyed this podcast, please click "subscribe" wherever you listen to episodes and we hope you'll consider leaving us a review. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UKAGHW, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ukaghw, or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/active-girls-healthy-women. Sign up for the Active Girls Healthy Women newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/h6e30b or learn more about our Program here: https://linktr.ee/ukaghw. If you want to help us sustain the Champions of Active Women podcast, please consider donating to the University of Kentucky Active Girls Healthy Women Program at https://give.uky.edu/campaigns/47165/donations/new?aft=87003cbf2438ea9d126a47dbe0395353  

#371>  Sponsored by the Men's Division of Sara Schenirer.They will help you figure out your yeshiva credits, financial aid, and help you choose a degree program that leads to a successful career.They offer degrees in Accounting, Business, ABA, Psychology, Health Science, Pre-Med, Paralegal, Special Education, and Social Work. All degrees are offered through their prestigious partner colleges and their student support is first-rate.Applications are open now for the fall semester. Visit their website https://shorturl.at/YXy7i, call 917-209-8204, or email rpelberg@sarasch.com to connect with a helpful advisor today.> To purchase, "First Impressions: Sefer Hasidim and Early Modern Hebrew Printing": https://amzn.to/3TmWSj1> To purchase "Sefer Hasidim and The Ashkenazi Book in Medieval Europe" by Prof. Ivan Marcus: https://amzn.to/4eFlsFw> The Sefer Hasidim Project: https://judaic.princeton.edu/about-us/resources/sefer-hasidim-project> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZ3C2CjUeD9AGJvXeEODtK> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp status: https://wa.me/message/TI343XQHHMHPN1>  To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode follow this link: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/or email seforimchatter@gmail.com (Zelle/QP this email address)Support the show

In Episode 91, Cindy talks with Sean McCormick, founder and Executive Director at EF Specialists. They discuss the research on executive functioning training, especially for neurodiverse students, and the degree to which it transfers to everyday life. In the episode, they mention several research studies. For free resources, please visit efspecialists.com.

Hey there, teacher friend!

Host Chris Davies is joined by Keeri Tramm. Keeri is Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks, is an Autistic professional dedicated to fostering equity and empowerment for the disability community. With a career spanning nonprofit and for-profit sectors, she leverages her expertise in business and data analysis to drive impactful outcomes. Keeri holds a degree in Special Education, CPACC certification, and serves on the board of Minnesota NEAT, where she influences disability policy and practice.

Nothing says “summertime” like visiting friends. And what's the podcast equivalent of a summer get together? Why a whole month devoted to guest episodes! This July we're doing a world tour of topics from all over the ABA map. We kick things off with Dr. Roseanne Lesack and Dr. Jillian Wilson updating us on some of the best practices in improving social validity of parent training planning before crossing the country to discuss many of the questionable practices lurking in single-case experimental design with Dr. Matthew Tincani. Next we take a quick trip back home in our ongoing series on professional collaboration with special education teacher/BCBA, Carolyn Beaumier. Finally, , we travel to the other side of the topic world to listen to Dr. James Meindl on his work regarding a hypothetical functional account of mass shooting behavior. It's a podcast vacation for the ages, and you're invited to join us for free! The only thing missing is the little bag of pretzels. Articles for July 2025 Social Validity of Parent Training w/ Dr. Roseanne Lesack + Dr. Jillian Wilson Allen, K.D. & Warzak, W.J. (2000). The problem of parental nonadherence in clinical behavior analysis: Effective treatment is not enough. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 373-391. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2000.33-373 Wilson, J.B. & Lesack, R.S. (2024). Parent perceptions of behavior analytic interventions. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 1050-1073. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-01010-3   Identifying Questionable Research Practices w/ Dr. Matthew Tincani Tincani, M., Gilroy, S.P., & Dowdy, A. (2024). Extensions of open science for applied behavior analysis: Preregistration for single-case experimental designs. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. doi: 10.1002/jaba.2909 Tincani, M., Travers, J., Dowdy, A., Slocum, T.A.,& Dietrich, R. (2025). Questionable and improved research practices in single-case experimental design: Initial investigation and findings. Perspectives on Behavior Science. doi: 10.1007/s40614-025-00441-9   Professional Collaboration (Special Education Teachers) w/ Carolyn Beaumier Giangreco, M.F., Pennington, R.C., & Walker, V.L. (2023). Conceptualizing and utilizing board certified behavior analysts as related services providers in inclusion-oriented schools. Remedial and Special Education, 44, 73-85. doi: 10.1177/07419325211063610 Squires, M., Cutrer-Pãrraga, E.A., Morris, J.R., Miller, E.E., & Hansen, B.D. (2024). Navigating collaboration: Factors influencing special education teachers' relationships with BCBAs in diverse school contexts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 1033-1049. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-010009-w Reilly, A.M., Crowell, G.E., Thoele, J.M. et al. School-Based Transdisciplinary Teaming to Maximize Behavioral Supports. Behav Analysis Practice (2025). doi: 10.1007/s40617-025-01054-z   Predicting and Preventing Mass Shootings w/ Dr. James Meindl Meindl, J.N., Ivy, J.W, Delgado, D.M., & Swafford, L. (under review). Towards a functional account of mass-shooting: Prediction and influence of violent behavior. Meindl, J.N. & Ivy, J.W. (2018). Reducing media-induced mass killings: Lessons from suicide prevention. American Behavioral Scientist, 62, 242-259. doi: 10.1177/0002764218756918

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. A. Jordan Wright, psychologist who brings both professional insight and lived experience to the conversation—having been diagnosed with ADHD in college. Together, we explore the often-overlooked stories of kids who manage to compensate for ADHD symptoms well into adolescence or adulthood, only to receive a diagnosis later in life.We also dive into why early educational settings are crucial for embedding executive functioning supports and how these skills can be proactively taught rather than reactively addressed. Our guest offers a compelling argument for why executive functioning should be considered the new social-emotional learning—essential, foundational, and deeply tied to lifelong success.We also spend a good portion of the episode discussing best practices for assessing executive functioning in a way that is robust and sensitive to diverse learning needs—moving to deeper understanding.Topics Covered:✅ Being diagnosed with ADHD in college and why high-performing kids with ADHD are often missed✅ The case for embedding executive functioning support into early education✅ Executive functioning as the new SEL: What educators need to know✅ Best practices for executive functioning assessment, including surveys, non-standardized methods, and optimal functioning measures. Dr. A. Jordan Wright is the Chief Clinical Officer at Parallel Learning and leading clinical psychologist who specializes in psychological assessment (including learning disabilities and ADHD) and therapy. Dr. Jordan received his Ph.D. from Columbia University. He is on faculty at New York University, where he leads the Clinical/Counseling Psychology PhD program, training doctoral students in psychological assessment and counseling, and he founded and runs the Center for Counseling and Community Wellbeing, the low-fee community mental health training clinic at NYU.Dr. Jordan has authored multiple widely-used books on psychological assessment, including Conducting Psychological Assessment: A Guide for Practitioners (2nd ed.; Wiley, 2020); Essentials of Psychological Tele-Assessment (with Susie Raiford; Wiley, 2021); Essentials of Psychological Assessment Supervision (Wiley, 2019); and, with Gary Groth-Marnat, the sixth edition of the Handbook of Psychological Assessment (Wiley, 2016), the most widely used text in graduate training on assessment. His most recent book is Essentials of Culture in Psychological Assessment (Wiley, 2024), which focuses on areas of diversity, culture, privilege, and oppression in how we evaluate and understand individuals.You can learn more about Parallel Learning's comprehensive services for providers on their website here: https://www.parallellearning.com/You can find Dr. Jordan's free White Papers from Parallel Learning on executive functioning assessment, self-care for clinicians, telehealth best practices, plus much more here: https://www.parallellearning.com/white-papersIf you're a clinician looking for new career opportunities, you can take a look at Parallel Learning's “Careers” page here: https://www.parallellearning.com/careersIn this episode, I mentioned “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support”, a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here : https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

#369>  Sponsored by the Men's Division of Sara Schenirer.They will help you figure out your yeshiva credits, financial aid, and help you choose a degree program that leads to a successful career.They offer degrees in Accounting, Business, ABA, Psychology, Health Science, Pre-Med, Paralegal, Special Education, and Social Work. All degrees are offered through their prestigious partner colleges and their student support is first-rate.Applications are open now for the fall semester. Visit their website https://shorturl.at/YXy7i, call 917-209-8204, or email rpelberg@sarasch.com to connect with a helpful advisor today.> To purchase, " Promised Land: Jewish Patriots, the American Revolution, and the Birth of Religious Freedom": https://amzn.to/44wQ6NP> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZ3C2CjUeD9AGJvXeEODtK> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp status: https://wa.me/message/TI343XQHHMHPN1>  To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode follow this link: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/or email seforimchatter@gmail.com (Zelle/QP this email address)Support the show

Send me a Text!In this engaging conversation, Allison shares her unique journey from Broadway performer to special education teacher. She discusses the importance of empathy in teaching, effective strategies for accommodating diverse learners, and her recent foray into social media as a platform for advocacy and connection. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of teaching, the misconceptions surrounding special education, and the significance of pursuing one's passions.Follow @YourTeacherPal - Allison, on social mediaCheck out her resources here!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:09 Transition from Broadway to Teaching17:28 Teaching Strategies and Accommodations24:10 Social Media Journey and Advocacy29:59 Final Thoughts and AdviceAllison transitioned from Broadway to teaching after realizing the lifestyle didn't fit her vision.Empathy is crucial in teaching, allowing educators to connect with students on a personal level.Special education encompasses a wide range of abilities and needs, challenging common misconceptions.Outdoor breaks can significantly improve focus and learning for students.Social media can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and community building among educators.Teaching is a fulfilling career that brings joy and laughter to both teachers and students.It's important to meet students where they are and provide tailored support.Allison's journey emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passions and not waiting for the perfect moment.Allison is a Broadway performer turned Special Education teacher and mom of 2.  As a content creator, she loves to share funny and relatable content for fellow teachers and parents, as well as share helpful ideas for making learning fun and inclusive.  education, special education, teaching strategies, social media, children's books, Broadway, empathy, advocacy, teaching, accommodationsSupport the show Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers proposed $3.3 billion for the state's public schools. But Republicans who control the budget committee want to spend much less: just $336 million.

In this powerful episode of Beyond Awareness: Disability Awareness That Matters, Diana Pastora Carson is joined by Kristin Wright, Executive Director of Inclusive Practices at the Sacramento County Office of Education. Drawing from her deep personal and professional experiences—as a former California State Director of Special Education and the mother of a daughter with disabilities—Kristin shares her “why” for dedicating her life to the work of inclusion, belonging, and rightful presence. The conversation explores the harmful persistence of the medical model in education, the importance of shifting mindsets from exclusion to rightful presence, and how inclusion must be viewed not as charity, but as a fundamental human right. Kristin also offers candid reflections on systemic ableism, the political threats to essential protections like Medicaid and Section 504, and the urgent need for collective advocacy. This episode is a heartfelt call to action for educators, families, and policymakers to reimagine inclusive education as not only possible, but necessary. Guest Information Kristin Wright Links to Resources MentionedTIES CenterDisability Voices UnitedNational Center for Learning DisabilitiesParents Helping ParentsDisability Rights CaliforniaRightful PresenceJudy HeumannChaeli MycroftAngela Van Ostran Free ASL Classes (Email Diana for details - Diana@GoBeyondAwareness.com) Stay Connected with Diana Diana's Website, including blog Free Resource - 5 Keys to Going Beyond Awareness Free Resource - How to Talk with Kids about Disability Beyond Awareness: Bringing Disability into Diversity in K-12 Schools & Communities - Diana's Book Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights - Diana's Children's Book Ed Roberts: Champion of Disability Rights Thematic Unit/ Disability History Lesson Plans "Beyond Awareness" Digital Course Diana's TEDx Talk Beyond Awareness Facebook Page Diana on Instagram Beyond Awareness Tote Bag Beyond Awareness Pullover Hoodie Beyond Awareness Raglan Baseball T-Shirt Beyond Awareness Journal/Notebook Diana's Teachers Pay Teachers Store - Disability as Diversity Diana's Trifold Laminated Resource: Beyond Disability Awareness: An Educator's Guide, Published by National Professional Resources, Inc. (NPR, Inc.) Credits and Image Description Intro and outro music courtesy of Emmanuel Castro. Podcast cover photo by Rachel Schlesinger Photography. Podcast cover image description: Black and white photograph of Diana, a Spanish-American woman with long, wavy, brown hair. She is wearing a flowy, white blouse and smiles at camera as she leans against wooden building. Photo is colorfully framed with gold and orange rays of seeming sunshine on top half, and with solid sage green color on bottom half. Text reads "Beyond Awareness: Disability Awareness That Matters, Diana Pastora Carson, M.Ed."

In this episode, I  interview Connie, a student from the Language Therapy Advance Foundations program. She shares her practical experiences and results achieved with her students. Key highlights include:✅ Engaging a Disengaged Student: Connie discusses her strategies for working with a high school student who was bored with therapy, emphasizing the use of engaging books to enhance vocabulary learning.✅ Time Efficiency: Learn how Connie cut her preparation time in half by implementing the frameworks taught in our program, allowing for more focused and effective sessions.✅ Achieving Generalization: Connie reports significant progress in several of her students who had previously plateaued, particularly in their ability to generalize syntax skills.This episode offers actionable insights for language therapists looking to improve engagement and outcomes in their practice.Ready to elevate your language therapy skills? Join Language Therapy Advance Foundations and start transforming your therapy approach today.  Learn more about Language Therapy Advance Foundations here: https://drkarenspeech.com/languagetherapy/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Welcome to Hot Topics! Join host Gabrielle Crichlow in this empowering episode featuring fellow tutorpreneur Renée Peña Lopez as they discuss the essential role of advocacy in your child's development. Together, they delve into key developmental markers for preschool and elementary-aged children, providing parents with the insights needed to recognize and address their child's unique needs.In this episode, you'll learn effective strategies for advocating for your child's educational and emotional support, and discover how to navigate the systems in place to ensure they receive the help they require. Gabrielle and Renée share practical takeaways for when you feel overwhelmed or stuck, empowering you to advocate confidently and effectively.Renée, an early childhood inclusion specialist and special education teacher, shares her personal journey of advocating for her daughter who faced developmental delays. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and navigating the special education system, including terms like "CPSC" (Committee of Special Education) and "EI" (Early Intervention). The episode emphasizes the significance of developmental milestones for children aged 3-5 years, advocating early, and the collaborative relationship between parents and educators. Renée also addresses the cultural considerations surrounding advocacy, including the stigma some parents face regarding labels and special education.Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode is filled with expert advice and actionable tips to help you become a mighty advocate for your child. Tune in and take the first steps toward making a meaningful difference in their educational journey! Key Takeaways:- Understanding your child's developmental markers.- Strategies for effective advocacy in educational settings.- Importance of documentation and early intervention.- Navigating cultural considerations and overcoming stigma.- Building collaborative relationships with educators.Don't miss this insightful discussion that empowers you to support your child's needs!,Who is Renée Peña Lopez?Renée Peña Lopez is an Early Childhood Inclusion Specialist, and proud Native New Yorker. She is a licensed special education early childhood teacher who has a passion for quirky learners such as herself. Renée attended Bard College for her B.A. in Dance and Integrated Arts (Video and Arts Education). While on her journey, she fell in love with Early Childhood working at an enrichment school, where the director took a chance on her and suggested she go into the field. She decided to attend Mercy College for (Birth-6th with Student with Disabilities). Now, Renée pulls from her creative background in dance and her vast experience in an array of classrooms from museums to progressive spaces to play-based models. She is also a Mama of a quirky and lovely kiddo who works with Families and Teachers of Littles to help them make sense of their Littles play by finding the magic that makes them shine. Together, we rethink inventions!You can find Renée:On the web: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMagicOfLittles/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themagicoflittlesOn Threads: https://www.threads.net/@themagicoflittlesOn Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/themagicoflittles/On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-pena-lopez-9a93957Download "The Mighty Advocate Guide" for free: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/page/619933Purchase digital "Stay on Top of IEPs" Planner with 50% discount for our audience: https://www.themagicoflittles.com/purchase/212062-Stay-on-Top-of-IEPs-Planner/coupon/ASTEPAHEADWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/Tjw69vLdAIYRate this episode on IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/title/tt36940673/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk********************************************Follow Gabrielle Crichlow:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.crichlow On 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 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asats2013On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-step-ahead-tutoring-services/On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@astepaheadtutoringservicesOn 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://eztxt.s3.amazonaws.com/534571/widgets/61fc686d8d6665.90336120.htmlCheck 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/ASATS2013Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/hot-topics--5600971/support Original date of episode: March 16, 2025

In this episode, I had the absolute honor of speaking with Dr. Barry Prizant—renowned speech-language pathologist and author of the best-selling book Uniquely Human. We talked about how the field of autism education is shifting away from compliance-based approaches and moving toward more compassionate, relationship-centered models.  Dr. Prizant shared powerful insights about emotional regulation, storytelling, and the importance of truly listening to the lived experiences of autistic individuals. We also explored topics like non-speaking communication, the SCERTs model, and how collaboration among educators and families can create lasting change. This conversation left me feeling inspired and hopeful about the future of autism education, and I just know you will feel the same! Bio Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP is recognized as among the world's leading scholars on autism and as an innovator of respectful, person- and family-centered approaches. He is Director of Childhood Communication Services, Adjunct Professor of Communicative Disorders at the University of Rhode Island, and has fifty years of experience as an international consultant and researcher. Barry has published five books, 150 articles/chapters, and is co-author of The SCERTS Model, now being implemented internationally. He was a two-time featured presenter at the UN World Autism Awareness Day, with more than 1000 presentations internationally. Barry's book Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism (2022) is the best-selling book on autism since 2015, published in 26 languages and ranked by Book Authority as #1 of the “100 best books on autism of all time”. Barry co-hosts a podcast, Uniquely Human: The Podcast, with his friend, Dave Finch, an autistic audio engineer. Dr. Barry Prizant's Links: Website: https://barryprizant.com/ Uniquely Human Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901 Uniquely Human Book: https://amzn.to/4e5VWZN The Scerts Model Books: https://amzn.to/4kFpbF5 DRBI (Developmental Relationship-Based Intervention) Interview: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uniquely-human-the-podcast/id1532460901?i=1000711834231 Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): https://autisticadvocacy.org/ Amy Laurent Ted Talk “Compliance Is Not The Goal”: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_laurent_compliance_is_not_the_goal_letting_go_of_control_and_rethinking_support_for_autistic_individuals?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Thinking Person's Guide To Autism: https://thinkingautismguide.com/ David Finch Website: https://davidjfinch.com/ Ros Blackburn & Sigourney Weaver Interview: https://uniquelyhuman.com/2021/04/23/logically-illogical-an-interview-with-ros-blackburn-with-special-guest-sigourney-weaver/ Takeaways Dr. Barry Prizant has a rich background in speech language pathology and autism advocacy. His book 'Uniquely Human' emphasizes storytelling and compassionate approaches to autism. Connecting with families and understanding their experiences is crucial for professionals. Reflective practice is essential for educators to improve their connections with students. Changing the narrative around autism is vital for acceptance and understanding. Evidence-based practices must consider the lived experiences of autistic individuals. Understanding autistic behaviors as human responses can lead to more effective support.  Evidence-based practice includes more than just peer-reviewed research. Parents' intuitions should be respected in therapeutic settings. Behavior analytic approaches often overlook emotional and social development. Compliance-based methods can lead to the dehumanization of autistic individuals. Building trust is essential for effective communication with children. Listening to autistic voices is crucial in shaping educational practices. You may also be interested in these supports Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook  

#368>  Sponsored by the Men's Division of Sara Schenirer.They will help you figure out your yeshiva credits, financial aid, and help you choose a degree program that leads to a successful career.They offer degrees in Accounting, Business, ABA, Psychology, Health Science, Pre-Med, Paralegal, Special Education, and Social Work. All degrees are offered through their prestigious partner colleges and their student support is first-rate.Applications are open now for the fall semester. Visit their website www.sarasch.com, call 917-209-8204, or email rpelberg@sarasch.com to connect with a helpful advisor today.>  Sponsored by The Torah of Tomorrow: One Song, a Hebrew-English edition of a selection of Rav Kook's teachings. To purchase, use code CHATTER for 15% off at https://mosaicapress.com/product/the-torah-of-tomorrow/?sld=seforimchatter> To purchase "The Dybbuk: Its Origins and History": https://amzn.to/4e9rKNe> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DZ3C2CjUeD9AGJvXeEODtK> To join the SeforimChatter WhatsApp status: https://wa.me/message/TI343XQHHMHPN1>  To support the podcast or to sponsor an episode follow this link: https://seforimchatter.com/support-seforimchatter/or email seforimchatter@gmail.com (Zelle/QP this email address)Support the show

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Intervention with Learners with Autism (2013). Peter also served as a consultant for the widely respected documentary In A Different Key (2021) co-producers: Caren Zucker, John Donovan & Ray Conley with music by Wynston Marsalis.Given the scope of Peter's work we decided to split his interview into two parts. This is part #2. Show Links:Phone – (210) 576-0600Email – PGerhardt@epicschool.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gerhardt-112a4b29/Website - https://www.epicschool.org/Organization for Autism Research (OAR) - https://researchautism.org/Books – - Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders - Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series - Publication- Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults  with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes?. Movie – https://www.inadifferentkeythemovie.com/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Many clinicians, educators, and school leaders know they should be working collaboratively, but don't know how to find time to do it. If you have a friend or colleague who seems to have magical productivity powers, I promise there's a method to the madness. Most likely, they've just gotten really good at a concept I call “asset stacking”. It starts with asking yourself the question, “What can I create now that can save me time or effort later?”  In this third episode in the 3-part clinical leadership, I share how the concept of “asset stacking” can be used by both current and aspiring clinical and educational leaders to make an impact on the systems they're working in. Key Points:✅ Creating a long-term strategic vision for your professional growth✅ The concept of asset stacking and how to use it to impact systems✅ Multiple service delivery models that position you as a leader✅ Developing a master plan that aligns your expertise with system needsTakeaways:✅ Asset stacking compounds your influence over time✅ Your unique combination of skills creates distinctive value✅ Service delivery innovation positions you as a thought leaderAction Step: Begin your leadership master plan by identifying your unique "stack" of professional assets and one system-level challenge they could address.In this episode, I mentioned “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support”, a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/  We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

If you've ever sat in a school meeting thinking, “They just don't get my kid,” this episode is for you. Guest Cindy Goldrich, an ADHD and executive function expert, reveals what most teachers don't know about ADHD, why school support often misses the mark, and how to advocate with compassion, not conflict. Whether you're a parent seeking support or an educator feeling overwhelmed, Cindy shares a powerful lens on collaboration, stress, and building spaces where complex kids truly thrive. What to expect in this episode:Uncover the surprising gaps in teacher education when it comes to neurodiversityWhy universal design isn't about special treatment, but smarter teaching for all kidsThe powerful link between anxiety and attentionHow approaching schools with curiosity instead of conflict can make all the differenceWhy your child's voice might be the most important one in the conversationAbout Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M., ADHD - CCSPCindy is a leading ADHD and executive function expert and the founder of PTS Coaching. She equips parents, educators, and professionals with research-backed tools to support children with ADHD. Through certified training programs, one-on-one coaching, and nationwide teacher workshops, Cindy helps others build practical strategies for success. She's the author of 8 Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD and ADHD, Executive Function & Behavioral Challenges in the Classroom, a CHADD Public Policy Committee member, and a regular contributor to ADDitude magazine.Connect with CindyWebsite: PTS CoachingEmail: cindy@ptscoaching.com Facebook: PTS CoachingInstagram: @ptscoachingLinkedIn: Cindy Goldrich, Ed.M. ADHD-CCSPAdvocate for Teacher Training: https://ptscoaching.com/2024/09/advocate-for-adhd-teacher-training/Train All Teachers about ADHD Challenges:  https://ptscoaching.com/2023/08/train-all-teachers-adhd/Meet the Teacher: How to Build Relationships: https://ptscoaching.com/2022/09/meet-the-teacher/Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/gift.Read the full blog here: https://impactparents.com/how-to-help-adhd-students-succeed-in-the-classroom Connect with Impact Parents:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparentsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactParentsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactparentsSponsors "Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out" – A New ADHD InterventionDo you recognize current ADHD interventions fall short? At DIG Coaching, we've developed a groundbreaking field of engineering called Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out. Discover a fresh approach to ADHD care that looks beyond traditional methods.Learn more at www.cognitive-ergonomics.com

Today's guest is Cassandra Orozco, the founder of Beacon of Hope Academy, a faith-based microschool serving K–5th grade students with special needs in Lake Worth, Florida, set to open this fall. As a certified special education teacher with experience in both charter and private schools, Cassandra is passionate about reimagining education to better serve neurodiverse learners. Through Beacon of Hope Academy, she's creating a nurturing, individualized environment where every child is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Today's guest is Alexandra Batista Rodriguez, founder and director of Steps Learning Center in Orlando, Florida, a specialized K-8 microschool for neurodiverse learners with moderate to significant special needs. Steps Learning Center takes a nontraditional, student-centered approach to learning, and serves a variety of families through various flexible programs, including full-time and part-time microschool enrollment options, tutoring services, and curriculum support for homebound students—all financially accessible to students through the state's school-choice programs.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.  

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Intervention with Learners with Autism (2013). Peter also served as a consultant for the widely respected documentary In A Different Key (2021) co-producers: Caren Zucker, John Donovan & Ray Conley with music by Wynston Marsalis.Given the scope of Peter's work we decided to split his interview into two parts. This is part #1. Show Links:Phone – (210) 576-0600Email – PGerhardt@epicschool.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gerhardt-112a4b29/Website - https://www.epicschool.org/Organization for Autism Research (OAR) - https://researchautism.org/Books – - Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders - Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series - Publication- Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults  with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes?. Movie – https://www.inadifferentkeythemovie.com/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

In this second episode in the 3-part clinical leadership series, I explore the 'lesson planning trap'—a common situation where clinicians focus so much on perfecting individual sessions and miss broader opportunities for impact.I experienced this myself, spending years creating detailed therapy plans while seeing little change at the systems level. Then I realized the importance of distinguishing between planning for individual therapy and planning for effective service delivery. This insight transformed my practice and leadership approach.Today, I'll share how you can take your intervention skills and scale them for lasting change in your school or organization. Key Points:✅ Applying effective intervention principles to enhance service delivery.✅ Understanding the difference between therapy planning and service delivery planning.✅ Introducing scalable protocols that maximize your impact.✅ Evaluating your current strategies for scalability.✅ Utilizing intervention principles in team leadership situations.In this episode, I mentioned “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support”, a 7-day course to help school leaders launch their executive functioning implementation plan. You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/ We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Leila Farschian, Special Educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), is someone who gets things done. She has lived these problems in the field and is actively working to solve them. Her story offers practical insight and inspiration to you in your daily work. As founder of the Global Schoolhouse Project, Leila partners with the International Healthcare Network on Closing the Digital Divide, a project bringing digital devices into schools in Johannesburg, South Africa. It's not just about providing tech. She works directly with teachers and students to train them in effective use while identifying the barriers and gaps that limit access.Through her BCBA work, Leila also developed a range of lessons, curriculum, and tools. To share these more broadly, she created ABA Toolbox, a per-learner platform that automates and scales her resources across clinics. It supports her own practice and others in the district, all with a multidisciplinary, child-centered approach.Leila's work is a reminder that real progress often starts with individuals who take action. Whether she's expanding tech access in underserved schools or streamlining care with practical tools, the best businesses are started by those who understand the problems. #autism #speechtherapy What's Inside:The difficulties and differences between jobs in the ABA field.Closing the Digital Divide with the Global Schoolhouse Project.What is the ABA Toolbox?Mentioned In This Episode:ABA ToolboxGlobal Schoolhouse Project Speech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home

Richard Schumacher and President and CEO, Stacy McGhee, are joined by LSEM Programs & Services Consultant, Kathy Krause, to talk about her career in Lutheran special education. Kathy has served numerous roles throughout her years of ministry with LSEM and now looks forward to her upcoming retirement. The three also talk about some of their fun hijinks along the way. Join us in congratulating Kathy on her second retirement from LSEM!

There was a strong focus on investing in special education for the state during the 2025 legislative session. We spoke with the chair of the Special Education Committee, Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox representing the 22nd District (Bridgeport, Trumbull, Monroe), about what exactly passed. Image Credit: Getty Images

In this heartfelt episode, Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan speaks with Dani Amirian, a former media executive who became a dedicated advocate for her son with special needs. Dani shares her family's journey, beginning with her son James' early diagnosis of strabismus and evolving into a complex path of developmental delays, therapies, and special education planning. She opens up about navigating Early Intervention, CPSE, CSE, private services, and the emotional toll of advocacy. With honesty and determination, Dani offers valuable insights on building the right support team, staying organized, and always believing in your child's potential. Whether you're a parent, educator, or professional in the special needs space, Dani's story will leave you inspired, informed, and empowered.

In this episode, we address the common experience of being overlooked in crucial conversations about the students we serve. Whether you're a clinician or educator who feels unheard while trying to contribute, aspiring to be in a leadership role, or currently in leadership and experiencing impostor syndrome, this discussion challenges you to embrace your role as a leader—regardless of your job title.We'll start this 3-part clinical leadership series by clarifying some misconceptions about leadership and explore how to change your approach.Key Points:✅ Why are important team members excluded from key team decisions about services and programs in schools and other organizations?✅ How to stay relevant and visible to colleagues so they see you as an asset.✅ Overcoming three core limiting beliefs:        

Loving our autistic children through their struggles isn't always simple — and it's definitely not always easy. In this heartfelt episode, Shannon opens up about the complex emotions many parents face when their child can't or doesn't express love in typical ways.Maybe your child doesn't say “I love you.” Maybe they don't come to you for comfort or push you away during meltdowns. Maybe you've quietly wondered, "Why does this feel so one-sided?" or "Am I the only one who feels this way?"You are not alone.As summer begins — a time that can feel overwhelming for families like ours — this episode is a soft place to land. It offers you an alternative perspective for those long, unstructured days when everything feels harder than it should. Come back to it whenever you need a reminder that you're not alone, and your love still matters — more than you know.You'll hear stories, strategies, and compassionate insights about what it means to love your child through their hardest moments — not despite them. You'll learn why their love may look different (but is still real), why grief and love can exist side by side, and how to hold space for both hope and heartache on this unexpected parenting journey.And don't forget — next week kicks off our BEST OF Summer Series! We'll be spotlighting some of our most downloaded episodes to make sure you haven't missed any favorites. With over 230 episodes, there's so much to take in, and what didn't apply when it aired might be exactly what you need today. Be sure to scroll through and find the episodes that speak to where you are now. We'll be back with brand new episodes later this summer!

In this episode, we dive deep with educational consultant and innovator Dr. Kate Anderson Foley, who challenges conventional wisdom about student support systems and offers a fresh perspective on educational leadership. Dr. Anderson Foley's  shares revolutionary ideas about restructuring intervention frameworks and explains why some traditional approaches may be limiting student potential.Episode Highlights:✅ The Double Helix Model - Dr. Anderson Foley introduces her groundbreaking concept comparing educational support systems to DNA's double helix structure, demonstrating how interwoven approaches create stronger outcomes than linear interventions, and why we shouldn't label students according to tiers. ✅ Restructuring RtI Tiers - We explore Dr. Anderson Foley's compelling case for removing the traditional tiered structure of Response to Intervention, discussing how these artificial divisions can create barriers to providing students with appropriate support at critical moments.✅ Cross-Pollination of Services - Dr. Anderson Foley flips conventional thinking by arguing that what's often labeled as "duplication of services" actually represents valuable cross-pollination of educational approaches, creating richer learning environments and multiple pathways for student growth.✅ High-Quality vs. Traditional Tutoring - We distinguish between standard tutoring and "high-quality tutoring," examining the specific elements that transform supplemental instruction into transformative educational experiences.✅ Agile vs. Waterfall Leadership - Dr. Anderson Foley contrasts traditional "waterfall" leadership models with agile approaches, explaining how educational leaders can create more responsive, adaptive systems by implementing initiatives in shorter releases and using data to make adjustments sooner, rather than later. Our conversation challenges listeners to reconsider fundamental assumptions about educational interventions and offers practical strategies for transforming support systems to better serve all students. Dr. Anderson Foley's innovative perspectives provide valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policy makers seeking to create more effective and equitable educational environments.Dr. Anderson Foley is Founder & CEO of the Education Policy & Practice Group, an international keynote speaker, and Harvard Medical School Institute of Coaching Fellow. A transformational leader, she has guided school districts and states toward equitable services for all learners, with a focus on breaking barriers for marginalized children.Beginning as a special education teacher pioneering inclusive practices, Dr. Kate advanced to administration where she advocated for reform at local, state, and federal levels. As a senior educational leader for Illinois, she helped create preventative systems addressing opportunity gaps for all learners regardless of background or circumstance, and contributed to equity-based school funding reform.Dr. Kate partners with organizations worldwide, providing expertise in improvement processes, professional learning communities, and asset-based education policies. She teaches Special Education Law to aspiring educational leaders and authors books including "Ida Finds Her Voice," "Fearless Coaching," and "Radically Excellent School Improvement," which offers a blueprint for comprehensive school improvement that ensures every student thrives.

This week's episode wraps up our teacher burnout series with a powerful collection of real-world advice from real special educators. In Episode 212, we hear from 14 special educators from the special education community who share their own burnout prevention strategies—no fluff, no theory, just real talk and real tools.From setting boundaries and saying no, to reclaiming your time, creating meaningful routines, and finding ways to recharge with movement, mindset, and joy—this episode is filled with practical wisdom you can start using today. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned teacher in need of encouragement, this episode reminds you that you're never alone in this work.What You'll Hear in This Episode:✅ Setting Boundaries & Saying NoGuests: Nikki from Teaching Autism, Hallie from Speech Time Fun, Jenn from Teach Love Autism, Angela from The SpedTech Teacher, Heather from Full Sped Ahead, Alexis from The Peachy Speducator✅ Time Management & PrioritizationGuests: Ashley from Spedtacular Days, Abby from Mrs. Moe's Modifications, Sam from The Ed Queen✅ Recharging Through Movement & MindsetGuests: Lydia from Exceptional Space, Chaia from All Things Exceptional, Alicia from Delightfully Dedicated, Heather from Full Sped Ahead✅ Simplifying with Systems & RoutinesGuests: Dawn from Cultivating Exceptional Minds & Be the Exception Podcast, Caroline from Celavora.com & Sped Up Paperwork

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Autism Little Learners Podcast! Today's episode is such a special one. I'm joined by Megan Griffith, an autistic and ADHD life coach who shares powerful insights from her own lived experience. We talk about what it's like to be diagnosed later in life, sensory sensitivities, masking, and the importance of honoring neurodivergent play. Megan's stories and metaphors bring so much clarity and compassion to topics many of us are still learning about. She also shares a peek at her upcoming book Welcome to AudHD and a free resource for parents and educators. You're going to love this conversation! Bio Megan Griffith (she/her) is an auDHD life coach, and she's autistic & ADHD (auDHD) herself. She loves helping adults learn more about their brains and better understand & meet their needs, especially around executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and internalized shame. When she's not working, you can usually find her dying her hair, or writing her novel. Links  Megan's New Book (coming out in the fall of 2025): https://www.theneurocuriosityclub.com/book-waitlist 11 Types of Neurodivergence:  https://www.theneurocuriosityclub.com/types-of-nd The Nuerocuriosity Club - You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNeurocuriosityClub Website: https://www.theneurocuriosityclub.com/ Takeaways Megan identifies as AuDHD, a combination of autism and ADHD. Late diagnoses of autism and ADHD are becoming more common among adults. Sensory sensitivities can significantly impact daily life and social interactions. Masking is a complex behavior that can lead to emotional distress. Children need safe spaces to express themselves without judgment. Play should be enjoyable and not forced into typical norms. Understanding sensory needs is crucial for supporting neurodivergent individuals. Adults should trust and validate the experiences of neurodivergent children. Creating supportive environments can help children thrive. Megan's upcoming book aims to guide neurodivergent adults towards thriving. You may also be interested in these supports Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook  

En este episodio hablaremos sobre la vida de Helen Keller y como transformar la lástima en potencial para las personas con diversidad funcional.  Deja tu reseña en Apple Podcast, Audible y Spotify con cinco estrellas. Comparte un screen-shot de este episodio en tus redes sociales y tus chats.  Sígueme en:  Instagram: Diversidad Funcional en Acción  Facebook: Diversidad Funcional en Acción  TikTok: Diversidad Funcional en Acción Suscríbete a este podcast en tu plataforma favorita: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Audible y iHeart Radio. Puedes enviarnos tus preguntas y peticiones de temas a diversidadfuncionalenaccion@gmail.com. Se incluye TRANSCRIPCIÓN. Referencias: Alquraini, T., & Gut, D. (2019). Critical components of successful inclusion of students with severe disabilities: Literature review. International Journal of Special Education, 34(1), 35-50. McConnell, D., Savage, A., & Hastings, R. P. (2020). Family attitudes and child outcomes: Pathways to resilience in children with disabilities. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(5), 1235-1249. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01648-1 McKenzie, J., & McConkey, R. (2019). Changing parent attitudes through disability training: Effects on family empowerment and inclusive education. Disability & Society, 34(9-10), 1469-1484. Rosenbaum, P., & Gorter, J. W. (2012). The "F-words" in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think! Child: Care, Health and Development, 38(4), 457–463. Hehir, T., Grindal, T., Freeman, B., Lamoreau, R., Borquaye, Y., & Burke, S. (2016). A Summary of the Evidence on Inclusive Education.

In this episode, I'm excited to announce the release of my new compression course, “The School Leader's Guide to Executive Functioning Support.” You can learn more about the course here: https://drkarenspeech.lpages.co/school-leaders-guide-to-executive-functioning-support/In this session, I'll be sharing why I created this program, what parents and professionals have shared with me when I talk about executive functioning, and how I approach educating professionals about this important and relevant topic.*Plus I share things school communities and staff WISH their administration knew

In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Garrett, a special education teacher from the UK and the creator behind Sensory Classroom. We talk about what it really takes to support autistic students with high support needs—especially during group time. Jordan shares how success isn't about getting everyone to sit and comply, but about building trust, meeting sensory needs, and creating a safe, engaging space where students can come and go as they're ready. From empowering teaching assistants to embracing the messy, beautiful moments of connection, this conversation is full of encouragement for anyone supporting young autistic learners. Bio Jordan is a Specialist Education Teacher in the UK. She works with minimally speaking autistic and PMLD pupils aged 3-11. She has been teaching SEND for over 15 years and has a passion for teaching through sensory-based practices. Links Website: https://www.sensoryclassroom.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/sensoryclass FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/12GJEC6CtKK/?mibextid=wwXIfr YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sensoryclassroom?si=8m3kfc5KrsElJB3n TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensoryclass?_t=ZN-8ufHEg4949W&_r=1 Podcast: https://sensoryclassroom.org/pages/podcast Takeaways Micro-trainings are effective for paraprofessionals and teaching assistants Sensory regulation is crucial for effective communication and learning. Success in special education is not about compliance but about connection and engagement. Lessons should be flexible and responsive to students' needs. Modeling behaviors and strategies is essential for teaching assistants. Creating a safe and engaging environment fosters better learning outcomes. Intuitive teaching can lead to more meaningful connections with students. Patience is key and results may take time. Building relationships with students is fundamental to their success.  Creating a safe space fosters trust and engagement. Engagement can be measured through moments of connection. Songs and music can enhance predictability and comfort in learning. Predictability helps reduce anxiety in new environments. Group sessions should be short and engaging to maintain interest. Every child is unique, requiring tailored approaches to learning. You may also be interested in these supports: Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook

Mary J. Goodwin-Oquendo, Esq., discusses how the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (DoE) may impact students with ADHD and learning disabilities who receive special education services and accommodations through IEPs and 504 Plans. ADHD Accommodations and Educational Rights: Additional Resources Free Download: Your Child's Legal Rights at School Read: “Is My Child's IEP in Danger?” Read: When Schools Resist Evaluating & Addressing Learning Disabilities eBook: The Complete IEP/504 Guide Access the video and slides for podcast episode #554 here: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-accommodations-department-of-education-iep-504/ Thank you for listening to ADDitude's ADHD Experts podcast. Please consider subscribing to the magazine (additu.de/subscribe) to support our mission of providing ADHD education and support.