Now more than ever teachers need to feel like they are connected to their peers inside and outside of their immediate districts. In this episode, Sari and I talk about strategies to learning and grow as an educator, working with different types of learners and ways to connect with families, other educators, and educational leaders. Sari Goldberg McKeown is a lifelong learner. She believes education is about who we teach, not just about what we teach. Sari is passionate about culture, relationshi...
Nov 12, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Providing education for students with learning differences has become increasingly challenging. In this episode I talked with Peter about special education law and the impact that COVID, remote and hybrid learning models have on students with disabilities as well as the impact on educators and schools. Peter A. Hahn, Esq. Nothing is more important than your family. So when your child is denied an education, you get a call from the police, or DCF comes knocking at your door, you need an intellige...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode I got a chance to talk with Brian Willoughby about executive function strategies particularly useful during this time of COVID. Dr. Willoughby is a licensed child clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychological, educational, and developmental evaluations. His areas of expertise include learning disabilities, attention and executive functioning concerns, autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as anxiety and mood disorders. Dr. Willough...
Nov 06, 2020•53 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode Hannah and I have a great conversation about Occupational Therapy. We talk about how it is different than physical therapy, what the evaluation process looks like, what happens after an evaluation and the importance of the team working with each individual. Hannah Daye is an occupational therapist who specializes in pediatrics and working with children and young adults on the Autism Spectrum and their families. She has been an occupational therapist since 2011. Her career has inc...
Oct 28, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Did you know that there are more than just five senses?!? In this episode Carol and I talk about Sensory Processing challenges and she help us understand all of the various senses and how sensory integration works. She offers ups strategies to help regulate students so that they can feel ready to learn and take on new experiences and discoveries. Carol Stock Kranowitz, Author and Speaker Carol Stock Kranowitz, a teacher for 25 years, introduced Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) to parents and ed...
Oct 22, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode I got the chance to talk with Kari on emotional regulation, the Incredible 5 point scale, how the idea came about and the variety of ways this amazing tool is being used all over the world! KARI DUNN BURON, MS, Autism Education Specialist Kari taught in the K-12 MN public school system with students on the autism spectrum for 30+ years, is a Past President of the Autism Society of MN, and was a founding member of the MN Autism Project. She developed an Autism Spectrum Disorders C...
Oct 20, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this episode I talk about how anxiety overlaps with an autism spectrum disorder. I talk about how anxiety can come about and what some of the common coexisitng diagnoses can be. I also offer some strategies and tools that may be helpful.
Oct 15, 2020•19 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode I talk about executive function. I talk about what the official definition is and what types of processes it can effect in all people but also how it overlaps with the other facets of autism. Of course, I also offer some quick strategies to add to the toolbox that might be helpful to some.
Oct 13, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this episode I talk about sensory sensitivities and the variety of ways that they can present. I explain how sensitivities to visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and tactile senses fit into the diagnostic criteria and how gross motor and fine motor movements fit it as well as special interests. This is part 4 of a 6 part mini course.
Oct 08, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode I discuss the different types of communication and how they all come into play to make meaning from how we and others are expressing themselves. I lay out what some of the common challenges are in communication for those with an autism spectrum diagnosis and some strategies that can be helpful. This is part 3 of a 6 part mini course.
Oct 06, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode I talk about the current criteria used to determine an autism diagnosis. This criteria is from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM –5) which is the handbook used by health care professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to the diagnosis of mental disorders. My goal is to help people better understand the criteria that is used by clinicians. This is part 2 of a 6 part mini course....
Oct 01, 2020•23 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode I give an introduction and overview of the autism spectrum. I talk about the different facets that can be affected, some of the common challenges and common strengths. If you have ever wanted to learn more about autism and related diagnoses such as Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD), High Functioning Autism (HFA) and others, give this mini course a listen. This is part 1 of a 6 part mini course.
Sep 29, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this episode, I talk about my journey into this work of advocacy and education in Autism and talk about why I do what I do and why it is important to me. Ilia Walsh stands as the Executive Director of SSG. With over 25 years of experience in training and education working with adults and children, Ilia is a veteran in her craft. Ilia has been a corporate trainer for such organizations and conferences as GE Capital, Morgan Stanley, UBS PaineWebber, Massachusetts State Department of Disability ...
Sep 24, 2020•19 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Every get confused about what ABA is and how it all works? In this episode I chatted with Rebecca Lake who is @TheSpectrumAdvocate and Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Endless Abilities, Inc. We had a great conversation about educating students with autism including the benefits and drawbacks of traditional Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapies and how ABA can be used in a wider context and customized to meet each individuals needs. Rebecca is an outgoing and dedicated therapist wit...
Sep 22, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode, Morénike and I have a great conversation talking about a wide range of topics from parenting to educating those around us about autism, from self awareness and advocacy to the intersectionality of culture, gender, race and autism and how it can impact diagnosis and finding the best supports for each individual. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is an educator, writer, public speaker, parent, and global advocate. A proactive, resourceful professional and disabled woman of color in a multicult...
Sep 17, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode, I got a chance to talk with Eric Chessen, Founder of Autism Fitness about how he has made it to bring effective, fun, and meaningful fitness and Adaptive Physical Education programs to as many on the autism spectrum as possible. When just beginning his career as a fitness trainer over fifteen years ago, Eric had the opportunity to develop fitness programs for teens on the autism spectrum and undergo high level ABA training both clinically and academically. As he became increasin...
Sep 16, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode, I got a chance to talk with Chris about his passion for helping people connect and find adventure through surfing to positively impact their physical and mental well-being. Gnome Surf offers one-on-one sessions, group workshops and full on camp experiences. If you want to learn more about surf therapy and if it something that would be interesting to try for you or a loved one, listen in to learn more. More From Gnome Surf: Gnome Surf is a 501c3 Non-Profit Surf Therapy Organizati...
Sep 10, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode, Tony and I have an in depth conversation on how special interests can impact the lives of those with autism. We talk about the impact on behavior, emotional regulation, relationships, anxiety, education, employment and so much more!! Professor Tony Attwood PhD is an internationally recognised clinical psychologist, educator, and author. Recently featured on ABC’s Australian Story , Tony is one of the world’s foremost authorities on autism. His book Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide f...
Sep 08, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode, I talk a little bit about special interests and how important they can be in an individual's life. Do you or someone you know have an intense focus on a particular area? Perhaps it's ballet, robots, lizards, dogs, trees or maybe its Pokemon, Minecraft, Star Wars, Star Trek, McDonald's, Harry Potter, or a whole list of other amazing topics that can hold interest for hours on end. Listen in to learn more about how and why these interests can be so impactful....
Sep 03, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this episode Kelley and I talk about what transition planning is and the variety of ways that it can be done. Each Transition Plan is as unique as each individual that it is being written for. If you are a parent or educator wondering how to start or refine the transition to post high school Kelley Challen, Ed.M., CAS is Director of Transition Services at NESCA. She is also the Assistant Director of NESCA, working under Dr. Ann Helmus to support day-to-day operations of the practice. Ms. Chal...
Sep 01, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode, Kate discusses the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Act Early Program. Kare is a state ambassador for the CDC for this initiative to learn the signs of possible developmental delay and how to get supports and resources for children and their families. Through this program there are also many valuable resources and materials for educators, caretakers and health professionals to use to raise awareness and gain knowledge. Kate Barlow, OTD is an Assistant Professor at American Inter...
Aug 26, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode I talk about the importance of early identification of young children with possible developmental delays. The key is knowing what to look for for each stage of development and what the next steps are to get more help and support. This identification can lead to early intervention and other therapies that can help not only children with possible autism but with any child with developmental delays.
Aug 19, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 16
No one is immune to the disruptions that the coronavirus pandemic is forcing upon daily life. However, for people on the autism spectrum, the loss of familiar routines and expectations can be especially damaging, often leading to deep, seemingly insurmountable anxiety. In this episode I had a chance to catch up with Stephen Shore to discuss easy to implement, practical solutions for coping and thriving for individuals on the autism spectrum that can also be generalized to those providing support...
Aug 13, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode, I talk about the current state of things in the world and how leverage the balance of routine and familiarity coupled with the excitement of new challenges, learning new things, and creative problem solving.
Aug 11, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode, Eric discusses college readiness for those on the autism spectrum and what some options could be for students looking to go to school post high school. Eric Endlich, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and educational consultant, founded Top College Consultants ® to improve access to higher education for students with learning differences and other challenges. A special needs parent himself, Dr. Endlich is on the Learning Differences/Neurodiversity Committee of the Independent Educatio...
Aug 06, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode I talk about how we can think about what independence looks like and how we as parents and educators can help to build independence.
Aug 04, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode I am chatting with teacher, Darika Pose. She discusses some of her strategies working with students and how she is building life skills for her students. Darika has a track record of successful teaching and education reform and has been teaching students between 12 and 18 years old over two decades, both in schools and business environments. She is currently the Head Teacher of Special Education. She has been a Special Education Teacher for over 10 years. During this time, she ha...
Jul 30, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode I give an overview of what the special education process looks like in public schools. I talk about who the key stakeholders are, what should be expected from the process and the importance of the family/school connection.
Jul 28, 2020•16 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Nancy Roosa, Psy.D. has been engaged in providing neuropsychological evaluations for children since 1997. She enjoys working with a range of children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders, as well as children with attentional issues, executive function deficits, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, or other social, emotional or behavioral problems. Dr. Roosa’s evaluations are highly-individualized and comprehensive, integrating data obtained from a wide range of standardized as...
Jul 23, 2020•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode I discuss the topic of disclosure. Not just from a personal and individual point of view as it pertains to school, employment and friends but also as a parent and needing to disclose to your own child, your family members and friends as well.
Jul 21, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 8
