Stepping into the world of Special Education can be challenging–with today’s episodes we are joined by Jennifer Fisher who expertly guides through the differences of EMT, 504’s, and IEP’s. Join us as we discover new tips and guidance to take before, during, and after important assessments and meetings with the school.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Be Prepared And Ask Questions:

• Bring Tangibles To The Meeting: Gather writing samples or even video snapshots of what you’re seeing at home. This gives what you say even more power and credibility.
• Utilize The Prior Written Notice: Review and amend the PWN if you notice inaccuracies or missing items. Always keep any PWN’s you receive.
• What Do You Want From The School? Be specific with what you want for your child and ask for it. The school can do more than you might think and you can set the stage for support.

🗣️ Learn More About Jennifer: https://bit.ly/3LCNjd5 

🌐 Download Resources Jennifer Mentioned:

• IEP & Section 504 Plan Resource
• Parental Input Sheet

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Have you ever called a business and felt like you weren’t heard? Maybe you could tell that the employee was not happy to be on the phone. Well, today we talk about the power of a smile with Kirt Manecke, author and business owner! We cover strategies to support your teen to adapt and develop their social and professional skills and the critical role they play in both social and work life.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

It all starts with a smile:

• The Power Of A Smile: Think about how we teach how to properly greet others, proper phone etiquette, and cleaning up social media accounts
• Set High Expectations: Be the role model for your teen and start with baby steps. Consider volunteering opportunities to practice positive social and professional skills.
• Role Play: Practice at home, at school, at the park with your teen whenever you can. Combine expectations with modeling to set the stage for success.

🗣️ Learn More About Kirt And Get His Book: https://bit.ly/3Jf9uV9      

🌐 Other Places To Get In Touch With Kirt: 

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• LinkedIn Company Page
• Youtube
• Pinterest

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Did you know that girls are underdiagnosed when it comes to ADHD? Today we dive into what ADHD is, what it looks like in girls, and how you as parents and professionals can provide better support at home and in the classroom. Make sure to listen to the amazing suggestions and strategies we highlight for advocating for testing and the path parents can follow to seek a diagnosis.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Be Patient and Focus On Data:

• Start With The Pediatrician: If you notice some concerning behavior, start with your Pediatrician to begin testing for ADHD.
• ADHD Isn’t All Hyper Behavior: Girls especially can experience the harder to see type of ADHD and it is important to pick up on these not so obvious signs.

• Accommodations Are Available: From extra time to preferential seating, we all need to make sure that accommodations are unique to every student. Try asking your child what works and what doesn’t.

🗣️ Connect With Amanda And Virginia Family Therapy: https://bit.ly/3KkcMaf     

• Listen To The Active & Connected Families Podcast: https://apple.co/3YXBpO4 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief: 

Unlock the power of positive communication with the IEP team with Tamara Jacobson and Peggy Bud as we talk through creating a third voice in the landscape of Special Education. In this conversation you’ll discover the 5 C’s to positive relationships and how your approach and partnership with the IEP team benefits your child. This is truly one to not skip!

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Positive Communication Is Powerful:

• • Be Mindful Of The Third Voice: Come together as a team to build a positive partnership. Whether you’re a parent or a professional, we can keep the student at the forefront of our efforts.
  • Keep The Dialogue Open: Consider a pre-meeting to demystify questions for parents and ensure that parents feel they are an equal member.
  • Evidence-Based Data For Parents: Consider taking videos or utilizing charts at home to share with the IEP team. Real data can’t be argued with and is one of your best tools as a parent for advocacy.

🗣️ Connect With Tamara And Peggy & Order Their Book: https://bit.ly/3X8s9pb    

• Other Ways To Connect:

• LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3DEfgwk 

• Online: https://bit.ly/3I0fpgb 

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief:
You won’t want to miss Jennette Roberes as we demystify the world of dyslexia and the breadcrumbs we can follow to get our students the support they need. Jennette shares so MANY resources in our discussion and after listening you’ll have the tools you need to work with your school for support related to dyslexia.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Start Early & Follow The Breadcrumbs:
Check Out Resources: Follow the breadcrumbs of behavior to know what your next steps should be. Is it time for a screening?
How Do You Want To Change The World?: Ask your kids this question and watch for the light bulb to go off.
Dyslexia & Technology: What field of tech could your child be passionate about? Explore medical, educational, and recreational fields of tech with your student.

🗣️ Discover Bearly Articulating: https://bit.ly/3D6dKTm

More Resources From Jennette:
      International Dyslexia Association: https://bit.ly/3kBigCG
      University Of Michigan Dyslexia Help Site: https://bit.ly/3D6V8mh
      British Dyslexia Association: https://bit.ly/2n0FxRd
Screening Tools:
      Barely Articulating: https://bit.ly/3wF6p9P
Get Jennette’s Book:
      Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HjVFDH
For Professionals:
Explore implicit bias and professional growth by researching DEI or DEIJ and make connections with organizations that can support you to grow for your students.

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief:
On this episode we are focusing on all things ABA as we talk with Rose Griffin about deciphering verbal behaviors and understanding how support and services can help students in the classroom and in their social lives. Get ready to learn about ABA therapies and what you can do to get these services for your child and onto the IEP!

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Parents…Make Sure You Advocate:
Ask For An FBA: Parents are the ones who can and should formally request for a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) if they feel it could benefit their child.
Control The Environment: What can we do to modify the environment to support learning and communication?
Be A Strong Parent: As a parent- seek support, find your community, and as always, trust your gut!

🗣️ Get In Touch With Rose Griffin And ABA Speech: https://bit.ly/3CzKiVg
Explore A Free Master Class:
Toddler And Preschool Age: https://bit.ly/3CzuUZl
School Age: https://bit.ly/3QopkyB

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

🔑 Key Takeaways:
OCD Comes In A Lot Of Forms:
Higher Occurrence In The Neurodivergent Population: Hannah told us about a couple of age ranges where OCD is more commonly noticed, these include 9-12 years old and 19-21 years old and may be attributed to transitional stressors.
You’ll Need A Team: Communication, education, and collaboration are key to successfully supporting students with OCD or anxiety
You’re The Model: Don’t forget to try to model behavior, narrating behaviors, and even encouraging curiosity about feelings. This can support more positive outcomes!

🗣️ Get In Touch With Hannah and OCD-DC: https://bit.ly/3hSJGmI
Resources That Hannah Mentioned:
International OCD Foundation: https://bit.ly/2Lt58fM
MidAtlantic Center For OCD & Anxiety: https://bit.ly/3I3vuSK
SPACE Treatment And Education: https://bit.ly/3YK3Yj3

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief:
Today we jump into the world of 2E students and adults with Julie Skolnick of With Understanding Comes Calm. You won’t want to miss all the tips, resources, and guidance Julie shares with us about supporting 2E kids and adults. Tune in, relax, and get ready to take an amazing journey with Julie.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
2E Students & Adults:
Layered Cake Of Giftedness: You have your frosting, smart and bright potential, and asynchronous development and learning preferences.
Reframing: Consider making things positive and highlighting super powers.
The Parent Pivot: Think about how you can pivot to the frontal lobe of your child to guide them and ask them questions. Remember: Reiterate!

🗣️ Learn More About With Understanding Comes Calm: https://bit.ly/3Y7xIpy
Other 2E Resources Julie Mentioned:
National Association For Gifted Children (NAGC): https://bit.ly/3Hq0mwb
SENG Gifted: https://bit.ly/2YI8Aak

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253

Episode Brief:
Join us on our first episode of season two as we do a deep dive into “d-cubed” (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia) with Dr. Lauren from Think Dyslexia! Together we demystify the two lesser known D’s of d-cubed and discuss signs, barriers, and strategies to support your student with these types of learning differences.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
Demystifying D-Cubed:
Math Is A Language Of Its Own: Dr. Lauren said that Math is like its own language and that approaching it this way can support students with dyscalculia.
Dysgraphia Is A Language Based Disability: This can impact both your student’s writing and fine motor skills.
Multi-Sensory Supports: Make sure to double check that teachers, staff, or professionals have the right training to best support your student.

🗣️ Get In Touch With Dr. Lauren & Think Dyslexic: https://bit.ly/3OqcOxq
Listen To The 5 Questions Podcast From Dr. Lauren: https://bit.ly/3VvFM1A
Tools To Grow: https://bit.ly/3VeJyvH

👂🏻 Listen To More: https://bit.ly/3AAV253