Bullying and IEPs with Dr. Christine Waanders, Psychologist
Guest: Dr. Christine Waanders, a psychologist specializing in bullying prevention, IEP advocacy, and mental health support for children, especially those with neurodivergent needs
Summary:
In this episode, Dr. Christine Waanders, psychologist from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), joins Wendy Taylor to discuss the pressing issue of bullying among neurodivergent students. They explore how families and educators can support students facing social challenges and how to develop effective strategies through IEPs and social-emotional learning. Christine provides valuable tips on identifying bullying behaviors, advocating for a safe school environment, and fostering resilience in children. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of a strong parent-school collaboration and offers advice on how families can find emotional support for themselves.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Prevalence of bullying in neurodivergent vs. neurotypical students
- How to detect signs of bullying or distress in children
- Strategies for parents to ask the right questions and check in with their kids
- Empowering students with coping skills and IEP goals to handle bullying
- Crafting a “safety plan” for children within the IEP
- Collaboration between parents, schools, and mental health professionals
- Role of social-emotional learning programs in schools
Important Resources:
- Second Step: Social-emotional learning program used in schools to address conflict resolution and social skills
- StopBullying.gov: Federal resources for bullying prevention and response strategies
- PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: Provides resources for parents and educators to advocate against bullying
Guest Links:
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Center for Violence Prevention
Connect with Wendy Taylor:
- Instagram: Learning Essentials
- LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
- Facebook: Learning Essentials
- Website: Learning Essentials
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