Temple and I have a very interesting conversation about the challenges of employment while being on the autism spectrum as well as some strategies we can all use to help.

Dr. Temple Grandin is well known to many for her trailblazing work as a spokesperson for people with autism and her lifelong work with animal behavior. Dr. Grandin has been with Colorado State University (CSU) for over 25 years. Grandin has been referred to as the "most famous person working at CSU" by her peers.

Her life’s work has been to understand her own autistic mind, and to share that knowledge with the world, aiding in the treatment of individuals with the condition. Her understanding of the human mind has aided her in her work with animal behavior, and she is one of the most respected experts in both autism and animal behavior in the world. 

Dr. Grandin is also a designer of livestock handling facilities and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Facilities she has designed are located in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. 

You can learn more about Dr. Temple Grandin's work in autism at templegrandin.com and for her work in animal behavior you can go to grandin.com.

Welcome to Season 2!!  I have lots of great interviews and content coming this season.  Looking forward to sharing with you! 

I have also started adding transcripts for this season.  Let me know what you think!

Carol, Matthew and I talk about tools and educational materials that they have created to help individuals learn about their brain, how it works and how to implement strategies that may help individuals create space for learning and healing.  

I found their perspective and approach very interesting and wanted to share their information for those of you that might want to investigate further.  They have lots of free resources on their site and  other social media. Would love to hear your thoughts as well! 

About the book:

In Healing Your Child’s Brain, child development experts Matthew and Carol Newell
equip parents with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to help their special-
needs child flourish. The Newells taught more than 20,000 parents and were the parents
of two children with special needs. They know firsthand, as both parents and practitioners,
what works—and what doesn’t.

Most treatments focus on managing symptoms but don’t address underlying
neurological issues. This book guides readers through the stages of brain development and
how they affect functioning, showing what wellness looks like at each level and how to
identify—and address at the root—these challenges.
In these pages, parents will learn:

• The seven key developmental areas that contribute to how well your child
functions in daily life.
• How to understand and evaluate your child’s capabilities and challenges.
• How to create a neuro environment tailored to your unique child. Guiding you to
meet them where they are, rather than where they are “supposed” to be.

With insight into how your child’s unique brain functions, you can move beyond
managing symptoms to establishing a home regimen that fosters neurological growth. It is
possible to transform the structure of your child’s brain—from the cells themselves to the
connections between them. By harnessing the brain’s ability to grow and change slowly and steadily over time, your child can and will make progress.

Matthew and Carol Newell have dedicated their lives to helping children with special
needs and brain injuries. As founder of The Family Hope Center in Greater Philadelphia,
they have assembled a dedicated team of doctors and therapists and developed
neurologically based therapy programs for thousands of families. Over nearly 40 years,
Matthew and Carol have lectured and initiated child development programs which have
helped families from more than 35 countries.

Website: www.familyhopecenter.com
Facebook: @thefamilyhopecenter
Linked In: @TheFamilyHopeCenter
Instagram: @thefamilyhopecenter
Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/familyhopecenter

Eva Mendes, LMHC, NCC, is a widely recognized couples’ counselor who excels at working with couples where one or both partners have Asperger syndrome and are on the autism spectrum (diagnosed or undiagnosed). She specializes in working with adults with Asperger syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder), high-functioning autism, ADHD, non-verbal learning disability, PDD-NOS, social (pragmatic) communication disorder, and gifted individuals. Eva’s work also focuses particularly on women with Asperger syndrome.

Originally from Mumbai, India, Eva is inspired to work with individuals and couples from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Eva offers creative, practical solutions to life challenges, tailored to each client’s needs, neurology, and personality. She artfully integrates evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology, and mindfulness practices to help couples and individuals reach their goals. Clients who work with her report feeling motivated and empowered to change their lives. They are strengthened to overcome obstacles and energized to create happier relationships.

Eva leverages both the latest research and her broad experience with numerous neurodiverse adults and couples in order to help her clients. When necessary, she collaborates with psychiatrists, organizational skills coaches, family members, and community resources to help clients create lasting change and wellness.

An expert on the topic of Asperger syndrome and social-communication challenges, Eva has spoken at conferences, colleges, and medical centers. She also leads the popular Spouse and Partners’ and the Couples’ support groups at the Asperger/Autism Network. She has written several papers on this subject, including Marriage with Asperger Syndrome: 14 Practical Strategiesand a thesis Bridging Parallel Play in AS Marriage.

You can learn more about Eva at https://eva-mendes.com/

How are you navigating the transition to full time face-to-face instruction? 

This is an especially challenging time for anyone in education whether an educator, a parent and especially a student.  Lots of changes from how teaching is being done, ever changing social rules, strategies and goals being a moving target, to transition challenges for everyone.  

Dania Jekel, M.S.W. is a founding member and Executive Director, Asperger/Autism Network (AANE). With nearly 40 years working with individuals with disabilities and their families including 10 years of specialization with AS , Ms. Jekel facilitates groups for adults and parents, and has consulted with individuals, families, schools and employers. She has presented at numerous conferences on the subject of Asperger Syndrome and Autism.

The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) helps people with Asperger's or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives.  They provide individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy — all in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect.

AANE was built in partnership with many people: staff, board and committee members, adults, families, and professionals. The assistance and support from its community has helped AANE grow from a "one-person, part-time, desk and telephone" to the thriving organization it is today. 

In this episode Elise and I talk about creating a comprehensive team to help get the best services for your child as well as lots of tip and strategies for communication, what the school is responsible for and what options families may have. This is a great addition to the Special Education Mini Course! 

Elise Wulff, MEd
Program Manager, Child Services and Aspire Works

Elise Wulff has been working with the neurodiverse population in both the public and private sectors for over 15 years. With Aspire since 2008, Elise oversees Child programming, Aspire Works, and related services where participants engage in multi-disciplinary, strengths-based learning. Elise feels strongly that there is a mutual accountability of neurodiverse individuals and their environments (schools, communities, workplaces) to create safe, inclusive spaces that enhance the potential for success for all involved.

Prior to joining Aspire, Elise worked as an Inclusion Facilitator for a therapeutic intervention program for students with Asperger’s, NVLD, ADHD, and similar profiles. In collaboration with Aspire, Elise co-wrote a multi-year tiered self-awareness curriculum based on Aspire’s model ‘The Science of Me,’ as well as curricula to address enhancing Executive Functioning skills and supporting resistant writers.

In addition to managing Child Programming and Aspire Works, Elise provides parent coaching, school-based consultation, and professional development services. She is recognized for her work supporting school districts and other community organizations to enhance their inclusion practices and foster healthy social-emotional development and self-awareness. She has specific expertise in inclusive practices, program design, social-emotional curriculum, tools to build independence, and strategies for building Executive Functioning. Elise received her undergraduate degree in psychology and theater arts from Emory University and her master’s degree in special education from Lesley University.

I had a great conversation with Daman about their experiences with gender identity, gender expression, learning about their neurodivergency and so much more.  Listen in on this very open and heartfelt discussion. 

To learn more about Daman, go to their Blog at : https://nativeofnowhere.blog 

Simon and I have a great conversation about his most recent book which has us look at the human mind, its development, how we all process information differently and how the autistic brain could be tied to the greatest developments and inventions of our time thus far. 

Simon Baron-Cohen is the Director of the Autism Research Centre and a Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry University of Cambridge and Fellow at Trinity College, Cambridge. He is Director of the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge. He is author of Mindblindness, The Essential Difference, Prenatal Testosterone in Mind, and Zero Degrees of Empathy. He has edited scholarly anthologies including Understanding Other Minds. He has written books for parents and teachers including Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts. He is author of Mind Reading and The Transporters, digital educational resources to help children with autism learn emotion recognition, and both nominated for BAFTA awards.

He has published over 600 peer reviewed scientific articles, which have made contributions to many aspects of autism research, to typical cognitive sex differences, and synaesthesia research. Three influential theories he formulated were the ‘mindblindness’ theory of autism (1985), the ‘prenatal sex steroid’ theory of autism (1997), and the ‘empathizing-systemizing’ theory of typical sex differences (2002).

He created the first UK clinic for adults with suspected Asperger Syndrome (1999) that has helped over 1,000 patients to have their disability recognized. He gave a keynote address to the United Nations in New York on Autism Awareness Day 2017 on the topic of Autism and Human Rights. See http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/watch/toward-autonomy-and-self-determination-world-autism-awareness-day-2017/5380816054001

He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society, the British Academy, the Academy of Medical Sciences, and the American Psychological Association. He is Vice-President of the National Autistic Society, and was President of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR, 2017-19). He was Chair of the NICE Guideline Development Group for Autism (Adults) and was Chair of the Psychology Section of the British Academy. He is co-editor in chief of the journal Molecular Autism and is a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Senior Investigator. He is the Principal Investigator of the Wellcome Trust funded award investigating the genetics of autism, in collaboration with the Sanger Centre.

He serves as Scientific Advisor, Trustee or Patron to several autism charities including the Autism Research Trust, the Cambridge Autism Centre of Excellence, and to the company Auticon, which only employs autistic people. He has taken part in many television documentaries, including the BBC’s Horizon, and Employable Me. He received a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours List 2021.

You can learn more at https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/ 

The only constant in life is change - this is a saying that a great manager I had one told me 25 years ago.  He was so right! In this episode I share some insights I have had managing the every changing (and inconsistent) world that is around all of us right now. 

Morénike and I talk about gender assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression and sexuality. If you are unsure about what all of these terms mean or want to learn more or just want to check out an open and candid  conversation, listen now!!

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is an educator, writer, public speaker, parent, and global advocate. A proactive, resourceful professional and disabled woman of color in a multicultural, neurodiverse, serodifferent family, Morénike, who is American-born to immigrant parents, possesses undergraduate and graduate degrees in International Relations and Education. She is passionate about human rights, justice, and inclusion.

She is involved in various social justice advocacy endeavors including HIV awareness, learning via technology, research, gender, disability, and racial equity and other issues. A prolific writer, Morénike has written for and/or been featured in numerous blogs, abstracts, magazines, books, and other platforms, often drawing from her personal experiences as a late-diagnosed Autistic adult woman, a person of color, an Autistic parent of Autistic and non-Autistic children, and a survivor of intimate partner violence. She is also involved in several projects in addition to her advocacy and writing; notably, she is one of the editors (along with Lydia X.Z. Brown and E. Ashkenazy) of a groundbreaking anthology on autism and race as well as a co-coordinator of the Fund for Community Reparations for Autistic People of Color’s Interdependence, Survival, and Empowerment.

Currently balancing her roles as a faculty member at a state college and as a doctoral student in an educational leadership program, Morénike considers herself a “lifelong learner” who is constantly growing and changing, hopefully for the better! She considers her wonderful children (biological and adopted and all of whom have various disabilities) to be her greatest accomplishment.

She can be contacted by making a direct appointment at MorenikeGO.youcanbook.me and/or by emailing her at [email protected]

(^This is derived from my “real” bio. For a more casual/”fun”/informal version, visit my About page.)

Want to know what to do If things aren’t working out with your IEP? Listening to learn what the best strategies are forgetting the best IEP you can get for your child or student.

Meet Peter:

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 intelligent, experienced, highly effective lawyer committed to protecting your rights.

Attorney Hahn is devoted to successfully representing children and families.  He is sensitive and compassionate, clear and direct, efficient and strategic.  He knows the law, knows who you are up against, and knows his way around the courtroom.

He will fight for what is right for you.

Education

Boston University School of Law - J.D., cum laude
Harvard College - B.A., cum laude

https://peterhahnlaw.com/

Building connections with people can be difficult under any circumstances however during a pandemic it can be even more challenging. Listen in as Ali gives us some ideas on how to meet people and learn about ourselves. Perhaps these strategies can lead to those connection that can lead to deeper friendships and romantic relationships.

Meet Ali:

Hi, I’m Dr. Ali Arena and I’ve dedicated my education and career to finding the best communication patterns and behavior changes required to navigate the ever-changing social world. I am both a Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. 

I have an Autism, Trauma-Informed Care, Level 1A Social Thinking Practitioner, UCLA PEERs, and Neurodiverse Couples Counseling certifications. Additionally, I provide supervision to SLPS, SLPAS, RBTS, & BCBAS. 

Lastly, My Doctorate focus was unique to say the least as it addressed the dating intricacies of those on the Autism Spectrum which lead me to develop unique 1:1 couples counseling for neurodiverse partnerships and social skills classes for individuals with social learning differences (including Asperger’s syndrome, high functioning autism, ADD/ADHD, and those without a formal diagnosis but who struggle in the social world).

https://aliarenacommunications.com/

I saw a Spectrum News article come across my email on Gender Identity and Autism and I was very interested in finding out more.  Having worked as the Director of Adult Services at AANE, there were many people I worked with who were exploring their gender and/or their gender expression.  I also worked with many parents and families  who were looking to find resources and  understand what their child was experiencing  so they could better support them.  

I think this is such an important topic and was able to get in touch with the lead researcher for this most recent study.  Join me for this interesting and informative conversation.  

Varun Warrier is a postdoctoral researcher at the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge. He primarily works on using genetics to understand heterogeneity in mental health conditions, including the intersection between autism and other mental health conditions.

Here are links to the study and the Spectrum News article referenced in the podcast:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32770077/

https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/gender-and-sexuality-in-autism-explained/

I want to take the black box away from talking about gender, sexuality, and romantic relationships and how they intersect with autism. These are all part of the human experience and for those of us that work with and love those that are neurodivergent  we need to create a safe space for these conversations.   I hope I can help ease this process for folks even if it is just a little bit. 

As I have discussed in passed podcast episodes, there is a striking connection between autism and trauma. On the autism side we may need to consider unrealistic social expectations, social misinterpretations, overload of sensory input and difficulties with executive functioning that can lead to anxiety and stress. Perhaps it is being a caretaker of someone with autism that can lead to overwhelm, anxiety and extreme stress. 

If we look at post-traumatic stress, also called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it is one of the mental health conditions caused by an external event (trauma). Post-traumatic stress is a natural reaction to unnatural circumstances (even if perceived by the brain). Traumatic events include family instability, accidents, man-made and natural disasters, traumatic loss, or violent events such as childhood abuse or bullying, neighborhood violence or sexual assault. Traumas can shatter a person’s sense of safety and make it difficult to trust others again. Individuals with post-traumatic stress avoid doing things or going places where they are not in control of their surroundings. These effects can greatly disrupt daily living. Sometimes there is also a fear of being overwhelmed by unwanted thoughts or feelings. Does any of this sound familiar to you?

If so, this program could be for you. Mindful Yoga Therapy is a collection of simple but effective practices that have been adapted and clinically tested specifically for those recovering from post-traumatic stress. These practices can be used to enhance the health of the body and mind, regardless of physical limitations or psychological distress.

In Mindful Yoga Therapy, you will learn many different yoga “practices.” Each practice is a “tool” you can use to cope with post-traumatic stress, extreme stress and/or anxiety. Together, these tools form a comprehensive system—a toolbox—that will carry you into a life of strength and resilience.

Many individuals with post-traumatic stress who have learned and now practice these techniques report improved sleep, better focus and concentration, less irritability and anger, and overall more enjoyment in their daily lives. 

Program Length: 6 weeks

Dates: Fridays on March 19, 26, April 2. 9. 16, 23 

Time: 10am-11am 

Cost: $110 for all six weeks

Register Here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18945708&appointmentType=20503479

Each class will be recorded and a link to the recording will be made available after each session for your review. The entire program will be available to you for 30 days past the last class date.

Looking forward to working with you!

Check out this Mindful Yoga Therapy meditation right now: https://youtu.be/--vxOKpWZK0

In this episode I discuss the transition planning process and review the various parts of the form.  I have some examples below that can be referenced for help.

Transition Planning Form

Understood Sample
https://assets.ctfassets.net/p0qf7j048i0q/5N8GMHhcIxyP053TfULQEi/36a1af20bfeb9eb9edfc33319b8654d7/Sample_IEP_Transition_Plan_Students_Careers_Understood.pdf

Illinois Guidelines
https://www.isbe.net/Documents/ch8-secondary_transition.pdf

New Hampshire Transition Planning Worksheet and Samples
https://nextsteps-nh.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ESF-Transition-Planning-Wksheet.doc
https://nextsteps-nh.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Sarah-IEP-Transition-Plan-4.16.pdf

Georgia Sample Transition Plan
https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Special-Education-Services/Documents/Vision/VI%20Consortia%205-5-17/Sample%20Transition%20Plan%20-%20Carly.pdf

In this episode Jacqueline and I talk about her book entitled "The First Gifts of Autism".  I was truly moved and inspired by this book as a parent and an educator.  Meeting with Jacqueline proved to emphasize how we can all look at autism with a different lens and create a more inclusive and accepting world for all of us with differences. 

Jacqueline Johnson is a wife and homeschooling mother of three daughters.  She has twins, who are both on the Autism Spectrum and she currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri where she is working on The Next Gifts of Autism

You can connect with Jacqueline at [email protected] or on social media @TheFirstsGiftsofAutism 

In this podcast I discuss the IEP process and form in detail.  This can help to create a comprehensive education plan that is truly customized for a child so that they can access the curriculum and make effective progress.

IEP Sample

https://www.livesinthebalance.org/sites/default/files/CPS%20Flavored%20IEP%203_0.pdf

Anatomy of an IEP Guidebook

https://assets.ctfassets.net/p0qf7j048i0q/24s5adt3xYto4Ri8QwBJxo/3121f047b5e8882dd2dc706d40be17b2/Anatomy_of_an_IEP_Understood.pdf

In this episode Krista and I expand on the conversation of self discovery through using a "Pleasure Mindset".  We talk about tools that can help you build a life focused on your joys and honoring your authentic self.

As a consciousness guide, Krista supports humans of every stripe in creating fiercely fulfilling embodied lives and relationships. She finds her own edge daily as a passion catalyst and pleasure mystic, an author and sexologist, an artist and poet. She is the author of 39 Revolutions, Unlearn Moderation, Body 2.0, and Ischemia. Living in Maine a few steps from the woods, she is the mama of two sons and partner to her love, Brian.

https://kristahaapala.com/
@krista.writes

In this episode I explain the Individualized Family Education Plan (IFSP) process and form so that families and those working with children below the age of 3  can have a better foundation of what to expect and what will be required to build a solid plan for those children that are eligible for early intervention services.

Please find some helpful resources below:

Understood.Org

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-differences/treatments-approaches/early-intervention/ifsp-what-it-is-and-how-it-works

IFSP Web

https://www.ifspweb.org/

ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education

http://www.cms-kids.com/providers/early_steps/training/documents/individual_family.pdf

Federal Regulations for Early Intervention, IFSP and transition

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/Final_Regulations_Part_C_Guidance.pdf

Sample & Guidebooks for an IFSPs

Massachusetts

https://www.mass.gov/doc/ifsp-handbook/download

New Mexico

https://www.cdd.unm.edu/ecln/FIT/pdfs/IFSPTADocJune2016.pdf

To celebrate our 50th episode, I am kicking off a 4 part mini course covering the special education process and forms associated at all levels of student education.  I will cover the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, and  Transition Plan.  We will cover all section of each form and talk about who the best people may be to have on your team. 

In this episode I wanted to share my thoughts on how, for me,  building connection with others is part of the self discovery and exploration process.  I talk about how some of my old "programming" can get triggered by the outside environment especially with social media. 

In this episode, Karen and I have an open conversation about building the foundation for having healthy and authentic relationships. 

To learn more about Karen's writing as mentioned in this episode go to:

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)

Neurodiversity is for Everyone ™

Let's acknowledge getting through 2020 and get s glimpse into what 2021 will bring for the podcast.  Learn how you can get involved and be a guest on the show! 

I came across a list entitled "Basic Human Rights for Self Development" (Benedict, 2018) that can help individuals that are healing from trauma and working with PTSD.  These can be excellent for beginning a dialogue with others about setting boundaries, self advocacy and self care. I am looking to set up some groups to have a conversation around some of the rights on the list.  If you are interesting in being part of that conversation as part of a podcast, please reach out to me!  Looking forward to hearing from you.  

In this episode Lisa, Mary and I got a chance to talk about what their experience is regarding living with PTSD while also having autism. We talked about common traumatic events, different responses to trauma based on neurology,  how those with ASD can be more vulnerable, research in this area, and what we all can do to help.

Lisa Morgan is a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) and holds a Master's degree in the Art of Teaching in Special Education. She has previously authored Living Through Suicide Loss with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (JKP 2016) and is a senior editor for the Spectrum Women online magazine. She also is co-chair of the Autism and Suicide committee of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS).

You can learn more about Lisa and her work at:
https://autism-crisis-support.com/

Mary P. Donahue, Ph.D is a psychologist specializing in trauma and loss and working in private practice. She is a collaborator for The Center for Grieving Children and has developed specialized 'Providing a Safe Shoulder' training for helpers wishing to assist victims of domestic abuse. She is also a Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer, and is the author of three books for teens on bullying, disability and domestic violence.

In this episode I talk about trauma and post traumatic stress (PTSD) and explore the different ways they may overlap with autism.  This is Part 1 of a series where I will cover a variety of topics that can fall under this umbrella. 

Feeling the pressure of the upcoming holidays?

In this episode I offer some suggestion to help with making the holidays a little smoother regardless of whether you are having a small intimate gathering or sharing your time with others that you care about.  I talk about anxiety, sensory sensitivities, executive function, social expectations and of course....COVID. 

In this episode, I had a great conversation with Nomi around self awareness, self respect and self compassion. Very inspiring! 

Curious about how sometimes those born female with autism present differently ?
Check out this fun and  interesting conversation I had with Sarah Hendrickx who is the foremost specialist on women with autism among lots of other things!  

Sarah has written 6 books on autism - employment, sex and relationships, alcoholism, girls and women on the Autism Spectrum and also on the adult neuro-diversity spectrum. She has been involved in the development of training materials for the Dept of Education funded AET National Autism Training Programme and also spent three years working for the Ministry of Defence supporting autistic employees in science and technology. She was also involved in Scottish Autism’s Right Click Programme for Women and Girls and the National Autistic Society Professional Module for Clinicians diagnosing women and girls. She was Project Leader for ASpire autism mentoring project, and has worked in residential care and educational settings.

Sarah has a Postgraduate Certificate in Asperger Syndrome and an MA in Autism. She lives in the South of France with her beloved Keith, mostly riding her bicycle, talking to creatures and avoiding bread.

To learn more about Sarah's work you can go to Hendricks Associates

Why is financial planning important to those with special needs?

Listen in on this episode to learn why everyone should think about a financial plan and how it can help those particularly with special needs. 

To learn more about Andrew Komarow, visit planningacrossthespectrum.com/our-team. He can be reached at [email protected].

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 is a graduate of New York University, with two graduate degrees from Hofstra and another from the College of St. Rose. Currently, Sari is a doctoral student in the Ed.D. Educational Administration and Supervision program at St. John’s University. 

Sari is a proud wife to third grade teacher, Bob, and bonus mom to three amazing children!

Contact Info:

Website: https://sarigmckeown.com/
Twitter: @sgteach_sari
Linked In: Sari Goldberg McKeown
Email: [email protected]

Resources:

Twitter Hashtag we discussed on podcast: #parentcamp

Panelist on The Mentor Round Table: 

https://sites.google.com/view/mentorroundtable/home

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 intelligent, experienced, highly effective lawyer committed to protecting your rights.

Attorney Hahn is devoted to successfully representing children and families.  He is sensitive and compassionate, clear and direct, efficient and strategic.  He knows the law, knows who you are up against, and knows his way around the courtroom.

He will fight for what is right for you.

Education

Boston University School of Law - J.D., cum laude
Harvard College - B.A., cum laude

https://peterhahnlaw.com/

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 co-founder and co-director of Achieve New England. Previously, he was a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Willoughby completed his graduate work in the Child and Family Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Miami, and his pre-doctoral internship and fellowship in child clinical psychology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Willoughby is also an established researcher, author, and speaker in the fields of child and family psychology. His work has been published in some of the nation’s top psychology journals, and he speaks frequently at national and international conferences. He is the associate editor of The SAGE Encyclopedia of Intellectual and Developmental Disorders and the co-author of Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up, a book for parents.

​

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 included working with people across the lifespan from birth to three year olds in early intervention to adults with a variety of profiles in an adult rehabilitation center. The majority of her practice has been with school-aged children both in an outpatient ABA setting, in a school setting, as well as in her private practice working with children and families in their homes. She is an avid cyclist, recreational runner, and outdoor enthusiast. Her passion for life and thirst for knowledge permeates her life and practice. She currently lives in Natick, Massachusetts. 

Private Practice: Therapartners, Inc. (www.therapartners.org)

facebook: www.facebook.com/therapartnersinc

email: [email protected]

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 educators around the world. The Out-of-Sync Child is the first book in the “Sync” series. Her most recent publications are the Spanish translation, El Niño Desincronizado (2020), and a new sequel, The Out-of-Sync Child Grows Up: Coping with SPD in the Adolescent and Young Adult Years.

Carol earned her M.A. in Education and Human Development, focusing on special education, from The George Washington University. Learn more here at  www.in-sync-child.com and www.out-of-sync-child.com 

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! 

www.5pointscale.com was developed to share information about the use of the 5-point scale and other systems to teach social and emotional concepts to individuals on the autism spectrum.
​
Kari is committed to positive support for all students and to the teaching of skills needed for social success. I hope my site will inform, teach, support and excite anyone looking for some good ideas.

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 has been a corporate trainer for such organizations and conferences as GE Capital, Morgan Stanley, UBS PaineWebber, Massachusetts State Department of Disability Services, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), AANE Connections Conference, and over 1000 Administrators, Faculty & Staff in over 150 school districts in Massachusetts and New York.

In addition to being a corporate trainer, she has worked with many an influential individual such as Temple Grandin, Tony Attwood, Carol Kranowitz, David & Kristin Finch, Stephen Shore, Becca Lory, and Isabelle Hénault.

She is an instructional designer and curriculum developer who has created custom educational content for the private, public and non-profit sector.  She currently offers workshops, trainings, consultations and coaching for families, educators, clinicians and employers.

Ilia Walsh is also like many of you; she is a wife, sister, friend, and mother of two adult children, one of which is on the autism spectrum.

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. 

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 multicultural, neurodiverse, serodifferent family, Morénike, who is American-born to immigrant parents, possesses undergraduate and graduate degrees in International Relations and Education. She is passionate about human rights, justice, and inclusion.

She is involved in various social justice advocacy endeavors including HIV awareness, learning via technology, research, gender, disability, and racial equity and other issues. A prolific writer, Morénike has written for and/or been featured in numerous blogs, abstracts, magazines, books, and other platforms, often drawing from her personal experiences as a late-diagnosed Autistic adult woman, a person of color, an Autistic parent of Autistic and non-Autistic children, and a survivor of intimate partner violence. She is also involved in several projects in addition to her advocacy and writing; notably, she is one of the editors (along with Lydia X.Z. Brown and E. Ashkenazy) of a groundbreaking anthology on autism and race as well as a co-coordinator of the Fund for Community Reparations for Autistic People of Color’s Interdependence, Survival, and Empowerment.

Currently balancing her roles as a faculty member at a state college and as a doctoral student in an educational leadership program, Morénike considers herself a “lifelong learner” who is constantly growing and changing, hopefully for the better! She considers her wonderful children (biological and adopted and all of whom have various disabilities) to be her greatest accomplishment.

She can be contacted by making a direct appointment at MorenikeGO.youcanbook.me and/or by emailing her at [email protected]

(^This is derived from my “real” bio. For a more casual/”fun”/informal version, visit my About page.)

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 increasingly dedicated to working with this unique population, Eric found a near-total lack of information concerning best practices and approaches when creating fitness programs for those with autism.

Steadily, and over the course of a decade working with hundreds of athletes who had significant variance in their ability levels, he began to create the outline for Autism Fitness as a business and mission; providing not just fitness programs, but effective and reliable fitness programs for every individual with autism and related disabilities. Autism Fitness was to serve as a bridge between the professional fitness and autism communities (families, educators, and therapists).

Today, with his athletes in the greater New York Area, the Autism Fitness Toolbox, and the Autism Fitness Certified Practitioner program, Eric continues to build a gateway towards a more optimal, independent future for the ASD community and future generations. When not working with his athletes he is either in the gym, playing outside with friends, or reading.

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:

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 for Parents and Professionals is an international bestseller and seminal in the field.

Attwood & Garnett Events
Resources from Jessica Kinglsey Publishers

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. 

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

Ms. Challen has been engaged in assessment, development, and direction of transition-focused programming for teenagers and young adults with a wide array of developmental and learning abilities since 2004. While Ms. Challen has special expertise in working with children with autism spectrum disorders and Asperger profiles, she enjoys working with students with a range of cognitive, learning, communication, social, emotional and/or behavioral needs.

Ms. Challen joined NESCA in 2013. She believes that the transition to post-secondary learning, living, and working is ongoing, and that there is no age too early or too late to begin the planning process. Moreover, any transition plan should be person-centered, individualized and include steps beyond the completion of secondary school.

To learn more about Kelley, you can go to https://nesca-newton.com/challen/

              Transition Services at NESCA

              MassHire Career Information System

              O*NET OnLine Career Exploraiton and Job Analysis

              Landmark College’s A Guide to Assessing College Readiness

              Life Skills Inventory Independent Living Skills Assessment Tool

              Casey Life Skills (CLS) Assessment

              Adolescent Autonomy Checklist

               Book: Students With Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for College Personnel

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 International College. She is also the current ambassador for the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. program for the state of Massachusetts. Dr. Barlow received her BS in Occupational Therapy from Boston University, and her MS and OTD from Virginia Commonwealth University.  She has over 20 years of clinical experience that includes public school practice, early intervention, a pediatric hospital-based outpatient clinic and management.  Dr. Barlow’s area of clinical expertise is pediatric feeding and swallowing, which she has presented on at the OT state conferences of CT, MA, NH and VA, as well as guest lectured on the topic at Western New England University, Shenandoah University and Virginia Commonwealth University.  Dr. Barlow presented her research on pediatric feeding difficulties relating to ARFID at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy conference in South Africa. She is the current recipient of the Feeding Matters grant with Dr. Paula Rabaey for her current research in Pediatric Feeding Disorders. Dr. Barlow’s passion is in global outreach. She founded the International Interprofessional Mentorship Program that currently provides mentorship to over 100 therapists in over 15 countries. She also started an open educational resource (OER) page for occupational therapists to share resources and knowledge. https://libguides.aic.edu/OT_OER/webinars 

Additional Resources:

CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Massachusetts Act Early (Many resources relevant for everyone)

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. 

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 supports to people in need.

Dr. Stephen Shore (born September 27, 1961) is an autistic professor of special education at Adelphi University.  He has written the books that include: College for Students with  Disabilities, Understanding Autism for Dummies, Ask and Tell, and Beyond  the Wall.  Currently, he serves on the board of Autism Speaks,  and is one of the first two autistic board members in its history,   looking to improve the potential of those on the autism spectrum. He  once headed the Asperger's Association of New England and was on the  board of the Autism Society of America.

Diagnosed  with "Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies" and "too  sick" for outpatient treatment Dr. Shore was recommended for  institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much support from  his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a professor at  Adelphi University where his research focuses on matching best practice  to the needs of people with autism. 

In  addition to working with children and talking about life on  the autism  spectrum, Stephen is internationally renowned for presentations,   consultations and writings on lifespan issues pertinent to education,   relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure. His most recent  book College for Students with Disabilities combines personal stories and research for promoting success in higher education.

You can learn more about Stephen at www.drstephenshore.com

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. 

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 Educational Consultants Association and the Clinical Advisory Board of the Asperger/Autism Network. He has taught psychology at Boston College, Tufts University, Suffolk University and UMass/Boston. Dr. Endlich presents nationally on learning differences and college admissions, and has been interviewed by media including WGBH Radio, Forbes, Business Insider, CollegeXpress, College Confidential and U.S. News & World Report.

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. 

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 has worked in boys only schools and co-educational schools. She specializes in Autism, Moderate Intellectual Disabilities, Mild Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance and Behavioural Disturbance. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a sub-major in English, a Diploma of Secondary Education, a certificate in Gifted and Talented Education and a Master of Special Education. Darika started teaching in 1999, shortly thereafter purchasing a business in which she trained employees in their various roles within the business. The business then grew to include over 150 casual, part-time and full time employees. Darika later decided to go back to teaching and she specializes in Special Education. She is a passionate advocate of people with disabilities.

Her passion is finding Inclusivity for students both within the school environment and in the local community. Darika aims to implement programs to support and promote student’s independence for post-school. This can be seen in her community work experience program and life skills program for post school transition. In addition, she is also a campaigner of Inclusivity within business environments, integrating from within and creating comprehensive Inclusion plans. She is also a personal coach for individuals seeking guidance to achieve their performance goals and for corporations aiming to become inclusive workplaces.

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. 

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 assessment tools with information gained from history, input from parents, teachers and providers, and important observations gleaned from interacting with the child. Her approach to testing is playful and supportive.

Her evaluations are particularly useful for children with complex profiles and those whose presentations do not fit neatly into any one diagnostic box.

As part of this process, Dr. Roosa is frequently engaged in school visits, IEP Team Meetings, home observations and phone consultations with collateral providers.

Dr. Roosa has also consulted with several area schools, either about individual children or about programmatic concerns. She speaks to parent or school groups, upon request.

Dr. Roosa values the process of ongoing training. She has been trained in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Collaborative Problem Solving techniques. She regularly works with behavioral therapists, developmental psychologists, speech language therapists, occupational therapists and other providers to coordinate a child’s treatment.

Dr. Roosa began her work with children in 1980, with an internship at Bradley Hospital in Providence R.I. She has also worked at several Boston area hospitals, youth guidance centers, college counseling centers and community mental health centers.

She graduated from Brown University with a degree in Neural Science and then completed her graduate work at Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. Her dissertation was entitled: Parenting a Child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Making Meaning when the Experts Disagree.

Dr. Roosa is a member of Massachusetts Neuropsychological Association, Massachusetts Psychological Association, and The American Psychological Association.

Dr. Roosa is most proud of her own two children, who are growing up much too quickly and continually finding creative ways to challenge her own parenting skills along the way. You can find Nancy on FaceBook, LinkdIn or email her at [email protected]. 

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.  

In this episode, Lily from @sadie_pink share her experience as a teen on the Autism Spectrum. Lily is a 19 year old on the autism spectrum that was diagnosed at the age of 16. She loves writing, reading, going on walks in nature and being with her friends. She shares her experience as a person managing life through her lovely and loyal golden retriever Sadie. You can learn more about both of them @sadie_pink on Instagram.

In this episode I shed some light on the various acronyms and terminology that exist in the world of Autism.  

Autism, ASD, HFA, Asperger's, PDD, ADHD, ADD, IEP, IFSP, OT, PT, SPL, OCD and the list goes on and on.  Some of these terms are educationally related, some are diagnosis related and some relate to co-exisiting diagnoses that many people on the autism spectrum may come across.  This episode only scratches the surface but does give a good background of information on what these terms refer to. You can also check out the companion blog post for a written list of terms at www.thespectrumstrategy.com. 

In this episode we spend some time talking about Self Defined Living. BECCA LORY HECTOR, CAS, BCCS was diagnosed on the autism spectrum as an adult and has since
become a dynamic autism advocate, consultant, speaker, and author. With a focus on living an active, positive life, her work includes autism & neurodiversity consulting; public speaking engagements; a monthly newsletter, “Monthly Musings”; a weekly YouTube news show, “Neurodiversity Newsstand”; and being an Assistant Editor/Feature Writer for Spectrum Women Magazine. Becca has published multiple articles and books about life on the autism spectrum with the goal of spreading acceptance, building understanding, and encouraging self-advocacy. She spent four years supporting the autism community in the non-profit sector in her work for grass-roots organizations that provide resources and services directly to individuals on the autism spectrum. Becca left non-profit to pursue dual certifications as a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) and Cognitive Specialist (BCCS), and to open her autism and neurodiversity consulting business. An animal lover with a special affinity for cats, Becca spends most of her free time with her many animals, her husband Antonio Hector, and their Emotional Support Animal
(ESA), Sir Walter Underfoot. Sir Walter Underfoot travels, does woofing engagements, and has his very own Instagram to help share with the world his life as an ESA to an autistic adult.

This is from a livestream done on June 18, 2020 reflecting on what it means to create your own path for your life. I talk about the pluses and minuses in making a life that works for me and my family and not necessarily trying to meet others' expectations. 

This was from a Livestream done discussing creating a more customized educational approach and thinking about a more student centered approach to education. What if we had Individualized Education Plans for all kids that built on their strengths?  

In this episode I got the chance to speak with Dane Jones of The Aspie World.  We had a great conversation about learning about is his Asperger's diagnosis how education and employment could be customized for those on the autism spectrum and much more. 

In this episode I share what my experience has been like as a parent learning about my son's autism diagnosis and the journey through his education in school and outside.  I also share my experience on being a teacher working with students with special needs and how that was shaped by my family experience and the work that I do now.