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From Home to School: Bridging Health, Neurodivergence, and Advocacy with Dr. Karin Varblow When home, healthcare, and school feel like three separate worlds, how do you build one clear path for your child? Pediatrician and Neurodivergence Specialist Dr. Karin Varblow joins Wendy to connect medication management, behavior-as-communication, and care coordination into a parent-friendly plan. With roots in education/social work and lived experience, Dr. Varblow offers scripts, weekly rhythms, and a “one child” lens you can take straight into your next IEP/504 meeting. Three Key Takeaways One child, one plan: Align health + school with shared data and a point person in each system. De-stigmatize supports: Treat medication as one tool; share what helps and side effects. Weekly rhythm: Send a short home–school snapshot (strengths, struggles, supports tried). Contact the Speaker (Dr. Karin Varblow) Website: https://www.drkarinmd.com

Feeling overwhelmed by neuropsychological evaluations, audiology reports, or conflicting advice from doctors and schools? In this empowering episode, Dr. Jennifer Linton Reesman—board-certified clinical and pediatric neuropsychologist and Director of Neuropsychology Training at The Chesapeake Center—shares how families can translate complex medical findings into practical, everyday strategies. Learn how to bridge the gap between health and education systems, strengthen collaboration with school teams, and center your child’s unique voice, including for D/HH learners and families using ASL. Calm, doable steps for parents of neurodivergent children—without the burnout. Three Key Takeaways Start small: Begin with the report’s summary or recommendations and choose one to three priorities to focus on. Bridge the silos: Identify a single point person—at school or in the clinic—so communication flows and teams truly share information. Trust, then verify: Keep a simple home log of dates and notes to see what’s actually working for your child. Listeners: Connect with me, Wendy Taylor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy‑taylor‑7106b6a6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE Website & Course: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com | Cracking the Code: https://learningessentialsedu.com/course/

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor is joined by Dr. Rebecca Fritsch, Psy.D., licensed clinical and school psychologist, to explore how parents can document their child’s strengths and challenges at home—and translate those insights into measurable IEP goals. Parents will learn how to connect observations to “educational impact,” collaborate with school teams, and empower their child’s voice in the IEP process. Key Takeaways Document home observations using the simple frame: “When __ happens, my child __, which affects __.” Focus on educational impact: how behaviors affect learning and participation. Collaboration + student voice = stronger, more personalized IEP goals. Listen & Subscribe Apple Podcasts: The Special Ed Strategist Listeners: Connect with me, Wendy Taylor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy‑taylor‑7106b6a6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE Website & Course: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com | Cracking the Code: https://learningessentialsedu.com/course/

Feeling overwhelmed by constant IEP meetings, doctor visits, and behavior struggles? Join Wendy Taylor as she interviews developmental-behavioral pediatrician Dr. Amir Miodovnik—an expert who trained at Boston Children’s and Kennedy Krieger—on how medical factors like sleep, anxiety, and ADHD shape learning and behavior. Discover how to transform your observations into action: translate clinical insights into school strategies, prioritize child-centered supports, and plan ahead as your child grows. Warm, clear, and deeply empowering—this episode gives you a strategy you can use immediately. Three Key Takeaways Sleep first: Establish sleep routines before tackling attention or emotional issues. One-page strategy: Create a “Student Health Snapshot” to share medical insights clearly with your school team. Expect change: Be vigilant through transitions—behaviors evolve, so adapt supports accordingly. About Dr. Amir Miodovnik Board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician, Dr. Miodovnik trained at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard, led developmental medicine at Kennedy Krieger Institute, and now offers private, family-centered care in the DMV area—prioritizing clarity, shorter wait times, and tangible tools for advocacy. Learn more at drmio.com Connect with Wendy Specialized Tutoring/Coaching: Expert help with Dyslexia intervention, strategic writing, and executive function. IEP Course: Learn how to get IEPs with our Cracking the Code course. Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor sits down with pediatric neuropsychologists Dr. Yael Rothman and Dr. Katia Fredriksen—co-authors of the Different Thinkers children’s book series—to explore how families can help children understand diagnoses with compassion and clarity. With a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens, they offer practical ways to shift conversations from “what’s wrong” to “what’s unique,” empowering both home life and school advocacy. Three Key Takeaways: Reframe diagnosis as a narrative shift toward understanding, not limitation. Use personalized storytelling and concrete examples to highlight what the child does best. Equip children with words and self‑advocacy tools early and revisit them as they grow. Listeners: Connect with me, Wendy Taylor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy‑taylor‑7106b6a6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE Website & Course: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com | Cracking the Code: https://learningessentialsedu.com/course/ Find the full episode here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the‑special‑ed‑strategist‑podcast‑with‑wendy‑taylor‑m‑ed‑et‑p/id1639953041 Other platforms: https://pod.link/1639953041

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor sits down with Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA, founder of Zeal Behavior Analysis, and Dr. Christine Drew, BCBA-D, Assistant Professor at Auburn University, to discuss their groundbreaking book, Spectrum of Independence: How to Teach Your Neurodiverse Child Daily Life Skills. Kristin and Christine share practical, science-backed strategies for helping neurodiverse children gain independence—one “microstep” at a time. From scaffolding skills at home to collaborating with IEP teams at school, this conversation empowers parents to reduce overwhelm, celebrate small wins, and build confidence for both kids and families. Three Key Takeaways: Small Steps, Big Wins: Break routines into microsteps to build confidence and independence without overwhelm. Home-to-School Bridge: Align daily routines at home with IEP goals to support skills that are relevant across settings. Progress Over Perfection: Independence looks messy sometimes—celebrate the small victories along the way. Connect with Wendy (Host): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy‑taylor‑7106b6a6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE Website & Courses: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com | Cracking the Code: https://learningessentialsedu.com/course/ Connect with the Guests: Spectrum of Independence website: https://www.spectrumofindependence.com/

In this solo episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, unpacks a question many parents whisper with concern: How will the general education teacher know—and follow—my child’s IEP? Discover what the law requires, what often happens in practice, and proactive ways you can bridge the gap between the IEP document and daily classroom implementation. 3 Key Takeaways Ask the right questions: Clarify how general education teachers are updated after an IEP is finalized. Share a one-page student snapshot: Highlight strengths, needs, and preferred strategies in a friendly, visual format. Foster ongoing collaboration: Keep communication open, start with gratitude, and track patterns at home to share with the team. Contact Wendy Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: TutoringLE Explore the Course Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility – Learn the 4 Es and unlock services your child deserves: Click here

Understanding your child's unique behaviors can feel overwhelming—but clarity is possible. In this empowering, listener-favorite episode from our archives, host Wendy Taylor welcomes Dr. Dan Shapiro, renowned developmental-behavioral pediatrician, author, and founder of the Parent Child Journey. Dr. Shapiro demystifies the complexities of autism, ADHD, and anxiety by explaining how these conditions interact and providing practical strategies tailored to your child's everyday needs. Three Essential Takeaways: Discover how autism, ADHD, and anxiety can coexist and fluctuate, explained through Dr. Shapiro's accessible "brakes too tight vs. brakes too loose" analogy. Learn why functional assessments that track specific daily triggers and behaviors are more insightful than a diagnosis alone. Get practical guidance on medication, therapy, and educational interventions, focusing on prioritizing realistic, achievable goals—small wins over sweeping changes. Connect with Wendy Taylor (Learning Essentials): Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Website Cracking the Code Course Connect with Dr. Dan Shapiro: Parent Child Journey Website A compassionate and informative conversation for any parent feeling uncertain about supporting their child's complex developmental needs.

Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P and special education strategist, alongside guest Jackie Beach—early childhood expert and founder of Rally Family Support—as they unpack the real impact of pull-out vs. push-in services. Are students gaining what they need or missing what matters most? This episode is part of our 12-week, parent-focused summer series answering real IEP questions with real strategies. 3 Key Takeaways Ask the right questions: Timing, impact, and provider consistency matter. Balance is everything: A strong IEP should support both learning and belonging. Collaboration counts: General and special ed teams must align goals to keep kids connected. Resources Mentioned Learn more about LRE (Least Restrictive Environment): Center for Parent Information and Resources Understand your rights under IDEA: Wrightslaw’s Parent Guide to IDEA Visualize service time: Use this sample IEP service tracker from Understood.org Contact Wendy Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: TutoringLE Explore the Course Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility – Learn the 4 Es and unlock services your child deserves: Click here Listen & Subscribe Apple: The Special Ed Strategist with Wendy Taylor All platforms: pod.link/1639953041 Connect with Jackie Beach Jackie Beach is the founder of Rally Family Support and an expert in early childhood systems and family engagement. Learn more: https://www.rallysupportsfamilies.com/

This listener favorite is especially important because it sheds light on how often autistic girls are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply missed—keeping them from the support they truly need to thrive. Dr. Donna Henderson, a clinical neuropsychologist and expert in autism in women and girls, joins Wendy to break down the subtle signs, the cost of delayed diagnosis, and how families and clinicians can better support these bright, complex learners. 3 Key Takeaways Autism in girls often presents as anxiety, perfectionism, or social exhaustion. Camouflaging behaviors can mask serious needs. A correct diagnosis brings not just services—but understanding and peace. Connect with Dr. Donna Henderson Website Email: [email protected]

What does a realistic IEP goal actually look like? In this episode of our Summer Question Series, host Wendy Taylor is joined by Jackie Beach, M.Ed., founder of Rally Family Support, to unpack the “just right” goal—ambitious yet achievable. Learn how to collaborate with your school team, trust your gut, and use data (from home and school) to shape meaningful goals that support the whole child. Because goals only matter if they help your child grow. Key Takeaways: A good goal balances challenge with achievability—aim for growth, not shutdown. Parent-school collaboration thrives when you bring data, clarity, and curiosity to the table. Use SMART goals to guide IEP conversations and create shared expectations. Connect with Jackie Beach Website: www.RallyFamilySupport.com Instagram: @rallyfamilysupport Email: [email protected]  Connect with Wendy Taylor Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Listen on Apple Podcasts: The Special Ed Strategist Or your favorite app: Podcast Link Additional Resources For parents who want to dive deeper into IEP goal-setting and school collaboration: SMART IEP Goal Guide – Wrightslaw Parent Center Hub: Understanding IEP Goals Understood.org: IEP Goal Examples by Disability

Ever stare at your child’s IEP and wonder, “What actually happens during those service minutes?” You’re not alone—and we’re breaking it down. In this kickoff to our 12-week summer series, host Wendy Taylor and co-host Jackie Beach dive into what related services like speech, OT, and behavioral support really look like in the school day. You’ll learn the difference between push-in, pull-out, and consult models—and why asking “who, where, and how” matters just as much as the number of minutes. This episode arms you with real questions, real strategies, and real confidence. 3 Key Takeaways Service clarity matters – Ask who, what, where, why, and how your child receives related services: pull‑out, push‑in, consult. Context drives success – Understanding where and how OT, speech, and behavior services happen shapes more effective IEP planning. Collaborate purposefully – Go in informed, curious, and collaborative—alignment promotes teamwork and reduces overwhelm. Connect with Wendy & Jackie Wendy Taylor / Learning Essentials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Cracking the Code course: https://learningessentialsedu.com/course/ Jackie Beach – Founder & Executive Director of Rally Family Support; early-childhood advocate and parent coach Website: rallysupportsfamilies.com

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor is joined by Jenny Ponzuric, a Licensed Educational Psychologist and certified school neuropsychologist with over two decades of experience in psychoeducational assessment. Together, they walk listeners through how to recognize early signs of dyslexia, how to advocate for meaningful school-based evaluations, and what effective intervention actually looks like—beyond just extra time and preferential seating. You’ll hear about the importance of asking the right questions, how to understand the difference between medical and educational definitions of dyslexia, and what it really means to collaborate with your IEP team as a data-informed parent. Whether your child is just starting to struggle with reading or already has an IEP in place, this conversation is filled with guidance, clarity, and actionable next steps. Key Takeaways: How to ask data-driven, strategic questions at IEP meetings What a comprehensive dyslexia evaluation should—and should not—look like Why early intervention and targeted instruction matter more than generic supports Connect with Wendy Taylor Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist on Apple | All platforms Connect with Jenny Ponzuric Website: www.jennyponzuric.com Podcast: The Prepared School Psych Podcast Further Resources to Explore: International Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia Basics U.S. Department of Education “Dear Colleague” Letter (2015) Understanding the PSW (Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses) Model

What does it really mean to be neurodiversity-affirming? Breea Rosas, licensed educational psychologist and founder of the Neurodiversity Affirming School Psychologist Group, joins Wendy Taylor to unpack how schools, families, and IEP teams can shift from a deficit-based lens to an affirming, strength-centered approach. From actionable language swaps to rethinking token boards and goal-writing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to do better—for real. Top 3 Takeaways: Language is the First Shift: Changing “non-compliant” to “self-directed” transforms perceptions—and outcomes. Parent Power is Real: Input statements and pre-meeting advocacy can reframe the entire IEP experience. Affirming ≠ Ignoring Needs: Reframing challenges as “support needs” aligns goals with neurotype, not pathology. Connect with Breea Rosas: Instagram: @NDaffirming_SP Website: Neurodiversity Affirming SP Resources  Connect with Wendy Taylor:  Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Enroll in Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility:  Access Course Mentioned in the Episode: The Neurodiversity Podcast with Emily Kircher-Morris The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – position statements on identity-first language Collaborative & Proactive Solutions – Dr. Ross Greene

Is it misbehavior—or a regulation challenge? In this powerful episode, Wendy Taylor sits down with Polina Shkadron, trauma-certified speech language pathologist and founder of Play to Learn Consulting. Together we explore how play, trust, and brain-based support strategies can transform how we support neurodivergent learners. With over 15 years of experience in Autism, ADHD, and ARFID, Polina shares the science and soul behind behavior, regulation, and connection. 3 Key Takeaways Behavior is communication: regulation, not punishment, is the entry point. Play is not just fun—it’s a vehicle for building working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility. Autonomy, connectedness, and competence are the cornerstones of sustainable learning and self-advocacy. Connect with Wendy Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Learning Essentials Podcast Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Connect with Polina Shkadron Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Speaking Engagements