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In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund speaks with Brenda Ray, educator, writing interventionist, and founder of Pen to Pathways, about why writing can be so difficult for otherwise bright and capable students. Writing is a complex process that draws on language, spelling, organization, executive functioning, motor skills, and self-confidence. A student may have thoughtful ideas and strong verbal reasoning but struggle to translate those ideas into clear, organized written language. Brenda explains how careful observation of a student’s writing process, including their work samples, approach to assignments, sentence construction, spelling, and organization, can help identify where the breakdown is occurring. The conversation explores what effective writing intervention looks like and why simply asking students to “write more” is rarely enough. Brenda describes an explicit, systematic approach that begins with the foundations of sentence construction before progressing to paragraphs, essays, transitions, organization, and elaboration. By making the structure of writing visible and manageable, students can develop both competence and confidence. Dr. Bylund and Brenda also discuss the important distinction between accommodations and intervention. Tools such as speech-to-text, extended time, or reduced writing demands may help students access the curriculum, but they do not replace targeted instruction designed to build writing skills. Collaboration among families, teachers, and outside interventionists is often essential to helping students apply newly developed skills across English, history, science, and other academic settings. Finally, Brenda shares practical strategies parents can use at home, including sentence-scrambling activities, arranging paragraph components, externalizing ideas on note cards, and using humor and playfulness to reduce anxiety around writing. Above all, she emphasizes that students need to see themselves as thinkers and writers, and to understand that writing is a process of experimentation, revision, and growth. Learn more about The Bylund Clinic at thebylundclinic.com and learn more about Brenda Ray’s services at Pen to Pathways. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. Listening to or participating in the podcast does not create a therapist–client, psychologist–client, or other therapeutic relationship with The Bylund Clinic, its professionals, or its guests. The information discussed is not a substitute for individualized evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or professional advice.

Math difficulties are often dismissed with a familiar phrase: “They’re just not a math person.” But when a child consistently struggles with number sense, math facts, multi-step calculations, word problems, or mathematical reasoning, the underlying issue may be dyscalculia—a specific learning disability in math. In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund, PsyD, LEP and Danielle Morales, LEP, NCSP, explore how dyscalculia presents, why it is frequently overlooked, and what parents should know about assessment, intervention, and school-based support. Dyscalculia is not a single, uniform condition. Math difficulties may be connected to weaknesses in number sense, visual-spatial processing, language, working memory, attention, executive functioning, or the retrieval of math facts. Two children with similar math scores may therefore need very different forms of intervention. A comprehensive evaluation should not simply identify that a child is struggling—it should explain why. The hosts also examine the complex relationship between dyscalculia and math anxiety. Repeated experiences of confusion, time pressure, poor grades, or embarrassment can create a powerful stress response around math. That anxiety can then interfere with attention, memory, and problem-solving, further reducing performance. In other cases, anxiety may be the primary barrier. Accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment may need to address the learning disability, the anxiety, or both. This episode also covers the overlap between dyscalculia, dyslexia, ADHD, language-based learning disorders, and executive-functioning challenges. Dr. Bylund and Danielle explain how diagnostic overshadowing can occur when all academic concerns are attributed to ADHD or another diagnosis without adequately assessing for a separate math learning disability. Parents will learn what to look for in a psychoeducational or neuropsychological assessment, including whether the report connects the child’s processing profile to specific recommendations, specialized instruction, accommodations, and progress monitoring. The discussion also highlights effective intervention principles, including explicit and systematic instruction, frequent supported practice, immediate feedback, and concrete-representational-abstract teaching methods. The hosts consider when classroom support may be sufficient and when individualized or pull-out instruction may be necessary. Finally, the episode explores why math support matters beyond school. Mathematical reasoning affects budgeting, travel, medication instructions, taxes, insurance, salaries, cooking, investing, and independent adult life. Early identification and appropriate intervention can help children build skills, develop compensatory strategies, and preserve their confidence. This episode is especially relevant for parents, educators, school psychologists, and Bay Area families seeking guidance on dyscalculia testing, math intervention, IEP services, and independent educational evaluations. Learn more about The Bylund Clinic: https://thebylundclinic.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you have concerns about your child's or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional

In this deeply practical and steadying episode of The Bylund Podcast, Danielle Morales, Licensed Educational Psychologist, sits down with Elizabeth Perry, Speech and Language Pathologist, founder and director of Speech Therapy and Accent Group (STAG) in the East Bay, for a conversation every parent navigating speech, language, autism, or school-based services deserves to hear.Liz brings rare expertise across early intervention, neurodiversity-affirming autism care, AAC, multilingual assessment, Independent Educational Evaluations, and the often emotional world of IEP advocacy. Together, Danielle and Liz unpack what parents should know when they are worried about their child’s communication, from toddler milestones and when to seek an evaluation, to why “communication comes before speech,” and how AAC can actually support verbal language rather than delay it.This episode also offers a compassionate look at the parent experience inside special education systems. Liz explains why families and schools can feel at odds, how parents can bring meaningful observations to the table, and why they are not merely participants in the IEP process, but essential experts on their own child.Above all, this conversation is a reminder that parents are not alone, not overreacting, and not powerless. With the right support, communication therapy can move beyond the clinic room and become part of everyday connection, confidence, and quality of life. Learn more about The Bylund Clinic: https://thebylundclinic.com Learn more about Liz Perry and Speech Therapy and Accent Group: https://stagspeech.com https://dredf.orgDisability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) parent training resourcesFree webinars, special education rights information, self-advocacy resources, and county-specific Parent Training & Information Centershttps://cadreworks.org/Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special EducationGreat for understanding mediation, state complaints, due process, and conflict resolutionhttps://parentshelpingparents.org/Helpline, support groups, workshops, transition planning, and extensive special education programming, particularly for families in the Bay Areahttps://Disabilityrightsca.org/Disability Rights California (DRC)California's protection and advocacy agency. Provides free publications, legal information, complaint guidance, and in some cases direct advocacy or legal assistance Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, psychological, speech-language, legal, or therapeutic advice. Listening to this episode does not create a clinician-client, therapist-client, attorney-client, or other professional relationship with The Bylund Clinic, STAG, or any affiliated guests or organizations. If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language, development, mental health, educational needs, or legal rights, please consult with a qualified professional who can evaluate your child’s individual circumstances.

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund sits down with Kait Feriante, CEO and co-founder of Redwood Literacy, for a practical and deeply grounded conversation on supporting students with dyslexia and other learning differences.Drawing from her experience as both an educator and a parent of a child with dyslexia, Kait shares how Redwood Literacy was built to address a major gap: smart, capable students struggling with foundational academic skills—and families unsure how to help.Together, they break down what truly matters when it comes to intervention. The conversation explores the difference between research-based and evidence-based instruction, why progress monitoring is essential, and how flexibility in teaching approach can make or break a student’s success.Kait also offers actionable guidance for parents at any stage of the journey—from early concerns to formal diagnosis—emphasizing one key point: don’t wait to start helping your child.Beyond academics, the discussion highlights the importance of building confidence, self-awareness, and resilience in students with learning differences. The episode introduces the “six non-academic keys to success,” a set of traits that can be developed in everyday moments but have long-term impact on outcomes in school and life.The episode also takes a realistic look at the role of schools, acknowledging both their strengths and limitations, and encouraging parents to take an active, informed role in advocating for their child while partnering with educators.Whether you’re a parent navigating dyslexia for the first time, a professional supporting neurodivergent learners, or someone interested in evidence-based education, this episode offers clear, practical insights you can apply right away.This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute psychological, medical, or educational diagnosis or advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a clinician–patient relationship with The Bylund Clinic or any of its providers.Redwood Literacy: Supporting Students with Dyslexia & Learning DifferencesWebsite: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/Redwood Literacy is an education organization specializing in helping students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other learning differences build strong reading, writing, and math skills. They provide both online and in-person tutoring, along with assessments and parent support programs.Founded in 2018, Redwood’s mission is to ensure that all students with literacy challenges can access their full potential by improving skills, restoring confidence, and cultivating a love of learning.The Bylund Clinic: Educational & Psychological Support for ChildrenWebsite: https://thebylundclinic.com/The Bylund Clinic is a Bay Area–based practice specializing in educational and psychological services for children and adolescents. They focus on helping families understand learning differences, mental health challenges, and how to navigate school systems like IEPs.Led by Dr. James Bylund, a licensed clinical and educational psychologist, the clinic provides comprehensive evaluations and guidance for students with neurodevelopmental and emotional needs.Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, mental health, or therapeutic advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client, clinician-patient, or any other professional relationship between you and The Bylund Clinic, its hosts, guests, or affiliates. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please consult a qualified healthcare provider or emergency services in your area. Always seek the advice of a licensed professional regarding any questions you may have about your health or well-being.

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, we’re joined by Anya Ashouri, M.S., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist specializing in assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Anya shares her professional journey into the world of assistive technology (AT) and helps parents understand how these tools are thoughtfully evaluated and implemented across school settings. We begin by defining assistive technology in plain language and clarifying common misconceptions — including the difference between “high-tech” devices and the many low-tech and mid-tech supports that often make a meaningful difference. Anya explains who may benefit from AT across ages and learning profiles, and what general indicators professionals consider when determining whether assistive technology may be appropriate. We also explore the critical distinction between access and instruction — how assistive technology supports access to curriculum and communication without replacing skill development or evidence-based teaching. Anya walks us through the typical framework used in comprehensive AT assessments, including how professionals analyze a student’s strengths, needs, environments, and daily demands to ensure recommendations are aligned and functional. From there, we discuss best practices for implementation across settings, the importance of training and consistency, and what research says about the effectiveness of assistive technology for reading, writing, math, attention, executive functioning, and communication. We also examine how artificial intelligence is influencing the AT landscape — highlighting promising innovations as well as areas where thoughtful caution is warranted.Finally, Anya shares practical examples of how assistive technology can support students with reading and writing challenges, as well as students with language and communication differences. We also address common systemic barriers — including training, funding, and capacity — and the factors that tend to predict successful outcomes.This episode is designed to help parents build foundational knowledge about assistive technology so they can ask informed questions and better understand how AT may support access, participation, and independence across school environments. Parents can reach Anya at: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/anyaashourislp?usp=sharing⁠ ⁠[email protected]⁠ Check out Anya's slidedeck of AT resources at: ⁠https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTdX6liKTM-Qb6PZPgD001_M4Qt0r2UEEx8bgGgGDmtCmMa30KEQlbTc3CAnjYCWTbWj7pXWl2qwHEf/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000&slide=id.p⁠ Learn more about The Bylund Clinic: ⁠https://thebylundclinic.com/⁠ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you have concerns about your child's or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.

A Parent's Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) In this episode, we sit down with Maria Gregory, LEP and Guy Hernandez, LMFT of TheraTree Community for a nuanced, clinically grounded conversation about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)—also referred to as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy—and what this profile can look like in real children, families, and schools.For parents who may be encountering PDA for the first time, Maria and Guy break down how a PDA profile differs from more familiar presentations of anxiety, oppositional behavior, or behavioral noncompliance. They explore why PDA is not currently recognized as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM or ICD, and how this lack of formal classification can create confusion for families seeking answers and appropriate support.Maria and Guy share how clinicians can thoughtfully identify PDA traits without relying on a formal diagnostic label, including the professional frameworks, theories, and clinical patterns that tend to emerge during evaluation. They also address an ongoing debate in the field: whether PDA is exclusive to autism or whether it can exist outside of an ASD diagnosis.Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights common misconceptions and misdiagnoses, including ways children with a PDA profile are often misunderstood by well-meaning adults and systems that rely on traditional behavior management approaches.Maria and Guy explain how recognizing PDA traits shapes therapeutic goals and strategies, emphasizing approaches that prioritize safety, autonomy, and nervous system regulation. Finally, the episode explores the school context, including common barriers within educational systems, frequent misunderstandings by teams, and accommodations or approaches that can meaningfully reduce conflict and support engagement for students with PDA traits.This episode is especially relevant for parents, clinicians, and educators seeking a deeper, more compassionate understanding of PDA—and practical guidance for supporting children whose needs do not fit neatly into traditional diagnostic or intervention frameworks. You can learn more about TheraTree's services at: theratreecommunity.com (925) 378-9456 Learn more about the Bylund Clinic at: bylundclinic.com (925) 418-4661 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you have concerns about your child's or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, we sit down with Damien B. Troutman, Senior Associate at the Leigh Law Group, to explore the complex and often overwhelming process of limited conservatorships. Damien brings years of experience working in employment law, special education law, disciplinary matters such as suspensions and expulsions, as well as disability law, Regional Center advocacy, and cases involving adults with disabilities.Together, we break down the essentials for parents and caregivers: What a limited conservatorship is, and how it differs from other conservatorshipsThe distinction between conservatorship of the person versus the estateWhy parents may consider a limited conservatorship as their child with disabilities turns 18An overview of the process, timeline, and court involvementCommon misconceptions families often haveThe connection between conservatorship planning, financial planning, and future stability Damien shares practical guidance on when families should begin preparing, and steps that can make the process more manageable. Parents will leave with a clearer understanding of their options, the role of the court, and where to turn for support.For more information on Damien Troutman’s work, visit Leigh Law Group or call 1-(800) 424-5297.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund talks with Alex Basche, LMFT, a leading therapist specializing in technology addiction and digital overuse. Together they explore how to distinguish heavy screen use from true addiction, why neurodivergent youth (ADHD, autism) often engage with gaming differently, and what evidence-based strategies can help families restore balance. Alex shares practical tools for parents—including family media plans, activity menus, and guidance on when (and how) a “detox” may be useful. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional, this conversation offers concrete steps for supporting kids and teens in developing healthier relationships with screens. About Our Guest Alex Basche is a Bay Area psychotherapist who has dedicated nearly 15 years to working with children, adolescents, and families. He is recognized for his specialization in technology addiction and digital overuse, co-founding California’s first in-network Intensive Outpatient Program for adolescent tech addiction in 2017. Alex’s approach is holistic and strength-based, focusing not only on mental and emotional health but also on sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social support systems. He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based approaches, DBT, ACT, Gestalt, and Gottman Therapy, tailoring interventions to each client with evidence-based methods. He has authored over 200+ therapy group sessions on topics ranging from social skills to trauma-related anxiety, and has led specialized PTSD treatment groups for preteens. His teaching and training extend across California through workshops on process addictions, adolescent anxiety and depression, and parenting in the digital age. Learn more at: resetfromtech.com Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you have concerns about your child’s or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, we take on a topic that leaves many parents feeling stuck: understanding the real difference between Intellectual Disability (ID) and Specific Learning Disability (SLD). These labels carry important implications for how schools provide support—but they’re not always applied accurately. We break down what IQ scores really measure, what adaptive functioning means in everyday life, and why students with lower conceptual reasoning skills and persistent academic struggles may be misidentified. We also discuss how special education law (IDEA) doesn’t always reflect the full clinical picture, especially when it comes to students who fall into the "gray zone" between diagnoses. You’ll learn how schools make eligibility decisions, how these diagnoses affect long-term planning like diplomas and life skills training, and how cultural, racial, and linguistic biases (like the lasting effects of Larry P. in California) can result in inadequate or incomplete evaluations. Most importantly, we’ll walk you through what parents can do if they suspect their child’s needs are being misunderstood. Whether you’re in the middle of the IEP process or just starting to ask questions, this episode will help you advocate for a clearer path forward. #SpecialEducation #BayAreaParents #IEPHelp #LearningDisabilities #IntellectualDisability #EducationalAssessment #ParentAdvocacy #Neurodiversity #BayAreaIEE #SLDorID #TheBylundClinic Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you have concerns about your child’s or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into screen dependency , exploring why children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or depression may be more susceptible and how to intervene when screen use starts impacting daily life. We break down: ✔️ Signs of screen dependency – when tech use interferes with academics, relationships, and emotional well-being. ✔️ Why neurodiverse kids rely more on screens – understanding the link between ADHD, autism, anxiety, and excessive screen time. ✔️ The pros and cons of screen-based activities – when they offer a safe space vs. when they become problematic. ✔️ Treatment strategies – from setting family tech boundaries to seeking professional intervention. If your child’s screen use feels overwhelming, this episode will help you recognize the warning signs and take the next steps toward a healthier balance. 📲 Follow Us for More Parenting Tips: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebylundclinic/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VRLMX1l0l6JXzvRIC2BuX 🔍 Learn More About Our Clinic: https://thebylundclinic.com/📅 Book a Consultation: https://thebylundclinic.com/contact-us/ 💬 Subscribe & Join the Conversation! Comment below with your thoughts on managing screen time for neurodiverse kids. #ScreenDependency, #NeurodiverseKids, #TechAddiction, #ScreenTimeLimits, #ADHDParenting, #AutismSupport, #ParentingTips, #MentalHealthAwareness, #DigitalDetox, #KidsAndScreens, #ParentingHacks, #ADHDSupport, #AutismAwareness, #ScreenTimeAddiction, #ParentingStruggles, #SocialMediaAddiction #TheBylundClinic

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming for parents, but with the right advocate, it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Dr. James Bylund sits down with Christina Maehr, a renowned special education advocate, to explore how parents can effectively navigate special education systems and secure the best services for their children with disabilities. Christina shares her personal journey—from managing her own child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process to becoming a leading expert in dyslexia identification, school intervention strategies, and special education advocacy. ✅ What is a special education advocate, and how can they help parents navigate the system? ✅ Common roadblocks in IEP meetings and strategies to overcome them ✅ Why many children with dyslexia go unidentified in schools and how to address this issue ✅ How legal decisions impact special education rights and what parents should know ✅ Practical steps for parents to ensure their child receives the right support This episode is packed with expert insights, real-life success stories, and practical advice—including how Christina helped a student make five years of academic progress in just one year! If you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation provides essential tools and knowledge to help you navigate special education with confidence. 🔍 Learn More About Our Clinic: https://thebylundclinic.com/ 📅 Book a Consultation: https://thebylundclinic.com/contact-us/ 💡 Read Our Blog for Parenting Insights: https://thebylundclinic.com/blog/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebylundclinic/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VRLMX1l0l6JXzvRIC2BuX 🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights on navigating special education! #SpecialEducationAdvocate #IEPProcessTips #DyslexiaIdentification #SpecialEducationAdvocacy #NavigatingIEPMeetings #SchoolInterventionStrategies #ParentGuideToSpecialEducation #DyslexiaInSchools #SpecialEducationRights #LegalDecisionsInSpecialEducation #IEPSuccessStories #SpecialEducationSupport #EducationAdvocacyForParents #HowToNavigateIEPs #DyslexiaAwareness #SchoolSupportForDyslexicStudents #SpecialEducationTools #ParentTipsSpecialEducation #EducationAdvocacyTips #ChristinaSpecialEducationAdvocate #MakingAcademicProgressInSpecialEd Disclaimer This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you have concerns about your child’s or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.

Managing screen time can feel overwhelming, especially with ever-changing recommendations and evolving technology. In our latest episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, listen as we break down practical, research-based strategies to help you navigate screen use at home. What We Cover: How to set healthy screen time limits without constant battlesSigns of problematic screen use and when to seek supportStrategies for modeling balanced tech habits as parentsThe impact of screen time on sleep, mood, and academic success This episode is packed with insights to help you create a sustainable, balanced approach to technology in your home. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you have concerns about your child’s or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund sits down with Sean McCormick, founder of EF Specialists, to explore the essential role of executive functioning (EF) in a child’s academic and personal success.  Executive functioning includes critical life skills like organization, time management, task initiation, and self-regulation—skills that many children, particularly those with ADHD or autism, find challenging. Sean shares his journey from special education teacher to global EF coach, offering practical advice for parents, educators, and clinicians on how to recognize and support EF deficits in children. He stresses that executive functioning isn’t just about improving classroom performance—it’s about fostering independence, confidence, and long-term success. Together, Dr. Bylund and Sean discuss how comprehensive assessments can pinpoint EF challenges and why specific intervention strategies are essential for building a strong IEP. They also dive into the importance of advocating for systemic changes in schools, including Sean’s proposal to introduce EF standards in education to ensure these skills are explicitly taught across grade levels.  Key Topics Discussed: (1) What are executive functioning skills, and how do they impact learning? (2) How can parents and teachers identify EF challenges and support children effectively? (3) Why independent educational assessments are critical for understanding EF deficits(4) The role of proactive educators and parents in fostering EF skill development(5) How EF coaching can benefit both children and adults Sean emphasizes that modeling executive skills at home is one of the most effective ways parents can help their children. By making small changes in routines and expectations, families can see big improvements in self-organization and independence. Sean’s work continues to evolve with the launch of Upskill Specialists, which focuses on EF coaching for adults, and the Executive Function Coaching Academy, which provides educators with tools to support students. The conversation closes with a call for more systemic change in education, encouraging schools to teach EF skills alongside academic subjects. Whether you’re a parent navigating your child’s IEP, a teacher looking for practical classroom strategies, or a clinician supporting families, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately to help children build the skills they need for lifelong success.  Resources Mentioned: Visit EF Specialists for articles, resources, and coaching tools. Subscribe to Sean’s newsletter for weekly tips on executive function strategies. Explore the Executive Function Coaching Academy to learn how to bring EF coaching into schools. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you have concerns about your child’s or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional. #ExecutiveFunction #ParentSupport #TeacherTips #ADHDAwareness #IEPGoals #SpecialEducationSupport #EducationalAssessments #NeurodiversityInEducation #ExecutiveFunctioningStrategies #ChildDevelopment #TheBylundClinicPodcast #EFCoaching #IEPSupport #LearningStrategies #SupportingAllLearners #ParentAdvocacy #TimeManagementSkills #AutismSupport #ADHDSupport

In this Bylund Clinic Podcast episode, Dr. Bylund and Ms. Morales take a deep dive into the science behind screen dependency in kids and its far-reaching effects on their mental, emotional, and academic development. This is Part 1 of a  series on screen time, designed to help parents understand the hidden mechanisms at play and provide evidence-based insights for raising healthy, balanced kids in the digital age. In this episode, Dr. Bylund and Ms. Morales break down the psychological and neurological factors that make screens so captivating. From variable reward systems to the human need for social belonging, they reveal the intentional engineering that keeps kids glued to their devices. You’ll also learn about: The cultural and societal pressures that make screen use feel unavoidable for families. How excessive screen time impacts kids’ ability to self-regulate, leading to struggles with focus, behavior, and emotional control. The growing body of research linking heavy screen use to challenges with aspects of cognitive functioning, academic skills, and social-emotional health.This episode is perfect for parents, educators, and caregivers looking to better understand the unseen forces shaping their children’s relationship with technology. Upcoming episodes will offer actionable advice for managing screens at home, navigating screen time for neurodivergent youth, and understanding the long-term effects of screens on family life. Don’t miss out on this essential conversation! Subscribe to The Bylund Clinic Podcast to stay informed and empowered as a parent in today’s screen-saturated world. Let’s work together to create a healthier future for our kids. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you have concerns about your child’s or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional. #ScreenTimeAwareness#ParentingInTheDigitalAge#ChildDevelopment#MentalHealthMatters#DigitalParenting#NeurodivergentKids#ScreenTimeEffects#HealthyKidsHealthyFuture#ParentingTips#TechAndKids#EmotionalWellness#BalancedParenting#KidsAndScreens#CognitiveDevelopment#FamilyLifeMatters

Episode 6: What Parents Need to Know About Clinical vs. Educational Autism CriteriaIn this episode, we explore the important distinctions and overlaps between clinical diagnoses of autism and eligibility criteria for services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). We’ll discuss California's 2014 regulatory updates aimed at better aligning clinical and educational criteria and highlight what parents need to know to navigate both. We'll cover:Core Diagnostic Criteria A clinical diagnosis requires clear deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and relationship skills, as well as evidence of repetitive behaviors, rigid routines, or sensory sensitivities. Educational eligibility, on the other hand, focuses on the need for specially designed instruction that supports access and progress in general education. Specially Designed Instruction What adaptations in content, delivery, and methodology look like in educational settings, including behavior plans, executive skills, and mental health counseling. Common Pitfalls in School-Based Assessments Why it's critical for school psychologists to be familiar with clinical diagnostic criteria and to avoid "diagnostic overshadowing"—attributing all challenges to autism without considering other conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities, or anxiety. Transition Assessments For students 16 and older, effective transition assessments address executive functioning, adaptive skills, and planning for independent living, employment, and community agency support. Through understanding these distinctions, parents can be better prepared to advocate for comprehensive and meaningful supports that address the full impact of autism on their child’s daily life and future. Join us to learn more about these criteria and why an accurate understanding is essential in supporting your child’s development both in school and beyond. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you have concerns about your child’s or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.