EP241: How to Make IEPs Neuro-Affirming and Student-Led with Chris Wenger

Can changing a few words in an IEP change a child’s future? Speech Dude Chris Wenger shares how to reframe support plans to empower neurodivergent kids instead of pushing them to mask. Learn why connection, regulation, and self-advocacy matter more than compliance and how actually to build those skills into your child’s education plan.

What to expect in this episode:

• Why IEPs often miss the mark and how to fix them
• How to replace deficit language with strength-based reframes
• Why connection and regulation need to come before learning
• How co-creating goals with kids leads to better outcomes
• The power of self-advocacy compared to compliance

About Chris Wenger
Chris also known as Speech Dude, is a high school speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent youth. As a neurodivergent educator himself, he brings a unique perspective to his work. Chris is also an internationally recognized presenter who shares practical, affirming strategies to improve speech therapy and better support neurodiverse students.

Connect with Chris

• Website: Speech Dude | NeuroAffirm 
• Facebook: Speech Dude
• YouTube: Speech Dude
• Instagram: @speechdude
• Tiktok: @speechdude
• X: @speechdude)

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Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/how-to-make-ieps-neuro-affirming-and-student-led

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