Dr. Dorie Weiss, expert in children's depression, discusses the rise in depression among kids and teens, distinguishing between typical sadness and clinical depression. She highlights the impact of COVID-19 on children's mental health, the challenges of identifying depression, and effective strategies for monitoring mood and challenging negative thoughts.

We’ve talked about occupational therapy on the podcast before, but we’ve never dug into a struggle for some children and families that occupational therapy can help. The topic of picky eating comes up for many families, for both neurodiverse and neurotypical children. And parents of picky eaters know that it impacts so many aspects of their lives, not just mealtime.  While picky eating is a common behavior in early childhood, it’s not always something a child will simply “grow out of”. And today’s guests explain how unique everyone’s experience is with food. Dr. Ellie Bendetson is an expert in picky eating and in supporting families of picky eaters. She joins the conversation today with Leah Hiller, who returns as a guest from Episode 9, where we introduced what occupational therapy is. Many conversations about occupational therapy tend to be broad, so let’s dig into one area of impact it can have on picky eaters and their families.   Show Notes: [2:12] - Many conversations about occupational therapy are very broad and generalized. But picky eating is Dr. Bendetson’s area of expertise. [3:21] - Picky eating is very common and there is no universal definition of what it means. [4:36] - Food and mealtime are complicated. There are so many things that could cause picky eating and can shift day to day. [6:07] - There are a lot of cultural aspects to this as well. [7:30] - For some children there are really only a few foods they will eat. Ellie works with many families like this and starts where they are. Picky eating is isolating. [9:11] - Early experiences play a key role. What are some factors that impact picky eating? [10:27] - Body awareness plays a role as well and for children with sensory processing issues, this is even more of a challenge. [12:30] - During an assessment, feeding is broken down into every little step. [14:30] - It’s shown that supporting the parents and families around picky eaters is so crucial. [16:41] - There’s an emotional connection and cultural importance put on food. [17:38] - Dr. Ellie describes her program Making Mealtimes Matter. [19:20] - Parents being able to help each other is so empowering. [20:52] - The goal isn’t to be able to eat everything. It is to be healthy and have a healthy relationship with food. [22:20] - Starting out by playing with food is a great place to start. This allows a child to understand the food. [24:03] - What can parents model? [26:17] - Getting a child involved in cooking and preparing foods is a great way to get kids excited about food. [28:49] - Parent groups with Hiller Therapy are virtual. Other programs are in-person.   About Our Guests: Dr. Ellie Bendetson Dr. Ellie Bendetson, OTD, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist in Los Angeles. Ellie attended the University of Southern California, graduating with her bachelors in OT in 2019, her masters in 2020, and her doctorate in 2021. She completed her doctoral residency at Hiller Therapy | Outdoor OT, specializing in parent education and picky eating. She also holds certifications in sensory integration and the sequential-oral-sensory (SOS) approach to feeding. She is passionate about working with families to better their mealtime experience and working with children of all ages and abilities in supporting their growth at home, at school, and at play. When she's not working, Ellie enjoys hiking, baking, and playing with her dogs.   Leah Hiller Leah Hiller is a pediatric occupational therapist, an educational consultant, and a former Jewish day school teacher. Leah provides teachers and parents with the strategies, support, and evidence-based resources to help children thrive at home, school, and play. In addition to providing individualized OT services in her private practice, Leah offers workshops for parents and educators, and she teaches graduate courses in special education. Leah lives here in Los Angeles with her family, and her OT therapy studio is located in a natural setting - her backyard.   Connect with Our Guests: Hiller Therapy Website Email Dr. Ellie Bendetson: ellie@hillertherapy.com  Email Leah Hiller: leah@hillertherapy.com    Links and Related Resources: Episode 9: How Occupational Therapy Helps Kids with Leah Hiller Helping the Picky Eater Handle Back to School ALPS Children: A Steep Climb But Well Worth It   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

Social justice is a topic of discussion on several episodes of this podcast and today’s guest joins the conversation on this important part of education. Because, social justice is truly a framework for equity in education. Today’s guest is Dr. Charles Barrett, an experienced school psychologist, speaker, and author of Social Justice in Schools. Dr. Barrett knows that significant contextual factors, events happening around students, can affect their social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. He joins me today to discuss actionable steps that parents, educators, and practitioners can take to promote positive outcomes for all students and communities.   Show Notes: [1:58] - Dr. Barrett has an extensive background, and he shares how he got into this particular area. [3:46] - There are a lot of variables that can impact how well a child does in school. We need to be mindful of these realities. [4:42] - Not everyone has the access to the things they need to reach their potential. [6:12] - Where do we even begin in understanding social justice? When can we move from knowledge to action? [7:40] - There are systems in place that cause inequitable outcomes. One major one is education funding. [8:57] - It is a reality that children do not receive the same level of education based on their demographic. [9:37] - Racism is another factor in inequitable outcomes. [11:03] - Distance learning during COVID-19 placed a spotlight on the disparity in education. [12:40] - Are we misinterpreting student performance as a disability? [14:24] - When returning to school after the COVID-19 pandemic, students experienced difficulty in socializing. [16:10] - Be present. Be proactive. Be persistent. [18:58] - Dr. Barrett and Dr. Wilson discuss what it looks like to be persistent. [20:26] - Access to information is key to advocating. An informed parent is the best partner. [21:44] - The partnership between the parent, the school, and the teacher is so important. [23:11] - There are more things that can be provided that parents don’t always know about that are outside of the IEP. [24:12] - Dr. Barrett explains the benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. [26:59] - Understanding and access to information is not just important for parents. Students need to understand how they learn as well. [29:33] - If you are an educator, Dr. Barrett recommends first being critical of your own work. [31:08] - For parents, a great place to start is asking questions.   About Our Guest: Charles A. Barrett, PhD, NCSP, a district-level administrator in Virginia, practiced as a school psychologist for 13 years at the elementary and secondary levels. He serves as an adjunct lecturer at several universities, where he is actively involved in the training and development of future school psychologists. Dr. Barrett was named School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists and received the Rookie of the Year Award from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). His past leadership positions within NASP include co-chair of the Social Justice Task Force and African American Subcommittee, chair of the Multicultural Affairs and Social Justice Committees, and Virginia Delegate to the NASP Leadership Assembly. Dr. Barrett serves on the editorial boards of School Psychology Review and School Psychology. He is a frequent speaker and workshop presenter for educators, families, and community organizations.    Connect with Charles Barrett: Charles Barrett’s Website Twitter Instagram Email charles@charlesbarrett.org    Links and Related Resources: Social Justice in Schools by Charles Barrett Episode 75: How to Raise Justice-Minded Kids with Dr. Traci Baxley Episode 97: Building Communities of Support and Resistance with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh Episode 37: Literacy: A Social Justice Issue with Resha Conroy Episode 5: Educational Therapy, Distance Learning, and Social Justice with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh Fostering Social Justice in our Youth   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

Dr. Shadab Jannati discusses Cognitive Behavior Therapy for kids and teens, highlighting how CBT is goal-oriented, helps with anxiety and negative thinking, and empowers young individuals through psychoeducation. The podcast delves into the evolution of CBT, techniques for managing anxiety, and the importance of family involvement in treatment plans.

Do you experience struggles around morning routines, getting to school, transitions, homework, mealtime, getting off screens, and bedtime? You’re not alone. And if so, you don’t want to miss this conversation with Dr. Karrie Lager.  With Dr. Karrie, we’re taking another look at a treatment modality that could be right for you and your family. It’s called Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and it focuses on play-based coaching for parents to better interact with their child to strengthen relationships and improve behavior. Many parents have said that this was a life changing experience for them and Dr. Karrie can help us understand what PCIT is, what it entails, who it’s right for, and how it can impact the entire family.   Show Notes: [2:23] - Let’s continue the conversation about different treatment modalities with parent child interaction therapy. [3:21] - PCIT is evidence-based and is designed to strengthen the parent child relationship. [4:35] - Common moments of parent stress can become a problem. [5:20] - PCIT is unique in that therapists coach parents in real time. [6:05] - In the past, therapists would coach through a one way mirror. Now with technology and telehealth platforms, therapists can coach in the home. [8:28] - What are the benefits of coaching in the moment? [9:46] - Dr. Karrie shares some of the things PCIT helps guide parents through, specifically tantrums and aggression. [11:04] - How to notice the good in others and how to positively interact with others is one key feature of PCIT. [13:32] - PCIT can be adapted to work with children with ADHD, Autism, and learning differences. [14:40] - Screen time is a sticky situation for a lot of families. Dr. Karrie shares some good points about the age of the child and how they interact with screens. [16:30] - PCIT is very play-based. [19:12] - Typically PCIT lasts anywhere between 14 and 20 sessions and is based on the parents feeling confident in the skills. [20:48] - Many parents have given the feedback that PCIT is life changing. [22:13] - Parents need to also have patience and compassion for themselves as they learn how to best support their child.   About Our Guest: Karrie Lager, Psy.D. is a California licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience providing therapy to children and adults. She is the founder of the group practice and training center, Healthy Focus Psychological Center. Dr. Karrie’s specialties include parenting, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Dr. Karrie is a UC- DAVIS certified PCIT and PC-CARE therapist and provides in-the-moment parent-child coaching to increase more calm, cooperative, and joyful family interactions. In addition to providing direct coaching to families, Dr. Karrie is a training partner with UC Davis, and she provides online therapist training in PCIT and PC-CARE certificate programs. Also, Dr. Karrie is trained as a SPACE Treatment provider through the Yale Child Study Center. In this treatment, Dr. Karrie coaches parents on tools designed to help reduce their child’s anxiety, OCD, or other related challenges. As a strong advocate for life-long learning, Dr. Karrie also oversees Healthy Focus’s education programs, offering creative and innovative continuing education for psychologists and other helping professionals. For fun, Dr. Karrie enjoys long walks with her family and puppy, mindfulness, yoga, arts and crafts, and writing.   Connect with Dr. Karrie: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile A Healthy Focus Website Dr. Karrie’s Website   Links and Related Resources: The Exhausted Parent and the Endlessly Energetic Child Executive Functioning and Self-Regulation in ADHD Why Does My Child Act Up For No Reason Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents Episode 72: Prioritizing Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Communication with Danielle G. Kent Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

As we ease into the summer months, this time of year we begin to think about summer travel plans. And with the recent emphasis on neurodivergence, traveling is more accessible than ever before. But it can still seem daunting to travel with a child who is anxious or inflexible. In fact, a recent study shows that 87% of parents surveyed said they wouldn’t even consider traveling with their neurodivergent child. But today’s guest shares helpful tips and travel strategies that can not only make this possible, but an amazing experience for everyone. Dawn Barclay is an author and has spent her career in the travel industry. She’s seen it all. The ups and downs, the pros and cons. But what she has also seen are the ways that make traveling with neurodivergent children easy and joyful. In this episode, Dawn shares things you can do now to start preparing for summer travel and how you can make these experiences a reality for your family.   Show Notes: [1:44] - Traveling with children is challenging and is intimidating and daunting for some parents of neurodivergent children. [2:34] - 87% of parents in a study said that they would not travel at all. [3:56] - There are a lot of benefits to traveling with your family. [5:35] - When planning a trip, start with getting your child on board by introducing the concept of traveling. [7:18] - Start small by traveling to places that are a little closer to home. [9:15] - Preparation is key. [10:31] - Build trips around special interests and contact airports beforehand to help make sure your child is accommodated. [12:33] - Working with a travel planner, you can plan for where to sit on an airplane or things to consider that you’ve not thought of before. [14:07] - We all become anxious when faced with the unknown and children don’t always know how to express their anxiety. [15:49] - Think about the things that will make the experience easier when looking for hotel rooms or other lodging. [18:17] - There are also specific destinations that are specifically designed to accommodate people with special needs, including neurodivergence and even dietary restrictions. [21:40] - Parents may feel uncomfortable with onlookers and other people around them when traveling with their children. [23:50] - Sometimes parents even provide information to the people who are traveling around them to explain the situation. [25:22] - It’s a great idea to travel with someone who can also spend time with your child while you take time to yourself.   About Our Guest: Dawn M. Barclay is an award-winning author who has spent a career working in different aspects of the travel industry. After spending ten years working in sales and marketing for her parents’ two firms, Barclay Travel Ltd and Barclay International Group Short-Term Apartment Rentals, she branched out into travel trade reporting with senior or contributing editor positions at Travel Agent Magazine, Travel Life, Travel Market Report, and most recently, Insider Travel Report. She is a mother of two and resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley. A member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Family Travel Association (FTA), she also writes fiction as D.M. Barr and holds leadership roles in several writer organizations.   Connect with Dawn: Traveling Different Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Traveling Different by Dawn Barclay   Links and Related Resources: Episode 63: Supporting Youth with Autism and ADHD with Holly Blanc Moses Episode 72: Prioritizing Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Communication with Danielle G. Kent Episode 40: Lifestyle Activities That Can Improve ADHD Symptoms with Dr. Joel Nigg   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

Navigating a complex world is daunting and it becomes even more challenging for people who think and learn differently. These students may struggle in the traditional school environment, particularly with engagement. They might even ask, “What’s the point?”  But the traditional school environment isn’t the only option and today’s guests from Qualia: The School for Deeper Learning join this conversation about how their model of education not only engages students but prepares them to navigate adulthood with strong critical thinking skills. Qualia can be compared to an all-day intellectual dinner party – a place where brainy word play, clever argumentation, and surprising ideas come together in a milieu that provokes, entertains and inspires. Jim Hahn and Dr. Jon Cassie explain the importance of creating the space and time for reflection, reasoning, existential questioning, and the sharing and communicating of ideas and how this became the core of deeper learning at Qualia.   Show Notes: [2:15] - The focus is often on remediation for students who struggle, but critical thinking is overlooked. [3:37] - At Qualia, students take Philosophy courses every year to help develop critical thinking skills. [6:20] - Why Philosophy? What is it about this subject area that Qualia focuses on? [8:06] - Adding in this model of education is impactful as early as Kindergarten. [9:26] - With small class sizes, teachers can give students the appropriate amount of attention and hold real conversations. [11:51] - Through sharing and communicating ideas, students show their identity rather than letting their diagnoses be their identity. [13:20] - Jim describes the outcomes of this type of educational model. [15:45] - Having an influence on critical thinking early on pays off in adulthood. [18:53] - There are five questions that are crucial to someone’s ability to think critically about anything they encounter. [20:51] - These conversations are so memorable for students. This “less is more” approach makes things simple but impactful. [23:05] - Content is important, but linking the content to the big questions is what creates deep learning. [24:56] - How do introverts do in this type of environment? Jim and Jon share what the culture is like at Qualia. [26:20] - Character development is another key component in these types of discussions. [28:03] - Dr. Wilson shares the online description of Qualia which is a depiction of meaningful, deep learning that can happen there. [29:57] - Kids are eager to make connections and adults can serve as facilitators. [31:31] - Teachers trust students to carry a conversation, collaborate and solve messy problems. [32:35] - The challenges through this model of learning are realistic. [33:42] - The focus on helping students develop connections and discover themselves prepares them to navigate a complex world. [35:30] - Listen to an example of a student’s work on environmental justice.   About Our Guests: Jim Hahn An inveterate explorer of knowledge, ideas, contraptions, and cultures, Jim has taught everything from philosophy to chemistry to Rube Goldberg Machines during his 30+ year career in education. As the founder of Qualia: The School For Deeper Learning, Jim is bringing his renowned cutting-edge educational model to a new level with his democratic educational philosophy, unique teaching and mentoring approach, and innovative deep learning curriculum. Jim began his teaching career at Crossroads School, then joined New Roads as Academic Dean and Dean of Faculty, and later founded Areté Preparatory Academy to create a next-generation school for brilliant and independent young minds for over a decade. Jim has inspired many students to think deeply, care deeply, and forge extraordinary paths. Jim is the proud parent of an Areté alumna, currently attending Pitzer College, and a current Qualia student; both children are living embodiments of the impactful results of Jim’s transformative and revolutionary educational methods.   Dr.  Jon Cassie Dr. Cassie has been in independent school education for 25 years serving in virtually every teaching and leadership capacity schools have to offer. His book on game-based learning, Level Up Your Classroom was published in 2016 and won a gold medal for best technical book from Association Media and Publishing in 2017. His chapter on social-emotional learning and roleplaying games, "Don't Split the Party," was published in "Teaching in the Game-Based Classroom," in 2021. He has also written for the tabletop roleplaying sector for about 20 years. Two of his books, Loot and Folkways are about cultural aspects of roleplaying design and are available on DriveThruRPG. Dr. Cassis also hosts two podcasts about education - "Many Windows" and "Game Level Learn." He has also appeared on a number of podcasts speaking about the future of education, given the commencement address at Northland Pioneer College, and has presented at conferences and forums on learning and games in the US and abroad. He earned his doctorate from UCLA in 2010.    Connect with Our Guests: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Qualia: The School For Deeper Learning   Links and Related Resources: Creative and Crushed Children Who Think Differently Episode 25: Raising Differently Wired Kids with Joy and Confidence with Debbie Reber Episode 38: Understanding the Gifted and Twice Exceptional Child with Dr. Nicole Tetreault   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

Research has shown that family environment is a significant predictor of outcomes when it comes to traumatic brain injuries. But how can family environment, things like parenting, intimacy, and communication styles impact outcomes in children and adolescents with learning challenges? Turns out, family environment has a huge impact on the way every child’s brain develops and Dr. Jesse Fischer joins the conversation today to help us understand how. In this episode, Dr. Fischer, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist specializing in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, explains what family environment factors are and how they are taken into consideration when assessing a child with learning differences. Many of these factors actually change the way the brain develops, but because of the brain’s plasticity, it’s never too late to make a change if needed.    Show Notes: [2:32] - There’s a huge emphasis on the academic side of learning support, but family environment is also important. [4:16] - With a comprehensive assessment, more than academic testing is looked at. [5:27] - Family environment factors are not looked at in a way to place any kind of blame, but to understand the level of support possible for the child. [6:55] - When it comes to traumatic brain injuries, family environment is a significant predictor of outcomes. [8:56] - Certain factors stand out like caregiver/child relationships and caregiver strain. [10:51] - These factors are impactful but are modifiable. [14:03] - Parenting styles can buffer some of the issues that pop up. Research shows that nurturing and warm parenting styles predict better outcomes. [15:56] - Family environments show differences in the trajectory of brain development. [18:28] - With resource support, families can find access to the opportunities they need. [19:16] - Family-focused intervention and family counseling has been proven to be effective. [20:29] - What can we as a society do to promote strong family environments through support and policies that allow parents to provide what they want for their families? [23:20] - Clinicians can promote positive family environments through clear communication, advocating for policy change, and providing resources. [25:10] - The plasticity of the developing brain lasts into a person’s 20s. We have multiple opportunities throughout development to intervene. [26:51] - Your body, including your brain, is one big system and all of these factors are connected. [29:08] - It’s worth the struggle to get at these factors and find ways to optimize sleep, physical activity, and nutrition. [32:24] - If resources are a barrier, there are avenues in the community that can help. [33:47] - Reach out to a professional if you need additional support and guidance.   About Our Guest: Dr. Jesse Fischer is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in assessment of children, adolescents, and young adults who think and learn differently. His clinical expertise includes assessment, diagnosis, academic and treatment planning for individuals with neurodevelopmental concerns (e.g., Dyslexia, AD/HD), traumatic brain injury/concussion, epilepsy, emotional difficulties, and other complex medical conditions. Dr. Fischer sees children and families in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised. Dr. Fischer's most recent research has focused on the role of the family environment and early childhood stress (e.g., trauma, brain injury) on brain development, neural correlates of neuropsychological problems following TBI, as well as interventions to enhance recovery from sports concussion and more severe TBI.   Connect with Dr. Fischer: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Email Jesse@jfischerphd.com Instagram Twitter Website   Links and Related Resources: 3 Things Every Parent Should Know About Their Child’s Brain Navigating Brain Injuries Including Concussions in Children and Adolescents 8 Ways Teenagers Suffer When They Don’t Get Enough Sleep 5 Reasons Sleep Matters for Children   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

Today we welcome back Elizabeth Hamblet, who previously discussed the transition from high school to college in an earlier episode. She’s back today to discuss it further after the publication of her new book Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities.  Elizabeth has worked for two decades as a learning disabilities specialist in college disability services offices. She’s heard all the questions, she’s guided many students and she’s here to talk about the keys to college success: self-awareness and self-determination. In this episode, Elizabeth answers so many questions. What accommodations do colleges provide? What are the differences between college programs when it comes to accessibility? What about IEPs and 504s? And most importantly, how can we prepare our students for college beyond academics?   Show Notes: [2:07] - Elizabeth’s new book is so helpful for parents whose children are transitioning to college or starting to think about the next step. [3:37] - The goal isn’t just to get into college. It’s to succeed in college. [4:38] - Even in the early stage of the 8th grade IEP meeting, there are things you can do to prepare. [5:51] - The support and accommodations in high school don’t always overlap with those that will be provided in college. [7:59] - All IEPs and 504 accommodations may not be implemented at the college level. [9:33] - What accommodations are available on the college level? [10:56] - Families and students can ask the disabilities services department about the accessibility of software at colleges. [12:27] - Once students graduate from high school, IEPs are no longer legally required for colleges to adhere to.  [16:31] - Although IEPs and 504s expire, some colleges will provide the same or similar support. [17:56] - Students should choose a college based on the things that any student would. Choosing a school solely based on their support does not make a good match. [19:52] - There is a misconception that colleges go out of their way to exclude students with disabilities, but it’s just not true. [20:58] - College is more than academics. [22:50] - Parents can help, but Elizabeth encourages students to call and ask questions in their process of making a big decision. [25:29] - Accommodations are important, but too many and too much support in high school leads to students not being ready for college. [26:52] - Families and teachers can do a lot to promote independence and self-advocacy. [30:54] - Extended time for papers is not commonly provided in college. [33:26] - You have worked so hard to get your child this far, and there is anxiety when it comes to thinking about college. [34:18] - College is not binary. You don’t have to attend at a specific time. [36:19] - The self-management piece of college is just as important as the academic aspect.   About Our Guest: Elizabeth C. Hamblet has worked as a learning disabilities specialist in college disability services offices for two decades. In addition to working at a university, she is a nationally-requested speaker on preparing students with disabilities for successful college transition. Hamblet is the author of Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities and a concise guide on transition, and her work has appeared in numerous journals and online platforms. She offers advice and information on her website at www.LDadvisory.com and shares resources on numerous social media platforms.   Connect with Elizabeth: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile LD Advisory Website LD Advisory Facebook Page Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities by Elizabeth Hamblet   Links and Related Resources: Episode 15: From High School to College - Steps to Success for Students with Disabilities with Elizabeth Hamblet Episode 83: What Students with Disabilities Should Do When Starting College with Eric Endlich PhD Episode 125: Does Your Teen Need a Transition Assessment? with Dr. Gwen Palafox   Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.

What is a transition assessment, and how do you know if your child needs one? If they do, when do they need it and what does it look like? There are a lot of questions about transition assessments and today we have the perfect guest to answer them all. Today, we welcome back Dr. Gwennyth Palafox (Dr. Gwen) to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. Dr. Gwen is a clinical psychologist and a fierce ally of neurodiverse and disabled individuals and has supported their wonderful families and support systems for over 25 years. She’s laser-focused (and borderline obsessed) about empowering through reliable knowledge, creativity, and skill-building. She loves curating and collecting tools, sharing mindsets, and promoting habits to help the neurodiverse community thrive and find joy and meaning in their lives. Listen on to learn about what transition assessments entail, why they are important, and why you want to start transition planning early on.   Show Notes: [3:01] - The idea of transition is change. Change is not something that is abrupt, especially when it comes to development. [4:04] - Ideally, transition planning should happen when high school begins. [6:10] - “What does it take to live as an autonomous, fully independent adult?” [7:29] - For students with an IEP, they need an ITP. Dr. Gwen explains what that is and how many students don’t know about it. [9:07] - This assessment must include more than where your child is academically. [10:03] - Dr. Gwen shares the most important skills for transition. [12:52] - When these skills are solid or at least emergent and we are focusing on the process of living in this world as an adult, we get postsecondary results. [14:58] - Skills are only built by experience. [17:31] - High school should be preparing students for adult life. [19:28] - Transition assessments and psycho-educational diagnostics are very different. [21:01] - Learning, living, and working are the three components of a transition assessment. [24:03] - Where we lose sight of the data is when we don’t paint a qualitative picture of where the person is today. [27:17] - Good transition assessments connect to activities and community resources with the goal in mind of what comes next after high school. [28:49] - The student needs to be involved in this process. [31:01] - We need to presume competence when communicating to the student. [33:01] - Dr. Gwen always includes something in the transition assessment recommendations that parents and teachers can begin doing immediately. [35:22] - Assessment results can be overwhelming to families and having a transition plan early ensures that there’s enough time for support.   About Our Guest: Dr. Gwen is a licensed psychologist who has been actively changing the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities for over two decades. She is laser-focused on promoting the happiness and wellbeing of disabled teens and adults and is a fierce ally of disabled individuals and their families. Dr. Gwen has shared her expertise in local and global workshops, at a TEDx event, as an expert witness, and in collaboration with other engaged and radically awesome professionals. Her clients are wonderfully complex, unique, and awesome. She says that out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, grit, and compassion are some of the best tools that she has.   Connect with Dr. Gwen: ChildNEXUS Provider Profile Meaningful Growth Website Dr. Gwen Empowered on YouTube   Links and Related Resources: Episode 47: Helping Students Transition to Adulthood with Dr. Gwennyth Palafox Be the Executive in Charge Trying to figure out next steps in supporting your child?  Book a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Karen Wilson - https://www.childnexus.com/consultation    Join our email list so that you can receive information about upcoming webinars - ChildNEXUS.com The Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are not considered treatment and do not necessarily reflect those of ChildNEXUS, Inc or the host, Dr. Karen Wilson.