Strong Starts

IEP Meetings Don't Have to be Scary: How to Speak up with Confidence (Parent Series 2 of 4)

Most parents feel overwhelmed and under-informed navigating their child's special education journey. In this episode, Kristal Vega Carrasquillo from the Lewis County Autism Coalition shares practical strategies that transform feelings of confusion into confidence. You’ll learn how to decode the complex language of evaluations and IEP meetings, advocate effectively without feeling like a lawyer, and shift the focus from intimidating numbers to your child’s unique strengths and needs. Kristal reveals actionable tactics like preparing your own documentation, using plain language during meetings, and knowing your legal rights, including requesting independent evaluations or re-evaluations at any time. She discusses how masking and cultural factors impact behavior reports and why understanding these nuances helps families advocate from a place of empowerment and respect. If you’ve ever felt outnumbered at an IEP table or unsure how to speak up for your child's needs, this episode is your roadmap to becoming a confident, informed advocate. Whether you're just starting or deep into your journey, you'll walk away with clear steps to support your child's success and nurture your own confidence. Every parent deserves to feel empowered, understood, and capable of guiding their child to thrive. Perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates ready to turn overwhelm into empowerment. This episode will remind you that your voice is your child's most vital tool in their path to success. Don't miss it! Resources and More Information: lcautism.org [http://lcautism.org] or outreach@lcautism.org [outreach@lcautism.org]

My Kid is Struggling: Where to Start at School (Parent Series 1 of 4)

Watching your child struggle in school, whether academically, socially, or behaviorally, can feel overwhelming and isolating. As a parent, you know your child best, but navigating the education system to get them the right support often feels like learning a foreign language. This live event is designed to demystify the school support process and empower you to become your child’s strongest advocate. We will walk step-by-step through what to do when you first notice a concern, who to contact, and how to request help. You'll learn how to bring outside diagnoses to the school's attention and how to understand the key differences between 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Leave this session with actionable tools, next steps, and the confidence to build a collaborative, supportive team for your student.

Masking: The Reality of Neurodivergent Masking and Identity Loss

For many in the neurodivergent community, we spend our lives learning to cover up who we are to blend into the environment around us. In this episode, we trace the profound identity loss experienced by neurodivergent adults right back to where it often starts: the classroom. We discuss the hidden exhaustion of the neurodivergent student and why traditional educational settings need a major shift. It’s time to stop asking kids to change who they are, and start building school cultures rooted in actual psychological safety. Tune in to learn how we can move away from forced compliance and start cultivating trauma-informed, neuro-affirming school cultures where every student is actually safe to unmask.

When Kids Push Back: How Self-Regulation Stops the Battle for Control

Sarah and Jessica unpack the hidden dynamics behind power struggles, revealing how they often do more harm than good and how a calm, intentional response can turn conflict into connection. You’ll discover how recognizing the signs in your body can help you pause before escalating. Learn the key difference between setting boundaries and engaging in power struggles, with practical strategies to stay regulated when kids push back. We break down real-life examples, like how to handle a student on a Chromebook or a child refusing to get in the car, showing you how to maintain control without losing rapport. Jessica shares her approach to collaborative boundary-setting, emphasizing the importance of understanding the “why” behind behaviors instead of simply reacting. You'll also explore why avoiding power struggles through disengagement and self-regulation creates more sustainable relationships, whether at home or in the classroom. We reveal how to implement trauma-informed, neuroaffirming strategies that promote cooperation, reduce stress, and build trust. Plus, hear the surprising role time and technology play in fueling these conflicts, and how to navigate those barriers effectively.

Beyond the Four Functions: Diving Beneath the Surface

Explore the deeper layers of student behavior in this insightful episode. Move beyond the four functions of behavior to uncover the psychological, sensory, and environmental factors that impact students. Jessica and Sarah reveal how common behaviors like classroom escape are often linked to sensory overload or communication challenges, requiring a broader perspective. Learn why simplistic, compliance-based strategies fall short and how asking deeper questions can lead to effective interventions. Discover practical tips for involving multidisciplinary teams and implementing trauma-informed, neuro-affirming strategies that empower students. Student Response Roadmap [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Student-Response-Roadmap-SafetyCrisis-Plan-16053637]