The Bylund Clinic

Episode 16: Assistive Tech 101 For Parents

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 [https://sites.google.com/view/anyaashourislp?usp=sharing] ⁠anya.ashouriSLP@gmail.com⁠ [anya.ashouriSLP@gmail.com] 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 [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/⁠ [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.

Episode 15: A Parent's Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

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 [https://www.theratreecommunity.com/marias-bio?utm_source=chatgpt.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.

Episode 14: What Parents Need to Know About Limited Conservatorships

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 conservatorships * The distinction between conservatorship of the person versus the estate * Why parents may consider a limited conservatorship as their child with disabilities turns 18 * An overview of the process, timeline, and court involvement * Common misconceptions families often have * The 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.

Episode 13: Technology Addiction and Treatment w/ Alex Basche

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 [https://resetfromtech.com/about?utm_source=chatgpt.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.

Episode 12: Mild ID or SLD? Why This Distinction Matters More Than You Think

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.