The Curious Incident Podcast

Ep. 52- When Helping Hurts: A Parent's Guide to Anxiety and OCD

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan speaks with licensed social worker Regine Ashkenazi about helping children manage anxiety and OCD through evidence-based strategies. Regine explains why anxiety itself is a normal and necessary emotion, and how parents can best support their children by encouraging them to face fears rather than avoid them. The conversation explores exposure therapy, reassurance-seeking, parental accommodations, intrusive thoughts, and early intervention, while providing practical tools families can use to build resilience, confidence, and healthier responses to anxiety over time.

Ep. 51- Empowering Families and Connecting Care with Dr. Joshua Rosenthal

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Joshua Rosenthal, psychologist, and founder of Manhattan Psychology Group (MPG), to discuss mental health, parenting, and the approaches used by the clinicians at MPG to help families navigate developmental and learning challenges. Drawing from both his professional expertise and personal experience as a parent, Dr. Rosenthal shares reflections on early intervention, reducing shame around diagnoses, and the importance of creating supportive, responsive systems for families. Together, Adam and Dr. Rosenthal explore the complexities of special education in New York City, the barriers families encounter when seeking help, and the critical need for greater awareness, compassion, and collaboration across schools, clinicians, nonprofits, and healthcare providers. This episode is a must-listen for parents, professionals, and anyone passionate about supporting children and families with empathy and curiosity.

Ep. 50- From Silent Struggle to Purpose: Adam Dayan's Story

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan steps into the guest seat for a candid, role-reversal conversation about the experiences that shaped him long before the law. Joined by his executive assistant Kristine Champagne as guest host, Adam shares his personal journey with OCD, and what it means to struggle quietly as a child who appears to be doing everything "right" on the outside. He reflects on how these early experiences influenced his path, from a defining moment in high school to seeking support after law school, and ultimately building a practice grounded in empathy. Through stories of hidden compulsions, late recognition, and ongoing self-awareness, this episode highlights a powerful truth: when we begin to understand our own struggles, we become better equipped to support others with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

Ep. 49- The Autism Mom Coach: Regulate, Then Advocate

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan speaks with Lisa Candera attorney and founder of The Autism Mom Coach, about the realities of parenting a child with autism. Drawing on her experience raising a son with severe autism, OCD, and anxiety, Lisa explains why meaningful change often begins with a parent's own self-regulation. She discusses how chronic stress and hypervigilance can leave parents dysregulated and how learning to ground themselves can transform meltdowns, school challenges, and family dynamics. From radical acceptance and managing comorbidities to approaching IEP meetings with clarity and confidence, this conversation underscores a powerful truth: regulated parents become steadier leaders, stronger advocates, and a calming force amid uncertainty.

Ep. 48- ERP and ACT: Evidence-Based Treatment for OCD and Anxiety

On this episode of the Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Lisa Abbrecht, clinical psychologist and founder of New Orleans Anxiety and OCD, LLC. Together, they explore the everyday realities of living with anxiety and OCD, offering a clear, practical look at Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) deepens its impact. The conversation also addresses highly stigmatized experiences with nuance and clarity - emphasizing proper understanding, thoughtful treatment, and why healing is about changing your relationship with thoughts, not trying to erase them.