Awe and Wonder Podcast: AAC & AT

S9E6: Neurodiversity in Education and in Life with Ivanova Smith

In this episode, we sit down with Ivanova Smith, a fierce leader in the self-advocacy movement for over a decade and founder of the Nothing About Us Without Us Act. Ivanova opens up about her early years spending five years in a Latvian institution, her adopted family's tireless fight for her to receive a full education, and the isolating experience of being what she calls the "hot potato sped kid" constantly bouncing between general and special education settings. Reflecting on her early lack of opportunity to connect with the disability community, Ivanova passionately discusses how youth can take a more active role in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and shares actionable ideas to foster a genuine sense of belonging for students with IDD. Now serving as the Community Collaborations Program Manager for Developmental Disability Community Services, she breaks down what true person-centered policy looks like, powerfully reminding us that there should be "no policy without representation." https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-podcast/ [https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-podcast/] Resources: Learn more about the Nothing About Us Without Us Act from Disability Rights WA: https://disabilityrightswa.org/nothing-about-us-without-us/ [https://disabilityrightswa.org/nothing-about-us-without-us/] Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN): https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/inclusionary-practices-technical-assistance-network-iptn [https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/inclusionary-practices-technical-assistance-network-iptn]

S9E5: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Elizabeth Freund

In this episode, Elizabeth Freund joins us to explore the profound impact of neurodiversity-affirming processes in education and therapy. We dive into the beauty of child-led, exploratory therapy and practical approaches like "strewing," which leverages a student’s natural pattern-seeking strengths to gently introduce new toys and activities. The conversation also highlights how to best support Gestalt Language Processors, exploring how recorded speech can encourage language growth while maintaining essential flexibility for the child. Beyond everyday strategies, we examine how our therapeutic approaches and relationships shift when we actively change the language and narratives we hold. As Elizabeth notes, "Use this [neurodiversity] movement as an invitation to reflect and think about …the narratives we have held and maybe the ones we want to foster instead." Resources: Handout on PDA, GLP and cognitive processing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Ou1f34JVIlLbHwtwxo-t6-TMrLkiM0g/view?usp=drive_link

S9E4: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Emily Kircher Morris

Sarah and Brenda are thrilled to be joined by Emily Kircher-Morris, a clinical mental health professional, host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, and co-author of Neurodiversity Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported. Drawing on her unique background as a neurodivergent parent, educator, and counselor, Emily explores how to build truly neurodiversity-affirming environments. We unpack the nuances of Autism levels, the importance of a "both/and" approach to support, and the vital shift from teaching rigid "social skills" to fostering flexible "social navigation." Finally, Emily breaks down the purpose of stimming and how to scaffold authentic self-advocacy beyond simply asking for help. https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-s9/ [https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-s9/] Resources Mentioned: Listen to Emily’s show: The Neurodiversity Podcast: https://neurodiversitypodcast.com/ Read Emily's Book: Neurodiversity Affirming Schools: Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported https://www.neurodiversityaffirmingschools.com/ Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b9S0Lo2P7Rs

S9E3: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Mateo Moreno

In this episode of the Awe and Wonder Podcast's "Stories of Neurodiversity" series, Brenda and Sarah are thrilled to welcome Mateo Moreno, a passionate advocate who has used AAC since the age of four. Mateo shares his powerful journey navigating the world with his Saltillo NovaChat 8, offering unique insights into disability, inclusion, and the realities of being the only AAC user in the room. From presenting internationally to mentoring young communicators at Camp ALEC and even appearing on Disney+, his dedication to fostering confidence and kindness is truly unmatched. Join us for an insightful conversation as Mateo shares his invaluable recommendations for communication partners and his vision for a more inclusive world. https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-s9/ [https://specialedtechcenter.com/awe-and-wonder-s9/] Episode Resources: Watch Mateo’s 2026 Prentke AAC Distinguished Lecture ATIA 2026 Conference, titled "Stories from the Kid with a Talking Box: The Vital Role of AAC Users in Educating Peers about AAC and Inclusion." https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwAGlDFawZOOyvFpGrJ0txw See Mateo on Camp ALEC (Documentary on Disney+): A 19-minute short documentary film, part of the People & Places series, featuring the sleepaway camp where Mateo mentors. https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-6b02934d-b6ed-4f6b-8ab0-89149f493709

S9E2: Neurodiversity in Education and Life with Lauren Enders Gonzales

What does the future of neurodiversity look like? In this episode, Brenda and Sarah sit down with Lauren Enders Gonzales to explore this idea and tackle the hard questions about how we support neurodivergent AAC users. Lauren unpacks how educators and therapists often project their own agendas onto device customization and implementation and shares how we can reintroduce authentic curiosity into our sessions. Featuring real-world examples from her own therapy practice, Lauren also breaks down how to write measurable goals that reflect what matters most to the student—leaving compliance-based metrics behind.  Episode Resources Does This AAC Goal Matter? Checklist Questions: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFQozTAFE8/Ns2RqfEtovR5Dz_oSYPLdQ/view?utm_content=DAFQozTAFE8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hf574c5b313 [https://www.canva.com/design/DAFQozTAFE8/Ns2RqfEtovR5Dz_oSYPLdQ/view?utm_content=DAFQozTAFE8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hf574c5b313] Learn about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): https://pdanorthamerica.org/ [https://pdanorthamerica.org/] Declarative Language Handbook, by Linda Murphy https://www.declarativelanguage.com/about-declarative-language-handbook