Stress-Free IEP®

What does life feel like for an autistic person at school, at work, and into adulthood? Frances Shefter welcomes Dr. Jeff Kranzler, founder of Kranzler Autism Programs and Services, to explore these experiences, including the female experience of autism and parenting an autistic child. This conversation brings a neurodiversity-affirming perspective to understanding your child’s world and needs as...

What does pediatric physical therapy involve, and why might a family choose to have it at home? Dr. Eena Kapoor, founder of Baby Steps Pediatric Physical Therapy, joins Frances Shefter to explain how PT supports children’s movement and development, and how in-home sessions let parents take part in their child’s care. Shefter Law: https://shefterlaw.com/learning-center/ Baby Steps: https://babystep...

What if the behaviors adults try to correct are really signs that a child needs more connection, purpose, or belonging? Jennifer Awesome, founder of Awesome Consulting & Educational Services, joins Frances Shefter to explore how schools can move beyond compliance and create environments built around curiosity, agency, courage, and meaningful learning. Jennifer also discusses why failure should...

Beverley H. Johns explores what today’s students are facing and why understanding their challenges is essential for effective support. Learn the cautions educators and parents should watch for when working with students with disabilities, learning differences, and behavioral needs. She also explains how restorative practices can strengthen relationships, reduce conflict, and help students take res...

Meg Shah shares practical ways to build a stronger partnership between families and schools when learning challenges arise. Learn how to use family-teacher conferences to identify learning gaps and create a clear support plan, de-escalate conflict when parents and schools disagree, and reduce homework battles at home. Meg also explains how parents can step out of the “enforcer” role and become a s...

Ethan Ulanow explains why families should build a list of trusted mental health providers before a child or teen reaches a crisis point. He shares what parents should look for in therapists who understand neurodivergence, PDA, LGBTQ+ youth, and suicidal ideation. Ethan also explores how his own experience as a neurodivergent clinician shapes the way he builds trust and supports clients. Learn how...

Rebecca Murphy shares how STEM can turn screen time into skill time by helping kids code, create, solve problems, and build confidence. She explains why children need more than technical know-how to prepare for future careers, including teamwork, communication, creativity, and resilience. Rebecca also explores meaningful alternatives for kids who are not drawn to team sports and how hands-on techn...

If your child is struggling to read, how do you know whether the instruction or tutoring they’re receiving is truly effective? Tara Giddings, Deputy Director of LearnUp Centers, joins Frances Shefter to explain what makes a strong structured literacy program, what parents should look for when choosing reading support, and what educators need to understand about teaching reading. Learn how to ask b...

Kayla shares what school was really like growing up with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, from elementary school supports to college accommodations. She explains why being nonverbal should never be confused with lacking intelligence and what true inclusion looks like in everyday school life. Hear how trained paraprofessionals, supportive peers, transition planning, and strong advocacy shaped her path....

Justin H. Dove of PEACE ED explains how parents can advocate with confidence throughout the special education process. Learn when to request an independent educational evaluation, what school psychologists actually do, and how to support gifted and twice-exceptional children. He also shares practical ways to talk with children about their disabilities while building self-awareness, trust, and empo...

Sarah Juliana explores what autism really means, how neurodivergent learners may think differently, and why those differences should shape educational support. Drawing from her lived experience and 12+ years in special education, she explains the cognitive connections behind learning, behavior, and confidence. Parents will learn how Autonomous Hippopotamus uses flexible, strengths-based strategies...

Dr. Julie Davelman explores why parents of children with special needs often feel guilty no matter how much they do—and how that guilt can shape difficult family decisions. She explains how collaborative divorce can reduce conflict, protect children’s mental health, and support healthier co-parenting. Parents will learn how to recognize harmful guilt, avoid letting fear drive their choices, and cr...

Robin Rinearson of Jake’s Ice Cream and Jake’s Gourmet Popcorn shares how parents can support differently abled adults as they move toward meaningful work and real independence. Learn what transition planning and job coaching look like outside the school system, including group vs. individual support. Robin also explains how oral, written, and pictographic tools can help employees succeed. Parents...

Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski explains what parents need to know about supporting gifted, twice-exceptional, ADHD, autistic, and dyslexic kids. Learn how neurodiversity affects IEPs, 504 plans, therapy, and social-emotional learning. He shares practical ways to spot missed needs, avoid common misunderstandings, and help children build skills that actually fit their brains. Visit his website here: ht...

Lisa Richer shares how parents can move from confusion and frustration to clarity, confidence, and courage in the IEP process. Learn why trusting your gut matters, how to work with school teams without starting a fight, and when data should guide the next step. She also explains common mistakes around labels, services, placement, and diploma-track decisions so parents can better advocate for what...

David Pisarra explains why family breakups can leave dads feeling lost, rushed, and unsure of their rights—especially when parenting time, school decisions, or IEP support are involved. He breaks down what is happening in family court, how the system can add to the chaos, and what fathers need to know before they walk into court. Learn how dads can conduct themselves, protect their role in their c...

Alexis Mays-Fields shares how parents can better understand and advocate for their child’s IEP while building stronger support at home and school. She explores inclusive practices that help students with diverse learning needs feel seen, supported, and successful. Alexis also discusses how arts integration can make special education more engaging and meaningful. Parents will learn practical ways t...

Lisa Zeiderman of Miller Zeiderman LLP explains what happens when parents cannot agree on major decisions for their child—and how delays in family law can affect education, services, and stability. She breaks down when decision-making may shift from parents to courts, evaluators, attorneys, or other professionals. Parents will learn the risks of waiting too long, how custody conflict can impact sc...

Amy Orlando, occupational therapist and founder of AEO Coaching, explains why procrastination is often a cue to adjust systems—not a sign to just “try harder.” Learn how dopamine, motivation, attention, and environment affect follow-through for neurodivergent students and adults. She shares brain-based ways to close the gap between intention and action. Parents will leave with practical ideas for...

Michelle Steiner shares what it is really like to live, learn, work, and advocate with hidden disabilities and learning disabilities. She opens up about being told what she could not do—and how writing, photography, education, and self-advocacy helped her prove otherwise. Parents will learn why invisible disabilities are often misunderstood, how to better support students, and why strengths can sh...

Mary McDirmid breaks down what families often miss in special needs financial planning—and how to fix it before it’s too late. Learn what really happens at the age 18 financial cliff, how ABLE accounts and special needs trusts actually work, and when to use each. She shares how to build a clear Special Needs Action Roadmap so you’re not making decisions in crisis. Plus, get key insights from her n...

Sue Lux breaks down the biggest mistakes families make in the special education process—and how to fix them. Learn why schools deny IEP eligibility, how to move from a 504 plan to real support. She also explains why phonics-based instruction is critical for students with dyslexia and how poor programs can hold kids back. Plus, hear what parents should know about environmental risks like mold and h...

Thea Mullis shares how travel can unlock real independence for neurodiverse young adults—and what parents often miss. Learn how to tell if your child is truly ready for an experience like Camp On Tour or a residential program, and what skills they’ll build without even realizing it. She breaks down how to support growth without over-helping, and why the right balance can boost confidence, social s...

Shabnum Bi breaks down why parent partnership isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of strong SEND and IEP support from the very start. She explains how the early years can either prevent long-term challenges or allow them to grow, and what families often miss in those critical first steps. You’ll learn how early intervention works across systems, the key differences and overlaps between SEND and IEP...

Liz Sokolov breaks down the real signs of college readiness for neurodivergent teens—and the risks of getting it wrong. Learn the red flags that can lead to burnout, anxiety, or crisis in college. She shares practical ways to assess readiness beyond grades and test scores. Plus, discover better post-high school paths that support growth, independence, and long-term successContact Liz here: https:/...