Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

Guest: Dr. Jillian Darefsky, Executive Head of The Siena School Host: Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P In this episode, Wendy Taylor speaks with Dr. Jilly Darefsky, a leader in specialized education and an advocate for students with language-based learning disabilities. With both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent of two dyslexic children, Dr. Darefsky shares invaluable insights i...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast , host Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, delves into the essentials of measuring and reporting IEP progress. She offers actionable advice for parents to confidently interpret their child's progress reports, request raw data, and advocate for goal adjustments when progress stalls. Wendy emphasizes the importance of understanding legal rights under IDEA...

In this powerful episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast , host Wendy Taylor welcomes Rachel Archambault, M.A., CCC-SLP , a speech-language pathologist and trauma-informed care advocate. Rachel shares her journey from experiencing trauma firsthand at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to becoming a leading voice in trauma-informed education. Learn how educators can implement practical, mind...

IEPs Aren’t Just for Academics – How to Advocate for Non-Academic Needs IEPs aren’t just about grades! In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist , host Wendy Taylor breaks down how IEPs can – and should – support non-academic needs, including social-emotional skills, executive function, behavior, life skills, and related services like OT, speech, and counseling. Learn how to request functional...

Join The Special Ed Strategist podcast for an eye-opening conversation with Dani and Paloma, founders of In the Cortex . Experts in neurodevelopment and brain reorganization, Dani and Paloma explain how retained primitive reflexes impact children’s behavior, learning, and emotional regulation. Discover actionable strategies, including targeted movements, to help rewire the brain and support kids b...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist , Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., Executive Director of Learning Essentials and a certified educational therapist, explores how inclusive teaching practices can support meaningful participation for students with learning differences. From understanding IDEA and LRE to advocating for SMART goals and teacher training, Wendy shares actionable strategies to help paren...

Join The Special Ed Strategist as Dr. David Palmiter, Clinical Director at the Chesapeake Center, dives into supporting kids with big emotions. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Palmiter shares practical strategies to help parents and educators foster resilience and manage emotional challenges. Key Takeaways: Insights into ADHD and emotional regulation in children The power of cognitive-behavi...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor, a certified educational therapist and IEP coach with over 20 years of experience, delves into the significance of IEP amendments. She explains how these adjustments can promptly address a child's evolving educational needs without waiting for the annual review. Wendy offers practical advice on recognizing when amendments are necessar...

Episode Summary : Join Wendy Taylor as she sits down with Jane Singleton, founder of Launchpad for Life , a certified leadership coach and special education expert. Jane shares her journey from special educator to coach, helping parents and teens foster independence, build executive function skills, and embrace neuroinclusivity. Discover actionable strategies for transitioning from a parenting “di...

Navigating the IEP process doesn’t have to feel like entering a boardroom without a rulebook. In this episode, Wendy Taylor shares her expertise as an educator and advocate to guide you through the essentials of IEP reviews. Learn how to prepare, organize, and empower yourself as the expert on your child’s needs. Tune in to discover actionable tips and strategies for building a collaborative IEP t...

Host Wendy Taylor welcomes Beth Felsen, founder of Spectrum Transition Coaching, to discuss essential strategies for preparing autistic teens for college. Beth shares invaluable insights from her 25+ years of experience as a parent, autism coach, and executive function specialist. Learn how to support your teen in developing social connections, mastering life skills, and fostering independence. Be...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist , host Wendy Taylor explores the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities, focusing on changes under ADA and Section 504. Wendy dives into self-advocacy, differences in accommodations, and FERPA's impact on parental involvement. Discover how to prepare your child to advocate for themselves, understand new documentation requi...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist , Wendy Taylor welcomes Dr. Daniel Greenwood, Ed. D., M.Ed., and Beth Greenwood, B.A., UCLA College Counseling Certificate holders, who are experienced career and educational counselors with Greenwood Associates West, Inc. They bring insights from the Greenwood System, a holistic career counseling approach developed over three decades. This episode dive...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist , host Wendy Taylor—special educator, IEP coach, and educational therapist—breaks down the complex process of transitioning from a 504 plan to an IEP. Wendy explains the key differences between the two plans, when and why you might need to move from a 504 to an IEP, and actionable steps for parents to advocate effectively. She offers practical advice an...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist , host Wendy Taylor sits down with Dr. Chad A. Rose, an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri and the Director of the Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab. Dr. Rose shares insights on bullying and cyberbullying, particularly focusing on neurodivergent learners and vulnerable students. The conversation covers effective strategies to prevent bullyin...

In this episode, Wendy Taylor breaks down Section 504 and shares essential advocacy strategies to help parents and educators secure the right accommodations for students with disabilities. From understanding 504 plans to out-of-the-box accommodations and dispute resolution tips, Wendy equips listeners with practical tools to navigate the special education system effectively. Episode Highlights: Wh...

Episode Overview In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast , host Wendy Taylor sits down with Susanna Peace Lavelle, an author, speaker, life coach, and advocate dedicated to supporting the disability community. Susanna shares her personal journey as a mother to a daughter with multiple diagnoses, including autism, and how this experience has shaped her life's work. The conversation cov...

In this solo episode of The Special Ed Strategist , Wendy Taylor dives deep into Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the critical role it plays in supporting students with disabilities. Whether you're a parent navigating a 504 Plan for the first time or an educator looking to collaborate more effectively, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Wendy walks you through: What a 504 Pl...

Guest : Dr. Christine Waanders, a psychologist specializing in bullying prevention, IEP advocacy, and mental health support for children, especially those with neurodivergent needs.  Summary : In this episode, Dr. Christine Waanders, psychologist from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), joins Wendy Taylor to discuss the pressing issue of bullying among neurodivergent students. They exp...

Welcome back to The Special Ed Strategist ! In today’s episode, host Wendy Taylor breaks down everything you need to know about requesting a 504 plan for your child. Whether you’re unfamiliar with 504 plans or confused about the steps involved, Wendy offers clear guidance to help you advocate for your child and ensure they receive the support they deserve. Episode Highlights: What exactly is a 504...

Key Takeaways : The brain’s role in anxiety and why neurodivergent kids experience it more intensely. Understanding avoidance behavior and how to address it. The importance of early intervention to prevent long-term issues like depression. Why Listen : This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and professionals seeking to support children with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. Dr. Namazi offers...

Welcome to Season 4 of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast! In this episode, Wendy Taylor, your host and Special Ed Strategist, dives deep into an important but often under-discussed topic: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act . This solo episode breaks down everything you need to know about how 504 Plans differ from IEPs, how they work, and how you can effectively advocate for your child's rights...

Alex Williams of The Anxiety Institute walks us through ALL of the essentials when it comes to navigating the complex world of mental health services. You won’t want to miss this conversation and all the wonderful and informative ways that Alex shares her expertise and knowledge with us! Discover more about mental health services in this episode. Main Discussion Points: Treatment Levels: It is imp...

Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney based in Kentucky, joins Wendy Taylor on the podcast. Ashley brings a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from her experience as a teacher, attorney, parent of a child with Down syndrome, and someone with a physical disability. Main Discussion Points: Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA: Explanation of parents' rights and protections unde...

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist , we delve into the invaluable role of organizational systems and collaborative partnerships in navigating the complexities of the special education system. Author and advocate Kelley Coleman joins us to share her insights and strategies for parents seeking to streamline their journey and advocate effectively for their child's needs. Key Takeaways: Sett...