Stress-Free IEP®

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:/...

Rachel Greenberg returns to share real strategies for building social skills and dating confidence for individuals with disabilities. Learn how to start conversations, read social cues, and build real friendships that last. She also breaks down dating—how to meet people, set boundaries, and feel confident being yourself. This episode gives parents practical tools to help their children connect, gr...

Struggling with organization, time, and follow-through? Executive function skills are the key. Sean McCormick explains what these skills are and why they matter for school and life. Learn the risks of ignoring them—and how to build them into your child’s IEP or 504 plan. Get simple, practical strategies to help your child become more independent and confident. Need our help? https://shefterlaw.com...

Learn how to handle the emotional stress of IEP advocacy while staying organized and clear. Dr. Maggie Kang shares how to turn medical reports into strong school support plans. Discover how to help your child speak up, manage accommodations, and know their rights. This episode gives parents real tools to move from overwhelm to confident advocacy. Reach Maggie here: https://maggiekangmd.com/ Link t...

When the IEP process gets stressful, many parents lose confidence in their own parenting voice. Psychotherapist Matthew explains why stress, school systems, and personal history can make parents react instead of respond. Learn how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and presence help parents stay steady and support their children more effectively. This conversation explores practical ways to rec...

Divorce and family law disputes don’t have to turn into courtroom battles. In this episode, Manisha Patel explains how collaborative family law, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution help families reach better outcomes with less conflict. She also shares insights on navigating North Carolina family law, handling financial mediation, and building a healthier legal process. Plus, Manisha dis...

What if kids are more ready to lead than most adults think? In this episode, Leah Ellis shares how child entrepreneurship builds confidence, problem-solving, and real-world leadership. You’ll hear how kids can learn money skills, start businesses, speak up, and even help change laws in their communities. This conversation also explores why schools often miss these life skills and how hands-on lear...

Teacher burnout is not just stress — it’s a public health crisis. Emily Daniels explains how nervous system regulation can transform school culture and improve teacher retention. Instead of piling on curriculum, she shows why schools need safety, regulation, and mental health awareness first. Learn practical, trauma-informed strategies from The Regulated Classroom that help educators and students...

The leap from high school to college can feel overwhelming for students with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles. Cindy Palmer shares her top 10 practical tips to help families plan ahead, build executive function skills, and create real support systems. Learn how to balance independence with guidance, avoid common transition mistakes, and set your student up for success. This episode is packed...

Dr. Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski joins Stress-Free IEP to break down neurodivergence, including giftedness, ADHD, Autism, and dyslexia, in a way that actually makes sense. He digs into impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and why so many neurodivergent people feel like they’re “faking it.” We’ll talk honestly about men’s mental health, modern social skills and dating, and the real do’s and don’ts of p...

What should schools actually be tracking to support your child—and are they doing it right? Joanna Kidder of Kidder Educational Consulting breaks down meaningful data collection, effective tutoring, and what real progress looks like. Learn what a strong co-taught or supported classroom should include—and when it’s falling short. Walk away knowing how to collaborate confidently with your IEP team a...

What do you do when the school is not following your child’s IEP? In this solo episode, special education attorney Frances Shefter breaks down your real options. Learn the truth about Least Restrictive Environment, the continuum of services, non-public vs. private schools, and when homeschooling may be the right move. If your child is not making progress, this episode gives you clear next steps. F...

Fusion Academy Rockville offers a flexible, relationship-based learning model that supports both homeschool and nontraditional students. In this episode, Joseph Kavitski explains how Fusion partners with homeschooling families to customize academics without sacrificing structure. He also breaks down the real socialization opportunities available—from clubs to community experiences. This conversati...

Students don’t fail because they’re not smart—they fail because executive function skills aren’t taught. Debbie Rosen and Lindsey Thoms of The StudyPro break down what these skills really are, why “smart but stuck” is so common, and why planners and rewards rarely fix the problem. They expose the real why behind procrastination and stalled follow-through, and give parents one simple change that ac...

Spectrum Fudge began with Roger Haney’s journey raising his autistic son, Jake, and searching for a future full of real opportunities. Hear how a major move to Pennsylvania changed everything for their family. Learn how cashing in their retirement turned into a bold mission to employ people of all abilities. See how Spectrum Fudge grew from a kitchen idea into a thriving, inclusive business changi...

Jennifer Joseph of Reading, Writing, Resumé joins Stress-Free IEP® to break down executive function, time management, and organization skills that students actually need. She explains the writing process for college essays, strong reading comprehension, and study skills that stick. Jennifer also dives into resume writing—how to stand out when applications get 30 seconds or less. Plus, why she wrot...

Dr. Lisa Riegel joins Stress-Free IEP® to explain why regulation comes before rigor—and why adult wellbeing shapes everything in schools. She breaks down the NeuroWell Framework and how it moves schools from compliance to real commitment. This conversation tackles psychological safety, nervous system regulation, and brain-based leadership strategies that actually work. If you care about sustainabl...

Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming, especially when your child has unique learning needs. Hayley Jacobson and Rich Weinfeld break down how to compare public and private options, build a solid school list, and actually explore those programs in a meaningful way. They walk you through the admissions process step-by-step and explain what to consider once your child is accepted. This epis...