Stress-Free IEP®

Sam Mitchell brings raw honesty about autism, ADHD, bullying, and mental health—shaped by his own lived experience and his hit show Autism Rocks and Rolls. He breaks down stigma, talks about pushing through hard moments, and shares what he learned from giving a TEDx Talk. This episode gives families and educators a clearer view of how neurodivergent teens think, feel, and fight back. Sam’s story s...

Host Frances Shefter previews upcoming 2026 episodes of Stress-Free IEP®, covering autism, school choices, executive functioning, homeschooling, and mental health. Each conversation focuses on helping families build support beyond school—because you don’t have to do it all alone. Register here so you never miss an episode! EP 125 | Inside the Mind of Sam Mitchell: Autism, ADHD, and Standing Up to...

Host Frances Shefter looks back on standout Stress-Free IEP® conversations from 2025, highlighting life skills, family support, community programs, and integrative services schools often miss. These episodes show families who belongs in their village—and why no one should have to figure this out alone. EP 85 | Understanding Consent and Social Skills: A Conversation with EASE Co-Founders EP 95 | Le...

Join licensed counselor and play therapist Janelle McCarthy as she unpacks what it truly means to be neurodiversity-affirming in therapy, schools, and families. Discover how inclusion coaching helps children, parents, and communities thrive together through understanding, co-regulation, and connection. Learn why supporting the whole system—not just the child—creates lasting change. Visit her websi...

In this empowering episode, neuroinclusive career expert Viktoriya Selden shares how parents can set their teens up for workplace success. You’ll learn why early work experience — paid or unpaid — builds confidence, skills, and self-awareness that shape future career goals. Discover practical ways to help neurodivergent and disabled students prepare for meaningful employment and how to support the...

Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. In this episode, Frances talks with Derek Crager, Founder of Practical AI and creator of Pocket Mentor, about how voice-based AI helps students keep learning anytime, anywhere. You’ll hear how this simple tool supports teachers, builds student confidence, and gives parents peace of mind — all while making education more equitable and accessible for e...

Join ADHD Specialist and Headspace Hub Founder Jheri South as she shares her powerful story of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Learn how being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 reshaped her life and inspired her to help others thrive. Discover the truth about rejection sensitivity (RSD), common ADHD misconceptions, and how real change happens through courage and connection. Get in touch with Jher...

Is your child struggling with reading, spelling, or writing? Join Frances Shefter and Deborah “Debbie” Brown, founder of Hill Country Dyslexia Services, as they explore the early signs of dyslexia at different grade levels. Debbie shares practical strategies parents can use at home to support their child’s learning journey. We’ll also uncover important topics in dyslexia support that parents and e...

Discover how to calm your nervous system and restore emotional balance with Gabrielle Czaja, a physical therapist and Alexander Technique teacher who blends science and mindfulness for whole-body healing. In this episode, we explore how gentle awareness and movement can relieve pain, reduce stress, and build resilience. You’ll learn practical tools to reconnect with your body, release tension, and...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Brooks, M.S., CCC-SLP, founder of Unlimited Expressions, PLLC, as we explore how culturally responsive speech and language therapy transforms communication, connection, and confidence. Jennifer shares how educators and families can affirm diverse identities, build trust, and create IEPs that truly reflect each child’s background and voice. This e...

Kids and teens with ADHD often face challenges at school and home—but why do struggles look so different for each child? Dr. Carey Heller breaks down the impact of ADHD, anxiety, depression, and OCD on executive function skills. Learn why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to accommodations. Discover what formal testing can really tell you—beyond just diagnoses and paperwork. This...

Finding the right provider can be overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Dotan Galron, Co-Founder and CEO of WizTherapy, shares how his platform makes it easier to connect with providers who truly fit each person’s needs. He also reflects on the lessons he learned from building and selling his first tech startup, Drippler, and how those experiences shape WizTherapy today....

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Lauren Gilbert, author of Ella and Her Neurosparkly Brain. Lauren shares how her background in education and leadership shaped her debut picture book celebrating neurodiversity. Inspired by her autistic and ADHD daughter, she offers insight into parenting, advocacy, and embracing every child’s unique sparkle. We’ll also talk about how Lauren completed the...

Raising autistic children into adulthood brings unique joys and challenges. Join Frances Shefter and guest Beth Felsen, founder of Spectrum Transition Coaching, as they explore college readiness and the transition to independence for autistic students. Beth shares insights from her 20+ years in the autism community and her own parenting journey. Learn practical tools to support executive functioni...

In this solo episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter shares her Top 10 tips for navigating IEP meetings — all from the lens of a seasoned attorney. This isn’t about legal jargon or courtroom drama. It’s about practical, real-world advice shaped by years of legal experience in special education. Frances walks you through how to prepare effectively, communicate strategically, and protect y...

Join us as we welcome Cynthia Hammer, founder of FINDtheADHDgirls.org and author of Living with Inattentive ADHD. Cynthia shares her journey of being diagnosed at 49 and why her mission today is making sure no girl with ADHD goes unnoticed. We’ll dive into why early diagnosis (before age 8) changes lives, what parents can do when schools aren’t seeing the struggles, and which accommodations preven...

Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. In this episode of Stress-Free IEP, attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson shares how to “keep the drama out of divorce” by using mediation, collaborative law, and smart planning. She explains the biggest mistakes that cost people emotionally and financially, and how to avoid them. Cary also breaks down the differences between mediation and collaborative divorce s...

From baby shower dreams to balloon business queen, Amy Faby shares how Poppin’ Party Services brings joy to every event! Hear how she turned creative passion into unforgettable decor, offering pop-free balloon options and fun workshops like terrarium and painting sessions. Discover tips to reduce party planning stress and make your celebration shine—without breaking the bank. Perfect for families,...

Join Frances Shefter as she chats with Rachel Greenberg, founder of Life Unlimited, Unleash Your Potential, LLC. Discover how Rachel supports individuals with disabilities in living full, independent lives through social, and mentoring services. Learn what inspired her to launch her business, what age groups she serves, and how her services are delivered. With 16+ years of experience, Rachel share...

Join us for a powerful episode with Leila Farshchian, BCBA and founder of ABA Toolbox, as she breaks down value-based care in ABA with easy tools and strategies. We’ll dive into the global impact of ABA, explore gaps in education, and talk about real-world ways to support families, educators, and therapists. With over 27 years of experience, Leila brings insights that can make a real difference. T...

Looking for fun, inclusive activities this fall? Join Frances Shefter and special needs advocate Andrea Levy as they share exciting after-school programs and adaptive sports happening in Montgomery County. From Miracle League Baseball to Spirit Club fitness, discover programs designed for all abilities—many free or with scholarships! Andrea brings a wealth of insight as a mom, caregiver, teacher,...

Why are kids today more dysregulated than ever before—and what can parents do about it? Join Frances Shefter and parent coach Rivka Stern as they explore what regulation really means, why schools may be making things worse, and how parents can turn the tide at home. With 25+ years as a pediatric OT and a mom of six, Rivka shares clear tools to help both parents and kids stay calm, connected, and i...

Ever wondered what a neurodivergent-affirming evaluation really means—or why some outside evaluations cost so much? Dr. Jessica Hasson joins Frances Shefter to break down the evaluation process, explain the key differences between school and private assessments, and reveal how to tell if your child is getting the right kind of support. They also discuss why reevaluations matter and how to access s...

Raising a neurodivergent child is a journey—and you don’t have to do it alone. Frances Shefter welcomes Gabriele Nicolet, founder of Complicated Kids Coaching, to talk about early intervention, IEP prep, and how to support all your children, not just the one with a diagnosis. From sibling dynamics to parenting with confidence, Gabriele shares compassionate, practical advice to help families thrive...

How can storytelling help students heal and feel heard? Dr. Joey Weisler shares how using stories in the classroom can build trust, spark courage, and create safe spaces. From real-life examples to practical tips, he shows how voice and story transform trauma into strength. If you're ready to see your classroom in a new light, don’t miss this episode. Healing starts with being heard. Dr. Joey...