Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child at School and Home

Send us Fan Mail How do we give our kids the tools for identifying, expressing, and managing emotions? How do we teach our kids social skills and conflict resolution? Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs are a way we can proactively help our kids thrive in "the real world." If you're a teacher, school clinician, or homeschool parent, this episode is for you! Let's dive into...

Send us Fan Mail In this interview with Dr. Emily Fisher, we talk A LOT about how to support LGBTQ+ children in our families, schools, and communities. We cover some definitions, such as what is sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as some of the common inclusive acronyms used by and for our queer and questioning youth (e.g., 2SLGBTQIA+, GSM, SOGI, SOGD, GSA). We also discuss how to res...

Send us Fan Mail Finally an episode that is relevant for literally ANY adult supporting kids in any capacity! Teachers, parents, clinicians, doctors, principals, educational assistants, daycare providers, this one is for all of us! This episode covers several descriptors often used to describe kids and reframes them using more positive, solution-focused language. This is about focusing on our kids...

Send us Fan Mail Is academic success the key to a thriving adulthood? In this episode, I'm sharing a hot take that might challenge some perspectives - academic skills, while important, aren't the be all end all when it comes to our growing kids.  From kindness and communication to critical thinking and executive functioning, these skills shape who our kids become as they develop into adu...

Send us Fan Mail Whether you're a parent, teacher, or school clinician, these tips can transform your conversations and strengthen your connection with the kids in your life. If you want to support your kid - whether they're toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, there's one skill that makes all the difference: Active Listening. When kids feel truly heard, they're more likel...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a school clinician or consultant who struggles to manage your time? In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for school clinicians to keep an organized schedule and maintain focus. For example, a monthly "brain dump," colour-coding your calendar by school,  and being strategic about when your are  checking and responding to your emails (spoiler alert: i...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for teachers (and other school staff) to establish clear and respectful boundaries in their professional lives. For example, being direct and concise. If you have not been in the practice of setting boundaries, take baby steps. Even then, you may experience pushback. Listen to this episode to hear some tips on how to address that...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a teacher or school clinician who struggles to find balance? Then this episode is for you. We explore the challenges educators face in setting boundaries and identify key areas where these boundaries are important. We discuss the internal and external pressures that make boundary-setting difficult and provide practical examples of where limits can be beneficial, including...

Send us Fan Mail Being a strong advocate for your child can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone - or perfectly! In this episode, we're diving into ten key traits that help parents become effective advocates for their children. From persistence, to communication, to "sense of humour," these qualities can help you navigate school team meetings, appointments, and...

Send us Fan Mail Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, yet it's wildly misunderstood. In this episode, we're busting five of the biggest myths about dyslexia - including the misconception that it's not just about reversing letters, that kids can "outgrow" it, and that schools will automatically catch it. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone...

Send us Fan Mail We hear about executive functions a lot - but what does it really look like in everyday life? In this episode, we're breaking down each core executive function skill, such as working memory, time management, emotional regulation, and more. Let's explore how challenges in these areas show up for kids of all ages, from the middle school student constantly losing their home...

Send us Fan Mail Executive function skills are the foundation for success in school and beyond - helping kids manage their time, stay organized, regulate emotions, and adapt to new situations. But what happens when these skills don't come naturally? In this episode, we break down what executive function is, as well as how parents and teachers can support kids in building these critical skills...

Send us Fan Mail In this interview with licensed educational psychologist Dr. Christa Cusimano, we talk about the benefit of approaching assessment through a neuropsychological lens. Spoiler alert - it can lead to better intervention. We also discuss some challenges of the public education system. We cover LOTS more topics, such as the importance of clearly communicating a diagnosis after assessme...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a parent, teacher, or educational assistant of young kids? Have you gone through "episodes" of BIG feelings and behaviors and wondered, "What the heck is going on for this little person?" If so, this episode is for you! We cover 6 possible reasons your child (or a student) is having a tough time. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a parent or teacher of young kids who feels exasperated by constant "No! Don't want to! Not doing it"? If so, this episode is for you! First, I share 5 proactive strategies for how to set ourselves and our kids or students up for success when moving through tasks and routines. Then, we discuss how to respond when you are using those strategies, but you still...

Send us Fan Mail In this interview with Jen Fisher,  we discuss all the domains a school-based Occupational Therapist can help with. Spoiler alert - it's not just toileting and fine motor skills! Jen and I talk about everything from the primary role of an OT in any setting, to supporting students with additional needs, to suggestions for anyone interested in pursuing occupational therapy as a...

Send us Fan Mail This week we cover my top 5 new year's resolutions for those of us working in Education - school clinicians, teachers, educational assistants, administrators, and other school staff.  How do we thrive through the next 6 months, not just survive? Which of these resolutions will resonate with you?  If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Se...

Send us Fan Mail This week is a quick message to caregivers as we navigate the highs and lows of holidays. All the best, and talk to you next year!  If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com  If you like the podcast or find it helpful, please...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered when NOT to pursue a psycho-educational assessment? There are certain referrals we might describe as “red lights," which means we likely would not consider proceeding with the assessment. If you haven’t already, I recommend you listen to parts 1 and 2 of this 3-part series first to better understand “green light” and "yellow light" psych asses...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered when to pursue a psycho-educational assessment? There are certain referrals for psych assessments we might describe as “yellow lights.” Sometimes you would go ahead with the assessment, and at other times you would not. Clear as mud, right? If you haven’t already, I recommend you listen to part 1 of this series first to better understand “green light” psych...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered when to pursue a psycho-educational assessment? Or maybe you want to know which types of referrals tend to get green-lit for assessments in the school system? Then this episode is for you! Listen to parts 2 and 3 to learn about "yellow light" and "red light" assessment referrals. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, ...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what a psycho-educational assessment actually entails? Have you or your child been referred for one and you're on the fence about whether to go for it? Are you a teacher with students on the psych assessment list, and you're wondering what this whole process entails? Then this episode is for you!  If you have any questions or topics you want me to...

Send us Fan Mail For this week's episode, we've got something a little different. I discuss 10 lies (or myths) I used to believe when I was a brand new school psychologist. This was a fun one to record - I hope you enjoy it! If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email m...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a classroom teacher supporting students with Adapted Education Plans? Are you wanting to learn more about accommodations for students with diverse learning needs? Are you a parent of a child who might benefit from these strategies as a part of their learning plan? Then this episode is for you! I recommend you listen to episode 16 (part 1) before listening to this episode (...

Send us Fan Mail Are you a classroom teacher supporting students with Adapted Education Plans? Are you wanting to learn more about accommodations for students with diverse learning needs? Are you a parent of a child who might benefit from these strategies as a part of their learning plan? Then this episode is for you!  If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "S...