The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio: Recent Episodes

The Coffee Klatch

Award winning, world renowned authors, psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, advocates and respected children's foundations join us to help you better understand a special needs child.... and yourself. You are your child's best advocate - if not you then who - become an informed educated parent here at The Coffee Klatch.

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Host Dr. Richard Selznick

Guest Dr. Michael Bradley

Raising a teenager was never supposed to be like this. In today's world, every thirteen-year-old child lives with issues like sex, violence, drugs, alcohol, divorced parents, and easy access to guns. Yet in this new and sometimes terrifying 21st century, many parents struggle in vain to raise teens with 30-year-old rules that no longer work.

Parents of adolescents who need help, but haven’t got time to read a book, can get the answers they need by listening to this audio book during the daily commute. David Kropp’s brilliant reading breathes new life and meaning into the stories, the wisdom, and the wit that Dr. Bradley is famous for.

In Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy! psychologist Michael Bradley updates the rule book, giving you the insight, the hope, and the help you need to safely steer your teenage children through the stormy waters of adolescence. Explaining that you are the most important influence in your teenager's life, Dr. Bradley gives you the training and skills you need to transform your 21st century teen into a  strong, confident, productive adult.

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At last!  The long-awaited follow-up to the million-copy bestseller, The Out-Of-Sync Child! [is here! The Out-Of-Sync Child Grows Up, the latest in the “Sync” series, offers practical advice for coping with Sensory Processing Disorder in the tween, teen, and young adult years.  As a generation of kids with SPD enters young adulthood, this guide will help them and their families navigate the world that seems too loud, bright, fast, close, or otherwise overwhelming and confusing to the senses.

The Out-Of-Sync Child Grows Up delivers revealing and inspiring first-person accounts from young people living with SPD.  These accounts highlight their strategies for thriving in the face of daily challenges such as grooming, eating, sleeping, and managing school, work, and the shopping mall.  Other topics touch upon emotions, family relationships, making friends, dating, nurturing one’s passion and developing “extrasensory grace,” as well as making the most of occupational therapy and other resources.   In addition, the book provides advice from researchers, parents, adults with SPD looking back, and other experts, including Lucy Jane Miller, Lindsey Biel, and Kelly Dorfman.  

A unique resource for young people with sensory processing challenges as well as their parents, educators, and professionals, this insightful book gives voice to the millions of individuals with SPD, offering much-needed sensible advice and emotional support.

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Host Marianne Russo

Guest Amalia Starr

I Have Autism…What’ll I Do Without You, Mom? How to Prepare for When Your Special Needs Child Outlives You 

In Starr’s latest book, “I Have Autism…What’ll I Do Without You, Mom?” she writes all about this subject matter and includes a separate in depth section on “How to Achieve Independence.”  The more independent our children are, the better it will be for them now and after their parents are gone. Yes, talking about one’s mortality is never an easy or pleasant topic, but with our special needs children it may be the single most important thing a parent can do. Starr discovered that when parents address this issue head on they feel a tremendous relief. No reason to put this off anymore, Starr’s book will take you hand in hand as she shares how she achieved this goal and how you can too.

Are you concerned about your child’s future?  Then you have come to the right place. Amalia Starr has been a pioneer and trailblazer on the autism and special needs path for the past forty years.

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Do you have a child with behavioral issues? How do you get the right accommodations and appropriate placement under special education law?

Part 1

Committee Meetings – The Process

504 

IEP

IDEA

Classification

How is classification determined?

What is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP and why it’s important to know.

My child is very bright and does well academically but cannot learn due to behavioral/neurobiological issues so the school will not classify him?

Part 2

The IDEA

FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education

LRE – Least Restrictive Environment

What if my child isn’t failing but is unable to learn or attend class due to behaviors?

What are different classifications for children and teens with mental illness or behavioral issues?

Do I have to use an attorney to get my child classified?

What rights attach to someone who has been classified?

What if my child has been classified and I don’t think that problems are being solved?

The District offered my child a seat in a program and I’ve heard things about it that I don’t like and feel it will worsen her behaviors, do I have to accept it?

How can parents enroll their child in a private school that best accommodates their child at district expense?

Is an IEP a legal contract?

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Host - Marianne Russo

Imagine spending the first forty years of your life in darkness, blind to the emotions and social signals of other people. Then imagine that someone suddenly switches the lights on.

It has long been assumed that people living with autism are born with the diminished ability to read the emotions of others, even as they feel emotion deeply. But what if we’ve been wrong all this time? What if that “missing” emotional insight was there all along, locked away and inaccessible in the mind?

In 2007 John Elder Robison wrote the international bestseller Look Me in the Eye, a memoir about growing up with Asperger’s syndrome. Amid the blaze of publicity that followed, he received a unique invitation: Would John like to take part in a study led by one of the world’s foremost neuroscientists, who would use an experimental new brain therapy known as TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, in an effort to understand and then address the issues at the heart of autism? Switched On is the extraordinary story of what happened next.

Having spent forty years as a social outcast, misreading others’ emotions or missing them completely, John is suddenly able to sense a powerful range of feelings in other people. However, this newfound insight brings unforeseen problems and serious questions. As the emotional ground shifts beneath his feet, John struggles with the very real possibility that choosing to diminish his disability might also mean sacrificing his unique gifts and even some of his closest relationships. Switched On is a real-life Flowers for Algernon, a fascinating and intimate window into what it means to be neurologically different, and what happens when the world as you know it is upended overnight.

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In this episode, Joel and Rob continue their discussion on the emotions dads go through when recieving an autism diagnosis for thier child.

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Host Dr. Marla Deibler - Mind Matters

Guest:  Dr. Anne Marie Albano

The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is naturally fraught with excitement as well as anxiety. Responsibility increases for the adolescent, on matters of personal care, finances, managing their social relationships, romance, and working on their goals for entering college or the workforce.  Eventually, they must launch into adulthood being fully independent from their parents. For adolescents with anxiety and related mental health conditions, the launch is often postponed, and indefinitely, as each developmental task associated with emerging adulthood seems insurmountable to the youth, and to his or her parents. Dr. Albano will discuss the process of this transition to adulthood and what signs to look for of anxiety, and make recommendations for parents and youth in now to manage anxiety, move forward into challenging situations, and to engage resources found on campus, in the community, and within one's self to make a healthy transition into adulthood.

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Hosts Joel Manzer and Rob Gorski

Two part series

In part one of this two part series, Rob and Joel discuss the emotions felt when first getting an autism diagnosis

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School Stuggles with host Dr. Richard Selznick

Michael Hart, Ph.D. is a child psychologist with 25 years of experience in teacher training, clinical psychology and the diagnostic assessment of a full range of learning differences, including dyslexia as well as attention problems (AD/HD). He is the founder/owner of www.drmichaelhart.com and is currently providing webinars, online courses and onsite presentations/training regarding the proper educational care of our dyslexic students.  

Dr. Hart has been creating and presenting curricula for professional training and development for many years.  In the recent past, he served as an instructor/facilitator for a Masters-level educational psychology course focused on cognitive learning theory and behavioral management.  In that role, he taught advanced course materials in psychology to educators and administrators and received average instructor performance ratings of 97 out of 100 for six straight quarters.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Hart served as a clinical psychologist, educational administrator and expert witness for learning disabled students in various settings including pediatric inpatient psychiatry, outpatient psychiatry, private practice and K-12 school settings. During his practice, he administered the full spectrum of psychological tests, behavioral assessment tools, affective inventories, projective tests, academic achievement tests and behavioral interviews.  His experience spans from infants to adults and he has conducted approximately 1000 evaluations.

Michael enjoys mentoring other professionals and is intensely focused on supporting teachers, specialists and parents as they become better informed and more experienced in the effective treatment of our dyslexic students.

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Host Dr. Marla Deibler 

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but every family faces challenges that can be frustrating and overwhelming. For more than twenty-five years, internationally renowned clinical psychologist Thomas W. Phelan's 1-2-3 Magic has helped millions of parents, teachers, and caregivers raise independent, emotionally intelligent children and build happier, healthier families?all through an easy-to-understand program that you'll swear "works like magic."

1-2-3 Magic helps you discipline and set limits for your children by breaking down the complex task of parenting into straightforward steps. The 1-2-3 Magic program offers parents, pediatricians, mental health professionals, grandparents, teachers and even babysitters a simple and gentle-but-firm approach to managing the behavior of 2 to 12-year-olds, whether they are average kids or special-needs children. 1-2-3 Magic books sales have crossed the 1,500,000 mark, the number of foreign translations has passed twenty, and the 1-2-3 Magic book has consistently been the #1 child-discipline book on Amazon.

Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D. has worked with children, adults and families for over 35 years. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association. In addition to writing and producing, Dr. Phelan maintains an active schedule of international lectures, and is a frequent guest on radio and television. His articles appear in numerous regional and national publications.

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Marianne Russo Public Relations

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Hosts Joel Manzer and Rob Gorski give the dads perspective on raising a child with autism. 

Todays topic - Finding and building support systems for families of children with autism

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Hosts Joel Manzer and Rob Gorsky kick off - Life With Autism - The Dads Perspective!

Most shows and parenting blogs are directed to the "moms" of children with autism, what about the dads?  The Coffee Klatch is bringing an incredible show to the network bringing two dads together to give the dads perspective and interact with amazing autism dads on the show and on simultaneous upcoming Tweetchats.

Joel is the creator and lead editor of Autisable and a respected advocate in the autism community, Rob is a single dad of three boys on the spectrum, together Joel and Rob will bring some reality, support and much needed laughs to their fellow dads. Join Joel and Rob as they discuss the challenges of dealing with sensory issues in their children.

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Host Dr. Marla Deibler - Premiere of Mind Matters

Renae M. Reinardy, Psy.D. received her doctorate at Argosy University, Washington, D.C. She is the Director of the Lakeside Center for Behavioral Change. Dr. Reinardy specializes in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, trichotillomania, hoarding disorder, and related conditions. She has been an adjunct professor at the doctoral level and has presented numerous times at national conferences and at local meetings and trainings. She is also the Program Developer of Courage Critters, on on-line and plush animal system.  Dr. Reinardy has been interviewed on Good Morning America, North Dakota Today and the Joy Behar Show. She has also had her treatment techniques featured on Dateline NBC and A&E’s Hoarders.

The Courage Critters program is a tool that parents, caregivers, teachers, doctors and children can use as a guide to decrease common childhood fears and body focused repetitive behaviors. If every child knew these skills it would be of great benefit to our children's mental and physical health. The Courage Critter provides the child with comfort while the website offers a fun, and informative program. The Critter is a high quality plush toy that arrives with a password allowing the child membership into the Courage Club. This will give children access to all pages on the website.

There are many stuffed animals available on the market, but none serve the same function as Courage Critters. Children often hold a beloved stuffed animal close to them in difficult situations, but only the Courage Critter has the training to stand up to fear bullies and body focused behaviors! This is a unique system for issues that impact most children and their families.

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Dr Pratik Mukhrjee and Dr. Elysa Marco on their Breakthrough study of biological basis for sensory processing disorders in kids

In a groundbreaking new study from UC San Francisco, researchers have found that children affected with SPD have quantifiable differences in brain structure, for the first time showing a biological basis for the disease that sets it apart from other neurodevelopmental disorders.

One of the reasons SPD has been overlooked until now is that it often occurs in children who also have ADHD or autism, and the disorders have not been listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used by psychiatrists and psychologists.

"Until now, SPD hasn't had a known biological underpinning," said senior author Pratik Mukherjee, MD,

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Dr Temple Grandin - Author, Advocate, One of Time Magazines Most Infuential People Of The Year - Emmy Award Winning HBO Movie "Thinking In Pictures"

An impromptu phone call between Marianne and Dr Grandin lead to an incredible interview on the airwaves. 

Dr Temple Grandin has had eight appearances on the show.  Tonight we discuss a topic that we just had to bring to our listeners 

"The principle emotion experienced by autistic people is fear" Temple Grandin

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SHOW PREMIERE - Getting out of the house - Easier said than done!  Are you a parent of a child with autism?  Often going out to eat, to a movie, library or a place of worship can be very stressful for autism families, tonight we talk about the importance of getting out with and without the kids.  Breaking the isolation and starting early. 

You all know her and love her ..... Dianne Porter's first guest on Missing Piece Autism Awareness Show is Eileen Shaklee author of Autism With A Side Of Fries 

Autism is a trip this mom didn’t plan on taking but she sure does love her tour guide.

This week we talk with an amazing mom, Eileen Shaklee,  founder of the blog "Autism with a Side of Fries" which provides a fun place to share, support and have a laugh.  It does not matter what socioeconomic status, race, religion or creed you are, if you have a family member with autism you have been put on the path of a trip you didn’t plan on a path with no predictable itinerary.  Eileen's inspirational message reminds parents to laugh as they face real life battles. Her message is empowering and reminds parents that you are not alone on this journey.

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Host Richard Selznick

Guests

LORNA WOOLDRIDGE has a Bachelor of Education degree from Bath College of Higher Education in England, and holds a Certificate of Professional Practice from Roehampton Institute in London: "Teaching Children with Reading and Writing Difficulties/Dyslexia." Lorna is certified by the Dyslexia Training Institute, and is experienced in implementing the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching. She has also completed the DTI Dyslexia Advocacy Certification Course and the Orton-Gillingham Online Academy Basic Language Course (Based on Orton-Gillingham Principles.) 

Lorna has a unique perspective on this condition as she is dyslexic herself.

PHIL WOOLDRIDGE has a Masters Degree in Engineering and brings twenty five years of experience as a consultant, team leader and homeschool science teacher.

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“Joel Manzer is an autism father from Norfolk, Virginia. His son whom he calls “Short Stack” has autism. Joel Manzer serves as the Lead Editor for Autisable, a blogging community with Xanga.com that was created in May, 2009, and is dedicated to sharing real blogs from people tackling the puzzle of autism. Joel Manzer who describes himself as “just one person among the thousands sharing their stories online” is an Autism Light for his dedication as an autism father and for his vision in leading Autisable today to be a helpful resource on the voices of the diverse autism community.

“When my son was diagnosed with autism, we searched online for an open source blogging community that we would show daily life with autism. By open source, I mean one where someone didn’t have to sign up to join to read information. I’ve been blogging on Xanga.com for many years, and one day I was in a discussion with the people at Xanga.com and through that was birthed Autisable.com. Our mission is rather basic, to promote discussion of autism. We don’t take a stance on a specific viewpoint or concept about it, but want to provide an environment where people can share their ideas and journey. ”

Rob Gorski is a 36 year old Autism advocate, writer, hardcore techie, Google android fanatic, creator of the My Autism Help Forums and co-founder of Guardian Locate. However, more importantly, he is a single Dad to 3 amazing boys. All 3 of his boys are on the Autism Spectrum and have other serious health issues. His Autism Dad blog is to educate people and help them better understand what life can be like for families with a special needs children. He shares this story from his perspective as a single parent, in a very honest and transparent way.

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Dr. G Paul Dempsey is a pediatrician and the medical director of Quinte Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in Belleville, Ontario.

His other professional experience includes: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and licensed in the Province of Ontario and the State of Maryland, Past President of the Quinte Health Care Professional Staff Association and previously Chief of Pediatrics at Quinte Health Care

Past Director, Quinte Health Care.

Quinte Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine is a community pediatric practice that provides medical care to infants, children and adolescents. Lead by pediatrician Dr. Gerald Paul Dempsey, they strive to provide expertise in medicine, timely service and up-to-date resources to our patients and to referring physicians. While they aren’t a primary care facility, they do offer a variety of services that you won’t find anywhere else.

Dr Dempsey sees patients that have been referred by physicians for medical consultation, our Special Kids, Special Care services, and Sport Medicine Clinic. As with medical consultation, his Special Kids, Special Care services for children with special needs are by hospital or physician referral only. Some of the conditions for which shared care would be an option include: cerebral palsy, congenital heart diseases, Down Syndrome and other genetic disorders, epilepsy and other problems.

In Special Kids, Special Care situations, patients continue ongoing primary care with their family doctor, while he assumes responsibility for monitoring and coordinating care of medical issues which require specialized training, or additional time not available to most family physicians. Ultimately each diagnosis has a different list of needs and as such the treatment options he handles vary on a case by case basis.

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“Matters of the Mind”

The mind is powerful. It can help us achieve greatness or hinder us from meeting our goals. Matters of the Mind will explore topics related to the psychology of the human condition and the obstacles we face throughout development. Topics will range from lifespan development and psychologically-informed discussions of understanding the world around us to mental illness and evidence-based treatment approaches.

Our host, Marla W. Deibler, Psy.D., MSCP is a clinical psychologist and nationally-recognized expert in anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders, including OCD, trichotillomania, excoriation (skin picking) disorder, and hoarding disorder.Dr. Deibler is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia, an outpatient facility with locations in Cherry Hill and Princeton, NJ, specialized in providing evaluation and evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral therapies for these and other difficulties.

Dr. Deibler hold a doctorate in clinical psychology and a post-doctoral master of science in clinical psychopharmacology and us a licensed psychologist in the state of NJ.

Dr. Deibler has appeared on the Dr. Oz Show, A&E’s “Hoarders”, TLC’s “Hoarding: Buried Alive”, CBS News, ABC News, FOX News, It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle (CN8, Retirement TV), and CBS’s “Swift Justice with Nancy Grace”. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Life Ed with Maria Shriver, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Huffington Post, and Philadelphia Inquirer, among others.

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MISSING PIECE AWARENESS – Building relationships for businesses and autism families

To simply be aware of autism is not enough. Autism Awareness for us is providing the knowledge of autism and how families and members of the community are impacted. This understanding is implicit in our definition of autism awareness so that all members of a community can be empowered to create effective change. Awareness cannot be a static state. It is through active awareness, empowering people provided with an understanding the means to create change that acceptance can occur. This show will focus on the out of the box thinking and actions being taken by businesses, autistic individuals and families with autism to work together to create fully inclusive and accepting community environments.

Missing Piece Awareness trains, certifies, supports and promotes mainstream businesses. We train the staff to provide autism-accepting customer service in welcoming environments, while guiding the management team in implementing seemingly-simple accommodations-but are ones that parents and families living with autism embrace and truly value. We individualize each and every training, proposed accommodation and recommendation to address each company’s goals, industry, demographic and needs. We are the only company in the country doing this- so it’s an exciting time for us, while we educate the public about what we do and gain an army of supporters who believe in our mission. It is a true learning curve for most potential clients and business owners as we create a new standard for businesses.

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Fred Tchang, ATP

Director

www.assistivetechnologycenter.org  

In addition to being the director, Fred is also a hands-on Assistive Technology Specialist. He and his staff help consumers with all types of disabilities understand, experience, and implement assistive technology in their everyday lives. Fred and his staff work with employers and school districts to help make classrooms, curricula and work sites accessible. His formal training is in product design and rehabilitation engineering technology.

With a great interest in coalitions, he has kept active with such groups as RESNA (the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America), NJ CART (New Jersey Coalition for the Advancement of Rehabilitation Technology), and NJ CIE (New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education). Currently, Fred serves on New Jersey's State Special Education Advisory Council (NJSSEAC), and RESNA’s Professional Standards Board, which provides oversight of the Assistive Technology Professional, or ATP credential.

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VISUAL LEAP: A Step-by-Step Guide to Visual Learning for Teachers and Students Jesse Berg delivers a go-to method for teachers, students, and parents who want to make learning easier and more joyful in a way that matches how people really learn. Strategies like Summary Man, Reverse Mind Map, and Constructed Response Magic are intuitive and practical. Berg’s light hearted yet substantive BOWL and LADLE process of visually developing ideas is firmly rooted in cognitive learning theory yet it makes learning feel more like solving puzzles than toiling over topic sentences

His visual step-by-step methods show learners how to think critically and organize ideas for virtually any academic task. Effective across grade levels and subject areas and for a wide variety of instructional objectives, these visual strategies improve reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary acquisition, note taking, and more.

The Visual Leap method simplifies teaching of the skills needed for the Common Core State Standards and gives teachers explicit ways to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all

THE PROBLEM: 75% of people learn visually, but NEVER LEARNED how to use this intellectual asset to accomplish work or to learn. Therefore, many of us DO NOT work or learn as productively as possible.

THE SOLUTION: The Visual Leap will train, model and support your faculty in teaching with strategies that match how your students naturally think. We will work closely with you to design and implement a research-based solution that meets your learning goals. Results will be profound.

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A wearable touch technology vest that provides deep touch pressure to wearers - T.Jacket simulates the feeling of a hug with laterally applied air pressure to calm, comfort and soothe the nerves of anyone who is stressed or anxious. Experience different pressure levels when you wear T.Jacket by directly controlling it from your app, or by choosing from the automated pressure programs one that suit your needs.

Developed in collaboration with senior occupational therapists, university researchers, clinical psychologists and educators, T.Jacket can help people with sensory modulation difficulties who are sensory seeking and/or sensory over responsive

Deep touch pressure can help improve the quality of life for people who face constant stress and anxiety. It improves the wearer’s attention and focus by helping to calm the wearer and regulate arousal levels. 

Deep touch pressure can help children and adults with sensory modulation issues, which are commonly faced by individuals with conditions such as SPD, Autism, ADHD, Alzheimers, Dementia. 

The ability to keep track is amazing! 

We've got the entire system working for you. Built in sensors measure and automatically record user activity levels (seated, walking, jumping, running). T.Jacket app automatically stores and uploads this information onto our cloud system. It's now ready to be accessed and analysed whenever!

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Dr Grandin is seeing a trend in parenting young adults with autism, the parents inability to let go and allow the young adult or child to develop life skills.  She joins us today to discuss this issue and will be taking your calls. 

Dr. Temple Grandin is one of the world's most accomplished and well known adults with autism. She has a PhD in animal science from the University of Illinois and is a professor at Colorado State University. She is the author of six books, including the national bestsellers Thinking in Pictures and Animals in Translation. Dr. Grandin is a past member of the board of directors of the Autism Society of America. She lectures to parents and teachers throughout the U.S. on her experiences with autism, and her work has been covered in the New York Times, People, National Public Radio, and 20/20. Most recently she was named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people of the year. The HBO movie based on her life, starring Claire Danes, received seven Emmy Awards.

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Debra Isaacs Schafer the founder and CEO of Education Navigation, LLC, a company that provides special education coaching and advocacy services to companies as an employee benefit for working parents.  She is also a Special Education Advisor in private practice who has partnered with parents nationwide for over 15 years, focusing on assisting parents of children from K to college transition with autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and mental health issues.  Debra is a speaker, writer, and parent and has been recognized by national autism and human resources organizations.  She has also trained several thousand parents on topics ranging from IEPs to parent advocacy strategies to transition planning and college preparation.

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Host Dr. Richard Selznick author of School Struggles, Dyslexia Screening and The Shut Down Learner

Guest: Jessica Zawrotny, OTJessica Zawrotny is the Lead Occupational Therapist at Sensational

Kids in Marlton, NJ. Jessica is very passionate about new research

related to the field and she constantly stays up to date with

information relevant to the patient population she is working with.

Jessica is very much a kid at heart, and her clinical and professional

experiences as well as her knowledge of child development, applied

behavior analysis, sensory integration, therapeutic listening and SOS

feeding have made her the strong therapist that she is today.

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A film that will make you smile, cry and most importantly, think.  Brilliant documentary about autism and the emotion of love. 

Guests Matt Fuller/Director

Carolina Groppa/Producer

Autism in Love is a feature length documentary that explores the lives of four autistic adults as they pursue and manage romantic relationships.

The manifestations of autism affect everyone a little differently.

What is seldom found are stories about what happens once these kids grow up; what happens after the sleepless nights, years of therapies, special schooling and exhaustive treatments? What happens when children with autism become adults with autism and want to have lives of their own?

Unfortunately, when it comes to romantic relationships, people with autism have a distinct disadvantage. Being plagued by this developmental disorder jeopardizes the core characteristics of a relationship - communication and social interaction. Ostensibly it seems that some may never truly experience romantic love, or at least love by a typical definition. However, we know this to be false. We have innumerable instances of people with autism falling in love and having meaningful romantic relationships.

AUTISM IN LOVE has captured those yet unexplored experiences. We've harnessed the power of cinema to reveal the truths of this otherwise marginalized community, and we're presenting a personal and critical perspective on the most important aspect of the human condition... love.

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An Internationally Recognized Expert in Dyslexia

Ms. Barton is a frequent and popular speaker at conferences focusing on Dyslexia, Reading Instruction, Early Intervention and RTI, and Adult Literacy issues. Susan is also an instructor ofPhonemic Awareness andMultisensory Teaching Techniquesthrough the University of California, of Learning Disabilities at West Valley College, and of the graduate-level courses Screening for Dyslexia,Tutoring People with Dyslexia, and Understanding Dyslexia and ADHD through the University of San Diego

Dyslexia is the most common reason a bright child will struggle with spelling, writing, or reading. But it affects many other areas as well. Children with dyslexia also have difficulty: Memorizing their address, the alphabet, or their multiplication tablesLearning to tie their shoesWriting some letters or numbers backwards past the end of first gradeLearning to tell time on a clock with handsTelling left from right. Confusing letter pairs such as b-d, b-p,p-q, or g-jSaying sounds in the right order in multi-syllable words such as animal, spaghetti, hamburger, consonantHandwriting: their letters don’t sit on the line,  there may be odd spacing between their words, 

tall letters are sometimes written as short ones,

tails don’t always hang below the line, 

sentences often don’t start with capital letters, and 

punctuation is often left out.

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Host Dr Richard Selznick author of School Struggles, Dyslexia Screening and The Shut Down Learner 

At the Dyslexia Training Institute their mission is to provide education about dyslexia, interventions for dyslexia (Orton-Gillingham) as well as how to navigate the educational system by understanding Special Education Law. Their courses were created for parents, caregivers, teachers, educational professionals and anyone interested in the topic. They believe information about dyslexia should not be limited by geography and we have created an online space where everyone hasaccess to this information.

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The best discoveries are often found completely by accident. It seems that may be happening again for Autism.

Dr Theoharis Theoharides (Dr. Theo) from Tufts University, has come across a breakthrough in Autism.

Several years ago when Dr Theoharides was researching a completely different disease called Mastocytosis, he noticed an extremely high co- occurrence of Autism in these people. Through a simple survey it was found that 10% of people with Mastocytosis also had an ASD diagnosis. That raised a big red flag to Dr. Theo since having that big of an increase of having a disease within a certain population ( 1 in 10 for Mastocytosys) compared to the regular population (1 in a 100) points to a direct connection. This compelled Dr. Theo to do testing of autistic children and lead to the discovery that autistic children had activated Mast cells.

Activated mast cells cause many of the same symptoms found in autistic children. Listen as we discuss how mast cells can affect behavior, language, stress and neurological symptoms.

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Dyslexia Screening: Essential Concepts for Schools & Parents - Dr. Richard Selnick

Dyslexia Screening: Essential Concepts for Schools & Parents presents an overview of the ‘nuts and bolts’ of what goes into a dyslexia screening program for schools. Helpful for parents too this guide presents material in clear, ‘down-to-earth’ terms.

"Dyslexia Screening: Essential Concepts for Schools & Parents is a perfect compendium that enables educators to take a proactive stance in the early identification and remediation of dyslexia."

  • Steven G. Feifer, D.Ed., ABSNP – 2009 National School Psychologist of the Year

"Dyslexia Screening:  Essential Concepts for Schools & Parents really helped our district get a handle on dyslexia – what it is, how to detect it and what to do about it, especially as we needed to implement the new state law.”

  • Patricia Moulton, M.S.W. Special Education Coordinator, Brooklawn School District

"I wanted to let you how much I enjoyed your book. I especially appreciated that you point out the qualitative observations that should take place during assessment that can be so incredibly crucial. For example, using marks to show that a student took a long time to decode a word, even if they decoded it correctly. Your book will be a great resource for teachers/districts who are so reluctant or so nervous to identify struggling students."

  • Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D.  Dyslexia Training Institute

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Protecting your loved ones from airborne viruses and flu is important. Flu kills and causes countless icky, phlegmy miserable sick days in bed. We offer a better, technically-advanced stylish solution: A designer Scough with built in protection from the harsh germ and pollution-filled world.

Results: You stay healthy and look pretty hot, if you don’t mind us saying. (But hot in the metaphorical, sexy sense, not because you have a fever.)

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In a scholastic milieu where the odds were stacked against him from even before his early diagnosis of dyslexia and ADHD (in 5th grade), David has faced a new Goliath so often, so calmly, and with such inevitable success, it’s no wonder he has taken his place as a true leader on the front lines of the learning rights movement.

David, like so many of the kids on whose behalf he serves today, struggled through much of his pre-college education, feeling marginalized by his education as a whole. Although his parents and teachers frequently reassured him that college was in the cards, he would have found that message more actionable, and useful, if it had come from a peer, a person with a learning difference (LD) who had finished college. With that in mind, David co-founded Eye to Eye in 1998 while a student at Brown University. Eye to Eye is the only national mentoring movement that is empowering young people with LD by giving them a mentor who shares that experience.

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"Top 10 tips for developing a fully appropriate IEP or Section 504 plan"

504- What Parents Need to Know

Dennis C. McAndrews, Esquire, has worked for over thirty  years in the public and private sectors in several roles in the fields of estate planning and disability law. He is the founder and managing partner of McAndrews Law Offices, P.C., an eighteen-attorney law firm with offices in Berwyn, Scranton, Wyomissing, Wilmington Delaware, and Washington D.C., which regularly represents individuals and their families in a variety of areas, including estate planning/administration, special education matters, special needs trusts, elder law, abuse of vulnerable persons, guardianships, right-to-treatment cases, and injury cases.  He frequently acts as a consultant to other public and private attorneys with regard to estate planning/administration, disability and special education issues.  The firm also consults with higher education agencies and corporate entities regarding policies designed to protect consumers, employees and stakeholders.

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Teen Sexuality, ADD, and The Spectrum

Guest: Wes Crenshaw, author I Always Want to Be Where I’m Not: Successful Living with ADD and ADHD and coauthor of the forthcoming Consent-Based Sex Education: Parenting Teens in an Internet Age.

Dr. Wes Crenshaw says that a key point of adolescence is to organize one’s sexuality. For kids with ADD and those on the higher functioning autism spectrum, that can present unique challenges. If parents have a tough time dealing with sexuality in a typical teen, they may find themselves totally unprepared for what ADD and Asperger’s teens go through. That can include anything from impulsive sexual acting out to asexuality to fluidity in gender and sexual identity, and a lot more.

Dr. Wes Crenshaw is Board Certified in Couples and Family Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. 

Dr. Wes is also coauthor of the forthcoming book Consent-Based Sex Education: Parenting Teens in an Internet Age.

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Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D. is the co-founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She received her doctorate in literacy with a specialization in reading and dyslexia from San Diego State University and the University of San Diego. She is a certified special education advocate assisting parents and children through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan process. Kelli is trained in Structured Word Inquiry, Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell, RAVE-O and Wilson Reading Programs. Kelli is the Past-President of the San Diego Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. She co-created and produced “Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia,” is a frequent speaker at conferences, and is currently writing “Dyslexia: Decoding the System.

Tracy Block-Zaretsky is the co-founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She is a certified Special Education Advocate assisting parents and children through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan process. She has been a trainer for the past 15 years training teachers, adult literacy staff, and professional and volunteer tutors. She is the past-President of the San Diego Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Tracy is trained in Structured Word Inquiry, the Orton-Gillingham approach, Wilson Reading System,and  Lindamood-Bell programs, Read Naturally and a variety of reading and writing assessment tests. Tracy has presented at numerous conferences on learning disabilities, phonics, reading and writing instruction, as well as provided professional development for K-12 teachers.She co-created and produced “Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia,” is a frequent speaker at conferences

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Dr. Hallowell is considered to be one of the foremost experts on the topic of ADHD. He is the co-author, with Dr. John Ratey, of Driven to Distraction and Answers to Distraction, which have sold more than a million copies. In 2005, Drs. Hallowell and Ratey released their much-awaited third book on ADHD, Delivered From Distractio. “Delivered” provides updated information on the treatment of ADHD and more on adult ADHD.

He has authored 18 books and is a highly recognized speaker around the world. His books and lectures focus on various psychological, family and social topics and offer groundbreaking advice on ADHD, raising happy children, marriage, how to help your employees shine and staying connected in this “crazy busy” world. He has appeared on CNN as well as on Dr. Oz,Oprah, Good Morning America, 60 Minutes and other shows.

In this series with the founding partners of Understood.org, we bring you one of the most exciting, informative and interactive resources ever put together for parents and educators of children with ADHD and learning disabilities.

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It's simple: If children don't understand what they read, they will never embrace reading. And that limits what they can learn while in school. This fact frightens parents, worries teachers, and ultimately hurts children.

7 Keys to Comprehension is the result of cutting-edge research. It gives parents and teachers—those who aren't already using this valuable program—practical, thoughtful advice about the seven simple thinking strategies that proficient readers use:

• Connecting reading to their background knowledge

• Creating sensory images

• Asking questions

• Drawing inferences

• Determining what's important

• Synthesizing ideas

• Solving problems

Easily understood, easily applied, and proven successful, this essential educational tool helps parents and teachers to turn reading into a fun and rewarding adventure.

An internationally-known speaker and workshop leader, Susan Zimmermann is coauthor of the educational bestsellers Mosaic of Thought, Second Edition (2007) and 7 Keys to Comprehension (with Chryse Hutchins, 2003).

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John Rosemond is a family psychologist who has both directed mental health programs and been in full-time private practice working with families and children. Since 1990, he has devoted his time to speaking and writing. John's weekly syndicated parenting column now appears in some 250 newspapers. Along the way, he's also managed to write eleven bestselling books on parenting and the family. As if that wasn't enough, he is one of the busiest and most popular speakers in his field, giving over 200 talks a year to parent and professional groups nationwide. He and his wife of 39 years, Willie, have two grown children and six well-behaved grandchildren.

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Irlen Syndrome (also referred to at times as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Visual Stress) is a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information. This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by other standardized educational or medical tests. This largely unknown and undiagnosed disorder affects approximately 15% of the general population, 50% of individuals with reading and learning difficulties, 30% of individuals with ADHD and autism, and a significant portion of individuals with brain injury, chronic headaches, and migraines.  SIgns of Irlen Syndrome include light sensitivity (bright lights, sunlight, fluorescent lights); headaches or migraines; difficulty or discomfort when reading or doing other visually intensive activities; eye strain; or the print or environment looks different than it should.

Helen Irlen, MA, BCPC, LMFT is a pioneer and global leader in the area of visual processing problems and internationally recognized educator, researcher, and scholar. Ms. Irlen has been in the field of education for over 40 years. Her background includes School Psychologist, Licensed Child and Family Therapist, Educational Therapist, Board Certified Professional Counselor, founder and Director of the Adult Learning Disabilities Program at California State University/Long Beach. She is founder and Executive Director of the Irlen Institute, which has over 174 affiliated Irlen Centers worldwide, and over 7,000 educators have been trained to become certified Irlen screeners. Her method for treating visual processing deficits is used in 54 countries. She is the author of Reading By The Colors and The Irlen Revolution: A Guide to Changing Your Perception and Your Life; How a Simple Method Can Change the Lives of Children and Adults with LD, AD/HD, TBI, Dyslexia, Autism, Headaches, Medical Conditions, and Much More.

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Processing speed isn’t a one-dimensional concept. It’s not just about how fast received, or how fast we write or how fast we can process what we’ve heard. It’s really a combination of all those factors. In fact, processing speed deficits can be observed in visual processing, verbal processing and motor speed. Problems in one or more of these areas can manifest and problems with academic fluency and general difficulties….In every day life there is a cost to processing everything more slowly.

My interview with Dr. Braaten will take place over two sessions. Within the first, she will discuss some of the more common variables with processing speed weaknesses and in the second, she will discuss different aspects of how parents and teachers can approach children with processing speed weaknesses.

Part 2, Dr. Braaten and Dr. Selznick discuss ways to help children who show processing speed problems.  Dr. Braaten presents many down-to-earth ideas about these children.  She will also highlight her model of the “Three A’s of Processing Speed.”

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Processing speed isn’t a one-dimensional concept. It’s not just about how fast received, or how fast we write or how fast we can process what we’ve heard. It’s really a combination of all those factors. In fact, processing speed deficits can be observed in visual processing, verbal processing and motor speed. Problems in one or more of these areas can manifest and problems with academic fluency and general difficulties….In every day life there is a cost to processing everything more slowly.

My interview with Dr. Braaten will take place over two sessions. Within the first, she will discuss some of the more common variables with processing speed weaknesses and in the second, she will discuss different aspects of how parents and teachers can approach children with processing speed weaknesses.

Part I Dr. Ellen Braaten author of “Bright Kids Who Can’t Keep Up” discusses many of the signs and symptoms of children with “processing speed” or sluggish cognitive tempo.  Dr. Braaten highlights the many factors that can affect processing speed and what to watch for at home and in the classroom

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Host - Marianne Russo

Guest - Dr Mary Ackerly

What does inflammation, immune stimulation and toxic mold have to do with mental illness and pain syndromes? 

Some of the infections and toxins that we know are associated with depression and anxiety are molds. Neurological Lyme is also well known for creating psychiatric complications. There is good evidence that streptococcus infections not treated properly can lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder, also called PANDAS.

Another source of psychiatric illness are encephalopathies like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever that get into the spinal cord. Later or at the same time, people are diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses, including mania.

Toxic Mold, genetics and various other immunological stimulations can cause depression, joint pain, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, mood disorders, insomnia and many other issues.

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Dr Richard Selznick welcomes guest Ben Foss 

The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan: A Blueprint for Renewing Your Child’s Confidence

Ben Foss is prominent inventor, entrepreneur and activist who founded Headstrong Nation a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the dyslexic community.  He is also the inventor of the Intel Reader® a device CNN called “too ground breaking to ignore.” The Intel Reader® is a mobile device that takes photos of text and reads it aloud on the spot to people who have difficulty with text, creating what Ben calls “a ramp into a book.”

Identified as a dyslexic at the age of eight, Foss became successful by developing a unique approach to his disability. After years of hiding his dyslexia, he challenged himself to use it as a bridge to the rest of the world, realizing that if he thought of himself as being “from dyslexia,” he could integrate his history and harness his strengths. As a compassionate and skilled speaker, he shares this message with Fortune 500 companies, human resources and public policy organizations, and colleges and universities across the country.

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Dr. Carole Samango-Sprouse has been working with young disabled children since 1982 she specializes in the neurodevelopmental assessment of children with complex medical conditions. Dr. Samango-Sprouse is trained in neuromotor and neurocognitive development, neurobehavioral skills and oral motor assessment for children with an emphasis on young children with genetic disorders. She is trained in neurodevelopmental treatment and certified in the assessment of pre-term infant behavior and the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale. She is the author of more than 60 articles on the neurocognitive capabilities of atypical children, Dr. Samango-Sprouse studies the relationship between the brain and behavior, and its impact on school performance in children with neurogenetic disorders. As the director of the Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Center for Young Children, Dr. Samango-Sprouse evaluates patients from all over the world in order to develop comprehensive and intensive intervention programs that are syndrome-specific. These programs recognize the complex interaction and intimate connection between brain, cognition, behavior, learning, and medical diagnosis. Dr. Samango-Sprouse trains and educates parents and professionals around the country and internationally to understand the complex interaction between neurodevelopmental disorders, learning and educational success. Dr. Samango-Sprouse serves one of the largest patient populations in the world of children who were prenatally diagnosed with an X & Y Chromosomal Variation. In addition, Dr. Samago-Sprouse is the founder, executive director and chief science officer of The Focus Foundation.

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GIFTED KIDS, ADHD, AND AUTISM: WHY TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN ARE STUCK AND HOW TO HELP THEM

Hosted by Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks, authors of Bright Not Broken and The ADHD-Autism Connection with Dr Temple Grandin.

As we have discussed many times on our show taking a whole child approach is optimal in discovering how to best assist children with Twice-Exceptionality (Giftedness, Autism, Adhd...) Once we understand the many factors that underlie a child's giftedness and his unique intensities, we can more deeply appreciate and support the whole child. Our overriding goal as parents should be to cultivate the wonderful and original talents in our children. Everything else-supports, interventions,therapies,education-should be undertaken with this goal in mind.  We begin this series featuring Dr. Dan Peters and Dr.Susan Daniels founders of The Summit Center in California. Dr. Peters has devoted his career to the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families, specializing in overcoming worry and fear, learning differences such as dyslexia, and issues related to giftedness and twice-exceptionality. He is author of Make Your Worrier a Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Child’s Fears and From Worrier to Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Fears. In addition, he is co-author of Raising Creative Kids. Dr. Susan Daniels is Educational Director of the Summit Center. She provides Differentiated Educational Plans for children and adolescents as part of the Gifted Comprehensive and Gifted Complex Assessments. Dr. Daniels is also an internationally recognized expert in the field of gifted education and creativity. She specializes in the social and emotional development of gifted children and adolescents, intensity and sensitivity of gifted individuals across the lifespan, and the development of creative potential.

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Dr. Carole Samango-Sprouse has been working with young disabled children since 1982 she specializes in the neurodevelopmental assessment of children with complex medical conditions. Dr. Samango-Sprouse is trained in neuromotor and neurocognitive development, neurobehavioral skills and oral motor assessment for children with an emphasis on young children with genetic disorders. She is trained in neurodevelopmental treatment and certified in the assessment of pre-term infant behavior and the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale. She is the author of more than 60 articles on the neurocognitive capabilities of atypical children, Dr. Samango-Sprouse studies the relationship between the brain and behavior, and its impact on school performance in children with neurogenetic disorders. As the director of the Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Center for Young Children, Dr. Samango-Sprouse evaluates patients from all over the world in order to develop comprehensive and intensive intervention programs that are syndrome-specific. These programs recognize the complex interaction and intimate connection between brain, cognition, behavior, learning, and medical diagnosis. Dr. Samango-Sprouse trains and educates parents and professionals around the country and internationally to understand the complex interaction between neurodevelopmental disorders, learning and educational success. Dr. Samango-Sprouse serves one of the largest patient populations in the world of children who were prenatally diagnosed with an X & Y Chromosomal Variation. In addition, Dr. Samago-Sprouse is the founder, executive director and chief science officer of The Focus Foundation.

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Join host of School Struggles Dr Richard Selznich with guest Fran Sherman. 

Tonights episode will discuss the relationship between teen stress and anxiety and self harm.  

Why do so many girls cut?  What can parents do about it? 

In this  interview on School Struggles, Dr. Selznick interviews Fran Sherman, LCSW, a psychotherapist and media personality.  Fran will discuss the increasing incidence of self-injurious behavior (cutting), particularly among teen-age girls.  She will discuss warning signs and ways that you can respond as a a parent.

Fran is a television personality who has appeared on the Today Show, HLN, truTV, Fox News, Fox Live, The Daily Buzz, The Morning Show, Daytime and the local NBC, ABC and Fox news affiliates in the West Palm Beach market. She provides expert commentary on news of the day, and has done segments involving love, relationships, parenting, bullying, anxiety, stress, the economy and issues related to educating our children.

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June 18 Dr.Judith Gould dimensional tools to understand Giftedness 

GIFTED KIDS, ADHD, AND AUTISM: WHY TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN ARE STUCK AND HOW TO HELP THEM

Hosted by Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks, authors of Bright Not Broken and The ADHD-Autism Connection with Dr Temple Grandin. Diane is the mother of three twice-exceptional sons who has spent over 18 years advocating for special needs children. Rebecca, a veteran educator who has spent nearly a decade teaching in inclusive classrooms, is the mother of two twice-exceptional children. Together, Diane and Rebecca will examine the issues around twice-exceptional children—that is, gifted kids with hidden disabilities such as ADHD, Asperger’s/autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and related conditions. Their unique perspective and fresh approach will help parents, educators, and healthcare professionals understand who these kids are, why they’re stuck, and how to help them. In a time when the diagnostic system is in flux and education is under fire, this program will look

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Dr. Carole Samango-Sprouse has been working with young disabled children since 1982 she specializes in the neurodevelopmental assessment of children with complex medical conditions. Dr. Samango-Sprouse is trained in neuromotor and neurocognitive development, neurobehavioral skills and oral motor assessment for children with an emphasis on young children with genetic disorders. She is trained in neurodevelopmental treatment and certified in the assessment of pre-term infant behavior and the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale. She is the author of more than 60 articles on the neurocognitive capabilities of atypical children, Dr. Samango-Sprouse studies the relationship between the brain and behavior, and its impact on school performance in children with neurogenetic disorders. As the director of the Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Center for Young Children, Dr. Samango-Sprouse evaluates patients from all over the world in order to develop comprehensive and intensive intervention programs that are syndrome-specific. These programs recognize the complex interaction and intimate connection between brain, cognition, behavior, learning, and medical diagnosis. Dr. Samango-Sprouse trains and educates parents and professionals around the country and internationally to understand the complex interaction between neurodevelopmental disorders, learning and educational success. Dr. Samango-Sprouse serves one of the largest patient populations in the world of children who were prenatally diagnosed with an X & Y Chromosomal Variation. In addition, Dr. Samago-Sprouse is the founder, executive director and chief science officer of The Focus Foundation.

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This week on "School Struggles" host by Dr. Richard Selznick is guest Dr. Jackie Hoffman. 

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Hoffman has worked in over 30 school districts in seven counties in New Jersey and several in Pennsylvania. She has helped over 1000 families develop successful educational interventions and advocate for school based change. With her colleagues at Concentrics, Dr. Hoffman developed the script and text for the nationally acclaimed video and curriculum In Real Life:  Sexual Harassment in Schools.  Her writings on the topic of respect in classroom settings have been published in professional journals.  In her capacity as an educator and trainer, Dr. Hoffman has been on staff at Temple University and provided in-service programs for public and private schools.  Given her expertise in parenting. Dr. Hoffman has been called on by corporations and community agencies to provide workshops and educational programs.

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With host Marianne Russo 

Dr. Coplan has attained recognition in all three medical specialties pertaining to child development: Pediatrics, Child, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities), and Child Psychiatry 

Dr. Coplan’s book, Making Sense of Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Create the brightest future for your child with the best treatment options introduces a revolutionary three-dimensional model of ASD that simultaneously takes into account a child’s atypical features, level of general intelligence, and age. This 3D model provides a “roadmap” on which to chart a child’s progress over time, and a framework for making decisions about the best therapies at each stage of development. His book also addresses the many conflicting claims regarding causation of autistic spectrum disorder, proven and unproven interventions, and possible reasons for the so-called “explosion” of cases of ASD.

In his article "Is one of my patients the next Adam Lanza" he discusses causes, identifying and preventing tragedies like those in Newtown and the recent killings in Santa Barbara.

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The "Dr Jerry Weichman Show" Adolescent psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Jerry Weichman, founder of The Weichman Clinic, will be hosting technology guru Scott Burnett of Integrity Computer Concepts. Join them as they discuss what is currently trending in the teen underworld of computers, mobile devices and smartphones as well as what parents can do to protect and keep their child on a positive track as they navigate today's electronic world.

Our host: Dr. Jerry Weichman helps teens and parents communicate better and build strong, positive relationships. With his support, adolescents learn to manage academic, social, and familial pressures as they mature into thriving young adults.  He is an expert in parenting adolescents, treating oppositional behavior, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-injury, bullying, ADD, academic challenges and family relational problems.  He is on staff at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, the founder of The Weichman Clinic at the Hoag Neurosciences Institute, has served as clinical director of an in-patient teen substance abuse program, and author of the teen survival guide How to Deal. 

Tonights guest: Scott Burnett is a technology expert with a heart for parents. Before starting Integrity Computer Concepts in 2006, Scott was leading a cutting edge Technology Team on staff at Saddleback Church. His background in technology, experience with youth ministry and passion for parents have uniquely shaped him to teach about the subject of online safety. Scott speaks to groups all over California when he is not helping parents one on one deal with the challenges that the ever changing world of technology brings.

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DATING WITH ANXIETY AND OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER.   Many people with OCD and Social Anxiety find dating to be a struggle.  How can people with anxiety overcome their fears and date happily? Dr Sachs will discuss dating fears as well as helpful tips for young adults and their parents to help prepare their teens to manage their dating worries.      Dr Sachs has a Ph.D. in Clinical and School Psychology. Dr. Sachs is a licensed psychologist in both New York and Florida.  She has many years of research and clinical experience working in the field of anxiety and stress, Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and chronic illness and pain in a variety of settings.Her research and clinical interests included cognitive and behavioral treatments for individuals with social skills deficits, anxiety disorders and mood disorders, as well as understanding coping mechanisms in the chronically ill and their caregivers.  Her dissertation focused on A

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The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia provides personal and uplifting accounts of the dyslexic experience from children, experts and iconic leaders, such as Sir Richard Branson and financier Charles Schwab. Directed by James Redford, the film not only clears up the misconceptions about the condition, but also paints a picture of hope for all who struggle with it.

Shining a spotlight on the latest scientific and psychological research, the film also highlights the work of Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz, co-founders and co-directors of the Yale Center of Dyslexia and Creativity to illuminate the hidden origins and implications of dyslexia. Proving that dyslexia is a neurological issue and not a character flaw the movie illustrates that while the condition is an obstacle, it also carries some unique advantages, and ultimately can be overcome.

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Host Ange Eaton

Part II – Synesthesia In Childhood

Angela’s second guest in the series is Dr. Julia Simner, Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh on January 29th. Dr Simner now runs the Synaesthesia & Sensory Integration Lab, where she examines cross-modal mappings in people with synaesthesia and in the population at large. Dr Simner is a cognitive neuropsychologist who studied in languages, language sciences and experimental psychology at the Universities of Paris/Sorbonne, Oxford, Toronto, and Sussex.

Synesthesia is an inherited condition which causes unusual perceptions or associations, triggered by everyday activities like reading, speaking, or eating. For example, synaesthetes might perceive colours when listening to music, or tastes in the mouth when reading words. Synaesthesia has been linked to differences in white/grey matter structure, and can involve direct sensory crossing (e.g., sound to vision), or can be mediated by higher level functions such as language. Her work examines the prevalence, cognition, perception, inheritence, neuroscience, aesthetics and history of synaesthesia. She also examines sensory integration in the general population, and how sensory perception influences language processing.

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Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP. The Center for Social Thinking

The Whole Child and Social Thinking—Unraveling the challenges of a diagnosis to support social thinking and learning

Michelle Garcia Winner specializes in the treatment of individuals with social-cognitive deficits: those with diagnoses such as high-functioning autism, Asperger Syndrome and nonverbal learning disorder. She began teaching Social Thinking® in 1995 to brighter students when she went to work for a high school district as the district’s speech language pathologist. Social Thinking was born out of necessity as a way to reach those “bright but socially clueless students” that needed more information than just what social skill to use. They needed to know why they should bother to use that skill. The strength of Michelle's work is that she breaks down the research and abstract concepts and creates concrete ways for this to be done. This approach led GreatSchools.org, a leading national nonprofit organization, to call Michelle, "...the leading expert in the field of social skills."

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We continue with our guests Dr Linda Silverman and Bobbie Gilman, MS. The Gifted Development Center, Our discussion on the necessity of assessment would not be complete without addressing current trends ineducation.  The rising popularity of RtI and Common Core.  RtI may govern how gifted children- with and without accompanying disabilities – are identified and served.  Emerging RtI programs raise concerns about the methodoogy employed in identifying and serving both gifted and twice exceptional students. Bobbie is one of the authors of a brand new article RtI and The Gifted Child: What Every parent Should Know.  She and Dr. Silverman offer invaluable insight for parents and professionals on these critical current issues in education.

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Host Dr. Gil Tippy - Gil Tippy, PsyD, Author of Respecting Autism with Stanley Greenspan, MD, offers Evaluations, Direct Services, Consulting to private individuals and organizations. He is a Clinical Psychologist, licensed in the State of New York, and is an Expert DIR/Floortime Provider and Teacher.

Guests Kathleen Werr and Erin Zerba

Who is ANUE? 

Autistic Network of Unique Eccentrics.

ANUE is a volunteer membership association and self-advocacy network of autistic adults, friends, and advocates, formed in 2013 in Spokane, Washington to serve as a local and regional hub for mutual support, resources, education and social events.

ANUE is intended to provide a sensory friendly environment and framework for gathering and collaborations, creative work and partnerships, and to facilitate networking for resources and career in a supportive dynamic where neurodiversity is appreciated and respected.

ANUE also seeks to work with partners in the region to provide community education on adult autism and mentorship to other adults on the spectrum, including those transitioning into adulthood from high school and college.

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Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph.D., and Bobbie Gilman, MS. The Gifted Development Center

Assessing Gifts and Challenges in the Whole Child—Seeing twice-exceptionality through the lens of development and asynchrony

“Understanding the Implications for Gifted Children at School, in the Home, and across the Lifespan”

Quality assessment is essential for the gifted child. It can determine both the educational needs and the right options to appropriately challenge, but not overwhelm, the child. It must be done with precision and with the needs of the gifted in mind. Gifted Development Center testers, working together for many years with this particular population, have been able to hone their skills to the level of leading the field of gifted assessment.

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Drive Fit is a great training tool for everyone that wants to learn drive. And, the driving tours are a great way to learn a new city. Drive Fit is particularly well suited as a training tool for people with cognitive issues such as Aspergers Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.

Like most of us, people with cognitive issues need to get around for work, school, and social activities. Although people with cognitive challenges may have average or above-average intelligence, their unique learning style may keep them from being able to learn to drive through traditional driver’s education programs.

Drive Fit is the latest tool based on the work of Miriam Monahan an Occupational Therapist  that specializes in helping people with cognitive challenges (such as Traumatic Brain Injury, ADHD, and Returning Combat Veterans) learn to drive. Her previous tools are used by OTs to help aspiring drivers learn to focus on critical roadway information while ignoring all the unnecessary, non-critical things that might be going on.

For the first time, Drive Fit takes this specialized knowledge out of the clinic and makes it available to everyone on an iPad.

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Hosted by Angela Eaton 

Tune in to this introductory show that is part of a brand new series on synesthesia.  Sean Day, Ph.D. will introduce us to synesthesia--a neurological phenomenon in which the stimulation of one sense triggers an involuntary response of another sense, sometimes referred to as a "blending of the senses."  Find out why you may not have heard of synesthesia before, why many people who have synesthesia don't know that they do (and don't realize that others don't), and the positive and negative aspects that synesthetes may encounter on a daily basis.

Sean A. Day, Ph.D., a multiple synesthete himself, has interacted with and done ethnological study of other synesthetes for over 35 years.  He started The Synesthesia List, an international e-mail forum for synesthetes and researchers and assisted founding the American Synesthesia Association. 

Synesthesia is an inherited condition which causes unusual perceptions or associations, triggered by everyday activities like reading, speaking, or eating. For example, synaesthetes might perceive colours when listening to music, or tastes in the mouth when reading words. Synaesthesia has been linked to differences in white/grey matter structure, and can involve direct sensory crossing (e.g., sound to vision), or can be mediated by higher level functions such as language. Her work examines the prevalence, cognition, perception, inheritence, neuroscience, aesthetics and history of synaesthesia. She also examines sensory integration in the general population, and how sensory perception influences language processing

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Hosted by Dr. Richard Selznick a psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist, adjunct graduate school professor, assistant professor of pediatrics and school consultant. The author of two books, The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child and the recently published School Struggles: A Guide To Your Shut-Down Learner’s Success, he has presented to parents and educators internationally, as far as Dubai and Abu Dhabi and throughout the United States . A down-to-earth presenter who looks to discuss difficult topics in non-jargon terms, Dr. Selznick tries to present complex issues in down-to earth terms.

Guest: Deborah Lynam is the Director of Parent Community Engagement at Learning Ally. She previously worked as a Family Resource Specialist for NJ’s Parent Training & Information Center, SPAN, and is the parent of 3 children, 2 of whom are dyslexic. She is a founding member of Decoding Dyslexia - NJ and is currently a volunteer tutor for The Reading Assist Institute where she has tutored students for the past 7 years.  From these many different perspectives, Deborah understands the issues facing families raising children with learning differences and has a passion to connect and support them in finding the resources and information they need.

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Seeing your child suffer in any way is a harrowing experience for any parent. Mental illness in children can be particularly draining due to the mystery surrounding it, and the issue of diagnosis at such a tender age. Depression and Your Child gives parents and caregivers a uniquely textured understanding of pediatric depression, its causes, its symptoms, and its treatments. Serani weaves her own personal experiences of being a depressed child along with her clinical experiences as a psychologist treating depressed children.

Current research, treatments and trends are presented in easy to understand language and tough subjects like self-harm, suicide and recovery plans are addressed with supportive direction. Parents will learn tips on how to discipline a depressed child, what to expect from traditional treatments like psychotherapy and medication, how to use holistic methods to address depression, how to avoid caregiver burnout, and how to move through the trauma of diagnosis and plan for the future. Real life cases highlight the issues addressed in each chapter and resources and a glossary help to further understanding for those seeking additional information. Parents and caregivers are sure to find here a reassuring approach to childhood depression that highlights the needs of the child even while it emphasizes the need for caregivers to care for themselves and other family members as well.

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With host Angela Eaton

Can you taste music? Do your numbers appear as colors? Do your senses blend?

Synaesthesia (US spelling synesthesia) is an inherited condition which causes unusual perceptions or associations, triggered by everyday activities like reading, speaking, or eating. For example, synaesthetes might perceive colours when listening to music, or tastes in the mouth when reading words. Synaesthesia has been linked to differences in white/grey matter structure, and can involve direct sensory crossing (e.g., sound to vision), or can be mediated by higher level functions such as language.

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Join our host Dr. Gil Tippy as he explains DIR Floortime.   Dr Tippy is the co-author of Respecting Autism with Dr. Stanley Greenspan and the founder of The Rebecca School in New York City. The DIR Floortime model was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and first outlined in 1979 in his book Intelligence and Adaptation.

The Developmental, Individual-difference, Relationship-based (DIR) model is the formal name for a new, comprehensive, individualized approach to assess and treat children who have developmental delays (including Autism Spectrum Disorder). Focusing on the building blocks of healthy development, this approach is also referred to as the “Floortime” approach. However, Floortime is actually a strategy within the DIR model that emphasizes the creation of emotionally meaningful learning exchanges that encourage developmental abilities.

The goal of treatment within the DIR model is to build foundations for healthy development rather than to work only on the surface of symptoms and behaviors. Here, children learn to master critical abilities that may have been missed along their developmental track. For example, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has three core/primary problems: (1) establishing closeness, (2) using emerging words or symbols with emotional intent, and (3) exchanging emotional gestures in a continuous way. Secondary symptoms (perseveration, sensory-processing problems, etc.) may also exist. Thus, treatment options are based on particular underlying assumptions. The DIR model is based on the assumption that the core developmental foundations for thinking, relating, and communicating can be favorably influenced by work with children’s emotions and their effects.

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As we have discussed many times on our show taking a whole child approach is optimal in discovering how to best assist children with Twice-Exceptionality (Giftedness, Autism, Adhd...) Once we understand the many factors that underlie a child's giftedness and his unique intensities, we can more deeply appreciate and support the whole child. Our overriding goal as parents should be to cultivate the wonderful and original talents in our children. Everything else-supports, interventions,therapies,education-should be undertaken with this goal in mind.  We begin this series featuring Dr. Dan Peters and Dr.Susan Daniels founders of The Summit Center in California. Dr. Peters has devoted his career to the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families, specializing in overcoming worry and fear, learning differences such as dyslexia, and issues related to giftedness and twice-exceptionality. He is author of Make Your Worrier a Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Child’s Fears and From Worrier to Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Fears. In addition, he is co-author of Raising Creative Kids. Dr. Susan Daniels is Educational Director of the Summit Center. She provides Differentiated Educational Plans for children and adolescents as part of the Gifted Comprehensive and Gifted Complex Assessments. Dr. Daniels is also an internationally recognized expert in the field of gifted education and creativity. She specializes in the social and emotional development of gifted children and adolescents, intensity and sensitivity of gifted individuals across the lifespan, and the development of creative potential.

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Social media outlets like Snap chat, Ask Fm, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can be the source of a lot of stress, anxiety, and bullying amongst teens today.  How can parents be more educated about what their teens are doing in Cyberspace?

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.  Common Sense Media provides families with helpful advice and media reviews they need to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsense.org.

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Host Dr. Richard Selznick psychologist, The author of The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child and the recently published School Struggles: A Guide To Your Shut-Down Learner’s Success.

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. Dysgraphia makes the act of writing difficult. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting and putting thoughts on paper.

Tonights guest is Steven Feifer, an internationally renowned speaker and author in the field of learning disabilities. He has authored six books on learning and emotional disorders in children. He is also a diplomate in school neuropsychology, and a faculty instructor in the ABSNP school neuropsychology training program.  Dr. Feifer currently works in private practice at both the Monocacy Neurodevelopmental Center in Frederick, MD, and Counseling and Treatment Associates in Bethesda, MD.   He has authored two tests on diagnosing learning disabilities in children, both of which are slotted to be released in 2015.

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Host Dr. Richard Selznick psychologist, The author of The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child and the recently published School Struggles: A Guide To Your Shut-Down Learner’s Success.

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. Dysgraphia makes the act of writing difficult. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting and putting thoughts on paper.

Tonights guest is Steven Feifer, an internationally renowned speaker and author in the field of learning disabilities. He has authored six books on learning and emotional disorders in children. He is also a diplomate in school neuropsychology, and a faculty instructor in the ABSNP school neuropsychology training program.  Dr. Feifer currently works in private practice at both the Monocacy Neurodevelopmental Center in Frederick, MD, and Counseling and Treatment Associates in Bethesda, MD.   He has authored two tests on diagnosing learning disabilities in children, both of which are slotted to be released in 2015.

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With host Mae Wilkinson

Although many parents accept the fact that genetics may play a role in autism spectrum disorders, they also believe that some environmental factors may also be responsible. Lynne Heilbrun, the Autism Research Coordinator at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, has just completed the first study to identify those environmental factors that may be putting our children at risk. Sponsored by the US Department of Defense, Autism Speaks’ Research Organization, the Southwest Research Institute and the Institute for the Integration of Science and Medicine (UTHSCSA), Lynne and her colleagues have completed the first-ever exploration into environmental triggers that may cause autism-like symptoms. 

By studying the baby teeth of children with an autism diagnosis, Lynne and her colleagues found high levels of household chemicals, including those made in plastics and pesticides, which have been found to cause neurological damage in humans. 

The study has made a true impact on research around the world.  Researchers from across the U.S. and other countries such as Japan, Korea, and Norway have visited Lynne’s lab, and National Geographic will featured the teeth in it upcoming October 2014 issue.

To view a complete  list of the chemicals found in teeth, as well as further developments on the study, visit "Autism Tooth Fairy Study" on our website blog.

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The Bright Not Broken Radio Show – Twice Exceptional Kids

Intensity, Giftedness and The ADD Myth - The ADD Myth: How to Cultivate the Unique Gifts of Intense Personalities

This week we are talking with Martha Burge, author, parent and certified personal - professional coach. Martha specializes in gifted and creative people, Including, adults diagnosed with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD and related conditions. Martha’s brand new book The ADD Myth: How to Cultivate the Gifts of Intense Personalities with a foreword by Dr. Alan Francis, addresses the misunderstandings about ADHD and how to harness the full potential of intensity with maximum success. Anyone involved with 2e children and their families will find this interview uplifting and helpful.   

Martha Burge, M.A. is a certified personal and professional coach specializing in gifted and creative people, adults diagnosed with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD and many other diagnoses of mental disorder. Many years ago she simply refused to agree that her children were disordered.  A couple of college degrees, a coaching certification, and many clients later, she now knows why. And she’s out to tell the rest of us all about it in her recently released book, “The ADD Myth: How to Cultivate the Unique Gifts of Intense Personalities,” which earned her recognition by the Messenger Network as the next top self-help author.  Her radically different approach focuses on the whole person, rather than a limited list of symptoms.

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Seeing your child suffer in any way is a harrowing experience for any parent. Mental illness in children can be particularly draining due to the mystery surrounding it, and the issue of diagnosis at such a tender age. Depression and Your Child gives parents and caregivers a uniquely textured understanding of pediatric depression, its causes, its symptoms, and its treatments. Dr Deborah Serani weaves her own personal experiences of being a depressed child along with her clinical experiences as a psychologist treating depressed children in her book Depression and Your Child.

Tonight my guest is Dr Deborah Serani hear to discuss her book Depression and your Child A Guide For Parents And Caregivers.  In a three part series we will explore the difference in presentations in children and teens from those in adults and the approaches and strategies to help your child overcome this devastating illness. The ten myths surrounding child depression and the seven things children need to know about depression.

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Join two of our hosts, Stefanie Weiss of Ask Stefanie the mental health connoisseur and Marianne Russo host of The Coffee Klatch as they discuss choosing the right mental health professional for your child or teen.  

Choosing the right provider is not as easy as calling a local psychiatrist or psychologist.  A highly recommended source that works well for one child may not work for another.  "Doctor Hopping" is hard not only on the child but the parents as well so doing your homework and using the tools we will provide tonight will help make the decision process clearer and easier. There are many factors that need to be taken into consideration other than the diagnosis.  Finding the right fit for your child, and your family, can make a huge difference in the gains and advances your chilld makes.  Just as not all therapies are alike neither are the practitioners.

Join Marianne and Stefanie as they help you navigate your way to quality care that works for your family.

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Alexandra Jackman has created “A Teen’s Guide to Understanding and Communicating with People with Autism,” which encourages teenagers to understand and accept peers who have autism spectrum disorder. The film focuses on the positive aspects of autism and includes individuals on the spectrum and their families. In the video, Jackman asks middle school students and teachers “What is Autism?” She also speaks to the founder of Autism Family Times, parents of children with Autism, an Autism educator and a doctor. She highlights children of all ages w Autism and features adults as well. 

Her video is geared towards teens, but is relatable to all ages on the basics of how to accept and understand those who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Of her film she has said "Maybe if they (middle schoolers) see someone with special needs, they won't be so afraid to talk with them. For a lot of people, if they don't understand something, they can be afraid." Also participating in the film is Adrienne Robertiello, Autism Educator at Children’s Specialized Hospital and Board member of Autism Family Times with Brianna. Ms. Robertiello steers collaborative initiatives to facilitate the awareness and participation of children with ASD and their families in community settings.

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Our host Dr Richard Selznick author of School Struggles and The Shut Down Learner tonight discusses the legislation behind Dyslexia. 

Dr Selznick's guest is Mrs. Beth Ravelli is a child advocate for dyslexia and children with reading disabilities. Mrs. Ravelli successfully lobbied to have NJ Bill S 2400 voted into law forming the NJ Reading Disability Task Force. She was honored  to have been appointed as the sole parent by the NJ Assembly President to be appointed on the NJ Reading disability Task Force.  In 2014 after 9 years of advocating with her daughter Samantha, numerous trips to the Education committee, Assembly Floor and Senate Floor they succeeded together with Senator Van Drew and Assemblyman Nelson Albano in passing Bill S-2442 which was signed into law in NJ by Gov. Chris Christi on Jan 16, 2014. This New Dyslexia law now makes it mandatory in NJ public schools to screen for dyslexia, as well as to train teachers in dyslexia.

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Dr Fredric Daum is a pediatric gastroenterologist specializing in toilet training children with special needs who are late or unwilling to toilet train. He brings 40 years of experience working with children who are very challenging to train. It is his belief that any child with adequate receptive qualities can be toilet trained. His program is unique because of Dr. Daum's optimism and daily coaching of families until toilet training is achieved.

About 5% of children refuse to be toilet trained for stools and get into a tug of war with parents around using the toilet. Some children decide to hold back stools so they won’t have to use the toilet. Other children start holding back after they pass a painful stool and never want to have that pain again. 

Doc­tor Daum pro­vides all ser­vices by tele­phone consultation.

After the ini­tial con­sul­ta­tion, he will instruct you about the pro­gram, includ­ing the rec­om­mended dosage and tim­ing of lax­a­tives and the spe­cific strate­gies for help­ing your child become dry, clean and in under­wear 24 hours a day.

He will talk you through the treat­ment by speak­ing to you every day until suc­cess is achieved.

Doc­tor Daum’s many years of expe­ri­ence and per­son­al­ized approach will assure your child’s easy and quick success.

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Host - Marianne Russo

Guest - Deborah Serani

Seeing your child suffer in any way is a harrowing experience for any parent. Mental illness in children can be particularly draining due to the mystery surrounding it, and the issue of diagnosis at such a tender age. Depression and Your Childgives parents and caregivers a uniquely textured understanding of pediatric depression, its causes, its symptoms, and its treatments. Serani weaves her own personal experiences of being a depressed child along with her clinical experiences as a psychologist treating depressed children. 

Current research, treatments and trends are presented in easy to understand language and tough subjects like self-harm, suicide and recovery plans are addressed with supportive direction. Parents will learn tips on how to discipline a depressed child, what to expect from traditional treatments like psychotherapy and medication, how to use holistic methods to address depression, how to avoid caregiver burnout, and how to move through the trauma of diagnosis and plan for the future. Real life cases highlight the issues addressed in each chapter and resources and a glossary help to further understanding for those seeking additional information. Parents and caregivers are sure to find here a reassuring approach to childhood depression that highlights the needs of the child even while it emphasizes the need for caregivers to care for themselves and other family members as well.

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Mark Burhenne DDS joins us to discuss sleep apnea in children and teens. 

Is your child disorganized, easily frustrated, lack will power, making bad choices, having problems listening, forgetful, in constant movement such as leg shaking? Is your teen inattentive, hyperactive, anxious, moody?  Thinking ADHD?  40% of children diagnosed with #ADHD have sleep apnea.  Coincidence or misdiagnosis? 

Stunted growth, neurological issues, panic attacks and fear during sleep? Yup ... also symptoms of sleep apnea. 

Learn the causes, symptoms and treatments of sleep apnea and the physical and behavioral issues that can arise from poor sleep.

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Allen Frances MD Professor Emeritus at Duke University and former Chair of its Department of Psychiatry, Chair of the DSM IV Task Force, author of “Saving Normal” and “Essentials of Psychiatric Diagnosis.”  He is the author of hundreds of papers and more than a dozen books. He blogs frequently on Huffington Post, Psychology Today, National Newspapers and Education Update.  The New York Times has titled him “The most powerful psychiatrist in America”  Wired Magazine has called him “The man who wrote the book on mental illness.” 

Dr. Dale Archer is a medical doctor, psychiatrist and Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. His specialties include propagating the theory of chemical imbalances of the brain, relationships and personal responsibility. Author of Better Than Normal: ‘How What Makes You Different Can Make You Exceptional’ and “Chemical Imbalance Depression” He has several successful radio shows including “Taking Charge with Dr. Dale Archer” and a TV talk show “The Dr. Dale Archer Show’”. He appears regularly on national news shows and is a regular blogger on “Psychology Today”, “Forbes” and “Foxnews.com” 

How do we determine the line between mental illness and a child with challenging behaviors

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Allen Frances MD Professor Emeritus at Duke University and former Chair of its Department of Psychiatry, Chair of the DSM IV Task Force, author of “Saving Normal” and “Essentials of Psychiatric Diagnosis.”  He is the author of hundreds of papers and more than a dozen books. He blogs frequently on Huffington Post, Psychology Today, National Newspapers and Education Update.  The New York Times has titled him “The most powerful psychiatrist in America”  Wired Magazine has called him “The man who wrote the book on mental illness.” 

Dr. Dale Archer is a medical doctor, psychiatrist and Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. His specialties include propagating the theory of chemical imbalances of the brain, relationships and personal responsibility. Author of Better Than Normal: ‘How What Makes You Different Can Make You Exceptional’ and “Chemical Imbalance Depression” He has several successful radio shows including “Taking Charge with Dr. Dale Archer” and a TV talk show “The Dr. Dale Archer Show’”. He appears regularly on national news shows and is a regular blogger on “Psychology Today”, “Forbes” and “Foxnews.com”

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Ask Stefanie with host Stefanie Weis

The Future of Psychiatric Medicine Is Upon Us…What If There Was A Simple Test That Discovered What Medicine Works Most Effectively With Your Body?  

Dr Lombard will discuss how Genomind's testing helps clinicians find appropriate and effective treatment more quickly and efficiently.  Psychiatrists prescribe medication on a trial and error basis, which can be a very long and frustrating road for children and adults who are suffering.  Patients who have psychiatric disorders that are difficult to treat such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, OCD, and ADHD can benefit tremendously from this kind of physiological and genetic testing.  

Dr Jay Lombard - co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer and Medical Director at Genomind, a biotechnology company devoted to the discovery of the underlying causes of neuropsychiatric disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, autism and mood disorders. Dr. Lombard is a board certified neurologist and is currently a professor of Neurology at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has published several books on the role of nutrition and the brain and has lectured extensively on this topic as well. He has had numerous television and radio appearances including on Larry King, Dr. Oz, CBS News, Fox News, The Early Morning Show and others.

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Ben Foss is prominent inventor, entrepreneur and activist who founded Headstrong Nation a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the dyslexic community.  He is also the inventor of the Intel Reader® a device CNN called “too ground breaking to ignore.” The Intel Reader® is a mobile device that takes photos of text and reads it aloud on the spot to people who have difficulty with text, creating what Ben calls “a ramp into a book.”

Identified as a dyslexic at the age of eight, Foss became successful by developing a unique approach to his disability. After years of hiding his dyslexia, he challenged himself to use it as a bridge to the rest of the world, realizing that if he thought of himself as being “from dyslexia,” he could integrate his history and harness his strengths. As a compassionate and skilled speaker, he shares this message with Fortune 500 companies, human resources and public policy organizations, and colleges and universities across the country.

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This week Dr Gil Tippy interviews 3 special educators using an appropriate, developmental, sensory sensitive approach in public and private education settings for kids with neuro-developmental disorders of relating and communicating. The discussion ranges from the tremendous success of a couple of Vermont public school teachers in their use of the DIR/Floortime model, through our success at the Rebecca School in our Fairytale Literacy curriculum, and even touches on the complications of the Common Core Standards, and what it means for our children. Kathryn Byrne Grossarth is a Special Educator in a small public school in Wells, VT. She attended a conference in Vermont this past summer that Rae Leeper and I put on, explaining how to do a relationship based model in a public school setting. She has implemented DIR in her public school with tremendous success. She is using Rae's literacy suggestions and is finding that it is really working. She is working on creating curriculum and texts, and is passionate about the tremendous change she has seen in her kids, and herself in just the first four months of this school year.Barbara Festa is a Special Education Supervisor in Wells, VT. She did not attend the training, but Kathryn's enthusiasm has been so infectious that she began to use the model in her math curriculum, to great results. She sees that DIR/Floortime is directly in line with the Common Core Standards.Rae Leeper is the Education Supervisor at the Rebecca School, and did the training with me that inspired these two Vermont Special Educators. She has been at the Rebecca School from the very beginning, and instrumental in creating and supervising our classroom curriculum.

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GIFTED KIDS, ADHD, AND AUTISM: WHY TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN ARE STUCK AND HOW TO HELP THEM

Hosted by Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks, authors of Bright Not Broken and The ADHD-Autism Connection with Dr Temple Grandin. 

Join us as we talk with Michelle Garcia Winner, speech language pathologist, author, international speaker and pioneer of the concept social thinking. Michelle specializes in bright kids who think and learn differently. Her keen insights and practical strategies have been extremely helpful to parents and educators alike. We will discuss social thinking, giftedness, 2e, Asperger’s and  

Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, specializes in the treatment of individuals with social-cognitive deficits: those with diagnoses such as high-functioning autism, Asperger Syndrome and nonverbal learning disorder. She began teaching Social Thinking® in 1995 to brighter students when she went to work for a high school district as the district’s speech language pathologist. Social Thinking was born out of necessity as a way to reach those “bright but socially clueless students” that needed more information than just what social skill to use. They needed to know why they should bother to use that skill. She runs a clinic, has authored numerous books including her latest critically acclaimed book, Social Thinking at Work and speaks internationally. She coined the term Social Thinking and pioneered the related treatment approach. She was awarded a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition in 20

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Rosalind Wiseman is an author, media expert, frequent contributor on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Anderson Cooper on children, teens, parenting, bullying, and social justice. Most famously, she is the author of Queen Bees and Wannabes.   Masterminds and Wingmen shows what’s really happening in boys’ lives. It creates a new language helping parents and educators understand the power of boys’ social hierarchies and how these influence their decision-making and emotional well-being. Wiseman establishes a road map to reach boys and help them to grow into the best brothers, friends, studen

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Host Dr Gil Tippy 

Christopher M. Gauthiér's  photography can be found in the permanent collections of the Mississippi Museum of Art; Webster University, The Netherlands; Koltsovo Airport, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation and in private collections nationally and internationally. Christopher has presented his project, Evidence and Artifacts at conferences, symposiums and workshops on art, the environment, and disability; including at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities 2012 Conference in Washington D.C., the 2013 Mountain West Arts Conference, and three consecutive years at the US Autism and Asperger Association World Conference.  In 2013, Christopher was awarded a Utah Visual Arts Fellowship and the Autism Council of Utah’s Individual of the Year Award.  His focus on autism evolved out of the struggle to access the necessary interventions and treatments for his children on the spectrum, and from his own life experience as an individual affected by Aspergers Syndrome. It is his goal to stimulate the national dialogue on the impact of environmental insults on human health and development. Christopher currently sits on the advisory board of the US Autism and Asperger Association, and Madison House Foundation, a non-profit advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the lives of adults facing the challenges of autism spectrum disorder.

Jacqueline F. Gauthiér is currently the Director for Morningside School, a private preschool and kindergarten in Logan, UT.  Jacqueline has been a life-long advocate for women and children, with a background in crisis intervention, including medical and legal advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and case management services for abused children.

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Dr. John Kellmayer

"The Common Core State Standards:  How they impact your child"

Dr. John Kellmayer is a school superintendent in New Jersey and a member of the faculty in the Nova Southeastern University doctoral program. A former high school principal, he has extensive experience with at-risk populations. Dr. Kellmayer, who also holds an M.B.A., has served as a consultant to business and industry and is knowledgeable about organizational development and leadership in both the public and private sectors. A former writing instructor on the faculties of Penn State and Temple Universities, he has published about 200 articles in newspapers, magazines, textbooks, and journals.  

Dr Kellmayer is also the author of two books - Mouse in the Microwave and How to Establish An Alternative School.

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Dr.Dan Peters joins us to discuss his two brand new books: From Worrier to Warrior for teens and tweens,  designed to teach you how to conquer the Worry Monster. Also, the companion book for parents Making Your Worrier a Warrior, which provides useful  methods parents can use to help their children create an anxiety-reducing "toolbox". Parents might even find that these strategies work effectively to manage their own anxieties. Dr.Peters, a licensed psychologist, is co-founder and Clinical Director of the Summit Center which specializes in, gifted, talented, and creative individuals.They provide educational and psychological assessments, consultations, and treatment for children, their parents, and families. His professional interests include the diagnosis and misdiagnosis of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) individuals, helping individuals tame the "Worry Monster," and maximizing one's developmental potential.

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Executive Functioning Skills, What Are They?  How Do They Help Make Children and Teens Successful Students and Adults?    Join host Stefanie Weiss on Ask Stefanie w guest Sharon Thomas a leading expert in the field of Learning Disabilities,  Founder and Director of MAIAA Parent Resource Center, and a consultant for a premier independent school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.    Sharon will discuss with us why the ability to organize, plan and execute on tasks such important skills for success in school and adult life.  She will explain how many children need help with skills such as organization, time management, memorizing information, initiating activities or tasks, and retaining information.  Sharon will give parents warning signs to look out for if their child is struggling, helpful tools, and skills to work on at home to help children, teens, and adults manage these skills effectively.

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GIFTED KIDS, ADHD, AND AUTISM: WHY TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN ARE STUCK AND HOW TO HELP THEM  Hosted by Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks, authors of Bright Not Broken 

Dr.Joy Davis Joins us to talk about her award-winning book: 'Bright,Talented & Black: a Guide for families of African American gifted learners'. Considered twice- minorities these children face unique obstacles and challenges. She offers practical advice based on her personal experience as both a parent and a gifted

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Dr. Michael Gelb is an innovator in airway, breathing, sleep, and painful TMJ disorders pioneering Airway Centric. Dr. Gelb has studied early intervention for sleep disordered breathing (SDB) specializing in how it relates to fatigue, focus, pain, and the effects all of these can have on family health. The Gelb Center offers advanced headache treatment in its New York and White Plains offices.

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School Struggles with Dr Richard Selznick  Dr. Elizabeth Gosch is Director of the MS Program in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology and a core faculty member of the PsyD program in Clinical Psychology. A licensed clinical psychologist, she is board certified by the American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and serves as a diplomate examiner for this board. Dr. Gosch received her BA in 1987 from Grinnell College and her doctorate in clinical psychology in 1997 from Temple University. She employs an interactive teaching style, seeking to incorporate discussions of theoretical issues with real-world experience to help students master course material. She has taught doctoral courses in Behavior Therapy, Learning Theories, Practicum, and Child & Adolescent Therapy, among others.

Dr. Gosch is a nationally recognized expert on clinical child psychology, anxiety disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with youth. She has published on several topics but is best known for co-editing Anxiety Disorders: A Practioner’s Guide to Comparative Treatments and articles on the treatment of internalizing disorders in children. Dr. Gosch is currently on the editorial board of Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. She serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, and the Behavior Therapist. She has served on the Publications Committee of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. She was a co-principal investigator of an NIMH-funded study (NIMH-64484-01A1) of therapeutic process and alliance in the treatment of children with anxiety disorders.

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In recent years there has been an alarming rise in the number of American children and youth assigned a mental health diagnosis. Current data from the Centers for Disease Control reveal a 41 percent increase in rates of ADHD diagnoses over the past decade and a forty-fold spike in bipolar disorder diagnoses. Similarly, diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, once considered, has increased by 78 percent since 2002.Dr. Enrico Gnaulati, a clinical psychologist specializing in childhood and adolescent therapy and assessment, has witnessed firsthand the push to diagnose these disorders in youngsters.

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GIFTED KIDS, ADHD, AND AUTISM: WHY TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN ARE STUCK AND HOW TO HELP THEM Hosted by Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks, authors of Bright Not Broken and The ADHD-Autism Connection with Dr Temple Grandin. 

Searching For Meaning- Dr.James Webb returns as our guest  to talk about his wonderful new book: Searching For Meaning

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Producer/Director of Canary in a Coal Mine follows the lives of several remarkable people living with a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome a devastating disease. They are forced to leave careers they loved, abandon the dream of having children, or face the prospect of being locked away in their homes and bedrooms. Worse still, most doctors, and sometimes those closest to them, don't even believe they're really ill.

Canary in a Coal Min

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Dr Derek Enlander is an internationally recognized expert in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he became a fellow of Stanford University Medical School in the USA and later took up other prestigious positions including Physician-in-Waiting to the British Royal Family on their visits to New York, and it was here that he set up his private practice, in Manhattan. His interest in ME/CFS began when a childhood friend in Ireland contracted the illness and asked him for help. He has been researching, treating and advocating for this illness ever since. In 2011 he opened the ME/CFS Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine (Mt. Sinai MEC), New York.

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Canary in a Coal Mine follows the lives of several remarkable people living with a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/CFS a mysterious and devastating disease.They are forced to leave careers they loved, abandon the dream of having children, or face the prospect of being locked away forever in their homes and bedrooms. Worse still, most doctors, and sometimes those closest to them, don’t even believe they’re really ill. And yet, surprising things can sometimes grow from these dark places. How would you begin to nourish your body if every food you ate, every object you touched had the capacity to cripple or heal you? How would you fill your life, and what would you toss aside, if you only had three hours a day to live it? What worlds would unfold before your eyes if everything you knew suddenly came to a grinding halt?Canary in a Coal Mine is about the human consequences of a medical system that is ill-equipped to treat an illness that challenges its every assumption, the danger of ignorance, and the power of a name. It’s the story of a community of millions that to most of the world is invisible.

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Canary in a Coal Mine follows the lives of several remarkable people living with a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/CFS a mysterious and devastating disease.They are forced to leave careers they loved, abandon the dream of having children, or face the prospect of being locked away forever in their homes and bedrooms. Worse still, most doctors, and sometimes those closest to them, don’t even believe they’re really ill. And yet, surprising things can sometimes grow from these dark places. How would you begin to nourish your body if every food you ate, every object you touched had the capacity to cripple or heal you? How would you fill your life, and what would you toss aside, if you only had three hours a day to live it? What worlds would unfold before your eyes if everything you knew suddenly came to a grinding halt?Canary in a Coal Mine is about the human consequences of a medical system that is ill-equipped to treat an illness that challenges its every assumption, the danger of ignorance, and the power of a name. It’s the story of a community of millions that to most of the world is invisible.

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GIFTED KIDS, ADHD, AND AUTISM With hosts Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Bank Award-winning author Jennifer Cook O'Toole of the wildly popular series Asperkids Kids  joins us for an exciting update! With two  brand new books released this year and a global speaking tour she has a lot to share! Her new releases: The Asperkid's Launch Pad: Home Design to Empower Everyday Superheroes and The Asperkid's Not-Your-Average Coloring Book are two more reasons  parents and professionals can't get enough of this International superstar! Her keen personal insights and common sense methods are valuable tools that can help guide the most frustrated 2e/Asperger parent or professional.

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GIFTED KIDS, ADHD, AND AUTISM: WHY TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN ARE STUCK AND HOW TO HELP THEM Drs. James Webb and Edward Amend, psychologists and experts on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth

Hosted by Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks, authors of Bright Not Broken and The ADHD-Autism Connection with Dr Temple Grandin. Together, Diane and Rebecca will examine the issues around twice

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Bullying IS an IEP issue.    Hosts Jennifer Laviano a special education attorney and Julie Swanson a special education advocate host this very important interview.  Your child's IEP is a legal document that their school must follow.  The tragic suicide of a Florida teen from relentless bullying has sparked a firestorm within the legal system to put an end to torment and tragedy. If your child is being bullied you have rights and can use an IEP to protect them.  Two girls were charged with aggravated stalking, a third-degree felony and will be processed through the juvenile court system. Neither had an arrest record. The older girl was taken into custody in the juvenile wing of the Polk County Jail. The younger girl, who the police said expressed remorse, was released to her parents now under house arrest.

If you havent already spoken

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Dr Pratik Mukhrjee and Dr. Elysa Marco on their Breakthrough study of biological basis for sensory processing disorders in kids In a groundbreaking new study from UC San Francisco, researchers have found that children affected with SPD have quantifiable differences in brain structure, for the first time showing a biological basis for the disease that sets it apart from other neurodevelopmental disorders. One of the reasons SPD has been overlooked until now is that it often occurs in children who also have ADHD or autism, and the disorders have not been listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual used by psychiatrists and psychologists.

"Until now, SPD hasn't had a known biological underpinning," said senior author Pratik Mukherjee, MD,

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Teaching Children The Social Skills The Need To Succeed   FAYE De Muyshondt  is the author of  socialsklz :-) (Social Skills) for Success: How to Give Children the Skills They Need to Thrive in the Modern World.  With social media ruling kids world today, who is responsible for teaching them their social skills?  Digital impressions are so vital. How can children make a positive impression and both digitally and in person?  Faye will talk about how parents need to take an active role in teaching the propers skills for their children to succeed socially.

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True Brain Potential - What is your child's true potential learning more about what you can tell from test scores and daily choices. Why Should You Re-engineer Your Brain? In this interview, Dr. Florance explains when and why you should consider  "reengineering" your child's brain.  Find out how to determine whether your child is working to his or her potential.  Specifically, we will address why brain engineering can be so powerful for the highly visual Maverick profile

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Dr. Patricia Gatto-Walden-- Gifted Adults: Am I Really That Smart?

Many adults who as children are not recognized Gifted or Twice-Exceptional  grow up questioning their identities.Often they describe feeling like impostors who never fit in wondering if they are really that "smart" or just busy, driven people. Our guest Dr. Patricia Gatto-Walden has over thirty years of clinical experience understanding the complexities of Giftedness across the lifespan.  She has helped creative talented adults discover their own unique abilities and realize their potential regardless of age. Join us for this powerful journey of self discovery.

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Dr. Betty Osman, an authority of children with learning disabilities, is a psychologist on the staff of the White Plains Hospital Center, Department of Behavioral Health. She is the author of several books including Learning Disabilities and ADHD: A Family Guide to Living and Learning Together and No One To Play With, Social Problems of LD and ADD Children.

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Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized authority on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. The apples don't fall far from the trees - join us to discuss adult and child ADHD.  Untreated ADHD in a child continues into adulthood with struggles in relationships, careers and every aspect of life.  Executive functioning skills are key, learn tips and acquire tools to overcome deficits. Join us with the most respected expert in the world

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The Big Picture -  Rethinking Dyslexia provides personal and uplifting accounts of the dyslexic experience from children, experts and iconic leaders, such as Sir Richard Branson and financier Charles Schwab. Directed by James Redford, the film not only clears up the misconceptions about the condition, but also paints a picture of hope for all who struggle with it.

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MEASURING HOW YOUR CHILD  THINKS AND THE IEP   Measuring how your child thinks and relaying it in the IEP process. Listen to Dr. Florance explain how to interpret educational testing results with the unique profile of the highly visual student in mind.  Find out how test scores indicate whether someone is extremely verbal, a balance of verbal and visual, or extremely visual.  We will also discuss  auditory processing testing in the context of the highly visual child

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A Mentor Mom: Maximize your school.   How to be an Advocate for Your Highly Visual Child in School In this interview, we will discuss how to work with teachers and administrators to implement interventions specific the highly visual student.  Often, Maverick students can confuse teachers and administrators because the root of their symptoms of school struggle are not well understood or misdiagnosed altogether.  Listen as Dr. Florance tells us the most effective way to uncover the root of Maverick symptoms and communicate those results to the school. Once identified, parents and teachers can implement interventions tailored to the highly visual student, often resulting in quick results.

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Heading Back to School can cause many children to have anxious feelings about the start of a new year.  Parents of these children are affected as well, worrying about their anxious children especially kids who struggle with learning disabilities, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and other related disorders.   Dr. Michele Borba is an internationally recognized expert and author on children, teens, parenting, bullying and moral development the award-winning author of 22 parenting and educational books and is recognized globally for her work in bullying prevention and character education. She has appeared on The Today Show over 100 times, Dr. Phil, Dateline, The View, The Doctors, Fox News, The Early Show and CNN and well as in Newsweek, People, Good Housekeeping, Chicago Tribune, U.S. News & World Report, Washington

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In a tragic turn of events, our guest, Kelli Stapleton has allegedly attempted a murder/suicide with her daughter.   In this prerecorded interview Kelli discusses the physical aggression by her autistic daughter.  A child, sadly so out of control, that treatment, education and placement are challenging. Frustrated by a system difficult for her to navigate, living in chaos, Kelli asks us ... Where do I turn?  Host: Marianne Russo

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Starting the School Year Right:  Top Tips   Jeanne Voelker is a reading and writing specialist in Seattle, Washington. As the founder and principal teacher at Reading Before School, she has taught Seattle-area children since 1985. Ms. Voelker is the author and curriculum director of Reading Raven andReading Raven, Volume 2. These are top-selling and highly effective learn-to-read apps published by Early Ascent, LLC, and available through Apple. Ms. Voelker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington and has completed post-graduate courses through The Vermont College of Fine Arts and Stanford University. In addition to teaching, she enjoys writing fiction, and some of her stories have appeared in anthologies.

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Guest: Cali Estes, MS, ICADC, CAP, CPT, CYT

With over 18 years’ experience as a Therapist, Life Coach and Wellness Coach, Cali Estes is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Cali has been featured on NBC Universal News for her work with Addictions and published in several journals and books with her work on ADD and Relationships. Cali’s multidimensional approach focuses on getting to the underlying cause of the problem and working in the present to combat the issues by creating a safe and secure environment for her clients to learn and grow and tackle life challenges. Her unique background blend of psychotherapy, life coaching and wellness coaching allows the client to get to the underlying cause of their issues quicker, safer and produce results faster.  Many families think that addiction issues are primarily related to external substances like drugs, alcohol, and, more recently, legal synthetic drugs. While this is true, addiction can also take many other forms including internet, social media, gaming, and gambling. These internal issues can be difficult for parents to understand because there are not any identified substances. On this show, we will speak with Cali Estes, the addiction coach, about different types of addiction, what behaviors signal a problem, and what parents can do help their struggling family member.

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Special Needs Financial Planning: How to take care of a family member’s needs with J Todd Gentry, Special Needs Financial Planner of MetLife.   Caring for an individual with special needs requires special financial planning. Individuals have to find a way to integrate the family's overall planning, financial and otherwise, with their special situation.  Furthermore, there are federal laws  that can complicate matters and can cause individuals to lose eligibility for certain state and federal benefits so planning needs to factor in many different things.

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Our guest is Dr. Paul Dempsey a consultant pediatrician and the medical director of Quinte Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in Belleville,Ontario, Canada How can parents make pediatric visits better for both the child and pediatrician? What is the role of the pediatrician in the care of children with disabilities and disorders?  The pediatrician is a vital part of your child healthcare team. As any special needs parent knows, doctor hopping and coordinating care and information between specialists is essential, yet difficult.  Join us tonight as we discuss key information for special needs parents as well as parents of athletes and the importance of understanding the risk of damage to over stressed teen bodies.

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GIFTED KIDS, ADHD, AND AUTISM: WHY TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN ARE STUCK AND HOW TO HELP THEM

Hosted by Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks, authors of Bright Not Broken and The ADHD-Autism Connection with Dr Temple Grandin. Diane is the mother of three twice-exceptional sons who has spent over 18 years advocating for special needs children. Rebecca, a veteran educator who has spent nearly a decade teaching in inclusive classrooms, is the mother of two twice-exceptional children. Together, Diane and Rebecca will examine the issues around twice-exceptional children—that is, gifted kids with hidden disabilities such as ADHD, Asperger’s/autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and related conditions. Their unique perspective and fresh approach will help parents, educators, and healthcare professionals understand who these kids are, why they’re stuck, and how to help them. In a time when the diagnostic system is in flux and education is under fire, this program will look

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Going to the Dogs: Transferrable Attachment and the Use of Canine Therapy to help Struggling Adolescents with Dr. Ken Huey Through “Trust of Care”, canines help students develop love, responsibility, and accountability through meeting the physical needs of canines. Students learn how to feed, water, groom, train, exercise, clean up after and, of course, play with the dogs. Through this process, kids better understand trust and emotions as they learn how to train, discipline, lead, and regulate canine behavior. This process lays the foundation of troubled teens to learn empathy, and empathy is the fertile soil where attachment and trust can grow. Furthermore, this emotion is gained experientially by working with canines--not through abstract discussion. At Change Academy Lake Ozark (CALO),  treatemetn center, all students have the opportunity to bond with the canines and learn how to invest in their physical and emotional needs.Dr. Huey helped launch Change Academy Lake Ozark, a residential relational-based treatment center for troubled teens struggling with reactive attachment disorder and developmental trauma disorder. Using attachment thera

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Helping Struggling Readers Improve Their Reading:  Top Ten Points That Parents Need to Know

Dr. Margolis will discuss critical, but often overlooked factors for helping struggling readers become more successful and motivated readers. He will focus on how to improve IEPs and general education programs so they take advantage of these factors, in school and in the home, without frustrating children, parents, and teachers.     About Dr. Margolis Howard Margolis, Ed.D., is Professor Emeritus of Reading and Special Education at the City University of New York. Howard is former editor of the Journal of Psychological and Educational Consultation and for more than two decades he has edited theReading & Writing Quarterly: Overcoming Learning Difficulties. He is also the co-author of Reading Disabilities: Beating the Odds and Five Ways to Help Your Child. Howard has received many honors, such as two Media Arts Awards from the New Jersey Development Disabilities Council and the Educator of the Year award from the Learning Disabilities Association of NJ. He was a special education Hearing Officer for Delaware and New Jersey and has frequently helped parents and schools to settle disputes. In 2007, Queens College’s Department of Educational and Community Programs honored his work by creating The Howard Margolis Advocacy and Social Justice Award.

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Missing the Giftedness in children diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and related disorders. SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) experts Dr. Marianne Kuzujanakis , Dr. James Webb and Dr Rosina Gallagher Talk about their Misdiagnosis Initiative - Gifted 2e ADHD Autism. Designed to help educate parents and health care professionals on the risks of misdiagnosis and how to avoid them.  This project centers on the importance of understanding Giftedness and how these traits can often be confused with or accompany traits of disability resulting in Twice-Exceptionality. Whether you have a child affected, you are a professional in the field or you would just like to better understand what it truly means to be 2e this is the show to listen to!

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Marla W. Deibler, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and nationally-recognized expert in anxiety disorders and the obsessive-compulsive spectrum, including trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoarding, and tic disorders. She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia in New Jersey, an outpatient facility specialized in providing evaluation and evidence-based, cognitive-behavioral therapies. Dr. Deibler gained her formative clinical experiences at the National Institute of Mental Health Children’s National Medical Center, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center. 

She has appeared on “The Dr. Oz Show”, A&E’s “Hoarders”, TLC’s “Hoarding: Buried Alive”, CBS News, ABC News, FOX News, “It’s

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Are you paying attention to the numerous infractions your child engages in? There is a principle that says, “Whatever you pay attention to, you get more of!” Make sure you are watering the flowers, not the weeds. Do you want more misbehavior or more on track behavior? The answer to that question will tell you which behaviors to give your full attention and excitement to. Dr  Lynne Kenney is a mother of two, a practicing pediatric psychologist at in Scottsdale, AZ, and the author of The Family Coach Method. She has advanced fellowship training in forensic psychology and developmental pediatric psychology from Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Harbor-UCLA/UCLA Medical School. Her NEW co-authored book BLOOM: Helping children blossom with Wendy Young Combines her love for motor movement and brain development, Dr. Lynne’s newest endeavor, Play Math, is helping children ages 6-11 learn their math facts with playground balls and hoola-hoops for better algebraic thinking.   Bloom focuses on providing your children with the words and actions they need to develop better cognitive, social and emotional skills without punishment.

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Homesick and Happy…How Time Away From Parents Can Help A Child Grow Michael Thompson- Psychologist, New York Times Bestselling Author Homesick and Happy.   Dr. Thompson's book talks about how children at sleep away camp can be anxious, homesick, excited, scared, and successful all at the same time.  He believes that going to camp and being away from your parents can really make a child grow and flourish as an individual.  Sending your child to camp for a few weeks and relinquishing control can be difficult for parents, especially if you have a child who has a tough time with transition. We will talk about how to make these transitions more manageable. We will also focus on un-plugging and the benefits of kids just "being kids" today, away from the addiction of computers and social media.     Michael Thompson, Ph.D. is a consultant, bestselling author, and psychologist specializing in children and families.

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Robert M. Tudisco is a practicing attorney, freelance writer and an adult diagnosed with AD/HD. He is currently the Executive Director of the Edge Foundation and is a past member of the National Board of Directors of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD).  Robert is also a former Vice President of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA). Since his diagnosis, he has researched and written extensively on the subject of practical coping mechanisms and systems for adults with AD/HD. He is a frequent resource for the media about AD/HD and disability advocacy and has been published in ATTENTION!® Magazine and regularly contributes as a columnist on adult, parenting and legal issues in addition to sitting on its Editorial Advisory Board. He is also the expert legal columnist for ADDitude Magazine.

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Vision & Learning Dr.  Richard Selznick is a psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist, graduate school professor, university professor of pediatrics and school consultant. The author of two books, The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child   and School Struggles: A Guide To Your Shut-Down Learner’s Success In this edition of  "School Struggles,"  Dr. Selznick will be talking with Dr. Michael Gallaway, a Developmental Optometrist specializing in the relationship between vision and learning.  This relationship remains controversial in the field.  The issues surrounding this controversy will be explored in this lively, down-to-earth discussion.    

Dr. Michael Gallaway is an associate professor of  optometry at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry Salus University He is also in private practice in Marlton, NJ specializing in pediatric optometry and vision therapy.

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Child Mind Institute Series  Michael Rosenthal, PhD, is a pediatric neuropsychologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents from pre-school through early adulthood. He is specialized in diagnostic, developmental, and neuropsychological evaluations of children with ADHD, executive dysfunction, learning disabilities, social cognitive weaknesses, and emotional/behavioral challenges with brain injuries.  Tonight we will discuss the short term and long term behavioral changes that can occur with concussions and other mild brain injuries.  How to prevent them and how best to treat them.

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Family Recovery and the “Mother Bear”   As a parent, you want to fix the things that break. If the car breaks, you fix it. If the dishwasher breaks, you fix it. If a leg is broken, you fix it. But when a family member experiences emotional or mental distress, how do you “fix” that? And is it fixable?.

When a serious mental health problem occurs, parents need to have the tools to know how to respond in a productive way. Parents need to learn to accept that they may not be able to “fix” the problem, but with the right tools parents can become good supporters and assistants to the family member who’s healing, and to themselves.

Join Dr. Russell Hyken and his guest Lisbeth Riis Cooper as they discuss how a child's mental health issue impacts the family system and what parents can do to support their child when issues occur.

Lisbeth found her inner Mother Bear when her family faced mental health challenges. After struggling for many years to find compassionate and effective support for her daughter, she decided to create a community where her daughter and many others could heal and recover.

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Any individual, parent, or professional who has ever dealt with the confusing process of obtaining a mental health diagnosis, autism, ADHD, Bi-Polar and others will want to hear this discussion!  Gary Greenberg a noted author and critic of American psychiatry The Book of Woe. 

"Like Too Big to Fail's look at Wall Street, The Book of Woe is an inside view of an institution on the brink of disaster-the American Psychiatric Association, which recently completed the fifth edition of the DSM, a book that guides the allocation of billions of taxpayer dollars for research and treatment."

"Greenberg's account of the history behind the DSM, and his behind-the-scenes reporting of the deeply flawed process by which the DSM-5 has been revised, is both riveting and disturbing."

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Join host Stefanie Weiss in tonights interview:   How IN HOME Doctor Visits Can Make An Anxious/Special Needs Child More Comfortable  Families whose children have special needs face many everyday basic challenges.  Going to the pediatrician for a check up can be a difficult task for a family with a child who has anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, and other related conditions.  For children, being in the comfort of their own home can make a check up or sick visit much less stressful for the child AND their parents!  Dr. Kulich is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, has been elected a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Home Care Physicians. Dr Kulich is the current president of the American Academy of Concierge Pediatricians.

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Dr. Moira Rynn Deputy Director of Research Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University What is the new understanding of OCD in children/teens? 

Can a medication

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BRIGHT NOT BROKEN - DIANE KENNEDY REBECCA BANK 

Dr Temple Grandin discusses brain scans, sensory issues, parenting tips, different thinking styles in autistics and much more

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Dyslexia:  The Parent's Perspective

Helping your child with dyslexia can be a daunting and, often, frustrating process.  This episode of School Struggles will be devoted to understanding some of the typical challenges faced by parents in their efforts to help their children.  The guests on the show will be all parents of dyslexic children. We will be meeting with Wendy Ramos and Rachel Catalano of the grassroots parent group Wishes of Literacy  from Staten Island, NY, along with  Andy Kavulich of  Decoding NJ

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Saving Normal: An Insider's Revolt against Out-of-Control Psychiatric Diagnosis, DSM-5, Big Pharma, and the Medicalization of Ordinary Life   Is it possible that soon most of us will all have a diagnosable mental illness? Will our differences, which make us so unique and wonderful, only be looked in the negative, as a disorder, with the mindset of needing to be fixed when in fact, we are not truly broken 

Referred to as "The most famous and honored psychiatrist in America"  Dr. Allen Frances makes his 3rd appearance, he is a clinician, educator, researcher, and leading authority on psychiatric diagnosis. He chaired the DSM-IV Task Force, was a member of the Task Force that

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"Fending off Eating Disorders in your children (boys & girls)"   Our host Dr Russsell Hyken, family therapist,  adolescent educational diagnostician Educatinal Therapeutic specialist.    Today's discussion will focus on underlying issues, prevention, and signs of eatingdisorders/body image issues. Ms. Pace will also discus how to create an emotionally safe family environment to initiate discussion about health and nutrition.    Ellen Sheffield Pace is a Psychotherapist in private practice in Richmond Heights. Missouri.  Ellen specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and works with individuals and their families affected by this illness.  Ellen's commitments in the St. Louis community include serving on the board of The Scholarship Foundation and on the Development Board of Forsyth School.  Ellen is the past President of the Alumni Board at John Burroughs School.  She has a BA in Art History from Middlebury College and a Masters in Social Work from Washington University

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A new concept on human diversity has emerged over the past 10 years that promises to revolutionize the way educators provide services to students with special needs: neurodiversity. Just as we celebrate diversity in nature and cultures, so too do we need to honor the diversity of brains among our students who learn, think, and behave differently. In Neurodiversity in the Classroom, best-selling guest Dr. Thomas Armstrong argues that we should embrace the strengths of such neurodiverse students to help them and their neurotypical peers thrive in school and beyond. 

His innovative book focuses on five categories of special needs: learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders. We will discuss: * The positive attributes associated with that category, * Acclaimed neurodiverse adults who have excelled in their chosen fields, * Computer programs and applications that allow students with special needs to overcome obstacles and achieve success, * Rich networks of human resources both inside and outside of school that educators can draw upon to support the social and emotional lives of neurodiverse students, * Innovative learning strategies that are tailored to each student's unique strengths, * Future career paths for which a student s particular gifts might be a good fit, * Modifications in the school environment that allow for seamless inclusion of neurodiverse students in the regular classroom, and * Timely information about how to integrate the strategies and assessments for each category with the Common Core State Standards.

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Stefanie is a Mental Health Consultant specializing in OCD, Anxiety, ADHD, PANDAS, and other related mental health disorders. She meets with the parents of children who have these disorders so that they can speak openly and honestly about their child. Based on an in- depth consultation and intake process, they collaborate on selecting a team of doctors that will be most appropriate for the child.   Should we mainstream our "grey area" child think about Special Needs School?  A tough decision many parents face.  Deciding where your  "grey area" child would be happiest at school can be a very tough decision.  The academic, social, and emotional pieces are all important pieces of the puzzle that parents need to consider when making this decision.  Ask Stefanie interviews Chantal Afalo a Special Needs & Educational Advisor, and Linda Gardener The Admissions Director for The Aaron School, a private special education school K-12, to determine what parents need to conside

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Join hosts Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Bank authors of the blockbuster book "Bright Not Broken Gifted Kids, ADHD, And Autism: Why Twice Exceptional Children Are Stuck and How To help them Our guest is Dr. Ralph L. Ankenman, is a veteran psychiatrist and the author of Hope for the Violently Aggressive Child. Dr. Ankenman's work focuses on an alternative approach to treatment and management of severe meltdowns and aggression. These behaviors often associated with Autism, Bipolar, and related conditions are commonly treated with psychotropic drugs, Which often do not fully resolve those behaviors or may cause unnecessary side effects. Dr.Ankenman shares detailed case histories and explains through his personal experience how he has successfully treated patients, and how many of these behaviors may  be able to be treated with safer medications that target the adrenaline systems.

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Bish Bash Books is proud to announce the launch of its newest eBook My Special Family My Special Family was written and illustrated by ten year old Paige Snider and explores what it is like to live with two brothers who have autism. Written as a school project nearly ten years ago, the book highlights through the eyes of a child how living with autism is different, but in many ways, not that much different to the lives of many families. Ten years later, the book includes a new afterword that explains how life has changed now that Paige is attending college in Virginia. “I’m so excited to see My Special Family published by Bish Bash Books” said Paige Snider. “Autism affects many families. Both my brothers have autism and I wanted to show our life as a family that is not that dissimilar to yours.”

Ms. Snider has worked hard to raise awareness of autism and has made a number of documentary films

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Would you like to feel better, look better and have more self confidence? Has the stress of special needs parenting taken a toll on your health and well being. Tonight we get tips and tools to get ourselves in shape. Dr Stuart Fischers acclaimed little book of big medical emergencies is truly life saving and has been the subject of multiple television appearances.  · How to save someone who is fainting, choking, or drowning · How to tell if someone is having a stroke, heart attack, or epileptic seizure · How to identify a life-threatening allergic reaction, kidney infection, or pneumonia · How to perform CPR, make tourniquets, create an emergency kit for your home and car, and much more  Dr. Fischer’s Park Avenue Diet is a comprehensive program that addresses the seven principal componentsof image, how we appear and how we behave, the reflection of our lifestyle choices that the outside world judges us by. Permanent lifestyle change in The Park Avenue Diet is accomplished with the help of seven top experts in the seven uniquely interconnected components of image: weight, physique, hair, skin, clothing, self- confidence and interpersonal skills.<

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Depression, Bipolar, and ADHD: Dr Hyken and his guest will discuss how symptoms can overlap, confusion with the diagnosing these different issues, personality characteristics of each, and how to determine the proper diagnosis.   Discussions about teens, young adults and the challenges they encounter.  Dr Hykens first guest is "Rekha Ramanuja M.D. is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist specializing in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Clayton Behavioral in St. Louis, Missouri. She attended medical school at Saint Louis University before going on to complete both residency and fellowship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital respectively. In addition to her practice at Clayton Behavioral, she works at the Bridges to Success intensive outpatient program for adolescents suffering from addiction. She also enjoys working at a children's residential care facility in Webster Groves known as Epworth Children and Family Services."

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Join host Dr. Richard Selznick author of The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child and the highly acclaimed School Struggles: A Guide To Your Shut-Down Learner’s Success. A down-to-earth presenter who looks to discuss difficult topics in non-jargon terms, Dr. Selznick tries to present complex issues in down-to earth terms.  

Christine Robinson of ADD Action Coach is a Certified ADHD Coach and Educational Consultant. She has a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Education. She is a certified practitioner of Cogmed Working Memory Systems and Integrated Listening Systems.  Christine presents a variety of workshops on parenting skills and parent support groups focusing on specific topics such as : homework management, parenting in our hi-tech world, how to be your child’s best advocate, navigating social challenges, improving time management and building your child’s strengths and self-esteem. As an experienced Educational Consultant, Christine specializes in IEP development and school placement. She find it very rewarding to be able to help children with special needs find “the right fit school” or finally receive the educational support they require from their teachers. She has successfully advocated for many children and teens through the Northeast and also conducts classroom observations. Her specialty areas are ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences and Asperger’s syndrome.

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We have all heard the term "Maverick Mind"  today we meet the woman who coined the phrase... wrote the book... uncovered the Maverick Mind.   In this interview, Dr. Florance will share with us the joys of becoming a symptom-free Maverick. We will learn about the emerging signs of verbal fluency and hear inspiring success stories of Dr. Florance's work with Mavericks.  Once the symptoms are treated and the risks are reduced, the true genius of Mavericks can be unleashed.  Despite having others label her son, Whitney, deaf, autistic and mentally disabled, Dr. Florance refused to give up on him. With her expertise in brain science and speech pathology, she traced her son's difficulties to his high level of visual thinking. Combined with a multi-disciplinary focus on speech, hearing, and psychology, she found the key to unlocking her "unreachable son.  Today, Whitney is symptom-free, a college graduate, and a professional engineer.   Through her experience, Dr. Florance discovered what she calls the "Maverick Mind." Today, Dr. Florance works with Mavericks all over the world through her Brain Engineering Labs, enhancing the lives of children and adults with symptoms of Autism Spectrum, ADD, PDD, and other disorders of communication, language, learning, and behavior.   Join special host Angela Eaton, a mother of a "Maverick" daughter, to explore this enlightening and potentially paradigm-shifting discussion in a four par

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Join hosts Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Bank authors of the blockbuster book "Bright Not Broken Gifted Kids, ADHD, And Autism: Why Twice Exceptional Children Are Stuck and How To help them Unlocking Your Brillance- Karen Purcell 

Too often the strengths and talents of our gifted girls are overlooked especially in the fields of math and science.  Our guest this week, Karen Purcell is The author of Unlocking Your Brilliance Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math: FOLLOW YOUR PASSION and RISE to GREAT HEIGHTS" Karen is a dynamic engineer, entrepreneur, and author focused on helping women create meaningful futures in the STEM fields. As the founder and president of PK Electrical, she draws on her experience to inspire young women to enter the STEM fields with confidence. Her nonprofit organization, STEMspire, was founded to support that mission. Her inspirational story is a wonderful guide for girls and young women interested in the STEM fields.Tackling an important social issue from a personal perspective, Karen describes the trajectory of her own career in engineering, including the struggles she endured.Through her story and stories from women in other fields, she explores the hurdles women in the male-dominated STEM world must overcome and offers pragmatic strategies for moving beyond them.

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Ask Stefanie  Kids with ADHD act without thinking, are hyperactive, and have trouble focusing. They may understand what's expected of them but have trouble following through because they can't sit still, pay attention, or attend to details.  Ask Stefanie interviews Stephanie Weldon to find out what parents and teachers can do to maximize children's potential both academically and socially. Stephanie Weldon has the combination of being a learning specialist and psychotherapist. She grew up having ADHD herself, so she really relates to her patients. Understanding first-hand the way children with ADHD learn is very important in the process of getting them to reach their highest potential. Through organizational tips and techniques, learning support, and therapy, children with ADHD can and should succeed.   Stephanie Weldon is a psychotherapist who began her training in the trauma division of the Karen Horney clinic working with adults. In addition, Stephanie is the former director of GO Families where she spent several years facilitating weekly support groups for parents who have children with learning disabilities and other special needs. Stephanie has been consulting for the public and  independent schools in NYC for over ten years. She is the former learning specialist for the Chapin School.  Most recently, in celebration of IDEA's 35th year anniversary, a documentary called People Like Me was released tracking the theater company Stephanie founded twenty years ago when she first began working with children with special needs.

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Join hosts Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Bank authors of the blockbuster book "Bright Not Broken Gifted Kids, ADHD, And Autism: Why Twice Exceptional Children Are Stuck and How To help them Tonight Bright Not Broken: Mentally Gifted Not Disordered Dr. Enrico Gnaulati

Many of our Gifted kids are misunderstood and misdiagnosed with ADHD, Bi-Polar and other related conditions. Having the right "lens" to view many of the characteristics these unique individuals present with is key. In this episode we will discuss what does a mentally gifted kid look like? Too often when a child is fidgety, restless, argumentative, aloof or unmotivated teachers and care providers assume these are signs of a disorder rather than  possibly signs of giftedness. Our guest Dr. Enrico Gnaulati is a psychologist in private practice, Pasadena CA. He specializes in child and adolescent therapy and assessment, parenting consultation, couples therapy and in-depth adult individual therapy. He has published a host of scholarly articles and magazine pieces, and is the author of "Emotion-Regulating Play Therapy with ADHD Children: Staying with Playing," as well as the fortcoming book, "Back to Normal: The Overlooked, Ordinary Explanations for Kids' ADHD, Bi-Polar, and Autistic-Like Behavior."

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We have all heard the term "Maverick Mind"  today we meet the woman who coined the phrase... wrote the book... uncovered the Maverick Mind in this outstanding five part series.   The highly visual mind of a Maverick is what causes symptoms, but also what allows Mavericks to become symptom-free. In this interview, we will discuss the Brain Engineering Program that Dr. Cheri Florance developed to repair and stabilize verbal fluency in Mavericks. We will discuss how to improve attention and memory, the Central Executive, the input processors of listening and reading, the output processors of speaking and writing, and how these skills are transferred and generalized for home, school, and self-concept.   Despite having others label her son, Whitney, deaf, autistic and mentally disabled, Dr. Florance refused to give up on him. With her expertise in brain science and speech pathology, she traced her son's difficulties to his high level of visual thinking. Combined with a multi-disciplinary focus on speech, hearing, and psychology, she found the key to unlocking her "unreachable son.  Today, Whitney is symptom-free, a college graduate, and a professional engineer.   Through her experience with her son, Dr. Florance discovered what she calls the "Maverick Mind." Today, Dr. Florance works with Mavericks all over the world through her Brain Engineering Labs, enhancing the lives of children and adults with symptoms of Autism Spectrum, ADD, PDD, and other disorders of communication, language, learning, and behavior.   Join our guest host photographer Angela Eaton, a mother of a "Maverick" daughter, to explore this enlightening and potentially paradigm-shifting discussion.

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In this interview, Dr. Florance will discuss more in depth how to identify Maverick Minds. Mavericks are highly visual thinkers with a language disorder. Because a language disorder leads to frustration, anxiety, and tension, Mavericks can exhibit symptoms that can look like other disorders, including PDD, Autism, ADHD, ODD, and Sleep Disorders. With Mavericks, a misdiagnosis can lead to mistreatment, aggravating the problem and leading to an adverse outcome. Correctly identifying Mavericks allows for proper treatment that can be very effective and turn the whole situation around. We will also discuss the prevalence of Maverick Minds in affluent communities.   Despite having others label her son, Whitney, deaf, autistic and mentally disabled, Dr. Florance refused to give up on him. With her expertise in brain science and speech pathology, she traced her son's difficulties to his high level of visual thinking. Combined with a multi-disciplinary focus on speech, hearing, and psychology, she found the key to unlocking her "unreachable son.  Today, Whitney is symptom-free, a college graduate, and a professional engineer.   Through her experience with her son, Dr. Florance discovered what she calls the "Maverick Mind." Today, Dr. Florance works with Mavericks all over the world through her Brain Engineering Labs, enhancing the lives of children and adults with symptoms of Autism Spectrum, ADD, PDD, and other disorders of communication, language, learning, and behavior.   Join our guest host Angela Eaton, a mother of a "Maverick" daughter, to explore this enlightening and potentially paradigm-shifting discussion.

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“ADHD/ADD Basics:  Stuff You Need to Know” Dr.  Richard Selznick is a psychologist, nationally certified school psychologist, graduate school professor, university professor of pediatrics and school consultant. Author The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child   and School Struggles: A Guide To Your Shut-Down Learner’s Success,   A down-to-earth presenter who looks to discuss difficult topics in non-jargon terms, Dr. Selznick tries to present complex issues in down-to earth terms. Dr. Richard Selznick is excited to kick off his premiere with Dr. Michael Goodman, Pediatric Neurologist where he will be talking about the basics of ADHD and stuff you need to know.  Maybe you think you’ve heard it all before, but every perspective is different and Dr. Goodman offers a fresh, practical, down-to-earth view for parents (and teachers) to consider regarding ADHD.  Dr. Goodman brings years of experience to<

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Dr Jamie Howard    Clinical Psychologist, Anxiety and Mood Disorders Center CHILD MIND INSTITUTE

Jamie M. Howard, PhD, is a clinical psychologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders in children and adolescents. Dr. Howard will lead the Child Mind Institute's Anxiety and Mood Disorders Center trauma response group. Her expertise in treating post-traumatic stress and adjustment disorders across the lifespan is a product of dedication to the most current and effective interventions, combined with her passion for helping children and families adjust to difficult and unexpected life experiences.

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Join hosts Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Bank authors of "Bright Not Broken: Gifted Kids, ADHD, And Autism" Tonight we welcome New York Times bestselling author Dr. Dale Archer  discussing his new book "Better Than Normal: How What Makes You Different Can Make You Exceptional" which redefines our perception of what REALLY constitutes a mental illness. Dr. Archer is a Psychiatrist and is the Medical Director for psychiatric services at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. A media veteran with over two decades of experience, the host of "The Dr. Dale Archer Show" and has appeared on the top national news shows talking about various psychological issues related to current events. Dr. Archer has also authored "Chemical Imbalance Depression" and currently writes "Taking Charge" an advice column now syndicated nationally in numerous magazines and newspapers

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Dr Melanie A Fernandez Director, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Program CHILD MIND INSTITUTE

Melanie A. Fernandez, PhD, ABPP, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children’s behavioral problems, particularly attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder. She has provided psychological evaluations and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to hundreds of children and adolescents. As one of fifteen master trainers in parent-child interaction therapy endorsed by PCIT International, she also has unique experience working with parents to improve their children's social behavior, self

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Dr Rachel Busman Clinical Psychologist, Anxiety and Mood Disorders Center CHILD MIND INSTITUTE

Rachel Busman, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders in children and adolescents. Dr. Busman has extensive experience providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to children, teenagers, and young adults struggling with psychiatric disorders, school difficulties, and behavioral problems. She has specific interest and expertise in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety, specific phobias, and selective mutism.

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Join guests Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Bank authors of the blockbuster book "Bright Not Broken Gifted Kids, ADHD, And Autism: Why Twice Exceptional Children Are Stuck and How To help them   Martha Burge, author, parent and certified personal - professional coach specializes in gifted and creative people, Including, adults diagnosed with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD and related conditions. Martha’s new book The ADD Myth: How to Cultivate the Gifts of Intense Personalities

Martha Burge specializes in gifted and creative people, adults diagnosed with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD and many other diagnoses of mental disorder. Many years ago she simply refused to agree that her children were disordered.  A couple of college degrees, a coaching certification, and many clients later, she now knows why. And she’s out to tell the rest of us all about it in her recently released book, “The ADD Myth: How to Cultivate the Unique Gifts of Intense Personali

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Marc Elliot has spoken to hundreds of groups and organizations, reaching out to more than 100,000 individuals in the United States and internationally. At the age of 26, Marc has now found a way to use his own story, his triumph over handicaps, as a way of helping individuals around the world find their own path to tolerance for themselves and others. Marc is the author of the book "What Makes You Tic?"   Tonight Stefanie will be speaking with author and motivational speaker Marc Elliot who grew up struggling with Tourette's Syndrome. In 2011 he was named College Speaker Of The Year teaching high school and college students kindness, tolerance, and respect towards others.  Marc will talk about what it was like for him to grow up as a child who always stood out, never quite fit in, and always said and did the "wrong" thing. His book "What Makes You Tic?"  gives readers an in depth understanding of what it was like for him while growing up.  He describes the difficulty of knowing that he was making inappropriate and impulsive comments, yet he knew he was unable to control himself.  Today Marc is tic free and an inspirational speaker helping create a culture of people who better understand what it feels like to be "different."

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Richard Melnick was diagnosed with cancer a dozen years ago. While facing a life-threatening illness and what could have been a premature death sentence, he experienced a new way of viewing the world. One of the subjects he often pondered while in medical limbo was parenting, which he writes extensively about in his new book, Parents who Dont Do Dishes.  And while Melnick covers his fair share of paternal methodologies, a large part of the book is devoted to examining life’s simplest philosophies with a healthy balance of pop-culture references and audacious humor. The resulting book is an antidote to helicopter parenting and tiger moms as he taught his boys to develop a playful relationship with life. Written in Melnick’s scrappy, heartfelt style, Parents Who Don’t Dishes is a hilarious and easy-to-read book that dives into some of life’s deepest topics with surprising ease.

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The publication of DSM5 will no doubt bring changes that will affect twice-exceptional children, especially those with Aspergers Disorder.  Drs. Lorna Wing and Judith Gould, world renowned experts and pioneers of the autism spectrum discuss the upcoming changes in the DSM.

Dr. Lorna Wing  has 40 years of experience in the field of autism and learning disabilities through her work w the Medical Research Council Social Psychiatry Unit, London. Her published work on the subject of autism has challenged and changed the thinking in the field. In the early days she questioned that Kanner's autism was a single separate entity and through her research work w Judith Gould led to the now accepted concept of a spectrum of autism. It was Dr Wing who, in 1981, coined the term "Asperger syndrome" Her book The Autistic Spectrum, for parents and professionals, has been translated into many languages and it remains a valuable source of information and advice. 

Dr. Judith Gould is Director NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism. She is a Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist w nearly 40 years' experience, specializing in autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. She has published widely in the field of autism spectrum disorders and her research work with Lorna Wing led to the now-accepted concept of a spectrum of autistic conditions. Dr Gould is involved in training in autism spectrum disorders and related conditions both in the UK and overseas. Her cur

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Ashok Gupta will share with Marianne his explanation of ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia, which he has spent the last ten years researching and refining. Ashok Gupta has dedicated his life to finding an effective treatment for ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia The Amygdala Hypothesis a 'vicious cycle' that, once triggered in people with certain risk factors can perpetuate neurological overstimulation, physiological dysfunction, and many physical symptoms.

Today they discuss it all .....Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors - Triggers: Acute Psychological Stress & Viral, Bacterial, or Other Triggers - CHRONIC STIMULATION OF THE AROUSAL SYSTEM - PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS - Exhaustion from Sleep Problems - Post-Exertional Malaise, Adverse Reaction to Exercise - Digestive Problems, e.g., Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) - Food Allergies/Sensitivities - Misdiagnosis - Immune System  - Latent Virus Reactivation/High Viral Titres - Visual Disturbances - COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS - (Brain Fog - memory problems)Emotional Lability, Anxiety and Depression-SYMPTOMS AND SECONDARY ILLNESS CYCLES - Retraining The Amygdala

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We have all heard the term "Maverick Mind"  today we meet the woman who coined the phrase... wrote the book... uncovered the Maverick Mind. Despite having others label her son, Whitney, deaf, autistic and mentally disabled, Dr. Florance refused to give up on him. With her expertise in brain science and speech pathology, she traced her son's difficulties to his high level of visual thinking. Combined with a multi-disciplinary focus on speech, hearing, and psychology, she found the key to unlocking her "unreachable son.  Today, Whitney is symptom-free, a college graduate, and a professional engineer.

Through her experience with her son, Dr. Florance discovered what she calls the "Maverick Mind." Today, Dr. Florance works with Mavericks all over the world through her Brain Engineering Labs, enhancing the lives of children and adults with symptoms of Autism Spectrum, ADD, PDD, and other disorders of communication, language, learning, and behavior.

Join Marianne Russo and co-host Angela Eaton, a mother of a "Maverick" daughter, to explore this enlightening and potentially paradigm-shifting discussion.

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Join guests Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Bank authors of the blockbuster book "Bright Not Broken Gifted Kids, ADHD, And Autism: Why Twice Exceptional Children Are Stuck and How To help them We are excited to welcome back Jennifer Cook O'Toole  award-winning author, educator, advocate and mother of three Kids with Asperger's. Jennifer's  Asperkids, LLC, a multi-media social education company  has formed  The first collaborative program between the Montessori and Autism/Asperger's communities. "Any parent who has ever wished their child could find their homework, organize their room, or calm themselves will benefit from her suggestions" says a top Montessori teacher/trainer. With her third book, An Asperkid Home: Where the Stories of Everyday Superheroes Begin due out this spring, a new article in Autism Asperger Digest this summer and her increasing international recognition as an autism superstar,  Jennifer has a lot to talk about!  This is a don't miss episode for 2e/Asperger parents and professionals alike.

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Know your legal rights for your special needs blog, book and social media posts with copyright lawyer and autism advocate Bonnie Berry LaMon, Esq. With so many special needs parents writing blogs and sharing their child's stories we wondered..... Do you know some of the legal implications particularly when it comes to copy right laws?  Areva's guest, Bonnie Berry Lamon, has practiced entertainment law for over twenty years. Her law firm B2L Entertainment Law Group negotiates and drafts agreements in connection to its clients activities in flim, television, music and book publishing.  Two incredible attorneys and special needs advocates will guide you through the process

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Multi-platinum record producer, songwriter, performer, author Michael Buckholtz's raw, unflinching and often humorous account of his life with Asperger's Syndrome, is a refreshing departure from the clinical and often anecdotal books written on the subject of autism. The book is written (graphics and all) by Michael, no ghost writers. His perspective also reflects being a minority in U. S. society. After Michael's late diagnosis (he was in his early 40's), his goal has been to encourage love and have patience with our autistic children.  Michael is the founder of The Autistic Childrens Foundation. He is convinced it was his mother's unwavering determination that pinpointed what was happening with her three boys, all of whom are on the autism spectrum. Even though she did not know it at the time, she employed music, which allowed her sons to open up just enough to instill some basic social parameters. His is a compelling and inspirational story that doesn't end the way you might think.   Take a look at the true world of Aspergers and be inspired!

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Drs. James Webb and Edward Amend, psychologists and experts on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth. Dr Webb is recognized as one of the 25 most influential psychologists nationally on gifted education. Dr. Webb established SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted Children, Inc.), a national nonprofit organization that provides information, training, conferences and workshops, and he remains as Chair of SENG’s Professional Advisory Committee.  

Dr Amend is a Clinical Psychologist at Amend Psychological Services, focuses on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth and their families. Dr. Amend has served on the Board of Directors of SENG for 5 years.

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Leigh Weinraub M.A. - Youth sports are starting younger and younger these days.  The competition amongst children is fierce and is felt at every age.  Even a child with minimal anxiety can get anxious when a coach is yelling at them or the parents on the sidelines are cheering and screaming during a game.  The pressure to win, be the best, and make the team can make children extremely anxious and overwhelmed.  It can also make children shut down and impede there performance because their anxiety level is too high.  Coach Leigh will talk about what is was like for her as a child being a competitive tennis player, transitioning to a college tennis coach, and how as a therapist she guides people through exercise and therapy together to relax and overcome their anxieties.    Leigh Weinraub, the founder of Mind in Motion, combines her background in coaching and counseling with a passion for health in her multi-dimensional therapy practice. A healthy lifestyle, appreciation of nature, passion for movement and dedication to helping others inspired her to found Mind in Motion in 2007.

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"Different Not Less " the phrase made famous by Dr Grandin's mother Eustacia Cutler in the HBO biopic Thinking In Pictures the story of Temple Grandins life, is the title of her latest book.  Inspiring stories of achievement and successful employment from adults with Autism, Aspergers and ADHD is one of the most empowering books I have had the pleasure to read.  In this latest release Dr Grandin shares stories of adversity and triumph from those with autism spectrum disorders.  Heart wrenching and overwhelmingly inspirational stories that give hope and validation for those who have fought for their success and independence will give hope to millions.  The always informative, gracious and quite funny Dr Grandin is a national treasure.  She just keeps getting better and better! Join our hosts Rebecca Bank and Diane Kennedy co authors of Bright not Broken with Dr Grandin for this incredible interview.

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Do you live in the Westchester New York area?  There is a wonderful alternative for your tween or teen to participate in after school, summer and on school breaks. The Digital Arts Experience Inc. is family owned and operated, and is founded on the values of collaboration, open communication and community. At The DAE, Rob feels that the best way to learn is through hands on experience and through working collaboratively.

The DAE strives to provide a completely unique learning environment  by surrounding their students with like-minded individuals of the same skill level who share similar goals, where they can create an experience that is both collective and noncompetitive.

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Dr Lynne Kenney IS BACK!!! Dr Kenney is a pediatric psychologist, author of The Family Coach and has a new endeavor "Play Math"  When creating expectations for your child do you take time to thinnk about what motivates your decisions? When raising a child, any child, your expectations are often a knee jerk reaction from your own conditioning and upbringing or conjured by the "norm" of how you percieve others may judge you or your child.  Tonight we discuss Expectations.... Who are they for, how they challenge and help your child grow and how they can overwhelm and undermine success. When raising a special needs child expectations and goal setting can be difficult to formulate.  We will discuss some basic questions you should consider when creating a strategy for your child and your family.  Are you driven by outside pressure or influences? Are expectations individualized to each child and their abilities and deficits? How can you keep it fair and still keep it individualized?  What is the importance of setting attainable goals to achieve mastery and confidence?

What is the risk of setting the bar too high?

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Dr. Linda Silverman, world renowned expert and author on Giftedness and Twice- Exceptionality  joins hosts Diane and Rebecca to discuss her brand new book Giftedness 101. Dispelling the many myths surrounding the concept of giftedness this insightful and valuable resource covers important topics such as: The meaning and characteristics of giftedness throughout the lifespan,  Comprehensive methods of assessment, parental and educational roles in developing the abilities of gifted children, the unique psychological needs of gifted children often manifested as feeling different, and special issues such as gifted children with learning disabilities (Twice-Exceptional). Dr. Silverman is the Director of the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development (ISAD) and its subsidiary, the Gifted Development Center, in Denver, CO. She has contributed over 300 articles and chapters on the assessment, psychology and education of the gifted.

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Join Marianne Russo with guest Dr Richard Selznick author of School Struggles: A Guide to Your Shut-Down Learner's Success The follow-up to his acclaimed The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child, covers a broader scope of potential problems faced by school children, offering techniques and insights to help them learn. The book explores reading and writing issues, behavioral problems, difficulties with organization, social skills, medication, parents' interactions with teachers, excessive use of technology, the

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Angela Eaton is a brilliant photographer and writer, she is also the mother of a twice exceptional daughter with a unique thinking style which has brought her to a place of understanding and amazement of her child Meredith's abilities. On her journey to unravel an alphabet soup of possible diagnosis for her child’s behaviors and challenges she uncovered something exceptional…… an extraordinary way of thinking….. a brilliant mind…. Some refer to it as Synesthesia..... others...  the Maverick Mind.  Synesthesia is seeing colors when you hear music, seeing letters and numbers as colors, or getting a particular taste in your mouth when you hear a particular name.  The synesthestic experience is involuntary and automatic and doesn't seem to change over time it is an amazing ability to see what others cannot. A filing system unlike any other that alters the way a child thinks, learns and relates to their world. Be inspired by the story of a little girl and the mother that found her gift.

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Suki Wessling - From School to Homeschool Should You Homeschool Your Gifted Child 

Sometimes school just doesn't work and homeschooling is the answer-particularly for gifted or 2e children. Join us us we welcome parent, author, and homeschooling expert Suki Wessling. Suki will be discussing her brand new book "From School To Homeschool: Should you Homeschool your gifted child? We'll be talking about many issues parents face when deciding to homeschool; deschooling; creating a homeschool support system; learning about different homeschooling styles; and homeschooling to college. This is the episode to hear if you are in need of resources and practical information on this important topic.

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Dr. Jennifer Hartstein - Anxiety is a part of all children’s lives.  Sometimes a child’s worry is as basic as being away from a parent, going to school, a test, or a birthday party. Sometimes children worry about things we didn't even think they could be worried about.  When a child is suffering from anxiety and avoiding everyday activities it is time to be concerned.  How do parents know when its really time to be concerned?    Dr. Jennifer Hartstein will talk to us about children’s anxieties and when to know if the worrying becomes more than “normal” everyday children worries. She will also discuss how to speak to children about the horrific tragedy in Sandy Hook.  Dr. Hartstein specializes in high-risk children and adolescents with intensive training in adolescent suicide assessment.  She uses a variety of treatment approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

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On this day that shocked a country, perhaps even the world, when a senseless act took the lives of innocent children in the school shooting in Connecticut our hearts are broken. Healing our children and communicating with them about their fears will be key.  For many children language does not come easily and for some not at all.  Tonight we discuss with Louise Sattler, founder of Signing Families and President of 411 voices, how to communicate and interpret non verbal childrens feelings.

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Join hosts Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks with guest Dr Temple Grandin. Temple Grandin Animals: Companions and Careers

Animals are an important part of our social culture. Many 2e/ASD/ADHD children have found a special connection with Horses, Dogs, and othe companion animals. Temple Grandin herself first discovered a personal connection early in her life which later lead to her incredible career as one of the foremost authorities in animal science. Temple returns as our guest to help us understand the rich therapy animals can provide as companions and how a personal interest and love for animals large or small can develop into a rewarding career. Two of her popular books on the subject written along with Catherine Johnson are- "Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior" and "Animals Make Us Human: Creating The Best Life For Animals"

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Bright Not Broken - Hosted by Rebecca Banks and Diane Kennedy As parents, the two of us (Diane and Rebecca) sought answers as to why our own children were trapped by an alphabet soup of labels despite their obvious abilities. While we researched and wrote Bright Not Broken, we realized that we were asking questions no other book has addressed:  Why does the DSM system lead to an alphabet soup of labels? Could it be that our system is fundamentally flawed or incapable of meeting the needs of practicing clinicians and parents?  If not clinicians and caregivers, whom does the DSM system serve?Join us for the second in a two-part series on the DSM.  Featuring Drs. William Sheehan and Stephen Thurber, Part 2 explores some of the challenges the DSM presents for practicing clinicians and parents/caregivers, and addresses some of the questions we raise in our book including, questioning the Validity of the ADHD Diagnosis.

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We are thrilled to welcome back Cheris Frailer, Director of Merchandising at Mayer Johnson The Special Education Super Store! From the makers of  Boardmaker, Dynavox Cheris will  bring us the latest in products from books, toys, gross motor products, language stimulation, fine motor tools, games and more not only help your child but have fun too! Make your holiday list and check it twice with the Mayer-Johnson Gift Giving Guide! Mayer-Johnson is your Special Education Super Source and with their Gift Guide, they’ve made it easy to shop 3 different ways – by price, category or specific solution. The perfect present is just a click away at mayer-johnson.com!

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A topic often hidden due to embarrassment,  shame, guilt and fear. Meet a mother, Kelli Stapleton, a woman who has dealt with physical aggression for years by her autistic daughter.  A child so out of control and aggressive that Kelli has had numerous hospitalizations and serious injuries. There are times she fears for her life, Where does she turn?  Kelli is not alone,  many parents of autistic or mentally ill children and teens live a secret life with physical abuse and often find no options or alternatives for themselves or their children.  Trapped in a system that offers no support or quality alternative, hundreds of thousands of parents live in fear for themselves and their children.   Dr Carol Lieberman, renowned media psychiatrist joins us to discuss the emotional toll and therapeutic options for these parents.  Dr Russell Hyken residential placement expert also joins us discussing placement options as well as legal analyst, special needs advocate, autism mom Areva Martin.

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Dr Papolos author of The Bipolar Child and Research Director of the Juvenile Bipolar Foundation and Alyssa Bronstein returns to discuss The Fear of Harm Phenotype.  The Fear Of Harm phenotype is not a new definition of bipolar disorder but a distinct, neurologically-based disorder which can explain the symptom profile of many who are “bipolar” and some, but not all, who have other conceptual diagnoses such as ADHD, depression, anxiety. In our first three intervies we discussed at length child bipolar, the fear of harm phenotype and the cutting edge research that is giving us answers to so many questions about these struggling children and teens.   Tonight we also meet a parent involved in the Ketamine study and how it has transformed their child.

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Twice Exceptional, Who They are: Asperger ADHD Gifted

Twice -Exceptional is a relatively new term, but sorting through the confusing mix of strengths and challenges these children possess is nothing new, especially for parents and care providers who struggle to help them. 

Our guest Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch  is a neuroscientist dedicated to identifying and understanding this unique 2e population. Through her multiple research efforts and distinguished work as principal investigator at KIDLAB (Krasnow Investigations of Developmental Learning and Behavior) George Mason University, She is breaking new ground in the awareness and identification of this important group of individuals who often fall through the cracks of our educational and mental health systems.

Dr. Kalbfleisch a seasoned expert and researcher in  Educational Psychology, Neuroscience and Gifted Education  has published extensivly in related journals, books and articles. Along with practical experience in the classroom she has also hosted and presented numerous lectures internationally.

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This episode Ask Stefanie interviews Dr. Eric Hollander about children who struggle with OCD.  OCD can often be confused with symptoms of other mental illnesses, including AD/HD and anxiety disorders.  It is important  for parents to know what OCD is, what are the symptoms, and what types of treatments are most effective.  We will discuss the differences between obsessions vs. compulsions, what OCD looks like in school and social situations, and how therapy and medication can be helpful when needed.  Importantly, we will also talk about when to know if its time to move to the next step and put your child on medication and what parents should consider when making that decision.  This is an incredible opportunity for parents to listen to one of the leading experts in the field of mental health.     Dr. Eric Hollander is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Director of Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Program at Montifiore Medical Center, and the Director of Spectrum Neuroscience and Treatment Institute.

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“Not all teachers are parents, but all parents are teachers. When we teach kids to be good people who possess the social courage to do the right thing, we help to make the world a safer, saner, more accepting place for all of us.”       —Annie Fox, M.Ed.   We live in a time shaped by a viral culture of cruelty. Now and in the future, we desperately need more good people. But where will these young people come from? From the homes of parents with a game plan! In Teaching Kids to Be Good People, Annie Fox has written a very personal, step-by-step guide to teaching your children to make healthy choices (online and off). Because being good is not enough. We have to do good.

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Bright Not Broken - The Together Teacher Author Maia Heyck-Merlin With all the pressures and demands placed on our teachers today is it any wonder they feel overwhelmed and are often full of stress and anxiety? Maia Heyck-Merlin is here to help! Maia the author of, The Together Teacher: Plan Ahead, Get Organized and Save Time! joins us to share helpful tips, tricks and resources for our dedicated, but stressed out educators. The Together Teacher is a practical guide that gives teachers free resources, templates, illustrations and photos to get organized and balanced in their day-to-day activities. Maia is also a former teacher, an experienced professional development trainer and the founder of Brass Tacks, a company providing coaching and workshops for teachers and administrators. By sharing her passion to help teachers manage their classrooms and lives, students ultimately benefit too by having a better, calmer environment to learn in.

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Bright Not Broken: NAGC- Finding Help, Support and Resources for Gifted / 2e

Many parents and professionals can be easily overwhelmed when searching for accurate information and support regarding gifted/2e children. The National Association of Gifted Children-  (NAGC) specializes in supporting the needs of high potential Learners. Join us as we talk with Nancy Green, NAGC Executive Director and 2e Author Expert Dr. Beverly Trail. We will discuss this years upcoming conference highlights including Dr. Temple Grandin's Keynote Address "Helping Different Kinds of Minds to Learn." and all the resources available through NAGC to help 2e/gfited parents, educators and care providers. 

Dr. Trail, The author of Twice-Exceptional Children: Understanding, Teaching, and Counseling Gifted Students is also one of the leaders of The National Association For Gifted Children's Special Populations Network. She is a twice-exceptional consultant, researcher, trainer and gifted education specialist.

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Welcome to the premiere of Ask Stefanie with host Stefanie Weiss.  Guest Dr. Sharone Gilbert , Neuropsychologist, provides consultative services to help each parent clarify their concerns and facilitate a better understanding of their child’s challenges. Dr Gilbert will discuss the question of assessment; When, Who and How to have your child evaluated. Who is the best specialist is best,a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, pediatric psychiatrist or psychologist?  What is the difference between psychological - psychoeducational and neuropsych evaluation? Options and differences of school psychologist or private provider assessment?  What will it tell me?

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Parent and award winning author Elizabeth Verdick, Joins us to discuss her wonderful new book The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. With an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Elizabeth’s book addresses questions (“What is ASD?” “Why me?”) She also provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors are topics she has been writing about for years with her award winning book series – Toddler Tools, The Best Behavior Series and The Laugh and Learn Series Elizabeth’s positive spirit and humor, along with her helpful tips and resources for 2ekids and their parents is a don’t miss combination.

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Dr. Adelson is an adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist, Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Initiative for LGBT Health in the Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, a new division of Columbia's Dept. of Psychiatry. 

He is the principal author of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry's (AACAP's) "Practice Parameter on Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Sexual Orientation, Gender-Nonconformity, and Gender Discordance in Children and Adolescents."  He is also a longstanding member of AACAP's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues Committee, and the Group for Advancement of Psychiatry's Human Sexuality Committee. He is the primary author of several peer-reviewed publications about the psychiatric assessment of sexuality, sexual development, and psychodynamics in psychiatrically ill, sexually abused, and normally developing children and adolescents.

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This week we are talking about spatial abilities, 2e students and the educational system with Dr. Jonathan Wai, an expert on the development of intellectual and creative talent. Dr. Wai is a researcher and writer at the Duke Talent Identification Program. One of the highlights of his work has been to explore the importance of spatial ability for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) arenas and how many spatially talented students are neglected by the typical school system. The two major college entrance examinations—the SAT and ACT—focus primarily on math and verbal abilities and lack a spatial measure, However, there is a group of brilliant individuals who are left outside higher education’s gates because their strengths are primarily spatial rather than mathematical or verbal. Due to Standardized tests in K-12 that do not include spatial measures, many of these children are not identified as talented students. As a result their spatial talent likely goes underdeveloped. Join us for this informative and very important discussion about 2e students and their educational futures in a system that neglects their spatial Intelligence.

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As any parent of a mentally ill child or teen will tell you, finding the right psychologist or psychiatrist is hard, very hard.  Finding the doctor that will not only specialize in your childs needs but match your families needs, personalities, finances and specific disorder is key.  Don't you wish there was somene that could guide you, know the best of the best, save you much time, frustration and money?  There is..... and she is the new host on our network, Sefanie Weiss.  Stefanie is known as the Doctors Connoisseur - Concierge Consultant for mental health conditions for children and teens.  She specializes in OCD, Anxiety disorders, ADHD, PANDAS and is also a parenting columnist advocating and sharing resources.    Stefanie not only connects families with the best psychologists and psychiatrists but she will be bringing them to you right here on our network.  Join me as I introduce you to our newest host and hear what Stefanie will be bringing you on her new show "Ask Stefanie"

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Gifted, ADHD and Asperger’s, Using Strengths and Special Interests   Nancy Ratey is an internationally recognized authority in ADHD and related fields. Her unique approach to helping 2e Individuals reach their potential by using their strengths to identify and direct their passion is unparalleled. Join us as Nancy shares her own personal twice exceptional journey with learning disabilities and giftedness. Her high energy and keen insights offer a much needed focus on abilities rather than disabilities. Through Nancy’s work and persistent dedication she has been able to help countless others achieve balance and success, leading productive lives that are Bright Not Broken  Nancy is internationally recognized as one of the foremost authorities on personal and professional coaching for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  She also holds a Ed.M from Harvard University and has been active for the last two decades in developing programs and lecturing on issues related to high ability and ADHD. She has served at the national level for several disability organizations and is a Master Certified Coach and Senior Disability Analyst. She writes extensively on coaching and ADHD topics and is the author of A Disorganized Mind. She co-authored several related titles and has contributed chapters and articles to numerous publications. Her work is often profiled in the media, including ABC, CBS, NPR Radio, and national publications such as Wired, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, The Boston Globe, and The New York Times. Nancy’s own experiences of living and working with learning disabilities and twice exceptional issues have enable her to understand her clients’ difficulties from an intuitive level and help them move forward to achieve greater success in their own lives.

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Allison S. Baker, MD is a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist specializing in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders in children and adults. As Director of The Adolescent Program at Columbia’s Eastside practice, Dr. Baker leads an intensive outpatient program for adolescents struggling with complex mood and anxiety symptoms as well as compulsive behaviors. Dr. Baker combines her passion for working with adolescents and her interest in parenting and attachment in every clinical encounter, and believes that involving an individual’s family is a critical ingredient for successful treatment. She has a special interest in dialectical behavioral therapy, substance use disorders in adolescents, and adolescents transitioning to college. Join us as we discuss transitioning your child with mental illness into a college environment and how parents and educators can help prevent tragedies such as school shootings among at risk teens

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The Bright Not Broken Radio Show – Twice Exceptional Kids Intensity, Giftedness and The ADD Myth  This week we are talking with Martha Burge, author, parent and certified personal - professional coach. Martha specializes in gifted and creative people, Including, adults diagnosed with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD and related conditions. Martha’s brand new book The ADD Myth: How to Cultivate the Gifts of Intense Personalities with a foreword by Dr. Alan Francis, addresses the misunderstandings about ADHD and how to harness the full potential of intensity with maximum success. Anyone involved with 2e children and their families will find this interview uplifting and helpful.    Martha Burge, M.A. is a certified personal and professional coach specializing in gifted and creative people, adults diagnosed with ADHD and parents of children with ADHD and many other diagnoses of mental disorder. Many years ago she simply refused to agree that her children were disordered.  A couple of college degrees, a coaching certification, and many clients later, she now knows why. And she’s out to tell the rest of us all about it in her recently released book, “The ADD Myth: How to Cultivate the Unique Gifts of Intense Personalities,” which earned her recognition by the Messenger Network as the next top self-help author.  Her radically different approach focuses on the whole person, rather than a limited list of symptoms.

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Understanding Social Thinking and 2e: Giftedness, Asperger’s, ADHD Join us as we talk with Michelle Garcia Winner, speech language pathologist, author, international speaker and pioneer of the concept social thinking. Michelle specializes in bright kids who think and learn differently. Her keen insights and practical strategies have been extremely helpful to parents and educators alike. We will discuss social thinking, giftedness, 2e, Asperger’s and   Michelle Garcia Winner, MA, CCC-SLP, specializes in the treatment of individuals with social-cognitive deficits: those with diagnoses such as high-functioning autism, Asperger Syndrome and nonverbal learning disorder. She began teaching Social Thinking® in 1995 to brighter students when she went to work for a high school district as the district’s speech language pathologist. Social Thinking was born out of necessity as a way to reach those “bright but socially clueless students” that needed more information than just what social skill to use. They needed to know why they should bother to use that skill. She runs a clinic, has authored numerous books including her latest critically acclaimed book, Social Thinking at Work and speaks internationally. She coined the term Social Thinking and pioneered the related treatment approach. She was awarded a Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition in 2008

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"Neurodiversity" by Dr Armstrong - Brilliance "Neurodiversity - Discovering the Extraordinary gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and other brain differences. This book has it all - what research tells us about the specific strengths for each disorder - why disability labels are culturally relative - how to take advantage of assistive technology - career paths that emphasize the gifts of neurodiverse adults - why inclusive classrooms offer the best learning experience. Honestly - I read about three or four books a week - all wonderful - this one - this one is the ONE! Join us on our Blog Talk Radio Tonight 9pm est with Dr Thomas Armstrong EXTRAORDINARY!

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Join us as we talk this week with world renowned author, journalist and parent, Adam Feinstein. Adam’s book A History of Autism: Conversations with the Pioneers outlines the history and development of the concept of the autistic spectrum.  His interviews with leading professionals, parents, and adults with autistic conditions reveals the controversies between professionals and the problems that still exist for families in different countries, as well as the progress that has been made. As the administrator for the acclaimed annual Awares international online autism conference Adam brings a unique global perspective to both parents and professionals. His research and resources on ASD are a wellspring of information for anyone involved with 2e children and their families.     Adam Feinstein is the editor of two autism-related websites, AutismConnect (www.autismconnect.org.uk) and Awares (www.awares.org), both run by Autism Cymru, Wales’s national charity for autism. He also runs the acclaimed annual Awares international online autism conference. He writes extensively on autism for a range of publications, including The Guardian, broadcasts for the BBC, and gives talks at conferences around the world. He is the founder and editor of Looking Up, the monthly international autism newsletter (www.lookingupautism.org), and has contributed to the UK Medical Research Council’s Autism Review. He has a son with autism.

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Look who's here!!!! Daniel H. Pink is the author of four provocative bestselling books about the changing world of work. He uses 50 years of behavioral science to overturn the conventional wisdom about human motivation and offer a more effective path to high performance. Daniel is one of the most renowned motivational speakers of our time. He worked with Vice President Al Gore in the capacity of chief speechwriter from 1995–97, and before that as an aide to Secretary of Labor Robert Reich. TED featured his presentation - he is incredible - take a look> http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rrkrvAUbU9Y#at=813

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What if everything you were ever told about dieting was WRONG!  What if some extra body fat was actually good for you? Why eating less and exercising more may not work? Learn how to find foods you like that will keep you satisfied and never feel hungry.    Dr Barry Sears creator of The Zone Diet is a leading authority on the dietary control of hormonal response.  Weight gain is a big problem for the special needs community both for children and for parents.  Join us as we discuss Toxic Fat -Stress, cortisol, hormones and weight gain- Medication Weight Gain for our children - the impotance of Omega Oils and Antioxidants and MOTIVATION to make the healthy lifestyle change.

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This week we are talking with Jennifer Cook O’ Toole, author, parent and educator of “Asperkids”. Join us as she shares insightful practical advice to help kids with Asperger’s syndrome navigate the hidden snares of social interactions. Jennifer’s unique insider advantage helps parents and professionals understand and teach children with Asperger’s syndrome and related social emotional difficulties. Jennifer Cook O’ Toole was diagnosed as an Aspie in adulthood, is the mother of three Asperkids, and the wife of an Aspie, an award-winning Special Educator and two-time author of brand-new books for and about Asperkids (Asperkids: An Insider’s Guide to Loving, Understanding and Teaching Children with Asperger Syndrome, and upcoming The Asperkids’ (Secret) Book of Social Rules: A Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Guidelines for Teens and Tween

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The Judicial Event - Here Come The Judges! 9:00 pm est "Judge Alex Ferrer and Judge Glenda Hatchett" Judge Alex Ferrer host of "Judge Alex" took on the bullies with his Anti-Bullying Campaign and joins us to discuss the importance of adult actions in protecting our children and how your child's behavior may lead them down a path of destruction. Hear what you, the parent, need to know to keep your teen out of his courtroom. 9:30 Judge Glenda Hatchett Host of Court TV Show "Judge Hatchett" joins me to inspire us to "Dare to Take Charge" How to Live Your Life On Purpsose a fantastic book about overcoming adversity and making the changes we all need to succeed and find happiness. Also to be discussed, her no nonsense approach to parenting "Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say" Two terrific advocates for todays children and teens.

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This week we continue our conversation on ASD and DSM-5 with leading autism expert and bestselling author Dr. Fred Volkmar director of The Yale Child Development Center. Dr. Volkmar will address the overall rate of autism (1-88) and the percentage that is made up of the Asperger’s/high functioning population. He will also explain the likely effects that the proposed changes to the autism category in DSM-5 will have on this group. Dr. Volkmar’s views about the impact of the new criteria on the high-functioning population continue to generate much controversy and conversation in the field of autism. Dr  Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., a renowned expert on autism and other childhood mental disorders, is professor of child psychiatry, pediatrics and psychology at Yale University, in New Haven, Conn., where he also directs Yale’s Child Study Center. He is chief of child psychiatry at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  Dr. Volkmar has a long standing interest in the assessment and classification of autism and related disorders. He was the coordinator of the International Field Trial for autism and related disorders and is the primary author of the DSM-IV autism and pervasive developmental disorders section. He is the author of several hundred scientific papers and chapters as well as a number of books including A Practical Guide to Autism: What Every Parent, Family Member, and Teacher Needs to Know, Asperger's Syndrome, Health Care for Children on the Autism Spectrum,  and the Handbook of Autism. He has served as associate editor of the Journal of Autism, The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and the American Journal of Psychiatry and currently is the editor of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

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The publication of DSM5 will no doubt bring changes that will affect twice-exceptional children, especially those with Aspergers Disorder.  Drs. Lorna Wing and Judith Gould, world renowned experts and pioneers of the autism spectrum discuss the upcoming changes in the DSM.   Dr. Lorna Wing, Although officially retired  continues to act as Consultant to the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism. She has 40 years of experience in the field of autism and learning disabilities through her work with the Medical Research Council Social Psychiatry Unit, London. Her published work on the subject of autism has challenged and changed the thinking in the field. In the early days she questioned that Kanner's autism was a single separate entity and through her research work with Judith Gould led to the now accepted concept of a spectrum of autism. It was Dr Wing who, in 1981, coined the term "Asperger syndrome" Her book The Autistic Spectrum, for parents and professionals, has been translated into many languages and it remains a valuable source of information and advice. As a founder member of The National Autistic Society she continues to support the work of the charity Dr. Judith Gould is Director of the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism. She is a Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist with nearly 40 years' experience, specialising in autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. She has published widely in the field of autism spectrum disorders and her research work with Lorna Wing led to the now-accepted concept of a spectrum of autistic conditions. In addition to the diagnostic training at the Centre, Dr Gould is involved in training in autism spectrum disorders and related conditions both within the UK and overseas. Her current interest is autism in girls and women and also the reclassification of autism spectrum disorders

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Children with X & Y Variations are often diagnosed before birth and are known to have an increased incidence of both Developmental Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. Therefore, infants with X & Y Variations provide a unique opportunity for observing the very early manifestations and the natural evolution of Developmental Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. By monitoring and helping guide the care of these infants, Dr. Samango-Sprouse has been able to both study and assist in the early treatment of Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. Her experience, knowledge, unique education and insight is invaluable to The Focus Foundation, as is her recognition of the integration between a child's mind and learning style, and the importance of movement and motor skills as a framework of all of learning.

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As parents, the two of us (Diane and Rebecca) sought answers as to why our own children were trapped by an alphabet soup of labels despite their obvious abilities. While we researched and wrote Bright Not Broken, we realized that we were asking questions no other book has addressed:  Why does the DSM system lead to an alphabet soup of labels? Could it be that our system is fundamentally flawed or incapable of meeting the needs of practicing clinicians and parents?  If not clinicians and caregivers, whom does the DSM system serve?Join us for the second in a two-part series on the DSM.  Featuring Drs. William Sheehan and Stephen Thurber, Part 2 explores some of the challenges the DSM presents for practicing clinicians and parents/caregivers, and addresses some of the questions we raise in our book including, questioning the Validity of the ADHD Diagnosis.GUEST BIO’S: Dr. William Sheehan and Dr. Steven Thurber

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The MetLife Center for Special Needs PlanningSM helps you to take steps to provide lifetime quality care that your dependent with special needs requires. Planning for the future of an individual with special needs requires in-depth knowledge of the federal laws as they pertain to government benefit eligibility and legal documents such as special needs trusts and guardianships. There are important financial considerations as well for providing not just lifetime care, but quality of life. In planning for the future of your dependent, remember that you are the primary expert, but you may also need to turn to a number of other experts for assistance on such things as special needs estate planning. Though many of these issues can seem overwhelming, it is important you take the time with those experts today to provide for your loved one’s tomorrow.

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Join Rebecca Banks and Diane Kennedy as they discuss how the upcoming changes to the DSM will dramatically affect Twice Exceptional Children and Teens with Autism and ADHD.   Somewhere in your journey with your own child, you have no doubt encountered the DSM and it awesome power to dictate the diagnoses, medications, therapies, and educational services your child receives.  Parents of twice-exceptional children are in a highly vulnerable position, balancing extraordinary concern for their children with the necessity of placing their trust in the DSM and the professionals who use it.  But how much do parents really understand this powerful system? Join us for the first in a two-part series on the DSM—the system that impacts every professional and parent caring for a twice-exceptional child. Part 1 offers a “layman’s guide” to the DSM system. In this show, we offer an easy to understand overview of the evolution, design, and criteria for the DSM system, setting the stage to examine the controversies and challenges this system poses for professionals and parents.

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Dr Lucy Miller founder Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, author of groundbreaking "Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder" and developer of nationally standardized the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP) to assess preschool children with developmental disorders including Sensory Processing Disorder. Carol Kranowitz author of the best selling book "The Out Of Sync Child" and "Growing an Insync child" along with Hartley Steiner author of Gabrielle Making Sense of School join Marianne Russo to discuss recent misrepresentations of Sensory Processing disorder.

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Dr Temple Grandin - Author, Advocate, One of Time Magazines Most Infuential People Of The Year - Emmy Award Winning HBO Movie "Thinking In Pictures" surprised me with a phone call and we took it to the airwaves. This is Temple Grandin's third appearance on the show. "The principal emotion experienced by autistic people is fear"~ TG Join Temple Grandin and Marianne as they discuss Fear and the Autistic child followed

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Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks   Giftedness, 2e and Overexcitabilities This week Dr. Linda Silverman joins us to explore giftedness. Dr. Silverman, gifted expert and founder of The Gifted Development Center in Colorado, understands the complexity and challenges of giftedness as few, perhaps, do. Join us as she shares her insights about the intellectual, developmental, emotional characteristics, and overexcitabilities of gifted children and adults.  Linda Kreger Silverman , Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist. She directs the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development, and its subsidiary, the Gifted Development Center, in Denver, Colorado. She has authored a number of books including, Upside-Down Brilliance: The Visual-Spatial Learner, and soon to be released Giftedness 101. (in press) Dr. Silverman founded the only journal on adult giftedness, Advanced Development. Currently, she is conducting research on profoundly gifted children, the visual-spatial learner, and comparative assessment of the gifted on different instruments.

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Dr Ross Greene returns as our guest. His first book "The Explosive Child" is considered the bible to parents with explosive and behaviorally challenged children. His second book "Lost At School" uses his unique model of care, Collaborative Problem Solving, to teach parents, educators and the child or teen themselves how to resolve issues and succeed. Absolutely, hands down the best book and program I have ever seen for dealing with explosive children.

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Dr Allen Frances Chair of the DSM-IV Task Force returns to discuss the confusion and concerns over the soon to be released DSMV.  How will the changes impact your child?  What do the changes mean for your childs accommodations?  Why are so many additions and revisions causing so much controversy?   The DSM is one of the most powerful manuals of our time.  The criteria within determines not only the diagnosis and labels but the treatments and funding for our children.   Join the man who has been outspoken and steadfast in his beliefs about the state of the DSM and how it will impact our lives.

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Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized authority on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. The apples don't fall far from the trees - join us to discuss adult and child ADHD.  Untreated ADHD in a child continues into adulthood with struggles in relationships, careers and every aspect of life.  Executive functioning skills are key, learn tips and acquire tools to overcome deficits. Join us with the most respected expert in the world along with special co-host Laura Rolands the ADHD Coach to discuss this common and treatable disorder.

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Meet the hosts Diane M. Kennedy and Rebecca S. Banks, the authors of Bright Not Broken,with contributor, Temple Grandin, have a combination of personal and professional experience with learning and developmental disabilities. Kennedy and Banks hosts of Bright Not Broken are mothers, as well as professionals who previously collaborated on the bookThe ADHD Autism Connection, and each has multiple children who are twice exceptional.  “Twice exceptional” “a relatively recent term that refers to children who have dual ‘exceptionalities’—that is, exceptional gifts (creative, academic, intellectual, or physical abilities) along with a learning or developmental disability.” ‘Who They Are,’ ‘Why They’re Stuck,’ and finally, ‘How to Help Them.’

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JBRF investigators are currently conducting studies in the fields of phenomenology (diagnosis), neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing, and molecular genetics. Through their novel Web site, and the screening instruments JBRF researchers have developed, they have been able to collect information on thousands of children with the disorder. This is the largest data base in the world, and it has allowed them to develop a fine-grained view of the illness.  A novel phenotype, cutting edge research and the passion and dedication of Dr Papolos and his team have given children with bipolar disorder and their families hope and promise. Join Dr Papolos and Inger Sjogren, executive director on their third appearance with updates and an exciting announcement.

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Join us as we talk about twice-exceptional children with Drs. James Webb and Edward Amend, psychologists and experts on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth. James T. Webb, Ph.D., has been recognized as one of the 25 most influential psychologists nationally on gifted education. In 1981, Dr. Webb established SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted Children, Inc.), a national nonprofit organization that provides information, training, conferences and workshops, and he remains as Chair of SENG’s Professional Advisory Committee.   Edward R. Amend, Psy.D. , is a Clinical Psychologist at Amend Psychological Services, focuses on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth and their families. Dr. Amend has served on the Board of Directors of SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted) for five years. Drs. Webb and Amend co-authored Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger’s Depression and Other Disorders  which addresses many of the issues gifted children, adults and their families face.

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Steven Kurtz, PhD, ABPP, is one of the nation’s leading clinicians in the treatment of children’s behavioral problems and disorders, particularly attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the social anxiety disorder selective mutism (SM). He is a widely respected clinical researcher and child psychologist, one of fifteen master trainers in parent-child interaction therapy endorsed by PCIT International, and a dedicated advocate for children with special needs.

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Senior Director, Anxiety & Mood Disorders Center; Director, Intensive Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Program CHILD MIND INSTITUTE

Jerome Bubrick, PhD, is a nationally renowned cognitive and behavioral psychologist who specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He is widely recognized for developing one of the world’s most intensive pediatric programs for OCD, and over the past decade he has been a pioneer in the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment of children and teens with OCD and related anxiety disorders. A dedicated advocate for children and their families, Dr. Bubrick is a significant public voice educating parents and teachers about the fear at the roots of anxiety—and how it’s effectively treated.

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We are honored to have Dr Grandin return for her fifth appearance on The Coffee Klatch.  "Different Not Less " the phrase made famous by Dr Grandin's mother Eustacia Cutler in the HBO biopic Thinking In Pictures the story of Temple Grandins life, is the title of her latest book.  Inspiring stories of achievement and successful employment from adults with Autism, Aspergers and ADHD is one of the most empowering books I have had the pleasure to read.  In this latest release Dr Grandin shares stories of adversity and triumph from those with autism spectrum disorders.  Heart wrenching and overwhelmingly inspirational stories that give hope and validation for those who have fought for their success and independence will give hope to millions.  The always informative, gracious and quite funny Dr Grandin is a national treasure.  She just keeps getting better and better!

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The New York Times story Autism Wars has a lot of people talking - Wednesday a very special event - Thinking Persons Guide To Autism editors take the mic discussing cross-disability solidarity. The NYT story featured two of the guests/editors and they join us tonight. 

Guests: 

Shannon Rosa Jennifer Myers Carol Greenburg Emily Willingham  Kassiane Sibley  Christa Dahlstrom Considered among the most respected and admired autism advocates in the country, these women bring incredible knowledge in all areas of autism parenting, advocacy, techonology and community awareness.

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Dana Commandatore is the mother of an autistic boy hoping for a better quality of life for autistic people and their families.  Through her creation of Rethinking Autism with her husband and actor Michael Broderick, she has started the converstation of acceptance that brings awareness. 

Changing The Coversation One Video At A Time!

Join Dana as she hosts this very special interview with her husband, actor Michael Broderick discussing his involvement in Rethinking Autism videos and advice for father's of newly diagnosed children.  Through their powerful videos, Dana and Michael are not only changing the conversation but changing the world's view of Autism

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Alex Plank is a busy young man. Creating one of the most subscribed to and successful web sites for those with Asperger's and Autism isn't enough for him. In addition to creating and running WrongPlanet.net, Alex has a very active speakiing schedule.  But the thing that has Alex's passion right now is his current work - a film documentary. Alex, and his co-producer, Noah Trevino, will be with us on Monday, April 16 at 9PM EDT to discuss their important work documenting the terrible state of Autism in France.

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Listen to Wendy Fournier, President of the National Autism Association.  The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential. With greater autism numbers comes greater need for services. Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover autism services. NAA’s Helping Hand Program was developed as a financial aid tool for families that need it most. The program helps qualified families pay for medical and therapy services used to treat adults and children diagnosed with autism. Wandering, elopement, safety education for parents and teachers is paramount to the organizaion.   Protecting from abuse of Restraint and Seclusion will also be discussed.

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Autism Movement Therapy is focused on serving the autism community by supporting autism research and through cognitive re-mapping, Joanne Lara's successful Autism Movement Therapy® is an interhemispheric SENSORY INTEGRATION technique incorporating movement and music in collaboration with Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in meeting and achieving their speech and language, social and academic IEP goals.  

"Programs like Joanne's Autism Movement Therapy offer opportunities for our kids to develop the necessary and fundamental skills that benefit all our kids.  Art saved my life!"

  • Temple Grandin, PhD

Joanne Lara seamlessly combines artistry with science as she takes the viewer through easy to understand, easy to implement movement exercises and activities for children with special needs. I highly recommend her aut-erobics DVD to any one who works with children on the autism spectrum."

- Elaine Hall, Founder of The Miracle Project (Autism: The Musical), Author: Now I See the Moon: a mother, a son, a miracle

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Autisable's Mission is to be of service to the Autism Community by providing an open platform where anything Autism Related can be shared and discussed. Autisable is an online community second to none that connects people who want to tackle the puzzle of Autism.  They encourage discussion surrounding all aspects of Autism/Aspergers, and associated issues surrounding those with Special Needs.   The Autisable goal is to create a community of individuals with various viewpoints surrounding the controversies of Autism, and to give back to the Autism community through donations to organizations that help the Autism Community. As the Autisable community grows, so will their ability to donate to these organizations.   The best of the best!

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How Down Syndrome Changed Our Lives…For The Better Meet Rick Smith a dad who is sharing his story and journey raising a chidl with Down Syndrome.  His writings "Noahs Dad" take us through the personal experiences felt by parents given these amazing children.  Inspirational and informative - Noahs Dad gives the world a glimpse into the unexpected. Guest host tonight is Wayne Lindholm.   He is the president of the Down Syndrome Foundation and has also taken the journey of raising a child with Down Syndrome and now offers support for parents and life changing experiences for the children through his amazing foundation  Two men, one starting a life with Down Syndrome and one who is well travelled discuss the adversities and joys of  raising a special needs child from the fathers perspective.

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Dr Samango Sprouse Director of The Focus Foundation honors us with another appearance on The Coffee Klatch. The Focus Foundation is about hope and empowerment to bring those with dyslexic differences to their full potential  The Focus Foundation will be holding its second annual Atypical Learner Conference, April 13 - 15 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis, MD. The conference focuses on common causes and explanations for dyslexia, ADHD, speech delay, school failure and behavioral problems that are treatable. The conference is designed for all parents and caregivers of bright children who might be failing in school, but all are welcome to join us! To learn more about the conference go to The Focus Foundation Website http://www.thefocusfoundation.org/ We will also be holding our ninth 49, XXXXY conference July 18-20 in Annapolis, MD... more information to come! . Click here to read more about the foundation's current activities.

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Becoming a mompreneur with a home business. Finding the perks in marketing and finding great products.    Meet the founder of an incredible online community of mothers.

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Dr. B. Duncan McKinlay is a registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, practicing with children and adolescents in the areas of clinical and school psychology.   Dr. McKinlay was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at age 19 - he knew that he had a "secret" by age 7. He is a past director of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada (TSFC), has received numerous awards from this organization for his professional work and his personal example, and sits on the Professional Advisory Boards for various Tourette organizations. The author of Nix Your Tics and creator of Life's a Twitch the incredible documentary giving a rare glimpse into the world of Tourette Syndrome.  Check out his website at http://alturl.com/qyrry

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Monika Woolsey wears many hats.  As Founder and president of After The Diet (tm) she helps people overcome eating issues to live healther lives.   As founder of Incyst she brings the best information and support for somen suffering with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.  PCOS among its many other symptoms has a very high rate of anxiety and depression.  Learn how to identify, diagnosis and treat PCOS in your teen

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In his forthright and inspirational book, When Jonathan Cried For Me  by Carter Lee tells a tremendous story of struggle and redemption. After a childhood filled with sexual abuse at the hands of a pedophile, paired with violence and  intimidation at school, Carter Lee was destined to become a monster. Against all odds, he took control of his destiny and turned his life around. The foundation of this  metamorphosis was the attainment of True-Inner-Peace, through the cultivation of True Self-Esteem and Total Self-Confidence. This book provides a road map for others to  attain happiness in their lives through the attainment of True-Inner-Peace.   Carter is blatantly honest about his inner demons and wears his heart on his sleeve. More than just a motivational, inspiring, educating, or entertaining read, this book transcends any one genre by coalescing strengths of each form into a powerful teaching tool. He is witty, unconventional, and has a knack for describing highly technical mental processes in layman’s terms. Sometimes controversially, but always with honesty, Carter  delivers what so many of us need: a real way to facilitate internal change.

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The New York Times piece "Ritalin Gone Wrong" has caused a frenzy of media attention and strong opinions on both sides.  Many parents and clinicians were outraged by the tone of poor parenting as the root cause of many childrens behaviors in the article.  Are we going back to the days of "Refrigerator Moms" ?  Is poor parenting the cause of neurobiological disorders?  Are stimulants overused and being abused?  What is the science behind short and long term use of stimulants to treat ADHD? Perpetuating the stigma and quality of life issues will be discussed.  Tonight Dr Charles Parker author of ADHD Medication Rules joins Marianne to discuss the article, the research discussed within it and the debate that has brought out some of the most renowned ADHD experts in the world.   Has Ritalin gone wrong?

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Angela Eaton is a brilliant photographer, blogger and mother of two incredible children. The mother of a twice exceptional daughter with a unique thinking style has brought her to a place of understanding and amazement of her child Meredith's abilities. When Angie discovered Meredith's filing system of pictures, she went to Facebook to tap into a friends and other parents to see if anyone knew about this or had similar systems.  What came back was extraordinary - Synesthesia Synesthesia is seeing colors when you hear music, seeing letters and numbers as colors, or getting a particular taste in your mouth when you hear a particular name.  The synesthestic experience is involuntary and automatic and doesn't seem to change over time it is an amazing ability to see what others do not.    Be inspired by this incredible story of a mother's love and a child's gift.

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Stress Free Kids® founder Lori Lite has created a line of books and CDs designed to help children, teens and adults reduce stress, anxiety & anger. As a parent, bedtime meant two stressed filled hours trying to get our young son to sleep. Our daughter developed stress related night terrors and Lori herself became sick from anxiety. In an effort to help our own family, Lori created stories that would entertain our children while introducing research-based relaxation and stress management techniques. Their books and CDs will teach you and your children how to manage stress by using the proven techniques of deep breathing, progressive muscular relaxation, visualizations, and affirmations/positive statements. This unique storytelling format has been embraced by psychologists, doctors, child life care specialists, yoga instructors, teachers, counselors, parents, and most importantly… children. Their relaxation music CDs and bedtime stories give you a variety of tools to make bedtime and stress management easy, available, and fun.

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He's Back..... Dr. Easterly is the founder and the Clinical Director of Life Source, Inc. counseling center. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist  with decades of counseling experience as a minister and psychotherapist. His master's degree included course work in psychological care and his doctoral dissertation was in marriage and family counseling. Dr. Easterly uses a cognitive behavioral approach in counseling with individuals, couples, and families. He is a business leadership consultant with post doctoral training in forensic psychology and is a Board Certified Sex Therapist.

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Dr Allen Frances Chair of the DSM-IV Task Force returns to discuss the confusion and concerns over the soon to be released DSMV.  How will the changes impact your child?  What do the changes mean for your childs accommodations?  Why are so many additions and revisions causing so much controversy?   The DSM is one of the most powerful manuals of our time.  The criteria within determines not only the diagnosis and labels but the treatments and funding for our children.   Join the man who has been outspoken and steadfast in his beliefs about the state of the DSM and how it will impact our lives.

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Join guests Dr Temple Grandin, Rebecca Banks and Diane Kennedy authors of  "Bright Not Broken - Gifted Kids ADHD and Autism" as they discuss the upcoming changes to the DSMV and how it could affect children and adults on the spectrum.

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Wendy Young and Kidlutions helps families findi help with problems that children, kids, students and parents have with behavior attitudes anger anxiety depression grief divorce moving relocation.  Kidlutions offers the products and the support parents need to deal with challenging behaviors

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Dr. Tippy and Floortime™ creator Dr Stanley Greenspan collaborated on Respecting Autism. In 2005, Dr. Greenspan became a consultant to The Rebecca School and his work with students is featured throughout the book. The school institutionalizes Dr. Greenspan’s “Floortime™” methods of teaching and its educators work to extend students’ circles of communication using the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR®) model also pioneered by Dr. Greenspan. Autism Spectrum Disorders are not issues of memory or of extinguishable behaviors, but rather difficulties with relating and communicating. Throughout Respecting Autism everyday real life students and their families generously open up their homes and personal histories to Dr. Tippy who then conveys to readers these student’s triumphs and frustrations, joys and fears as each child in her or his own way strives to experience the freedom of the world of abstraction.   Respecting Autism introduces readers to sixteen students and their personal stories presented as case studies. In each of these very different studies, Dr. Tippy takes a thorough and thoughtful approach to introducing readers to these individuals; he first establishes their family’s story and educational background, then provides specifics regarding the students’ work as well as behavior at school. Each case study concludes with Dr. Greenspan’s diagnosis, reflections, and plan regarding how best to proceed to bring the student fully into the circle of communication.

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The MetLife Center for Special Needs PlanningSM helps you to take steps to provide lifetime quality care that your dependent with special needs requires. Planning for the future of an individual with special needs requires in-depth knowledge of the federal laws as they pertain to government benefit eligibility and legal documents such as special needs trusts and guardianships. There are important financial considerations as well for providing not just lifetime care, but quality of life.   In planning for the future of your dependent, remember that you are the primary expert, but you may also need to turn to a number of other experts for assistance on such things as special needs estate planning. Though many of these issues can seem overwhelming, it is important you take the time with those experts today to provide for your loved one’s tomorrow.    The same holds true for issues of medical insurance authorizations for specialized services and products such as physical therapy and medical equipment. It is also true when it comes to knowledge of the special education laws which most often require you to become an active advocate and participant in your child's education plan.   She is the mother of four children, and jumped at the chance to work with the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning since one of her children has special needs.  Kelly is an active advocate for dependents with special needs, and serves as a resource for families with special needs dependents.   Discussion on study by MetLife - Torn Security Blanket

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Jen Hancock – Are we making life harder on ourselves than we need to? The Humanist Approach to Happiness Lead a happier more productive live

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Apostrophe - a quarterly magazine taking the Can't - Shouldn't and Don't out of developmental disabilities. An outstanding publication and an honor to share with our special needs families

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Physician, Clinical Neuroscientist, Writer – Advancing Mind Science  In the last 10 years incredible neuroscience evidence about the communication networks between the brain, the endocrine system and the immune system encourage a complete rethinking of the many psychiatric platitudes and inadequate labels used currently for patient care.  It’s time to add improved laboratory data to the core of psychiatric practice.

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Autism & Natural Mothering Advocate, Reiki Master, Blogger, Author of The Mother Consciousness, Founder of Exceptional Beyond Labels  Susan is  the mother of two fantastic, expressive, healthy daughters. As she spent the past few years orchestrating my daughter’s treatment plan for reversing autism, she collected beneficial data along the way. Many know her as Alterna Mom - natural mothering for the autistic child

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Bright Not Broken: Gifted Kids, ADHD, and Autism   The future of our society depends on our gifted children--the population in which we'll find our next Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, or Virginia Woolf.  Yet the gifts and talents of some of our most brilliant kids may never be recognized because these children fall into a group known as twice exceptional, or "2e." Twice exceptional kids are both gifted and diagnosed with a disability--often ADHD or an Autism Spectrum Disorder--leading teachers and parents to overlook the child's talents and focus solely on his weaknesses. Too often, these children get lost in an endless cycle of chasing diagnostic labels and are never given the tools to fully realize their own potential.   Bright Not Broken sheds new light on this vibrant population by identifying who twice exceptional children are and taking an unflinching look at why they're stuck.  The first work to boldly examine the widespread misdiagnosis and controversies that arise from our current diagnostic system, it serves as a wake-up call for parents and professionals to question why our mental health and education systems are failing our brightest children. Finally, the authors show what we can do to help 2e children, providing a whole child model for parents and educators to strengthen and develop a child's innate gifts while also intervening to support the deficits.  Drawing on painstaking research and personal experience, Bright Not Broken offers groundbreaking insight and practical strategies to those seeking to help 2e kids achieve their full potential. Join Dr Grandin on her fourth appearance on our show with coauthors , Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks

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Louise Sattler is a nationally recognized guest speaker who melds her life as a psychologist with her passion for sign language.  Known for her infusion of humor in to her live presentations and media engagements- she can make learning fun!   She is a School Psychologist, an Expert Contributor to the JustAsk! Forum on Education.com and a founding member of

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The Penn State Sex Abuse Crisis has horrified us as parents and as human beings.  The thought of someone being able to use their power to abuse children is incomprehensible.  Sometimes parents wait until it is s too late to discuss these types of situations and scenereos with their children.  I am not speaking of  the parents of the victims in this case, I am speaking in general terms.  My heart goes out to these families. We are offering this special broadcast  because we sincerely feel this horrific turn of events gives parents a golden opportunity to speak to their children, calm frightened children and speak in very clear terms as to what they are to do if they are ever in this situation or know of someone who is. Joining us to discuss the psychological impact of  children being exposed to the sexual abuse scandal in the media and why and how parents should have this important conversation is Dr Jerry Weichman.  Dr. Jerry Weichman is a licensed psychologist, an adolescent specialist, author, speaker and parenting expert. Housed in the prestigious Hoag Neurosciences Institute in Newport Beach

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Bruce's first book takes the best of his A Dad's Point-of-View columns and other writings, plus brand new material, and puts it all together in a terrific examination of how to be the best parent you can be. He also discusses many of the other family-related issues that he regularly covers, such as second marriages, teens, gender issues, and faith.  Bruce is a columnist writing on parenting issues from the dad’s point-of-view, though often the situations are gender-neutral. It is his contention that the dad’s point-of-view is less “heard” yet equally valuable to parents. Written with wit and humor, Bruce shares the world of single parenting, being a male primary caregiver and creating a blended family. Formerly a television producer working with such actors as Ingrid Bergman, Ron Howard, Mickey Rourke (THAT is a story), Don Johnson (another even better story), Ben Affleck, Hal Holbrook, Barbara Hershey, Sissy Spacek, Henry Winkler, Alan Arkin, and Brian Dennehey. Join Bruce and host Chuck Walley as they discuss “The Dad’s Point of View”

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Got marriage issues, Got Ex co-parenting problems , Got relationship communication discord with your child or teen..... We got Dr Orville Easterly. Dr. Easterly is the founder and the Clinical Director of Life Source, Inc. counseling center. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with decades of counseling experience as a minister and psychotherapist. His master’s degree included course work in psychological care and his doctoral dissertation was in marriage and family counseling. Dr. Easterly uses a cognitive behavioral method in counseling with individuals, couples, and families. He is a business leadership consultant with post doctoral training in forensic psychology and is a Board Certified Sex Therapist. Whether you are having marital difficulties, co-parenting issues or struggles with parent/child relationships, Dr Easterly is here to answer your questions and discuss the value of marital and family therapy.

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Often, our learning tools are putting a roof on a weak foundation. The acquisition of reading, writing, math and other academic skills is dependent upon a normally-developed nervous system.  Communication between the two hemispheres and integration of sensory input from the eyes, ears and motor systems must be intact to accomplish the goals of educational intervention.  However, efficient processing doesn’t occur in an immature nervous system.  Through appropriate auditory, visual and vestibular stimulation, we are able to help the nervous system develop.  The brain’s ability to increase neuronal activity in response to stimulationis known as “neuroplasticity.”  iLs sessions provide repeated, gentle stimulation which influence brain function. The improvements in brain function  are based on the premise that our higher brain functions – the “cortical functions” such as language, cognitive skills, socialization – rely and depend upon how well sensory input is received and processed as it enters the central nervous system and is relayed to the upper brain.  iLs improves processing at both the sub-cortical and cortical levels. iLs has a global effect on the brain and central nervous system, influencing the following systems: balance, visual, auditory, motor, coordination,  behavior and emotional regulation.  As a result, it is successfully implemented for a wide variety of conditions: Learning difficulties such as reading, spelling, math, auditory processing and attention Sensory processing and integration Stress, sleep, emotional regulation and mood problems Those with autism and neuro-developmental difficulties

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Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized authority on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. The apples don't fall far from the trees - join us to discuss adult and child ADHD.  Untreated ADHD in a child continues into adulthood with struggles in relationships, careers and every aspect of life.  Executive functioning skills are key, learn tips and acquire tools to overcome deficits. Join us with the most respected expert in the world along with special co-host Laura Rolands the ADHD Coach to discuss this common and treatable disorder.  One of the most informative and insightful interviews we have ever done.   We are offering this show again to spotlight ADHD Awareness week.

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Dr. Warren is the Director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD). Here his unique perspective of the research, treatment and education of children on the spectrum.

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Why are millions of children labeled Dyslexic, ADD/ ADHD analyzed by psychologists and counselors without being examined properly for the undetected vision problems that are most likely the cause of their difficulties. Dr Bonde Optomitrist was in his practice for over 40 yrs, served as Secretary of the Idaho board of examiners was appointed by then Governor Cecil Andrus to a committee on “Vision and it’s relationship to academic achievement” His completed book was written in the hopes of saving thousands of children with untapped potential from misdiagnosis of ADD and ADHD.

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Shannon Des Roches Rosa Squidilicious and Gary James - Apps For Children With Special Needs join us to bring us the latest and best apps for kids with special needs. - Ipad and app giveaway special event

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Big Daddy brings his unique view of fatherhood, and the world at large, to life on this frequently updated and hilarious blog. His tales and cartoons from the lighter side of raising a child with autism always spark laughter and plenty of comments. By telling funny and off-beat stories from his life, Big Daddy shows that raising a kid with special needs is not all doom and gloom. To the contrary, it can be quite humorous and inspirational. Hosted by Chuck Walley

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Chantal Sicile-Kira http://www.chantalsicile-kira.com/ - My mission is to empower parents and educators with the knowledge they need about autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including Asperger's Syndrome (AS). I am known for my practical advice and autism parenting tips on raising teenagers and children, as well as teaching the life skills all children with autism and adolescents on the autism spectrum need to learn.

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Do you have an anxious child? Meet Dr Russ to discuss the causes and presentations of child anxiety and his program to help. Turnaround: Turning Fear Into Freedom is a professionally developed audio treatment program that teaches your child how to stop anxious thoughts, calm uncomfortable feelings, and use the most effective strategies to overcome anxiety. Your child will listen to an adventure story designed to capture their attention and teach them how to break free from their fear. In the Turnaround audio adventure, your child joins six other anxious children, two "docs", a mentor teen, and a cast of animated characters- all designed to capture your child's attention and imagination. Your child will psychologically bond with the group, which is tremendously effective in addressing their anxiety. Anxious kids tell us how much they love the characters, the entertaining stories, and how hearing from other kids helps not feel so alone.   So whether your child is shy or anxious or is grieving a loss of a loved one or pet learn how to help your child overcome anxiety and teach themselves how to calm

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Author of award winning blog The Mindstorm: Raising a Mentally Ill Child Chrisa Hickey is one of the most outstanding advocates for children and teens with mental illness.

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Annie Fox returns just in time to help you prepare your tween or teen emotionally for the new school year.  Whether your teen is moving up to middle or high school or just returning to their old stomping ground, Annie is here to give parents advice on transitioning and cutting down on the drama and anxiety many teens face.

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Dr Cheryl Arutt Clinical and Forensic Psycologist - Dr Arutt has worked extensively with victims of violent crime and sexual abuse, helping people cope with the aftermath of incidents that happened recently or long ago. Her use of EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a powerful evidence-based brief therapy that effectively decreases or eliminates the symptoms of post-traumatic stress for adults and children will be discussed.  Post traumatic syndrome is not just for adults find out how we can help children affected by trauma.

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Are you facing the problem of parenting a child with eating challenges? While The Eating Game was initially developed to address the nutritional challenges faced by many children with Autism, it is also being used by many others who need support to make healthy food choices: picky eaters, those on selective or restricted diets, adults in group homes or assisted living situations who are striving to be more independent, those with communication challenges who benefit from visual supports, families wanting to develop healthy diets, schools/preschools teaching about good nutrition and those with compulsive eating disorders obsessed with eating. Giveaway of The Eating Game to first caller. Are you wanting to experience the positive results thousands of other parents have had with the Gluten Free Caisen Free diet for your child with autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder or other related disorder? You've probably heard success stories from other parents and the improvements they've seen with their child. But does the idea of getting started just seems overwhelming?!!  Join Lori to hear about her 8 week seminar and call in for a change to win a seating in a giveaway.  Lori is also offering a one on one session for another lucky winner.

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The Focus Foundation was established in 2005 by Carole Samango Sprouse, EdD  A neurodevelopmentalist, Dr. Samango-Sprouse is the director of the Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Center for Young Children, located near Annapolis, Maryland, and an associate clinical professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She serves as the Executive Director and Chief Science Officer of The Focus Foundation and has extensive experience with the three disorders that are the Foundation's focus X & Y Chromosomal Variations, Developmental Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. Children with X & Y Variations are often diagnosed before birth and are known to have an increased incidence of both Developmental Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. Therefore, infants with X & Y Variations provide a unique opportunity for observing the very early manifestations and the natural evolution of Developmental Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. By monitoring and helping guide the care of these infants, Dr. Samango-Sprouse has been able to both study and assist in the early treatment of Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. Her experience, knowledge, unique education and insight is invaluable to The Focus Foundation, as is her recognition of the integration between a child's mind and learning style, and the importance of movement and motor skills as a framework of all of learning.

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Dr. Jerry Weichman, licensed psychologist, is an adolescent specialist, author, speaker and parenting expert. Housed in the prestigious Hoag Neurosciences Institute in Newport Beach, he has dedicated his career to enhancing adolescent skill development in academic, interpersonal and intrapersonal areas so that today's teens are well prepared for their adult lives. Dr. Jerry is a recognized expert on teens and teen crisis issues, and through his public speaking and private practice, provides relevant solutions to teen and parenting challenges. Suffering a right leg amputation as an infant, Dr. Jerry's formative years were particularly rife with emotional and social pitfalls. To deal with his insecurities, stress and depression, he developed a collection of survival tools, literally one tool at a time. While in college, Dr. Jerry further developed and enhanced The Tool Belt approach through extensive research while completing masters and Ph.D. programs. Today he teaches young adults what is now deemed the The Tool Belt and shares with them how it enabled him to overcome the challenges of teen life, play NCAA Division I Football, and attain a Ph.D. by the early age of 26.

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Our features children's foundation of the month. The March of Dimes help mothers have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.

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Mary O'Connor, President, Cushings Help Organization, Inc.

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Diane Kissner Director of Out Placement at the Windward School an incredible resource for children with language based learning disabilities.  Placement is everything. From finding that specialty school to returning to a mainstream educational environment, early planning and collaboration is key. Join Diane as we discuss specific educational programs for children with language based learning disabilities and hear her "To Do" list of planning for transitioning your child into and out of special needs schools.

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Dr. Lynne Kenney is one of the most accessible psychologists in the US, an expert for Dr. Oz's Sharecare.com, organized wisdom, pediatricsafety and more, you can find her advice in Parenting, Parents, and Working Mother magazines. She is dedicated to helping parents raise happy, competent, ethical children.  A mom, author, producer and educator, Lynne is bringing brain-based parenting skills to radio and television so that we can move away from time-out as a primary parenting strategy. Today we'll learn the how and why of Dr. Lynne's passion and what she brings to you.

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Dr Lucy Miller Founder and Director of The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation ... expanding knowledge, fostering awareness and promoting recognition of Sensory Processing Disorder.  Join us as we discuss the amazing work this woman has done and what she continues to do in research and programs.  Dr Miller is the author of the incredible book "Sensational Kids" and has created several assessment tools for teachers and clinicians including MAP Miller Assessment for Preschoolers.  She is considered to be one of the foremost authorities in the diagnosis and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder.

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Alexander Souri Founder & Executive Director Relief Rider International  a humanitarian childrens foundation. Riders International (RRI) is a humanitarian-based, adventure travel company that organizes horseback journeys through breathtaking areas in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. Over the last six years Relief Riders International has held ten successful Relief Rides. During this period we were able to design and develop far reaching medical and educational programs providing school supplies, goats, medical care and cataract surgeries to rural communities in Rajasthan. Our free general medical camps provided us with the medical data to design and develop programs

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On June 16, Child Protection Services  appeared at the doorstep of Derek Hoare and gave him two choices, voluntarily hand over his 9-year-old autistic daughter, Ayn or they would take her citing “safety” as the reason. Hoare is a single parent, with two other children, one who is 10 and one who is 9 and is also autistic  As Hoare refused to sign over his daughter, CPS took her from her school and, because she was “deemed unsuitable for foster care placed her in a “specialized hospital” for evaluation. Hoare, his daughter’s primary caretaker and her only parental figure since birth, has not yet been able to see or speak to her. Ayn had been playing in her backyard when she went missing. After frantically looking for her without success, her father called 911 Ayn was found two hours later playing in a neighbor’s backyard. “It seemingly was one of those storybook endings,” her dad, Derek Hoare, told LifeSiteNews.com. “She ran from the police car and threw her arms around my neck.” - Derek Hoare  This incident has created international outrage and a plea to bring Ayn home. Since this post there have been many updates as per my phone calls w Derek - Stay tuned

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NAMI The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides support for individuals with mental illness and their friends and family. It is recognized as the preeminent voice on Capitol Hill and in state houses across the country for the millions of Americans living with serious mental illness join Cindy Nelson Executive Resource Specialist and Social Media Relations of NAMI Mass 9pm est on Blog Talk Radio

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What if everything you were ever told about dieting was WRONG!  What if some extra body fat was actually good for you? Why eating less and exercising more may not work? Learn how to find foods you like that will keep you satisfied and never feel hungry.     Dr Barry Sears creator of The Zone Diet is a leading authority on the dietary control of hormonal response.  A former research scientist at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Sears has dedicated his research efforts over the past 30 years to the study of lipids. He holds 13 U.S. Patents in the areas of intravenous drug delivery systems and hormonal regulation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.   Weight gain is a big problem for the special needs community both for children and for parents.  Join us as we discuss Toxic Fat -Stress, cortisol, hormones and weight gain- Medication Weight Gain for our children - the impotance of Omega Oils and Antioxidants and MOTIVATION to make the healthy lifestyle change.

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Michael Woods – father of 3 boys with Autism and founder of Relational Crisis Prevention. Relational Crisis Prevention is a person-centered, relationship-focused crisis prevention model that: 1) is for parents of children with special needs, 2) by a parent of children with special needs, and 3) focuses on minimizing crisis behaviors while maintaining and strengthening relationships. Michael has a degree in Conflict Management and is a Crisis Prevention Instructor.

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Solome Tibebu founder of Anxiety in Teens an incredible resource for struggling teens.  When Solome Tibebu, 20, was a teenager, her anxiety was so severe that she didn’t even want to be left home alone when her mother took their dog for a walk. At the age of 15, Solome decided to start an organization to help other teenagers struggling with anxiety. It’s calledAnxietyInTeens. She was motivated to help teens avoid the feeling of hopelessness that she experienced with her own anxiety.

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Priscilla Gilman The Anti Romantic Child A Story Of Unexpected Joy With an emotionally resonant combination of memoir and literature, Wordsworth scholar Priscilla Gilman recounts the challenges of raising a son with hyperlexia, a developmental disorder neurologically counterpoint to dyslexia. Gilman explores the complexities of our hopes and expectations for our children and ourselves. Watch video http://bcove.me/ixsbq6c3

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Bad Animals Joel Yanofsky writes of a father's struggle to enter his son's world, the world of autism, using the materials he knows best: self-help books, feel-good memoirs, literary classics from the Bible to Dr. Seuss, old movies, and, yes, shtick. Funny, wrenching, and unfailingly candid, Bad Animals is both an exploration of a baffling condition and a quirky love story told by a gifted writer.

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Mike Royce Executive Producer and writer of Men Of A Certain Age and Everyone Loves Raymond is our guest.  Men Of A Certain Age is a fantastic series on TNT starring Ray Romano Scott Bakula Andre Braugher and Brian White to name of few in this outstanding cast.  This comedic drama has taken on a storyline dealing with the subject of teen anxiety and panic disorder.  It is written and portrayed so well and with such insight into parental confusion and teen avoidance that I just had to have him on. Equally intriguing is the obsessive compulsive tendencies of the father (Ray Ramano) and the effect that it has on the relationships in his life. This show is far from gloom and doom, it is one of the funniest, smartest and compelling TV Series you will find. If you have not seen this show you are missing out . It is hilarious - heart warming - contemporary and one of the best shows on television.  Who knew men of that certain age could be so cool!

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Mayor Of The West Side is an oustanding film about the complex coming of age of Mark Puddington, a teenager with multiple developmental disabilities and local celebrity in his New York City neighborhood. Filmmaker Judd Ehrlich and Margaret Puddington, Mark's mother, are our guests.  This film shows the bittersweet journey of a families struggles and triumphs dealing with a devastating disorder.  The emotions are intense and the fears of Margeret Puddington of what will happen to her adult son when she is gone will tear at the heart of every parent. This Emmy-nominated documentary is airing on PBS stations nationwide and is now available on DVD

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Save $5 off of the DVD if you buy it while the interview is going on.  Go to:  http://store.cinemalibrestore.com/lovinglamppostsdvd.html  and enter the code KLATCH at checkout.   Dana Commandatore founder of Rethinking Autism makes her debut on The Coffee Klatch with guest Todd Drezner who has recently directed his first documentary film, "Loving Lamposts - Living Autistic" This incredible film won Best Feature Documentary award at the 2011 Peace On Earth Festival. Todd  is also a writer for the Huffington Post writing about Autism in a whole new light.  Todd is the father of an autistic son and is changing the way the world looks at this baffling disorder.

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Eileen Miller  author of The Girl Who Spoke in Pictures and Behind The Pictures The stories of non verbal communication through art returns.  An amazing story of communication and emergence.  To listen to her first interview click here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thecoffeeklatch/2010/08/26/susan-inman--author-of-after-her-brain-broke-helpi

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You all know him as Buck Nation the Multi-Platinum Music Producer, he is also an Aspergerian autism educator and advocate. Michael joins us to discuss another of his most significant accomplishments, Founder and CEO of The Aid For Autistic Children Foundation created to reduce the financial burden on poverty stricken and disenfranchised families and caretakers coping with autism, through debt forgiveness, so attention and resources can be focused on creating a proper living and learning environment for their autistic loved one. Incredible man.

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Mike Domitrz Founder & Executive Director of The DATE SAFE Project Inc. joins us to discuss keeping our teens safe in a sexual world.  Mike provides real solutions to touch conversations for parents, schools and educators. How to build a relationship of open communication and the BIGGEST mistake parents make when talking to their teens about sex.

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Dr Sandy Gluckman joins us to discuss he Inflamation Connection to anxiety disorders in children and teens and how to TAKE CHARGE in advocating for your child's treatments. From Dr Gluckmans website: The degree of stress-related problems in children is reaching epidemic proportions.   Children are experiencing stress.  This is a reality.  Stress triggers conditions such as underachievment, low motivation, inattention, meltdowns, to anxiety, bullying, depression, OCD, ADHD, autism, eczema, asthma, allergies, and more.  So what do we do when this happens?We  describe these symptoms to the doctor, who then diagnoses the ‘disorder’,  gives the child a label and then treats the ‘disorder’ with medication.  The symptoms may go away or decrease but we have not identified and treated what caused the stress-related symptoms in the first place. You may be surprised to know that the child’s learning, behavior or healthy issues are most often caused by something unhealthy that is happening in the child’s body, that has remained hidden and untreated. My quest is to update and change the way that parents and teachers think about, and deal with, stress and stress-related symptoms in children by showing them how to identify, treat and remove the root cause of children’s learning, behavior and health challenges.

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"TALKING TEENAGE" Dr's Barbara R. Greenberg, & Jennifer A. Powell-Lunder You know them and love them as authors of "Teenage As A Second Language - A Parents Guide To Becoming Bilingual"

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Dr Demitri Papolos author of The Bipolar Child and Executive Director of Research at the Juvenile Bipolar  Foundation joins us again with Executive Director Inger Sjogren to discuss the latest in child bipolar research and the Fear Of Harm phenotype.  The FOH phenotype will change the way clinicians and researchers look at this complex disorder and redirect the focus on this disorder.  Dr Papolos was our guest previously and was one of our most listened to and applauded interviews.  If you missed Dr Demitri Papolos on his first interview you can listen here http://t.co/Hax3gUx

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Mayer Johnson the leading provider of symbol-based products, special education products, and special needs software for more than 25 years.joins us to tell us about the best products for your special needs child on Blog Talk Radio

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Michael Barton, Director of Development The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida an organization that serves as a source of expert opinion to the Epilepsy Foundation on matters relted to the casue, diagnosis and treatment of patients with epilepsy and related disorders"  Michael joins us to discuss the latest programs, research and support for families and announces the Chase Challenge

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Chris Vacek CIO of  Heartspring A Worldwide Center for Children With Special needs - Special Education advisor and autism parent http://www.heartspring.org/

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Sera Rivers - Raising a child with non-verbal learning disability. Writer for Psychology Today Meet this amazing - and adorable - mom who has not only become educated herself but is educating others with her beautiful writings and advocacy author of the column A Lonely Education.  Sera also writes and advocates for single parents raising special needs children.  If you have a child w nonverbal learning disabilities or if you are a single parent struggling to navigate the system listen and call in.

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Derek Amato is truly one in a billion. He is possibly the only person in the world to have acquired musical ability after a traumatic brain injury. A severe concussion left him with the ability to play piano, an instrument he had never played before. He now plays professionally and earns his living as a musician. Now, the music never stops. He sees it constantly streaming in front of his eyes in the form of black and white squares that compel him to play. Derek journeys to the Mayo Clinic to meet with one of the world's top neurologists to try and find a way to control the incessant stream of music: an incredible gift that is also his curse. Take a look at his story on Ingenius Minds http://science.discovery.com/videos/ingenious-minds-derek-amato/

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Dustin Tibbitts, President of InnerChange and Executive Director of New Haven Residential Treatment Center. Dustin's clinical expertise is in the areas of healing trauma, attachment, sexual abuse, personality disorders, eating disorders and depression. Join us as we  discuss finding the right fit for your daughter when home care is no longer an option. Whether trauma related - drug or mental illness somtimes placement is needed.  New Haven is a leader is residential treatment care

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Amalia Starr National Speaker and Autism Advocate author of "Raising Brandon" Transitioning your autistic teen into adulthood joins us to discuss the journey to giving your autistic child independence into their young adult lives.  Amalia has a special announcement she has been waiting to make on our show... tune in to find out.

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Dennise Goldberg Special Education Advisor -The IEP and Special Education Social Network creator is an incredible guest with an incredible resource for parents. Dennise joined us on our tweetchat and blew us away. Dennise has one of the most comprehensive websites and interactive forums on the web for special educational resources

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Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized authority on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. The apples don't fall far from the trees - join us to discuss adult and child ADHD.  Untreated ADHD in a child continues into adulthood with struggles in relationships, careers and every aspect of life.  Executive functioning skills are key, learn tips and acquire tools to overcome deficits. Join us with the most respected expert in the world along with special co-host Laura Rolands the ADHD Coach to discuss this common and treatable disorder.

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GIRLFRIEND - The cast and creators of an incredibly powerful poignant movie join Marianne. Jerad Anderson - Producer and member of the band 100 Monkeys - Justin Lerner- Writer/Director Evan Sneider - Actor and maybe even a surprise appearance by Jackson Rathbone - Actor (Twilight The Eclipse an member of 100 Monkeys) is stopping by as well. A truly powerful movie starring Evan Sneider, a man with Down Syndrome, on a search for love and romance, finds himself in a love triangle where his vulnerability and innocence are exposed. An incredible story of betrayal and acceptance with incredible performances also by Amanda Plummer - Shannon Woodward and Nate Krawshuck. OUTSTANDING!

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Carol Kranowitz and Joye Newman - The best of the best! We are honored to have Carol and Joye returning to discuss Sensory Issues Growing An InSync Child. Award winning authors will be here to answer all your questions.

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Spotlight on Down Syndrome Wayne Lindholm, President of the Down Syndrome Foundation and father to fabulous adult daughter with Down Syndrome.  Holly Waligora a mother who chose life for her now 18 mo daughter Brooke speaks of the challenges and triumphs and write beautifully about their new life. Join us as we speak to a mother about her prenatal experience and how having a child with Down Syndrome has changed her life and Wayne Lindholm discussing the work of his incredible foundation and how they are helping families affected by this disorder.

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Anne Barbano - From the creation of The Autism Maze To hosting The Next Fronteir Join Anne to discuss Autism through the years whats changed and whats new

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Susan Yuen MacKay author of "My Schizophrenic Life" The Road to Recovery From Mental Illness. A remarkably compelling and gripping autobiography. An incredible story of paranoia, hospitalizations, misinterpretations, hallucinations that all but destroyed her and the remarkable recovery of her sanity which brought her back to school, marriage, sucess as an artist, writer and advocate and life. Recovery happens and Sandra is here to inspire all those suffering with Schizophrenia

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Areva Martin Author of “The Everyday Advocate” Co-founder and President at Special Needs Network, Inc. - Founding and Managing Partner at Martin & Martin. National spokesperson and expert on the topic of autism, advocacy and providing culturally sensitive care to children with disabilities. Regular on air legal expert to the Dr.Phil Show, the Balancing Act and other national and local television and radio shows. Trial attorney with more than 20 years experience