Giftedness and Beyond: Navigating Neurodivergence with Dr. Matt Zakreski
Release Date: 01/22/2024
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Diane Gould
Special Ed on Special Ed
Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Diane Gould Guest Title and Bio: Diane Gould is a licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience working with neurodivergent children, adults, and their families. She founded PDA North America, an organization dedicated to supporting families and professionals navigating this unique autism profile. Diane is also the co-author of the groundbreaking book, Navigating PDA in America, which adapts international knowledge of PDA to the unique challenges...
info_outline
Navigating the Emotional Terrain: Counseling and Behavioral Strategies in Special Education with Dr. Gwen Martin
Special Ed on Special Ed
Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin Title/Organization: Licensed Professional Counselor, Founder of Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Café, LLC, and Coastal Crossroads Counseling Solutions, LLC Guest Bio: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin, also known as Dr. Gwen, is a licensed professional counselor, former special education teacher, school counselor, and college professor. She has dedicated her career to supporting children and families with high emotional and behavioral needs. Through her ventures,...
info_outline
Empowering Through Accessibility: Insights from The Blind Blogger, Maxwell Ivey
Special Ed on Special Ed
Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Maxwell Ivey Guest Title and Bio: Maxwell Ivey, also known as The Blind Blogger, is a blind entrepreneur, author, speaker, and accessibility advocate. Maxwell has built a successful career helping businesses, nonprofits, and organizations embrace accessibility—not just as a legal requirement, but as an opportunity to create a better experience for everyone. With an inspiring journey that began in a family of carnival owners, Maxwell has emerged as a respected voice...
info_outline
Reaching New Heights: The Power of Parent Advocacy in Special Education with April Rehrig
Special Ed on Special Ed
Host: Dana Jonson Guest: April Rehrig Title: Founder, Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting Bio: April Rehrig is a distinguished advocate in special education with over two decades of experience as a school psychologist, teacher, and parent within the public school setting. As the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting, April focuses on training parents to be effective advocates for their children. Her strength-based approach emphasizes collaboration, communication, and empowering families to navigate the IEP process successfully. Episode Summary In this episode, Dana...
info_outline
Empowering Autism Parenting: Transforming Challenges into Triumphs with Andrea Pollack
Special Ed on Special Ed
Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Andrea Pollack Founder, Autism Parent Solutions Andrea Pollack is a former litigator turned educator and parenting coach. After homeschooling her autistic son for eight years due to a lack of suitable educational settings, Andrea earned a master’s degree in education and founded Autism Parent Solutions. Her mission is to empower parents of autistic children with the tools and strategies needed to foster success at home, in school, and beyond. She is also the chairman of the board of...
info_outline
Academic Pressures, Eating Disorders, and Mental Wellness: A Comprehensive Approach with Ilona Phillips
Special Ed on Special Ed
Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Ilona Phillips Founder of Lotus Consulting, Psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders Guest Bio: Ilona Phillips is the founder of a psychotherapy group practice specializing in treating eating disorders. With over two decades of experience, she evolved from working solo to leading a team of 30 clinicians. Her work emphasizes helping individuals navigate recovery from eating and anxiety disorders while equipping parents and guardians with the tools and...
info_outline
Suicidal Behaviors in Adolescents with Disabilities and Therapeutic Support with Melody Murray
Special Ed on Special Ed
Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be available on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Melody Murray Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Child Mental Health Specialist, Author Melody has a unique background that spans roles as a hospital ER mental health evaluator, reality TV producer, and therapist. With experience in childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and family dynamics, Melody is dedicated to making mental health accessible through public forums and online courses. She’s known for her holistic approach, combining professional insight with...
info_outline
Empowering Through Exercise: Fitness and Autism with Jimmy Clare
Special Ed on Special Ed
Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Jimmy Clare Guest Title: Founder of Crazy Fitness Guy, Motivational Speaker, Autism Advocate, Author Introduction: In this episode, Dana Jonson sits down with Jimmy Clare, the resilient and inspiring founder of Crazy Fitness Guy. Jimmy, a motivational speaker, autism advocate, and host of the Crazy Fitness Guy Healthy Living Podcast, shares his journey of overcoming adversity, including bullying, multiple surgeries, and living with spinal stenosis. Dana and Jimmy explore how he...
info_outline
Dysgraphia Insights and Inclusive Strategies with Cheri Dotterer
Special Ed on Special Ed
Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on . Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Cheri Dotterer Guest's Bio: Cheri Dotterer is a handwriting specialist and dysgraphia consultant with an occupational therapy background. Her work focuses on providing innovative strategies and interventions for individuals with dysgraphia, combining educational neuroscience with hands-on support. Episode Summary: In this episode, Dana Jonson and Cheri Dotterer explore the complexities of dysgraphia, covering its emotional, cognitive, and physical impact on students with learning...
info_outline
Unlocking Potential Enhancing Brain Health and Development with Dr. Rebecca Jackson
Special Ed on Special Ed
Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Rebecca Jackson Chief Programs Officer, Brain Balance, Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, and Doctor of Chiropractic. Guest Bio: Dr. Rebecca Jackson is a brain health expert and the Chief Programs Officer at Brain Balance. She is also a Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist and a Doctor of Chiropractic with over 15 years of dedicated research and hands-on application in cognitive development. She has passionately worked to improve the well-being of children and...
info_outlineShortly after publication, a TRANSCRIPT of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website, https://SpecialEd.fm.
Episode Title:
Giftedness and Beyond: Navigating Neurodivergence with Dr. Matt Zakreski
Guest: Dr. Matt Zakreski
Host: Dana Jonson
This episode offers a deep dive into understanding and supporting neurodivergent children. Dr. Matt's expertise and empathetic approach make this a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in neurodiversity.
Introduction:
Dana Jonson introduces Dr. Matt Zakreski, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community.
Dr. Matt's unique approach combines personal experiences with professional expertise in psychology.
Memorable Quotes:
"Labels are powerful. It matters that you're a zebra, not a weird horse."
~ Dr. Matt on the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity.
"If I ever got the chance to do this work, I wanted to work with kids like me."
~ Dr. Matt discusses his motivation to help neurodivergent children.”
"It's like everybody else got the script, but you didn't."
~ Dr. Matt on the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in social settings.
"Kids survive, but not all of them do."
~ Dr. Matt highlights the urgent need for appropriate support for neurodivergent children.
Discussion Highlights:
Performance Cliff: Discussing the challenges gifted children face when academic demands exceed their capabilities.
Masking in Neurodiversity: Exploring the concept of neurodivergent individuals hiding their true selves.
Educational Strategies: Emphasizing the need for individualized education to cater to neurodivergent students.
Dr. Matt's Mission:
Co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective, which offers therapy, IQ testing, coaching, and consulting specifically for the neurodivergent community.
Advocates for practical strategies to aid in the development and learning of neurodivergent children.
Call to Action:
Encouraging listeners to learn more about The Neurodiversity Collective and its services by visiting their website: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/
FLASHBACK:
Check out a blast from the past: How Exceptional Are You?
In this episode I speak with Cheryl Viirand, super-mom and co-founder of Cajal Academy, a private special education school in CT designed for 2e children. We discuss the unique challenges and gifts of twice-exceptional (2e) children, exploring strategies for educating them in a way that addresses both their high intellectual capabilities and their individual learning needs. We also delve into the role of neuroplasticity in developing programs tailored to 2e children, highlighting the importance of creating an educational environment that nurtures their gifts while supporting their challenges.