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Frances chats with Dr. Miranda Kogon Montoya, special education administrator and owner of Connective Minds, an SEL Publishing and ABA company.
Stress-Free IEP with Dr. Miranda Kogon Montoya
Frances discusses the impact of late diagnosis in the black community (dyslexia or ADHD) with Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein of Dyslexia Greenbook & Resilience Unlimited
Stress-Free IEP with Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 90 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Dr. Ryan Hinojosa, licensed psychologist. Episode summary:  Introduction In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Dr. Ryan Hinojosa, a neuropsychologist who specializes in diagnostic evaluations for individuals of all ages. Dr. Hinojosa shares insights into his work, the evolving understanding of autism, and the importance of recognizing and supporting neurodivergent individuals in ways that help them thrive. Building a Practice Focused on Neuropsychology Dr. Hinojosa recently started his own private practice, likening it to a growing plant that he is nurturing. His work primarily focuses on diagnostic assessments for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and learning differences, as well as concerns related to brain injuries and dementia. While he initially started with therapy patients, his goal is to expand his in-person testing services, particularly in the Bethesda area. The Complexity of Autism Diagnoses Autism is not always easily recognizable, as Frances experienced firsthand when Dr. Hinojosa evaluated her daughter, Chana. Many individuals do not fit into the traditional diagnostic mold, and Dr. Hinojosa emphasizes that every person is unique. While some children exhibit classic autism traits, others, particularly girls, may present differently due to masking—consciously or unconsciously suppressing traits to fit in socially. Dr. Hinojosa highlights the importance of looking at key indicators such as language, relationships, and sensory sensitivities, rather than relying on outdated or overly rigid criteria. He also explains that trauma can sometimes mimic autism or ADHD symptoms, making thorough assessments crucial. The Challenge of Recognizing Neurodivergence in Schools One of the biggest hurdles parents face is that schools may overlook autism and other neurodivergences if a child is performing well academically or has strong social skills. However, Dr. Hinojosa notes that these students may still struggle internally, often exerting tremendous effort to "mask" their challenges throughout the school day. This masking can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and emotional distress. Frances emphasizes that schools often dismiss concerns if a child is getting good grades and making friends, but this narrow view fails to consider executive functioning difficulties, sensory processing challenges, and the stress of constant self-regulation. She highlights the importance of parents advocating for their children, even when professionals or educators do not immediately see the full picture. The Evolution of Autism Understanding Dr. Hinojosa reflects on how perspectives on autism have changed over time. The old belief that autism had to be diagnosed before age three, or that individuals with autism must have developmental delays, has shifted significantly. The traditional idea of autism as a linear spectrum has also been challenged. Instead, many now view it as a constellation, where individuals have different strengths and challenges across multiple areas. Supporting Neurodivergent Children Frances and Dr. Hinojosa discuss the importance of allowing neurodivergent children to be themselves rather than forcing them to conform to neurotypical expectations. This includes eliminating outdated practices like requiring eye contact or forcing children to sit still at all times. Instead, parents and educators should focus on understanding how each child learns and interacts with the world. Frances shares her own parenting approach, which emphasizes self-acceptance and confidence. She encourages open conversations with her children about their diagnoses, ensuring they understand that their differences are just part of who they are. Dr. Hinojosa reinforces that self-acceptance is critical for developing a healthy self-esteem. Finding Passion and Success A key takeaway from the conversation is the value of helping children explore their interests and find activities that truly engage them. Frances shares a story about her daughter excelling at Girl Scout cookie sales, demonstrating that when children are passionate about something, they will develop perseverance and skills naturally. Read the whole episode summary: https://shefterlaw.com/2025/03/understanding-autism-and-neurodiversity-with-dr-ryan-hinojosa/ * Read Dr. Hinojosa’s bio on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ryan-hinojosa-washington-dc/768030 * Email: doctor@ryanhinojosa.org *********************************** Stress-Free IEP®: Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Understanding Autism and Neurodiversity with Dr. Ryan Hinojosa
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 89 Planning for the future is something every parent thinks about, yet so many of us put it off. Whether it's financial planning, setting up trusts, or considering what will happen if we're no longer here, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Mary McDirmid of All Needs Planning to discuss why financial planning is essential for parents of children with disabilities and how to get started—no matter your financial situation. Why Financial Planning Matters—Even If You Think You Don’t Need It Many parents delay financial planning because they think they don’t have enough money to worry about it or that they’ll always be around to care for their child. But as Mary points out, parents of children with disabilities don’t have the option not to plan. If proper steps aren’t taken, children can lose critical benefits, and families may face unexpected financial struggles. One of the biggest misconceptions is that financial planning is only for the wealthy. Mary explains that there’s no threshold or minimum amount of money required to start planning. Every family, regardless of income, needs a plan—especially when government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have strict asset limits (often as low as $2,000). Even well-meaning relatives who leave money to a child with disabilities could unintentionally disrupt their access to these essential benefits. Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: What Every Parent Should Know Frances and Mary discuss some of the tools available to protect a child’s financial future. Two key ones are: 1. Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) – A legal arrangement that holds assets for a person with disabilities without affecting their eligibility for benefits. However, simply setting up a trust isn’t enough—it needs to be properly funded and managed. 2. ABLE Accounts – A savings account designed for individuals with disabilities that allows them to save money (up to certain limits) without jeopardizing government assistance. Many parents rush to create a trust but then don’t know what to put in it or how to manage it. That’s where working with a financial planner who understands special needs planning becomes critical. Learn more about special needs trusts in this episode with Todd Boernstein here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZHQDdTl-uY Planning for Two Lifetimes: The Challenge of Caregiving and Aging One of the most challenging aspects of financial planning for special needs families is that parents are essentially planning for two lifetimes: their own and their child’s. Mary emphasizes that many parents assume they’ll always be able to care for their child, but the reality is that no one can be a caregiver forever. Parents must consider: - What will happen if they get sick or become unable to provide care? - Where will their child live as an adult? - How can they ensure long-term stability while still maintaining their own quality of life? Read the entire episode summary: https://shefterlaw.com/2025/03/the-importance-of-financial-planning-for-special-needs-families/ Learn more about Mary McDirmid: * Visit All Needs Planning’s website: https://allneedsplanning.com * Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marymcdirmid * Follow All Needs Planning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/all-needs-planning * Visit All Needs Planning’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AllNeedsPlanning * Follow All Needs Planning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllNeedsPlanning * Follow All Needs Planning on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingmommingitforward * Stay tuned for courses offered by All Needs Planning: https://allneedsplanning.com/courses * Stay tuned for All Needs Planning’s events: https://allneedsplanning.com/events Disclosure - Investment Advisory Services offered through Sound Income Strategies, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. All Needs Planning and Sound Income Strategies, LLC are not associated entities. *********************************** Stress-Free IEP®: Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need. Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®: * On website: https://shefterlaw.com/blog * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCff0foIeCETrWbtsQSDwckQ Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter: * https://shefterlaw.com/#contact-me * https://shefterlaw.com * https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesshefter * https://www.facebook.com/ShefterLawPA * https://twitter.com/shefterlawpa * https://www.instagram.com/shefterlawpa * https://www.tiktok.com/@shefterlawpa
Understanding Special Needs Financial Planning with Mary McDirmid
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 88 The Power of Peer Support In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Amanda Levin, founder of NeuroSpice Girls, a peer support and social group for moms of neurodivergent children in the greater Washington area. NeuroSpice Girls offers a private WhatsApp group, a Facebook community, and in-person gatherings to help moms navigate the challenges of raising neurodiverse kids. Amanda shares that the group helps parents with real-time problem-solving, like finding resources during medication shortages. But beyond practical help, the most valuable part of the group is the understanding and judgment-free community it fosters. “It’s so important to be around people who just get it,” Amanda explains. Frances wholeheartedly agrees, recalling how freeing it is to be around other parents who don’t judge her child's behaviors or question her parenting. The Challenge of Isolation and Misconceptions When Amanda’s son was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, she found herself in an isolating situation—she had no close family or friends experiencing the same journey. Like many parents, she faced a barrage of unsolicited advice: “If you just did this... If you just parented that way…” But traditional parenting methods, including behavior modification techniques, simply weren’t working for her child. It wasn’t until she discovered Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) that things started making sense. Frances points out that many parents encounter similar struggles—people don’t understand that their neurodivergent child isn’t simply being defiant. Instead, their nervous system reacts differently to demands. Schools, too, often dismiss concerns by saying, “We don’t see that behavior here,” failing to recognize masking, where a child suppresses their challenges in structured environments only to melt down at home. Amanda shares that part of her mission with NeuroSpice Girls is education—helping people understand that autism is a spectrum. Many people assume that if a child can make eye contact or talk, they can’t be autistic. Her son, for example, is a high masker—he excels at school but struggles intensely at home, which can lead to misunderstandings about his needs. Parenting Neurodivergent Children: Picking Your Battles Frances and Amanda discuss a key challenge: choosing battles wisely. Parents of neurodiverse kids quickly learn that enforcing certain rules (like wearing specific shoes in cold weather) might not be worth the struggle. Instead, they focus on what truly matters—ensuring safety while giving their children some autonomy over their choices. Amanda shares a humorous but all-too-relatable example: her son insists on wearing Spider-Man sandals in freezing weather. She worries about how school staff might perceive this, but ultimately, she knows forcing the issue would only lead to unnecessary distress. Frances recalls a time her daughter wanted to walk barefoot to the pool. Initially, she resisted, but after reflecting on the why, she realized that enforcing the rule wasn’t necessary in that context. “Not all rules make sense in every situation,” she explains. “We need to teach our kids why rules exist rather than blindly enforcing them.” Fostering Self-Advocacy and Questioning Authority Both Frances and Amanda emphasize the importance of teaching kids to advocate for themselves and question authority. While some parents worry that allowing kids to push back could make them rebellious, Frances argues that this skill is essential. “I want my kids to question things, to ask ‘why’—not just follow rules because that’s what they’re told.” Amanda agrees, highlighting that society often forces neurodivergent kids into rigid structures that don’t accommodate their needs. Schools, in particular, expect students to “fit the mold,” but questioning why things are done a certain way can lead to necessary changes and accommodations. Frances shares her experience advocating for PDA to be recognized in IEPs. While not all schools acknowledge it yet, she has had success getting the language and accommodations written into IEPs in some districts. Amanda notes that within her group, moms frequently exchange strategies for IEP and 504 meetings, reinforcing the power of peer support. Read the whole episode summary: https://shefterlaw.com/2025/02/a-community-for-moms-of-neurodivergent-kids-with-amanda-levin/ Learn more about Amanda Levin: * Email Amanda: amanda@neurospicegirls.net * Visit NeuroSpice Girls’ website: http://www.neurospicegirls.net * Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-levin-35317b24/ * Check out Maryland-area events organized by NeuroSpice Girls: https://neurospicegirls.net/events *********************************** Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®: * On website: https://shefterlaw.com/blog * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCff0foIeCETrWbtsQSDwckQ
A Community for Moms of Neurodivergent Kids with Amanda Levin
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 87 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Andrea Jones, Founder & Chief Operating Officer of The Caregiver's D.R.E.A.M. (Disability, Rights, Education, Advocacy, Movement), pursuing health and education equity for families of children with disabilities in the District of Columbia. Learn more about Andrea Jones: * Visit The Caregiver’s D.R.E.A.M.’s website: http://www.thecaregiversdream.org * Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/aljones3 * Visit The Caregiver’s D.R.E.A.M.’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@TheCaregiversDREAM * Follow The Caregiver’s D.R.E.A.M. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_caregivers_dream *********************************** Stress-Free IEP®: Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need. Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®: * On website: https://shefterlaw.com/blog * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCff0foIeCETrWbtsQSDwckQ Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter: * https://shefterlaw.com/#contact-me * https://shefterlaw.com * https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesshefter * https://www.facebook.com/ShefterLawPA * https://twitter.com/shefterlawpa * https://www.instagram.com/shefterlawpa * https://www.tiktok.com/@shefterlawpa
Empowering Caregivers of Children with Disabilities with Andrea Jones
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 86 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Lisa Quinn, founder & director of Reach Every Voice, and co-founder of Communication for Education. Unlocking Communication: The Power of AAC Devices in Education Introducing Lisa Quinn: Advocate for AAC Access In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Lisa Quinn, founder of Reach Every Voice and co-founder of Communication for Education, to discuss Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. These devices play a crucial role in helping nonverbal students communicate, yet many school systems still struggle to implement them effectively. Lisa shares her journey from being a public school educator to launching her organization to support students who were often denied access to these essential tools. The Evolution of AAC Devices Lisa explains that when she first started working with AAC users, the technology was bulky and complex. Over time, the advancements in technology should have made access easier, yet many barriers still exist. Even with lightweight, user-friendly tablets and software, students are still being denied the ability to communicate. Some are given only a "trial" before being deemed inappropriate candidates—decisions often made without giving the child a fair opportunity to learn and use the technology. The Systemic Issues in Schools Lisa discusses the challenges she faced while working in public schools. Like many passionate educators, she initially believed she could create change from within. However, as she witnessed students being systematically excluded from communication tools and general education curricula, she realized she needed to step outside the system to make a real impact. This realization led to the founding of Reach Every Voice, which started as a summer program for non-speaking autistic students who had long been denied proper support. The Importance of Communication Access Frances highlights a common and frustrating issue in schools: AAC devices often sit unused because educators and support staff don’t know how to implement them. Too often, excuses such as "the student doesn’t know how to use it" or "the aide isn’t here today" result in denying a child their voice. This is a fundamental human rights issue. Frances likens it to Helen Keller’s story—before being taught how to communicate, people assumed she lacked intelligence, when in reality, she just needed the right support. Misconceptions About AAC Devices Lisa sheds light on a troubling trend in schools where young students are pushed into alternative learning tracks based on assumptions about their intellectual abilities. Schools may suggest removing a child from the diploma track under the guise of providing "better services," but in reality, this decision often limits the child's future opportunities. One major issue is that decision-making tools used to determine if a child should be placed in an alternative program often fail to consider the child’s ability to communicate. If a student hasn't been given proper access and training with an AAC device, any decision about their academic potential is premature. Motor Planning and Communication One eye-opening insight Lisa shares is the connection between autism and motor planning difficulties. Many students labeled as "low-functioning" or "unintelligent" actually struggle with apraxia, a disconnect between the brain and body that makes it difficult to execute physical movements—including pointing, typing, or matching pictures. Because most standardized IQ tests require motor tasks, the results are often misleading. Read the entire episode summary at https://shefterlaw.com/blog Learn more about Lisa Quinn: * Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamihalichquinn * Follow Reach Every Voice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reach-every-voice-llc * Visit Reach Every Voice’s website: https://www.reacheveryvoice.org * Follow Reach Every Voice on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ReachEveryVoice * Follow Reach Every Voice on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/reacheveryvoice * Check out Lisa’s Accessible Academics course, a self-paced course teaching strategies for adapting age-appropriate academics for non-speaking students: https://www.reacheveryvoice.org/accessible-academics-course * Check out the training available at Communication for Education, a collaboration among the Autism and Communication Center at California Lutheran University, Reach Every Voice, and Autistically Inclined: http://www.CommunicationForEducation.com/training
Unlocking Communication: The Power of AAC Devices in Education with Lisa Quinn
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 85 The Birth of EASE: Addressing Consent and Social Skills Today on the Stress-Free IEP® show, host Frances Shefter sat down with Arlene Lechner and Melissa Hochberg, co-founders of EASE. EASE is a program dedicated to educating neurodiverse teens and adults about relationships, consent, and social skills. Both Arlene and Melissa are special education teachers, sexuality educators, and mental health first aid-certified professionals. EASE was founded in response to the growing need for comprehensive, accessible, and developmentally appropriate sex education for neurodiverse individuals. Melissa shared that she first saw the need while running a social club for individuals with autism. Many members had questions about relationships but lacked the foundational knowledge about consent. Meanwhile, Arlene encountered similar challenges in her social skills classes, where students misunderstood physical boundaries, sometimes leading to disciplinary actions at school. Recognizing the gap, they developed a curriculum tailored to teaching these crucial life skills. Developing a Comprehensive Curriculum One of the biggest concerns from parents was that traditional sex education in schools was often inaccessible and not tailored to their children’s needs. EASE set out to change that by creating a curriculum that is comprehensive, visual, and interactive. Their approach incorporates videos, discussions, music, and hands-on activities to ensure all students, regardless of their reading ability or cognitive level, can engage with the material. The curriculum covers topics such as consent, boundaries, advocacy, online safety, and relationships. Each class builds on previous lessons, ensuring reinforcement and comprehension. The teen program runs for 12 weeks, while the adult program extends to 16 weeks to cover more mature topics like dating and online relationships. Teaching Methods and Class Structure EASE classes are held online, allowing participants from across the country to join. The virtual format enables flexibility, and students can participate with or without support staff present. The program emphasizes collaboration with parents and therapists, providing weekly handouts, videos, and discussion points to ensure consistent language and reinforcement at home. Melissa and Arlene highlighted the importance of using the same terminology across different environments. Neurodiverse individuals often struggle with generalization, so consistency in language helps them apply lessons in real-life situations. Addressing Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Understanding oneself is a key part of the EASE curriculum. The program provides factual information about gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. However, rather than offering opinions, EASE encourages students to explore these topics with their designated safe person—whether a parent, therapist, or guardian. By equipping students with knowledge rather than judgment, EASE ensures they have the information necessary to navigate relationships in a way that aligns with their values and beliefs. Online Safety and Recognizing Risks With technology playing a significant role in modern relationships, online safety is a crucial part of the curriculum. Many neurodiverse individuals are particularly vulnerable to online scams, grooming, and misinformation. EASE teaches students how to identify potential dangers, recognize scams, and understand what information should never be shared online. Frances shared her own experience as a parent, realizing that platforms like Roblox allow strangers to communicate with children. EASE addresses these risks head-on, teaching students how to be digital detectives and verify the identity of online interactions. They also educate about the consequences of sharing explicit content and the legal implications of child pornography laws. Resources for Parents and Professionals EASE provides a wealth of resources to support parents, educators, and professionals in having these crucial conversations. Some of the recommended tools include: * Books: It's Perfectly Normal, Tell Me, The Boyfriend’s and Girlfriend’s Guide to Dating for People with Disabilities * Websites: Sex Positive Families, Planned Parenthood, Defend Young Minds * Apps and Safety Tools: Bark (for monitoring online activity), Take It Down (for removing inappropriate content from the internet) These resources help families navigate difficult topics and provide accurate, age-appropriate explanations. Upcoming Classes and How to Enroll EASE offers classes twice a year, with upcoming sessions for both teens and adults. Find the entire episode summary at https://shefterlaw.com/2025/01/understanding-consent-and-social-skills-a-conversation-with-ease-co-founders/
Understanding Consent and Social Skills: A Conversation with EASE Co-Founders
Frances talks dyslexia and literacy with Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein, an Educational Therapist specializing in literacy and NeuroHolistic Coaching
Stress-Free IEP with Dr. Lauren McClenney-Rosenstein
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