Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

135: Neurodiversity-Affirming IEPs: Moving Beyond Compliance with Breea Rosas


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What does it really mean to be neurodiversity-affirming? Breea Rosas, licensed educational psychologist and founder of the Neurodiversity Affirming School Psychologist Group, joins Wendy Taylor to unpack how schools, families, and IEP teams can shift from a deficit-based lens to an affirming, strength-centered approach. From actionable language swaps to rethinking token boards and goal-writing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to do better—for real.

Top 3 Takeaways:
  1. Language is the First Shift: Changing “non-compliant” to “self-directed” transforms perceptions—and outcomes.
  2. Parent Power is Real: Input statements and pre-meeting advocacy can reframe the entire IEP experience.
  3. Affirming ≠ Ignoring Needs: Reframing challenges as “support needs” aligns goals with neurotype, not pathology.
    Connect with Breea Rosas:
    Instagram: @NDaffirming_SP
    Website: Neurodiversity Affirming SP Resources 

    Connect with Wendy Taylor:
     Instagram: @learningessentials
    LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
    Facebook: Learning Essentials
    Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com
    Enroll in Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility:
     Access Course

    Mentioned in the Episode:
    • The Neurodiversity Podcast with Emily Kircher-Morris
    • The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – position statements on identity-first language
    • Collaborative & Proactive Solutions – Dr. Ross Greene

      ...more
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      Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, NeurodivergentBy Special Education Strategist

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