Maria and Holly talk about the confusing world of special education. In this episode, we share our own IEP experiences (the good and not so good), and why it’s acceptable and encouraged to advocate for goals that are meaningful for your child – not necessarily settle for goals that are proposed by your teacher.

To connect with Maria for further questions about your child’s IEP, email: [email protected]

In this episode my youngest daughter shares some of our recent struggles with her oldest brother with autism. We talk about the term glass sibling. Tune in to find out more.

In this episode Holly and John Goodman share their experience doing Adaptive Fire Safety Education through the ISAAC Foundation and how the program builds skills that:

(1) helps individuals with disabilities learn the skills needed to survive a home fire – no matter their level of function and ability; and

(2) addresses risk for potential fire starting behavior.

Learn more:

Watch a special news segment featured by KHG Local News

https://www.khq.com/news/local-non-profit-helps-neurodivergent-kids-learn-about-fire-safety/article_c355c3a6-485e-11ed-9e72-9ffe3f482e9f.html

https://theisaacfoundation.configio.com/page/fire-safety-learning

In this episode Mindy, a special education resource room teacher shares with Maria her unique perspectives as a teacher working with children with autism and other delays.

On this week’s episode, Maria Jennings joins me to discuss the dynamic that having a child with a disability has made on our neurotypical children and how we have each noticed a higher level of independence and self-advocacy skills.

Show resources

Holly shares her experience using combination door knobs in her home which increases safety and provides a means for neurotypical siblings to have their own secure space. https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Keyless-Digital-Electronic-Security/dp/B00KS3JC30?pd_rd_w=c3bUq&pf_rd_p=07da9b2f-52f3-4fa6-b605-4458a1e54cf1&pf_rd_r=6R7D68GAYSBMFW69TFMK&pd_rd_r=6e8a228e-37d3-478b-833f-4e7d1cf0cd97&pd_rd_wg=7uwUR&pd_rd_i=B00KS3JC30&psc=1&ref_=pd_bap_d_rp_36_i

Holly also explains the benefit of registering an ISAAC Alert (911 dispatch note linked to your home address) if you have locking interior doors and window at your home: https://theisaacfoundation.configio.com/page/programsisaacalert

Families who are interested in accessing ISAAC Foundation’s Sibling Spotlight program can find the registration link here: https://theisaacfoundation.configio.com/page/siblingspotlight

In this episode Holly connects with the owner of Lilac City Behavioral Services to learn about their new school, Lilac Learning Center, which opened this past October. Lilac Learning Center is a non public agency option that is a good fit for students ages 14 to 21 who require a high level of support that is not able to be met by the student’s home district. Listen in to find out if Lilac Learning Center might be a good fit for your loved one touched by autism.

Resources from this podcast

https://lcbehavioral.com/lilac-learning-center/

Public schools are required to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities ages 3-21 who are eligible for special education. If a student’s special education needs cannot be met by their resident district, the district may contract with an approved NonPublic Agency (NPA). The NPA provides the student’s special education and related services that are determined through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

Washington Administrative Code related to Non Public Agencies

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=392-172A-04090

In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild Podcast Holly was joined by Jim Matthews, Executive Director of SOAR Behavior Services. SOAR is a prominent ABA provider in Spokane with locations across the state of Washington, in Idaho, and Nevada.  We discuss how SOAR was founded and the services they provide. We also delve into issues concerning wait lists, staff turnover, and the politics involved in home vs school ABA settings.

About Jim Matthews

Jim Matthews holds four Bachelor’s degrees from the University of California, Irvine and two Masters degrees in Educational Psychology and School Psychology from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. Jim is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Throughout his two decades of working in ABA, he has worked with thousands of children and families both in schools and in private practice. Jim lives in Spokane WA. Professionally, Jim has dedicated his life to helping all people with disabilities. He is deeply passionate about helping people who are most in need during the time when they most need it. He feels strongly that ABA can confer meaningful lifelong skills that both enrich and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

One last book that I’ve been pushing is: Divergent mind thriving in a world that wasn’t designed for you

by Jenara Nerenbeg who is a female autistic author

In this episode of ISAAC’S Autism in the Wild we are joined again by our friend Becky Gardner of “A Life of My Own” Executive Function Coaching. Several parents have also joined us to ask her questions about executive function as it relates to their own children.  Listen in and learn along with our parents, some strategies to help launch our children successfully!

This week on ISAAC’s Autism in the Wild, Holly is joined by three special needs parents and they are discussing the fights that just aren’t worth fighting. These are the tasks that at one point in their life were worth an argument, but now in hindsight, were not worth the time/energy invested.  We discuss topics like wearing appropriate footwear, screen-time, and dinner table etiquette.

Huge thanks to our new podcast voice, Nicole, who shared a gem of wisdom with us “Don’t accept criticism from someone you wouldn’t ask for advice” this sentiment was a great voice of reason while discussing the constant criticisms special needs parent’s tend to find themself surrounded by.