It's Special

If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with disabilities, this episode could change everything.

Host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Karen Park, a financial expert and mom of a child with complex disabilities, and Ashley Velategui, a wealth strategist with personal experience supporting a disabled family member. Together, they cut through the confusion of special needs financial planning and give you the clear, practical strategies every family should know.

In this important conversation, we break down:
🟡 Special Needs Trusts vs. ABLE Accounts - Which one do you need?
🟡 Why $2,000 in assets could cost your child their benefits – And how to avoid it
🟡 The #1 mistake families make when planning for their child’s future
🟡 How to find the right attorney to set up your trust (hint: not every lawyer can do this)
🟡 What happens if your disabled loved one outlives the trust?
🟡 Why financial predators target people with disabilities - and how to protect your child

"Caring for a disabled loved one is overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone." – Karen Park

This must-listen episode is packed with real-life advice, expert insights, and practical steps you can take today to secure your child’s future - without losing critical government benefits.

Hit play now and take the first step toward peace of mind.

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but for families of children with special needs, it’s absolutely essential.

🟡 How do you ensure your child is financially secure?

🟡 What happens if an inheritance disqualifies them from vital benefits?

🟡 How do you protect your assets while maintaining eligibility for government assistance?

In this eye-opening and informative episode, attorney Cormac McEnery, a seasoned expert in trusts, estates, and elder law, joins host Tracey Spencer Walsh to demystify the complex world of special needs planning. With over 45 years of experience, Cormac has helped countless families create estate plans that protect their loved ones while maximizing financial security.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🟡 What a Special Needs Trust (SNT) is - and why it’s critical for your child’s future
🟡 How to prevent an inheritance from jeopardizing government benefits like Medicaid and SSI
🟡 The difference between revocable, irrevocable, and supplemental needs trusts
🟡 Why guardianship decisions are crucial when a child with disabilities turns 18
🟡 How to structure an estate plan that protects multiple generations
🟡 What families must do to ensure other relatives (like grandparents) don’t unintentionally disrupt a child’s financial future

"The biggest mistake families make? Waiting too long to plan. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy - it’s for anyone who wants to ensure their child’s future security." – Cormac McEnery

Whether you’re just starting to think about estate planning or need to make sure your current plan is truly working for your child’s needs, this must-listen episode is packed with expert guidance, practical strategies, and actionable insights to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Press play now - because planning today means peace of mind for tomorrow.

For children with language-based learning disabilities and ADHD, learning can feel like an uphill battle. 🟡 Difficulty with reading and writing. 🟡 Challenges with vocabulary and comprehension. 🟡 Struggles with attention and executive function skills.

In this insightful and inspiring episode, Heather Ironside, Director of Admissions at The Gateway School in New York City, joins host Tracey Spencer Walsh to discuss how Gateway is changing the game for students with learning differences. With a background as a speech-language pathologist and former Director of Language and Literacy, Heather provides a deep dive into how language, literacy, and cognition intertwine - and how the right educational approach can unlock a child’s potential.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🟡 The science behind language-based learning disabilities and how they impact reading and writing
🟡 Why executive function skills are critical to academic success - and how to strengthen them
🟡 How The Gateway School’s unique approach helps students thrive through structured literacy instruction
🟡 The importance of early intervention and recognizing signs that your child may need extra support
🟡 How specialized schools like Gateway empower students with learning differences
🟡 Heather’s journey from speech-language pathologist to education leader—and why she’s passionate about helping children succeed

"Seeing a child light up when they finally grasp a new concept—when their world expands just from learning how to spell a word—reminds me why I do what I do every day." – Heather Ironside

This conversation is a must-listen for parents, educators, and advocates who want to understand how language and literacy shape a child’s ability to learn and thrive. If you’ve ever wondered how to best support a child with learning differences, this episode has the answers you’ve been looking for.

Press play now and discover how the right education can transform a child’s future!

Navigating the insurance system shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle - but for families of children with disabilities, it often is. 🟡 Denials with no explanation. 🟡 Endless bureaucratic red tape. 🟡 Overwhelming medical expenses.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Scott Leshin, founder of SJ Health Insurance Advocates, shares the insider strategies insurance companies don’t want you to know. A former Wall Street professional turned fierce advocate, Scott’s journey began when his son, Sam, was born with significant medical needs. What started as a personal fight for coverage turned into his mission to help families nationwide secure the benefits their children deserve.

What you’ll take away from this episode:
🟡 The hidden tactics insurance companies use to deny claims—and how to counter them
🟡 Decoding your policy like a pro: The fine print that makes all the difference
🟡 How to appeal and win reimbursement for therapies, medical equipment, and residential treatment
🟡 Why insurance denials are often strategic - and how persistence can turn a "no" into a "yes"
🟡 The most overlooked mistake parents make when seeking coverage for autism, ABA therapy, and mental health services
🟡 Self-funded vs. fully funded plans - and why knowing the difference could be a game-changer

"Raising a child with special needs is a full-time job. Fighting the insurance company shouldn’t have to be another one." – Scott Leshin

This compelling and information-packed episode will empower you with the knowledge and tools to fight back - and win. Whether you're struggling with claim denials, lost in the maze of appeals, or just want to be prepared, this conversation will change the way you approach your child’s medical coverage.

Hit play now and take control of your insurance battle.

When your child needs special education support, the system can feel overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. 🟡 Endless paperwork. 🟡 Conflicting advice. 🟡 Unanswered questions.

In this must-listen episode, Sarah Birnbaum, one of New York City's leading special education advocates, joins host Tracey Spencer Walsh to cut through the confusion and empower parents with real strategies, essential knowledge, and the confidence to advocate effectively.

Sarah's journey began as a mother navigating the special education maze for her own children, and she has since dedicated her career to helping families understand their rights, their options, and the pathways to securing the right education for their children.

What You’ll Take Away from This Episode:
🟡 How to trust your instincts when you suspect your child may have a learning difference
🟡 The biggest mistakes parents make when navigating CPSE and CSE in New York City
🟡 Why evaluations are key—and how to get the right one for your child
🟡 How to cut through the bureaucracy and access the services your child is entitled to
🟡 Understanding pendency (stay-put rights) and how to protect your child’s placement
🟡 Building a community—because you don’t have to do this alone

"The system can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. There are people who will help you—find them, connect with them, and advocate for your child." – Sarah Birnbaum

This episode is packed with practical advice, real-life insights, and strategies you can use today. If you’ve ever felt lost in the special education process, this conversation will empower you to take control and find the right path for your child.

Press play now and take the first step toward clarity and confidence in your advocacy journey!

“Sometimes the surprise, which honestly makes me feel really good when I can give them this surprise, is ‘wow I didn’t really know my child was that intelligent or had those strengths because we get caught in some of the issues.’ So that’s the surprise I always like to be able to find is the strengths beneath the disability.” - Dr. Salsberg

Host and Special Education Law Attorney Tracey Spencer Walsh speaks with Dr. David Salsberg, PsyD, DABPS, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Director of Pediatric Assessment, Learning & Support (PALS) about the importance of developmental, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluations on children of all ages who may have learning disabilities, attention issues, autism, or even traumatic brain injuries.

Dr. Salsberg was the Associate Director of Pediatric Psychology and Neuropsychology at NYU Langone Medical Center. And he is Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Neuropsychology at Weill Cornell Medical College in the Department of Neurological Surgery.

Tracey’s entire career has led up to this moment. Bringing her over twenty-five years of expertise in the legal industry to the air waves, Tracey dives deeper into the world of special needs and civil rights law to give parents the relevant and supportive information they crave and need, without having to sift through a mountain of articles or paperwork. It’s about cutting through the constant noise, pulling the most important tidbits out, and absorbing key advice and anecdotes that help you and your child excel on their journey.

For more information about PALS, visit https://nypals.com/. 

Join us as we sit down with Shirley Aninias to explore her journey through advocacy and resilience. In this episode, Shirley shares her personal experiences navigating the system, the challenges she's faced, and the insights she's gained. Whether you're an advocate, a parent, or simply interested in understanding more about disability rights, this conversation offers valuable perspectives and practical advice. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with wisdom and hope.

"Find the community that will support you and your family. Find a community that is not judgmental, that when they will celebrate the good and will also help you when you're in your greatest need." - Shirley Aninias

https://www.theshirleyaniniasschool.com/

Join us as Michael Ringel delves into essential financial strategies for families with special needs. In this episode, we explore practical advice on planning for two lifetimes, ensuring both immediate and long-term financial security. Whether you're new to this journey or looking for advanced tips, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of special needs financial planning.

"The first thing to do is understand that you have to plan for two lifetimes, at least, and you can have your cake and eat it too, if the planning is done properly. We try to share with our families, those two possibilities. And implore people to take action". - Michael Ringel

http://www.mikeringel.com

On this episode of the It's Special Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Wishner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to discuss the unique challenges that young adults with special needs face during puberty and the confusion and anxiety, they experience when it arrives earlier for them than their peers and when they are not prepared for the physical and emotional changes.

Jordan emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive support and education to young adults with special needs during this challenging time. He believes that open communication, tailored education, and ongoing guidance can help these young adults navigate this phase of their lives and develop healthy relationships with themselves and others.

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Jordan started his career as a New York City special education teacher, then over time moved into social work, and ultimately into the world of admissions and administration. He brings each of these valuable skill sets to his current work at Children’s Academy.

childrensacademynyc.org

"If the model of one-to-one therapy is not gonna work anymore, what we do is we try to think about the continuum of care. If you think about all of the groups that got crunched during Covid -teens got the worst. What makes teenage years special - it’s all about friends, it’s all about figuring out where you are in the larger social context of the world, you realize that your family is one unit but there are lots of other units out there and where do you belong? So teens have this internal need, biological push to leave the nest and go find a social group plus they have their sexuality coming in".  - Dr. Rosenthal

manhattanpsychologygroup.com

Dr. Rosenthal is the founder of Big Apple Day Program, a social skills summer treatment camp in Manhattan that helped over 400 children with social and emotional difficulties from 2011-2019 have a fun and therapeutic summer experience. He is also the founder of the Electronic Daily Report Card (eDRC), a online behavioral progress monitoring tool that was used by thousands of students across the country from 2016-2020. Finally, he has served as an Adjunct Clinical Supervisor for doctoral students in the CBT Child Program at Ferkauf Graduate School, Yeshiva University, and as a Voluntary Faculty Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Most recently, Dr. Rosenthal has shifted his focus from treating patients to primarily focusing on leadership, growth and company culture. He is dedicated to hiring the best professionals, creating innovative ways of helping more children and families and executing the company mission, vision and core values.