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Welcome to another episode of "Homeschool OT: The OT is in," where we delve into the world of homeschooling through the lens of occupational therapy and speech therapy. In today’s episode, we are joined by Keisha Berry, a Speech Language Pathologist and seasoned homeschooling mom. Keisha brings a wealth of experience and insight into managing education at home, especially for children who are neurodiverse. We’ll explore her journey from being a special education teacher to choosing homeschooling for her own children, leading to the establishment of her practice, Spectrum Education and Therapy Center.

Our conversation with Keisha will cover the challenges and triumphs of homeschooling, the importance of community support like co-ops, and how parents can navigate educational spaces for children with diverse learning needs. Keisha also sheds light on how to create neuro-affirming environments and the crucial role of conflict management and advocacy in nurturing inclusive and supportive educational experiences. This promises to be an enlightening discussion filled with practical tips and profound insights for both new and veteran homeschooling parents alike. So, let's dive in!

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Combining roles as an educator, speech therapist, and a homeschooling parent.
• Keisha's decision to homeschool based on her child's experience in traditional school settings.
• Founding motives behind Spectrum Education and Therapy Center.
• The expansion of services offered, such as counseling, psychological evaluations, and behavior support.
• Challenges and Strategies in Homeschooling Neurodiverse Children
• Understanding and adapting co-op environments for neurodiverse learners.
• The importance of neuro-affirming approaches and terminology.
• Implementing and supporting various communication ways, including use of communication devices.
• Encouraging appropriate responses and flexibility in behavioral expectations.
• Managing Expectations and Conflict in Homeschool Co-ops
• Preparing homeschool co-ops for embracing neurodiversity.
• Role-playing and scenario analysis to help children advocate for themselves and manage interactions.
• Social Skills Development including the distinction between manners and social skills.
• Creating inclusive and supportive educational environments that prepare neurodiverse students for real-world interactions.
• Teaching neurodiverse children to advocate for themselves.
• The double empathy problem and mutual adaptation needs for inclusive interaction.
• Preparatory Advice for Homeschoolers and Co-op Leaders
• Recommendations for books and resources to educate both neurotypical and neurodiverse children about diversity and inclusivity.
• Importance of proactive conflict management planning in educational settings.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Handicrafts in Your Homeschool
• What is Bullying?
• Double empathy, explained
• Explicit Instruction of Self-Advocacy Skills
• ADA Accommodations at a Homeschool Co-op

Connect with our Guest, Keisha Berry

Keisha Berry is an accomplished professional with a background in education and communication sciences. Beginning as a special education teacher and co-chair of an Autism program, she transitioned to become a speech-language pathologist in 2010. Keisha holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Howard University, demonstrating her dedication to advancing her expertise. In 2019, she founded Spectrum Education and Therapy Center, focusing on supporting homeschool families with neurodiverse learners.

Keisha is passionate about partnering with parents to maximize learning at home. Over the last 13 years, not only has she homeschooled her own 4 children, but she has also been an advocate for families, championing children’s rights to receive optimal support. She sees culturally responsive education and therapy as powerful tools for accessing opportunities.

Find Spectrum Education and Therapy Center on Facebook

Find Spectrum Education and Therapy Center on Instagram

Connect with Host Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website