Spectrum Fudge began with Roger Haney’s journey raising his autistic son, Jake, and searching for a future full of real opportunities.Hear how a major move to Pennsylvania changed everything for their family. Learn how cashing in their retirement turned into a bold mission to employ people of all abilities. See how Spectrum Fudge grew from a kitchen idea into a thriving, inclusive business changing lives in Pittsburgh.Check out their website here: https://spectrumfudge.com/Need our help? Contact us at: https://shefterlaw.com/

Jennifer Joseph of Reading, Writing, Resumé joins Stress-Free IEP® to break down executive function, time management, and organization skills that students actually need. She explains the writing process for college essays, strong reading comprehension, and study skills that stick. Jennifer also dives into resume writing—how to stand out when applications get 30 seconds or less. Plus, why she wrote The Magical Adventures of Carly and Her Dragon and how storytelling builds learning and confidence.

Visit her website here: https://readingwritingresume.com

Want to read her book? https://www.amazon.com/Magical-Advent...

For the pdfs mentioned in the podcast click these links:

1. Process of Writing: https://shefterlaw.com/wp-content/upl...

2. Proofreading Checklist: https://shefterlaw.com/wp-content/upl...

3. Writing Rules: https://shefterlaw.com/wp-content/upl...

Need our help? Visit: https://shefterlaw.com/

Dr. Lisa Riegel joins Stress-Free IEP® to explain why regulation comes before rigor—and why adult wellbeing shapes everything in schools. She breaks down the NeuroWell Framework and how it moves schools from compliance to real commitment. This conversation tackles psychological safety, nervous system regulation, and brain-based leadership strategies that actually work. If you care about sustainable culture change for neurodivergent students and staff, this episode is required listening.Get in contact with Dr. Lisa Riegel here:

• https://lisariegel.com/
• https://www.epinstitute.net/
• https://jakapa.com/

• https://shefterlaw.com/

Need our help? Reach us here:

Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming, especially when your child has unique learning needs. Hayley Jacobson and Rich Weinfeld break down how to compare public and private options, build a solid school list, and actually explore those programs in a meaningful way. They walk you through the admissions process step-by-step and explain what to consider once your child is accepted. This episode gives parents a clear roadmap so the final decision is informed—not rushed.Visit their website here: https://www.wegadvocacy.com/Need our help? Reach us here: https://shefterlaw.com/

Sam Mitchell brings raw honesty about autism, ADHD, bullying, and mental health—shaped by his own lived experience and his hit show Autism Rocks and Rolls. He breaks down stigma, talks about pushing through hard moments, and shares what he learned from giving a TEDx Talk. This episode gives families and educators a clearer view of how neurodivergent teens think, feel, and fight back. Sam’s story shows what happens when strengths are amplified instead of “fixed.”Get to know Mitchell: https://autismrocksandrolls.com/Need assistance? Visit our website: https://shefterlaw.com/

Host Frances Shefter previews upcoming 2026 episodes of Stress-Free IEP®, covering autism, school choices, executive functioning, homeschooling, and mental health. Each conversation focuses on helping families build support beyond school—because you don’t have to do it all alone.

Register here so you never miss an episode!

EP 125 | Inside the Mind of Sam Mitchell: Autism, ADHD, and Standing Up to Bullying

EP 126 | Breaking Down the School Search Process: Insights from Hayley Jacobson & Rich Weinfeld

EP 127 | Roger Haney: Building Spectrum Fudge and a Future for All Abilities

EP 128 | Debbie Rosen & Lindsey Thoms: Why Smart Kids Get Stuck—and How to Unstick Them

Host Frances Shefter looks back on standout Stress-Free IEP® conversations from 2025, highlighting life skills, family support, community programs, and integrative services schools often miss. These episodes show families who belongs in their village—and why no one should have to figure this out alone.EP 85 | Understanding Consent and Social Skills: A Conversation with EASE Co-FoundersEP 95 | Leveraging Technology to Empower Students & Families in Special Education with Joan GreenEP 97 | Big Freedom, Small Steps: Travel Training with Mindy Niland.EP 88 | Empowering Caregivers of Children with Disabilities with Andrea JonesEP 89 | A Community for Moms of Neurodivergent Kids with Amanda LevinEP 90 | Understanding Special Needs Financial Planning with Mary McDirmidEP 111 | Top 10 tips for a successful IEP meeting from a legal perspectiveEP 105 | Andrea Levy’s Guide to Inclusive Fall Activities & Programs for Special Needs FamiliesEP 98 | Breaking the Mold: How Casey Joseph Helps Students ThriveEP 87 | Unlocking Communication: The Power of AAC Devices in Education with Lisa QuinnEP 99 | Lauri Getlan-Watson on How Neurographica Art Helps Neurodivergent Minds ThriveEP 117 | Finding Ease in Your Body: Gabrielle Czaja on Emotional Regulation and HealingEP 113 | Lauren Gilbert on "Ella and Her Neurosparkly Brain": A Mother’s Story of HopeEP 122 | How Play Therapy and Inclusion Coaching Help Neurodivergent Kids – with Janelle McCarthy

Join licensed counselor and play therapist Janelle McCarthy as she unpacks what it truly means to be neurodiversity-affirming in therapy, schools, and families. Discover how inclusion coaching helps children, parents, and communities thrive together through understanding, co-regulation, and connection. Learn why supporting the whole system—not just the child—creates lasting change.

Visit her website here!

Neurodiversity Explained

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In this empowering episode, neuroinclusive career expert Viktoriya Selden shares how parents can set their teens up for workplace success. You’ll learn why early work experience — paid or unpaid — builds confidence, skills, and self-awareness that shape future career goals. Discover practical ways to help neurodivergent and disabled students prepare for meaningful employment and how to support them through every step of the journey.Web: https://www.pcscareerservices.com/Our website: https://shefterlaw.com/

Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. In this episode, Frances talks with Derek Crager, Founder of Practical AI and creator of Pocket Mentor, about how voice-based AI helps students keep learning anytime, anywhere. You’ll hear how this simple tool supports teachers, builds student confidence, and gives parents peace of mind — all while making education more equitable and accessible for everyone.Web: https://www.practicalai.app New Book: https://www.humanfirstai.net (Free Chapter)

What is neurodiversity?

https://geniuswithin.org/what-is-neurodiversity/Visit our website here!

https://shefterlaw.com/