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.

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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.

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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!

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Join ADHD Specialist and Headspace Hub Founder Jheri South as she shares her powerful story of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Learn how being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 reshaped her life and inspired her to help others thrive. Discover the truth about rejection sensitivity (RSD), common ADHD misconceptions, and how real change happens through courage and connection.Get in touch with Jheri here: https://jherisouth.com/Need our help? Contact us through our website: https://shefterlaw.com/

Is your child struggling with reading, spelling, or writing? Join Frances Shefter and Deborah “Debbie” Brown, founder of Hill Country Dyslexia Services, as they explore the early signs of dyslexia at different grade levels. Debbie shares practical strategies parents can use at home to support their child’s learning journey. We’ll also uncover important topics in dyslexia support that parents and educators often overlook. Tune in to learn how early evaluation, multi-sensory teaching, and parent advocacy can transform a child’s confidence and success.Visit Our Website: https://shefterlaw.com/Hill Country Dyslexia Services LLC: https://www.hcdyslexia.com/

Discover how to calm your nervous system and restore emotional balance with Gabrielle Czaja, a physical therapist and Alexander Technique teacher who blends science and mindfulness for whole-body healing. In this episode, we explore how gentle awareness and movement can relieve pain, reduce stress, and build resilience. You’ll learn practical tools to reconnect with your body, release tension, and move through life with strength and ease.Get in contact with Gabrielle:Website: https://masgutovamethod.com/Number: 202-223-4943Email: [email protected] Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration - MNRI® Methodhttps://masgutovamethod.com/