The Curious Incident Podcast

n this episode of The Curious Incident, NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan welcomes Dr. Jessica Meister, founder of Meister Psychology, and Erin Lynch, founder of Kinetic Kids Occupational Therapy, for a conversation about Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia. Together, they explore how challenges with motor planning, coordination, and sensory processing can affect a child's everyday activities, learning, confidence, and social-emotional development. Jessica and Erin discuss the often-overlooked signs of DCD, the importance of early identification and intervention, and how occupational therapy and neuropsychological evaluations can help uncover underlying challenges. Through practical examples and professional insights, they emphasize the importance of understanding the whole child and fostering collaboration among families, educators, and providers to support each child's growth and independence.

In this episode of The Curious Incident, NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan welcomes Dr. Evan Flamenbaum, Co-Founder and Head of School at Academics West, to explore the connection between mental health and academic success. Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, Dr. Flamenbaum discusses individualized education, executive functioning, and the importance of integrating therapeutic support into the classroom to help students build resilience, develop independence, and reach their full potential.

In this deeply personal episode of Curious Incident, NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and transformational leadership expert Dr. Kary Oberbrunner for a candid conversation about self-harm, depression, identity, and healing. Kary shares his experience growing up with a severe stutter and turning to self-injury as a way to express emotional pain he could not put into words, offering insight into the psychology behind self-harm and the role that control, shame, and the need to feel seen can play. Today, Kary helps others bring their ideas and purpose into the world, drawing in part from his own journey of transformation. Together, Adam and Kary explore the importance of creating space for difficult conversations, responding with compassion, and helping young people understand that their struggles do not define who they are or who they can become.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Jonah Ratner to explore the often-overlooked perspective of growing up as the sibling of a child with significant special needs. Jonah shares how life alongside his older brother, Ben, who has severe autism, and his family's fight to secure the right educational environment shaped his understanding of advocacy from an early age. He reflects on the challenges and joys of their relationship, the complicated emotions siblings can experience, and how witnessing the difference an appropriate placement made in Ben's life ultimately inspired Jonah to pursue a career in special education law and advocate for children who may not be able to advocate for themselves.

In this episode of the Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan is joined by impartial hearing officer and education attorney Peter Albert, who provides listeners with an insider's perspective on the special education due process system. Drawing on decades of experience representing both school districts and families, Peter explains what hearing officers look for when deciding cases, why districts often resist providing services, and how parents can effectively advocate for their children. Together, they discuss the importance of storytelling, parent testimony, and independent evaluations that focus on a child's unique needs to build the strongest possible case.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan speaks with licensed social worker Regine Ashkenazi about helping children manage anxiety and OCD through evidence-based strategies. Regine explains why anxiety itself is a normal and necessary emotion, and how parents can best support their children by encouraging them to face fears rather than avoid them. The conversation explores exposure therapy, reassurance-seeking, parental accommodations, intrusive thoughts, and early intervention, while providing practical tools families can use to build resilience, confidence, and healthier responses to anxiety over time.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Joshua Rosenthal, psychologist, and founder of Manhattan Psychology Group (MPG), to discuss mental health, parenting, and the approaches used by the clinicians at MPG to help families navigate developmental and learning challenges. Drawing from both his professional expertise and personal experience as a parent, Dr. Rosenthal shares reflections on early intervention, reducing shame around diagnoses, and the importance of creating supportive, responsive systems for families. Together, Adam and Dr. Rosenthal explore the complexities of special education in New York City, the barriers families encounter when seeking help, and the critical need for greater awareness, compassion, and collaboration across schools, clinicians, nonprofits, and healthcare providers. This episode is a must-listen for parents, professionals, and anyone passionate about supporting children and families with empathy and curiosity.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan steps into the guest seat for a candid, role-reversal conversation about the experiences that shaped him long before the law. Joined by his executive assistant Kristine Champagne as guest host, Adam shares his personal journey with OCD, and what it means to struggle quietly as a child who appears to be doing everything "right" on the outside. He reflects on how these early experiences influenced his path, from a defining moment in high school to seeking support after law school, and ultimately building a practice grounded in empathy. Through stories of hidden compulsions, late recognition, and ongoing self-awareness, this episode highlights a powerful truth: when we begin to understand our own struggles, we become better equipped to support others with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan speaks with Lisa Candera attorney and founder of The Autism Mom Coach, about the realities of parenting a child with autism. Drawing on her experience raising a son with severe autism, OCD, and anxiety, Lisa explains why meaningful change often begins with a parent's own self-regulation. She discusses how chronic stress and hypervigilance can leave parents dysregulated and how learning to ground themselves can transform meltdowns, school challenges, and family dynamics. From radical acceptance and managing comorbidities to approaching IEP meetings with clarity and confidence, this conversation underscores a powerful truth: regulated parents become steadier leaders, stronger advocates, and a calming force amid uncertainty.

On this episode of the Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Lisa Abbrecht, clinical psychologist and founder of New Orleans Anxiety and OCD, LLC. Together, they explore the everyday realities of living with anxiety and OCD, offering a clear, practical look at Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) deepens its impact. The conversation also addresses highly stigmatized experiences with nuance and clarity - emphasizing proper understanding, thoughtful treatment, and why healing is about changing your relationship with thoughts, not trying to erase them.