The LilyPod

In this episode, we break down the special education and IEP process with LilyPad’s own Hilary Finedore, to help caregivers better understand what to expect and how to participate as an informed member of their child’s team.

We walk through the process from making an initial referral and preparing for your first meeting to evaluations, eligibility, IEP development, services and placement. We also discuss what options families have if their child is not found eligible for special education services and why a medical diagnosis does not automatically determine school-based eligibility.

Along the way, we share practical strategies for preparing for meetings, communicating concerns, asking questions, reviewing documents, and understanding the different roles of school-based providers.

Our goal is to make an often complicated process feel a little more understandable—and help caregivers feel prepared to take an active role in their child’s education.

Please remember to fill out our survey to be entered to win a season pass to Storyland!

https://forms.gle/nA4uRsYodGqT5MsR9

In this episode, we sit down with occupational therapist and private practice owner, Allissa Younan of Holistic Abilities in Newington NH, to talk about what occupational therapy really looks like—and why it goes far beyond handwriting and fine motor skills.

We explore how sensory systems, regulation, and felt safety create the foundation children need to participate in everyday activities, from getting dressed and navigating transitions to playing, learning, and connecting with others. We also discuss the “Pyramid of Learning,” the differences between school-based and private OT, and what neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapy can look like in practice.

Our conversation also highlights the importance of collaboration between OTs, behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists, educators, and families. Together, we unpack how looking beyond a behavior to understand the “why” can help providers better support the whole child.

Finally, we talk about what parents can look for when choosing an OT—including the importance of trusting your instincts, finding providers who prioritize relationships and safety, and developing goals that reflect what actually matters to your child and family.

Please fill out our survey at the link below. If you want to share your name an email address, you will be entered to win two annual passes to Storyland.

https://forms.gle/2D6RvJ4QQu2oDSua6

In this episode, we sit down with speech-language pathologist Allie B. of Rise and Shine Speech Therapy to explore communication development and the role an SLP can play in supporting autistic and neurodivergent children.

We break down expressive and receptive language, AAC and total communication, and discuss why communication can look different for every child. We also talk about the role SLPs can play when autism is suspected, navigating evaluations and referrals, and the differences between outpatient and school-based speech therapy.

Allie shares what child-led, neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy can look like in practice, including prioritizing regulation and connection, following a child’s interests, and collaborating with families and other providers.

Throughout the conversation, we return to a central theme of the series: caregivers are an essential part of the team, and strong relationships, open communication, and responsive care are key to finding support that truly fits each child and family.

In this episode we sit down with Dr. Brittany Bomil, a clinical psychologist specializing in neuropsychological assessment, to demystify what a neuropsychological evaluation actually looks like for children and families.

Dr. Bomil walks us through the process from start to finish—from the initial parent interview and individualized assessment to receiving results, recommendations, and a comprehensive report. We discuss how neuropsychological evaluations can help families better understand a child’s learning, thinking, social, emotional, and behavioral needs and guide supports across home, school, and therapeutic settings.

With a particular focus on autism evaluations, we explore why assessment is about much more than a single test or score. Dr. Bomil discusses the importance of considering the whole child through standardized assessments, caregiver input, behavioral observations, collaboration with other professionals, and play-based observation.

This episode offers an approachable look at neuropsychological assessment and how a thoughtful evaluation can go beyond obtaining a diagnosis to help families and professionals better understand and support the whole child.  

Please fill out our survey- it helps us incorporate your feedback and plan future episodes! https://forms.gle/dPz3iCWbjA9rvQTCA

In this episode of our series on navigating an autism diagnosis, we sit down with Dr. Alyssa Smith of Puddle Dock Pediatrics to explore the pediatrician’s role in a child’s developmental journey.

We talk about what happens when caregivers first raise developmental concerns, the difference between screening and a comprehensive evaluation, and how families can navigate referrals, services, and waitlists.

Dr. Smith also shares how her practice supports neurodivergent children through flexible and individualized care, why listening to and connecting with caregivers matters, and how providers across disciplines can work together to make medical care more accessible.

Our conversation offers caregivers practical information about what to expect, what questions to ask, and how their pediatrician can fit into the larger network of support around their child.

Please remember to fill out our survey after listening: https://forms.gle/nA4uRsYodGqT5MsR9 

Welcome to our series on navigating an autism diagnosis from a caregiver’s perspective.

In this introductory episode, sisters Allie and Maryanne Tompkins share the experiences that led them to create the series and their shared commitment to inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming care and education.

We talk about why navigating an autism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, the importance of building a collaborative network of care, and our goal of making information about evaluations, therapies, school services, and other supports more accessible to families.

Throughout the series, we’ll sit down with professionals across disciplines to help caregivers understand who does what, what questions to ask, and how different providers can work together to support autistic children and their families.

Our goal is simple: to help caregivers feel more informed, empowered, and connected as they navigate their own family’s journey.

Please remember to fill out our survey after listening: https://forms.gle/nA4uRsYodGqT5MsR9