Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm

Host: Dana Jonson
Guest: Michaell Magrutsche

Introduction:

A fascinating exploration of creativity and systemic thinking in education, featuring insights from Michaell Magrutsche, an advocate for integrating human-centric approaches within educational systems.

Discussion Highlights:

• The importance of recognizing and nurturing individual uniqueness within educational and systemic frameworks was emphasized, with Michaell sharing insights from his personal experiences as a neurodiverse individual.

• Michaell advocated for a human-centric approach to education, critiquing traditional systems that prioritize rote learning over creativity and individual strengths.

• The conversation covered societal constructs like gender and age, advocating for an educational approach that sees beyond these labels to the individual underneath.

• Michaell's journey highlighted the limitations of traditional education systems in accommodating diverse learning needs and the need for systemic change.

Resources:

• My Hub: https://MICHAELLM.com

• The Smart of Art Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michaellart

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellart

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesmartofart/

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thesmartofart

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaellart

• YouTube Videos: https://goo.gl/gPM7cq

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Michaellcoach

• My Music: www.soundcloud.com/michaellart

• My Books: https://goo.gl/tpDQk3

Call to Action: Spread the Word of the Podcast

• Share the Episode on Social Media: Utilize your platforms to share the episode or key takeaways. Whether it's Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram, your share can spark interest and bring this valuable content to a wider audience. Use hashtags like #EducationInnovation, #CreativityInLearning, and #HumanCentricEducation to increase visibility.

• Discuss the Episode in Online Forums and Communities: Join discussions in relevant online communities, such as educational forums, creativity workshops, and social media groups focused on education reform or personal development. Sharing your insights or how the episode influenced your thoughts can inspire others to listen and engage.

• Recommend the Podcast to Friends and Colleagues: Word-of-mouth remains a powerful tool for spreading ideas. If you found the content impactful, discuss it with friends, family, and colleagues who have an interest in education, creativity, or personal development. Personal recommendations can encourage others to explore the episode and potentially introduce them to new concepts and perspectives.

Note:

This episode serves as a call to embrace creativity and individual uniqueness in education, challenging conventional norms and advocating for a more inclusive, adaptive learning environment.

Shortly after publication, a transcript for this episode will be posted on SpecialEd.fm

Advocacy Insights with Diana Fannon

Host: Dana Jonson

Guest: Diana Fannon, Special Educaiton Director and School Psychologist

Introduction:

Dana Jonson introduces Diana Fannon, a Director of Special Education and a former school psychologist. Diana shares her personal journey with epilepsy and how it has influenced her approach to advocacy and education.

Resources Mentioned:

• Disability Ed Pros Website: www.disabilityedpros.com

• Free Webinar on Demystifying the Path to Eligibility: www.disabilityedpros.com/webinar

• Instagram: @DisabilityEdPros

Call to Action:

1. Share the Episode with a Friend: Help spread the valuable insights from this episode by sharing it with friends or family members navigating the special education system.

2. Leave a Review: Support the podcast by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps reach more listeners and provide support to more families.

3. Follow Disability Ed Pros on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest resources, tips, and support by following Diana Fannon's initiative, Disability Ed Pros, on Instagram.

This episode serves as a comprehensive resource for parents and guardians in the special education process, offering Diana Fannon's expert insights and personal experiences to guide and empower families.

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website https://SpecialEd.fm.

Host: Dana Jonson
Guest: Dr. Alison Escalante

In this enlightening episode, Dana Jonson is joined by Dr. Alison Escalante, a board-certified pediatrician renowned for her innovative approach to parenting and child development. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Escalante shares invaluable insights on overcoming the challenges of parenting, particularly within the neurodiverse community. The conversation delves into the intricacies of ADHD, sensory sensitivity, and the societal pressures that shape parenting practices.

• "Just because they can do it sometimes doesn't mean they can do it all the time." - Alison Escalante, on the expectations placed on neurodiverse children.

• "Everything I try as a parent, everything I start, is a learning opportunity." - Alison Escalante, discussing her approach to parenting and learning from mistakes.

• The importance of understanding neurodiversity and its impact on children and their behavior.

• Strategies for managing sensory sensitivities and meltdowns in neurodiverse children.

• The role of societal expectations in shaping parenting practices and the challenges they present.

• An introduction to the "Sigh, See, Start" method developed by Dr. Escalante, aimed at empowering parents to better meet their children's needs amidst the "parenting shitstorm" of criticism and anxiety.

• Book: "Sigh, See, Start" by Dr. Alison Escalante. A science-based, three-step method to overcome the overwhelming pressures of parenting.

• Website: https://seesighstart.com - For more information on Dr. Escalante's work, additional resources, and access to a free chapter of her book.

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Join host Dana Jonson and Dr. Tamara Soles, a renowned child psychologist and parent coach, for an insightful conversation on "Transforming Parenting - Attachment, Neurobiology, and Thriving Children." Dive into the world of parenting neurodivergent children, the importance of attachment in parenting, and the role of parental self-reflection. Dr. Soles shares her wealth of experience in early childhood mental health, highlighting the impact of attachment and neurobiology on child development. Key quotes from Dr. Soles emphasize understanding neurodiversity and the essence of attachment beyond physical closeness. Listeners are encouraged to explore Dr. Tamara's website for valuable resources. This episode offers a comprehensive understanding of modern parenting techniques, focusing on neurodiversity and psychological child-rearing aspects.

Guest: Dr. Tamara Soles (Child Psychologist, Parent Coach, Founder of The Secure Child Center for Families and Children)

Host: Dana Jonson

Discussion Highlights:

• Attachment in Parenting: Dr. Tamara discusses attunement and responsiveness in developing secure attachments.

• Parenting Neurodivergent Children: Strategies for understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

• Role of Parental Self-Reflection: Emphasizing parents' need to reflect on their upbringing and emotional responses.

• Early Childhood Mental Health: Exploring mental health's impact on long-term development in early childhood.

Memorable Quotes:

"Children are wired differently, and we need to identify their needs for effective parenting." 

- This quote is from Dr. Tamara Soles, discussing the importance of understanding neurodiversity in children for effective parenting.

"Attachment is about connection and responsiveness, not just physical closeness." 

- This quote, also by Dr. Tamara Soles, addresses common misconceptions about attachment parenting, emphasizing emotional connection and responsiveness.

"Our own inner children often come up in our parenting journey." 

- In this quote, Dr. Tamara Soles speaks about the significance of parental self-reflection in the parenting process.

Call to Action:

Visit Dr. Tamara's website (https://drtamarasoles.com/freebies/) for free resources on parenting and supporting neurodivergent children.

Other resources: 

• Website https://drtamarasoles.com

• Free PDF 4 Hidden Reasons Your Child is Melting Down https://drtamarasoles.com/meltdowns/

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drtamarasoles

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-soles/

Note: This episode offers a comprehensive understanding of parenting techniques that cater to neurodiversity, with Dr. Tamara's expertise providing fresh perspectives on nurturing thriving children.

[After Publication Note: A transcript of this episode will be available at https://SpecialEd.fm]

Shortly after publication, a TRANSCRIPT of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website, https://SpecialEd.fm.

Episode Title:
Giftedness and Beyond: Navigating Neurodivergence with Dr. Matt Zakreski

Guest:  Dr. Matt Zakreski
Host: Dana Jonson

This episode offers a deep dive into understanding and supporting neurodivergent children. Dr. Matt's expertise and empathetic approach make this a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in neurodiversity.

Introduction:

Dana Jonson introduces Dr. Matt Zakreski, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community.

Dr. Matt's unique approach combines personal experiences with professional expertise in psychology.

Memorable Quotes:

"Labels are powerful. It matters that you're a zebra, not a weird horse."  
     ~ Dr. Matt on the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity.

"If I ever got the chance to do this work, I wanted to work with kids like me."  
     ~ Dr. Matt discusses his motivation to help neurodivergent children.”

"It's like everybody else got the script, but you didn't."
     ~ Dr. Matt on the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in social settings.

"Kids survive, but not all of them do."  
     ~ Dr. Matt highlights the urgent need for appropriate support for neurodivergent children.

Discussion Highlights:

Performance Cliff: Discussing the challenges gifted children face when academic demands exceed their capabilities.

Masking in Neurodiversity: Exploring the concept of neurodivergent individuals hiding their true selves.

Educational Strategies: Emphasizing the need for individualized education to cater to neurodivergent students.

Dr. Matt's Mission:

Co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective, which offers therapy, IQ testing, coaching, and consulting specifically for the neurodivergent community.

Advocates for practical strategies to aid in the development and learning of neurodivergent children.

Call to Action:

Encouraging listeners to learn more about The Neurodiversity Collective and its services by visiting their website: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/

FLASHBACK:

Check out a blast from the past: How Exceptional Are You?
In this episode I speak with Cheryl Viirand, super-mom and co-founder of Cajal Academy, a private special education school in CT designed for 2e children. We discuss the unique challenges and gifts of twice-exceptional (2e) children, exploring strategies for educating them in a way that addresses both their high intellectual capabilities and their individual learning needs. We also delve into the role of neuroplasticity in developing programs tailored to 2e children, highlighting the importance of creating an educational environment that nurtures their gifts while supporting their challenges. 

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website https://SpecialEd.fm.

Topic: Essential Social and Career Skills for Teens in Today's Digital Era

This episode delves into crucial social and career skills that teens and young adults must navigate in our highly digitalized world. Kirt Manecke's insights offer invaluable advice on developing these vital competencies.

Guest: Kirt Manecke, Award-Winning Author of "Smile & Succeed for Teens: Must-Know People Skills for Today’s Wired World"

Host: Dana Jonson

Introduction:

• Dana Jonson introduces Kirt Manecke, an expert in teen social skills development and author of the critically acclaimed guide for improving interpersonal abilities in the digital age.

Discussion Highlights:

• Fundamentals of Social Skills: Kirt discusses the core social skills every teen should master, emphasizing the power of smiling, proper greetings, and the importance of face-to-face communication, even in a digital world.

• Career Preparedness for Teens: The conversation turns to how teens can apply these social skills to secure and excel in their first jobs, highlighting interviewing techniques, customer service essentials, and the significance of first impressions.

• Volunteering as a Skills Laboratory: Kirt advocates for volunteering as a practical way for teens to practice and enhance their social skills in a real-world setting, fostering personal growth and community contribution.

• Adapting to Digital Communication: The nuances of applying traditional social skills in digital platforms and how teens can maintain genuine connections online are explored.

Memorable Quotes:

"Mastering social skills is your ticket to personal and professional success." - Kirt Manecke on the importance of interpersonal skills.

"A smile is the universal language of kindness and confidence." - Kirt on the simplest yet most powerful social skill.

"Every interaction is an opportunity to practice and polish your people skills." - Kirt on the importance of everyday engagements.

Call to Action:

• To find Kirt Manecke, visit his website (www.SmiletheBook.com), where he has more information on his books, online courses, and free resources designed to help teens thrive in social and professional settings.