The Special Ed Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function) Tips with Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

The IEP process and the world of special education can be confusing and overwhelming for parents, teachers, and students, alike. But it doesn’t have to be! Learning Essentials has teamed up with experts to give you valuable insights into the IEP process and the world of special education —and it’s free! Join Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P as she hosts educators, psychologists, and other medical providers who provide pro tips on what to ask, what to bring, and what to take away from your next special education interaction. This is a podcast series you will not want to miss!

Episodes

S4 Ep425: Understanding and Managing Resistance: Supporting Students Who Push Back?

March 25, 2025 • 56 mins

Why do some students push back against authority, struggle with compliance, or resist help? In this episode, Britt Rathbone, LCSW-C, BCD, CGP, a nationally recognized adolescent therapist, breaks down why students resist and how parents, educators, and therapists can respond effectively. From Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) to executive function challenges, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities, we explore practical strategie...

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S4 Ep424: IEP Service Hours: How Much Support Does Your Child Really Need?

March 18, 2025 • 9 mins

Parents often wonder: Is my child getting enough support? In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, tackles the big question of IEP service hours—how they’re determined, what truly matters (quality vs. quantity), and how to advocate for services that make a real impact. Learn key questions to ask at your next IEP meeting and bust common myths about service allocation. More hours don’t alw...

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S4 Ep423: Mental Resilience & Performance Anxiety: Helping Young Athletes Thrive

March 11, 2025 • 48 mins

Episode Summary:
What’s the difference between pre-game jitters and full-blown performance anxiety? How can parents, coaches, and schools better support young athletes in high-pressure environments? In this must-listen episode, Dr. Virginia Jones and Dr. Brenna Chirby, two top clinical psychologists specializing in sports psychology, break down mental resilience strategies that help student-athletes perform at their best—...

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S4 Ep422: Brain-Based Strategies for Students with Language-Based Learning Disabilities

March 4, 2025 • 48 mins

Guest: Dr. Jillian Darefsky, Executive Head of The Siena School
Host: Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

In this episode, Wendy Taylor speaks with Dr. Jilly Darefsky, a leader in specialized education and an advocate for students with language-based learning disabilities. With both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent of two dyslexic children, Dr. Darefsky shares invaluable insights into how the brai...

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S4 Ep421: IEP Progress Reports: What Parents Need To Know

February 25, 2025 • 14 mins

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, delves into the essentials of measuring and reporting IEP progress. She offers actionable advice for parents to confidently interpret their child's progress reports, request raw data, and advocate for goal adjustments when progress stalls. Wendy emphasizes the importance of understanding legal rights under IDEA and provides strategies to ensu...

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S4 Ep420: Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in K-12 Education with Rachel Archambault

February 18, 2025 • 53 mins

In this powerful episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor welcomes Rachel Archambault, M.A., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist and trauma-informed care advocate. Rachel shares her journey from experiencing trauma firsthand at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to becoming a leading voice in trauma-informed education. Learn how educators can implement practical, mindset-shifting strategies to creat...

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S4 Ep419: IEPs Aren’t Just for Academics – How to Advocate for Non-Academic Needs

February 11, 2025 • 9 mins

IEPs Aren’t Just for Academics – How to Advocate for Non-Academic Needs

IEPs aren’t just about grades! In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor breaks down how IEPs can – and should – support non-academic needs, including social-emotional skills, executive function, behavior, life skills, and related services like OT, speech, and counseling. Learn how to request functional performance evaluatio...

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S4 Ep418: In the Cortex: Primitive Reflexes, Children's Behavior, And Brain Reorganization

February 4, 2025 • 62 mins

Join The Special Ed Strategist podcast for an eye-opening conversation with Dani and Paloma, founders of In the Cortex. Experts in neurodevelopment and brain reorganization, Dani and Paloma explain how retained primitive reflexes impact children’s behavior, learning, and emotional regulation. Discover actionable strategies, including targeted movements, to help rewire the brain and support kids both at home and in school. This...

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S4 Ep417: Inclusive Practices and IEPs

January 28, 2025 • 11 mins

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., Executive Director of Learning Essentials and a certified educational therapist, explores how inclusive teaching practices can support meaningful participation for students with learning differences. From understanding IDEA and LRE to advocating for SMART goals and teacher training, Wendy shares actionable strategies to help parents and educators foster a suppo...

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S4 Ep416: Helping Your Child with Big Emotions

January 21, 2025 • 51 mins

Join The Special Ed Strategist as Dr. David Palmiter, Clinical Director at the Chesapeake Center, dives into supporting kids with big emotions. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Palmiter shares practical strategies to help parents and educators foster resilience and manage emotional challenges.

Key Takeaways:

Insights into ADHD and emotional regulation in children
The power of cognitive-behavioral ...

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S4 Ep415: IEP Amendments and Adjustments

January 14, 2025 • 8 mins

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor, a certified educational therapist and IEP coach with over 20 years of experience, delves into the significance of IEP amendments. She explains how these adjustments can promptly address a child's evolving educational needs without waiting for the annual review. Wendy offers practical advice on recognizing when amendments are necessary, understanding legal rights ...

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S4 Ep414: Coaching Teens to Independence with Jane Singleton

January 7, 2025 • 49 mins

Episode Summary:
Join Wendy Taylor as she sits down with Jane Singleton, founder of Launchpad for Life, a certified leadership coach and special education expert. Jane shares her journey from special educator to coach, helping parents and teens foster independence, build executive function skills, and embrace neuroinclusivity. Discover actionable strategies for transitioning from a parenting “director” to a supportive “co...

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S4 Ep413: Understanding the IEP Review Process

December 17, 2024 • 16 mins

Navigating the IEP process doesn’t have to feel like entering a boardroom without a rulebook. In this episode, Wendy Taylor shares her expertise as an educator and advocate to guide you through the essentials of IEP reviews. Learn how to prepare, organize, and empower yourself as the expert on your child’s needs. Tune in to discover actionable tips and strategies for building a collaborative IEP team.

Contact Me
H...

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S4 Ep412: Preparing Autistic Teens for College Success - Building Confidence and Independence

December 10, 2024 • 53 mins

Host Wendy Taylor welcomes Beth Felsen, founder of Spectrum Transition Coaching, to discuss essential strategies for preparing autistic teens for college. Beth shares invaluable insights from her 25+ years of experience as a parent, autism coach, and executive function specialist. Learn how to support your teen in developing social connections, mastering life skills, and fostering independence. Beth highlights the transi...

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S4 Ep411: Differences Between ADA and Section 504

December 3, 2024 • 15 mins

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor explores the transition from high school to college for students with disabilities, focusing on changes under ADA and Section 504. Wendy dives into self-advocacy, differences in accommodations, and FERPA's impact on parental involvement. Discover how to prepare your child to advocate for themselves, understand new documentation requirements, and navigate college d...

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S4 Ep410: Holistic Career Counseling With Dr. Daniel Greenwood, Ed.D., M.Ed.

November 19, 2024 • 44 mins

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor welcomes Dr. Daniel Greenwood, Ed.D., M.Ed., and Beth Greenwood, B.A., UCLA College Counseling Certificate holders, who are experienced career and educational counselors with Greenwood Associates West, Inc. They bring insights from the Greenwood System, a holistic career counseling approach developed over three decades. This episode dives deep into understanding how ab...

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S4 Ep409: Transitioning Between 504 Plans & IEPs

November 12, 2024 • 13 mins

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor—special educator, IEP coach, and educational therapist—breaks down the complex process of transitioning from a 504 plan to an IEP. Wendy explains the key differences between the two plans, when and why you might need to move from a 504 to an IEP, and actionable steps for parents to advocate effectively. She offers practical advice and real-world examples to make t...

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S4 Ep408: Support with Bullying with Chad Rose, Ph.D.

October 29, 2024 • 52 mins

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor sits down with Dr. Chad A. Rose, an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri and the Director of the Mizzou Ed Bully Prevention Lab. Dr. Rose shares insights on bullying and cyberbullying, particularly focusing on neurodivergent learners and vulnerable students. The conversation covers effective strategies to prevent bullying, empower bystanders, and fost...

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S4 Ep407: Advocacy for Section 504 Plans

October 22, 2024 • 15 mins

In this episode, Wendy Taylor breaks down Section 504 and shares essential advocacy strategies to help parents and educators secure the right accommodations for students with disabilities. From understanding 504 plans to out-of-the-box accommodations and dispute resolution tips, Wendy equips listeners with practical tools to navigate the special education system effectively.

Episode Highlights:

What is Se...

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S4 Ep406: Navigating Parenthood and Special Needs Advocacy with Susanna Peace Lovell

October 15, 2024 • 53 mins

Episode Overview
In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist Podcast, host Wendy Taylor sits down with Susanna Peace Lavelle, an author, speaker, life coach, and advocate dedicated to supporting the disability community. Susanna shares her personal journey as a mother to a daughter with multiple diagnoses, including autism, and how this experience has shaped her life's work. The conversation covers the highs and low...

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