Episode 71: In this episode, we tackle the often overwhelming process of navigating special education, especially for students with hidden disabilities such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. With 13% of California’s K-12 students now receiving individualized services, the need for parents and caregivers to understand their rights and the resources available has never been more crucial. As a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and leader of NAMI support groups, I frequently encounter this issue in my work, which is why I’m excited to bring you this conversation. We’re joined by Anne Childers, an educator, instructional designer, and parent of a child with special needs, along with Dr. Kathryn Keithly, a licensed educational psychologist and expert in Independent Educational Evaluations. Together, we’ll demystify the special education process, offering practical guidance on how to advocate effectively for your child and ensure that they receive the support they need to thrive in the classroom.
Producer & Host: Debra Sloss, LMFT
Guests: Anne Childers & Kathryn Keithly, PhD
Broadcast 10/6/24 & 10/14/24
Special thanks to Youssef Hassanein for audio production, Jennifer Young and Katrina Tattenham for research, Patrice Vecchione for story coaching, Pati Palmer for transcriptions & Rebecca Levy for media outreach. And thanks to acoustic guitarist Adrian Legg for composing, performing, and donating the use of our theme music.
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RESOURCES:
* Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource
Websites and Articles
Parents’ guide to 504 plans and IEPs: What they are and how they’re different – An Ed Source Quick Guide by author Carolyn Jones / Published March 29, 2022.
Child Mind Institute – A leading independent nonprofit in children’s mental health working to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need to thrive. This organization operates in three Mission Areas that work together for greater impact: Care, Education and Science. They also operate two clinical centers in New York and San Mateo, California.
WrightsLaw A-Z Topics Page – An extensive resource for information about special education law and student rights. Also offers a free Special Education Advocate Newsletter
Transition Services for Students – Disability Rights California article about the transition planning process (after High School) with guidance for parents and caregivers. Available in 13 languages. Published Aug 1, 2015.
Science of Learning & Development Alliance — SoLD Allies elevate the science of learning and development and advance key shifts in research, practice, and policy to transform education and youth development systems to be aligned with the science and designed for equity. SoLD Alliance synthesizes converging knowledge from the science of learning and development into several initial findings about how young people learn and develop best. Our show guest Anne recommends this website because she says “I am fascinated with the gap between what we know about learners and how schools and organizations are responding to the science of learning and development.”
Understood.org — A leading nonprofit organization working to empower the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences in the United States. Providing free, expert-vetted resources and support so people who learn and think differently can thrive in school, at work, and throughout life.
Videos
Unlocking the Secret Powers of Tenderness | Meena Srinivasan | TEDxSouthLakeTahoe
For the past several years Meena Srinivasan has been investigating the profound impact of offering tenderness to ourselves and others. In important ways, tenderness is very different from its “cousins” compassion, vulnerability and empathy. Meena Srinivasan is a seasoned educational leader, celebrated speaker, accomplished author, and visionary entrepreneur. Our show guest Anne says, “I’ve used this talk and concept throughout my journey as a very steady beat to come back to within myself. This is a tender situation and leaning into the powers gives breath and space for new ways of thinking.”
Support Organizations for Parents Seeking Support within School System
Parents Helping Parents – Parent support for children and adults with disabilities for the Central California Region and beyond. PHP helps families understand and navigate complex systems of care for their loved one of any age with any disability or diagnosis.
*Special Parents Information Network Santa Cruz (SPINSC) – Supporting families with special needs children and the professionals who work with them by providing information, support and resources.
Information about Independent Education Evaluations (IEE)
How To Obtain An Independent Educational Evaluation At Public Expense – Article on the Disability Rights California Website providing information on how to obtain an independent educational evaluation at public expense from a school district. Published Feb 1, 2021.
IEE Guidelines – Produced by The Eldorado SELPAS (Special Education Local Plan Area).
Inside an Educational Evaluation – Article on the Child Mind Institute website providing more information about what an Educational Evaluation is and is not.
Schools and Programs for those with Learning Differences:
*Chartwell School (in Seaside California) works to empowers students with dyslexia and associated learning differences to unlock their full potential. We provide a college preparatory, strength-based program that gives students the skills, strategies, tools and mindset needed to become successful lifelong learners.
*Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes – Lindamood-Bell has pioneered programs to develop the sensory-cognitive processes that underlie reading and comprehension. They have over 50 Learning Centers across the country and dozens of seasonal Learning Camps as well as online offerings. Including a Santa Cruz County Learning Camp.
Landmark College – The College for Students Who Learn Differently for students with Dyslexia | ADHD | Autism | Executive Function Challenges. Also offer special summer programs for students in High School and beyond.
Mental Health Support and Information
*NAMI Santa Cruz County – A grassroots nonprofit offering free classes, support groups, crisis resources, and advocacy for those facing mental health challenges and their families.
*NAMI Monterey County – A grassroots nonprofit offering free classes, support groups, crisis resources, and advocacy for those facing mental health challenges and their families.
NAMI National – A comprehensive website with information, resources, and national advocacy on mental health.
NAMI California – Offers training, education, and advocacy resources specific to California.
Counseling Support
*Family Service Agency (FSA) of the Central Coast is a dedicated underwriter of State of Mind. FSA provides resources, support, and counseling services to adults and children. FSA believes in the power and potential of people of all ages and backgrounds to discover their own creative solutions and welcomes people of diverse cultures, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths, socio–economic backgrounds. FSA Counseling Offices offer Medi–Cal, Medicare, and low–cost, sliding scale services in both downtown Santa Cruz and Soquel.
Phone: 831–423–9444 ext: 200 and in Soquel 831–346–6767 ext: 200.
*Shine a Light Counseling Center – Offering quality, affordable counseling at offices in Santa Cruz, Watsonville and Monterey. The center provides individual, family, couple and group counseling, including men’s groups.
Phone: 831-996-1222
Contact Guests
Katheryn Keithly,MA, PsyD – Licensed Educational Psychologist, Board Certified Sports Psychologist who conducts Independent Education Evaluations and is located in Aptos CA.
Email: katy@kmkpsych.com
Anne Childers– Parent of a child with special needs. Educator, instructional designer and storyteller with a focus on integrating social, emotional and academic learning into school design and educator development.
Email: anne@annchilders.com
* Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource
