Neurodivergence is the term for when someone’s brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered “typical.” It is not a disability but a difference in how the brain works. With this shift, practitioners are no longer treating neurodivergence as an illness. Instead, we view neurodiversity through a lens of an individual needing different methods of …

When a parent realizes their child is not thriving in school, even despite the school district’s very best efforts to work with the child, they can feel defeated and alone. Conversely, when the school team is concerned that their large public-school setting is simply not working and their student is at risk of failing, solutions …

The Importance of Low Child to Teacher Ratios Research strongly suggests that smaller class sizes and low student to teacher ratios within classes greatly impact the success of all children. Particularly in early education programs, children need individualized attention and proactive services. The Center for Public Education recommends that 15 students to 1 teacher is …

Organize all that paperwork In the world of special education, there are lots of meetings, paperwork, and documentation. Try to keep a family calendar of school events, special education meetings, conferences, etc. Setting up a binder or folder to keep your child’s special education documentation, meeting notices, and IEPs in sequential order can also help …

3 Underserved and Overlooked Student Populations in Public Schools  When it comes to equity in education, we often think of ethnic and racial minorities, students with disabilities, or students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. However, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to equity. There are many student populations that can use extra resources. This blog post explores some …

By Dr. Ford The stories in the cookbook are packed with ways that the neurodiverse students benefit! However, in summary our culinary arts program provides critical life skill instruction, an outlet for creativity and an opportunity for students to gather in community. We decided to collaborate with a celebrity chef quite simply to elevate the …

By Dr. Ford Some kids take to learning like peanut butter and jelly. Others, more like oil and water. For teachers, witnessing an incredibly smart kid sitting in the back fidgeting with their pen, staring off into space, or being distracted with their cell phone is frustrating. Equally as frustrating? Wanting your kid to do …

When your child/student, is feeling emotional or upset, what can we do to help? Be the regulator – the adult stays CALM. Calming voice, soothing, eye contact, be a comfort, relaxed body posture, NO yelling Don’t use too many words. Give the student wait time Model deep breathing (in through the nose, out through the …

This is true for people with and without disabilities. You need to make money if you want to live an independent life. Money isn’t the only reason people want to work. We like to work to meet new people, stay busy, and feel good about ourselves. Finding a job or picking a career can be …

Set aside designated “family time” a few times a week for everyone! Yes, everyone! This means all family members who live in the same household. Family time means screens are put away and we have structured conversation. Hmmm, what does this look like? It could be over the dinner table or sitting around the living …