E10: One Strategy for Parents to Recharge and Learn at the Same Time! In this episode of the Parents Guide to Advocacy, host Ashley Hinkle discusses the importance of taking time to recharge as a parent and highlights one effective strategy: attending conferences. Ashley shares her personal experiences attending the Apraxia Kids National Conference, the benefits of connecting with others who understand similar challenges, and the invaluable insights gained from these interactions. The episode emphasizes the impact of personal growth on parenting, the significance of community support, and practical tips for balancing the demands of parenting neurodivergent children with self-care and professional development. 00:00 Introduction00:50 Dealing with Burnout01:35 Personal Experience at the Apraxia Kids National Conference03:00 Connecting with Others Facing Similar Challenges06:53 Community Support is Crucial09:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement10:35 Call to Action

In this episode, we dive into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting pathway, breaking down the special education process into manageable stages to ensure parents and educators can better understand and navigate each step. The key stages discussed include the initial referral, evaluations and assessments, eligibility determination, IEP development, implementation, and periodic reviews. Resources:  Article: 10 smart responses for when the school cuts or denies services https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-smart-responses-for-when-the-school-cuts-or-denies-services Infographic: Maryland IEP Timelines https://www.ppmd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IEP-Timeline-SPED-1.2021.pdf 00:00 Introduction to Advocacy 00:39 Understanding the Special Education Process 01:19 The Importance of Record Keeping 03:15 Early Identification and Support 05:29 Navigating the IEP Process 06:51 The Screening Meeting 08:09 The Eligibility Meeting 10:23 The IEP Draft Meeting 18:24 Annual Review and Reevaluation 21:55 Conclusion and Resources

E8: Characteristics of an Incredible Early Intervention Service Provider (Speech, Occupational, Physical Therapies) In this episode, Ashley Hinkle discusses the essential characteristics that make an incredible early intervention service provider. From collaboration with parents to developing personal connections and focusing on customized therapy, the episode covers everything you need to know to select the right service provider for your child. 00:00 Introduction00:51 Difficulty Finding Great Providers01:33 Key Characteristics04:43 Engaging with Children07:27 Understanding Specific Needs09:54 Collaboration12:43 Conclusion and Call to Action

Embracing Neurodivergent Parenting: Discipline, Acceptance, and Support This script emphasizes understanding and accepting behaviors as manifestations of a child's disability. It encourages parents to rewire their perspectives, adopt neurodivergent affirming practices, and provide unwavering support. The script highlights the necessity of showing self-compassion and loving the child as they are. The show provides more than 9 tips for disciplining a child with autism through a neurodivergent affirming perspective. The strategies range from self-regulation and changing the environment to allowing the child to face reasonable natural consequences. Additionally, it references an article from Very Well Family that offers specific discipline strategies. https://www.verywellfamily.com/discipline-strategies-for-children-with-autism-4005045 00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergent Parenting15:43 Understanding Behaviors and Acceptance15:57 Encouragement for Parents16:23 Final Thoughts and Resources

Find stability amidst the chaos by self-reflecting, building community, and actively changing how you show up for your family. We talk about overcoming challenges, developing strategies for peace, and navigating family dynamics with neurodivergent kids.

Empowering Parents: Advocacy for Neurodivergent Children Ashley Hinkle hosts a comprehensive guide for parents on advocacy for neurodivergent children, focusing on equipping and empowering them to advocate for their children's unique educational needs. Ashley discusses the challenges and successes of raising neurodivergent children, specifically addressing concerns around bullying and how it can impact children with conditions like autism and ADHD. The script outlines practical strategies for parents to support their children, including teaching them about different forms of bullying, how to handle encounters assertively, and the importance of building a supportive community. Ashley emphasizes the need for parents to manage their anxieties to better advocate for their children, sharing personal experiences and suggesting ways to become resilient advocates. The guide also includes tips on finding therapeutic support, creating a neurodivergent-affirming environment, and preparing children to stand up against bullying confidently. Resources and coaching opportunities for navigating IEP meetings and the special education system are offered to help parents become effective advocates. 00:00 Welcome to the Parents Guide to Advocacy00:50 Navigating Bullying Concerns for Neurodivergent Children01:37 Personal Reflections on Bullying and Advocacy05:13 Strategies to Empower Children Against Bullying09:58 Building a Supportive Community and Conclusion Resources: Federal anti-bullying laws https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/laws/federal Common components of state anti-bullying laws https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/laws/key-components How disability-related Harassment impacts a Child’s Right to education section 504 and Title II https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-bullying-201410.pdf Article: The difference between Teasing and Bullying https://www.understood.org/en/articles/difference-between-teasing-and-bullying Article: How to Defend Kids from Bullies https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-defend-kids-from-bullies Article: Bullying Laws: Your Child’s Rights at School https://www.understood.org/en/articles/bullying-laws

Resilience starts with a strong foundation, and a primary caregiver who is safe, stable, consistent, and loving.  Resilience is not just surviving, it's thriving in life after the negative event; it’s more than bouncing back or getting back up. Resilience results in: -Increased motivation -Positive outlook -More focus on problem-solving -Flexible thinking Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg developed the 7 C’s of resilience to help families effectively raise resilient kids -Competence -Confidence -Connection -Character -Contribution -Coping -Control Actions that can be taken to develop resilience as a family with your kids: -Prioritize shared experiences and quality time with your kids -Non-judgemental bonding time -Help children identify and share their feelings -Encourage children to ask questions -Validate their feelings and affirm that it is a difficult situation or decision -Help Children with problem-solving skills -Demonstrate healthy thinking patterns -Model finding a sense of meaning and being hopeful -Show that you have healthy coping skills -Create SMART goals that encourage a sense of control, personal responsibility, and bravery -Establish that failure is a normal part of life and embrace failure in your family culture Resources: The Secret to Raising a Resilient Kid https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/parenting/raising-resilient-kids.html Growth Mindset Activities for Kids https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/parenting/raising-resilient-kids.html Resilience Guide for Parents and Teachers https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/guide-parents-teachers Resilience: 5 Ways to Help Children and Teens Learn It https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/resilience-5-ways-to-help-children-and-teens-learn-it-202202242694 5 Ways to Build Resilience in Students https://www.edutopia.org/article/5-ways-build-resilience-students/ Maximizing Children's Resilience https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/09/cover-resilience Coping with Anticipatory Anxiety: https://www.verywellmind.com/anticipatory-anxiety-2671554 7 C's of Resilience: https://www.pathfinder.health/post/helping-your-child-develop-resilience-using-the-7cs-model#:~:text=The%207%20C's%20of%20resilience%20in%20children&text=practice%20these%20concepts.-,Dr.,develop%20each%20component%20of%20resilience. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760

When the stress of parenting kids with extra needs seems all-consuming, we have to do one more thing that demands from us. This thing is essential, it’s the eye opener and the game changer, we have to look inward at ourselves.

The special education system is overwhelming and confusing. We need a guide to advocacy that empowers parents to advocate for their child’s unique needs!