In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, we sit down with Damien B. Troutman, Senior Associate at the Leigh Law Group, to explore the complex and often overwhelming process of limited conservatorships. Damien brings years of experience working in employment law, special education law, disciplinary matters such as suspensions and expulsions, as well as disability law, Regional Center advocacy, and cases involving adults with disabilities.
Together, we break down the essentials for parents and caregivers:
Damien shares practical guidance on when families should begin preparing, and steps that can make the process more manageable. Parents will leave with a clearer understanding of their options, the role of the court, and where to turn for support.
For more information on Damien Troutman’s work, visit Leigh Law Group or call 1-(800) 424-5297.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund talks with Alex Basche, LMFT, a leading therapist specializing in technology addiction and digital overuse. Together they explore how to distinguish heavy screen use from true addiction, why neurodivergent youth (ADHD, autism) often engage with gaming differently, and what evidence-based strategies can help families restore balance. Alex shares practical tools for parents—including family media plans, activity menus, and guidance on when (and how) a “detox” may be useful.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional, this conversation offers concrete steps for supporting kids and teens in developing healthier relationships with screens.
About Our Guest
Alex Basche is a Bay Area psychotherapist who has dedicated nearly 15 years to working with children, adolescents, and families. He is recognized for his specialization in technology addiction and digital overuse, co-founding California’s first in-network Intensive Outpatient Program for adolescent tech addiction in 2017.
Alex’s approach is holistic and strength-based, focusing not only on mental and emotional health but also on sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social support systems. He integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based approaches, DBT, ACT, Gestalt, and Gottman Therapy, tailoring interventions to each client with evidence-based methods.
He has authored over 200+ therapy group sessions on topics ranging from social skills to trauma-related anxiety, and has led specialized PTSD treatment groups for preteens. His teaching and training extend across California through workshops on process addictions, adolescent anxiety and depression, and parenting in the digital age.
Learn more at: resetfromtech.com
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. If you have concerns about your child’s or your own mental health, please consult a qualified professional.
In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, we take on a topic that leaves many parents feeling stuck: understanding the real difference between Intellectual Disability (ID) and Specific Learning Disability (SLD). These labels carry important implications for how schools provide support—but they’re not always applied accurately. We break down what IQ scores really measure, what adaptive functioning means in everyday life, and why students with lower conceptual reasoning skills and persistent academic struggles may be misidentified. We also discuss how special education law (IDEA) doesn’t always reflect the full clinical picture, especially when it comes to students who fall into the "gray zone" between diagnoses.
You’ll learn how schools make eligibility decisions, how these diagnoses affect long-term planning like diplomas and life skills training, and how cultural, racial, and linguistic biases (like the lasting effects of Larry P. in California) can result in inadequate or incomplete evaluations. Most importantly, we’ll walk you through what parents can do if they suspect their child’s needs are being misunderstood. Whether you’re in the middle of the IEP process or just starting to ask questions, this episode will help you advocate for a clearer path forward.
#SpecialEducation #BayAreaParents #IEPHelp #LearningDisabilities #IntellectualDisability #EducationalAssessment #ParentAdvocacy #Neurodiversity #BayAreaIEE #SLDorID #TheBylundClinic
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into screen dependency , exploring why children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or depression may be more susceptible and how to intervene when screen use starts impacting daily life.
We break down:
✔️ Signs of screen dependency – when tech use interferes with academics, relationships, and emotional well-being.
✔️ Why neurodiverse kids rely more on screens – understanding the link between ADHD, autism, anxiety, and excessive screen time.
✔️ The pros and cons of screen-based activities – when they offer a safe space vs. when they become problematic.
✔️ Treatment strategies – from setting family tech boundaries to seeking professional intervention.
If your child’s screen use feels overwhelming, this episode will help you recognize the warning signs and take the next steps toward a healthier balance.
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#ScreenDependency, #NeurodiverseKids, #TechAddiction, #ScreenTimeLimits, #ADHDParenting, #AutismSupport, #ParentingTips, #MentalHealthAwareness, #DigitalDetox, #KidsAndScreens, #ParentingHacks, #ADHDSupport, #AutismAwareness, #ScreenTimeAddiction, #ParentingStruggles, #SocialMediaAddiction #TheBylundClinic
Navigating special education can feel overwhelming for parents, but with the right advocate, it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Dr. James Bylund sits down with Christina Maehr, a renowned special education advocate, to explore how parents can effectively navigate special education systems and secure the best services for their children with disabilities.
Christina shares her personal journey—from managing her own child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process to becoming a leading expert in dyslexia identification, school intervention strategies, and special education advocacy.
✅ What is a special education advocate, and how can they help parents navigate the system?
✅ Common roadblocks in IEP meetings and strategies to overcome them
✅ Why many children with dyslexia go unidentified in schools and how to address this issue
✅ How legal decisions impact special education rights and what parents should know
✅ Practical steps for parents to ensure their child receives the right support
This episode is packed with expert insights, real-life success stories, and practical advice—including how Christina helped a student make five years of academic progress in just one year!
If you're a parent, educator, or advocate, this conversation provides essential tools and knowledge to help you navigate special education with confidence.
🔍 Learn More About Our Clinic: https://thebylundclinic.com/
📅 Book a Consultation: https://thebylundclinic.com/contact-us/
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🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights on navigating special education!
#SpecialEducationAdvocate #IEPProcessTips #DyslexiaIdentification #SpecialEducationAdvocacy #NavigatingIEPMeetings #SchoolInterventionStrategies #ParentGuideToSpecialEducation #DyslexiaInSchools #SpecialEducationRights #LegalDecisionsInSpecialEducation #IEPSuccessStories #SpecialEducationSupport #EducationAdvocacyForParents #HowToNavigateIEPs #DyslexiaAwareness #SchoolSupportForDyslexicStudents #SpecialEducationTools #ParentTipsSpecialEducation #EducationAdvocacyTips #ChristinaSpecialEducationAdvocate #MakingAcademicProgressInSpecialEd
Managing screen time can feel overwhelming, especially with ever-changing recommendations and evolving technology. In our latest episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, listen as we break down practical, research-based strategies to help you navigate screen use at home.
What We Cover:
This episode is packed with insights to help you create a sustainable, balanced approach to technology in your home.
In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund sits down with Sean McCormick, founder of EF Specialists, to explore the essential role of executive functioning (EF) in a child’s academic and personal success. Executive functioning includes critical life skills like organization, time management, task initiation, and self-regulation—skills that many children, particularly those with ADHD or autism, find challenging.
Sean shares his journey from special education teacher to global EF coach, offering practical advice for parents, educators, and clinicians on how to recognize and support EF deficits in children. He stresses that executive functioning isn’t just about improving classroom performance—it’s about fostering independence, confidence, and long-term success.
Together, Dr. Bylund and Sean discuss how comprehensive assessments can pinpoint EF challenges and why specific intervention strategies are essential for building a strong IEP. They also dive into the importance of advocating for systemic changes in schools, including Sean’s proposal to introduce EF standards in education to ensure these skills are explicitly taught across grade levels.
Key Topics Discussed:
(1) What are executive functioning skills, and how do they impact learning?
(2) How can parents and teachers identify EF challenges and support children effectively?
(3) Why independent educational assessments are critical for understanding EF deficits
(4) The role of proactive educators and parents in fostering EF skill development
(5) How EF coaching can benefit both children and adults
Sean emphasizes that modeling executive skills at home is one of the most effective ways parents can help their children. By making small changes in routines and expectations, families can see big improvements in self-organization and independence.
Sean’s work continues to evolve with the launch of Upskill Specialists, which focuses on EF coaching for adults, and the Executive Function Coaching Academy, which provides educators with tools to support students. The conversation closes with a call for more systemic change in education, encouraging schools to teach EF skills alongside academic subjects.
Whether you’re a parent navigating your child’s IEP, a teacher looking for practical classroom strategies, or a clinician supporting families, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately to help children build the skills they need for lifelong success.
Resources Mentioned:
Visit EF Specialists for articles, resources, and coaching tools.
Subscribe to Sean’s newsletter for weekly tips on executive function strategies.
Explore the Executive Function Coaching Academy to learn how to bring EF coaching into schools.
Ready to dive in? Listen now!
#ExecutiveFunction #ParentSupport #TeacherTips #ADHDAwareness #IEPGoals #SpecialEducationSupport #EducationalAssessments #NeurodiversityInEducation #ExecutiveFunctioningStrategies #ChildDevelopment #TheBylundClinicPodcast #EFCoaching #IEPSupport #LearningStrategies #SupportingAllLearners #ParentAdvocacy #TimeManagementSkills #AutismSupport #ADHDSupport
In this Bylund Clinic Podcast episode, Dr. Bylund and Ms. Morales take a deep dive into the science behind screen dependency in kids and its far-reaching effects on their mental, emotional, and academic development. This is Part 1 of a series on screen time, designed to help parents understand the hidden mechanisms at play and provide evidence-based insights for raising healthy, balanced kids in the digital age.
In this episode, Dr. Bylund and Ms. Morales break down the psychological and neurological factors that make screens so captivating. From variable reward systems to the human need for social belonging, they reveal the intentional engineering that keeps kids glued to their devices.
You’ll also learn about:
This episode is perfect for parents, educators, and caregivers looking to better understand the unseen forces shaping their children’s relationship with technology.
Upcoming episodes will offer actionable advice for managing screens at home, navigating screen time for neurodivergent youth, and understanding the long-term effects of screens on family life.
Don’t miss out on this essential conversation! Subscribe to The Bylund Clinic Podcast to stay informed and empowered as a parent in today’s screen-saturated world. Let’s work together to create a healthier future for our kids.
#ScreenTimeAwareness
#ParentingInTheDigitalAge
#ChildDevelopment
#MentalHealthMatters
#DigitalParenting
#NeurodivergentKids
#ScreenTimeEffects
#HealthyKidsHealthyFuture
#ParentingTips
#TechAndKids
#EmotionalWellness
#BalancedParenting
#KidsAndScreens
#CognitiveDevelopment
#FamilyLifeMatters
Episode 6: What Parents Need to Know About Clinical vs. Educational Autism Criteria
In this episode, we explore the important distinctions and overlaps between clinical diagnoses of autism and eligibility criteria for services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). We’ll discuss California's 2014 regulatory updates aimed at better aligning clinical and educational criteria and highlight what parents need to know to navigate both. We'll cover:
Core Diagnostic Criteria
A clinical diagnosis requires clear deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and relationship skills, as well as evidence of repetitive behaviors, rigid routines, or sensory sensitivities. Educational eligibility, on the other hand, focuses on the need for specially designed instruction that supports access and progress in general education.
Specially Designed Instruction
What adaptations in content, delivery, and methodology look like in educational settings, including behavior plans, executive skills, and mental health counseling.
Common Pitfalls in School-Based Assessments
Why it's critical for school psychologists to be familiar with clinical diagnostic criteria and to avoid "diagnostic overshadowing"—attributing all challenges to autism without considering other conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities, or anxiety.
Transition Assessments
For students 16 and older, effective transition assessments address executive functioning, adaptive skills, and planning for independent living, employment, and community agency support.
Through understanding these distinctions, parents can be better prepared to advocate for comprehensive and meaningful supports that address the full impact of autism on their child’s daily life and future.
Join us to learn more about these criteria and why an accurate understanding is essential in supporting your child’s development both in school and beyond.
Writing difficulties are one of the most visible challenges students face, and for parents, this can be a major source of concern, especially when the root cause isn't immediately clear. This episode breaks down what dysgraphia is, the different ways it can manifest, and how parents can best support their child through assessment, intervention, and accommodations. In this episode, we’ll cover:
What is Dysgraphia?
We’ll explore the different types of dysgraphia and explain how it can affect both the motor aspects of writing (graphomotor skills) and the cognitive aspects (organizing and expressing thoughts, spelling, writing fluency).
Assessing Dysgraphia
Learn about the different cognitive skills that can contribute to dysgraphia, including working memory, attention, verbal reasoning, and processing speed. We’ll talk about what parents should look for in a quality writing evaluation, from measuring fluency and legibility to assessing the organization and quality of longer written passages.
Dysgraphia and IDEA Eligibility
Dysgraphia can qualify under the IDEA as a specific learning disability in writing. We’ll discuss why early intervention is crucial and how spelling, handwriting, and written expression are all critical to the student’s educational progress.
Effective Interventions for Writing Challenges
Different types of dysgraphia require different interventions. From occupational therapy for graphomotor issues to structured literacy programs for spelling and explicit instruction in the writing process, we’ll outline evidence-based methods that help build lasting writing skills.
Tools and Accommodations for Writing Success
For kids with dysgraphia, tools like graphic organizers, sentence starters, and assistive technology can make a huge difference, but also need to be used with care as part of a more comprehensive intervention approach.
Tune in to understand how dysgraphia can affect your child’s learning, and learn the best ways to support their writing development, both at home and in school.
Welcome to Episode 4 with Dr. James Bylund and Danielle Morales of The Bylund Clinic! Dyslexia is a complex reading disorder, and many parents feel uncertain about diagnosis, intervention, and support. This episode covers what dyslexia is, how it differs from other reading challenges, and why accurate diagnosis matters. We’ll discuss structured literacy, choosing effective reading programs, advocating with IEP teams, and exploring private intervention options for optimal support.
Navigating educational supports for students with disabilities can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding the distinctions between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP). In this episode, we break down the key differences to help parents and educators make informed decisions for students' needs.
An IEP provides specialized instruction tailored to students whose disabilities significantly impact their ability to access the curriculum in a typical way. This type of support goes beyond accommodations, adapting the content, teaching methods, or delivery of instruction to meet unique learning needs. A 504 Plan, on the other hand, offers accommodations within the regular classroom to ensure students can access the curriculum without altering what’s being taught.
We'll also dive into:
Whether you’re a parent or school professional, tune in to understand when and why a 504 or IEP might be the best choice to support a student’s educational journey.
Welcome to today's episode, where we're talking about the emotional and practical challenges of getting ready for IEP meetings. If you've ever felt stressed, confused, or upset during these meetings, you're definitely not alone. We’ll share ways to prepare emotionally and also go over practical tips, like reviewing reports and preparing responses ahead of time, so you can feel more confident. And if it ever feels like the school isn't listening or the meeting feels one-sided, we’ve got advice on what to do next.
In this podcast episode, Dr. James Bylund and Danielle Morales of The Bylund Clinic discuss Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) and why parents might request them when school district assessments fall short. They explain how to choose a qualified, independent provider and outline what to expect during the IEE process, including a thorough review of records and individualized assessments. Dr. Bylund and Ms. Morales clarify that school districts must consider IEE results and suggest when it might be helpful to work with a special education advocate or attorney.