The David Kaufer Podcast: The Lighter Side of the Spectrum
David Kaufer
47 episodes
1 day ago
Welcome to “The Lighter Side of the Spectrum,” a podcast where we explore how to find joy, connection, and growth while navigating the challenges of parenting kids and teens on the autism spectrum. Hosted by David Kaufer, father of a 19-year-old non-speaking autistic son, this podcast offers a fresh, uplifting perspective on life with autism—focusing on the moments of triumph as well as the obstacles.David’s son was unable to communicate reliably until he was almost 17, when they discovered and began using the spelling methodology that profoundly changed his life. His inspiring journey from silence to communication serves as a beacon of hope for anyone needing encouragement in the autism community. In addition to sharing his personal experiences, David tackles broader issues, such as building inclusion into healthcare practices to ensure those on the spectrum receive compassionate, competent care. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, join us for light-hearted discussions, practical tips, and moments of reflection. From “Hack of the Week” and myth-busting to community spotlights and heartfelt confessions, this podcast blends humor, insight, and understanding—reminding us all that even in the most challenging moments, there’s always a lighter side, and that inclusion and hope are key to making life better for everyone.
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Welcome to “The Lighter Side of the Spectrum,” a podcast where we explore how to find joy, connection, and growth while navigating the challenges of parenting kids and teens on the autism spectrum. Hosted by David Kaufer, father of a 19-year-old non-speaking autistic son, this podcast offers a fresh, uplifting perspective on life with autism—focusing on the moments of triumph as well as the obstacles.David’s son was unable to communicate reliably until he was almost 17, when they discovered and began using the spelling methodology that profoundly changed his life. His inspiring journey from silence to communication serves as a beacon of hope for anyone needing encouragement in the autism community. In addition to sharing his personal experiences, David tackles broader issues, such as building inclusion into healthcare practices to ensure those on the spectrum receive compassionate, competent care. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, join us for light-hearted discussions, practical tips, and moments of reflection. From “Hack of the Week” and myth-busting to community spotlights and heartfelt confessions, this podcast blends humor, insight, and understanding—reminding us all that even in the most challenging moments, there’s always a lighter side, and that inclusion and hope are key to making life better for everyone.
The David Kaufer Podcast: The Lighter Side of the Spectrum
47 minutes 59 seconds
3 months ago
Navigating IEPs with Stephanie DeLussey
David is joined by Stephanie DeLussey, a dual-certified teacher renowned for her work on IEPs through 'Mrs. D's Corner' and 'The Intentional IEP.' The discussion centers on how Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) aim to support children within the special education system, common pitfalls, and how parents and teachers can collaborate for better outcomes. Stephanie shares her journey, insights into IEP dynamics, and practical advice for both parents and educators to mitigate common challenges. The episode is filled with actionable strategies to ensure effective IEP development and implementation, enriching the educational experiences for children with disabilities.
Visit https://www.theintentionaliep.com/
Topics
00:44 Today's Topic: Understanding IEPs
01:01 Meet Stephanie DeLussey: Advocate and Educator
02:13 Stephanie's Journey in Education
04:09 The Birth of the Intentional IEP
05:08 Guidance for Parents on IEPs
10:29 Teacher's Perspective on IEPs
16:08 Collaboration Between Parents and Teachers
20:53 Identifying Red Flags in IEPs
25:12 Progress Reports and Parental Requests
25:36 Challenges with Non-Speaking Autistic Students
26:24 Core Vocabulary and Communication Tools
28:34 Presuming Competence in Non-Speaking Students
30:12 The Intentional IEP Project
34:24 Supporting Teachers and Avoiding Burnout
38:48 Autism Tip of the Week
40:09 Autism Fact or Fiction
41:37 Parent Confessions
46:50 Final Thoughts and Resources
The David Kaufer Podcast: The Lighter Side of the Spectrum
Welcome to “The Lighter Side of the Spectrum,” a podcast where we explore how to find joy, connection, and growth while navigating the challenges of parenting kids and teens on the autism spectrum. Hosted by David Kaufer, father of a 19-year-old non-speaking autistic son, this podcast offers a fresh, uplifting perspective on life with autism—focusing on the moments of triumph as well as the obstacles.David’s son was unable to communicate reliably until he was almost 17, when they discovered and began using the spelling methodology that profoundly changed his life. His inspiring journey from silence to communication serves as a beacon of hope for anyone needing encouragement in the autism community. In addition to sharing his personal experiences, David tackles broader issues, such as building inclusion into healthcare practices to ensure those on the spectrum receive compassionate, competent care. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, join us for light-hearted discussions, practical tips, and moments of reflection. From “Hack of the Week” and myth-busting to community spotlights and heartfelt confessions, this podcast blends humor, insight, and understanding—reminding us all that even in the most challenging moments, there’s always a lighter side, and that inclusion and hope are key to making life better for everyone.
