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Lindsey Workman takes us on a deeply personal journey through her experience raising a daughter with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) - a rare genetic disorder causing benign tumors throughout the body. When Daisy was diagnosed at just three months old after experiencing infantile spasms, Lindsey found herself navigating unfamiliar medical territory with little community support.

What follows is a candid conversation about the realities of special needs parenting - from the early days of diagnosis where doctors cautioned against Google searches to the present day where Daisy, now approaching her ninth birthday, has made remarkable progress. Lindsey doesn't shy away from discussing the difficult parts: the seizures, behavioral challenges, self-harm incidents, and the isolation that many special needs families experience.

Perhaps the most powerful message comes when Lindsey reflects on her decision to keep Daisy in a "bubble" during those early years. "Don't do that," she advises other parents. "Go out into the world early, because you will wish that you did." This hard-earned wisdom highlights how isolation, while sometimes easier in the moment, creates bigger challenges down the road for both child and family.

When Lindsey couldn't find local support specifically for parents of young children on the autism spectrum, she created it herself. Her Facebook group "Caregivers Raising Children on the Spectrum" has become a safe space where parents can connect without judgment, share resources, and simply know they aren't alone. As she eloquently puts it: "Life is messy and it's nice to be messy with others."

Join us for this moving conversation that reminds us all that sharing our stories openly not only lightens our own burden but creates community where isolation once existed. Whether you're a parent, educator, or healthcare provider, Lindsey's perspective offers valuable insights into supporting families navigating complex medical and developmental challenges.

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The episode features a discussion with Gina Volstorff about her transition from general education to special education. She shares insights into the importance of collaboration, communication, and understanding the diverse needs of her students, showcasing how this transformative journey enriches her teaching experience.

• Gina's transition from Gen Ed to SPED
• Understanding specific needs of students with IEPs
• Enhancing collaboration with general education teachers
• Benefits of a diverse classroom environment
• The impact of communication on student success
• Recognizing and addressing behavioral challenges
• Personal growth and joy in teaching special education

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Unlock the potential of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) with our distinguished guests, Rebecca and David Johnson, both Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Discover how ABA extends beyond therapy for individuals with autism and into everyday scenarios like seatbelt reminders and the efficiency of business practices. Rebecca and David share their experiences and strategies for using ABA principles to foster independence and address socially significant behaviors, emphasizing personalized approaches and the importance of collaboration with families.

Explore the journey of effective communication and behavior reinforcement, particularly for children facing communication challenges. We discuss how clear expectations and consistent language, such as using "safe hands" or "calm hands," can guide children towards positive behaviors in various situations. Learn about the significance of generalizing these skills across different environments and how embedding these strategies into daily routines creates a supportive atmosphere that promotes adaptability and growth.

Collaboration stands at the heart of successful ABA implementation, especially in educational settings. In our conversation, we stress the value of teamwork among teachers, parents, caregivers, and specialists to create supportive environments that understand and accommodate the unique needs of each child. Rebecca and David's dedication is apparent as they share how being a reliable presence in classrooms and homes can make a profound impact. We express gratitude for their insights and passion, setting the stage for future enriching discussions.

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Heather McMillan, a passionate special education teacher, joins us to share her journey from a scholarship recipient to a dedicated advocate for children with disabilities. Discover how Heather's unique approach to teaching emphasizes the balance between academic skills and adaptive life skills, fostering independence in her students. Through heartwarming stories and invaluable insights, Heather reveals how empathy and understanding can transform the educational experience for both students and their families.

We dive deep into Heather's transformative experiences, from serving as a personal care attendant to engaging with diverse families and students. Heather opens up about her evolving teaching philosophy, underscoring the importance of tailored education. Her stories highlight the power of collaboration between educators and parents, as she provides practical advice for navigating the special education system. Heather's heartfelt perspective challenges us to rethink traditional teaching methods and embrace a more inclusive approach.

As we explore the changing landscape of special education, Heather discusses the impact of legislative changes like the No Child Left Behind Act and shares strategies for promoting positive behavior in students with disabilities. By encouraging life skills alongside academics, Heather illustrates the value of framing tasks as practice for adulthood, while emphasizing the necessity of offering choices to empower students. This episode offers a compelling look at how educators can create a cooperative, self-aware learning environment where every student can flourish.

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Discover the profound impact of inclusive education with our guest, Lane Limpert, a devoted first-grade teacher and passionate advocate for integrating special education students into general classrooms. Lane shares her inspiring journey and offers valuable insights from her 19 years of teaching experience and her perspective as a parent of a child with special needs. Learn how fostering an inclusive environment not only builds confidence and social interaction among students but also enriches the learning experience for everyone involved.

Lane's expertise shines through as she discusses the importance of collaboration between general and special education teachers. By embracing open communication and co-teaching strategies, educators can create a supportive classroom environment that benefits all students. Lane stresses the necessary mindset shift required to view students with diverse needs as valued members of the classroom community. This episode promises to reshape your understanding of what it means to truly support every child's potential from day one.

Finally, join us as Lane reflects on her personal journey advocating for her autistic son, Lawson, as he transitions to a general education setting. Her story underscores the power of parental advocacy and the significant role it plays in shaping a child's educational path. Balancing special and general education supports can be challenging, but Lane's determination and flexibility reveal the rewards of finding the most beneficial environment for each child. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the transformative power of inclusion that will leave you inspired.

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Discover the complexities and triumphs of educational inclusion as we navigate the unexpected chill of Southeast Georgia's weather, drawing us indoors for a reflective conversation. Learn how to transform educational spaces into inclusive environments that empower students with disabilities to learn alongside their peers. With insights from parents and teachers, we explore what true inclusion entails, going beyond mere integration to ensure students receive the tailored support they need through individualized education plans (IEPs).

We unravel the challenges of achieving genuine inclusion in education, emphasizing that it involves more than just placing students with disabilities in general classrooms. Our experiences in various educational roles highlight the necessity of personalized strategies, sharing tales of both success and failure. Balancing diverse educational needs within classrooms is no small feat, but finding effective solutions is pivotal for each student's academic journey. Collaboration is key, and we dive into the importance of early intervention, open communication among educators, and teacher training to foster successful inclusion.

Join us as we share practical tips for teachers and parents on fostering inclusive environments. Discover the power of teamwork between parents and schools, and the importance of keeping the student's needs at the forefront of every decision. Engaging in open dialogue and exploring every avenue for inclusion can make all the difference, echoing the belief that change is possible for everyone involved. With inspiration from an iconic moment in "Rocky IV," we underscore the potential for transformation and the shared goal of creating a world where every student can succeed.

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What if our perception of being the main character in our own story blinds us to the struggles of others? Tune in as we promise to unravel the complexities of trauma-informed care, focusing on the transition back to routine post-holidays and the role of empathy in our interactions. We'll discuss how recognizing each person's unique narrative can foster compassion, particularly in sensitive situations like suicide. Whether you're a parent, educator, or engaged in human relationships, this episode offers insights into how understanding diverse life stories can transform our support for one another.

Join us as we explore the profound impact of childhood trauma on behavior through Bandura's social cognitive lens. We'll highlight the challenges faced by children in foster care, those with disabilities, and how adverse experiences shape their worldviews and coping mechanisms. With a critical eye on home and educational environments, we'll spotlight the intricate ties between experience and behavior, making a case for why empathy and kindness should guide our responses to children's actions.

We'll confront the hurdles educators and parents face in supporting students with Individualized Education Programs and trauma backgrounds. It's time to acknowledge the demands on teachers and how lack of special education training impacts their capacity to nurture strong student relationships. By advocating for community involvement and intentional compassion, we'll chart a course for improving outcomes for these children. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to support students in navigating the complexities of trauma, education, and human connection.