Special Ed on Special Ed

About Special Ed on Special Ed

This podcast offers essential insights for parents of children with disabilities, covering topics from advocating for your child's rights through the special education process to innovative interventions and practical support strategies. Each episode features conversations with experts, empowering you to confidently navigate your child's unique educational journey. Join me for guidance, inspiration, and a supportive community on your path.

Publisher

Dana Jonson

Category

education · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Feb 2020

Latest episode

3 Feb 2025

Latest episodes

72 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Feb 2025

   Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) with Diane Gould

   Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm (https://specialed.fm/). Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Diane Gould Guest Title and Bio: Diane Gould is a licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience working with neurodivergent children, adults, and their families. She founded PDA North America, an organization dedicated to supporting families and professionals navigating this unique autism profile. Diane is also the co-author of the groundbreaking book, Navigating PDA in America, which adapts international knowledge of PDA to the unique challenges faced by families in the United States. Her work focuses on creating low-pressure, supportive environments for individuals with PDA through education, advocacy, and systemic change. Episode Summary In this episode, host Dana Jonson sits down with Diane Gould, a pioneer in raising awareness about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in the United States. They explore what PDA is, how it fits within the autism spectrum, and why it has only recently gained recognition in America. Diane shares her journey to becoming a leading advocate for PDA, highlights the challenges in diagnosing and supporting individuals with PDA, and provides insights into creating low-pressure, relationship-based environments that foster autonomy. Listeners will learn: The unique characteristics of PDA, including its pervasive drive for autonomy and heightened sensitivity to demands. How PDA differs from traditional understandings of autism. Why traditional behavioral approaches may not work for PDA and how to adopt a mindset shift focused on flexibility and collaboration. Practical strategies for parents, educators, and professionals to support individuals with PDA effectively. Resources Mentioned Book: Navigating PDA in America by Diane Gould and Ruth Fidler Website: PDA North America (pdanorthamerica.org (https://www.pdanorthamerica.org/)) Free monthly PDA 101 webinars (First Thursday of every month) Downloadable resources for parents and professionals Training programs and provider directory Book: Is This Autism? by Donna Henderson Book: The Declarative Language Handbook by Linda Murphy Engagement and Sharing Share the Episode with a Friend: If you know someone who could benefit from understanding PDA, share this episode with them! Leave a Review: Help us spread awareness about PDA by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback supports the podcast and helps others to find it. Follow Diane on Social Media: Website | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/dianegouldtherapy) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dianegouldtherapy/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-gould-a607b5251/) Follow Dana on Social Media Website | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SpecialEdOnSpecialEd) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/specialedpodcast/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/special-ed-on-special-ed-dana/) If You Like This Episode, Be Sure to Check Out: Giftedness and Beyond: Navigating Neurodivergence with Dr. Matt Zakreski Thank you for listening!

2. 

   30 Dec 2024

   Navigating the Emotional Terrain: Counseling and Behavioral Strategies in Special Education with Dr. Gwen Martin

   Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin Title/Organization: Licensed Professional Counselor, Founder of Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Café, LLC, and Coastal Crossroads Counseling Solutions, LLC Guest Bio: Dr. Gwendolyn Martin, also known as Dr. Gwen, is a licensed professional counselor, former special education teacher, school counselor, and college professor. She has dedicated her career to supporting children and families with high emotional and behavioral needs. Through her ventures, Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Café, LLC, and Coastal Crossroads Counseling Solutions, LLC, she provides self-care training, products, and counseling services to combat stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Dr. Gwen is a global advocate for mental health and resilience and has authored resources to support educators, parents, and students alike. Episode Summary In this episode, host Dana Jonson and Dr. Gwen dive into the intersection of special education and counseling, discussing the profound impacts of emotional and behavioral challenges on students, educators, and families. They explore topics such as: The importance of emotional and behavioral support in special education. Strategies for bridging the gap between home and school behavior management. The critical need for teacher training and self-care. Post-pandemic challenges, including the rise of anxiety, depression, and social skill deficits in students. Practical tools and strategies, including the use of fidget tools as behavior management aids. Dr. Gwen’s transition from educator to counselor and her efforts to support educators and families through her businesses. Dr. Gwen shares her insights from years of experience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, consistency, and proactive mental health support for students and staff. Resources Mentioned Dr. Gwen’s A to Z Self-Care Guide for Educators A workbook and journal designed to help educators prioritize self-care. Brain Break Kits Practical fidget and sensory tools for students to improve focus and regulate emotions. Available at Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Café. Calm Down Corners A classroom strategy to help students self-regulate and manage emotions effectively. Parent Advocacy Tips Guidance on navigating school meetings, advocating for children’s needs, and aligning home and school expectations. Engagement and Sharing Share the Episode with a Friend: Know a parent, teacher, or counselor who could benefit? Share this episode to spread the insights. Leave a Review: Your reviews help support our podcast. Leave one on your favorite platform! Follow Dr. Gwen on Social Media Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Follow Dana on Social Media Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Related Episodes or Content Unlocking Potential Enhancing Brain Health and Development with Dr. Rebecca Jackson

3. 

   23 Dec 2024

   Empowering Through Accessibility: Insights from The Blind Blogger, Maxwell Ivey

   Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm (https://specialed.fm/). Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Maxwell Ivey Guest Title and Bio:
Maxwell Ivey, also known as The Blind Blogger, is a blind entrepreneur, author, speaker, and accessibility advocate. Maxwell has built a successful career helping businesses, nonprofits, and organizations embrace accessibility—not just as a legal requirement, but as an opportunity to create a better experience for everyone. With an inspiring journey that began in a family of carnival owners, Maxwell has emerged as a respected voice on inclusivity in the business and digital world. Episode Summary In this episode, Dana Jonson sits down with Maxwell Ivey, a.k.a. The Blind Blogger, to explore his incredible journey from growing up in a family of carnival owners to becoming a prominent accessibility consultant and advocate. Maxwell shares insights into how accessibility benefits not only individuals with disabilities but businesses and society as a whole. Key topics include: •   Maxwell's early life and gradual vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa •   How accessibility improves user experiences, business growth, and inclusion •   The role of technology, AI, and collaboration in breaking barriers •   Why advocacy and creative problem-solving are essential for inclusion •   Encouraging businesses to view accessibility as an investment, not a burden Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how accessibility benefits everyone, why it matters for the future workforce, and how individuals and organizations can be proactive in creating inclusive environments. Resources Mentioned 1  Maxwell Ivey’s Websites: The Blind Blogger The Accessibility Advantage 2  Pathful (formerly Nepris): Online platform connecting professionals with classrooms for education and career mentorship. 3  Pixi AI Tool: Emerging AI plugin for image description (discussed as a potential accessibility tool). 4  Legislation Mentioned: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Rehabilitation Act 5  Braille Legos: Innovative tools helping visually impaired children learn to communicate through written language. Engagement and Sharing •   Share This Episode: If you found this episode valuable, share it with friends, family, or colleagues who could benefit from hearing Maxwell's insights. •   Leave a Review: Help support the podcast by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback makes a difference! •   Follow Maxwell Ivey on Social Media Website | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/maxwellivey) | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/midwaymarketplace) •   Follow Dana on Social Media Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Related Episodes If you enjoyed this episode, check out: Social Skills Training rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Thank you for tuning in to Special Ed on Special Ed! Stay connected for more conversations that empower parents, educators, and advocates.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

15 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 62 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

91

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

82

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.