Advocating for your neurodiverse student in a school system designed for the neurotypical with guest Dr. Bibi Pirayesh

Do you have a child or teen who is considered “neurodiverse” compared to their peers? It’s a broad term used often used to characterize atypical patterns of thought or behavior. But as more students are labeled “neurodiverse,” is their way of thinking truly “atypical” or simply another way of functioning beyond the standard for which our current school systems are designed? Dr. Bibi Pirayesh joined Dr. Amy and Teri to weigh in on our current educational system and the ways in which it breaks down for students who don’t fit the typical mold in terms of how their brain perceives or processes information. From homework and IEPs to ways you can advocate for your student, Dr. Pirayesh brings her knowledge and experience to the table to help parents understand how our current educational systems are designed and why so many students are falling through the cracks.

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COVID’s Impact on Children’s Mental Health & How We Can Help with guest Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

On this episode of the Brainy Moms parenting podcast, Dr. Amy & Teri interview Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge: psychologist, mental health trailblazer, founder of the Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, a media expert who is changing the way we view and treat children’s mental health, and author of the book, It’s Gonna Be OK!   

Dr. Roseann shares how the pandemic has worsened the mental health crisis for our children and adolescents and what we are seeing as a result. She talks about the impact of social isolation and how children are struggling with regulating their emotions and their basic abilities to communicate with others. The good news? There are ways we can help. Dr. Roseann offers some fantastic tips for parents and reassures us that despite the current challenges, it’s going to be okay!

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Drinking During Pregnancy: FASD Facts and Impacts on Learning with guest Natalie Vecchione

In this episode of the Brainy Moms parenting podcast, Dr. Amy Moore and Teri Miller interview Homeschool Consultant, FASD Advocate, and author of the book, Blazing New Homeschool Trails: Educating and Launching Teens with Developmental Disabilities.  In the first half of the episode, Natalie shares her story of giving up a career as an art and recreational therapist to homeschool her adopted son with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).  From this experience, she gives listeners tips on adapting the homeschool curriculum to meet the needs of neurodiverse kids–a new way of thinking about preparing kids with special needs for adulthood. In the second half of the show, Natalie shares facts and research about FASD that may surprise even the most informed among us. Her research-backed message? No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. This is a must-listen episode with a passionate and knowledgeable FASD expert.  

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