We are thrilled for the chance to talk with Mariann Crincoli, Esq. , a lawyer who specializes in Special Education, about how families of children with developmental and learning differences can learn to navigate getting their kids into the public school system–and how having legal counsel can help (although it’s not required!). We talk about everything from how to start a conversation with the local school district’s Child Study Team, a family’s legal right to a free and appropriate education, the differences between terms like “IEP” and “504” and other terminology a family might hear about along the way, and how a family’s clinician can help with the process of getting children the supports and accommodations that they need to thrive. Episode Outline: 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Special Education Law 03:25 When to Share Concerns with the School District 07:05 Understanding the Three-Pronged Test for Eligibility 16:09 Advice for Parents and Clinicians in Navigating the Process 23:40 Monitoring Progress and Reevaluating IEPs 31:39 The Role of Clinicians in Advocating for Children 35:00 School Districts' Obligation to Identify and Evaluate Children Key Takeaways: Parents should share their concerns with the school district as soon as they suspect a learning difference or disability that impacts their child's education. The special education process is governed by federal and state laws, and each state may have variations in how they implement these laws. The evaluation process includes determining if the child has a disability, if the disability adversely impacts educational performance, and if the child requires special education and related services. Parents and clinicians should communicate openly with school districts, document conversations in writing, and be proactive in advocating for their child's needs. Special education attorneys can provide guidance and support throughout the process, from initial evaluations to resolving disputes with the school district. Collaboration between parents, clinicians, and school districts is essential in ensuring that children with developmental delays receive appropriate supports and services. About our Guest: Mariann Crincoli, Esq. is a Partner at Sussan, Greenwald, and Wesler , a NJ-based law firm that focuses on helping families access the educational opportunities and legal protections they need. Ms. Crincoli has over 30 years legal experience, and over 20 years in education law, including counseling clients in the areas of special education, student discipline and harassment, intimidation and bullying, constitutional issues, residency, employment and personnel matters, and contract matters.…

The Healing Side of ABA: How ABA has grown to focus on providing possibilities, leaving its “tough love” side behind. In the latest episode of “In the Know,” child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Shannon has a straightforward and open conversation about what ABA looks like today with Matthew Woodard , who is a BCBA (board-certified behavior analyst) and founder of Basics NW , an active ABA practice in Washington state. Woodard is also the parent of a young child with autism. Through this conversation, these two colleagues and experts talk frankly about what did not work well in the earlier years of ABA practice, what has changed over the last decades, and how the current practices of ABA are geared more toward building strengths and finding possibilities for children with autism and other developmental and behavioral differences.…

“Focusing on Child Strengths in Autism," with Renae Beaumont, PhD and Kelly Wilson, Parent Advocate. A lively conversation with Dr. Beaumont about how, in child behavioral and developmental delay, recognizing and working with the child’s strengths can be an effective foundation for a more successful life. She describes the experiences she has had with amazing autistic kids who inspired her to make this her life’s work, and talks with us about how accommodations for kids with developmental differences can mean more than expecting them to adapt to the world around them; in many ways, the world can also benefit from adapting itself to see and celebrate the contributions of people with autism and other developmental delays. She also talks about her work with the Secret Agent Society, a therapeutic program for boosting emotion-regulation and social connectedness skills. Dr. Beaumont is a licensed clinical psychologist and an Assistant Professor of Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine.…

In childhood behavioral and developmental delay, Don’t Just ‘Wait and See’ with Judith Aronson-Ramos, MD and Kelly Wilson, Parent Advocate. Dr. Aronson-Ramos gives us first hand insights into the current crisis in child behavioral and developmental health and the reasons behind it, namely, long waitlists and a shortage of specialists. She also shares with us what drives her passion for getting kids diagnosed as early as possible (when interventions can do the most good). We talk about how the healthcare community can better educate, empower, and support primary care pediatricians to join in the effort to assess and care for the thousands of kids who are waiting for a diagnosis, and hopefully help alleviate the waitlist crisis. Dr. Aronson-Ramos has been in pediatric practice for 30 years and is a huge advocate for using technology, including telemedicine and Canvas Dx, to make diagnosis more equitable and efficient.…

“In childhood behavioral and developmental delay, What Happens After Diagnosis?”--a conversation with Colleen Kraft, MD, MBA, FAAP and Kelly Wilson, Parent Advocate. An informative discussion with Dr. Kraft about how clinicians can partner with families in treatment planning for children with behavioral and developmental delays. This conversation offers a detailed overview of the role of the primary care pediatrician as a guide and “medical home” for families of children with behavioral and developmental delays, as well as the types of therapy and referrals available, the different intervention systems and resources available, and leveraging a child’s strengths to guide their journey through challenges. Dr. Kraft is a pediatric specialist at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and is Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics.…