135: Neurodiversity-Affirming IEPs: Moving Beyond Compliance with Breea Rosas

Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

What does it really mean to be neurodiversity-affirming? Breea Rosas, licensed educational psychologist and founder of the Neurodiversity Affirming School Psychologist Group, joins Wendy Taylor to unpack how schools, families, and IEP teams can shift from a deficit-based lens to an affirming, strength-centered approach. From actionable language swaps to rethinking token boards and goal-writing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to do better—for real.
Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Language is the First Shift: Changing “non-compliant” to “self-directed” transforms perceptions—and outcomes.
2. Parent Power is Real: Input statements and pre-meeting advocacy can reframe the entire IEP experience.
3. Affirming ≠ Ignoring Needs: Reframing challenges as “support needs” aligns goals with neurotype, not pathology.

Connect with Breea Rosas:
Instagram: @NDaffirming_SP
Website: Neurodiversity Affirming SP Resources
Connect with Wendy Taylor:
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com
Enroll in Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility:
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Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Neurodiversity Podcast with Emily Kircher-Morris
• The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – position statements on identity-first language
• Collaborative & Proactive Solutions – Dr. Ross Greene