Stress-Free IEP®

What if kids are more ready to lead than most adults think? In this episode, Leah Ellis shares how child entrepreneurship builds confidence, problem-solving, and real-world leadership. You’ll hear how kids can learn money skills, start businesses, speak up, and even help change laws in their communities. This conversation also explores why schools often miss these life skills and how hands-on learning can better support bright, neurodivergent children. If you want to raise a confident child who takes initiative, this episode will open your eyes to what kids can do right now.Reach Leah here: https://leahkellis.com/Need our help? Contact us here: https://shefterlaw.com/

Teacher burnout is not just stress — it’s a public health crisis. Emily Daniels explains how nervous system regulation can transform school culture and improve teacher retention. Instead of piling on curriculum, she shows why schools need safety, regulation, and mental health awareness first. Learn practical, trauma-informed strategies from The Regulated Classroom that help educators and students thrive.Visit her website here: https://www.regulatedclassroom.com/Need our help? Visit our website here:https://shefterlaw.com/

The leap from high school to college can feel overwhelming for students with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles. Cindy Palmer shares her top 10 practical tips to help families plan ahead, build executive function skills, and create real support systems. Learn how to balance independence with guidance, avoid common transition mistakes, and set your student up for success. This episode is packed with clear, actionable strategies for a smoother, more confident college journey.To reach Cindy directly, email: cindy@thresholdcoaches.com She loves talking all things college and ADHD! Learn more about Executive Function Coaching for College Students: https://www.thresholdcoaches.com/LinkedIn: / cindy-palmer-239843104 Facebook: / thresholdcoaches Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DV2JWOMCc...Need our help? Visit our website: https://shefterlaw.com/

Dr. Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski joins Stress-Free IEP to break down neurodivergence, including giftedness, ADHD, Autism, and dyslexia, in a way that actually makes sense. He digs into impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and why so many neurodivergent people feel like they’re “faking it.” We’ll talk honestly about men’s mental health, modern social skills and dating, and the real do’s and don’ts of parenting neurodivergent kids. Expect practical advice, brain science, and zero fluff.Visit his website here: https://www.drmattzakreski.com/Need our help? Contact us here: https://shefterlaw.com/contact-us/

What should schools actually be tracking to support your child—and are they doing it right? Joanna Kidder of Kidder Educational Consulting breaks down meaningful data collection, effective tutoring, and what real progress looks like. Learn what a strong co-taught or supported classroom should include—and when it’s falling short. Walk away knowing how to collaborate confidently with your IEP team and push for better outcomes.Visit her website here: https://www.kiddereducation.com/Need our help? Reach us at: https://shefterlaw.com/

What do you do when the school is not following your child’s IEP? In this solo episode, special education attorney Frances Shefter breaks down your real options. Learn the truth about Least Restrictive Environment, the continuum of services, non-public vs. private schools, and when homeschooling may be the right move. If your child is not making progress, this episode gives you clear next steps.Fusion Academy Episode: https://shefterlaw.com/ep-131-rethink...Rich Weinfeld and Hayley Jacobson on the School Search Process Episode: https://shefterlaw.com/ep-126-breakin...Upcoming Episode 133: What Schools Should Be Measuring: IEP Data, Tutoring, and Support: • EP 133 | What Schools Should Be Measuring:...

Fusion Academy Rockville offers a flexible, relationship-based learning model that supports both homeschool and nontraditional students. In this episode, Joseph Kavitski explains how Fusion partners with homeschooling families to customize academics without sacrificing structure. He also breaks down the real socialization opportunities available—from clubs to community experiences. This conversation helps families rethink what school and social growth can look like outside the box.Fusion academy website: https://www.fusionacademy.com/campuse...Need our help? Visit our website here: https://shefterlaw.com/

Students don’t fail because they’re not smart—they fail because executive function skills aren’t taught. Debbie Rosen and Lindsey Thoms of The StudyPro break down what these skills really are, why “smart but stuck” is so common, and why planners and rewards rarely fix the problem. They expose the real why behind procrastination and stalled follow-through, and give parents one simple change that actually helps. A straight-talk look at what truly moves kids from overwhelmed to capable.Visit their website here: https://thestudypro.com/Do you want to know more about special education? Visit our website: https://shefterlaw.com/

Spectrum Fudge began with Roger Haney’s journey raising his autistic son, Jake, and searching for a future full of real opportunities.Hear how a major move to Pennsylvania changed everything for their family. Learn how cashing in their retirement turned into a bold mission to employ people of all abilities. See how Spectrum Fudge grew from a kitchen idea into a thriving, inclusive business changing lives in Pittsburgh.Check out their website here: https://spectrumfudge.com/Need our help? Contact us at: https://shefterlaw.com/

Jennifer Joseph of Reading, Writing, Resumé joins Stress-Free IEP® to break down executive function, time management, and organization skills that students actually need. She explains the writing process for college essays, strong reading comprehension, and study skills that stick. Jennifer also dives into resume writing—how to stand out when applications get 30 seconds or less. Plus, why she wrote The Magical Adventures of Carly and Her Dragon and how storytelling builds learning and confidence. Visit her website here: https://readingwritingresume.com Want to read her book? https://www.amazon.com/Magical-Advent... For the pdfs mentioned in the podcast click these links: 1. Process of Writing: https://shefterlaw.com/wp-content/upl... 2. Proofreading Checklist: https://shefterlaw.com/wp-content/upl... 3. Writing Rules: https://shefterlaw.com/wp-content/upl... Need our help? Visit: https://shefterlaw.com/

Dr. Lisa Riegel joins Stress-Free IEP® to explain why regulation comes before rigor—and why adult wellbeing shapes everything in schools. She breaks down the NeuroWell Framework and how it moves schools from compliance to real commitment. This conversation tackles psychological safety, nervous system regulation, and brain-based leadership strategies that actually work. If you care about sustainable culture change for neurodivergent students and staff, this episode is required listening.Get in contact with Dr. Lisa Riegel here: https://lisariegel.com/https://www.epinstitute.net/https://jakapa.com/https://shefterlaw.com/Need our help? Reach us here:

Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming, especially when your child has unique learning needs. Hayley Jacobson and Rich Weinfeld break down how to compare public and private options, build a solid school list, and actually explore those programs in a meaningful way. They walk you through the admissions process step-by-step and explain what to consider once your child is accepted. This episode gives parents a clear roadmap so the final decision is informed—not rushed.Visit their website here: https://www.wegadvocacy.com/Need our help? Reach us here: https://shefterlaw.com/

Sam Mitchell brings raw honesty about autism, ADHD, bullying, and mental health—shaped by his own lived experience and his hit show Autism Rocks and Rolls. He breaks down stigma, talks about pushing through hard moments, and shares what he learned from giving a TEDx Talk. This episode gives families and educators a clearer view of how neurodivergent teens think, feel, and fight back. Sam’s story shows what happens when strengths are amplified instead of “fixed.”Get to know Mitchell: https://autismrocksandrolls.com/Need assistance? Visit our website: https://shefterlaw.com/

Host Frances Shefter previews upcoming 2026 episodes of Stress-Free IEP®, covering autism, school choices, executive functioning, homeschooling, and mental health. Each conversation focuses on helping families build support beyond school—because you don’t have to do it all alone. Register here so you never miss an episode! EP 125 | Inside the Mind of Sam Mitchell: Autism, ADHD, and Standing Up to Bullying EP 126 | Breaking Down the School Search Process: Insights from Hayley Jacobson & Rich Weinfeld EP 127 | Roger Haney: Building Spectrum Fudge and a Future for All Abilities EP 128 | Debbie Rosen & Lindsey Thoms: Why Smart Kids Get Stuck—and How to Unstick Them

Host Frances Shefter looks back on standout Stress-Free IEP® conversations from 2025, highlighting life skills, family support, community programs, and integrative services schools often miss. These episodes show families who belongs in their village—and why no one should have to figure this out alone.EP 85 | Understanding Consent and Social Skills: A Conversation with EASE Co-FoundersEP 95 | Leveraging Technology to Empower Students & Families in Special Education with Joan GreenEP 97 | Big Freedom, Small Steps: Travel Training with Mindy Niland.EP 88 | Empowering Caregivers of Children with Disabilities with Andrea JonesEP 89 | A Community for Moms of Neurodivergent Kids with Amanda LevinEP 90 | Understanding Special Needs Financial Planning with Mary McDirmidEP 111 | Top 10 tips for a successful IEP meeting from a legal perspectiveEP 105 | Andrea Levy’s Guide to Inclusive Fall Activities & Programs for Special Needs FamiliesEP 98 | Breaking the Mold: How Casey Joseph Helps Students ThriveEP 87 | Unlocking Communication: The Power of AAC Devices in Education with Lisa QuinnEP 99 | Lauri Getlan-Watson on How Neurographica Art Helps Neurodivergent Minds ThriveEP 117 | Finding Ease in Your Body: Gabrielle Czaja on Emotional Regulation and HealingEP 113 | Lauren Gilbert on "Ella and Her Neurosparkly Brain": A Mother’s Story of HopeEP 122 | How Play Therapy and Inclusion Coaching Help Neurodivergent Kids – with Janelle McCarthy

Join licensed counselor and play therapist Janelle McCarthy as she unpacks what it truly means to be neurodiversity-affirming in therapy, schools, and families. Discover how inclusion coaching helps children, parents, and communities thrive together through understanding, co-regulation, and connection. Learn why supporting the whole system—not just the child—creates lasting change. Visit her website here! Neurodiversity Explained Need our help? Visit our website here!

In this empowering episode, neuroinclusive career expert Viktoriya Selden shares how parents can set their teens up for workplace success. You’ll learn why early work experience — paid or unpaid — builds confidence, skills, and self-awareness that shape future career goals. Discover practical ways to help neurodivergent and disabled students prepare for meaningful employment and how to support them through every step of the journey.Web: https://www.pcscareerservices.com/Our website: https://shefterlaw.com/

Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. In this episode, Frances talks with Derek Crager, Founder of Practical AI and creator of Pocket Mentor, about how voice-based AI helps students keep learning anytime, anywhere. You’ll hear how this simple tool supports teachers, builds student confidence, and gives parents peace of mind — all while making education more equitable and accessible for everyone.Web: https://www.practicalai.app New Book: https://www.humanfirstai.net (Free Chapter) What is neurodiversity? https://geniuswithin.org/what-is-neurodiversity/Visit our website here! https://shefterlaw.com/

Join ADHD Specialist and Headspace Hub Founder Jheri South as she shares her powerful story of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Learn how being diagnosed with ADHD at 40 reshaped her life and inspired her to help others thrive. Discover the truth about rejection sensitivity (RSD), common ADHD misconceptions, and how real change happens through courage and connection.Get in touch with Jheri here: https://jherisouth.com/Need our help? Contact us through our website: https://shefterlaw.com/

Is your child struggling with reading, spelling, or writing? Join Frances Shefter and Deborah “Debbie” Brown, founder of Hill Country Dyslexia Services, as they explore the early signs of dyslexia at different grade levels. Debbie shares practical strategies parents can use at home to support their child’s learning journey. We’ll also uncover important topics in dyslexia support that parents and educators often overlook. Tune in to learn how early evaluation, multi-sensory teaching, and parent advocacy can transform a child’s confidence and success.Visit Our Website: https://shefterlaw.com/Hill Country Dyslexia Services LLC: https://www.hcdyslexia.com/