School Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Diverse Learners

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January has a way of making everything feel urgent - especially if your child has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, a learning difference, or another form of neurodivergence. In this episode, I'm speaking directly to parents who are in teh early days after a diagnosis and feeling pressure to have a plan, make changes, or "get it right" as the new year begins. If you're feeling overhwlemed, behind, or unsure about where to start, this conversation is for you.

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In this New Year's episode, I share a few of my own New Year's resolutions - not as goals to strive for, but as intentions grounded in care, sustainability, and realism. I also reflect on my hopes and wishes for parents and educators as we move into a new year together: wishes for gentler expectations, more compassion for ourselves and one another, and systems that better support the humans within them. 

This episode isn't about productivity, perfection, or "doing more." It's about naming what matters, letting go of what doesn't, and e...

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In this episode, I share a more personal reflection about how I began to recognize the early signs of burnout in my own life - and the small but meaningful shifts I'm making to climb out of it. 

As caregivers and educators, we're often skilled at noticing stress in others while minimizing it in ourselves. This episode explores what burnout can look like before it reaches a breaking point, how our values and roles can quietly push us past our limits, and why recovery isn't always about dramatic change. 

I...

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Self-care is often talked about as something we do - but rarely as something we define ourselves. In this replay episode, I invite parents, caregivers, and all educators to pause and consider what self-care truly means in the context of caring for others. By asking a series of gentle, thought-provoking questions, this episode encourages you to reflect on your needs, your values, and what actually helps you feel resourced and grounded.

Whether you're caring for children at home, in the classroom, or in both spaces, this episode offers space to think...

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Welcome to the world of Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner and Pamela Crooke! In this episode, I tell you about Social Thinking, and introduce you to some key terms used in Social Thinking resources, such as the book "You Are A Social Detective!" I love using this resource in collaboration with classroom teachers, but I've heard of it being used in homeschool settings, small groups, private practices, or just parents reading it to their kids at home. This episode is not sponsored - I am simply sharing a resource I find to be...

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Although this episode would be beneficial to parents, teachers, school clinicians,  educational consultants, etc... it's really one of those topics that's relevant for anyone who is a human living on planet Earth. Our heart-work (hard work!) in better understanding how to promote equity, inclusion and anti-racism in the systems we work in is never done. In this episode I list 4 resources that are great starting points in this journey, and I dive deeper into explaining one of them (i.e., The Wheel of Privilege and Power).  This resource is an excellent way to un...

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If you are a parent, teacher, educational assistant, principal, or school clinician, you need to hear this. I recorded this episode to encourage us all to reflect on which of our basic needs we have been neglecting lately. Sleep? Nutrition? Moving our body? Connection/belonging? That last one IS a basic human need - there are historical psych studies confirming this. It's time for us to return to prioritizing ourselves - we're worth it! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@g...

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Trends in psych assessment are constantly evolving, depending on research findings, level of experience, or the context in which a psychologist works. In this episode I cover the (current) trends in assessing for ADHD as a school psychologist. If you are a parent, teacher, school psychologist, administrator, or generally interested in how psychologists assess for ADHD, this episode is for you! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a T...

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You may have heard of a "helicopter parent" or a "lighthouse parent," but have you ever heard of a "Curling Parent"? This episode is all about reflections on my parenting, after attending a professional development event on anxiety and resilience, with psychologist Dr. Caroline Buzanko. 

To listen to Dr. Buzanko's podcast, visit: 

https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/#anxietypodcast

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Te...

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This episode is all about using the acronym RIOT to reduce overwhelm when you are getting started on a new psych assessment. I'll share with you why after 10 years, I'm still using this acronym to ground me in my assessment practice. It will be helpful for you if you are a school psychologist or another school clinician who completes assessments and writes assessment reports. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "S...

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Trigger Warning: The topic of suicide is discussed in this episode. Please decide for yourself whether or not you have the emotional capacity to listen at this time. If you skip it for now but feel differently later, you can always come back to it. The most important thing is that you prioritize your own mental health.

This episode is part 2 of 2. If you haven't yet, please go back and listen to part 1. In this episode I discuss how to move from asking directly about a person's thoughts of suicide, to...

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Trigger Warning: The topic of suicide is discussed in this episode. Please decide for yourself whether or not you have the emotional capacity to listen at this time. If you skip it for now but feel differently later, you can always come back to it. The most important thing is that you prioritize your own mental health.

In this episode I discuss why suicide intervention is important, as well as the idea that you are not expected to do this alone. Lastly, I teach about the first, most crucial step of...

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This episode is part 2 of 2. We continue to bust the most commons myths about ADHD. Even if you listened to part 1, I highly recommend listening to part 2, as it includes the myth that hits you right in the feelings - "If you tell a kid about their ADHD, it will make them feel different." We talk about why parents believe this, and why it's actually false. 

Please share this episode with your parent and/or teacher friends, so we can start reframing how people understand ADHD. (But make sure to send t...

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If I had a dollar for every time I heard one of these comments about ADHD... I would be able to pay off my overdue library fees. Maybe even buy myself lunch. This episode covers 4 of the most commons myths about ADHD (no matter who you are, you probably believed at least one of these at one point in time!) Share this episode with your parent and/or teacher friends, so we can start reframing how people understand ADHD. (And make sure to send them part 2 as well!)

If you have...

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A quick reference guide for teachers, administrators, clinicians, and all school staff for how to interact with kids from a trauma-informed perspective. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.

If you like the School Psych Podcast or find it helpful, please rate, review, or share it with a friend so others can find it. Thank-you!

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Death is not always easy to talk about, but kids who are grieving need us to be brave, rather than shy away from hard conversations. In this episode I share ten tips for supporting kids through grief. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.

If you like the School Psych Podcast or find it helpful, please rate, review, or share it w...

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If you're a school clinician wanting to feel generally prepared and organized in your day to day, then this episode is for you! I share some obvious and some "not so obvious" must-haves for school psychologists. Enjoy!

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.

If you like the School Psych Podcast or find it helpful, please rate, review, or share it...

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There are so many factors out of our control as school clinicians. But there are things we can do as a part of our fall start-up to set ourselves up for success. In this episode I cover some tips for laying the foundation of a smoother "back to school", and talk about some of the tasks school psychologists are likely to engage in, in the first quarter of the school year. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover on the podcast, it's so easy to let m...

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How is it fall already? If you are an educator or a parents who has mixed feelings about "back to school," then this quickie episode is for you! Transitions can be hard and it's okay if things feel a little bumpy at first. But we are resilient, and collectively - We got this! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.

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Case studies are a great way to learn what it actually looks like to walk through the psycho-educational assessment process. In this episode, I review how a student with already diagnosed ADHD was referred to school psychology, and what questions her school team and parent were interested in answering through a psych assessment. I walk through each part of the assessment, what we learned, and some of the recommended next steps in supporting this creative, artistic neurodivergent learner.

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please...

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The cliché "If you meet one person with Autism, you know one person with Autism," means that we all have different strengths and challenges and therefore we need recommendations for our own unique needs. However there are a few resources/suggestions that come up often in conversations with parents and teachers who are supporting autistic learners. In this episode I talk about 7 of those recommendations.  Enjoy!

Resources:

1. BOOK - "Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism," by Barry Prizant with Tom Fields-Meyer

2. TOOL - AT (Assistive Te...

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The prevalence rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been on the rise throughout the past two decades. This ignites lots of debate, regarding which factors contribute to these rising rates. In this episode, we review some of the findings from the recent CDC report, as well as an article by economist Emily Oster. 

References:

1. CDC Report about 2022 ASD prevalence rates (published April 2025):  https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/ss/ss7402a1.htm?s_cid=ss7402a1_w

2. "Why are Autism Rates Going Up?," by Emily Oster (pu...

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In this episode, we first cover some important language when discussing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We move on to discuss who diagnoses ASD. Then we thoroughly review the diagnostic criteria of ASD. Lastly, we share some stats such as prevalence rates and other factors that contribute to the diagnosis of Autism, as well as other disorders that commonly co-occur with ASD. We also debunk the top 3 myths about Autistic people.

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message...

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In the last 2 episodes,  we covered misconceptions about mental health counselling, as well as an overview of different therapeutic approaches. For today's episode, we get a bit more practical, by discussing what therapy is and why it's worth your time. We end with some tips on how to access therapy/counselling. If you've ever wondering if therapy is right for you, but aren't sure how to take the first step, this episode is for you!

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at s...

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Are you interested in starting therapy but aren't sure which type of therapy is the best fit? Or maybe you're already in therapy, but didn't realize there are other therapeutic approaches besides the one your counselor is using? OR maybe you're thinking about becoming a therapist one day?! Then this episode is for you!

We cover several different therapeutic approaches, starting with counselling styles used primarily for adults and ending with approaches that can be helpful in supporting children and adolescents.

If you have any questions or topics you...

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In honour of the 50th episode, I'm reflecting on what it really means to celebrate mental health. So many people still carry outdated or unhelpful ideas about therapy - and those myths often keep them from getting support. In this episode, I'm clearing up the biggest misconceptions and inviting everyone - parents, teachers, friends, and you - to think differently about what counselling actually is. We cover myths like: "Therapy is for those people," or "Therapy is expensive," or "Therapy is like a life coach," and more! If you've ever asked yourself, "Could I...

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Just a quick episode wishing you an awesome summer, in which you are kind to yourself and remember.... YOU ARE HUMAN. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.

If you like the School Psych Podcast or find it helpful, please rate, review, or share it with a friend, so others can find it. Thank-you!

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This episode builds off of one of last week's tips for "what all teachers need to do this summer." One of the suggestions was pausing to reflect what went well this year that you want to take into next school year, and what you need to let go of. So, THIS episode is my own reflections about exactly that. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or a school clinician, I bet some of my reflections will feel relatable. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please e...

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This episode is for teachers and any of us working in schools (clinicians, admin, educational assistants, all y'all!) By summer break, our nervous system is tapped out.. How do we ensure summer is the proper reset that we need before we come back in the fall? In this episode I list the top 5 activities (or lack thereof) that educators need to focus on this summer. We deserve it! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on I...

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In this interview episode, Bryan Stanton (chair of "Teaching While Queer," a not-for-profit organization) shares the importance of allyship even when it feels scary or uncomfortable. "But how can I be an ally?," you ask?! Listen as Bryan shares the importance of visual signals, asking about pronouns, checking in on queer students, creating space for queer educators, preserving accurate history (i.e., NOT banning books), listening to understand, and attending professional development focused on how to be an ally to queer educators and how to nurture LGBTQ students.

Speaking of professional...

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I've shared some of these with you before and I'll share them again and again! There are certain resources I find myself recommending over and over to families and school teams of neurodivergent learners... and for good reason. It's time to dedicate an episode to listing these top 5 resources and to talk about why I love them for our neuro-spicy kiddos!

1. Explainingbrains.com with Dr. Liz Angoff

2. Understood.org

3. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne...

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Ah the dreaded "summer slide," also known as "summer learning loss" or "academic regression". Have no fear parents! There are lots of ways we can help our kids maintain some of the skills they worked so hard to develop this school year! These 7 tips should provide you with some ideas - from creating a daily "learning routine" that works for YOUR family,  to incorporating academic skills into "field trips." Let me know which tip is your favourite! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me...

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Did you know that school psychologists attend IEP (Individual Education Plan) Meetings with families and school teams? This episode covers what a typical day looks like for a school psychologist during testing season. I also share what my favourite IEP meeting process looks like (spoiler alert: It's not just reading a document verbatim to a parent).

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.<...

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Have you ever wondered what a testing day looks like for a school psychologist? Then this episode is for you! I run through a typical testing day, and also discuss the steps that need to have been completed beforehand (weeks or days in advance) to make this day go smoothly. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.

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Have you ever wondered what a school psychologist does with their time? Why does it feel like they're everywhere at once or simultaneously nowhere to be found? Hopping in and out, but flying into the building within minutes when a crisis occurs. The role of a school psych can vary widely, depending on the situation. I'm not just talking from country to country, province to province, or state to state. The role of a school psych at one school could look completely different from the school down the street.

In this...

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How do we give our kids the tools for identifying, expressing, and managing emotions? How do we teach our kids social skills and conflict resolution? Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs are a way we can proactively help our kids thrive in "the real world." If you're a teacher, school clinician, or homeschool parent, this episode is for you! Let's dive into  3 evidence-based SEL "programs" I keep coming back to over and over again and why (and no, they have not sponsored this episode):

1. Kimochis (https://www.kimochis.com/)

2. We Thinkers! (h...

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In this interview with Dr. Emily Fisher, we talk A LOT about how to support LGBTQ+ children in our families, schools, and communities. We cover some definitions, such as what is sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as some of the common inclusive acronyms used by and for our queer and questioning youth (e.g., 2SLGBTQIA+, GSM, SOGI, SOGD, GSA). We also discuss how to respond when young people "come out" to us, how to proactively discuss gender identity and sexual orientation, and how to promote inclusion. Dr. Fisher shares the number...

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Finally an episode that is relevant for literally ANY adult supporting kids in any capacity! Teachers, parents, clinicians, doctors, principals, educational assistants, daycare providers, this one is for all of us! This episode covers several descriptors often used to describe kids and reframes them using more positive, solution-focused language. This is about focusing on our kids' strengths, rather than assuming these traits are shortcomings.

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "...

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Is academic success the key to a thriving adulthood? In this episode, I'm sharing a hot take that might challenge some perspectives - academic skills, while important, aren't the be all end all when it comes to our growing kids. 

From kindness and communication to critical thinking and executive functioning, these skills shape who our kids become as they develop into adults. And no, this teaching isn't just on schools or just on parents - it's a shared effort. 

Let's rethink what success really means and how we can se...

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Whether you're a parent, teacher, or school clinician, these tips can transform your conversations and strengthen your connection with the kids in your life. If you want to support your kid - whether they're toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, there's one skill that makes all the difference: Active Listening. When kids feel truly heard, they're more likely to open up, trust you, and accept guidance or reassurance. In this episode, we dive into six simple, practical strategies for listening in a way that helps kids feel safe, valued, and understood. 

A...

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Are you a school clinician or consultant who struggles to manage your time? In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for school clinicians to keep an organized schedule and maintain focus. For example, a monthly "brain dump," colour-coding your calendar by school,  and being strategic about when your are  checking and responding to your emails (spoiler alert: it's not "all day").

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a...

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In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for teachers (and other school staff) to establish clear and respectful boundaries in their professional lives. For example, being direct and concise. If you have not been in the practice of setting boundaries, take baby steps. Even then, you may experience pushback. Listen to this episode to hear some tips on how to address that resistance.

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram or Threads @SchoolPsychPodcast...

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Are you a teacher or school clinician who struggles to find balance? Then this episode is for you. We explore the challenges educators face in setting boundaries and identify key areas where these boundaries are important. We discuss the internal and external pressures that make boundary-setting difficult and provide practical examples of where limits can be beneficial, including communication with parents, work-life balance, student interactions, and collaborations with colleagues and administrators. By understanding these aspects, educators can take the first step in creating a sustainable and fulfilling teaching (or clinician) experience. 

I...

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Being a strong advocate for your child can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone - or perfectly! In this episode, we're diving into ten key traits that help parents become effective advocates for their children. From persistence, to communication, to "sense of humour," these qualities can help you navigate school team meetings, appointments, and support services with purpose. 

If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing enough?" or felt unsure about how to speak up for your child, this episode will give you plenty of encouragement, practical tips, a...

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Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, yet it's wildly misunderstood. In this episode, we're busting five of the biggest myths about dyslexia - including the misconception that it's not just about reversing letters, that kids can "outgrow" it, and that schools will automatically catch it. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or someone who works with kids, this episode will give you some facts you need to better understand struggling readers. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.c...

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We hear about executive functions a lot - but what does it really look like in everyday life? In this episode, we're breaking down each core executive function skill, such as working memory, time management, emotional regulation, and more. Let's explore how challenges in these areas show up for kids of all ages, from the middle school student constantly losing their homework to the high school student who procrastinates on every big project. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or just curious about how to better support kids' learning and development, this episode...

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Executive function skills are the foundation for success in school and beyond - helping kids manage their time, stay organized, regulate emotions, and adapt to new situations. But what happens when these skills don't come naturally? In this episode, we break down what executive function is, as well as how parents and teachers can support kids in building these critical skills. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a T...

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In this interview with licensed educational psychologist Dr. Christa Cusimano, we talk about the benefit of approaching assessment through a neuropsychological lens. Spoiler alert - it can lead to better intervention. We also discuss some challenges of the public education system. We cover LOTS more topics, such as the importance of clearly communicating a diagnosis after assessment (no matter what age), our thoughts on the increase in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) diagnosis, differences between assessing children and assessing adults, teasing apart ADHD from other mental health challenges, and the power in finding a...

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Are you a parent, teacher, or educational assistant of young kids? Have you gone through "episodes" of BIG feelings and behaviors and wondered, "What the heck is going on for this little person?" If so, this episode is for you! We cover 6 possible reasons your child (or a student) is having a tough time.

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please click "Send Us a Text," email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, or direct message me on IG @schoolpsychpodcast

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Are you a parent or teacher of young kids who feels exasperated by constant "No! Don't want to! Not doing it"? If so, this episode is for you! First, I share 5 proactive strategies for how to set ourselves and our kids or students up for success when moving through tasks and routines. Then, we discuss how to respond when you are using those strategies, but you still hear "No!" Keep your head up, you're doing a great job! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please c...

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In this interview with Jen Fisher,  we discuss all the domains a school-based Occupational Therapist can help with. Spoiler alert - it's not just toileting and fine motor skills! Jen and I talk about everything from the primary role of an OT in any setting, to supporting students with additional needs, to suggestions for anyone interested in pursuing occupational therapy as a career. Thank you Jen Fisher, for sharing about your work in schools. Enjoy!

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at s...

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This week we cover my top 5 new year's resolutions for those of us working in Education - school clinicians, teachers, educational assistants, administrators, and other school staff.  How do we thrive through the next 6 months, not just survive? Which of these resolutions will resonate with you? 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

If you like the podcast or find it helpful, please foll...

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This week is a quick message to caregivers as we navigate the highs and lows of holidays. All the best, and talk to you next year! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

If you like the podcast or find it helpful, please follow, rate, or review. AND share it with friends and family, so others can find it! Another way to help is...

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Have you ever wondered when NOT to pursue a psycho-educational assessment? There are certain referrals we might describe as “red lights," which means we likely would not consider proceeding with the assessment. If you haven’t already, I recommend you listen to parts 1 and 2 of this 3-part series first to better understand “green light” and "yellow light" psych assessment referrals. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com ...

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Have you ever wondered when to pursue a psycho-educational assessment? There are certain referrals for psych assessments we might describe as “yellow lights.” Sometimes you would go ahead with the assessment, and at other times you would not. Clear as mud, right? If you haven’t already, I recommend you listen to part 1 of this series first to better understand “green light” psych assessment referrals. 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me...

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Have you ever wondered when to pursue a psycho-educational assessment? Or maybe you want to know which types of referrals tend to get green-lit for assessments in the school system? Then this episode is for you! Listen to parts 2 and 3 to learn about "yellow light" and "red light" assessment referrals.

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

If you like the podcast or fi...

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Have you ever wondered what a psycho-educational assessment actually entails? Have you or your child been referred for one and you're on the fence about whether to go for it? Are you a teacher with students on the psych assessment list, and you're wondering what this whole process entails? Then this episode is for you! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

If you...

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For this week's episode, we've got something a little different. I discuss 10 lies (or myths) I used to believe when I was a brand new school psychologist. This was a fun one to record - I hope you enjoy it!

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

If you like the podcast or find it helpful, please follow, rate, or review. AND share it...

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Are you a classroom teacher supporting students with Adapted Education Plans? Are you wanting to learn more about accommodations for students with diverse learning needs? Are you a parent of a child who might benefit from these strategies as a part of their learning plan? Then this episode is for you! I recommend you listen to episode 16 (part 1) before listening to this episode (part 2). 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or em...

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Are you a classroom teacher supporting students with Adapted Education Plans? Are you wanting to learn more about accommodations for students with diverse learning needs? Are you a parent of a child who might benefit from these strategies as a part of their learning plan? Then this episode is for you! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover,  please click "Send us a text". You can also DM me on Instagram (@schoolpsychpodcast), or email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

If you like the podcast or...

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Is your child a struggling reader? Do you teach students with Dyslexia? Then this episode is for you! Also, if you want more information about Dyslexia, go back and listen to episode 9: Deep Dive on Specific Learning Disorder. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (imse.com) 
2. Fish in A Tree (book by Linda Mullaly Hunt)
3. Aaron Slater, Illustrator (Picture Book by Andrea Beaty)
4. If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It (Picture Book by Colleen Nelson and Kathie MacIsaac)
5. See It, Dr...

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This episode focuses on recommendations for managing ADHD. If you want more information about what ADHD is, listen to Episode #13, entitled "Deep Dive on ADHD." If you're ready to dive into some helpful tips and resources, enjoy the current episode!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. The Smart But Scattered Series, by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
3. Additude (additudemag.com)
4. Understood.org
5. The Questioneers Picture Book Series, by Andrea Beaty
6. Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids: 60 Fun Activities to Help Children Self-Regulate, Focus, and Succeed, by...

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This episode discusses all things Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We talk about executive (dys)functions, the ADHD diagnostic criteria, associated characteristics, prevalence rates, and the impact of living with ADHD. Enjoy!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM - 5th ed., text rev.)
2. Dr. Liz Angoff's website (explainingbrains.com)

Research Studies mentioned in this episode:

1. Espinet SD, Graziosi G, Toplak ME, Hesson J, Minhas P. A Review of Canadian Diagnosed ADHD Prevalence and Incidence...

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In this episode I briefly discuss short and long term effects of burnout. Then I guide you through a quick self-care exercise. This will hopefully be helpful during a busy holiday season, but it's also something you can come back to any time of the year! A great episode for caregivers, students, and so many of you caring folks in education... a friendly reminder to hit pause and take a few minutes for yourself!

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This episode discusses co-regulation strategies that can be helpful in supporting children and young people through moments of escalation, according to the "Low Arousal" approach. Episode 11 follows naturally from episode 10, which was about the brain's alarm system (i.e., the Fight, Flight or Freeze response).  I hope by the end of these 2 episodes, we are able to reframe our understanding of "challenging behaviour." All behaviour is communication, and "challenging behaviour" is what happens when a person is in distress and they don't (yet) have other coping options. 

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This episode discusses the brain's alarm system - the Fight, Flight, and Freeze response. We also cover what's going on in the brain when we've "flipped our lid." This is a great episode to learn about your own brain, but also to build some language and visuals for how to teach children about their own Fight, Flight, and Freeze responses. Lastly, we talk about how the experience of trauma impacts the brain's alarm system and what that might look like in the long-term. Enjoy!

Resources mentioned in this episode:
1. "The...

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This episode discusses the similarities and differences between Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) and Intellectual Disability (ID).  I also differentiate between SLD and the other terms you may have heard (e.g., Learning Disability, Dyslexia, etc). Then I dive into the diagnostic criteria, prevalence, prognostic factors, and functional consequences of living with SLD. Lastly and most importantly, I cover how we program for students with Specific Learning Disorder in school. Enjoy!

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com

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This episode discusses the diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and causes of Intellectual Disability (ID). I also cover common misconceptions about individuals living with ID. Lastly I discuss how we program for students with ID in schools and support them and their families in the community. Enjoy!

If you have any  questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

If you like the podcast or find it helpful, please rate and review so others can find it! Thank-you!

- Ivanna

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In this episode, I explain the classification of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, as well as provide a brief overview of the disorders that fall under this category. Enjoy!

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

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- Ivanna

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In this interview with a Speech-Language Pathologist,  we discuss all the areas of the "Communication Pie" that an SLP can help with. Spoiler alert - it's not just lisps and stuttering! Tia and I talk about everything from speech therapy to supporting students with unique communication needs, to encouraging language development in young children. Thank you Tia Coulter, for sharing about your work in schools. Enjoy!

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

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This episode talks about what anxiety is, including a description about the different types.  Lastly I discuss both proactive and reactive strategies for managing anxiety. Enjoy!

Resources mentioned in this episode:  
1. "What to do when you worry too much: A kid's guide to overcoming anxiety," by Dawn Huebner, and
2. The MindUP Curriculum

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

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This episode describes how to access a school psychologist, whether you are a parent or a teacher. Enjoy!

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

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- Ivanna

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This episode describes the areas of functioning that a school psychologist can help with.  Enjoy! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

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- Ivanna

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This episode describes what a school psychologist is NOT,  and then dives in to what we actually do. Enjoy! 

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com 

If you like the podcast or find it helpful, please rate and review so others will have an easier time finding this resource. Thank-you!

- Ivanna

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Welcome to the School Psych Podcast! This episode features a brief introduction of who I am, why I started the show, and what you can expect in future episodes. 

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