The "School Angel" vs. the "Home Whirlwind": Understanding Masking and School Advocacy with Hannah Higgins, LCSW

Have you ever felt dismissed by your child's school? Your child’s teacher reports they are well-behaved and hitting benchmarks, yet the second they hit the front door at home, they explode into a "whirlwind" of meltdowns.In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with Hannah Higgins, LCSW, a former school social worker and neurodivergent advocate, to demystify the phenomenon of masking. Hannah shares her "both sides of the table" perspective to help parents understand why kids hold it together at school only to crumble at home (often called After-School Restraint Collapse). We dive into the legal differences between IEPs and 504 plans, why you should trust your gut even when grades look "fine," and how to use Hannah’s new app, Advocado Solutions, to become a confident advocate for your child.Inside the Episode:The Reality of Masking: Why "good behavior" at school can actually be a sign of internal suffering and sensory overwhelm.90s Stigma vs. Modern Advocacy: Shifting the narrative from "over-medicating" to creating neurodivergent-affirming environments.The "Safe Place" Meltdown: Why your child saves their biggest emotions for you (and why that’s actually a sign of trust).IEP vs. 504 Plans: A breakdown of how to initiate the process and why documentation is your best friend.Sensory Room Advocacy: Why every school should have a dedicated space for decompression and how to ask for it.Trusting Your Gut: Why parental intuition is a valid data point in school meetings.Key Takeaways for Parents:Get it in Writing: If you have concerns, document them. Written communication is the first step toward legal protections in the school system.Stay Curious, Not Punitive: When your child has a post-school meltdown, ask: "What was the sensory load today?" rather than "Why are you acting out?"The "8th Sense": Understand Interoception—the ability to feel what’s happening inside the body. Many neurodivergent kids struggle to name their hunger, thirst, or overwhelm until it’s too late.Collaboration is King: Schools work best when parents and teachers partner together. Don't be afraid to share what works at home so it can be integrated into the classroom.Resources Mentioned:Hannah Rose Therapy: Psychotherapy for neurodivergent adolescents and adults. Hannahrosetherapy.comAvocado Solutions: Hannah’s new app designed to help parents navigate the IEP and 504 process with confidence. Advocado.solutionsLegal Resources: * Colorado Department of EducationIDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)Integrated Behavioral Health: Dr. Courtney’s group practice in Colorado, providing evaluations and therapy for neurodivergent hurdles. Integratedbhs.com