All Abilities No Filter

Is ADHD really just an inability to pay attention? Why do so many children with ADHD struggle in school despite being incredibly intelligent? And how is ADHD connected to autism, executive functioning, anxiety, and emotional regulation? In this episode of All Abilities No Filter, host Jake Edgar sits down with Dr. Norrine Russell—psychologist, ADHD coach, educator, founder of Russell Coaching, and author of Asking the Right Questions About ADHD—to separate fact from fiction about one of the most misunderstood neurodevelopmental disorders. Together, they discuss: What ADHD actually is (and what it isn't)The biggest myths surrounding ADHDThe connection between ADHD and autismExecutive functioning and why it mattersWhy bright children with ADHD often underperform in schoolPractical classroom accommodations that actually helpParenting strategies that build confidence instead of frustrationThe role of medication and what current research saysHow teachers can better support students with ADHDWhy "connection before correction" can transform outcomes for children Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or someone living with ADHD, this episode is packed with practical strategies, evidence-based insights, and real-world advice you can start using today. 🎙 Guest: Dr. Norrine Russell 📖 Author of Asking the Right Questions About ADHD 🌐 Russell Coaching If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow All Abilities No Filter, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from understanding ADHD in a whole new way. #ADHD #Autism #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveFunction #SpecialEducation #Parenting #Teachers #MentalHealth #ADHDAwareness #Education #Neurodivergent #AutismAcceptance #Podcast #AllAbilitiesNoFilter

What happens when you're no longer here to care for your child? For many families of children with special needs, that question can feel overwhelming. In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, host Jake Edgar sits down with Michael Ringel, CPA, Chartered Special Needs Consultant, and Founder of Special Needs Wealth Planning, to discuss the financial strategies every family should understand when planning for the future. Michael shares his unique "Planning for Two Lifetimes" approach and explains how families can protect government benefits, utilize Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts, avoid costly financial mistakes, and create long-term security for their loved ones. He also discusses retirement planning, funding future care, choosing trustees, and practical steps families can take today to gain peace of mind about tomorrow. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or professional supporting individuals with disabilities, this episode provides valuable guidance on one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of special needs planning.

In this eye-opening episode of All Abilities, No Filter, Jake Edgar sits down with speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist Lena Livinsky to explore the hidden causes of picky eating and why traditional approaches often fail. Many parents are told that picky eating is just a phase, that children will eventually grow out of it, or that they simply need to "try harder." But what if the real issue goes much deeper? Lena shares her holistic approach to feeding challenges, explaining how factors such as gut health, sensory processing, oral motor development, nervous system regulation, and family dynamics can all play a role in a child's relationship with food. Whether you're raising a child with autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, or simply struggling through stressful mealtimes, this conversation offers practical strategies and a completely different perspective on feeding difficulties. 🎙️ In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why picky eating may be a symptom—not the root problem ✅ The connection between gut health and food preferences ✅ How sensory processing impacts eating behaviors ✅ Why pressure at the dinner table often backfires ✅ Strategies for reducing mealtime stress and power struggles ✅ The importance of realistic, developmentally appropriate expectations ✅ How Lena's BLOOM Framework helps families understand and address feeding challenges ✅ What parents can do today to start creating positive changes If you've ever worried about your child's limited diet, nutritional intake, food aversions, or mealtime battles, this episode is packed with insights that can help.

“Hey everybody, welcome back to All Abilities, No Filter — the podcast where we have real, unfiltered conversations about autism, disabilities, advocacy, education, and the people making a difference every single day. Today’s episode is one of the most eye-opening, relatable, and honestly fun conversations we’ve had around the table. We’re joined by Dr. Kristen Williamson — licensed professional counselor, behavioral health expert, advocate, and someone who proudly describes herself as ‘neurospicy.’ And trust me… after this episode, you’re probably gonna start using that word too. Dr. Williamson shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life, what it felt like growing up trying to fit into a world that never quite made sense, and how finally getting answers completely changed the way she understood herself. We also dive into workplace accommodations, parenting neurodivergent children, masking behaviors, advocacy, sensory struggles, and why simply asking someone what they need can completely change their life. This episode is honest, hilarious, emotional, and packed with practical insight for parents, educators, employers, neurodivergent individuals, and honestly anybody wanting to better understand the neurodivergent experience. So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s get into this unfiltered conversation with Dr. Kristen Williamson.”      

In this episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy — founder and director of EBL Coaching — to talk all about multi-sensory learning and how it can transform the way students absorb and retain information. Dr. Levy shares her expertise on using hands-on, research-based strategies that reach learners through sight, sound, touch, and movement. We dive into the real-world benefits of multi-sensory instruction, from helping students strengthen their reading and writing skills to boosting comprehension, focus, and confidence. Dr. Levy also gives us a peek into her Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham and Multi-Sensory Math programs — tools that are changing classrooms nationwide. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or advocate, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and inspiring insight into how we can better support students of all abilities. Tune in for an episode that blends science, creativity, and compassion — all in the spirit of helping every student learn their way.