Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child at School and Home

Send us Fan MailEver notice how some kids can want to start something... and still seem completely stuck? In this episode, we're unpacking task initiation: the executive functioning skill that helps us begin tasks, get going, and push past the "starting friction". When kids struggle here, it's often misunderstood as laziness, avoidance, or lack of motivation - but there's usually much more going on beneath the surface. Our key takeaway? If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover on the podcast, please email me at [email protected] or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.If you like Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child helpful, please share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so it's more likely to get to listeners who also need it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIf your child or student(s) struggle when it's time to leave the park, turn off the tablet, start homework, or get ready for bed- you are not alone. In this episode, we're talking about why transitions can feel so hard for many kids (especially neurodivergent kids), and what adults can do to make those moments smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. I share 4 practical, realistic strategies that support executive functioning, emotional regulation, and flexibility - without relying on punishments or constant battles.Our key takeaway? Transitions are a skill - not just a "behaviour". And we arent' aiming for "perfect transitions," just a day-to-day routine that feels a bit more manageable.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover on the podcast, please email me at [email protected] or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.If you like Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child helpful, please share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so it's more likely to get to listeners who also need it. Thank-you!xo IvannaSupport the show

Send us Fan MailEver felt like you've already said something three times - and it's still not sticking? It's not always about attention or effort, but about working memory. In this quick, practical episode, I'm breaking down what's really going on when kids struggle to hold onto information, and why repeating yourself in attempts to help them "memorize" isn't the solution. You'll also walk away with 5 simple tips for how to "support smarter" rather than try harder. If you've ever wondered, "Why can't they just do what I asked?" - this episode is for you. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover on the podcast, please email me at [email protected] or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.If you like Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child helpful, please share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so it's more likely to get to listeners who also need it. Thank-you!xo IvannaSupport the show

Send us Fan MailMany kids who are bright, curious, and capable still struggle in school - and it can be confusing for the adults supporting them. In this episode, we explore why intelligence doesn't always translate into success in the classroom, and how factors like executive functioning, processing differences, and anxiety can impact a child's ability to feel successful at school.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover on the podcast, please email me at [email protected] or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.If you like Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child helpful, please share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so it's more likely to get to listeners who also need it. Thank-you!xo IvannaSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWhat does the word Neurodivergent actually mean - and why has it become such an important part of how we understand children? In this episode, we explore the concept of neurodivergence, what it includes, and why it can shift the way we think about learning, behaviour, and support. This episode focuses on moving beyond labels and toward a more complete understanding of how different brains works - and what that means for supporting children at school, at home, and in everyday life.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover on the podcast, please email me at [email protected] or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.If you like Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child helpful, please share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so it's more likely to get to listeners who also need it. Thank-you!xo IvannaSupport the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the very first episode of Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child. In this episode, we're starting with an important foundation: 5 things neurodivergent kids really need the adults in their lives to understand. Children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, exceptionality, dyslexia, giftedness, learning differences, anxiety, and other forms of neurodivergence are often navigating environments that weren't designed with their brains in mind. When adults shift how we interpret behaviour, learning, and regulation, we can support these kids in more effective and compassionate ways. Whether you're a parent, an educator, or a clinician, this episode explores key ideas that can help us better understand and support neurodivergent kids at school, at home, and in everyday life.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover on the podcast, please email me at [email protected] or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.If you like Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child helpful, please share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so it's more likely to get to listeners who also need it. Thank-you!xo IvannaSupport the show

Send us Fan MailToday marks the final episode of the School Psych Podcast - but don't worry, the podcast itself isn't ending. It's evolving! Over time, I realized that while the original title of the podcast reflected my profession as a school psychologist, it didn't fully capture what these conversations are really about: understanding and supporting your neurodivergent children. Starting with the next episode, the podcast will continue under a new name:  "Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child" The mission stays the same - helping the adults in kids' lives better understand how they learn, regulate, and thrive at school, at home, and beyond. If you're already subscribed, you don't need to do anything. The next episode will simply appear in your feed under the new title. Thanks for being part of this learning journey!If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover on the podcast, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailAnxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in children, teens, and adults - and is one of the most misunderstood. In this deep dive episode, I walk you through what anxiety actually is (from both a clinical and practical lens), how it shows up in real life, and where to begin if you or your child are struggling. Whether you're a parent, an educator, or someone navigating anxiety personally, this replay episode will help you understand what's happening in the brain and body - and what actually helps.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is a follow-up to the "Fall Start-Up" episode (#82). If you are a licensed educational psychologist (LEP), school psych, or school clinician, you're going to want to listen to this one. Winter is not coming... winter is HERE, and we are officially halfway through the school year. It's time to take stock of our to-do list, and how much we've been able (or not) to achieve so far. The point of this is not just to celebrate how far we've come but also to re-evaluate our priorities for the rest of the school year and what we realistically have time for. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is  a message for the community of Tumbler Ridge, British Colombia, who have recently experienced a tragedy at their secondary school. To the people of Tumbler Ridge, the hearts of Canadians and people all over the world are with you. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover on the podcast, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailJoin me as I sit down with school psychologist (with over 20 years of experience) David Krasky, to talk through some of the common parenting struggles we've all been through or are about to go through! This episode is for parents and caregivers who are interested in some tips and "perspective" (i.e., hard truth) for how we foster independence in our kids. This journey of "Raising Future Adults" is not for the faint of heart, and that's why Dave wrote a book about it (see below for the link).In this episode, we explore:- Why being an educator or parent nowadays might feel harder- How chronic stress impacts the body- Small, realistic ways to support your nervous system - Why regulation is collective - not something you're meant to do aloneTo learn more about David Krasky, visit the website: ABOUT ME | Raising Future AdultHis book, "Raising Future Adults," is available here: Raising Future AdultsIf you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis conversation isn't about fixing kids, improving outcomes, or adding a bunch of new strategies to your plate. It's about what happens to our nervous systems when the environment feels unsettled - and why feeling irritable, exhausted, or checked out is not a personal or professional failure. We explore:- Why being an educator or parent nowadays might feel harder- How chronic stress impacts the body- Small, realistic ways to support your nervous system - Why regulation is collective - not something you're meant to do aloneThis episode is for educators, school staff, and caregivers who feel stretched thin and are wondering why it's feeling harder to access patience, problem-solving, and energy. I hope this episode helps you feel a little more seen, validated, and human.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailOne of the most common and emotionally loaded questions parents ask after a diagnosis is whether to tell their child. In this episode, I'm speaking directly to parents who are weighing the benefits and risks of sharing diagnostic information with their child. We explore why there isn't a single "right" answer, but also how factors like age, understanding, and context matter. I'll also cover what parents are often really worried about when they ask this question.Rather than offering a script or a rule, this episode helps parents think through the purpose of sharing, the values guiding their decision, and how diagnosis can be framed in ways that support identity rather than limit it. If you're feeling unsure, conflicted, or afraid of saying the wrong thing, this conversation is meant to help you think clearly and compassionately about next steps.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailMany parents are surprised by how heavy things can feel after a diagnosis - sometimes heavier than before. Even when the diagnosis brings clarity or relief, it can also come with grief, worry, or a sense that everything suddenly feels more complicated. In this episode, I'm speaking to parents who expected things to feel easier by now and are wondering why that hasn't happened yet. We talk about why this reaction is so common, how diagnosis changes what parents notice and why increased awareness can temporarily make things feel harder. This episode is not about pushing through or staying positive. It's about understanding what's happening beneath the surface and why this phase is often a meaningful - if uncomfortable - part of the adjustment process.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailAfter a new diagnosis, many parents feels pressure to start making changes everywhere - at home, at school, and in between. But trying to do everything at once often leads to more overwhelm, not more support. In this episode, I'm speaking directly to parents who are wondering where to begin. We explore a helpful question - where is my child working hardest right now? - and why the answer isn't always a s straightforward as it seems. .If you're unsure where to put your energy, this episode offers a way to think clearly and compassionately about what you and your child need most right now.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailJanuary 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.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn 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 entering the year with curiosity, clarity, and care - for ourselves and for the children and learners we support. Whether you're feeling energized by the new year or already a little weary,  this conversation offers a grounded place to pause and reset.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn 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 talk candidly about what helped me pause, reassess, and begin to rebuild in a way that feels sustainable and compassionate - not perfect. If you're feeling stretched thin, questioning your capacity, or wondering whether what you're experiencing "counts" as burnout, this conversation is an invitation to slow down and reflect, rather than push through.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailSelf-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 differently about self-care - and to consider what support might look like for you.If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome 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 helpful in supporting both neurodivergent AND neurotypical kids to develop socially.To visit the Social Thinking website to learn even more , click here:  https://www.socialthinking.com/If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailAlthough 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 understand intersectionality and how everyone's life experiences are going to provide differing amounts of earned and unearned power and privilege. Resources discussed in this episode:1. The book "The Skin We're In," by Desmond Cole2. The book "White Fragility," by Robin DiAngelo3. The book "Me and White Supremacy," by Laayla F. Saad 4. The Wheel of Privilege and PowerIf you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 share it with a friend  or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIf 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 [email protected], 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 share it with a friend (or 5!), or follow the podcast, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailTrends 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 [email protected], 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 consider sharing it with a friend or colleague!  Thanks! Sincerely, Ivanna Support the show

Send us Fan MailYou 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/#anxietypodcastIf you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 or review it, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis 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 [email protected], 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 or review it, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailTrigger 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 hearing their story and asking for details about strengths and support people in their life. The goal of this is to let the person unload, but also to find a moment to help them reach for life. Because then you will ask them to agree to help keep themselves safe for now. Lastly we talk about how to make a safety plan, and how to support hope for the future. Please share this episode with your family or friends, whether they work in schools or not! So we can help people feel more prepared to potentially save someone's life. ***GETTING HELP***: If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8, or visit 988.ca If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 or review it, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailTrigger 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 suicide intervention, which is: Asking the person directly, "Are you thinking about suicide?" If you want to move from asking the question to helping a person share their story and turn towards hope and life, please listen to part 2 (episode #65). Please share this episode with your family or friends, whether they work in schools or not! So we can help people feel more prepared to potentially save someone's life. ***GETTING HELP***: If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8, or visit 988.ca If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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 or review it, so others are more likely to find it. Thank-you!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis 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 them part 1 first!)If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIf 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 any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailA 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailDeath 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIf 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThere 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 me know! Click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description, email me at [email protected], or direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcastIf 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailHow 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailCase 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 email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe 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-Meyer2. TOOL - AT (Assistive Technology) and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)3. WORKBOOK - "What To Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety," by Dawn Huebner4. WORKSHEETS - "CBT Worksheets for Kids," from AutismTeachingStrategies.com5. VIDEO SERIES - "Know Yourself," from Autism.org.uk6. PODCAST - "Learn with Dr. Emily," hosted by Dr. Emily King7. TOOL - Connecting with community (in-person OR online)If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThe 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_w2. "Why are Autism Rates Going Up?," by Emily Oster (published April 2025):  https://parentdata.org/why-are-autism-rates-going-up/If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailAre 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 want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn 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 (or someone I love) benefit from therapy?," then this episode is for you. If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailJust 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis 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 email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn 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 learning.... Bryan is the host of the Teaching While Queer podcast AND organizer of the upcoming Teaching While Queer Educator Conference. Guess what?! It's a virtual conference happening October 2025! I hope to see you there. Thank you SO much to Bryan for sharing their story on the School Psych Podcast, as well as endless guidance and tips on how to better support our queer educators and students. Links:1. Teaching While Queer - the podcast2. Teaching While Queer - the conference3. Teach Like an Ally - the bookIf you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailI'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 Angoff2. Understood.org3. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson4. The Questioneers Picture Book Series, by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts5. Smart But Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential, by Peg Dawson and Richard GuareIf you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailAh 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 at [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailDid 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailHave 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 [email protected], 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!Support the show

Send us Fan MailHave 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 episode, I talk about how my schedule gets "arranged" (spoiler alert: we don't have assistants who do this for us), and strategies I use to make sure I'm providing equitable service to each of my schools. Then, I provide an overview of the different activities, commitments, and tasks that school psych might have in their calendar any given week, from risk/threat assessment to psych testing, to student services meetings. For context, I am a school psych working in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  Enjoy!If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at [email protected], 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!Support the show