Exploring Different Models of School, for all kinds of brains Ep 69

Hey Team! By now you've probably come to realize that being different isn't wrong, and that's certainly true for our students! Sometimes the traditional school model is out of synch with what our students need,--a challenge we meet with accommodations, learning plans, and sometimes changing schools. Today on the show, we'll hear from one model of schooling, Fusion Academy. Administrator Samantha Lettin explores her strengths and struggles as a leader and celebrates the different ways students can learn. Sending you all my love,Sarah Audience: everyone, particularly parents of neurodivergent kids

Team,Meet my new friend, Allison Robertson, who you may know her from The Accountant 2 . What you might not know is that Allison's journey is one to celebrate and learn from. Allison reminds us that what you see on the outside, in this moment--a successful actor, filmmaker, singer, and model-- may reflect years of messy growth and self-discovery. I know that her perspectives and strategies will help each of you! Allison's short film, Love Transparent, is linked below :) All my love to you, team,SarahThe film: https://youtu.be/YJUEDL4VZSAInterview with director: https://youtu.be/aw4OV7Ft1a4About Allison: IMBD Audience: all ages and brains :)

Team, When I met Steve at the TACA convention, I realized that Love on the Spectrum captured his awesomeness well--but not in its entirety. Steve is thoughtful, upbeat, and, well, full of Love! On our show, Steve and explore the experience of being different, how we can look to artists for examples of being true to their "weird" selves, and our shared distain for competition. (Yes, I lose the ball in pickleball because I'm watching other players' faces.) Get ready to fill your heart with Steve's message to all of us! All my love,SarahTACA: The Autism Community in Action. Learn more hereNetflix's Love on the Spectrum (Steve is featured in seasons one and two)

Team,Elaine Hall is a force of nature, whose story will inspire you! On the show, Elaine talks about her experiences with her son, Neil, and the creation of the Miracle Project, an inclusive theater program for autistic youth and young adults. You may know her from Love on the Spectrum, Autism the Musical, or through her books (did I mention how amazing she is?) She shares the executive function tricks that help her brain! And with so many wins and creative projects, clearly her strategies work!In the show, we talk about an upcoming event for The Mircale Project. Click here to get tickets to "Out of My Head" May 9 and 10, 2025. All my love (and see you at the show!)SarahMore about Elaine: Founder of The Miracle Project, an inclusive theater and film program; star of HBO’s Emmy Winning film Autism: The Musical, Elaine Hall is internationally recognized for using the arts to enhance quality of life for neurodivergent individuals, and is one of Hollywood’s first Access Coordinators.  Elaine has co- written and produced over 30 original musicals featuring neurodivergent, disabled and non-disabledactors; Her methods documented in her text book, Seven Keys to Unlock Autism, are now evidence-based and the book has been used as a text book at Brown University, USC, UCLA among others. Featured in The New York Times, WSJ, Boston Globe, on CNN, CBS, OWN, NPR among others, Elaine has worked as advisor, script consultant, content developer, on-set coach, and/or casting consultant for Netflix, Shondaland, Amazon, Hulu, Disney, Sony Pictures including appearing in the Netflix hit, Love on the Spectrum and Jason Katim’s As We See It.  Elaine consulted on the film EZRA, starring a twelve-year-old autistic boy along with Robert De Nero and on . She has spoken at the United Nations several times and is a keynote speaker across the globe. Elaine has received numerous awards most recently being inducted into the inaugural Kindness Hall of Fame.Co-founder of the Hollywood advocacy group, 1IN4, she was the Access Coordinator at the BARBIE Premiere.   Elaine identifies as neurodivergent herself, and has an adult autistic son who communicates with AAC. Together they are committed to changing the media’s representation of disability - moving from ‘inclusion’ to ‘belonging.’  They are both featured in Scott Steindorff’s new film, Understanding Autism. Elaine recently worked with Yorgos Lanthimus on his new film Bugonia.Elaine’s memoir, Now I See the Moon, an official selection by the United Nations, is in development for a limited TV series.   Elaine offers consultation, keynote speaking, and coaching for individuals; workshops, and seminars. www.Elaine-hall.com#ElaineHall, #autism, #neurodivergent, #adhd, #executivefunction, #LoveontheSpectrum, #AsWeSeeIt

Team,My new friend Jami Shapiro had me at the title of her podcast, "Grandma Has ADHD." And, while it's funny and memorable, it's also an important perspective to consider: how do we address executive function needs, as seniors or those who love and support them? How do we ensure seniors are included in the neurodiversity conversations? Jami shares her story and some great strategies that help all of us. All my love to you!SarahJami's podcast: /https://grandmahasadhd.com/About Jami: Jami Shapiro, the Founder of Silver Linings Transitions, was inspired to build the company after facing a cancer diagnosis in her early 30s. After starting Silver Linings Transitions, Jami’s fifteen-year marriage ended and she saw personally how difficult it is for women to re-enter the workforce (whether or not it’s a result of divorce after taking time off to raise children), especially in a meaningful way. Her company allows her to combine her passion for helping helping women balancing home and work, develop the skills and confidence necessary to compete in today’s job market while also helping clients who need extra nurturing and compassion during tough times.More ways to get support: ICD:Institute for Challenging DisorganizationNASSMM:National Association of Senior & Specialty Move ManagersNAPONational Association of Productivity and Organizing

Hey team! There are so many options for college, and many are designed to support bright students with executive dysfunction! Listen to my conversation with college consultant, Jordan Burstein, as we talk about his non-linear path to success! He takes what he's learned and helps others find their way! Even if you're not prepping for college for yourself or your teen, this episode is full of hope and a great model for what's possible when you keep seeking the right tools and spaces for your brain! All my love,Sarah #executive function, #ADHD, #neurodivergent, #collegeLearn more about Jordan: Jordan Burstein serves high school students with learning differences. His goal is to help students who may need intervention find success in the student’s current school or find a more appropriate fit for the struggling learner. Jordan has a BA in Psychology and has personal experience dealing with learning disabilities, ADHD and previously struggling in school. Jordan brings a vast understanding into a situation where students may feel alone and marginalized. Previous to joining the practice, Jordan worked as a Mental Health Specialist. He has also worked as an academic mentor for college students at risk. This includes students with learning differences, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. As a mentor, Jordan led students to become more organized in both academia and thrive in a social setting.Jordan resides in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and dog. He attended Deerfield High School, Landmark College and Roosevelt University. He is a member of CHADD and the Learning Disability Association of America. Jordan completed the Summer Institute for independent educational consultants through IECA, the only accrediting organization for independent consultants. He has, and continues to visit many colleges and post-secondary programs for students with learning differences, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. These visits provided Jordan an understanding of the programs and allows him to find the best fit for your student.

Team, This was a tough episode to title! Dr Aguirre and I talk about tricky things like self-hatred but also keep a bright light on hope. He shares many examples and analogies that will make you feel seen and heard, possibly taking away some of the internal friction you feel in facing the complexities of life. Dr. Aguirre's new book, " I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Hatred and Realize Why You’re Wrong About You " is a game-changer, and I hope it offers you tools and perspectives to challenge your thinking and create new love for yourself!Our conversation explores why challenges with executive function can cause negative feeling about yourself and what to do with them. I think you'll love it! All my love,Sarah About Dr Aguirre: Blaise Aguirre, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. He is a trainer in, and specializes in, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as well as other treatments such as mentalization-based treatment (MBT) for borderline personality disorder and associated conditions. He is the founding medical director of 3East continuum of care, an array of programs for teens that uses DBT to target self-endangering behaviors as well as the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits.Dr. Aguirre has been a staff psychiatrist at McLean Hospital since 2000 and is nationally and internationally recognized for his extensive work in the treatment of mood and personality disorders in adolescents. He lectures regularly throughout the world. Dr. Aguirre is the author or co-author of many books, including Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents, Mindfulness for Borderline Personality Disorder, Coping With BPD, and Fighting Back.

Hey, Team!Our guest, theater director Jocelyn Greene has good news for all of us: PLAY can develop executive function! Jocelyn has great strategies on how to make play part of your every day, encouraging flexible thinking, problem-solving, and promoting self-regulation. You will love these uplifting ideas! All my love,Sarah More about Jocelyn:Jocelyn Greene is the founder and executive director of Child’s Play NY, an award-winning theater education company based in New York. She partners with dozens of schools to connect social-emotional learning (SEL) with academics through residencies and professional development. Jocelyn founded Child’s Play NY in 2009, drawing from her work as a student (MFA, NYU graduate acting; BA, Wesleyan University), an actor (The Public Theater, LA Shakespeare Festival), and a teacher (Will Power to Youth, Oddfellows Playhouse, Epic Theater) to develop the rigorous curriculum and imagination-based games that ignite the program today.  She is a contributor with Mt. Sinai Parenting and writes about the intersection between theater and child development at Child's Play in Action. Jocelyn lives in Brooklyn, NY with her actor husband and naturalist kid!Connect with Jocelyn:Childsplayny.comchildsplayinaction.com@childsplaynewyork - IGJocelyn Greene on Linked In

Hey team, JD Barker is an incredibly talented and prolific author who has uncovered great strengths in his autism. We talk about self-perception, strategies for writing (and managing many projects at once), and the hope for ALL of us who struggle with executive function. You don't want to miss it!All my love,SarahMore about JD:J.D. Barker (Jonathan Dylan Barker) is a New York Times and international best selling American Author whose work has been broadly described as suspense thrillers often incorporating elements of horror, crime, mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural. Connect with JD: InstagramFacebookTikTokWebsite

Hey Team! Join us to explore the experience of children (and adults) with ADHD, with author Fabian Grolimund. His book, Charlie Are You Daydreaming Again?, gently teaches children strategies for managing attention and shares the very relatable experiences of Charlotte, or Charlie. The warmth and hope of this episode will fill your bucket, I promise! All my love, Sarah To order Charlie Are You Daydreaming Again? About our guest: Fabian Grolimund is a Swiss psychologist, author, ADHD expert and, together with Stefanie Rietzler, heads the Academy for Learning Coaching in Zurich. His book “Charlie, are you deadreaming again?” uses the form of an exciting novel to teach children how to concentrate better and why daydreaming is also valuable.