Send us a textAf Anne Cunningham

Marcus Boyd, nine time award winner 🏆, designer, DJ, and Internal Autism Activist shares how we, as a community, country, and world can assist families and individuals stand in the Greatness helping each individual achieve all that they can. Mr. Boyd addresses uncomfortable topics such as giving people with disabilities a 🥣 "free bowl of excuses" a…

Why is Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, talking about 🏕️ Summer Camp ☀️ during the cold, cold days of February?! Because the academic and social benefits to your child are so great parents don't want camp registration to pass by them! Summer camp 🏕️ allows your child to grow and expand his/her schema and knowledge that allows reading 📖 compre…

Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, shares the importance of parents reflecting on their observations and data they have collected on their child to prepare an effective and impactful Parent Input Statement at their child's IEP/CSE/PPT Meeting. Anne discusses the three 📋 categories: to include in your Parent Input Statement #1) What's going well…

It's February! 📆 Have you submitted your request in writing 💻 to the CSE to have your child evaluated for Special Education Services? Today's episode is a re-run from December 30, 2024 when Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, explained why January was the time to submit such request. The timeline is crazy from request to evaluate, to Initial Mee…

DISCLAIMER The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider. If there is an immediate risk …

Christine Dodaj, Founder of 📲 Parent IEP Manager, explains the features of the app that is revolutionizing and simplify the collection of data, documents, and other information parents need to become empowered Team Members and contributors at their child's CSE/PPT Meeting. Ms. Dodaj also talks about the Directory to find a therapist or provider tha…

Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, shares why it is imperative parents request their child is evaluated for Special Education services before the month of January concludes. Anne explains by starting the process early in the year, you allow ample time for the evaluation, meetings, and implementation of the IEP. This proactive approach ensures t…

Shadei Williams, shares her transcendence from struggling student to successful, thriving adulthood. Listen to this amazing woman who has authored two books, supports people in her community, and has a mindset that is unconquerable. With the love and support of her mother, Stephanie, Ms. Williams shares how she is conquering the world today. My gif…

Jon Cassidy candidly speaks about his journey with addiction that started when he was an adolescent, eventually working his way to a happy, sober life. His candid yet compassionate conversation is one parents need to listen to. How parents can support their child/adolescent with the disease of addiction, what parents need to do for themselves in or…

The Holidays can be too over stimulating for some of our neurodiverse kids and even our neurotypical kids. The expectations, the visual changes, the sensory input, the change to routines and everything about it is just too much for them to handle or respond well to. Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, discusses the compassion and understanding, …

Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate and hostess, continues her discussion on Data Collection. (Nov 11, 2024 episode) 📈REPORT CARDS! Parents who are concerned about their child's academic achievement need to maintain their own records and data collection on their child's education. Anne walks parents 🧑👩 on what to look for on their child's report …

Stephanie Almonte, Speech Therapist, discusses how Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder (SCD) is characterized by challenges in social communication across a variety of settings in the past Covid world. The increase of patients experiencing social dysfunction that may manifest as an inablility to return to the office, anxiety around social setti…

Parent's struggling to understand their child's behavior and poor responses to situations want to pour themselves a cup of tea 🫖 and listen to today's 🎧 episode. The calming, compassionate discussion held with Eileen Devine provides parents a scientific based understanding of how the 🧠 brain, nervous system, and your child's cognitive skill sets di…

Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, shares the first steps concerned parents must take to support their child needs specialized instruction and support in school to access the curriculum. Without data 📈, parental concerns will go unheard and your child will continue to struggle academically, socially/emotionally, and behaviorally. Ms. Cunningham…

Lori Melnitsky, Speech Therapist, owner of All Island Speech, and hostess of the podcast, Stuttering Demystified, speaks today about the things parents need to know about stuttering. From important information, to debunking myths about stuttering, and explaining how stuttering can impacta student or adult, Ms. Melnitsky shares her expertise. Ms. Me…

Penny McGoey, Certified Marriage & Relationship Coach, discusses how to honor your relationship while parenting your child during challenging times. Putting aside judgement and blaming, Anne Cunningham & Penny McGoey talk about identifying what your child needs to to succeed, creating a home with a predictable routine, and how to love and support e…

Send us a textAf Anne Cunningham

Scott Soifer and Dylan Makani, co-creatures of Ner Chat, the newly released First Ever in-app AAC Messaging Board (found in your smart phone 📲 app store), speaks today about their amazing creation. Ner Chat breaks through the once isolating use of an AAC when students could only communicate directly with the person by them. Ner Chat allows for our …

Send us a textAf Anne Cunningham

Dr. Donna Geffner, expert in the field of Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), identifies the symptoms of CAPD, how it can be confused with other disorders when not evaluated for. Dr. Geffner shares steps parents can take, how it impacts your child's reading, writing, and social interactions; and how it can be identified in a student as you…

Dr. Danielle Williams, Director of Alternative PRograms for Valley Stream Central High School District, and CEO & Founder of STIGMA Consulting Group LLC, discusses the importance and impact of alternative programs/ transition (night high schools). Valuing the students, understanding their needs, allowing them to start over, and forgiving when neces…

Dr. Robin Collins, ✒️Literacy Expert 📖, and owner of the The Literacy Barn in Ridgefield, Connecticut, talks about the symptoms and cues teachers and parents should be looking for to identify if their child may have a writing issue. Our students diagnosed (or not yet diagnosed) with ASD, ADHD, Executive Functioning, a reading disability, or writing…

Sarah White, LMHC, CCSPADHD, CYT, located in Goshen, New York , discusses other symptoms of ADHD and Executive Functioning that impacts students diagnosed (or undiagnosed). Ms White discusses🗣️ the impact of these diagnosis when they go left untreated in a therapy where strategies and coping mechanisms can be taught and supported. Ms. White explain…

Mr. Rashan Fray, New York City 🏙️ Educator of 18 years, Father, and Doctorate Candidate, discusses how parents can set their middle schoolers and high schoolers up for success ✨✨ in the new school year. Addressing the needs and support of the whole student, Mr. Fray shares vital tips and recommendations to help your middle schooler or high schooler…

Amy Thompson Martin, Pediatric OT and Feeding Specialist, shares how she supports parents with their picky eater virtually and in person. Her deep understanding of the obstacles our children encounter due to a medical issue, sensory issues, motor challenges, or temperament, and how they impact a child at meal time guides the support she provides fa…

Dr. Naeema Burgess, Clinical/School/Neuropsychologist, founder of Giving Hope LLC, located in Mount Vernon, New York, speaks about neuropsychological evaluations to determine your child's strengths, weaknesses, and develop an appropriate plan. She also discusses how ADHD and Executive Functioning impacts a student academically, socially, and behavi…

In Part 2, Penny McGoey, Certified Relationship & Marriage Coach, chats with Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, about the pressure, obstacles, and demands put on parents, and the even higher demands put on parents of children with special needs. Penny discusses steps married couples need to take to prioritize their relationship and show up as a…

In Part I of II, Penny McGoey, Certified Relationship & Marriage Coach, chats with Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, about the pressure, obstacles, and demands put on parents, and the even higher demands put on parents of children with special needs. From skewed life dreams for their family or child, to the different ways such demands can impa…

Matthew Kennedy, Rapid Prompting Method Letter Board Practitioner with 15 years experience and Yale graduate, speaks about a different form of communication for our nonverbal communicators. The success many individuals have experienced in sharing their thoughts, feelings, academic knowledge, and building meaningful friendships through RPM is discus…

Melissa Bianchini, therapist and owner of Sensory Stepping Stones, speaks about her approach to ADHD, ADD, Executive Functioning and PANDAS diagnosis. Using typical therapies and other therapies such as Syntonic Phototherapy, auditory retaining, and vestibular therapy, Melissa offers a free consultation to parents where they can share their concern…

Marcy Nirschel, Autism & Developmental Specialist, holds an Advanced Certification in DIR Floortime. Ms. Nirschel holds a BS and Masters in Special Education. DIR Floortime therapy was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan in the 1980’s, and follows the natural building blocks of childhood development. DIR in Floortime stands for Developmental, (follo…

Emily Rudolph, Occupational Therapist, joins us today to talk about our favorite little children who may be experiencing sensory issues. What does that look like and how do sensory issues impact young children cognitively, behaviorally, and emotionally? Ms. Rudolph let's us know. Ms. Rudolph also explains the difference between a "picky eater" and …

Gabrielle Carmody, BCBA, LBA, and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist discusses with host, Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, the barriers and obstacles parents encounter with their young children diagnosed with autism at bedtime and sleeping through the night. Ms. Carmody explains what sleep latency, sleep dependency, sleep stealer, night wa…

Welcome to Family Therapist Connections! A podcast where parents and families can meet a new therapist or provider who can assist with a pressing issues with their child or family. Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate, introduces and chats with therapists who unpack an obstacle parents may be experiencing with their child or family. Every therapis…