The Special Education system in school can be confusing, especially if you haven’t been through the process with a child before.

In part 2 of this series, Gene and Khadijah continue their discussion with Ellen Braaten, PhD, and Eileen Hagerty, Esq, who specialize in learning disabilities and special education law. They discuss evaluation results, advocacy, and the importance of destigmatizing special ed.

• Learning & Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) (MGH)
• Ellen Braaten, PhD (MGH)
• Eileen M. Hagerty, Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP (KCS Legal)
• Massachusetts Advocates for Children (Mass Advocates)
• Navigating Special Education in Schools Part 1: Legal and Practical Tips (Shrinking it Down)
• Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy (Wrights Law)
• From Emotions to Advocacy by Pamela Darr Wright and Peter W.D. Wright (Wrights Law)
• Parents Have the Power to Make Special Education Work (Amazon)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a new season of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple!

For our season premiere, Gene and Khadijah are joined by two special guests who specialize in learning disabilities and special education law – Ellen Braaten, PhD, and Eileen Hagerty, Esq, – to do a deep dive on the special education system. On part 1 of this two-part series, they provide legal and practical tips by discussing the definitions, rights, and processes involved in special education evaluations

• Learning & Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) (MGH)
• Ellen Braaten, PhD (MGH)
• Eileen M. Hagerty, Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP (KCS Legal)
• Massachusetts Advocates for Children (Mass Advocates)
• Coping With ADHD: How A Young Man And His Mom Are Managing The Path To Success (MGH Clay Center)
• Our Greatest Strengths, Part 2 (Shrinking it Down)
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (US Department of Education)
• Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) (US Department of Education)
• Intro to Processing Speed (MGH Clay Center)
• What are the Best Treatments for ADHD (MGH Clay Center)
• Dyslexia 101 (MGH Clay Center)
• What is Autism (MGH Clay Center)
• Massachusetts Advocates for Children Helpline (Mass Advocates)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories matter, especially when it comes to children's mental health and wellbeing.

For our season finale, Gene and Khadijah are joined by two special guests from Barefoot Books – book editor Lisa Rosinsky and children’s author Joelle Retener. They explore how stories help kids to make sense of the world in all of its confusion and beauty by taking a closer look at Marley’s Pride, a new children’s book about overcoming big anxieties and realizing the power of community. Plus, stay tuned to the end to hear everyone’s favorite children’s book!

Media List

• The Importance of Stories for Child Health (MGH Clay Center)
• Barefoot Books - About Us
• Joelle Retener
• Marley’s Pride (Goodreads)
• Mindful Kids Card Deck (Barefoot Books)
• Berry Song, by Michaela Goade (Goodreads)
• Little Witch Hazel, by Phoebe Wall (Goodreads)
• The Snowy Day, by Jack Keats (Goodreads)
• The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams Bianco (Goodreads)

We wish you a story-filled summer! We’ll see you back here in October on the Third Thursday of every month. Until then, be well.

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz and Sara Rattigan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.