In this episode, Dana Jonson interviews Dr. Steve Gullans, a trailblazer in biotechnology and cognitive enhancement. Dr. Gullans discusses his journey from academia to pioneering brainwave technology and video game-based cognitive training. He elaborates on Think Better's innovative approaches, exemplified by the EEG headset and the video game "Skylar's Run," designed to improve mental focus and cognitive skills in both children and adults. This episode is particularly insightful for parents and educators in the special education community.

• Introduction to Dr. Steve Gullans: Background, including roles at Harvard Medical School, Excel Venture Management, and authoring "Evolving Ourselves."
• Think Better's Mission: Utilizing brainwave technology and video games to enhance cognitive skills.
• EEG Headset Technology: Explanation of how the headset works by measuring brain signals to improve focus and attention.
• "Skylar's Run" Game: A video game designed to train 13 cognitive skills through engaging gameplay.
• Clinical Trials and Real-World Impact: Discussion on the promising results from clinical trials and real-world applications.
• Accessibility and Ethical Considerations: Ensuring access to technology for all socioeconomic groups and maintaining data privacy and safety.
• Future Directions: Expansion into different cognitive skills training and broader applications in education and professional training.

• Think Better Website: thynk.com
• Book by Dr. Steve Gullans: "Evolving Ourselves"

Key Takeaways

• Personal Connection: Dr. Gullans shares his motivation, driven by personal experiences with neurodegenerative diseases and a passion for science and technology.
• Technology Application: The EEG headset provides a non-invasive method to measure and improve brain function, focusing on real-world skills like attention and impulse control.
• Education and Training: Think Better's technology complements existing educational tools and has potential applications in various fields, including sports and professional training.
• Real-World Results: Parents, teachers, and clinicians have observed significant improvements in children's behavior and academic performance through the use of this technology.
• Ethical Implementation: Efforts are being made to ensure the technology is accessible to all communities, maintaining high standards of privacy and safety.

• Join the Mailing List: Visit thynk.com to sign up for updates and be among the first to know when the technology becomes available to the general public.
• Contact Think Better: For those interested in implementing the technology in tutoring programs or other settings, reach out through the Think Better website.

• Dr. Steve Gullans: For direct inquiries, use the contact form on the Think Better website.

Feedback and Reviews:

Please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share your thoughts on this episode!

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Guest: Mark Ostrom, Founder of Joy Collaborative

Introduction:
In this episode of "Special Ed on Special Ed," host Dana Jonson welcomes Mark Ostrom, the founder of Joy Collaborative, to discuss how his organization uses compassionate design to create life-changing spaces for youth with life-limiting conditions. Discover the power of design in transforming the daily experiences of these young individuals and their families.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "You showed us how to live in our space." - Feedback from a family helped by Joy Collaborative.
2. "We fill the gap between a make a wish and a Habitat for Humanity, creating lasting environments." - Mark Ostrom.
3. "We gotta stay high... we're only here for a short period of time, we're going to leave you something that you're going to be living with for a long time." - Mark Ostrom, discussing the commitment to high-quality solutions.

Discussion Highlights:

• Mark's Background and the Founding of Joy Collaborative:

  • From organizing neighborhood kids to leveraging a career in architecture for social good, Mark shares his journey to founding Joy Collaborative.
  • The impact of his experiences at the University of Minnesota's cleft palate clinic and his architectural projects on his approach to helping families.

• The Impact of Joy Rooms:

  • Detailed discussion on how Joy Rooms are designed with the needs of children and families in mind, focusing on functional, joyous spaces.
  • Real-life project examples, including the transformation of Hans’s living space into a multifunctional area conducive to medical care, family activities, and personal comfort.

• Community and Support:

  • The role of partnerships with architects, builders, interior designers, and contractors.
  • How these collaborations facilitate the creation of specialized environments tailored to the unique needs of their beneficiaries.

• Broader Applications and Future Projects:

  • Introduction of the "Joy Mobile," a traveling multi-sensory environment designed to reach schools, clinics, and community events, offering adaptable and therapeutic spaces.
  • Discussion on future research collaboration with the University of Minnesota Nursing School to evaluate the benefits of Joy Collaborative’s work.

Resources Mentioned:

• Joy Collaborative Website - Explore more about the organization, their projects, and ways to get involved.
• Crescent Cove - Palliative care provider for young children, collaborator with Joy Collaborative.
• Firefighters for Healing - Partner organization providing transitional housing connected to health services.
• University of Minnesota School of Nursing - Upcoming research partners focusing on the impact of designed spaces on health outcomes.

Call to Action:
Engage with Joy Collaborative by visiting their website to learn more about their mission, view project galleries, and find out how to contribute through donations or volunteering. Your support can help extend the reach of their transformative projects to more children and families in need.

Note to Listeners:
This episode provides a deep dive into how thoughtful design can significantly improve the quality of life for children with severe health challenges. Join us in spreading the word about Joy Collaborative's mission to transform spaces into sources of comfort and joy.

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm

Host: Dana Jonson
Guest: Michaell Magrutsche

Introduction:

A fascinating exploration of creativity and systemic thinking in education, featuring insights from Michaell Magrutsche, an advocate for integrating human-centric approaches within educational systems.

Discussion Highlights:

• The importance of recognizing and nurturing individual uniqueness within educational and systemic frameworks was emphasized, with Michaell sharing insights from his personal experiences as a neurodiverse individual.

• Michaell advocated for a human-centric approach to education, critiquing traditional systems that prioritize rote learning over creativity and individual strengths.

• The conversation covered societal constructs like gender and age, advocating for an educational approach that sees beyond these labels to the individual underneath.

• Michaell's journey highlighted the limitations of traditional education systems in accommodating diverse learning needs and the need for systemic change.

Resources:

• My Hub: https://MICHAELLM.com

• The Smart of Art Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michaellart

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellart

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thesmartofart/

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thesmartofart

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaellart

• YouTube Videos: https://goo.gl/gPM7cq

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Michaellcoach

• My Music: www.soundcloud.com/michaellart

• My Books: https://goo.gl/tpDQk3

Call to Action: Spread the Word of the Podcast

• Share the Episode on Social Media: Utilize your platforms to share the episode or key takeaways. Whether it's Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram, your share can spark interest and bring this valuable content to a wider audience. Use hashtags like #EducationInnovation, #CreativityInLearning, and #HumanCentricEducation to increase visibility.

• Discuss the Episode in Online Forums and Communities: Join discussions in relevant online communities, such as educational forums, creativity workshops, and social media groups focused on education reform or personal development. Sharing your insights or how the episode influenced your thoughts can inspire others to listen and engage.

• Recommend the Podcast to Friends and Colleagues: Word-of-mouth remains a powerful tool for spreading ideas. If you found the content impactful, discuss it with friends, family, and colleagues who have an interest in education, creativity, or personal development. Personal recommendations can encourage others to explore the episode and potentially introduce them to new concepts and perspectives.

Note:

This episode serves as a call to embrace creativity and individual uniqueness in education, challenging conventional norms and advocating for a more inclusive, adaptive learning environment.

Shortly after publication, a transcript for this episode will be posted on SpecialEd.fm

Advocacy Insights with Diana Fannon

Host: Dana Jonson

Guest: Diana Fannon, Special Educaiton Director and School Psychologist

Introduction:

Dana Jonson introduces Diana Fannon, a Director of Special Education and a former school psychologist. Diana shares her personal journey with epilepsy and how it has influenced her approach to advocacy and education.

Resources Mentioned:

• Disability Ed Pros Website: www.disabilityedpros.com

• Free Webinar on Demystifying the Path to Eligibility: www.disabilityedpros.com/webinar

• Instagram: @DisabilityEdPros

Call to Action:

1. Share the Episode with a Friend: Help spread the valuable insights from this episode by sharing it with friends or family members navigating the special education system.

2. Leave a Review: Support the podcast by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps reach more listeners and provide support to more families.

3. Follow Disability Ed Pros on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest resources, tips, and support by following Diana Fannon's initiative, Disability Ed Pros, on Instagram.

This episode serves as a comprehensive resource for parents and guardians in the special education process, offering Diana Fannon's expert insights and personal experiences to guide and empower families.

Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website https://SpecialEd.fm.

Host: Dana Jonson
Guest: Dr. Alison Escalante

In this enlightening episode, Dana Jonson is joined by Dr. Alison Escalante, a board-certified pediatrician renowned for her innovative approach to parenting and child development. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Escalante shares invaluable insights on overcoming the challenges of parenting, particularly within the neurodiverse community. The conversation delves into the intricacies of ADHD, sensory sensitivity, and the societal pressures that shape parenting practices.

• "Just because they can do it sometimes doesn't mean they can do it all the time." - Alison Escalante, on the expectations placed on neurodiverse children.

• "Everything I try as a parent, everything I start, is a learning opportunity." - Alison Escalante, discussing her approach to parenting and learning from mistakes.

• The importance of understanding neurodiversity and its impact on children and their behavior.

• Strategies for managing sensory sensitivities and meltdowns in neurodiverse children.

• The role of societal expectations in shaping parenting practices and the challenges they present.

• An introduction to the "Sigh, See, Start" method developed by Dr. Escalante, aimed at empowering parents to better meet their children's needs amidst the "parenting shitstorm" of criticism and anxiety.

• Book: "Sigh, See, Start" by Dr. Alison Escalante. A science-based, three-step method to overcome the overwhelming pressures of parenting.

• Website: https://seesighstart.com - For more information on Dr. Escalante's work, additional resources, and access to a free chapter of her book.

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Join host Dana Jonson and Dr. Tamara Soles, a renowned child psychologist and parent coach, for an insightful conversation on "Transforming Parenting - Attachment, Neurobiology, and Thriving Children." Dive into the world of parenting neurodivergent children, the importance of attachment in parenting, and the role of parental self-reflection. Dr. Soles shares her wealth of experience in early childhood mental health, highlighting the impact of attachment and neurobiology on child development. Key quotes from Dr. Soles emphasize understanding neurodiversity and the essence of attachment beyond physical closeness. Listeners are encouraged to explore Dr. Tamara's website for valuable resources. This episode offers a comprehensive understanding of modern parenting techniques, focusing on neurodiversity and psychological child-rearing aspects.

Guest: Dr. Tamara Soles (Child Psychologist, Parent Coach, Founder of The Secure Child Center for Families and Children)

Host: Dana Jonson

Discussion Highlights:

• Attachment in Parenting: Dr. Tamara discusses attunement and responsiveness in developing secure attachments.

• Parenting Neurodivergent Children: Strategies for understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

• Role of Parental Self-Reflection: Emphasizing parents' need to reflect on their upbringing and emotional responses.

• Early Childhood Mental Health: Exploring mental health's impact on long-term development in early childhood.

Memorable Quotes:

"Children are wired differently, and we need to identify their needs for effective parenting." 

- This quote is from Dr. Tamara Soles, discussing the importance of understanding neurodiversity in children for effective parenting.

"Attachment is about connection and responsiveness, not just physical closeness." 

- This quote, also by Dr. Tamara Soles, addresses common misconceptions about attachment parenting, emphasizing emotional connection and responsiveness.

"Our own inner children often come up in our parenting journey." 

- In this quote, Dr. Tamara Soles speaks about the significance of parental self-reflection in the parenting process.

Call to Action:

Visit Dr. Tamara's website (https://drtamarasoles.com/freebies/) for free resources on parenting and supporting neurodivergent children.

Other resources: 

• Website https://drtamarasoles.com

• Free PDF 4 Hidden Reasons Your Child is Melting Down https://drtamarasoles.com/meltdowns/

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drtamarasoles

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-soles/

Note: This episode offers a comprehensive understanding of parenting techniques that cater to neurodiversity, with Dr. Tamara's expertise providing fresh perspectives on nurturing thriving children.

[After Publication Note: A transcript of this episode will be available at https://SpecialEd.fm]

Shortly after publication, a TRANSCRIPT of this episode will be added to the show notes on the podcast website, https://SpecialEd.fm.

Episode Title:
Giftedness and Beyond: Navigating Neurodivergence with Dr. Matt Zakreski

Guest:  Dr. Matt Zakreski
Host: Dana Jonson

This episode offers a deep dive into understanding and supporting neurodivergent children. Dr. Matt's expertise and empathetic approach make this a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in neurodiversity.

Introduction:

Dana Jonson introduces Dr. Matt Zakreski, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent community.

Dr. Matt's unique approach combines personal experiences with professional expertise in psychology.

Memorable Quotes:

"Labels are powerful. It matters that you're a zebra, not a weird horse."  
     ~ Dr. Matt on the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity.

"If I ever got the chance to do this work, I wanted to work with kids like me."  
     ~ Dr. Matt discusses his motivation to help neurodivergent children.”

"It's like everybody else got the script, but you didn't."
     ~ Dr. Matt on the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in social settings.

"Kids survive, but not all of them do."  
     ~ Dr. Matt highlights the urgent need for appropriate support for neurodivergent children.

Discussion Highlights:

Performance Cliff: Discussing the challenges gifted children face when academic demands exceed their capabilities.

Masking in Neurodiversity: Exploring the concept of neurodivergent individuals hiding their true selves.

Educational Strategies: Emphasizing the need for individualized education to cater to neurodivergent students.

Dr. Matt's Mission:

Co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective, which offers therapy, IQ testing, coaching, and consulting specifically for the neurodivergent community.

Advocates for practical strategies to aid in the development and learning of neurodivergent children.

Call to Action:

Encouraging listeners to learn more about The Neurodiversity Collective and its services by visiting their website: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/

FLASHBACK:

Check out a blast from the past: How Exceptional Are You?
In this episode I speak with Cheryl Viirand, super-mom and co-founder of Cajal Academy, a private special education school in CT designed for 2e children. We discuss the unique challenges and gifts of twice-exceptional (2e) children, exploring strategies for educating them in a way that addresses both their high intellectual capabilities and their individual learning needs. We also delve into the role of neuroplasticity in developing programs tailored to 2e children, highlighting the importance of creating an educational environment that nurtures their gifts while supporting their challenges.