The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio

Latest Episodes:

Ashrok Gupta - Retraining The Amygdala Feb 01, 2013

Show notes

Ashok Gupta will share with Marianne his explanation of ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia, which he has spent the last ten years researching and refining. Ashok Gupta has dedicated his life to finding an effective treatment for ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia The Amygdala Hypothesis a 'vicious cycle' that, once triggered in people with certain risk factors can perpetuate neurological overstimulation, physiological dysfunction, and many physical symptoms. Today they discuss it all .....Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors - Triggers: Acute Psychological Stress & Viral, Bacterial, or Other Triggers - CHRONIC STIMULATION OF THE AROUSAL SYSTEM - PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS - Exhaustion from Sleep Problems - Post-Exertional Malaise, Adverse Reaction to Exercise - Digestive Problems, e.g., Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) - Food Allergies/Sensitivities - Misdiagnosis - Immune System - Latent Virus Reactivation/High Viral Titres - Visual Disturbances - COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS - (Brain Fog - memory problems)Emotional Lability, Anxiety and Depression-SYMPTOMS AND SECONDARY ILLNESS CYCLES - Retraining The Amygdala

Dr. Cheri Florance - The Maverick Mind Jan 31, 2013

Show notes

We have all heard the term "Maverick Mind" today we meet the woman who coined the phrase... wrote the book... uncovered the Maverick Mind. Despite having others label her son, Whitney, deaf, autistic and mentally disabled, Dr. Florance refused to give up on him. With her expertise in brain science and speech pathology, she traced her son's difficulties to his high level of visual thinking. Combined with a multi-disciplinary focus on speech, hearing, and psychology, she found the key to unlocking her "unreachable son. Today, Whitney is symptom-free, a college graduate, and a professional engineer. Through her experience with her son, Dr. Florance discovered what she calls the "Maverick Mind." Today, Dr. Florance works with Mavericks all over the world through her Brain Engineering Labs, enhancing the lives of children and adults with symptoms of Autism Spectrum, ADD, PDD, and other disorders of communication, language, learning, and behavior. Join Marianne Russo and co-host Angela Eaton, a mother of a "Maverick" daughter, to explore this enlightening and potentially paradigm-shifting discussion.

Bright Not Broken Montessori Autism and ADHD Jan 31, 2013

Show notes

Join guests Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Bank authors of the blockbuster book "Bright Not Broken Gifted Kids, ADHD, And Autism: Why Twice Exceptional Children Are Stuck and How To help them We are excited to welcome back Jennifer Cook O'Toole award-winning author, educator, advocate and mother of three Kids with Asperger's. Jennifer's Asperkids, LLC, a multi-media social education company has formed The first collaborative program between the Montessori and Autism/Asperger's communities. "Any parent who has ever wished their child could find their homework, organize their room, or calm themselves will benefit from her suggestions" says a top Montessori teacher/trainer. With her third book, An Asperkid Home: Where the Stories of Everyday Superheroes Begin due out this spring, a new article in Autism Asperger Digest this summer and her increasing international recognition as an autism superstar, Jennifer has a lot to talk about! This is a don't miss episode for 2e/Asperger parents and professionals alike.

Areva Martin - Legal Implications for Social Media and Blogs Jan 30, 2013

Show notes

Know your legal rights for your special needs blog, book and social media posts with copyright lawyer and autism advocate Bonnie Berry LaMon, Esq. With so many special needs parents writing blogs and sharing their child's stories we wondered..... Do you know some of the legal implications particularly when it comes to copy right laws? Areva's guest, Bonnie Berry Lamon, has practiced entertainment law for over twenty years. Her law firm B2L Entertainment Law Group negotiates and drafts agreements in connection to its clients activities in flim, television, music and book publishing. Two incredible attorneys and special needs advocates will guide you through the process

INSPIRE - Michael Buckholtz Jan 28, 2013

Show notes

Multi-platinum record producer, songwriter, performer, author Michael Buckholtz's raw, unflinching and often humorous account of his life with Asperger's Syndrome, is a refreshing departure from the clinical and often anecdotal books written on the subject of autism. The book is written (graphics and all) by Michael, no ghost writers. His perspective also reflects being a minority in U. S. society. After Michael's late diagnosis (he was in his early 40's), his goal has been to encourage love and have patience with our autistic children. Michael is the founder of The Autistic Childrens Foundation. He is convinced it was his mother's unwavering determination that pinpointed what was happening with her three boys, all of whom are on the autism spectrum. Even though she did not know it at the time, she employed music, which allowed her sons to open up just enough to instill some basic social parameters. His is a compelling and inspirational story that doesn't end the way you might think. Take a look at the true world of Aspergers and be inspired!

Bright Not Broken -Dr James Webb Dr Edward Amend Jan 23, 2013

Show notes

Drs. James Webb and Edward Amend, psychologists and experts on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth. Dr Webb is recognized as one of the 25 most influential psychologists nationally on gifted education. Dr. Webb established SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted Children, Inc.), a national nonprofit organization that provides information, training, conferences and workshops, and he remains as Chair of SENG’s Professional Advisory Committee. Dr Amend is a Clinical Psychologist at Amend Psychological Services, focuses on the social, emotional, and educational needs of gifted and talented youth and their families. Dr. Amend has served on the Board of Directors of SENG for 5 years.

Ask Stefanie - Performance Anxiety In Youth Sports Jan 21, 2013

Show notes

Leigh Weinraub M.A. - Youth sports are starting younger and younger these days. The competition amongst children is fierce and is felt at every age. Even a child with minimal anxiety can get anxious when a coach is yelling at them or the parents on the sidelines are cheering and screaming during a game. The pressure to win, be the best, and make the team can make children extremely anxious and overwhelmed. It can also make children shut down and impede there performance because their anxiety level is too high. Coach Leigh will talk about what is was like for her as a child being a competitive tennis player, transitioning to a college tennis coach, and how as a therapist she guides people through exercise and therapy together to relax and overcome their anxieties. Leigh Weinraub, the founder of Mind in Motion, combines her background in coaching and counseling with a passion for health in her multi-dimensional therapy practice. A healthy lifestyle, appreciation of nature, passion for movement and dedication to helping others inspired her to found Mind in Motion in 2007.

Bright Not Broken - Temple Grandin - Different Not Less Jan 17, 2013

Show notes

"Different Not Less " the phrase made famous by Dr Grandin's mother Eustacia Cutler in the HBO biopic Thinking In Pictures the story of Temple Grandins life, is the title of her latest book. Inspiring stories of achievement and successful employment from adults with Autism, Aspergers and ADHD is one of the most empowering books I have had the pleasure to read. In this latest release Dr Grandin shares stories of adversity and triumph from those with autism spectrum disorders. Heart wrenching and overwhelmingly inspirational stories that give hope and validation for those who have fought for their success and independence will give hope to millions. The always informative, gracious and quite funny Dr Grandin is a national treasure. She just keeps getting better and better! Join our hosts Rebecca Bank and Diane Kennedy co authors of Bright not Broken with Dr Grandin for this incredible interview.

Digital Arts Experience with Robert Kissner Jan 15, 2013

Show notes

Do you live in the Westchester New York area? There is a wonderful alternative for your tween or teen to participate in after school, summer and on school breaks. The Digital Arts Experience Inc. is family owned and operated, and is founded on the values of collaboration, open communication and community. At The DAE, Rob feels that the best way to learn is through hands on experience and through working collaboratively. The DAE strives to provide a completely unique learning environment by surrounding their students with like-minded individuals of the same skill level who share similar goals, where they can create an experience that is both collective and noncompetitive.

Expectations - Who are they for? Goal Setting Dr L Kenney Jan 14, 2013

Show notes

Dr Lynne Kenney IS BACK!!! Dr Kenney is a pediatric psychologist, author of The Family Coach and has a new endeavor "Play Math" When creating expectations for your child do you take time to thinnk about what motivates your decisions? When raising a child, any child, your expectations are often a knee jerk reaction from your own conditioning and upbringing or conjured by the "norm" of how you percieve others may judge you or your child. Tonight we discuss Expectations.... Who are they for, how they challenge and help your child grow and how they can overwhelm and undermine success. When raising a special needs child expectations and goal setting can be difficult to formulate. We will discuss some basic questions you should consider when creating a strategy for your child and your family. Are you driven by outside pressure or influences? Are expectations individualized to each child and their abilities and deficits? How can you keep it fair and still keep it individualized? What is the importance of setting attainable goals to achieve mastery and confidence? What is the risk of setting the bar too high?