The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio

Latest Episodes:

Bright Not Broken - Dr. Linda Silverman Giftedness 101 Jan 10, 2013

Show notes

Dr. Linda Silverman, world renowned expert and author on Giftedness and Twice- Exceptionality joins hosts Diane and Rebecca to discuss her brand new book Giftedness 101. Dispelling the many myths surrounding the concept of giftedness this insightful and valuable resource covers important topics such as: The meaning and characteristics of giftedness throughout the lifespan, Comprehensive methods of assessment, parental and educational roles in developing the abilities of gifted children, the unique psychological needs of gifted children often manifested as feeling different, and special issues such as gifted children with learning disabilities (Twice-Exceptional). Dr. Silverman is the Director of the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development (ISAD) and its subsidiary, the Gifted Development Center, in Denver, CO. She has contributed over 300 articles and chapters on the assessment, psychology and education of the gifted.

Dr Richard Selznick - School Struggles Shut Down Learners Jan 07, 2013

Show notes

Join Marianne Russo with guest Dr Richard Selznick author of School Struggles: A Guide to Your Shut-Down Learner's Success The follow-up to his acclaimed The Shut-Down Learner: Helping Your Academically Discouraged Child, covers a broader scope of potential problems faced by school children, offering techniques and insights to help them learn. The book explores reading and writing issues, behavioral problems, difficulties with organization, social skills, medication, parents' interactions with teachers, excessive use of technology, the

Inspire - The Uncovering of a brilliant mind Dec 31, 2012

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Angela Eaton is a brilliant photographer and writer, she is also the mother of a twice exceptional daughter with a unique thinking style which has brought her to a place of understanding and amazement of her child Meredith's abilities. On her journey to unravel an alphabet soup of possible diagnosis for her child’s behaviors and challenges she uncovered something exceptional…… an extraordinary way of thinking….. a brilliant mind…. Some refer to it as Synesthesia..... others... the Maverick Mind. Synesthesia is seeing colors when you hear music, seeing letters and numbers as colors, or getting a particular taste in your mouth when you hear a particular name. The synesthestic experience is involuntary and automatic and doesn't seem to change over time it is an amazing ability to see what others cannot. A filing system unlike any other that alters the way a child thinks, learns and relates to their world. Be inspired by the story of a little girl and the mother that found her gift.

Bright Not Broken - From School To Homeschool Dec 20, 2012

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Suki Wessling - From School to Homeschool Should You Homeschool Your Gifted Child Sometimes school just doesn't work and homeschooling is the answer-particularly for gifted or 2e children. Join us us we welcome parent, author, and homeschooling expert Suki Wessling. Suki will be discussing her brand new book "From School To Homeschool: Should you Homeschool your gifted child? We'll be talking about many issues parents face when deciding to homeschool; deschooling; creating a homeschool support system; learning about different homeschooling styles; and homeschooling to college. This is the episode to hear if you are in need of resources and practical information on this important topic.

Ask Stefanie - When To Worry About The Worrying Dec 17, 2012

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Dr. Jennifer Hartstein - Anxiety is a part of all children’s lives. Sometimes a child’s worry is as basic as being away from a parent, going to school, a test, or a birthday party. Sometimes children worry about things we didn't even think they could be worried about. When a child is suffering from anxiety and avoiding everyday activities it is time to be concerned. How do parents know when its really time to be concerned? Dr. Jennifer Hartstein will talk to us about children’s anxieties and when to know if the worrying becomes more than “normal” everyday children worries. She will also discuss how to speak to children about the horrific tragedy in Sandy Hook. Dr. Hartstein specializes in high-risk children and adolescents with intensive training in adolescent suicide assessment. She uses a variety of treatment approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Communicating with nonverbal, deaf or mute kids about fears Dec 15, 2012

Show notes

On this day that shocked a country, perhaps even the world, when a senseless act took the lives of innocent children in the school shooting in Connecticut our hearts are broken. Healing our children and communicating with them about their fears will be key. For many children language does not come easily and for some not at all. Tonight we discuss with Louise Sattler, founder of Signing Families and President of 411 voices, how to communicate and interpret non verbal childrens feelings.

Temple Grandin Animals - Companions and Careers Dec 13, 2012

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Join hosts Diane Kennedy and Rebecca Banks with guest Dr Temple Grandin. Temple Grandin Animals: Companions and Careers Animals are an important part of our social culture. Many 2e/ASD/ADHD children have found a special connection with Horses, Dogs, and othe companion animals. Temple Grandin herself first discovered a personal connection early in her life which later lead to her incredible career as one of the foremost authorities in animal science. Temple returns as our guest to help us understand the rich therapy animals can provide as companions and how a personal interest and love for animals large or small can develop into a rewarding career. Two of her popular books on the subject written along with Catherine Johnson are- "Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior" and "Animals Make Us Human: Creating The Best Life For Animals"

Examining A Flawed System That Traps Our Kids - Autism ADHD Dec 13, 2012

Show notes

Bright Not Broken - Hosted by Rebecca Banks and Diane Kennedy As parents, the two of us (Diane and Rebecca) sought answers as to why our own children were trapped by an alphabet soup of labels despite their obvious abilities. While we researched and wrote Bright Not Broken, we realized that we were asking questions no other book has addressed: Why does the DSM system lead to an alphabet soup of labels? Could it be that our system is fundamentally flawed or incapable of meeting the needs of practicing clinicians and parents? If not clinicians and caregivers, whom does the DSM system serve?Join us for the second in a two-part series on the DSM. Featuring Drs. William Sheehan and Stephen Thurber, Part 2 explores some of the challenges the DSM presents for practicing clinicians and parents/caregivers, and addresses some of the questions we raise in our book including, questioning the Validity of the ADHD Diagnosis.

Mayer Johnson - What's new! Special Education Super Source Dec 10, 2012

Show notes

We are thrilled to welcome back Cheris Frailer, Director of Merchandising at Mayer Johnson The Special Education Super Store! From the makers of Boardmaker, Dynavox Cheris will bring us the latest in products from books, toys, gross motor products, language stimulation, fine motor tools, games and more not only help your child but have fun too! Make your holiday list and check it twice with the Mayer-Johnson Gift Giving Guide! Mayer-Johnson is your Special Education Super Source and with their Gift Guide, they’ve made it easy to shop 3 different ways – by price, category or specific solution. The perfect present is just a click away at mayer-johnson.com!

The Secret Life of Fear - The Physically Aggressive Child Dec 10, 2012

Show notes

A topic often hidden due to embarrassment, shame, guilt and fear. Meet a mother, Kelli Stapleton, a woman who has dealt with physical aggression for years by her autistic daughter. A child so out of control and aggressive that Kelli has had numerous hospitalizations and serious injuries. There are times she fears for her life, Where does she turn? Kelli is not alone, many parents of autistic or mentally ill children and teens live a secret life with physical abuse and often find no options or alternatives for themselves or their children. Trapped in a system that offers no support or quality alternative, hundreds of thousands of parents live in fear for themselves and their children. Dr Carol Lieberman, renowned media psychiatrist joins us to discuss the emotional toll and therapeutic options for these parents. Dr Russell Hyken residential placement expert also joins us discussing placement options as well as legal analyst, special needs advocate, autism mom Areva Martin.