The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio

Latest Episodes:

Dr Demitri Papolos The Fear Of Harm Phenotype - A moms story Dec 03, 2012

Show notes

Dr Papolos author of The Bipolar Child and Research Director of the Juvenile Bipolar Foundation and Alyssa Bronstein returns to discuss The Fear of Harm Phenotype. The Fear Of Harm phenotype is not a new definition of bipolar disorder but a distinct, neurologically-based disorder which can explain the symptom profile of many who are “bipolar” and some, but not all, who have other conceptual diagnoses such as ADHD, depression, anxiety. In our first three intervies we discussed at length child bipolar, the fear of harm phenotype and the cutting edge research that is giving us answers to so many questions about these struggling children and teens. Tonight we also meet a parent involved in the Ketamine study and how it has transformed their child.

Bright Not Broken - Twice Exceptional Aspergers ADHD Nov 29, 2012

Show notes

Twice Exceptional, Who They are: Asperger ADHD Gifted Twice -Exceptional is a relatively new term, but sorting through the confusing mix of strengths and challenges these children possess is nothing new, especially for parents and care providers who struggle to help them. Our guest Dr. Layne Kalbfleisch is a neuroscientist dedicated to identifying and understanding this unique 2e population. Through her multiple research efforts and distinguished work as principal investigator at KIDLAB (Krasnow Investigations of Developmental Learning and Behavior) George Mason University, She is breaking new ground in the awareness and identification of this important group of individuals who often fall through the cracks of our educational and mental health systems. Dr. Kalbfleisch a seasoned expert and researcher in Educational Psychology, Neuroscience and Gifted Education has published extensivly in related journals, books and articles. Along with practical experience in the classroom she has also hosted and presented numerous lectures internationally.

OCD and Related issues in children w Dr Eric Hollander Nov 19, 2012

Show notes

This episode Ask Stefanie interviews Dr. Eric Hollander about children who struggle with OCD. OCD can often be confused with symptoms of other mental illnesses, including AD/HD and anxiety disorders. It is important for parents to know what OCD is, what are the symptoms, and what types of treatments are most effective. We will discuss the differences between obsessions vs. compulsions, what OCD looks like in school and social situations, and how therapy and medication can be helpful when needed. Importantly, we will also talk about when to know if its time to move to the next step and put your child on medication and what parents should consider when making that decision. This is an incredible opportunity for parents to listen to one of the leading experts in the field of mental health. Dr. Eric Hollander is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Director of Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Program at Montifiore Medical Center, and the Director of Spectrum Neuroscience and Treatment Institute.

Teaching Kids To Be Good People with Annie Fox Nov 12, 2012

Show notes

“Not all teachers are parents, but all parents are teachers. When we teach kids to be good people who possess the social courage to do the right thing, we help to make the world a safer, saner, more accepting place for all of us.” —Annie Fox, M.Ed. We live in a time shaped by a viral culture of cruelty. Now and in the future, we desperately need more good people. But where will these young people come from? From the homes of parents with a game plan! In Teaching Kids to Be Good People, Annie Fox has written a very personal, step-by-step guide to teaching your children to make healthy choices (online and off). Because being good is not enough. We have to do good.

The Together Teacher Author Maia Heyck-Merlin Nov 08, 2012

Show notes

Bright Not Broken - The Together Teacher Author Maia Heyck-Merlin With all the pressures and demands placed on our teachers today is it any wonder they feel overwhelmed and are often full of stress and anxiety? Maia Heyck-Merlin is here to help! Maia the author of, The Together Teacher: Plan Ahead, Get Organized and Save Time! joins us to share helpful tips, tricks and resources for our dedicated, but stressed out educators. The Together Teacher is a practical guide that gives teachers free resources, templates, illustrations and photos to get organized and balanced in their day-to-day activities. Maia is also a former teacher, an experienced professional development trainer and the founder of Brass Tacks, a company providing coaching and workshops for teachers and administrators. By sharing her passion to help teachers manage their classrooms and lives, students ultimately benefit too by having a better, calmer environment to learn in.

Support and Resources for Gifted Children - BNB Oct 24, 2012

Show notes

Bright Not Broken: NAGC- Finding Help, Support and Resources for Gifted / 2e Many parents and professionals can be easily overwhelmed when searching for accurate information and support regarding gifted/2e children. The National Association of Gifted Children- (NAGC) specializes in supporting the needs of high potential Learners. Join us as we talk with Nancy Green, NAGC Executive Director and 2e Author Expert Dr. Beverly Trail. We will discuss this years upcoming conference highlights including Dr. Temple Grandin's Keynote Address "Helping Different Kinds of Minds to Learn." and all the resources available through NAGC to help 2e/gfited parents, educators and care providers. Dr. Trail, The author of Twice-Exceptional Children: Understanding, Teaching, and Counseling Gifted Students is also one of the leaders of The National Association For Gifted Children's Special Populations Network. She is a twice-exceptional consultant, researcher, trainer and gifted education specialist.

Understanding Psychoeducational and Neuropsych Evaluations Oct 22, 2012

Show notes

Welcome to the premiere of Ask Stefanie with host Stefanie Weiss. Guest Dr. Sharone Gilbert , Neuropsychologist, provides consultative services to help each parent clarify their concerns and facilitate a better understanding of their child’s challenges. Dr Gilbert will discuss the question of assessment; When, Who and How to have your child evaluated. Who is the best specialist is best,a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, pediatric psychiatrist or psychologist? What is the difference between psychological - psychoeducational and neuropsych evaluation? Options and differences of school psychologist or private provider assessment? What will it tell me?

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders Oct 11, 2012

Show notes

Parent and award winning author Elizabeth Verdick, Joins us to discuss her wonderful new book The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. With an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Elizabeth’s book addresses questions (“What is ASD?” “Why me?”) She also provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors are topics she has been writing about for years with her award winning book series – Toddler Tools, The Best Behavior Series and The Laugh and Learn Series Elizabeth’s positive spirit and humor, along with her helpful tips and resources for 2ekids and their parents is a don’t miss combination.

Parenting The Gay/Lesbian Teen Bullying Dr Stewart Adelson Oct 05, 2012

Show notes

Dr. Adelson is an adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist, Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Initiative for LGBT Health in the Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, a new division of Columbia's Dept. of Psychiatry. He is the principal author of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry's (AACAP's) "Practice Parameter on Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Sexual Orientation, Gender-Nonconformity, and Gender Discordance in Children and Adolescents." He is also a longstanding member of AACAP's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues Committee, and the Group for Advancement of Psychiatry's Human Sexuality Committee. He is the primary author of several peer-reviewed publications about the psychiatric assessment of sexuality, sexual development, and psychodynamics in psychiatrically ill, sexually abused, and normally developing children and adolescents.

Visual Spatial Abilities - Bright Not Broken Oct 05, 2012

Show notes

This week we are talking about spatial abilities, 2e students and the educational system with Dr. Jonathan Wai, an expert on the development of intellectual and creative talent. Dr. Wai is a researcher and writer at the Duke Talent Identification Program. One of the highlights of his work has been to explore the importance of spatial ability for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) arenas and how many spatially talented students are neglected by the typical school system. The two major college entrance examinations—the SAT and ACT—focus primarily on math and verbal abilities and lack a spatial measure, However, there is a group of brilliant individuals who are left outside higher education’s gates because their strengths are primarily spatial rather than mathematical or verbal. Due to Standardized tests in K-12 that do not include spatial measures, many of these children are not identified as talented students. As a result their spatial talent likely goes underdeveloped. Join us for this informative and very important discussion about 2e students and their educational futures in a system that neglects their spatial Intelligence.