Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

In this powerful and personal episode, Mark speaks directly to dads—through the lens of his own relationship with his father—to explore how the way we show up for our children shapes their identity, their confidence, and ultimately their life path. Reflecting on the complexities of growing up with a father whose moods and expectations left a lasting impact, Mark shares an honest message: your child is not a finished product. They are learning, developing, and looking to you as their model.This episode challenges dads to rethink how they interpret behavior and respond in the moment. What if your child isn’t being defiant—but struggling? What if the issue isn’t the behavior itself, but the story you’re telling about it?Mark breaks down how shifting from reaction to intentional response can transform your relationship with your child—and prevent the kind of lasting emotional scars many carry into adulthood.You’ll also hear practical strategies for making this shift, even if it doesn’t come naturally:How to reframe your child’s behavior as communicationThe power of the pause in high-stress momentsWhy separating behavior from identity mattersHow curiosity can replace correctionThe importance of pre-deciding your responsesWhy doing your own internal work is essentialFor fathers of children with special needs, this message becomes even more critical. Behavior is often communication, and your ability to stay regulated can help your child find their way back from overwhelm.Mark also addresses a topic that often goes unspoken—the imbalance in parenting load. In many households, especially those raising children with additional needs, one parent (often the mother) carries the majority of the mental and emotional weight. This episode challenges dads to step out of the role of “helper” and into true co-ownership—sharing responsibility, learning their child deeply, and being present not just physically, but emotionally.Because this isn’t just about parenting—it’s about partnership, leadership, and legacy.Key Takeaways:Your child is a learner, not a learned personBehavior is often communication, not defianceYour reaction is shaped by your own experiences and triggersA pause can change everythingConnection fuels cooperationYou don’t have to do this alone—but you do have to take ownershipSupporting your partner is part of supporting your childAt the heart of it all is one message: Your child may not remember every mistake they made—but they will remember how you responded to them when it mattered most.Connect with Mark:Website: specialedrising.comPodcast: Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind!Email: [email protected]: @specialedrisingIf this episode resonated with you, share it with another dad who needs to hear it.

Raja Marhaba shares her inspiring journey as a mother of two twice-exceptional children, navigating the complex special education system, advocating for her kids, and founding The Jonathan Foundation to support families with learning disabilities. Her story highlights the challenges, legal battles, and the importance of parental advocacy in securing appropriate education and services.Keywordsspecial education, advocacy, learning disabilities, IEP, legal battles, parental empowerment, twice exceptional, education reform, mental health, Raja MarhabaKey TopicsNavigating the special education systemLegal battles for children's rightsThe importance of parental advocacyGuest Name Raja MarhabaWebsite https://www.thejonathanfoundation.orgtitlesThe Fight for Education Rights: Raja Marhaba's JourneyHow One Mother Changed the System for Twice-Exceptional KidsSound Bites"What message are you sending to a 10-year-old?""He tore a two-inch hardcover book apart""Knowledge is power in advocacy"Chapters00:00Navigating the Special Education System18:15The Impact of Advocacy on Families25:41Empowering Parents and Children in Education27:19Understanding Standardized Testing and Its Implications29:39Building Trust Between Parents and Schools31:32Empowering Parents in IEP Meetings33:00Navigating the Challenges of Special Education35:34The Impact of Legislation on Special Education37:59Mental Health and Its Role in Education41:38The Need for Comprehensive Support in Schools45:42The Jonathan Foundation: Advocacy and Support for FamiliesSpecialedrising.comRay's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

🧠 Episode OverviewThis brief but powerful episode takes a direct look at recent public comments about learning disabilities—and why they matter far beyond politics. Mark speaks from decades of experience in special education to challenge harmful narratives and reframe what dyslexia really means for individuals, families, and society.At its core, this episode is about one thing:the message we send to kids when we misunderstand how they learn.🎯 Key TakeawaysDyslexia is not a measure of intelligenceIt impacts language processing—not cognitive ability, leadership, or potential.What looks like struggle is often strategy in progressMany individuals with dyslexia rely on tools like audiobooks, verbal processing, and summaries—and go on to thrive.Words from leaders carry real consequencesPublic statements about disability don’t stay in politics—they shape how children see themselves.The real issue is not disability—it’s ignoranceMisunderstanding learning differences leads to stigma, lowered expectations, and lost opportunities.Kids internalize what the world tells themWhen they hear limits, they believe limits. When they’re supported, they rise.🧩 What Dyslexia Actually ImpactsDecoding (sounding out words)Reading fluencySpelling and written expressionProcessing speed with language👉 And at the same time, many individuals demonstrate:Strong verbal reasoningCreativity and innovationBig-picture thinkingLeadership and interpersonal strengths🔥 Core MessageThis episode challenges the idea that learning differences define capability—and calls on parents, educators, and advocates to push back against narratives that diminish individuals with disabilities.Your brain works differently.Your challenges are real.And your potential is not up for debate.🧭 Notable Context DiscussedPublic comments made by Donald Trump regarding Gavin Newsom and dyslexia (March 2026)Newsom’s lived experience with dyslexia and his adaptive strategiesResponses from Newsom and Jennifer Siebel NewsomThe broader impact of stigmatizing language on individuals with learning disabilities📚 References & ResourcesYoung Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of DiscoveryBen and Emma’s Big HitInternational Dyslexia Association – Research and resources on dyslexiaYale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity – Science and strengths-based perspective on dyslexia🎧 Final ThoughtIgnorance may be loud…but it doesn’t have to be what leads.specialedrising.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

What happens when an educator refuses to treat students like data points?In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Mark speaks with educator, researcher, and author Dr. Joey Weisler about trauma, resilience, and what it really means to show up for students.Joey shares his deeply personal journey—from witnessing the aftermath of the Parkland school tragedy to navigating a difficult first year of teaching that ultimately led to his dismissal. What initially felt like failure became the turning point that shaped his mission: to build classrooms centered on connection, presence, and emotional engagement.Today, Joey teaches literature and composition at the college level while developing his HEART Framework, a model focused on creating learning environments where students feel seen, heard, and empowered.This episode explores how trauma, compassion, and purposeful teaching can reshape education—and why learning should never be the result of compliance.In This EpisodeMark and Joey discuss:Joey’s experience teaching near the Parkland tragedy and how it shaped his understanding of student traumaWhy many schools struggle to address emotional realities in the classroomThe moment Joey was unexpectedly dismissed from his first teaching job—and why it became the best and worst day of his careerHow storytelling and literature can help students process emotions and life decisionsWhy Joey arranges his classrooms in a circle to create presence and communityThe concept of “cognitive presence” vs. cognitive overloadWhy showing up and caring may be the most important thing a teacher can doHow educators can balance academic expectations with emotional developmentJoey’s upcoming book on the HEART FrameworkKey TakeawaysStudents remember how teachers make them feel more than what they teach.Trauma affects learning—even when it’s not visible.Presence and care often matter more than instructional techniques.Classrooms that allow students to explore meaning and identity create deeper engagement.Education systems focused solely on data risk losing the humanity of learning.Memorable Quotes“Learning should not be a result of compliance.”“When you teach to the heart instead of just the brain, everything changes.”“Students don’t remember every lesson—but they remember the teachers who cared.”“Instead of cognitive overload, we need cognitive presence.”About Dr. Joey WeislerDr. Joey Weisler is an educator, researcher, and writer focused on trauma-informed teaching and emotionally engaged learning environments. He teaches literature and composition at the college level and hosts the podcast Classroom Narratives: Healing & Education.He is currently developing the HEART Framework, a model designed to help educators create classrooms centered on connection, presence, and meaningful learning.Resources & LinksListen to Part 1 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220Listen to my interview on Joey's podcast, Classroom Narratives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220🌐 Website josephweisler.com🎬 The Throne in the Classroom (Short Film & Trailer)🎧 Joey’s Podcast Classroom Narratives: Healing & Education📘 Resources Available on Joey’s Website10 Steps to Trauma-Informed TeachingEmotionally Equipped Educator Conflict Styles QuizHEART Framework (forthcoming book)Connect with Mark🎙️ Podcast: SER: No Parent Left Behind!Website: specialedrising.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a fellow educator or parent, and leave a review to help more people discover the show.

In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Mark sits down with Dr. Joey Weisler to explore the deeply personal experiences that shaped his path as an educator.Before Joey ever had his own classroom, he found himself at the center of a community tragedy. While substitute teaching at a middle school next to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the Parkland school shooting, he and his students were forced into lockdown as the devastating events unfolded nearby.Joey shares what that moment was like inside the classroom, the emotional weight educators carry during crisis, and how witnessing trauma within a school community changed the way he understood teaching, safety, and the emotional lives of students.The conversation also explores the difficult reality many teachers face when students reveal deep struggles—and how systems sometimes fail to respond with the urgency and compassion those moments require.This episode is an honest and moving discussion about trauma, responsibility, and the human side of teaching.It’s also the beginning of a larger story—one that continues in Part 2, where Joey shares how these experiences ultimately reshaped his career and inspired a new vision for education.In This EpisodeJoey’s connection to the Parkland tragedy and what it was like teaching during that momentHow trauma can shape a teacher’s mindset before their career even beginsThe emotional responsibility teachers feel when students confide in themThe gap that sometimes exists between student needs and school systemsWhy being present for students can matter more than any lesson planThe early experiences that would eventually influence Joey’s philosophy of teaching🎙️ Listen to Part 1 now, and don’t miss Part 2 of this powerful conversation.Chapters00:00Introduction and Connection01:40Perseverance in Education05:01The Impact of Trauma on Teaching11:56Navigating the Aftermath of Tragedy16:28Experiencing the Shooting21:38The Aftermath and Support Systems28:32Navigating Trauma in Education31:26The Impact of Personal Experience on TeachingJoey Weisler's WebsiteThe Throne in the Classroom (Book & Trailer)Classroom Narratives Podcast10 Steps to Trauma-Informed Teaching (Guide)Emotionally Equipped Educator (Book)Heart Framework (Upcoming Book)Dr Weisler linksWebsiteListen to my interview on Joey's podcast, Classroom Narratives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rising-through-the-unknown-advocacy-trust-and/id1775740636?i=1000748265220specialedrising.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

This episode features Frances Shefter, a seasoned special education attorney, discussing the intricacies of special ed law, advocacy, and how parents can effectively navigate the system to secure the best outcomes for their children. Topics include legal rights, the evaluation process, predetermination, and when to seek legal help.keywordsspecial education law, IEP, advocacy, legal rights, education attorney, parent rights, IEP process, independent educational evaluation, legal compliance, special ed advocacykey topicsLegal rights of parents in special educationThe evaluation and IEP processPredetermination and legal complianceWhen to seek legal help in special educationHow to effectively advocate for your child's needstitlesUnlocking Your Child's Rights: A Guide to Special Ed LawNavigating IEPs and Legal Rights with Frances ShefterSound Bites"Trust your gut and ask questions.""Know what the issues are and be prepared.""Legal help can often save time and money."Chapters00:00Introduction to Special Education Law00:01Frances Shefter's Journey into Special Education Law05:04Understanding the Role of Parents and Schools09:28Navigating IEP Meetings and Legal Representation15:02Collaboration Between Attorneys and Parents17:23The Role of Educators in Child Advocacy19:34State Variations in Educational Compliance21:23Challenges in Meeting Educational Needs25:25Navigating the IEP Process and Parental Rights31:10Requesting Evaluations and the Role of AttorneysResourcesFrances Shefter Lawspecialedrising.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

In this episode, Mark Ingrassia—special educator, advocate, and parent coach—dives into one of the most overlooked but powerful tools available to families: simple, consistent routines.Schedules. Morning charts. Time blocks.They may sound basic—even boring—but research and decades of classroom and family experience show they are foundational to lowering stress, reducing conflict, and building independence.This episode explores how routines don’t just organize your day—they regulate your household.🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ Why schedules are not about control—but about safetyPredictability lowers anxiety. When children (and parents) know what comes next, their nervous systems relax. Consistent routines reduce uncertainty, which research shows is a key driver of stress responses in both children and adults.✅ How routines lower stress for parentsParents raising children with anxiety, ADHD, autism, or executive functioning challenges make hundreds of micro-decisions daily. That leads to decision fatigue.When routines are consistent:You stop negotiating every step.You reduce arguments.You prevent last-minute chaos.You move from reacting to coaching.Less decision fatigue = lower stress.✅ How routines lower stress for childrenChildren don’t yet have fully developed executive functioning skills. When the day feels unpredictable, their brains stay on alert.Consistent routines:Reduce transition stressCreate clear beginnings and endings to tasksHelp perfectionistic children know when “enough” is enoughBuild a sense of competence and controlTurn external structure into internal regulation over timePredictability allows the brain to prepare instead of panic.✅ The Power of “Predictable Bookends”Morning = launch pad Evening = landing stripWhen the beginning and end of the day are steady, the middle becomes manageable.✅ Why transitions are the real challengeMost meltdowns don’t happen during tasks—they happen between them.Clear time blocks like:4:00 Snack4:15 Homework (20 minutes)4:35 Break…help the brain prepare for what’s next. Preparation lowers resistance. Lower resistance lowers stress.🧠 The Research Behind ItThis episode draws from research in behavioral science, developmental psychology, and executive functioning:Habit formation research (BJ Fogg, Tiny Habits) shows that small, repeatable behaviors build long-term change more effectively than large overhauls.Studies on bedtime routines show consistent nightly structure improves sleep quality, emotional regulation, and behavior.Research on family routines and resilience links predictable daily rhythms to lower parental stress and fewer child behavior problems.Executive functioning research shows children benefit from visual schedules and timed task blocks, especially those with ADHD.Psychological research on uncertainty and stress demonstrates that unpredictability increases cortisol, while structure reduces anxiety.(See full references below.)🛠 Practical TakeawaysIf you’re wondering where to begin:Start small. Pick one part of the day.Use simple time blocks instead of vague instructions.Anchor the new routine to an existing habit.Stay consistent for several weeks before adjusting.It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be repeatable.💬 Key MessageYou don’t have to be a perfect parent. But being predictable can change your home.You’re not just organizing a schedule. You’re building safety. You’re building confidence. You’re building a calmer nervous system—for your child and for yourself.And that changes everything.📚 References & Research MentionedFogg, B. J. (2019). Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.Mindell, J. A., et al. (2015). “Bedtime routines for young children: A dose-dependent association with sleep outcomes.” Sleep.Spagnola, M., & Fiese, B. H. (2007). “Family routines and rituals: A context for development in the lives of young children.” Infants & Young Children.Evans, G. W., & Wachs, T. D. (2010). Chaos and Its Influence on Children’s Development. American Psychological Association.Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved.American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statements on routines, sleep, and family structure.🎧 Listen to more episodes at: specialedrising.com Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind Hosted by Mark IngrassiaBecause no parent should walk this road alone.https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left BehindIn this episode, Mark sits down with Julie M. Green, author of Motherness, a memoir exploring generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. A 2024 finalist for the CBC Nonfiction Prize, Julie’s writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Globe and Mail, HuffPost, Parents, Chatelaine, CBC, and Today’s Parent, among others.Julie shares her journey as the mother of an autistic son and her own later-in-life autism diagnosis. She reflects on navigating the early 2010s autism landscape, when resources were limited and the pressure on parents to “correct” their children was intense. Together, Mark and Julie explore how the rhetoric around autism has shifted from awareness to acceptance — and why that shift is critical.They discuss the challenges families face within educational systems that often prioritize conformity over inclusion. Julie emphasizes that behavioral struggles are often signs of unmet needs, not defiance, and that meaningful support should focus on improving quality of life rather than enforcing normalization.The conversation also explores masking and its impact on mental health, the complexity of identity within the autistic community, and the importance of representation — including a discussion about the release of the Autistic Barbie and what true inclusion requires beyond symbolic gestures.At its core, this episode is about self-understanding, self-compassion, and rethinking what support should look like for autistic individuals and their families. As Julie shares, she wrote the book she wished she’d had — offering an insider perspective that helps others feel seen and understood.About Julie M. GreenJulie is the author of Motherness, a memoir of generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. In 2024, she was a finalist for the CBC Nonfiction Prize. Her work has been widely published across major media outlets, and she writes The Autistic Mom on Substack.Connect with Julie:Website: https://juliemgreen.caBook: https://juliemgreen.ca/books-1Substack: https://theautisticmom.substack.com/Key TakeawaysThe rhetoric around autism is shifting from fixing to accepting.Parents have historically carried immense pressure to conform their children to societal norms.Quality of life — not compliance — should guide autism support.Educational systems often prioritize conformity over inclusion.Behavioral challenges are frequently signs of unmet needs.A mindset shift is necessary to interpret autistic behaviors as communication.Radical acceptance embraces the full complexity of neurodiversity.Masking can have serious mental health impacts.Representation matters, but it must be meaningful and nuanced.Personal narratives foster empathy and help others feel understood.Sound Bites“The onus was very much on parents.”“It’s about improving quality of life.”“I wrote the book I wish I’d had.”Suggested TitlesRedefining Autism: From Fixing to AcceptingNavigating Autism: A Journey of Radical AcceptanceThe Parent’s Journey: Rethinking Autism SupportChapters00:00 – Introduction and Background06:15 – Acceptance vs. Fixing10:06 – Inclusion, Support, and Educational Systems27:57 – Masking and Mental Healthspecialedrising.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left BehindEpisode: Stronger Starts at Home: When Parents Grow, Kids Grow🎧 Episode SummaryParents are constantly asked to measure how their children are doing—academically, behaviorally, socially. But how often are they invited to pause and reflect on themselves?In this episode, host and educator Mark Ingrassia shifts the focus inward. Drawing from years of experience working alongside families, Mark explores how parental self-awareness directly impacts children’s regulation, behavior, and resilience.Because children don’t experience life in isolation—they experience it through the adults who care for them.Through tone. Through stress. Through energy. Through calm.This episode offers practical tools to help parents recognize their strengths, identify growth areas without shame, and build simple mindful habits that reduce burnout and increase connection at home.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy parental self-awareness shapes child behaviorHow stress responses influence family dynamicsThe difference between reacting and respondingHow mindful practices improve emotional regulationWhy strengths-based parenting creates more confidenceHow systems—not guilt—create real changeA simple weekly reflection habit to prevent burnout5 calm-down tools parents can start using immediately🌿 The 5 Calm-Down Tools Shared in This EpisodeThe 3-Breath Reset – Pause and take three slow breaths before responding.Grounding (5-4-3-2-1 Method) – Use your senses to return to the present moment.The Pause Phrase – Repeat: “Pause. Breathe. Respond.”The 2-Minute Reset – Build short breaks into transitions.Body Release – Relax jaw, shoulders, hands, and tension points.Small habits. Big impact.💡 Key TakeawaysChildren mirror adult regulation.“Behavior” often starts with adult stress levels.Strengths matter more than perfection.Growth happens through systems—not self-criticism.Self-care is not selfish—it’s strategic.When parents grow, children grow.✍️ Reflection Questions for ParentsWhen do I feel most calm and connected with my child?What do I naturally do well as a parent?What situations trigger stress for me?What is one small regulation tool I can practice this week?What worked well this week? What needs adjusting?🛠 Try This This Week✔ Write down 3 parenting strengths ✔ Identify 1 growth area ✔ Choose 1 calm-down tool ✔ Schedule a 10-minute weekly resetProgress over perfection.💙 Closing ReminderYou don’t need to be perfect. You need support. You need awareness. You need space to grow at your own pace.You matter in this journey.When you grow, your child grows.That’s what No Parent Left Behind is all about.specialedrising.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission📚 Research References Used in This EpisodeParental Influence on Child Development & Parent-Child Transactional ProcessesDescribes how children’s development is shaped by dynamic exchanges with parents.Source: A review on parent-child transactional processes in child development outcomes.Quoted idea: “parents affect children and children affect parents.”Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7781063/Parenting with Self-AwarenessExplains how being aware of inner states influences parenting behavior and relationships.Quoted idea: “In our interactions with our children, each of us has the choice to respond in ways that either strengthen or weaken our relationships with them.”Source: Alabama Cooperative Extension System resource on self-awareness in parenting.Link: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family/parenting-with-self-awareness-he-0952/Positive Aspects of Parenting Children with Intellectual DisabilitiesReports on increased personal strength, confidence, and meaning-focused coping among parents.Quoted idea: “an increased sense of personal strength and confidence” described by parents.Source: PMC article on parental experiences and positive impacts.Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5703033/Parental Reflective Functioning, Self-Efficacy, Psychological Flexibility & CopingExamines how parental reflective functioning links to self-efficacy and proactive coping strategies.Quoted idea: “parental self-efficacy mediated the association between reflective functioning and proactive coping strategies.”Source: ResearchGate article on parents of children with autism.Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389248236_Psychological_Flexibility_Parental_Reflective_Functioning_Parental_Efficacy_and_Coping_in_Parents_of_Children_With_AutismParental Reflective Functioning and Sensitive ParentingShows higher parental reflective capacity is associated with better parenting and regulation outcomes in children.Source: Article on reflective functioning in parenting from Mindfulness journal.Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-024-02379-6Parental Self-Efficacy and Children’s OutcomesDiscusses the relationship between parental belief in their capabilities and positive child/family o