Episode 6: “Life Beyond the IEP: Preparing Kids with Autism for Adulthood”

Guest: Dr. Sylvie Nguena, Ph.D., BCBA

What happens when a parent hears “your child doesn’t qualify for services”? How do you prepare your child for life after school when adulthood feels terrifyingly close?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sylvie Nguena, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and mom of a young adult with autism. Sylvie shares her remarkable journey, from leaving her accounting career to pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis, all to understand and support her daughter, Meghan.

Dr. Sylvie opens up about:

✅ The heartbreaking moment she was denied DDA services and how she fought back and won

✅ Why she shifted her daughter’s IEP from academics to life skills and independence

✅ The emotional toll of meltdowns and IEP meetings and how Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) helped her regain control

✅ The game-changing decision to hire an advocate and transform her daughter’s IEP

✅ How she’s preparing her daughter for adulthood with job skills, daily living goals, and community inclusion

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, overwhelmed, or scared about your child’s future after high school, this episode will give you hope, clarity, and practical strategies to take action today.

🎧 Listen to Episode 6 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube!

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

🔗 Connect with Dr. Sylvie and explore her work:

📖 Marvelous Meghan, Our Big Sister (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Marvelous-Meghan-Our-Big-Sister/dp/B0CLMLFYGS

📖 Marvelous Meghan, Our Big Sister (Coloring Book): https://www.amazon.com/Marvelous-Meghan-Sister-Coloring-Book/dp/B0CNV4W3GR

Facebook: Marvelous Meghan

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552243797305

💬 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share practical tips and resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my platforms.

🌐 Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

🌐 Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

📧 For content collaborations, email me at flor@flordeamelia.com

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