Transitions can be challenging for students and families, whether it’s starting school for the first time, moving into a new classroom, adjusting to a new teacher, or preparing for life after graduation.

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter is joined by school psychologist Dr. Valerie Roth and BCBA Dawn Wisniewski to discuss how families can help students prepare for change throughout their educational journey. They explore school readiness beyond academics, communication and independence skills, preparing for new routines and environments, transitioning toward employment and adulthood, and the importance of keeping evaluations, IEPs, and behavior plans up to date.

They also discuss the bigger goal of education: helping students develop the skills, confidence, independence, and connections they need to be successful beyond the classroom.

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates

(02:05) Introducing Valarie Roth and Dawn Wisnewski

(03:45) What is school readiness?

(10:25) Transitioning within school, moving classrooms, teachers, etc

(15:00) How can we help our students adapt to change?

(19:05) Are we preparing students to be successful in school or life?

(23:45) What paperwork should parents be aware of when students are transitioning schools?

(35:40) What does every family need to know before their child goes to high school?

In this special back-to-school episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter shares practical tips from educators, therapists, parents, and caregivers at Beyond the Spectrum. Learn how routines, sensory supports, social stories, and self-advocacy can help children with autism and other unique learning needs transition into the new school year with greater confidence.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Back to school updates!

(01:45) H.I.V.E. Update

(03:35) New tech thanks to the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation

(05:00) Back to school tips

(08:30) Tips from our teachers

(10:00) Partnership with New York Life Foundation

(12:00) Tips from our Occupational Therapists

(14:30) Advice from parents

(17:00) Loryn’s advice

(23:50) Thank you everyone for the tips!

(25:20) Send me requests for future episodes!

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, host Loryn Carpenter sits down with Sean Peabody to talk about the experience of growing up with a neurodivergent sibling. Sean shares how his relationship with his brother Kevin has changed over the years, from childhood memories built around creativity and shared interests to a recent trip to Japan that showed just how much Kevin has grown in confidence, flexibility, and independence. Loryn also reflects on life with her brother Scottie and the humor, patience, discernment, and love that shape the sibling experience. Together, they explore what siblings learn, what they worry about, and why it matters to keep seeing the person beyond the diagnosis.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Summer camp updates and school updates

(03:30) Introducing Sean Peabody, Kevin’s brother

(05:50) Watching your sibling grow and develop

(08:00) Earliest memories with Kevin and Scottie

(12:15) Kevin and Sean’s trip to Japan

(18:05) Getting past what other people think

(20:30) Challenges growing up

(26:45) How has your relationship changed?

(31:45) What will the future look like with your sibling?

(38:00) What is your advice to other siblings?