Recently, when discussing a parent’s concerns about his son’s stimming. Stimming, which is short for self-stimulatory behavior, refers to repetitive body movements or sounds, such as hand-flapping or other repetitive hand movements, rocking, tapping, spinning, or vocalizations, such as humming or repetitive sounds or phrases. What is stimming? Stimming is a common action exhibited in […]
Special Education
Posted inChild Development
Behavior is Communication
This may sound silly, but I can’t stop thinking about my T-shirt. Earlier this school year, I was talking to the speech therapist who works with my students when I noticed her fantastic shirt. It said, “Behavior is Communication.” Immediately, I asked her to send me the link to the shirt, and by the end […]
Posted inSpecial Education
How do I serve the deaf students in my class?
I have deaf students in my class, and people always say, “It must be really quiet where you work!’ Hahahaha…no. I’m a teacher of the deaf and an educational sign language interpreter. I am certified in both and have college degrees in both fields. Most of my thirty-year career has been at the middle and […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Replay: Trends in Special Education: Rethinking Supports in a Post-COVID World
Are you seeking innovative ways to support students receiving special education services in school and at the district levels? Join our engaging webinar and delve into the world of evidence-based solutions to close the achievement gaps for our students serviced with IEPs and 504s. Explore how these collaborative supports can help propel your students forward. […]
Posted inSpecial Education
An Educational Revolution: Montessori Education and its Benefits for Students with Autism
In the ever-changing world of education, where research is always changing, and new studies are always coming out, there is one approach that has recently been growing and gaining more attention than ever before: Montessori education. Montessori education is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that emphasizes child-centered learning, self-directed activity, and hands-on, […]
Posted inSpecial Education
Celebrating Neurodiversity: The Impact of ‘Love on the Spectrum'”
In recent years, there has been a remarkable push for diversity and inclusivity in the media. As a special educator specializing in autism, I have often felt saddened by the lack of autism representation in the media in the midst of this new media revolution. Recently, I came across the Netflix series “Love on the […]
Posted inCulturally Responsive Teaching
Addressing the Need: Spanish-speaking immigrants and access to special education resources
Spanish-speaking families: Growing up, my pride in my Hispanic heritage defined much of my identity. As a proud Latina, being Argentinian was a source of immense joy and pride for me. I eagerly took any opportunity to share stories about my father’s journey from Argentina to the United States, leaving his family behind for a […]
Posted inSpecial Education
One Size Fits All Been Trash: Curating and cultivating mastery is the new drip
Curating and cultivating mastery is like planting seeds in a garden; it requires patience, care, and a keen eye for nurturing potential. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires special education services to support learners in three specific areas: advanced educational opportunities, employment, and increased independence. As a special education teacher, As a Teacher of […]