Denise Sandor PsyD LLC

01/15/2022

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-historic-240-million-increase-investment-schools-serving-children?fbclid=IwAR2-e6aheCzUSM35e4Y_FTb3lUz9O4m6wNwYCNS_EfzqwKeCxJPDJXiw-vA

Governor Hochul announced plans to include a historic $240 million increase in investment for approved private schools serving children with disabilities.

09/19/2021

"Autistic kids are often told that we need help with our social skills. When I am hanging out with people who understand me, my social skills are actually quite awesome!" This quote, which we share often, came from one of our Autistic mentees (age 13) in response to the question, "What is something you wish everyone would understand?"

For a deeper dive, please see:
▪️ From our I CAN Team, "Why Autistic-Led Mentoring Matters" (tinyurl.com/yxwga67h)
▪️ From The Autistic OT, a fabulous video about the basis of Autistic friendships (tinyurl.com/y36tcoqy)
▪️ From Speaking of Autism - Quincy Hansen, "Different Social Skills, Not Lack Thereof" (tinyurl.com/y66g7orf)
▪️ From Scott Barry Kaufman in Scientific American, "Autistic People Make Great Social Partners if You Actually Give Them a Chance"(tinyurl.com/y4k8qcnj)

01/21/2021

https://adayinourshoes.com/anniversary-idea-1975/?fbclid=IwAR3cDbkpMb9ai9CwbWM3sMO7syaFp_hTgDb-UIAlrafXcMRmdw_-c4

This reminds me of how far we have come yet how far we still have to go. I'm thankful to be a small part of improving the lives of struggling students.

IDEA 1975 just turned 45, yet we have not improved outcomes for our kids, as evidenced by high unemployment and prison rates. Contact your legislators.

11/13/2020

Autism is a complex disorder that presents differently for each individual. It is always enlightening to hear from individuals diagnosed with ASD about their experiences, thoughts and feelings. It is through their stories that we learn how to support other individuals with ASD.

https://www.facebook.com/theicannetwork/posts/1546302398888298

A timeless quote from 2019, "For every person who understands Autism better, another Autistic person will be happier." ~ Autistic author & blogger Libby Scott, age 11.

When learning about Autism, it's so important to seek out work that reflects and respects Autistic voices.

Here are a few favourite "introductory" pieces by others that we've shared over the past year:

▪️ From Amythest Schaber, Ask An Autistic #23 - What Is Autism? (video): youtu.be/Vju1EbVVgP8

▪️ From Rebecca Burgess via The Art of Autism, Understanding The Spectrum - A Comic Strip Explanation: tinyurl.com/qscoy9q

▪️ From Libby Scott (), Libby Explains Autism (video): tinyurl.com/uhn4dw7

For a deeper dive, please see our earlier related posts:

▪️ 8 Great TED Talks About Autism: www.facebook.com/theicannetwork/posts/1351927134992493

▪️ Respectful Resources About Autism for Autistic Young People & Their Peers: https://icannetwork.online/2020/09/07/respectful-resources-about-autism-for-autistic-young-people-their-peers/

10/28/2020

In my 25 years of practice I find that ADHD children are the most misunderstood. Proper diagnosis and reflection on our beliefs, approach and strategies are ongoing pieces of the work.

https://www.facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP/photos/a.356829424391231/4567123123361819/?type=3

10/20/2020

"Childhood anxiety is sneaky. It doesn't always look like worry."

This valuable infographic from Katie Hurley, LCSW shows some of the many ways that anxiety might manifest itself in young people (some adults might relate to these as well!)

For more information, please see this related article: https://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/2017-01-26/sneaky-signs-of-childhood-anxiety

For a deeper dive from Autistic & other Neurodivergent professionals, please see:
▪️ From Sarah Hendrickx, "Autism: How Anxiety Affects Everything" (youtu.be/rPD_yzMHJls)
▪️ From Autistic Science Person, "Anxiety Looks Like Anger" (tinyurl.com/y6caolyu)
▪️ From Judy Endow via Ollibean, "Fear, Anxiety and Autistic 'Behavior'" (tinyurl.com/y4gum7be)
▪️ From Julia Hay via Inner West Mums- Sydney, "Supporting Anxious & Autistic Children During COVID-19" (tinyurl.com/yy4qbo8u)

10/15/2020

This insight from one of our Year 7 mentees seems more relevant than ever as our young people navigate massive changes this year:

"People don't understand that it's really hard for me just to get through a regular day at school. That's why I watch YouTube when I get home."

School can be such a demanding experience for so many young people. It's important that they have the time and space to decompress in a manner that works for them.