The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio

Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D. is the co-founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She received her doctorate in literacy with a specialization in reading and dyslexia from San Diego State University and the University of San Diego. She is a certified special education advocate assisting parents and children through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan process. Kelli is trained in Structured Word Inquiry, Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell, RAVE-O and Wilson Reading Programs. Kelli is the Past-President of the San Diego Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. She co-created and produced “Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia,” is a frequent speaker at conferences, and is currently writing “Dyslexia: Decoding the System. Tracy Block-Zaretsky is the co-founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She is a certified Special Education Advocate assisting parents and children through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan process. She has been a trainer for the past 15 years training teachers, adult literacy staff, and professional and volunteer tutors. She is the past-President of the San Diego Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Tracy is trained in Structured Word Inquiry, the Orton-Gillingham approach, Wilson Reading System,and Lindamood-Bell programs, Read Naturally and a variety of reading and writing assessment tests. Tracy has presented at numerous conferences on learning disabilities, phonics, reading and writing instruction, as well as provided professional development for K-12 teachers.She co-created and produced “Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia,” is a frequent speaker at conferences

Host - Marianne Russo Guest - Dr Mary Ackerly What does inflammation, immune stimulation and toxic mold have to do with mental illness and pain syndromes? Some of the infections and toxins that we know are associated with depression and anxiety are molds. Neurological Lyme is also well known for creating psychiatric complications. There is good evidence that streptococcus infections not treated properly can lead to obsessive-compulsive disorder, also called PANDAS. Another source of psychiatric illness are encephalopathies like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever that get into the spinal cord. Later or at the same time, people are diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses, including mania. Toxic Mold, genetics and various other immunological stimulations can cause depression, joint pain, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, mood disorders, insomnia and many other issues.

Dr. Jennifer Hartstein - Anxiety is a part of all children’s lives. Sometimes a child’s worry is as basic as being away from a parent, going to school, a test, or a birthday party. Sometimes children worry about things we didn't even think they could be worried about. When a child is suffering from anxiety and avoiding everyday activities it is time to be concerned. How do parents know when its really time to be concerned? Dr. Jennifer Hartstein will talk to us about children’s anxieties and when to know if the worrying becomes more than “normal” everyday children worries. She will also discuss how to speak to children about the horrific tragedy in Sandy Hook. Dr. Hartstein specializes in high-risk children and adolescents with intensive training in adolescent suicide assessment. She uses a variety of treatment approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

On this day that shocked a country, perhaps even the world, when a senseless act took the lives of innocent children in the school shooting in Connecticut our hearts are broken. Healing our children and communicating with them about their fears will be key. For many children language does not come easily and for some not at all. Tonight we discuss with Louise Sattler, founder of Signing Families and President of 411 voices, how to communicate and interpret non verbal childrens feelings.

Irlen Syndrome (also referred to at times as Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, and Visual Stress) is a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information. This problem tends to run in families and is not currently identified by other standardized educational or medical tests. This largely unknown and undiagnosed disorder affects approximately 15% of the general population, 50% of individuals with reading and learning difficulties, 30% of individuals with ADHD and autism, and a significant portion of individuals with brain injury, chronic headaches, and migraines. SIgns of Irlen Syndrome include light sensitivity (bright lights, sunlight, fluorescent lights); headaches or migraines; difficulty or discomfort when reading or doing other visually intensive activities; eye strain; or the print or environment looks different than it should. Helen Irlen, MA, BCPC, LMFT is a pioneer and global leader in the area of visual processing problems and internationally recognized educator, researcher, and scholar. Ms. Irlen has been in the field of education for over 40 years. Her background includes School Psychologist, Licensed Child and Family Therapist, Educational Therapist, Board Certified Professional Counselor, founder and Director of the Adult Learning Disabilities Program at California State University/Long Beach. She is founder and Executive Director of the Irlen Institute, which has over 174 affiliated Irlen Centers worldwide, and over 7,000 educators have been trained to become certified Irlen screeners. Her method for treating visual processing deficits is used in 54 countries. She is the author of Reading By The Colors and The Irlen Revolution: A Guide to Changing Your Perception and Your Life; How a Simple Method Can Change the Lives of Children and Adults with LD, AD/HD, TBI, Dyslexia, Autism, Headaches, Medical Conditions, and Much More.