Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

Mark Ingrassia
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This former Special Ed classroom teacher is on his own with a microphone, to share some of the magic he's learned in his 36+ years in the field. Stories, strategies, and a true grasp for what life can be like for parents and caregivers of Disabled children are waiting here! Witnessing, first hand, your challenges in the home has invigorated my desire to share what I know and to be a cheerleader for your lives and the lives of your child using mindfulness as a fulcrum to success. You are not alone and your life matters. Join me as we let go and grow together!

  1. 5D AGO

    Teaching Through Trauma: Dr. Joey Weisler’s Story of Purpose and Perseverance (Part 1)

    In Part 1 of this powerful two-part conversation, Mark sits down with Dr. Joey Weisler to explore the deeply personal experiences that shaped his path as an educator. Before Joey ever had his own classroom, he found himself at the center of a community tragedy. While substitute teaching at a middle school next to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during the Parkland school shooting, he and his students were forced into lockdown as the devastating events unfolded nearby. Joey shares what that moment was like inside the classroom, the emotional weight educators carry during crisis, and how witnessing trauma within a school community changed the way he understood teaching, safety, and the emotional lives of students. The conversation also explores the difficult reality many teachers face when students reveal deep struggles—and how systems sometimes fail to respond with the urgency and compassion those moments require. This episode is an honest and moving discussion about trauma, responsibility, and the human side of teaching. It’s also the beginning of a larger story—one that continues in Part 2, where Joey shares how these experiences ultimately reshaped his career and inspired a new vision for education. In This EpisodeJoey’s connection to the Parkland tragedy and what it was like teaching during that momentHow trauma can shape a teacher’s mindset before their career even beginsThe emotional responsibility teachers feel when students confide in themThe gap that sometimes exists between student needs and school systemsWhy being present for students can matter more than any lesson planThe early experiences that would eventually influence Joey’s philosophy of teaching 🎙️ Listen to Part 1 now, and don’t miss Part 2 of this powerful conversation. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Connection 01:40Perseverance in Education 05:01The Impact of Trauma on Teaching 11:56Navigating the Aftermath of Tragedy 16:28Experiencing the Shooting 21:38The Aftermath and Support Systems 28:32Navigating Trauma in Education 31:26The Impact of Personal Experience on Teaching Joey Weisler's WebsiteThe Throne in the Classroom (Book & Trailer)Classroom Narratives Podcast10 Steps to Trauma-Informed Teaching (Guide)Emotionally Equipped Educator (Book)Heart Framework (Upcoming Book) Dr Weisler linksWebsite specialedrising.com https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    36 min

  2. MAR 2

    Navigating Special Education Law with Frances Shefter, Esq.

    This episode features Frances Shefter, a seasoned special education attorney, discussing the intricacies of special ed law, advocacy, and how parents can effectively navigate the system to secure the best outcomes for their children. Topics include legal rights, the evaluation process, predetermination, and when to seek legal help. keywordsspecial education law, IEP, advocacy, legal rights, education attorney, parent rights, IEP process, independent educational evaluation, legal compliance, special ed advocacy key topics Legal rights of parents in special educationThe evaluation and IEP processPredetermination and legal complianceWhen to seek legal help in special educationHow to effectively advocate for your child's needs titles Unlocking Your Child's Rights: A Guide to Special Ed LawNavigating IEPs and Legal Rights with Frances Shefter Sound Bites "Trust your gut and ask questions.""Know what the issues are and be prepared.""Legal help can often save time and money." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Special Education Law 00:01Frances Shefter's Journey into Special Education Law 05:04Understanding the Role of Parents and Schools 09:28Navigating IEP Meetings and Legal Representation 15:02Collaboration Between Attorneys and Parents 17:23The Role of Educators in Child Advocacy 19:34State Variations in Educational Compliance 21:23Challenges in Meeting Educational Needs 25:25Navigating the IEP Process and Parental Rights 31:10Requesting Evaluations and the Role of Attorneys ResourcesFrances Shefter Lawspecialedrising.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    44 min

  3. FEB 24

    Start Small, Stay Steady: How Simple Routines Reduce Stress and Build Regulation at Home

    In this episode, Mark Ingrassia—special educator, advocate, and parent coach—dives into one of the most overlooked but powerful tools available to families: simple, consistent routines. Schedules. Morning charts. Time blocks. They may sound basic—even boring—but research and decades of classroom and family experience show they are foundational to lowering stress, reducing conflict, and building independence. This episode explores how routines don’t just organize your day—they regulate your household. 🔎 What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ Why schedules are not about control—but about safetyPredictability lowers anxiety. When children (and parents) know what comes next, their nervous systems relax. Consistent routines reduce uncertainty, which research shows is a key driver of stress responses in both children and adults. ✅ How routines lower stress for parentsParents raising children with anxiety, ADHD, autism, or executive functioning challenges make hundreds of micro-decisions daily. That leads to decision fatigue. When routines are consistent: You stop negotiating every step.You reduce arguments.You prevent last-minute chaos.You move from reacting to coaching. Less decision fatigue = lower stress. ✅ How routines lower stress for childrenChildren don’t yet have fully developed executive functioning skills. When the day feels unpredictable, their brains stay on alert. Consistent routines: Reduce transition stressCreate clear beginnings and endings to tasksHelp perfectionistic children know when “enough” is enoughBuild a sense of competence and controlTurn external structure into internal regulation over time Predictability allows the brain to prepare instead of panic. ✅ The Power of “Predictable Bookends”Morning = launch pad Evening = landing strip When the beginning and end of the day are steady, the middle becomes manageable. ✅ Why transitions are the real challengeMost meltdowns don’t happen during tasks—they happen between them. Clear time blocks like: 4:00 Snack4:15 Homework (20 minutes)4:35 Break …help the brain prepare for what’s next. Preparation lowers resistance. Lower resistance lowers stress. 🧠 The Research Behind ItThis episode draws from research in behavioral science, developmental psychology, and executive functioning: Habit formation research (BJ Fogg, Tiny Habits) shows that small, repeatable behaviors build long-term change more effectively than large overhauls.Studies on bedtime routines show consistent nightly structure improves sleep quality, emotional regulation, and behavior.Research on family routines and resilience links predictable daily rhythms to lower parental stress and fewer child behavior problems.Executive functioning research shows children benefit from visual schedules and timed task blocks, especially those with ADHD.Psychological research on uncertainty and stress demonstrates that unpredictability increases cortisol, while structure reduces anxiety. (See full references below.) 🛠 Practical TakeawaysIf you’re wondering where to begin: Start small. Pick one part of the day.Use simple time blocks instead of vague instructions.Anchor the new routine to an existing habit.Stay consistent for several weeks before adjusting. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be repeatable. 💬 Key MessageYou don’t have to be a perfect parent. But being predictable can change your home. You’re not just organizing a schedule. You’re building safety. You’re building confidence. You’re building a calmer nervous system—for your child and for yourself. And that changes everything. 📚 References & Research MentionedFogg, B. J. (2019). Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Mindell, J. A., et al. (2015). “Bedtime routines for young children: A dose-dependent association with sleep outcomes.” Sleep. Spagnola, M., & Fiese, B. H. (2007). “Family routines and rituals: A context for development in the lives of young children.” Infants & Young Children. Evans, G. W., & Wachs, T. D. (2010). Chaos and Its Influence on Children’s Development. American Psychological Association. Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statements on routines, sleep, and family structure. 🎧 Listen to more episodes at: specialedrising.com Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind Hosted by Mark Ingrassia Because no parent should walk this road alone. https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    12 min

  4. FEB 17

    Interview with Author, Julie M. Green; Motherness and Me: Finding Acceptance in Autism

    🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left BehindIn this episode, Mark sits down with Julie M. Green, author of Motherness, a memoir exploring generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. A 2024 finalist for the CBC Nonfiction Prize, Julie’s writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Globe and Mail, HuffPost, Parents, Chatelaine, CBC, and Today’s Parent, among others. Julie shares her journey as the mother of an autistic son and her own later-in-life autism diagnosis. She reflects on navigating the early 2010s autism landscape, when resources were limited and the pressure on parents to “correct” their children was intense. Together, Mark and Julie explore how the rhetoric around autism has shifted from awareness to acceptance — and why that shift is critical. They discuss the challenges families face within educational systems that often prioritize conformity over inclusion. Julie emphasizes that behavioral struggles are often signs of unmet needs, not defiance, and that meaningful support should focus on improving quality of life rather than enforcing normalization. The conversation also explores masking and its impact on mental health, the complexity of identity within the autistic community, and the importance of representation — including a discussion about the release of the Autistic Barbie and what true inclusion requires beyond symbolic gestures. At its core, this episode is about self-understanding, self-compassion, and rethinking what support should look like for autistic individuals and their families. As Julie shares, she wrote the book she wished she’d had — offering an insider perspective that helps others feel seen and understood. About Julie M. GreenJulie is the author of Motherness, a memoir of generational autism, parenthood, and radical acceptance. In 2024, she was a finalist for the CBC Nonfiction Prize. Her work has been widely published across major media outlets, and she writes The Autistic Mom on Substack. Connect with Julie: Website: https://juliemgreen.caBook: https://juliemgreen.ca/books-1Substack: https://theautisticmom.substack.com/ Key TakeawaysThe rhetoric around autism is shifting from fixing to accepting.Parents have historically carried immense pressure to conform their children to societal norms.Quality of life — not compliance — should guide autism support.Educational systems often prioritize conformity over inclusion.Behavioral challenges are frequently signs of unmet needs.A mindset shift is necessary to interpret autistic behaviors as communication.Radical acceptance embraces the full complexity of neurodiversity.Masking can have serious mental health impacts.Representation matters, but it must be meaningful and nuanced.Personal narratives foster empathy and help others feel understood. Sound Bites“The onus was very much on parents.”“It’s about improving quality of life.”“I wrote the book I wish I’d had.” Suggested TitlesRedefining Autism: From Fixing to AcceptingNavigating Autism: A Journey of Radical AcceptanceThe Parent’s Journey: Rethinking Autism Support Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Background 06:15 – Acceptance vs. Fixing 10:06 – Inclusion, Support, and Educational Systems 27:57 – Masking and Mental Health specialedrising.com https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    48 min

  5. FEB 13

    Stronger Starts at Home: When Parents Grow, Kids Grow

    🎙️ Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left BehindEpisode: Stronger Starts at Home: When Parents Grow, Kids Grow🎧 Episode SummaryParents are constantly asked to measure how their children are doing—academically, behaviorally, socially. But how often are they invited to pause and reflect on themselves? In this episode, host and educator Mark Ingrassia shifts the focus inward. Drawing from years of experience working alongside families, Mark explores how parental self-awareness directly impacts children’s regulation, behavior, and resilience. Because children don’t experience life in isolation—they experience it through the adults who care for them. Through tone. Through stress. Through energy. Through calm. This episode offers practical tools to help parents recognize their strengths, identify growth areas without shame, and build simple mindful habits that reduce burnout and increase connection at home. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy parental self-awareness shapes child behaviorHow stress responses influence family dynamicsThe difference between reacting and respondingHow mindful practices improve emotional regulationWhy strengths-based parenting creates more confidenceHow systems—not guilt—create real changeA simple weekly reflection habit to prevent burnout5 calm-down tools parents can start using immediately 🌿 The 5 Calm-Down Tools Shared in This EpisodeThe 3-Breath Reset – Pause and take three slow breaths before responding.Grounding (5-4-3-2-1 Method) – Use your senses to return to the present moment.The Pause Phrase – Repeat: “Pause. Breathe. Respond.”The 2-Minute Reset – Build short breaks into transitions.Body Release – Relax jaw, shoulders, hands, and tension points. Small habits. Big impact. 💡 Key TakeawaysChildren mirror adult regulation.“Behavior” often starts with adult stress levels.Strengths matter more than perfection.Growth happens through systems—not self-criticism.Self-care is not selfish—it’s strategic.When parents grow, children grow. ✍️ Reflection Questions for ParentsWhen do I feel most calm and connected with my child?What do I naturally do well as a parent?What situations trigger stress for me?What is one small regulation tool I can practice this week?What worked well this week? What needs adjusting? 🛠 Try This This Week✔ Write down 3 parenting strengths ✔ Identify 1 growth area ✔ Choose 1 calm-down tool ✔ Schedule a 10-minute weekly reset Progress over perfection. 💙 Closing ReminderYou don’t need to be perfect. You need support. You need awareness. You need space to grow at your own pace. You matter in this journey. When you grow, your child grows. That’s what No Parent Left Behind is all about. specialedrising.com https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission 📚 Research References Used in This Episode Parental Influence on Child Development & Parent-Child Transactional Processes Describes how children’s development is shaped by dynamic exchanges with parents. Source: A review on parent-child transactional processes in child development outcomes. Quoted idea: “parents affect children and children affect parents.” Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7781063/ Parenting with Self-Awareness Explains how being aware of inner states influences parenting behavior and relationships. Quoted idea: “In our interactions with our children, each of us has the choice to respond in ways that either strengthen or weaken our relationships with them.” Source: Alabama Cooperative Extension System resource on self-awareness in parenting. Link: https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/home-family/parenting-with-self-awareness-he-0952/ Positive Aspects of Parenting Children with Intellectual Disabilities Reports on increased personal strength, confidence, and meaning-focused coping among parents. Quoted idea: “an increased sense of personal strength and confidence” described by parents. Source: PMC article on parental experiences and positive impacts. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5703033/ Parental Reflective Functioning, Self-Efficacy, Psychological Flexibility & Coping Examines how parental reflective functioning links to self-efficacy and proactive coping strategies. Quoted idea: “parental self-efficacy mediated the association between reflective functioning and proactive coping strategies.” Source: ResearchGate article on parents of children with autism. Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389248236_Psychological_Flexibility_Parental_Reflective_Functioning_Parental_Efficacy_and_Coping_in_Parents_of_Children_With_Autism Parental Reflective Functioning and Sensitive Parenting Shows higher parental reflective capacity is associated with better parenting and regulation outcomes in children. Source: Article on reflective functioning in parenting from Mindfulness journal. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-024-02379-6 Parental Self-Efficacy and Children’s Outcomes Discusses the relationship between parental belief in their capabilities and positive child/family outcomes. Source: Frontiers in Psychology article on parental self-efficacy. Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.928629/full

    14 min

  6. FEB 2

    Brains, Bonds, and Balance: The Art of Raising Healthy Kids

    keywordsparenting, child development, neuroscience, self-awareness, communication, stress management, parent engagement, education, emotional regulation, family dynamics summary In this conversation, Lisa A Riegel discusses the challenges parents face in supporting their children, the importance of understanding the biology of stress and perception, and effective communication strategies. She emphasizes the need for self-awareness in both parents and children, the significance of creating a supportive home environment, and the value of allowing children to explore and learn from their experiences. The discussion also touches on the importance of finding joy and self-control in parenting, and the necessity of gratitude in fostering positive relationships. takeaways Parents often feel unprepared and overwhelmed in their roles.Understanding the biology of stress can help parents manage their reactions.Effective communication involves recognizing and naming emotions.Self-awareness is crucial for both parents and children.Creating a supportive home environment fosters children's growth.Allowing children to explore helps them develop resilience.Mindfulness practices can enhance emotional regulation.Gratitude can improve family dynamics and relationships.Parents should model self-care and emotional awareness.Building a strong parent-child connection is essential for development. titles Navigating Parenting ChallengesThe Neuroscience of Parenting Sound Bites "Parents are left behind.""Name my face now.""Gratitude can never go wrong." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background of Lisa A Riegel 01:08Understanding Parental Engagement and Neuroscience 02:58The Impact of Stress on Learning and Behavior 04:42Navigating Teenage Emotions and Communication 08:45Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation 14:16Practical Strategies for Parents and Children 16:10The Role of Self-Awareness in Parenting 20:38Building Family Connections Through Communication 21:41The Importance of Family Dinners 22:55Cultivating Positive Mindsets in Children 23:43Navigating Parenting Challenges 25:21The Pressure of Modern Childhood 26:06Finding Personal Fulfillment 27:39Understanding Happiness and Self-Awareness 29:07Developing Self-Care Routines 31:15Managing Anxiety and Control 32:34Influence of Peers and Social Media 35:11Choosing Happiness and Life Changes 37:04Final Thoughts for Parents and Educators specialedrising.com epinstitute.net lisarego.com. https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    43 min

  7. JAN 26

    Democracy in Danger: Minnesota, Federal Overreach, and the Threat to All of Us (Special Ed Rising: PURGE 47 Edition)

    In this episode of Special Ed Rising: PURGE 47 Edition, host Mark Ingrassia steps away from disability policy to confront a reality that affects every American: the rapid erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarian governance in the United States—most visibly playing out right now in Minnesota. Mark examines the aggressive federal immigration enforcement surge led by DHS, ICE, and Border Patrol, including mass arrests, militarized operations in residential neighborhoods, and multiple fatal encounters involving U.S. citizens. He addresses the killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, the mounting allegations of illegal and inhumane ICE practices, and the constitutional crisis triggered by unchecked executive power. This episode also draws historically grounded parallels to past authoritarian regimes—not as sensationalism, but as a warning. Through legal analysis, scholarly research, and firsthand accounts, Mark explores how democratic erosion happens: through normalization, propaganda, the weakening of oversight, and the weaponization of fear against marginalized communities. This is not a partisan episode. It is a civic one. If you believe in due process, equal protection, and the rule of law, this conversation is not optional. 🧭 What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy Mark is stepping beyond disability policy for this urgent episodeThe federal immigration enforcement surge in MinnesotaMilitarized ICE operations and mass detentionsThe killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex PrettiAllegations of warrantless stops, racial profiling, and suppression of civilian recordingFederal court intervention and constitutional challengesThe concept of the “prerogative state” and authoritarian driftHow language and propaganda are used to dehumanize targeted groupsHistorical warning signs of democratic erosionWhy silence and normalization are the real danger 🧠 Key ThemesFederal overreach and lack of accountabilityDue process and Fourth Amendment erosionState vs. federal power conflictsMilitarization of civilian law enforcementThe human cost of unchecked authorityHistorical parallels to authoritarian systemsCivic responsibility in moments of democratic crisis 📌 Sources ReferencedCBS News — Minneapolis becomes ground zero in immigration crackdownPBS NewsHour — Federal court hearings on Minnesota enforcement surgeBusiness Insider — Labor unions call for ICE to leave MinnesotaACLU — Statements on ICE and CBP deploymentThe Guardian — Constitutional challenges to ICE operationsCenter for American Progress — How democracies erodeBerkeley News — Historians on modern fascism parallelsWikipedia — Dual State (Model)Minneapolis.gov — Legal filings on Operation Metro SurgeWikipedia — Killing of Alex PrettiWikipedia — 2026 Anti-ICE Protests in the United States (Full source list available on specialedrising.com) 📣 Call to ActionIf you’re listening to this and thinking, “Someone should do something,” that someone is you. Share this episode. Call your representatives. Demand accountability. Show up in your community. Silence is complicity—and democracy doesn’t defend itself. 🔗 Links🌐 Website: https://specialedrising.com 📬 Contact Mark: specialedrising@gmail.comhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    21 min

  8. JAN 19

    The Autistic Barbie — Representation, Reality, and What Our Kids Actually Need

    The release of the first autistic Barbie sparked hope, joy, and meaningful conversation. Representation matters—especially for children who rarely see themselves reflected in the world around them. For some families, this doll is a moment of validation. But representation is not the same as support. In this episode, we look beyond the celebration to ask harder questions: Can a single doll represent the full autism spectrum? Who gets included—and who gets left out—when disability is made marketable? And does visibility sometimes make the world more comfortable without changing the systems families depend on? We explore the autistic Barbie’s design, the mixed reactions from autistic adults and parents, and the growing gap between symbolic inclusion and real-world support. From IEP battles and underfunded schools to weakened enforcement of IDEA, parents are often left holding two truths at once: pride in being seen and exhaustion from fighting systems that still don’t work. This episode isn’t about rejecting representation—it’s about demanding more. Because symbols can open the door, but policy, funding, and accountability decide whether our kids get through it. 🧠 Resources & Research from the EpisodeCreating Inclusive Schools for Autistic Students (Scoping Review) – Frontiers in Education https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1630710/full?utm_source=chatgpt.comTeachers’ Perceptions & Strategies for Inclusion – Springer https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-021-05266-4?utm_source=chatgpt.comSchool-Based Interventions for Social Inclusion – Springer https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40489-024-00429-2?utm_source=chatgpt.comImproving Student Attitudes Toward Autistic Peers – PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37615921/?utm_source=chatgpt.comStrategies Supporting Inclusive Education for Autistic Students – PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36382073/?utm_source=chatgpt.comMattel Launches First Autistic Barbie – The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jan/12/mattel-launches-its-first-autistic-barbie?utm_source=chatgpt.comMattel Teams with Autistic Self Advocacy Network – AP News https://apnews.com/article/9c33f493a04c4f52bb8d08026b6f5f53?utm_source=chatgpt.comTeacher Knowledge & Self-Efficacy Toward Inclusion – PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38155371/?utm_source=chatgpt.comChallenges in Mainstream Schools for Inclusion – PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38481460/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Parents, educators, and advocates: This episode is for anyone who wants to see representation and real support for autistic kids. Let’s celebrate the wins without losing sight of the work still ahead. specialedrising.com https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission https://iparent101.com/

    19 min
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This former Special Ed classroom teacher is on his own with a microphone, to share some of the magic he's learned in his 36+ years in the field. Stories, strategies, and a true grasp for what life can be like for parents and caregivers of Disabled children are waiting here! Witnessing, first hand, your challenges in the home has invigorated my desire to share what I know and to be a cheerleader for your lives and the lives of your child using mindfulness as a fulcrum to success. You are not alone and your life matters. Join me as we let go and grow together!

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