Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind

Mark Ingrassia
  • 4.5 (10)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

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. May 25

    Humor As a Management Tool: Using Playfulness to Reduce Stress and Build Real Regulation”

    📝 Show NotesIn this episode, Mark explores a powerful but often overlooked strategy in parenting and education: humor. Drawing from personal experience in the classroom, he shares how humor helped him connect with a highly anxious, routine-driven student—and why that moment still stands out today. But this isn’t about being funny for the sake of it. This episode reframes humor as something much deeper: a co-regulation tool that helps children feel safe, lower stress, and regain access to the skills we expect from them. 🔹 What You’ll LearnWhy many “defiant” behaviors are actually signs of nervous system overloadHow stress shifts kids from thinking mode into survival mode (fight, flight, freeze, shutdown)Why logic, consequences, and demands often fail during dysregulationThe key mindset shift: 👉 From “How do I stop this behavior?” 👉 To “What does this child need to feel safe enough to do better?” 🔹 Humor as a Regulation ToolMark breaks down why humor works—not as behavior control, but as a way to: Lower threatCreate emotional safetySupport co-regulationStrengthen connection And most importantly: Humor helps kids get back to a state where they can succeed.🔹 Neurodivergent InsightsThis episode dives into how humor works differently across children: Autism → Humor works best when it’s predictable, structured, and familiarADHD → Humor increases engagement, motivation, and emotional buy-inPDA → Reduces perceived threat of demandsTrauma / Emotional Disabilities → Helps lower a heightened baseline of stress 🔹 What Works (and What Doesn’t)Effective humor: Recurring jokes and routinesCharacter voicesPlayful exaggerationInside jokesVisual or object-based humor Less effective (or harmful): SarcasmTeasing“Just kidding” humorHumor during meltdown 🔹 Timing MattersOne of the biggest takeaways: Humor works early (during resistance or rising stress)Humor often fails during full meltdown In those moments, the goal shifts from: ❌ behavior management to ✅ safety and regulation 🔹 The Parenting Skill That Changes EverythingMark introduces a simple but powerful lens: 👉 “Is this a can’t… or a won’t?” Can’t → Regulate firstWon’t → Teach and hold expectations If a child is losing control, help them regain it. If they have control, help them use it.🔹 Practical Ways to StartTurn routines into playful “bits” (“Emergency sock protocol!”)Use character voices (robot, announcer)Offer playful choices (“walk or hop?”)Use exaggeration to break tensionCreate inside jokesMatch and guide your child’s energyUse humor during transitions (“Mission mode: 2 minutes!”) 🔹 Addressing the PushbackDoes this lower expectations? No—it actually raises them. Because you’re not just asking kids to behave… you’re helping them build the ability to do it. 🔹 Final TakeawayWhen you shift from controlling behavior to understanding what’s underneath it, everything changes. You move from: power struggles toconnection and guidance And over time, you’ll see: less escalationmore cooperationand a child who feels safer, more understood, and more capable Because when kids feel safe and supported… they don’t just behave better—they do better.📚 Resources MentionedPlayful Parenting – Lawrence J. CohenThe Explosive Child – Ross W. GreeneResearch on humor and autism – Mirella Manfredi https://specialedrising.com/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    21 min

  2. May 18

    Derek Smith, Attorney; Workplace Reality Check: Disability Employment Discrimination, and What to Do Next

    This episode features an employment lawyer discussing disability rights, workplace discrimination, reasonable accommodations, and legal protections for parents and individuals with disabilities. Gain insights into navigating legal challenges and advocating for rights in the workplace. keywords: disability rights, workplace discrimination, reasonable accommodations, FMLA, ADA, employment law, disability advocacy, legal protections, parent rights, disability discrimination cases key topics Disability discrimination in the workplaceLegal protections under ADA and FMLAReasonable accommodations and employer obligationsParent involvement in adult disability casesRetaliation and harassment protections takeaways Disability rights laws like ADA and FMLA provide strong protections but are often not fully enforced.Employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations unless it causes undue hardship.Parents of adult children with disabilities have rights to advocate and seek workplace protections.Retaliation is the most common complaint in disability discrimination cases.Using AI and proper documentation can strengthen legal cases. guest nameDerek Smith titles Understanding Disability Rights in the Workplace: Legal InsightsHow to Fight Discrimination and Secure Accommodations at Work Sound Bites "Disability discrimination is still rampant.""Harassment can include hostile work environments.""You have rights, and you should act on them." Chapters 00:00Supporting Parents in Their Journey 00:00Navigating Family and Medical Leave Act 19:02The Role of AI in Legal Research 21:17Challenges for Caregivers in the Workplace 25:23Advocacy for Parents of Disabled Adults 29:03Difficult Cases in Disability Discrimination 33:21Affordability of Legal Services ResourcesAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Guest linksDerek Smith Website: https://discriminationandsexualharassmentlawyers.com/new-york-city/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-smith-b1192a111/Email: derek@dereksmithlaw.com https://specialedrising.com/ Ray's Respite Care Donation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    40 min

  3. May 11

    Lisa Richer: Clarity. Confidence. Courage. The Neurodivergent Success Formula

    In this engaging interview, Lisa Richer shares her inspiring journey as a neurodiversity consultant, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, self-acceptance, and proactive communication in supporting children with neurodivergent needs. Discover practical strategies for parents and educators to build effective partnerships and advocate for their children's success. keywordsneurodiversity, parent advocacy, education system, collaboration, self-acceptance, IEP, school communication, neurodivergent children, special education, emotional intelligence key topics Building effective parent-school relationshipsThe importance of self-acceptance and neurodiversityStrategies for advocating within the education systemThe role of emotional intelligence and empathy in collaborationNavigating challenges and building resilience in supporting neurodiverse children guest nameLisa Richer titles Building Bridges: How Parents and Educators Can Collaborate for Neurodivergent KidsThe Power of Self-Acceptance in Supporting Neurodiverse Children Sound Bites "My journey started with my first son.""Don't get angry, get curious.""Diagnoses inform, they don't define." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Technical Setup 00:00The Journey Begins: Lisa's Background 00:00Understanding Neurodiversity and Parenting 01:07Navigating the Education System 04:06Building Relationships with Educators 06:48The Importance of Early Intervention 09:41Empowering Parents Through Knowledge 12:24The Role of Advocacy in Education 15:02Collaboration with Schools 18:03Trusting Your Instincts as a Parent 20:57Trusting Your Parental Instincts 22:49Navigating School Systems and Communication 25:25Building Relationships with Educators 29:18Empowering Parents to Advocate 32:23The Balance of Professional Relationships 38:19Acceptance and Understanding of Neurodiversity 44:17Challenges in the Education System 50:25The Importance of Parental Participation in Meetings Guest linksInstagram - Journey to BloomWebsite: https://journey2bloom.com/Instagram: Lisa RicherEmail: lisa@journey2bloom.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaricher/ specialedrising.com https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    56 min

  4. May 5

    “SSI Under Threat: How Policy Shifts Could Reshape Your Child’s Future”

    In this episode of Special Ed Rising: PURGE 47 Edition, Mark Ingrassia breaks down proposed federal changes to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that could significantly impact disabled adults—especially those living with their families. These aren’t minor adjustments. The administration is considering rule changes that could reduce or eliminate benefits for up to 400,000 individuals, shifting the financial burden directly onto families already navigating complex systems. Drawing on nearly four decades in special education and real-world family experiences, Mark unpacks what’s changing, what it means, and why it matters. 🔍 What You’ll LearnHow proposed SSI changes target disabled adults living at homeWhy family-provided housing may now be treated as incomeHow SNAP (food assistance) changes could make accessing SSI more difficultThe concept of “administrative burden”—and how complexity limits access to benefitsWhat the system looked like before—and how these changes shift us backwardThe real-life consequences for families, including financial instability and difficult choicesWhy these policies could threaten independent living and increase reliance on institutional care ⚠️ Key TakeawayThis isn’t just about policy—it’s about predictability, stability, and whether families can plan for the future. As systems become more complex, access shrinks—even when eligibility doesn’t change. Or as Mark puts it: “A benefit you can’t access is not a benefit.” 🧠 Referenced InsightMark references reporting from ProPublica and an article by David M. Perry highlighting how even experts struggle to understand what these changes mean for their own families—underscoring the growing uncertainty. 🗣️ Call to ActionStay informed—even when it’s overwhelmingConnect with advocacy groups and other familiesAsk long-term questions about your child’s futureShare this episode with someone who needs clarity Because the more we understand and speak up, the stronger our advocacy becomes. 🎧 Final ThoughtFamilies are not trying to take advantage of the system—they are trying to build stable, meaningful lives for their children. And this isn’t just policy. This is your child’s future. specialedrising.com

    16 min

  5. Apr 28

    Bev Johns on Behavior, Emotional Regulation, and Advocacy in Special Education

    This interview explores the challenges and strategies in special education, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual needs, emotional regulation, and advocacy for teachers and parents. Bev Johns shares her extensive experience working with children with behavioral and emotional challenges, offering practical insights for educators and caregivers. keywordsspecial education, emotional regulation, advocacy, behavior management, teaching strategies, parent support, teacher burnout, trauma-informed education key topics Behavior as CommunicationEmotional Regulation TechniquesAdvocacy for Teachers and Parents guest nameBev Johns titles The Power of Individualized Education: Strategies for SuccessEmotional Regulation and Behavior Management in Schools Sound Bites "Behavior is a form of communication.""Recognize and reinforce good behavior.""Children need to learn self-regulation early." Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background of Mark 00:43Bev Johns and the Learning Disabilities Association 03:26Challenges in Education and Advocacy for Parents 06:04Bev's Journey in Education and Early Experiences 08:47The Importance of Listening and Support in Education 11:38Teacher Demoralization and Systemic Issues 14:36Behavior as Communication and Emotional Regulation 17:17The Role of Arts in Education and Expression 20:00Conclusion and Final Thoughts 28:47Meeting Children's Needs 32:09Understanding Behavioral Challenges 36:41Effective Behavior Management Strategies 40:23Mindfulness and Self-Regulation 43:50Dealing with Meltdowns 46:25Transitioning and Preparing for Change 50:43Building Consistency in Education 53:56Empowering Children to Communicate Needs ResourcesLearning Disabilities Association of IllinoisMindfulness in Schools ProjectDe-escalation Strategies for Teachers (Book) Guest linksWebsite: https://bevjohns.org/LinkedIn: Beverly JohnsFacebook: Beverly Johns https://specialedrising.com/ Ray''s Respite Care GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    1h 1m

  6. Apr 20

    The Reality Gap: Disability, Race, and Who Gets Left Behind”

    🧠 Episode OverviewThis week’s episode takes a deeper look at what advocacy really means when families are navigating both disability and systemic bias. While a scheduled guest appearance was postponed, the conversation opened the door to something that demands attention now—how race, language, and systemic inequities shape special education experiences for families. Through real-world examples and research-backed insights, this episode breaks down how bias shows up in evaluation, diagnosis, and support—and why advocacy for many families becomes a constant fight for both services and basic understanding. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredWhat advocacy actually looks like inside IEP meetingsHow bias influences evaluation, diagnosis, and placement decisionsDisparities affecting Black students in special educationBarriers faced by Latino families with limited English proficiencyThe gap between awareness and meaningful systemic changeWhy parents are often forced into reactive advocacyWhat Black families are doing right—and what systems are missingAction steps for building equitable, culturally responsive systems 💬 Key TakeawaysAdvocacy is not just paperwork—it’s standing your ground in systems that may already be misreading your child.Bias in interpretation—not just policy—drives inequitable outcomes.Awareness alone is not enough; systems must be redesigned with families, not for them.Parents are often expected to operate at a high level without being given the training or support to do so.True equity requires shifting responsibility from families to systems. 📊 Research & SourcesDrexel University Autism InstituteKey insight: Structural racism impacts evaluation, diagnosis, and support for Black childrenMDPIGibson, L., Keyes, S., & Cartledge, G. (2026)Black Students in Special Education: A Historical and Current Account Toward ChangeFindings:Disproportionate identification in subjective disability categoriesHigher likelihood of restrictive placementsUnequal access to quality instruction and resourcesContinued disparities despite Individuals with Disabilities Education ActSPARK for Autism ResearchFinding: ~28% of Black parents report race impacted their child’s diagnostic experienceOrganization for Autism ResearchInsight: Strength-based, identity-affirming approaches improve outcomes for Black autistic youthAdditional supporting literature referenced in discussion:Black parental involvement in special education is critical but under-supportedSystemic barriers limit parent advocacy effectivenessDisparities in access to experienced teachers, rigorous curriculum, and inclusive settings 🎯 Call to ActionIf this episode resonated with you: Share it with another parent or educatorStart a conversation in your school or communityAsk: Are we partnering with families—or expecting them to figure it out alone? 🌱 Resources & LinksFollow: @specialedrisingWebsite: specialedrising.comEmail: specialedrising@gmail.com 💙 Support Ray’s Respite Care A space designed to provide relief and joy for families navigating special needs. (Link available in episode description) 🎧 Closing MessageTake one small step this week. You’re doing better than you think. And remember—no parent gets left behind. Specialedrising.com https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-missio=

    18 min

  7. Apr 13

    It’s Worth the Climb: Ty Gipson on Resilience, Mindset, and Defying the Odds

    primary goalInspiration and resilience building summary Ty Gipson shares his extraordinary journey through health challenges, including multiple organ transplants and living with type 1 diabetes. His story highlights the power of mindset, small positive steps, and the 'no options' philosophy to overcome adversity and inspire others. keywords resilience, mindset, health challenges, organ transplants, diabetes, positivity, motivation, no options philosophy key topics Resilience through health challengesThe 'no options' philosophy in adversityThe importance of mindset and small stepsThe role of gratitude and humor in overcoming difficulties takeaways Small daily growth can lead to profound life changesSharing your story can inspire and help othersThe mind is a muscle that can be trained for positivityCelebrating small wins encourages continued progress guest nameTy Gipson key frameworksNo Options Philosophy action items Identify one small positive step to take todayPractice daily visualization of your goalsCelebrate small wins to build momentumShare your story to inspire others titles From Diabetes to Donor: Ty Gipson’s Journey of ResilienceThe No Options Mindset: Turning Adversity into Opportunity Sound Bites "Life is short and precious""Grow a little each day""It's worth the climb" Chapters 00:00Introduction and Technical Difficulties 00:00The Importance of Sharing Stories 00:45Ty's Journey and Adversity 01:04Transforming Adversity into Positivity 02:43Mindset Shifts Through Challenges 04:25Addressing Different Abilities and Growth 06:59Tools for Self-Discovery and Mindful Parenting 08:43Three-Step Process for Overcoming Adversity 11:48The Power of Positive Thinking 14:14Finding Humor in Difficult Times 15:25Ty's Health Journey and Organ Transplants 20:52Facing the Unknown: A Life-Changing Decision 23:30The Journey of Recovery: From Darkness to Light 24:44Gratitude and New Beginnings: The Impact of Organ Donation 26:12Resilience Through Adversity: The No Options Mindset 31:45Finding Balance: The Importance of Rest and Self-Care 37:05Teaching Resilience: Celebrating Small Wins 39:44Sharing Your Story: The Power of Connection Resourcestygipson.comNo Options with Ty GipsonTexas Children's HospitalShakti Gawain's Visualization Book Guest linksWebsite: https://tygipson.com/Podcast: No Options w/ Ty Gipson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-options-with-ty-gipson/id1827303025 Host link: specialedrising.com Go Fund Me - Ray's Respite Care: https://www.gofundme.com/f/join-rays-respite-care-mission

    45 min

  8. Apr 6

    How You Show Up Matters: A Message to Dads

    In this powerful and personal episode, Mark speaks directly to dads—through the lens of his own relationship with his father—to explore how the way we show up for our children shapes their identity, their confidence, and ultimately their life path. Reflecting on the complexities of growing up with a father whose moods and expectations left a lasting impact, Mark shares an honest message: your child is not a finished product. They are learning, developing, and looking to you as their model. This episode challenges dads to rethink how they interpret behavior and respond in the moment. What if your child isn’t being defiant—but struggling? What if the issue isn’t the behavior itself, but the story you’re telling about it? Mark breaks down how shifting from reaction to intentional response can transform your relationship with your child—and prevent the kind of lasting emotional scars many carry into adulthood. You’ll also hear practical strategies for making this shift, even if it doesn’t come naturally: How to reframe your child’s behavior as communicationThe power of the pause in high-stress momentsWhy separating behavior from identity mattersHow curiosity can replace correctionThe importance of pre-deciding your responsesWhy doing your own internal work is essential For fathers of children with special needs, this message becomes even more critical. Behavior is often communication, and your ability to stay regulated can help your child find their way back from overwhelm. Mark also addresses a topic that often goes unspoken—the imbalance in parenting load. In many households, especially those raising children with additional needs, one parent (often the mother) carries the majority of the mental and emotional weight. This episode challenges dads to step out of the role of “helper” and into true co-ownership—sharing responsibility, learning their child deeply, and being present not just physically, but emotionally. Because this isn’t just about parenting—it’s about partnership, leadership, and legacy. Key Takeaways: Your child is a learner, not a learned personBehavior is often communication, not defianceYour reaction is shaped by your own experiences and triggersA pause can change everythingConnection fuels cooperationYou don’t have to do this alone—but you do have to take ownershipSupporting your partner is part of supporting your child At the heart of it all is one message: Your child may not remember every mistake they made—but they will remember how you responded to them when it mattered most. Connect with Mark: Website: specialedrising.comPodcast: Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind!Email: specialedrising@gmail.comSocial: @specialedrising If this episode resonated with you, share it with another dad who needs to hear it.

    22 min
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About

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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