In the second of two episodes, Colleen speaks with Dr. Daniella Boyd— creator of the account @autism.conmigo that blends the professional with the personal while thoughtfully documenting her family’s experiences with homeschooling, community integration with sound advice for parenting Autistic children and advocacy for all marginalized peoples. Dr. Daniella brings a rare and powerful perspective. As a former public school teacher and instructional coach, she has spent over a decade supporting multilingual learners, disabled students, and teachers. She holds a master’s degree from Harvard and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida. She is also a DIR Floortime® certified practitioner, a board member of the New Schools Venture Fund for Learning Differences, working to fund innovations in learning differences, and a parent to two autistic children. As a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHDer herself and the daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants, Dr. Daniella can speak to many aspects of her identity and shares how its intersections shape the way she parents, advocates, and reimagines education. This conversation challenges traditional systems while offering grounded, practical ways families can advocate for more inclusive, affirming, and responsive learning environments. Throughout these episodes, Colleen and Dr. Daniella discuss what led her to homeschool, how she blends frameworks like DIR Floortime, Montessori, and Universal Design for Learning. Dr. Daniella also offers clear, actionable insight into navigating the IEP process, advocating for meaningful accommodations, and building systems that center connection, regulation, and authentic learning. This episode is both validating and activating—for parents, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand how to support neurodivergent learners in ways that honor their humanity. Key Takeaways: Daniella’s journey from educator to parent advocate, and her late diagnosis as Autistic and ADHDer Why the principles of DIR Floortime can work for anyone in any setting The role of community, cultural identity, and allyship in advocacy and how non-parents can advocate for inclusive, equitable education spaces Inclusion is not just placement—it requires thoughtful design, flexibility, and responsiveness to each child. Parents are essential members of the IEP team and have the right to ask detailed, clarifying questions. Rigid systems often fail neurodivergent learners; connection, regulation, and relationship must come first. Homeschooling can be a powerful option, but it also reflects gaps in traditional school systems that need to be addressed. Advocacy is both personal and systemic—real change requires both. Connect with Dr. Daniella Boyd: On instagram: instagram.com/autism.conmigo Her website: https://allplayisok.com/ Connect with Colleen Ashford: On instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadvocate.slp/ Her website: www.theadvocateslp.com TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-advocate-
