{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Empowering Autism Parenting: Transforming Challenges into Triumphs with Andrea Pollack","description":"Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on&amp;nbsp;SpecialEd.fm. Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Andrea Pollack Founder, Autism Parent Solutions Andrea Pollack is a former litigator turned educator and parenting coach. After homeschooling her autistic son for eight years due to a lack of suitable educational settings, Andrea earned a master\u2019s degree in education and founded Autism Parent Solutions. Her mission is to empower parents of autistic children with the tools and strategies needed to foster success at home, in school, and beyond. She is also the chairman of the board of The Cook School and Institute in New York City, where she contributes to advancements in special education. &amp;nbsp;  &amp;nbsp; Episode Summary In this episode, Dana speaks with Andrea Pollack about the challenges and strategies for parenting autistic children. Drawing on her personal experiences and professional expertise, Andrea shares insights into:   The importance of understanding the root causes of behaviors rather than reacting to them.   How Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can address more than academic needs, focusing on behavioral and social-emotional growth.   The transformative power of mindset shifts for parents and why it's essential to recognize behaviors as communication.   The role of positive reinforcement, the dangers of discipline-driven strategies, and the importance of meeting children where they are.   Strategies for building parenting confidence and maintaining self-regulation during challenging moments.   Listeners will walk away with practical advice on how to advocate for their children\u2019s needs in school, embrace positive parenting techniques, and find community support. &amp;nbsp;  &amp;nbsp; Resources Mentioned   Autism Parent Solutions:  Website   Andrea\u2019s Monthly Parenting Workshops and Facebook Group: Details are provided on her website.   Special Education Rights: Visit  Wrightslaw for reliable information.   &amp;nbsp;  &amp;nbsp; Engagement and Sharing Share the Episode with a Friend Know a parent or caregiver who could benefit from this episode? Share the link to help them on their parenting journey. Leave a Review Enjoyed the conversation? Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show. Follow the Guest on Social Media   Andrea Pollack on Facebook:  Join the Group    LinkedIn |  Website |  YouTube   Stay updated with Dana\u2019s social media work and through&amp;nbsp;Special Ed on Special Ed&amp;nbsp;for more insightful discussions.&amp;nbsp;Facebook&amp;nbsp;|&amp;nbsp;Instagram&amp;nbsp;|&amp;nbsp;LinkedIn&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;  &amp;nbsp; Other Episodes to Check Out    Maximizing Independence for Students with Autism: A conversation with Julie Swanson, The Life Skills Lady   For more episodes, visit&amp;nbsp;SpecialEd.fm. &amp;nbsp;  &amp;nbsp; Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on&amp;nbsp;SpecialEd.fm. ","author_name":"Special Ed on Special Ed","author_url":"https:\/\/specialed.fm","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/34316210\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/182027110"}