Guest: Solo episode with Flor De Amelia, Special Needs Mom, Advocate, and Host of Starting With IEPIEPs don’t only determine services, minutes, or goals. They influence the way our children connect with the world, the opportunities they can access, and the friendships that either form or never get the chance to grow. In this solo episode, I talk about something we rarely discuss in IEP meetings but feel deeply as parents: the social side of our children’s lives.I share the painful moments when doors were closed to my daughter, the long drives, the hours spent waiting in parking lots, and the resilience that comes from wanting your child to simply belong. I talk about the youth who inspired these social groups, the loss that shook our community, and the mission it sparked to create safe, joyful spaces where kids can be themselves.You’ll hear why interest-based groups matter so much, why some kids come alive the moment they talk about what they love, and how these natural environments reveal strengths schools often miss. I explain how parents can use these experiences to strengthen IEP goals, advocate with more clarity, and understand their child’s social needs beyond academics.This episode is honest and rooted in real experiences from my own home and the families I support. If you have ever felt the weight of trying to find the “right” program, or wondered whether your child will ever find their people, I hope this conversation brings comfort and connection.💡 In this episode: How social groups help kids practice real IEP social goals in natural environmentsWhy shared interests spark friendships that feel meaningful and safeThe heartbreaking moment that inspired Flor to build more inclusive groupsHow parents can use community settings to gather their own baseline dataWhy schools may not see the challenges that appear at homeWhat to ask when discipline becomes overwhelming or traumaticHow interest-based friendships help kids feel seen, understood, and valuedWhy community support matters for both kids and parents on the IEP journeyThe role volunteers and peer buddies play in creating true inclusionHow to find social groups in your county, even when options feel limitedIf you are a parent searching for connection, belonging, and hope, this episode is here to remind you that you are not alone. Our kids deserve places where they can grow socially, emotionally, and confidently, and together we can build the communities they have been waiting for.🎧 Listen and discover how understanding executive functioning can transform your child’s growth, and your family’s peace of mind.Episode 15 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia📲 Let’s Connect!Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/Website: https://www.flordeamelia.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iepFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEPInstagram:...

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