<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Expert Ally]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Expert Ally]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/blog-1</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:44:23 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.theexpertally.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[5 School Accommodations That Change Everything]]></title><description><![CDATA[The right accommodations can make a huge difference in autistic students' experiences in school.  These seemingly small adjustments can have a big impact. ]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/5-school-accommodations-that-change-everything</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a96edaf9c8db6195f816574</guid><pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:30:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_ed3a3e07eccc45179b2a1c5667445ee0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Common Statements in IEP Meetings That Should Make Parents Ask More Questions]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are certain statements I hear over and over again when working with families. Some of them sound reassuring. Some sound reasonable. Some are often said with the best intentions. But these are statements that make me nervous because they can discourage parents from asking important questions or advocating for support their child may need. Here are five that I hear all the time. "We are reluctant to label your child so early." There is no downside to identifying a child with a condition...]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/5-common-statements-in-iep-meetings-that-should-make-parents-ask-more-questions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2cc60244c7bef1d02f3fbc</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:48:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_7b05f9fabdf742de969647c1f35fd653~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_386,h_234,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Three IEP Red Flags That Parents Often Miss]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many IEPs contain language that sounds helpful on the surface but presents significant problems in practice. The IEP ends up being like a mirage. You think that your child is getting supported and learning helpful skills in school, but the reality is very different. Three of the most common red flags I see are: Compliance-based goals Generic accommodations that are not tied to the student's actual needs A focus on making the student appear typical rather than helping them access instruction...]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/three-iep-red-flags-that-parents-often-miss</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2c866044c7bef1d02ebe02</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:53:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_4b634ce67e4e41078079a092b017b41c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Psychotherapy for children with neurodevelopmental differences (autism, ADHD, seizures; processing, memory, and communication differences)]]></title><description><![CDATA[ If a child has a neurodevelopmental condition, therapy often needs to be adjusted to the child's profile.  In this blog, I discuss ways to adapt therapy process for children with neurodvelopmental challenges who struggle with anxiety, phobias, or OCD. ]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/psychotherapy-with-in-children-with-neurodevelopmental-differences-autism-adhd-se</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68cb0c96b71c8fd10d9014ae</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 03:07:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_8b99e17111a44f018376dde4116ca881~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Neurodiversity-Affirming autism and ADHD IEP goals: A Practical Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[Introduction: Autistic and ADHD students are frequently misunderstood and consequently mismanaged and mistreated in schools. Their unique neurology is often seen through a deficit lens that prioritizes compliance and  conformity to neurotypical norms. Rather than being understood in the context of their unique strengths and differences, these students are often pressured to perform as if they are neurotypical. This focus on neurotypical behaviors often is reflected in the IEP goals, which...]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/what-are-neurodiversity-affirming-iep-goals-a-practical-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">685054fef7423298d795afbc</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:18:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_ca8570d8157449448ae294f252a309c2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do all autistic children need therapy?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Decisions about therapy vs support, and “what, when, and what for” of therapy need to be weighed with many considerations.]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/do-all-autistic-children-need-therapy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6712dc21c46c26af83e7f9a3</guid><pubDate>Fri, 18 Oct 2024 22:41:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_0c71599fefb64d56ab1d747fcc055221~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Autistic Spectrum, Functioning, and Support Needs.]]></title><description><![CDATA[When a parent or a professional describes an autistic person, they  often use the words "mild" or "severe" autism. Sometimes I hear that...]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/autistic-spectrum-functioning-and-support-needs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">602562c09b7b660017cc0072</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autistic adults]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:10:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_125c6dea64da47759f1ff6de14d9d0ea~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[MELTDOWNS 101, PART 1. ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Often, a response to a meltdown is that the child is acting spoiled. This post offers a more accurate and helpful view. ]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/meltdowns-101-part-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f21b307c7d4200017ce4556</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2020 14:56:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_0246585b0793455facb62c0fd1ffda07~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_319,h_230,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[DANGEROUS AND HARD TO SPOT: DEPRESSION AND AUTISM.]]></title><description><![CDATA[Depression is more common in autistic individuals than it is in neurotypical individuals. It is also harder to diagnose. ]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/dangerous-and-hard-to-spot-depression-and-autism</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f1f3ecfefab0300175bd32e</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autistic adults]]></category><category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:18:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_01ae58c4d2d84cb4a21ee7709d7cbbbc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[TIPS FOR SPEAKING WITH A CHILD ON THE SPECTRUM ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Several easy strategies can make it easier for the child to connect to the people and activities around them. 
]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/tips-for-speaking-with-a-child-on-the-spectrum</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f1ef6904d98bf001704ffff</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2020 17:02:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_952545bf9ab5460686fc99c4d646cc71~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ARE THEY BAD? "RESTRICTED, REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS."]]></title><description><![CDATA[Repetitive and restricted behaviors do not need to be pathologized. They have many useful functions. ]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/are-they-bad-restricted-repetitive-behaviors</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5ecc02acdd4f7c0017920e8a</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autistic adults]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><category><![CDATA[Neurodiverse adults]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2020 18:03:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_755d7760b88947288e5e47798b41ce71~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_640,h_480,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[INTENSE ANXIETY, POOR SELF-REGULATION ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Research shoes that the more anxiety a child is experiencing, the less control they have over their emotional reaction. ]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/more-anxiety-less-regulation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5ec6e04b8d04960017325373</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Research]]></category><category><![CDATA[504]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2020 20:25:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_ea682279ef5840edb7d4c17921924f7a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA["High-Functioning" Autism: Why It Means Nothing]]></title><description><![CDATA[There probably is not a more overused and less useful term in the field of autism than "high-" or "low-functioning." ]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/high-functioning-autism-why-it-means-nothing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5eb98ebc8b0241001744fa00</guid><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[504]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autistic adults]]></category><category><![CDATA[Neurodiverse adults]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2020 18:04:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_345bf92e790e4fe8a55711fc3668b4a5~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Special Ed During School Closure in MA: What Should Your Child Get?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Updated information about services and remote learning for children on IEPs and 504s in MA.]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/special-ed-during-school-closure-in-ma-what-should-your-child-get</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5eb4471cf9d7af00175f5811</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP team meetings]]></category><category><![CDATA[504]]></category><category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category><category><![CDATA[Remote Learning]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2020 17:45:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_889b5eb06d4146658b3243818ef7b2f6~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[HOW SPECIAL INTERESTS CAN HELP YOUR CHILD AND YOU NOW]]></title><description><![CDATA[Now that so many autistic people are confined to their homes, having a special interest is a gift and a coping strategy. ]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/how-special-interests-can-help-your-child-and-you-now</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e88d251aa8c1e001735daf2</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autistic adults]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2020 18:53:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_37c78f2515314af4834e768ee421a9a6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[SURVIVING SCHOOL CLOSURE WITH A CHILD ON THE SPECTRUM, WITH ADHD, ANXIETY, AND RELATED CONDITIONS.]]></title><description><![CDATA[How to manage staying at home with children on the spectrum, with ADHD, anxiety and other related challenges during school closure.]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/surviving-school-closure-with-a-child-on-the-spectrum-with-adhd-anxiety-and-related-conditions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e764cd81ecda00017de9b61</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2020 17:51:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_de7dd25cdfca4203a5ddde8bf3b58ccf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA["BEHAVIORAL ISSUES," "BEHAVIORAL STUDENTS": LOOKING BEYOND BEHAVIORS ]]></title><description><![CDATA["Behavior is communication." But how many times is there a thoughtful discussion about what exactly is being communicated?]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/behavioral-issues-behavioral-students-looking-beyond-behaviors</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e5c0ce0feccb40034f61153</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP team meetings]]></category><category><![CDATA[504]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2020 16:03:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_e74881bc2e044c3c9f62f21a3ba37292~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ADDRESSING ANXIETY IN AUTISM: WHY IT IS CRUCIAL]]></title><description><![CDATA[Almost a half of the individuals with ASD have atypical anxiety symptoms related to the core symptoms of ASD that do not fit DSM-V criteria.]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/recognizing-anxiety-in-autism</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e13cfcd04110a00176b1b7c</guid><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2020 20:05:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_c98583b26ade4b32863ab1b4e2886df9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_925,h_688,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[HEALTH AND SEX EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN ON THE SPECTRUM]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sexual education is a right of each autistic person, All autistic individuals require specialized education in this area.]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/health-and-sex-education-for-children-on-the-spectrum</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e3474f430ddc00017dde270</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Health]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autistic adults]]></category><category><![CDATA[Girls and Women]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2020 04:30:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_73dfc3914cc14841804b1cee41f16fa8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[HELPING AUTISTIC CHILDREN MAKE FRIENDS AND BE LESS LONELY]]></title><description><![CDATA[Friendship is a rough measure of  social skills, well-being, sense of belonging, feeling happy in school, being part of community and family]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/helping-autistic-children-make-friends-and-be-less-lonely</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5dfa5df0d7b7ce0017eb8fbb</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[Health]]></category><category><![CDATA[Family]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2020 14:29:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_d5c61fdc32c44c9780a48d9ac55b0a6f~mv2_d_5168_3448_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Yulika Forman</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>