<?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, 12 Mar 2026 22:50:57 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.theexpertally.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><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 ASSESSMENTS and ADHD ASSESSMENTS:WHAT'S DIFFERENT? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Getting an autism or ADHD assessment can be a deeply emotional and even life-changing experience. I can lead to insight, clarity, validation, and access to accommodations.  But in many cases, the assessments can also be based on outdated, deficit-based models of these conditions. The assessment process can feel confusing, inadequate, invalidating, and even traumatizing. Neurodiversity-affirming assessments change that. ]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/neurodiversity-affirming-autism-assessments-and-adhd-assessments-what-s-the-difference</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686fdd3b7183254306baec09</guid><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autistic adults]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:19:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_727e97db98444e2aae4b8e61900d5c0a~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...]]></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[HELPING CHILDREN ON THE SPECTRUM LEARN TO WEAR PPE (FACE MASKS, GLOVES)]]></title><description><![CDATA[For children on the autism spectrum, it might take a long time to become  comfortable with masks and gloves. Here are some tips to help them]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/helping-children-on-the-spectrum-learn-to-wear-ppe-face-masks-gloves</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5f074d37167d3700189b9e8f</guid><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2020 17:47:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_a33c24113d7b49b9b735fa6c4eb7975c~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[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[Surviving "isolation fatigue" as a neurodiverse individual]]></title><description><![CDATA[Most of us have been staying home for weeks. As a neurodiverse individual, what can you do about the fatigue that is starting to set in?]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/surviving-isolation-fatigue-as-a-neurodiverse-individual</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5eadef5f1bb5fb01098acb64</guid><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autistic adults]]></category><category><![CDATA[Girls and Women]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category><category><![CDATA[Neurodiverse adults]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2020 17:02:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_470867781cc84f539d6f496a6a90e4c4~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[Help! My child with special needs can't learn online!]]></title><description><![CDATA[I hear from many families that their children have trouble with online lessons.  What can we do to help?]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/help-my-child-with-special-needs-can-t-learn-online</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5ea9dfe7278d810017d7b486</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[504]]></category><category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category><category><![CDATA[Online Learning]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2020 20:24:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_8d831806b35b41efb31eaa2d61120182~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_701,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[Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Outbreak]]></title><description><![CDATA[School closures affect all children, but children with disabilities are at risk of regressing without the services they are entitled to.]]></description><link>https://www.theexpertally.com/post/children-with-disabilities-during-covid-19-outbreak</link><guid isPermaLink="false">5e6c55e449d9a30017a4e832</guid><category><![CDATA[Special Needs Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Autism]]></category><category><![CDATA[Special Education]]></category><category><![CDATA[IEP]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2020 04:18:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/65b071_2bbb378eed754095bfed4cf7305dab65~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></channel></rss>