Speaker Series
This series is designed for parents and caregivers, offering valuable information, research, and tools to support your child’s growth and development.
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Our speakers are experts in their fields, eager to share insights, practical strategies, and resources that you can apply in everyday life. At The Helix School, we believe education is a collaborative effort, and this series strengthens our partnership with you as we work together to nurture your child’s potential.
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We’re excited to learn and grow with you!
October 9th, 2024: 9-10 AM PST
SELF DETERMINATION
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Join Juliet Esperanza Sousa, M.S.W., Self-Determination Program Supervisor at the Golden Gate Regional Center, for an in-depth introduction to the Self-Determination Program, including how it works and the enrollment process. Juliet brings a wealth of experience, having been with GGRC since 1985 and involved with the Self-Determination Program since its inception in 2019. Her personal connection to the program, as a sibling of a sister with autism, adds a unique and compassionate perspective.
She will be accompanied by Dorianne Tanaka, Helix's Director of Adult Education, who will share her insights both as a parent and as a leader in developing adult services at the Helix School. Together, they will offer a comprehensive view of the program, addressing its impact on individuals with disabilities and their families, and how it can be a valuable resource for those transitioning to adulthood. This session is an excellent opportunity to gain practical knowledge and firsthand perspectives from two experts deeply committed to supporting the neurodivergent community.
November 6th, 2024: 9-10 AM PST
LET'S TALK ABOUT MEDS
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Dr. Timme will guide us through what to expect from a child psychiatrist evaluation, highlighting how it differs from other assessments, such as neuropsychological evaluations. She will address general questions about medication management for children and adolescents and offer insights into how a child psychiatrist's evaluation can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a child's mental health, encompassing both emotional and behavioral aspects. Additionally, Dr. Timme will explain the collaborative process between psychiatrists, families, and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to the child's care, and she will discuss considerations related to the long-term impact of medication on a child's development.
December 11th, 2024: 9-10 AM PST
CONSERVATORSHIP AND SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS
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Join Mercy for an insightful discussion on Conservatorships and Special Needs Trusts. This session will explore the complexities of conservatorships, offering clarity on the various types, their legal requirements, and the decision-making process involved. The conversation will also cover Special Needs Trusts, an essential financial tool designed to secure the long-term well-being of individuals with disabilities.
January 8th, 2025: 9-10 AM PST
FROM HEAD TO HEART: A STRENGTHS BASED APPROACH TO BUILDING
DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS WITH NEURODIVERGENT CHILDREN
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Join neuro-affirming care advocate and coach Andrew Shahan as he explores how the current pathology or disease model of autism powerfully impacts the way we view ourselves and our neurodivergent children. We will closely examine how this plays out during everyday interactions and identify what we can do to build greater trust, connection and ease with our children.
Andrew has spent the last 35 years working with autistic and developmentally disabled children and their families in early intervention programs, healthcare organizations and schools. He holds a BA in psychology, a master’s degree in early childhood special education and has deep training and experience in innovative developmental and relationship-based approaches. He truly believes in the innate ability of parents and professionals to naturally connect with and support autistic and neurodivergent children. Andrew provides neurodiversity-affirming training, coaching and consultation to families, providers and organizations.
February 12th, 2025: 9-10 AM PST
DECLARATIVE LANGUAGE HANDBOOK: USING A THOUGHTFUL LANGUAGE STYLE TO HELP KIDS WITH SOCIAL LEARNING CHALLENGES FEEL COMPETENT, CONNECTED, AND UNDERSTOOD.
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Linda Murphy MS, CCC-SLP is a speech language pathologist and RDI® Consultant. She founded Peer Projects, a clinic in Beverly, MA dedicated to helping kids and families by using a positive, thoughtful communication style that emphasizes understanding, patience, respect, and kindness. Linda has been working with individuals with social learning differences for over 30 years. She leads trainings on the topic of supporting communication and learning across social learning styles, and authored Declarative Language Handbook and Co-Regulation Handbook. She is a Certified Early Intervention Specialist, trained in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA)/Gestalt Language Processing, and holds Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates in Training from PDA North America. Linda lives north of Boston with her husband and their two busy lovable boys, who are now entering their teenage years.
