IndividualMatters

What is neurodiversity? What are the unique gifts of, and challenges faced by, neurodiverse individuals? How are these strengths identified and leveraged? And what neurodiversity resources and connections are available in Colorado? Lea Anne Paskvalich, founder and CEO of Next Steps Consulting, joints the podcast to share key perspectives, as well as tips and strategies, based on her two decades of experience working with neurodiverse individuals and their families. She outlines specific, practical steps you can take now to better understand and support neurodiversity in yourself, or those you know or work with. Lea Anne is the visionary behind the Neurodiversity Resource Fairs, one of which will take place in Grand Junction on August 10, 2024. These are FREE in-person community events dedicated to neurodiversity and which provides resources and support for individuals of all ages who have autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and more. Learn more: https://www.nextstepsresourcefair.com/ Connect with Lea Anne Next Steps Consulting, LLC https://www.nextstepsconsult.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextstepsneurodiversity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextstepsneurodiversity/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-anne-paskvalich-85268b59/ Neurodiversity Resource Fairs: https://www.nextstepsresourcefair.com/ Resources mentioned by Lea Anne: Autism Society of Colorado https://www.autismcolorado.org/ Parent to Parent of Colorado https://www.abilityconnectioncolorado.org/ PEAK Parent Center https://www.peakparent.org/ Family Voices Colorado https://www.familyvoicesco.org/ Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations for children. Website: https://individualmatters.org YouTube: https://youtube.com/individualmatters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/ Newsletter: https://individualmatters.org/newsletter-sign-up/

Eric Gil of Strong Branch Learning describes an important resource available to Colorado K-12 students, Parents Challenge is a nonprofit organization that disrupts the legacy of educational failure by empowering parents of K-12 students with scholarships, information, training, mentoring, tools, and other resources so they can choose the education they think is best for their children. Learn more about Parents Challenge: https://parentschallenge.org/ Learn more about Eric Gil , CEO, “nerd,” and founder of Strong Branch Learning, a tutoring and test prep company in Grand Junction. https://strongbranchlearning.com/ (970) 623-6517 Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations for children. Website: https://individualmatters.org YouTube: https://youtube.com/individualmatters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/DiscoverActGrow Newsletter: https://individualmatters.org/newsletter-sign-up/

The autonomic nervous system, why we get stuck in “fight or flight” mode, and easy-to-do exercises for calming your mind and body. Dr. Andrea Jordheim is a practicing upper cervical specialist and certified functional medicine practitioner who strives to identify the cause of her patient’s disease/condition by uncovering any underlying biochemical and physiological dysfunction. She honors each patient’s unique circumstances and endeavors to restore optimal physiological function and wellbeing. Reach her at Transformation Wellness Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. https://mytransformationwellness.com/ For more about the Xen all-in-one wellness technology discussed by Dr. Jordheim, visit https://neuvanalife.com/ and use code "transform." Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author. Website: https://individualmatters.org YouTube: https://youtube.com/individualmatters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/ Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/discoverActGrow Newsletter: https://individualmatters.org/newsletter-sign-up/

Whether you're a parent, teacher, clinician, or medical provider, this episode is for you –especially if you know of or work with children who have (or might have) a developmental disability. Sabrina Bussard (Respite Essentials, LLC) talks about Colorado's Child Extensive Support (CES) waiver, criteria for eligibility, how to apply, the eligibility determination process, and what specific supports and services are available through the waiver. As you’re about to hear, the application process is long and rather complex. But a key takeaway is that Respite Essentials helps Western Colorado families with navigating the application process. Respite Essentials, LLC, is a small, family-owned company in Grand Junction, Colorado, that provides support services for caregivers of children who are on the CES, including homemaker services and respite care for parents, as well as community-based experiences for children. You can reach her at (970) 822-9693 or visit the Respite Essentials website (https://respiteessentials.my.canva.site/) for more information and resources. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author. Website: https://individualmatters.org YouTube: https://youtube.com/individualmatters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/ Newsletter: https://individualmatters.org/newsletter-sign-up/

What does ADHD look like in the classroom? What strategies and mindsets are most important for working with students with ADHD? What should parents keep in mind at home? Josh Guddat is a middle school teacher with twenty years’ experience in the classroom. He and his wife own and operate Essentials in Learning, a tutoring and ADHD coaching business in Grand Junction, Colorado. Learn more about their services here: https://www.essentialsinlearning.com/ Next month, Essentials in Learning and Individual Matters will team up to deliver the 2024 Learning About Learning symposium for parents: "Building Executive Function Skills for Successful Learning – What Can We Do as Parents?" This will be held February 24 in Grand Junction. Seats are limited. Register here: https://individualmatters.org/ or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-executive-function-ef-skills-for-successful-learning-tickets-792564280097?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&fbclid=IwAR3a1Sv_3zPJ4vBKfRkg73UAjTQ7pk2eXm2iNoxyZqLmyLA4EWPtNOGX-28 Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author. Website: https://individualmatters.org YouTube: https://youtube.com/individualmatters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/ Newsletter: https://individualmatters.org/newsletter-sign-up/

A presentation for caretakers: how compassion fatigue differs from burnout, the signs and risk factors, and preventions and solutions. This presentation was originally delivered at Colorado Mesa University on November 6, 2023. Presenters and Copyright 2023 Owners: Tycee Belcastro, M.A., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Counseling With Tycee, counselingwithtycee.com Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Individual Matters, LLC, individualmatters.org Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author. Website: https://individualmatters.org YouTube: https://youtube.com/individualmatters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/ Newsletter: https://individualmatters.org/newsletter-sign-up/

An academic language therapist/executive function coach discusses the first steps you should take if you suspect your child has a learning struggle. What to do when contacted by your child’s school, what mindset you need to adopt, who’s in charge of this process, how to work with the school’s educational team, basic options available to you and your student, as well as their associated pros and cons, costs, and much more. Kim focuses on four primary options available to parents: 1) Do nothing (non-intervention). 2) Request a school evaluation. 3) Seek a dyslexia/learning assessment (private sector). 4) Seek a comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluation (private sector). Importantly, Kim makes the point that you (as the parent) "drive the bus" of your child's learning and development. Timestamps: 2:09 Emotions that you may feel. 3:53 These struggles run in families. 5:28 At first, the school may want you (parent) to do more at home. 7:11 Your first meeting with the school. 9:48 Bring support. 11:38 This process may bring up old trauma for parents. 15:03 Mindset: What is your role in this process? 17:40 Option 1: Do nothing. 22:27 Why are some parents reluctant to push for intervention? 23:07 When "doing nothing" might not be enough. 24:59 Option 1 Pros and Cons 32:04 Option 2: School Evaluation 35:55 Option 2 Pros and Cons 39:59 Educational classification vs. Clinical diagnosis 48:43 Option 3: Dyslexia/learning assessment (private sector) 50:00 Option 3 Pros and Cons 1:00:03 Option 4: Clinical/Neurodevelopmental Evaluation 1:02:45 Option 4 Pros and Cons 1:04:42 Educational classification vs. Clinical diagnosis 1:05:42 Twice Exceptionality (2e) and Dyslexia 1:08:30 Intuition vs. Helicopter Parenting Recommended resources (for letter templates, more info, and list of learning assessment providers): https://www.understood.org/ https://www.ldonline.org/ https://www.cokid.org/ http://www.peakparent.org/ Kim Maurin is an academic language therapist, Sounds in Symbols specialist, and executive function coach. She owns and manages Vector Learning, LLC, (https://kim-maurin.squarespace.com/) a company in Grand Junction, Colorado, that offers dyslexia assessments and one-on-one intervention sessions for students in preschool through sixth grade. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author. Website: https://individualmatters.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/

A mother shares her uplifting and inspiring story about what it's like to have dyslexia, and its superpowers. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author. Newsletter: https://individualmatters.org/newsletter-sign-up/ Website: https://individualmatters.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/

Visual functioning involves much more than just reading letters on an eye chart. It integrates cognitive and motor skills and affects all aspects of child development: play, learning, and social development. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Fortuna describes how and why visual development matters, symptoms that parents and teachers should look for, and how dysfunction is assessed and treated by occupational therapists. Dr. Jennifer Fortuna, PhD, is an occupational therapist and assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Program at Colorado Mesa University. She has clinical experience in pediatrics, visual-motor rehabilitation and home care. Her research interests include health literacy, visual impairment and accessibility in community settings.Fortuna has peer-reviewed publications in national and international scholarly journals. She has presented at regional, national and international conferences. Fortuna serves as the art editor at the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT) and is an instructor and regular contributor at MedBridge Education. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author. Newsletter: https://individualmatters.org/newsletter-sign-up/ Website: https://individualmatters.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/

Kathy Den, occupational therapist, explains how behavior, learning, and development is affected by a sensory component called "vestibular processing." What is vestibular processing, and why does it matter? What are the symptoms of vestibular delays in children? When should parents be concerned? How are vestibular problems assessed and treated? What can parents and teachers do today to support vestibular sensory development in their children? The vestibular system shapes our identities in subtle but definable ways. While children generally won’t outgrow a sensory processing problem, the good news is that these problems generally respond very well to therapy. A thorough sensory evaluation can help parents and physicians and teacher pick out which struggles are based on sensory issues (and which might be due to something else) and develop targeted therapy solutions that improve functioning and development. Kathy Den, OTR/L, is a graduate of Boston University Sargent College of Allied Health Professions and has over 30 years’ experience as an occupational therapist. She has worked in a variety of settings including home health with newborns, outpatient pediatric services, and schools, and she joined Individual Matters in 2019. Kathy specializes in sensory processing, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and ADHD. She is certified in Ayres Sensory Integration intervention and is a certified Clinical Specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author. Website: https://individualmatters.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/

Matt Price is CEO of Priceless Coaching, specializing in comprehensive life assessment and personalized executive coaching services, based in Grand Junction, Colorado. Matt starts this episode by asking some hard-hitting questions that will get you thinking deeply about why you may not be reaching your potential in life. We’ll get into the meat and potatoes of fear and success, and then Matt will wrap up with specific, actionable steps you can take today to begin moving past your fears and towards the life of your dreams. Matt's recommended books: "Five Dysfunctions of a Team," by Patrick Lencioni "Think and Grow Rich," by Napoleon Hill "Leadership and Self-Deception," The Arbinger Institute Matt's recommended podcasts: "The Happiness Lab," by Dr. Laurie Santos "Revisionist History," by Malcolm Gladwell "The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast" Check out Matt's TedTalk: https://youtu.be/sKhw-JROwcs Get in touch with Matt: Priceless Coaching, https://www.priceless-coaching.com/ Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author. Website: https://individualmatters.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveractgrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/individual_matters/

This is the final segment in a series about executive functioning (EF): our "5 R Solutions for Everyday Living." In this episode, we discuss how and why "Review and Recharge" helps build skills and strategies for EF. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

There are ten fundamentals to establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries in the classroom. Dress codes are discussed to provide context and examples for implementing these fundamentals. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

Join us to explore The 5 Fundamentals to Behavior Management in the Classroom. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

Setting and achieving a goal can be a powerful and life changing experience for people of all ages. In this episode, we discuss why and how to set and achieve SMART goals with your student. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

Fear often manifests as anger. This segment offers perspectives for recognizing why children or students may become angry, as well as strategies for helping them work through these issues. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

School is almost out and summer is on it's way! In this segment, we share five fun ideas for remembering the past year and celebrating the time off. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

Setting boundaries is fundamental to building healthy relationships. What are boundaries, who sets them, and how? This segment offers clear explanations and easy-to-follow tips for parents, educators, clinicians... and touches on some of the important concepts in Dr. Katen's book, "The Ownership Yard." Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

Ever ask your child, ”How was school?” and all you get is “I dunno” or “fine”? Parents and kids/teens both crave more meaningful discussion but are not always sure how to make it happen. In this episode, we share 5 ways to connect with your student of any age. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

How do we help students develop effective skills and strategies for self advocating? In this video, we discuss six fundamentals to this process. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

This is the fifth segment in a series about executive functioning (EF): our "5 R Solutions for Everyday Living." In this episode, we discuss how and why "Rewards and Reinforcers" helps alleviate problems with EF. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

This is the fourth segment in a series about executive functioning (EF): our "5 R Solutions for Everyday Living." In this episode, we discuss how and why "Rhythm and Routine" helps alleviate problems with EF. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

This is the third segment in a series about executive functioning (EF): our "5 R Solutions for Everyday Living." In this episode, we discuss how and why "Reduce" helps alleviate problems with EF. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

This is the second segment in a series about executive functioning (EF): our "5 R Solutions for Everyday Living." In this episode, we discuss how and why to "Reframe and Redefine" problems with EF. Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.

This is the first segment in a series about executive functioning (EF), which looks at what EF is, how weaknesses manifest at home and school, and how to help your student. These are combined into our "5 R Solutions for Everyday Living." Individual Matters is a boutique psychology practice that specializes in comprehensive learning and neurodevelopmental evaluations. Dr. Katrina Katen, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, speaker and educator, and author of "The Ownership Yard." Andrew Katen is an educator and author.