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November 19, 2025 33 mins

Can changing a few words in an IEP change a child’s future? Speech Dude Chris Wenger shares how to reframe support plans to empower neurodivergent kids instead of pushing them to mask. Learn why connection, regulation, and self-advocacy matter more than compliance and how actually to build those skills into your child’s education plan.

What to expect in this episode:

  • Why IEPs often miss the mark and how to fix them
  • How to replace deficit language with strength-based reframes
  • Why connection and regulation need to come before learning
  • How co-creating goals with kids leads to better outcomes
  • The power of self-advocacy compared to compliance


About Chris Wenger
Chris also known as Speech Dude, is a high school speech-language pathologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting autistic and neurodivergent youth. As a neurodivergent educator himself, he brings a unique perspective to his work. Chris is also an internationally recognized presenter who shares practical, affirming strategies to improve speech therapy and better support neurodiverse students.


Connect with Chris

Get your FREE copy of 12 Key Coaching Tools for Parents at https://impactparents.com/podcastgift 

Read the full blog here:
https://impactparents.com/how-to-make-ieps-neuro-affirming-and-student-led

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