Understanding Your Child’s Learning Profile:
Supporting Academic & Social Needs at Home and in the Classroom
Symposium Schedule
9:00am - 9:30am
Registration | Continental Breakfast and Coffee
9:30am - 10:30am
Breakout Session I
(choose one of the sessions listed to attend)
10:30am - 11:30am
Who Is This Child? Beyond the Numbers!
Children are so much more than the numbers they earn on standardized testing. Why must we ask ourselves and our children’s schools this question? How must we learn to answer it so that each child is seen as an individual? What words do you use to answer this question? What words does your school use? We will talk about merging the two answers to get the best for each child.
Keynote Speaker | Lydia Soifer, PhD Room 15
11:30am - 12:15pm
Complimentary Lunch
12:15pm - 1:15pm
Breakout Session II
(choose one of the sessions listed to attend)
1:15 - 2:00pm
Ask the Experts | Professional Panel Q & A
Room 15
Breakout Sessions | Details and Room Locations
John McGrath, Attorney
Navigating the IEP Process
Session I Room 18
What steps can you take to prepare for the IEP process? Best practices when attending the CSE meeting and how to stay on top of your child’s special education program after the CSE meeting.
Dr. Kathleen Hurley and Dr. Melanie Popovits
Session I Room 15
Recognizing Dyslexia in Your Child’s Performance and How to Support your Child
This presentation aims to inform parents about the early signs and symptoms of dyslexia and the essential steps they can take to ensure their children receive the necessary support for academic success. Presenters will highlight the importance of proper assessment, evidence-based interventions, and addressing a child’s overall needs.
Savannah Marinozzi and Stacey Astachovsky
Session I Room 11
The Impact of Executive Functioning Throughout a Child’s Education and Beyond
Executive functioning plays a critical role in a child’s learning journey and daily life, often influencing a child’s capacity to manage complex tasks, navigate social situations, and achieve goals. How can we support the development of executive functioning in school, at home, and during the next steps phase after graduation in order to develop independence?
John Civita
Session I Room 14 • Session II Room 11
Building a Longer Runway After High School: Empowering Neurodiverse Young Adults for Sustainable Success
This session will highlight the need for extended timelines and structured support for neurodiverse young adults. It emphasizes self-advocacy, self-regulation, communication, and employability skills, ensuring a smooth transition to college, employment, and independence. This approach empowers neurodiverse individuals to thrive in life and work.
Magda Labonté-Blaise, Attorney
Session II Room 18
Exhausting Your Resources
How to exhaust what to ask for in the community and school setting and how to keep your school accountable: How can you measure progress and communicate with your school? What can you do once your resources have been exhausted?
Dr. Laura Morizio
Session II Room 15
Understanding Social Media’s Influence on Kids’ Mental Health
This presentation, will explore the complex relationship between social media and the mental health of kids and teens. Parents will learn about both the benefits and risks of online engagement, impacts on emotional well-being, and practical strategies to foster healthy, balanced, and informed use. Participants will gain insight into the psychological appeal of platforms, understand the role of peer influence, and leave with actionable recommendations to guide their children in today’s digital landscape.
Dr. Kathleen Hurley and Dr. Melanie Popovits
Session II Room 14
Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD): Challenges and Strategies for Success
This presentation offers an overview of Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD), a condition that affects spatial, motor, and social skills while leaving verbal abilities intact. It explores key characteristics, challenges in academic and social settings, and the impact on an individual’s daily life. The presentation highlights strategies for support, including educational accommodations, therapeutic interventions, and practical coping techniques. By increasing awareness and early identification, parents, educators, and professionals can help individuals with NVLD navigate their world more effectively.
