On today’s episode, I sit down with a long-time friend and powerhouse in the world of educational advocacy, Christine Levy. Christine and I go way back—we met during our grad school days at NYU, and since then, she's become a fierce advocate for children with disabilities and their families. With over 20 years of experience in education, Christine has sat on every side of the IEP table—as a teacher, admin, RTI coordinator, and now as a passionate parent advocate.

In this conversation, Christine and I dive into what parents really need to know about navigating the special education system when their child is diagnosed with ADHD or other learning differences. From decoding neuropsych evaluations to tackling 504 plans and IEPs, we unpack what services and support are actually available—and how to get them. Whether you're just starting your journey or you're deep in the trenches of school meetings and documentation, this episode is filled with clarity, strategy, and heart. Christine’s calm, connected approach brings hope and real tools to families feeling overwhelmed by the process.

Christine Levy, M.Ed., is a leading expert in Educational Advocacy with over two decades of experience in special education as a teacher, administrator, and MTSS coordinator. She holds advanced degrees from NYU and Bank Street College of Education and is the founder of Levy Educational Advocacy. Christine empowers families by guiding them through the complexities of special education, ensuring their children receive the support, services, and placements they need to thrive. A passionate advocate and parent herself, she brings both expertise and empathy to every case she supports.

Episode Highlights:

[0:57] - Meet Christine Levy: educator turned advocate with a mission to empower families
[3:26] - Our shared journey from grad school to special ed leadership
[5:50] - When ADHD is diagnosed: What happens next?
[6:52] - Misconceptions around diagnosis and eligibility for services
[8:43] - Why RTI/MTSS documentation is critical before special ed referrals
[10:02] - The importance of parent-provided data: binders are more than paper—they’re your child’s story
[12:49] - “Behavior” is often misinterpreted ADHD—how advocacy can change the narrative
[14:30] - Supporting emotionally dysregulated parents through the process
[16:58] - Do ADHD and anxiety automatically qualify for a 504? The nuance explained
[19:50] - Advice for parents on the verge of burnout or considering school changes
[23:46] - Understanding the types of advocates and what support really looks like
[27:02] - Breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma through calm, effective advocacy
[28:46] - Executive functioning at home: how parents can build consistency with the school
[30:54] - When a child “looks fine” at school but struggles at home—how to present the full picture
[33:23] - Twice-exceptional students: the challenge of advocating for kids who mask thei

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