Webinar: School Advocacy for Kids with Selective Mutism: Navigating 504’s and IEP’s

Presented by Desiree Camarda, M.Ed, ET & Christy Tadros, LPCC
Recorded: Friday, April 8, 2022

View the Presentation Slides

This webinar is geared toward parents, treating professionals, educators, and caregivers.

The majority of children and teens with SM struggle at school and we know that a key aspect of their therapy is getting support in the school environment. Many caregivers feel lost and aren’t given the education in how to approach their school. What do you ask for? How do you ask for it? What are realistic expectations? These are common and valid questions. In this webinar, you will learn more about 504’s and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). You will leave with a better understanding of what they are, how to determine if you should request a specialized plan and how to request them. You will also learn examples of what helpful plans for kids with SM look like. For example, what type of accommodations or goals are appropriate for your child. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A focused on general school advocacy.

Speaker: Desiree Camarda, M.Ed, ET

Desiree Camarda has worked in the classroom and one-on-one setting for the past 30 years. In addition to her private practice, Innovations 4 Learning, Desiree also taught in the public school setting for 22 years as both a special day class teacher and resource specialist. Working in the public school setting taught Desiree the importance of advocating for students and families. She strives to build collaborative relationships with schools in ways that best meet the learning needs of her students. Desiree attended Holy Names University in Oakland, California earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology and human services, two teaching credentials and a master’s degree in Educational Therapy. While attending Holy Names, Desiree also gained invaluable experience working with students at Raskob Learning Institute and Day School. Her professional affiliations include the Association of Educational Therapists, the International Dyslexia Association, the Learning Disabilities Association of America and the National Association of Special Education Teachers. When not working, Desiree enjoys a good book, a great cup of coffee and a cuddle with her two Siamese cats, Tally and Lila. She also loves amazing dinners with friends and a night out at a great concert.

Speaker: Christy Tadros, LPCC

Christy Tadros is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Education from Teacher’s College of Columbia University. Prior to her graduation and professional education in New York City, Ms. Tadros received her BA in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. Her areas of expertise include working with children with selective mutism, anxiety, ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders. She began her work with children with selective mutism, training with Dr. Steven Kurtz at his practice in New York City. She has since done several embedded school and home intensives, and she has led intensive, therapeutic programs for young children and teenagers with selective mutism. Christy runs the selective mutism program at her clinic in the San Francisco Bay Area, called WestCoast Therapy and Wellness, where she provides individual and family based intensive therapy for children with selective mutism and runs an annual intensive program. She has a special interest in making treatment accessible and culturally sensitive to all children, teens and families.

This webinar is brought to you by the Selective Mutism Association and was made possible by a generous grant from the Gordon and Marilyn Macklin Foundation, Inc.