Inaugural Show
February 23, 2017
Hosted by Dr. Sean Surfas, Ph.d, BCBA, LEP
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Episode Description
Today's show will emphasize our vision for the radio program and will include the beginning discussions of Autism, developmental disabilities, parenting, behavioral challenges and special learning issues. Over the next 13 weeks we will be discussing a variety of topics covering issues such as education, Law, Parenting issues, Behavioral challenges and supports and Autism Spectrum Disorders and other exceptionalities. The show is intended for the listener to be able to hear solutions to common issues parents, educators and community members may be working through. In future shows we will have guests working and living their lives supporting individuals with disabilities. The history of exceptional individuals will be discussed on this show and the reasons why we must support individuals and families living with exceptionalities with solutions to their daily challenges and offer a place to share successes.
Solutions and Strategies with Dr Sean: Living the Challenge
Podcast Episodes Available On Demand VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
Our program promotes a solution-based problem solving focus for individuals with disabilities, Parents, family members and professionals living or assisting individuals with exceptional needs. Individuals and families can become stronger together. You’ll feel a validation of the problems, find commonality and universalization with others that have the same challenges and questions and together we’ll find solutions. Topics discussed will include Parenting, School Issues, working with individuals on the Autism spectrum and those with Asperger’s Syndrome. We’ll discuss sibling concerns, challenges in home and school, professional responsibilities to the world of exceptional needs, academic difficulties and solutions for students and we’ll hear from parents, teachers and individuals with exceptional needs, Autism Spectrum Disorders or other developmental disabilities. Tune in to Solutions and Strategies with Dr. Sean, Thursdays at 8 AM Pacific on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness.
Dr. Sean Surfas, Ph.d, BCBA, LEP
After 30 years of being part of the education and human services world, I try and offer an approach that is solution oriented and respectful of the autonomy of individuals. Often individuals in the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis or Psychology are called “consumers” by government agencies meaning that they “consume” resources and exist as a funding liability. We have never felt that this is an acceptable nor respectable description of individuals where it might be acceptable to other professionals.
In 2015 I was awarded Outstanding School Psychologist of the Year by the California Association of School Psychologists. I have had the opportunity to be published in peer reviewed journals for my work with individuals who have autism and/or special education needs. I have been published also to discuss counseling techniques specifically to be used with individuals with autism or communication challenges. I have been asked to sit on several advisory Boards including CASP: The California Association of School Psychologists (as Ethics Chair and Licensed Educational Psychologist State Specialist), Pasadena Unified School District Special Education Task Force, Los Angeles County Office of Education Autism and Developmental Delay Task Forces and have been asked to advise several Special Education Local Planning Areas. Also, I am currently an Adjunct Asst. Professor at the Charter College of Education at California State University Los Angeles.
