“Autism Isn’t Political—It’s Personal.” Special-Ed Teacher + Autism Dad Reveals IEP Secrets (and What Food Dyes Did Overnight)

If U.S. autism rates are ~1 in 31 (and higher in some states), why do so many families still feel alone in IEP meetings? Today’s guest, Shane Taylor—veteran special education teacher, autism dad, and founder of IEPcentral.org—brings a rare 360° view: classroom, parent, and advocate. We dig into practical IEP tactics, nutrition and behavior (Red Dye 40, additives, seed oils, glyphosate), environmental toxicity, ABA and speech strategies, and a lesser-known angle: cerebral folate deficiency and targeted folate support.

This convo is for autism parents & grandparents, caregivers, teachers/administrators, and anyone who wants to turn pain into purpose—and get better outcomes for neurodivergent kids.

What you’ll learn

• How to prepare for IEP meetings so you’re not “eaten alive”
• When diet (e.g., food dyes like Red 40) can flip behavior in minutes—and what to do next
• Why autism is a spectrum (and why policy sound bites miss the lived reality)
• How to think about environmental toxins and brain inflammation
• A parent-friendly intro to cerebral folate deficiency and folate support discussions with your clinician
• How IEPcentral.org gives parents community, advocacy, and tutoring resources

Who should watch Autism parents/caregivers, special-ed teachers, general-ed teachers with inclusion students, school leaders, pediatric/functional clinicians, and anyone navigating IEP, ABA, speech therapy, nutrition & behavior, sensory regulation, or school placement.

Support the show If this helped, please subscribe, like, comment your IEP wins/questions, and share this with a parent or teacher who needs it.

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