Summer Re-Run: EXPERT: A Neurodivergent Affirming Approach to IEP’s with Speech Dude, Chris Wenger

Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving Parents

Brave Together Podcast: Support and Community for Caregiving Parents
Summer Re-Run: EXPERT: A Neurodivergent Affirming Approach to IEP’s with Speech Dude, Chris Wenger
Jul 21, 2026
Jessica Patay

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's expert episode, #232, with Speech Dude, Chris Wenger, sharing his neurodivergent affirming approach to IEP’s and wow does he have a refreshing take on them.

In this episode of the Brave Together podcast, Chris Wenger shares his journey as a neurodivergent educator and advocate for students with special needs. He discusses the importance of understanding neurodiversity, the need for a shift from deficit-based IEPs to a more affirming approach, and the significance of creating safe and supportive learning environments. Chris emphasizes the value of connecting with students authentically and provides insights into effective teaching strategies and resources for educators and parents alike.

Chris Wenger is a neurodivergent high school speech-language pathologist of over 20 years, international speaker, and creator of the Dynamic Assessment of Social Emotional Learning, a strengths-based assessment for autistic students. He is also the founder of NeuroAffirm, a first-of-its-kind worldwide interactive directory connecting providers and families. Globally known as Speech Dude, he has amassed nearly one million social media followers, sharing inspiring and educational content, always with a humorous twist.

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Episode Artwork Summer Re-Run: EXPERT: A Neurodivergent Affirming Approach to IEP’s with Speech Dude, Chris Wenger 44:30 Episode Artwork Summer Re-Run: STORY: When Both Mother and Child are Diagnosed with Autism with Natasha M. Nurse Esq. 45:46 Episode Artwork Summer Re-Run: ASK US ANYTHING: Co-Parenting after a Divorce 45:05 Episode Artwork Summer Re-Run: EXPERT: Empowering neurodiverse relationships with Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh 47:57 Episode Artwork A Suddenly Brave Together Episode with Tina J., Asha W., & Lena W. 44:00 Episode Artwork EXPERT: Turning Toward Your Partner in Hard Seasons with Julia Woods 45:45 Episode Artwork EXPERT: How Storytelling Changes Disability Perspectives with Dan Habib 48:57 Episode Artwork THRIVING NEURODIVERGENT ADULT: Finding Connection Through Art and Neurodiversity with Alexis Brygider 48:28 Episode Artwork ASK US ANYTHING: The Questions We Were Afraid to Ask 44:36 Episode Artwork EXPERT: Navigating the Financial Strain of Caregiving with Laurie Magulac 46:13 Episode Artwork A Suddenly Brave Together Episode with Kari Morin 46:54 Episode Artwork STORY: Finding Joy in the Challenges of Caregiving with Wendy Ernzen 48:48 Episode Artwork Ask Us Anything: When Your Partner Is in Denial About Your Child’s Diagnosis 44:20 Episode Artwork EXPERT: The Good Sleep Guide for Neurodiverse Children with Dr. Melisa Moore 47:20 Episode Artwork EXPERT: Navigating Aggression Guilt and Support as a Caregiver with Jennifer Iannuzzi 47:30 Episode Artwork EXPERT: When OCD Impacts the Whole Family with Dr. Jenn Rapkin 44:28 Episode Artwork ASK US ANYTHING: Understanding the Sibling Experience in Neurodiverse Families 47:09 Episode Artwork EXPERT: Parenting Fiercely Authentic Kids Starts with Changing Ourselves w/ Kirk Martin 44:38 Episode Artwork STORY: Untangling Shame in the Caregiving Journey with Dr. Zoe Shaw 48:36 Episode Artwork EXPERT: The Evolution of Therapy for Neurodivergent Youth with Monica Fyfe 48:28 Episode Artwork ASK US ANYTHING: The Empty Nest I'll Never Have 43:37 Episode Artwork EXPERT: Parenting the Spicy One with Mary Van Geffen 48:11 Episode Artwork COLLABORATION: Brave Together Podcast x Moms Talk Autism 48:46 Episode Artwork EXPERT: Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Burnout with Tanya Valentin 49:34 Episode Artwork ASK US ANYTHING: How to Decide to Expand Your Family as a Caregiver 46:33