TWG EKS 22: Recognizing Signs of Abuse and Fostering Healing for Children with Disabilities - April Tribe Giauque

The Writing Glitch: Hack Dysgraphia No Pencil Required

Welcome to today’s interview on the Emotional Kids Summit.

In this interview, April discusses her journey of learning American Sign Language (ASL) and the importance of communication for her and her daughters. She shares her experience attending a publishing conference where she met Cheri in 2018 and how they connected through their shared interest in education and their perspectives on push-in therapy models. April also talks about her involvement in setting up a charter school with an emphasis on autism, where they had a unique approach of having occupational therapists push into classrooms and work directly with students and teachers. She highlights the benefits of this model for students' self-regulation and handwriting skills.

The interview takes a turn as Cheri mentions their upcoming book collaboration, Math DYSconnected with Jonily Zupancic, where April serves as a ghostwriter. April expresses her excitement about the project and how it has been a fulfilling experience for her. She then transitions to discussing her first book, a memoir detailing her experience of domestic abuse in her previous marriage. April emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories to create connections and understanding. She talks about the challenges and complexities of domestic violence, including the mix of mental health issues, substance abuse, and the lack of logic in abusive behaviors.

April also shares insights on how teachers can recognize signs of potential abuse in their students, such as observing their interactions, emotional behavior, and imaginary play. She emphasizes the need for building relationships, asking questions, and being a supportive listener. April explains the concept of survivorship and the role of supporters in helping individuals escape abusive situations. She highlights the importance of empathy, non-judgment, and providing a positive and supportive environment.

The interview concludes with a discussion about April's resources and toolkit for supporters, focusing on effective communication and relationship-building. April encourages teachers and therapists to connect with students and parents, showing empathy and understanding. She provides advice on navigating the reporting process, building trust, and being a source of hope and light for those who have experienced abuse. April emphasizes the significance of emotional and social regulation and the need to listen and respond to students' behaviors and needs.

If you’d like to see the interview on video and more information about her Supporters Toolkit, join the Companion Course to this series. Here is the link.

Inside the Companion Course, we are offering amazing bonus materials. Some of these resources include:

• Complimentary call with Cheri
• A chance to join the Math DYSConnected book launch team
• Access to The Purple X mini-course
• Complimentary ticket to the Introduction to Dysgraphia Webinar
• Complimentary ticket to Small Group Math Interventions
• Complimentary ticket to Saturday Math
• Two-part on-demand webinar on dysgraphia and dyscalculia with the option to receive CEUs
• Free downloadable resources

Plus, the resources that Ms. Giauque shared today in this episode.

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