In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Joshua Rosenthal, psychologist, and founder of Manhattan Psychology Group (MPG), to discuss mental health, parenting, and the approaches used by the clinicians at MPG to help families navigate developmental and learning challenges. Drawing from both his professional expertise and personal experience as a parent, Dr. Rosenthal shares reflections on early intervention, reducing shame around diagnoses, and the importance of creating supportive, responsive systems for families. Together, Adam and Dr. Rosenthal explore the complexities of special education in New York City, the barriers families encounter when seeking help, and the critical need for greater awareness, compassion, and collaboration across schools, clinicians, nonprofits, and healthcare providers. This episode is a must-listen for parents, professionals, and anyone passionate about supporting children and families with empathy and curiosity.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan steps into the guest seat for a candid, role-reversal conversation about the experiences that shaped him long before the law. Joined by his executive assistant Kristine Champagne as guest host, Adam shares his personal journey with OCD, and what it means to struggle quietly as a child who appears to be doing everything "right" on the outside. He reflects on how these early experiences influenced his path, from a defining moment in high school to seeking support after law school, and ultimately building a practice grounded in empathy. Through stories of hidden compulsions, late recognition, and ongoing self-awareness, this episode highlights a powerful truth: when we begin to understand our own struggles, we become better equipped to support others with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan speaks with Lisa Candera attorney and founder of The Autism Mom Coach, about the realities of parenting a child with autism. Drawing on her experience raising a son with severe autism, OCD, and anxiety, Lisa explains why meaningful change often begins with a parent's own self-regulation. She discusses how chronic stress and hypervigilance can leave parents dysregulated and how learning to ground themselves can transform meltdowns, school challenges, and family dynamics. From radical acceptance and managing comorbidities to approaching IEP meetings with clarity and confidence, this conversation underscores a powerful truth: regulated parents become steadier leaders, stronger advocates, and a calming force amid uncertainty.

On this episode of the Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Lisa Abbrecht, clinical psychologist and founder of New Orleans Anxiety and OCD, LLC.  Together, they explore the everyday realities of living with anxiety and OCD, offering a clear, practical look at Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) deepens its impact. The conversation also addresses highly stigmatized experiences with nuance and clarity - emphasizing proper understanding, thoughtful treatment, and why healing is about changing your relationship with thoughts, not trying to erase them.

On this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan speaks with TeachRock Executive Director Bill Carbone and Gina Machado, Director of Programs and Partnerships, about how their curriculum uses music to engage students in learning and combat school disengagement. Inspired by founder Stevie Van Zandt's own experience as a struggling student who found his path through music, TeachRock helps K–12 students connect core subjects. Bill and Gina share how music's abstract, identity-building nature makes classrooms feel safer, more inclusive, and more student-centered. The conversation also highlights TeachRock's commitment to teacher feedback, flexible scaffolding for students with disabilities, and creating simple, joyful tools that remind educators why they entered the profession in the first place.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC special education attorney Adam Dayan sits down with educator and school founder Shirley Aninias—the visionary behind The Shirley Aninias School, a program for neurodiverse learners that blends academics, social–emotional learning, daily living skills, and naturalistic ABA. Shirley shares how a vibrant on-campus "town" fosters creativity, autonomy, and joyful learning while helping students discover how they learn best. Tune in to hear powerful stories of progress, inclusive education, and the small steps that lead to big, life-changing outcomes for neurodiverse children and their families.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Beth Rosenberg, educator, and founder of Tech Unlimited, empowering neurodiverse students to develop real-world technology and workplace skills. Beth shares how her experience as a parent of a neurodiverse child inspired her to create a program that now serves more than 500 students with autism, ADHD, OCD, and learning differences - teaching everything from digital media and game design to communication and collaboration. Together, Adam and Beth discuss how technology can unlock new opportunities for students with disabilities, the importance of soft skills, and how parents can foster greater independence and confidence in their children.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan sits down with Janet Wolfe, Head of School at The IDEAL School of Manhattan - New York City's only K–12 independent inclusion school. Since joining IDEAL in 2016, Janet has led its transformation into a fully accredited program with a thriving high school including post-secondary initiative for students ages 18 to 21. Together, Adam and Janet explore what true inclusion looks like in practice. From classrooms that celebrate every learner's individuality to programs that promote academic challenges, social-emotional growth, and lifelong community. This conversation reveals how IDEAL is reshaping education to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and authentically themselves.

In this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan welcomes Jennifer Susser, Admissions Head at West End Day School in Manhattan. Drawing on nearly 30 years as a clinical social worker, Jennifer shares her path to West End Day and highlights the school's distinctive approach to creating a nurturing environment for children with diverse needs. Their conversation delves into how social-emotional learning is woven into daily life, the impact of individualized counseling and small class sizes, and the vital role families play in helping children grow and thrive.

NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan explores the critical role of Executive Functioning along with Social and Emotional Learning in a conversation with Randall Klein, education strategist and Director of Educational Services at Pediatric Assessment and Learning Support (PALS), on The Curious Incident Podcast. Randall shares her belief that every student can thrive when provided with the right tools, time, and trust, advocating for a whole-child approach that integrates social, emotional, and academic development. She explains how executive functioning—the brain's self-management system—shapes organization, time management, planning, and emotional regulation, and how challenges in these areas often appear as misunderstood behaviors rather than willful defiance. Offering practical strategies such as using checklists, breaking tasks into smaller steps, practicing time estimation, and asking curiosity-driven questions, Randall encourages parents and educators to help students understand how they learn best, embrace mistakes, and develop resilience. She also describes the benefits of creative, low-pressure activities like Lego projects and improv to build problem-solving, flexibility, and collaboration, emphasizing that these "soft" skills—often the most challenging to master—are vital for lifelong success.