About this episode

Dr. Desirie Sykes discusses trauma-informed IEPs and the importance of understanding behavior as a signal of deeper mental health issues.

​​Happy New Year! We can’t believe it’s already 2026. We made it through the holidays, which can be a particularly challenging time for many students. Our last episode of 2025 covered the topics of misbehavior and dysregulation, and we continue in that direction with today’s guest. Join us to learn more! Dr. Desirie Sykes is a speaker, leader, advocate, author, and CEO. She is the founder of NESS Behavior Consulting and NESS Cares , a nonprofit in New York. NESS Behavior Consulting provides resources for mental health and special education, targeting children with a primary diagnosis of autism. Dr. Sykes collaborates with local school districts in the Long Island, NY, area, providing support and services tailored to meet a student’s IEP. Her passion is to enlighten, uplift, and empower, while changing the narrative around mental health and providing accessible resources to those who need them. Show Highlights: Being sensitive and intuitive when behavior signals a deeper mental health issue Bridging the gap between home and school behavior: A look at the big picture Parents should speak up in IEP meetings and ask questions confidently. Identifying your “starting point” in getting…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Desirie Sykes

Topics covered

• trauma-informed education
• behavioral health
• IEP strategies
• mental health resources
• autism support
• parent advocacy

Keywords

• trauma-informed IEPs
• behavior signals
• mental health
• autism
• IEP meetings
• functional behavioral plans
• parent advocacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NESS Behavior Consulting, NESS Cares

Places: New York, Long Island, NY

More episodes of Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast

• Don’t Wait: The Critical Window for TK & Kindergarten IEPs (And Why Early Intervention Matters) · April 14, 2026 · 27 min
• Analyzing School Non-Attendance Data: Where Do We Go From Here? with Dr. Dennis Lefevre · March 31, 2026 · 23 min
• Exploring the School Attendance Crisis: School Refusal or Truancy? · March 17, 2026 · 32 min
• Beyond Dysregulation: How FBAs and BIPs Can Support Your Child · March 3, 2026 · 23 min
• The Time is NOW: Be Proactive in Scheduling End-of-Year Meetings · February 17, 2026 · 19 min
• Better Behavior Solutions: Brain Breaks, Connection, and Rhythm · February 3, 2026 · 32 min

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