Parents of neurodivergent learners

When a school district or administration decides to reduce special-education services, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. As parents of neurodivergent children, we may suddenly face questions like:

• Why are minutes being cut, or a service no longer offered?

• Who made this decision and based on what data?

• How can we respond in a way that protects our child’s rights?

  
  

It helps me to remember that in the U.S., the federal law Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is designed to ensure that children with disabilities receive a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE). LSNJ Law+2U.S. Department of Education+2 Under IDEA, one key ruling was Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE–1, which clarified that a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be “reasonably calculated to enable progress appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances.”

However, as we all know too well, the system is under strain. Funding gaps…

Introduction to Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a technology that enables direct communication between the human brain and external devices. By translating neural signals into commands, BCIs allow users to control computers, prosthetics, or other equipment solely through thought. This technology has enormous potential in medical, gaming, and communication fields, especially for individuals with paralysis or neurological disorders. The core components include sensors, signal processing units, and output devices that work together to interpret brain activity. Advances in neuroscience and engineering continue to refine BCI systems, making them more accurate and user-friendly. As research progresses, BCIs are poised to transform how humans interact with technology and improve quality of life for many.

Types of Brain-Computer Interfaces

BCIs can be classified into invasive, semi-invasive, and non-invasive types based on their method of acquiring neural signals. Invasive BCIs require surgical implantation of electrodes directly into the brain tissue, providing…