Home - The Special Needs Specialist

What is it?

Learn how to support and interact with people who have Autism

The Special Needs Specialist offers a unique online program designed to help you understand, support and communicate effectively with people on the Autism Spectrum.

Developed especially for families who live with and care for people with Autism, this course is also beneficial for Medical Professionals, people who work in Emergency Services, Disability Support Workers, Day Care Centre Staff and anyone who interacts with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The course was developed by Dr. Erin Jacobs Stagner, DC, MS, MSHAPI, who is a Special Needs Chiropractor and mother of a daughter with autism, because she realised that many people are unaware of the best ways to interact with and support children and adults on the spectrum.

Dr Erin created this online course to help you learn to develop strategies to help communicate effectively and reduce the stress and common errors which can trigger meltdowns and unfavourable responses.

The course can be completed at your own pace and will help you develop the necessary skills to communicate and understand what Autism is and how the mind of a person with Autism works differently.

View your free lesson here!

Who is it for?

Are you caring for a person with Autism?

This course was designed for families, but is beneficial to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of Autism and will help you to develop stronger communication skills and strategies.
Who will benefit from this course?
- Families and Carers (of people who have Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders, ADD/ADHD and Asperger’s)
- Emergency Services (Police, Firemen, Paramedics and other First Responders)
- Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, and Allied Health Professionals)
- Educators (Teachers, Special Education Assistants, Early Childhood/preschool)
- Personal Carers/Support Workers/Private Sitters/Childcare workers
- Cosmetologists/Barbers/Hairdressers

Why do it?

A grandmother playing with her granddaughter

Here’s some of the benefits

By completing The Special Needs Specialist online course you will:

Earn a Special Needs Specialist Certificate of Completion
Receive progressive training to understand how the Special Needs brain works
Learn to adapt and develop effective communication and management strategies
Gain deeper insight into the neurological development of the brain

What You Get

Special Needs Certificate
Learn at your own pace and get your Special Needs Specialist Certificate
LIVE Classes and Support Network
Join LIVE classes and connect with a Special Needs Support Network
Freedom to learn when you want and where you want!
This online course includes 8 modules with each module consisting of 2-4 lessons.
Lessons are delivered via online pre-recorded videos 10-15 minutes long.
Each lesson builds on the previous module’s content.
Unlimited Access
You will have ongoing access to ALL of the online content, so you can learn at your own pace.
LIVE Q&A Sessions
Take part in monthly LIVE Question and Answer video chats and Dr Erin will answer all your questions. Video chats are recorded so you can watch them anytime.
On-going technical support
When you Register with us, you will receive step by step login instructions to the online course and we offer.

Bonuses:

1 Handouts for each module so you’ll always have the most important information right at your fingertips.
2 An ever-expanding library of resources, including research papers, books, articles, TED talks, and interviews.
3 Interviews with professionals and parents of special needs people, experts in gut-brain health, primitive reflexes, and alternative medicine.
4 Private student-only Facebook group for networking and additional questions and answers.
5 Access to Dr. Erin Jacobs Stagner - 12 years of being a professional and special needs parent, speaker and teacher.

The Curriculum

Module One: Groundwork
- Definitions – To be able to have a clear discussion, everyone needs to be on the same page
- Goals – Let’s talk about a game plan, you can’t get where you’re going without a map
- History and Statistics – The changing landscape of special needs over the last couple decades
Module Two: Background
- Brain Ins and Outs – Basic brain anatomy and physiology
- Nervous System Nuts and Bolts – Movement of information to and from the brain
Module Three: Rapport
- Environment – How to accommodate and appreciate special needs people in the world
- Expectations – Let’s be open and honest about what parents want and what professionals wants
- Your story – We’ll craft a document together that puts all the information in one place
Module Four: Senses
- Near Senses – The trinity of sensory information to the brain
- Far Senses – The 5 senses you learned in elementary school explained
Module Five: Evaluation
- Where are we? – Chronological Age compared to Neurological Age
- Where should we be? – 6 areas of age-appropriate functions
Module Six Primitive reflexes
- Why haven’t I heard of these before? – Why primitive reflexes are often overlooked
- Crawling, Walking and Creeping Along
- Eating, Grasping and ADHD
- The Moro Reflex – The Mac Daddy of Them All
Module Seven: Diets
- The Top 6 – Learn the 6 most dangerous things we eat every day
- ADHD & Diet – Discussion of key instigators in behaviour issues
Module Eight: At Home
- Exercises – How can we stimulate the brain to work more efficiently?
- Patterning – From crawling to creeping to walking and the areas of the brain we use for each

Download our Syllabus

About Erin

Who is
Dr. Erin Jacobs Stagner?

This is a culmination of 12 years of searching as a special needs parent for anything that would help my daughter as well as countless hours of research and learning from others in different fields.

My passion in life is to empower professionals and families to expand their concept of optimal potential in regards to special needs people.

I believe that there is often miscommunication between providers and families about the degree of assistance available for special needs people as well as the different types and forms of evaluation. There is constantly new information and research available however, it’s not always presented or written effectively for providers or parents.

The Special Needs Specialist is here to provide an opportunity for parents and professionals to better communicate about the care and treatment of the special needs population as well as to open doors for both professionals and parents to think outside the box.

I hold three degrees including a Doctorate in Chiropractic, a Masters in Sports Science and Rehabilitation and a Master in Human Anatomy and Physiology Instruction. After years of teaching both high school and community college, I realized that there is an entire group of people who can use the information I’ve spent years looking for to better the lives of their children and the children they serve.

Praise

“Dr. Jacobs Stagner is extensively trained, deeply experienced, and contagiously passionate about the care of special needs children. Her life’s mission is to help special needs families reach their unique optimal potential. She has a POWERFUL message that will transform your hearts and minds, while igniting hope and possibility.”

Dr. Barbara Eaton

26 March 2019
“Natalie has had tremendous positive changes since she started seeing Dr. Jacobs. Her overall muscle tone has improved. Her face and lips have relaxed. Even her demeanor has changed for the better, and her personality is shining! We have been able to decrease her medication because she’s doing so well! I am a believer! Dr. Jacobs has a gift!”

Stephanie Hernandez, RN

19 March 2019
“Experts say there is an Epidemic of Sick Children. 54% of our kids are sick and suffering from chronic illnesses. Neurodevelopmental disorders like ADD, ADHD, and Autism are on the rise. Our environment is causing this unacceptable situation. Dr. Erin Jacobs Stagner is my friend and colleague. We both have special daughters. Dr. Stagner and I have trained with some of the best doctors in our industry. Dr. Stagner’s Special Needs Certification Course will bring tremendous value.

To the parents who want to better understand “why my child does what he does.” To the doctors and nurses who want to learn “new ways to evaluate our SPED kiddos.” To the advocate who want to be ignited with “passion to serve our community.” You don’t want to miss out because the information Dr. Erin Stagner presents is a real game changer!”

Dr Sara Guido

Family Chiropractic Clinic
I wanted to mention how much I enjoyed your course. My husband is a chiropractic student at Sherman right now and we will be opening our own practice in the next 1.5 years and this course was so informative! I was a CA for 5 years and I actually think this would be great content for CAs, as well.

Amy Brademann

CE Online Learning Coordinator - Sherman College of Chiropractic

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost?

The Special Needs Specialist is a continuing education certification course designed for professionals and families. The enrollment fee is a one time payment of $480 USD or two split payments of $250 USD.
2. How much time will it take?

Plan to set aside about 3-4 hours per week if you want to finish the 8 modules in 8 weeks. Including live group calls. Each module contains 2-4 lessons with 6-8 short videos of 10-15 minutes in length.

Modules are released upon an at least 80% passing grade of quizzes so you won’t be overwhelmed.

There are monthly group calls/webinars of between 30 – 60 minutes. You can access via phone or internet. All calls are recorded and uploaded to the site for those who cannot attend.
3. What time are the live calls?

Live webinars/calls are held via Zoom on the first Sunday of the month at 3PM CST. Questions may be submitted at least 8 hours in advance should you be unable to attend the live call. All calls are recorded and added to the “Resources” area.
4. Can I apply for CEU/CME?

Yes. The course offers 14 hours of CEU/CME which is recorded after course completion. The Special Needs Specialist is an approved provider of CEU with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Please check with your organization/accreditor.
5. What are the learning objectives/outcomes?
1. Describe the definitions of special needs people by the major organizations
2. Understand neurotypical brain anatomy and basic function
3. Understand the basics of how the nervous system works
4. Describe the current accommodations for special needs people
5. Describe the expectations of parents and professionals for communication
6. Craft a document that can be used to collect information regarding previous diagnoses and/or testing
7. Discuss the role of sensory information into the brain and how it is acquired and processed
8. Expand the definition and integration of the five far senses
9. Be able to distinguish between chronological age and neurological age
10. Recognize the six areas of evaluation and age-appropriate functions
11. Describe the role of primitive reflexes in the treatment of special needs population
12. Understand the role of primitive reflexes in neurological development of children
13. Describe the six most likely foods to cause inflammation in the body
14. Explain and implement elimination diets
15. Discuss the connection between ADHD and diet
16. Understand how to propose primitive reflex work to families or professionals
17. Discover home exercises for sensory integration and motor development
18. Obtain a better understanding of possible treatments
6. Are there any prerequisites to enroll?

No background is needed for this course. This course is designed for families or professionals.
7. I’m not a doctor - is this going to go over my head?

My mission is to make this content as simple as possible and relevant to your life.

Feeling nervous is completely normal– your brain interprets excitement and nervousness the same way. There is a private Facebook group for all enrollees so you can share, support, and learn from each other.
8. Is there anybody who shouldn’t do this?

This 8-module program or self-paced program is designed primarily for families with special needs members or professionals who work with the special needs population.

My teaching assumes some prior knowledge of special needs; however, the goal is to make this content as simple as possible.

Join us and explore the world of special needs. The Special Needs Specialist is designed to offer information to professionals and families to assist in the best care for the special needs population. I do not offer treatment of any specific disease/disorder/dysfunction, merely information to consider for potential options.
9. 100% Money Back Guarantee

Unsure? I offer a 100% money-back guarantee – for ANY reason- within 14 days of joining*.

I want you to be satisfied with the information you receive here for the money that you spend. So go ahead and enroll. Get started on the program and if you don’t like what you find for any reason I’ll cheerfully refund your money.

*Of course, if you complete the whole program and have downloaded your certificate of completion to claim your 14 hours of CEU/CME within the 14 days you waive your right to a refund.

UNLOCK THE MYSTERIES OF AUTISM

What is it?

Learn how to support and interact with people who have Autism

Who is it for?

Are you caring for a person with Autism?

Who will benefit from this course?

Why do it?

Here’s some of the benefits

What You Get

Bonuses:

The Curriculum

Module One: Groundwork

Module Two: Background

Module Three: Rapport

Module Four: Senses

Module Five: Evaluation

Module Six Primitive reflexes

Module Seven: Diets

Module Eight: At Home

About Erin

Who is
Dr. Erin Jacobs Stagner?

Praise

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost?

2. How much time will it take?

3. What time are the live calls?

4. Can I apply for CEU/CME?

5. What are the learning objectives/outcomes?

6. Are there any prerequisites to enroll?

7. I’m not a doctor - is this going to go over my head?

8. Is there anybody who shouldn’t do this?

9. 100% Money Back Guarantee

Contact Us

UNLOCK THE MYSTERIES OF AUTISM

What is it?

Learn how to support and interact with people who have Autism

Who is it for?

Are you caring for a person with Autism?

Who will benefit from this course?

Why do it?

Here’s some of the benefits

What You Get

Bonuses:

The Curriculum

Module One: Groundwork

Module Two: Background

Module Three: Rapport

Module Four: Senses

Module Five: Evaluation

Module Six Primitive reflexes

Module Seven: Diets

Module Eight: At Home

About Erin

Who is Dr. Erin Jacobs Stagner?

Praise

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost?

2. How much time will it take?

3. What time are the live calls?

4. Can I apply for CEU/CME?

5. What are the learning objectives/outcomes?

6. Are there any prerequisites to enroll?

7. I’m not a doctor - is this going to go over my head?

8. Is there anybody who shouldn’t do this?

9. 100% Money Back Guarantee

Contact Us

Who is
Dr. Erin Jacobs Stagner?