When to Say When: Building Confidence in Supporting Neurodivergent and Developing Minds by Michele Hemenway Pullen

Are you finding that more and more children present you with more and more questions? Do you ever feel like some days you just can’t find the answers—or that when you do, nothing seems to work or keep working?

In this insightful session, Michele Hemenway Pullen, Project Specialist at the University of Louisville Early Childhood Research Center, will guide you through a simple, step-by-step approach to help you regain your confidence and know “what to say when,” as well as which next steps are best to take.

Originally designed for early childhood college students who were experiencing new levels of frustration, Michele’s “When to Say When” checklist has, over the past fifteen years, become a trusted framework for educators seeking composure, clarity, and confidence—especially when working with children whose behaviors are complex or whose neurodivergent traits may be misunderstood.

Each step highlights areas where you can seek additional training or collaboration and provides practical strategies grounded in evidence-based practices. You’ll leave with clear, actionable “next steps” to guide your professional growth and interactions with children and families.

You’ll gain:

1. Greater confidence in identifying which areas of a child’s development to consider when confronted with confusing or challenging behaviors.

2. Stronger communication skills for engaging families in ongoing, collaborative conversations about what you’re experiencing.

3. A renewed sense of well-being and reassurance that you have a plan—and that you’re doing all you can.

As we move through this process, you’ll be invited to use the checklist document to take notes, reflect, and apply your learning in real time.