Haley Palmer is the Director of Starlight Behavior Academy and a dedicated advocate for early intervention and play-based learning. With over 13 years of experience working with autistic children and their families, Haley has worked in public schools, private clinics, and in-home settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education and a master’s degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Haley is dual-certified in Early Childhood and Special Education and is passionate about creating individualized, meaningful learning experiences that support each child’s unique strengths. At Starlight, she leads with a collaborative, family-centered approach to help students gain independence in key developmental areas.

In this episode, Haley shares why she believes early intervention is critical for long-term success and how play-based learning can be one of the most powerful tools in a child’s development. We also discuss how families can navigate the autism diagnosis process, what the DSM-5 criteria involves, and why collaboration between educators, therapists, and caregivers makes all the difference. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, Haley's insights will leave you encouraged and empowered.

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