Diverse Thinking Different Learning
208 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 40 ratingsDiverse Thinking · Different Learning, a ChildNEXUS podcast, is hosted by pediatric neuropsychologist, mom of two, and ChildNEXUS founder Dr. Karen Wilson. Each week, Dr. Wilson provides support and guidance for parents raising kids with learning differences. Diverse Thinking · Different Learning features informative and inspiring interviews with top experts in their fields, and gives parents and educators the tools and takeaways they need to better understand neurodivergence, learning disabilities, and youth mental health. This podcast informs offers actionable advice to help diverse learners and children with unique needs reach their fullest potential. Parents of diverse learners or children with mental health challenges can access vetted information and connect with qualified professionals at https://www.childnexus.com/.
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Episodes
Ep. 193: Independent College Consultants: Who Needs One and When?
July 09, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 19.7 MBSummer is here, and many graduates are looking into the college application process. If you’re not sure where to start, a college consultant can help make this stressful period much easier for students and parents alike. Today, we dive into everything about independent college consultants. What exactly are they? What is their role, and how do they help our students? We’ll explore who might benefit from hiring an independent consultant and address the specific needs of students with learnin...
Ep. 192: Reimagining Education for All Students with Sylvia Barreto Benites
July 02, 2024 09:00 - 41 minutes - 24.3 MBToday, we have a truly inspiring guest joining us from the heart of the jungle in Costa Rica. She’s the director of the Renaissance Institute (iREN), a trailblazing educational program that is redefining how we approach learning for all students, especially those with learning differences. We’re excited to dive deep into her insights and experiences on how she combines neuroscience, psychology, and pedagogy to create a transformative learning environment. Sylvia’s journey began in 2020 whe...
Ep. 191: How CBT Helps Kids and Teens with Social Anxiety with Dr. Sarah Olivo
June 25, 2024 09:00 - 45 minutes - 26.3 MBToday, we're diving into a topic that affects many kids, teens, and adults: social anxiety. Social anxiety is more than just the usual nervousness or shyness; it can significantly impact daily life, making even the simplest social interactions panic-inducing. We're going to break down what social anxiety is, how it differs from normal social worries, and most importantly, how to spot it in children and teens. Our guest today is Sarah Olivo, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with over...
Ep. 190: Should Your Teen Take a Gap Year? with Julia Rogers
June 18, 2024 09:00 - 31 minutes - 18.5 MBIn this episode, we’re exploring something that is often misunderstood and rarely talked about: gap years. Many parents and students don’t really know exactly what a gap year is or how taking one could be the right choice for them. So today, we are exploring the benefits and considerations of gap years for teens and young adults with learning differences. I’m thrilled to introduce our guest, Julia Rogers, a professional gap year counselor and founder of EnRoute Counseling. Julia is an expert...
Ep. 189: The Private School Option for Kids with Learning Differences with Collette Bowers Zinn
June 11, 2024 07:00 - 40 minutes - 23.8 MBWelcome to today's episode, where we are navigating the complex landscape of public and private school options for children with learning differences. While many families have had great experiences in both settings, others face challenges that necessitate exploring alternative educational environments. Today, we're diving into the independent school option for those with learning differences, with the expertise of our guest, Collette Bowers Zinn. Collette Bowers Zinn brings over 20 years o...
Ep. 188: Enhancing Reading Skills Through Speech-Language Therapy with Stacy Payne MS, CCC-SLP
June 04, 2024 07:00 - 48 minutes - 28.4 MBToday, I’m excited to discuss the profound impact of early language and speech experiences on cognitive and academic skills, specifically reading skills. Joining us is a seasoned expert in the field, Stacy Payne, a speech-language pathologist and the founder of Bright Beginnings Pediatric Services. Stacy shares her insights on the importance of creating a language-rich environment for children from an early age. She explains how these early interactions, much more than simple bedtime stori...
Ep. 187: What is Social Learning? with Fran Kenton
May 28, 2024 09:00 - 34 minutes - 20.2 MBIn today’s episode, I’m thrilled to have Fran Kenton with us to discuss social emotional learning (SEL). Fran holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, along with credentials in General and Special Education, and is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is the founder of Autonome, a dynamic and interactive SEL program designed for teens and young adults. In our conversation today, we’ll explore how Fran's unique approach can cultivate crucial skills in kids and teens. She sha...
Ep. 186: Final Sprint: Tips for a Strong School Year Finish - Hunja Koimburi
May 21, 2024 20:28 - 41 minutes - 24.4 MBWelcome back to another episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Tune in this episode as Dr. Karen Wilson welcomes educational therapist Hunja Koimburi to the podcast to discuss end-of-year strategies for students with learning differences. As the school year winds down, students and parents alike face many challenges, including but not limited to completing final projects and managing increased stress levels. Hunja shares his expertise on how parents can support their children duri...
Ep. 185: Late Diagnosis: Why Did I Get Missed? with Dr. Monica Blied
May 14, 2024 09:00 - 40 minutes - 23.6 MBHey there, welcome back to Diverse Thinking Different Learning! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often overlooked but incredibly important: late diagnoses of ADHD and autism, particularly in women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals. It's a conversation that's long overdue, and we're so grateful to have Dr. Monica Blied joining us to shed some light on this crucial issue. As a clinical psychologist and founder of Faces of Health, Dr. Blied brings a wealth of knowledge and expert...
Ep. 184: Could Pathological Demand Avoidance Clarify My Child’s Challenges? with Dr. Casey Ehrlich
May 07, 2024 09:00 - 48 minutes - 28.4 MBSome parents may describe their child as very strong-willed. That child may show an extreme avoidance of everyday demands, expectations, and requests. But what if the behaviors are not an indication of strong will, but rather occur because a child feels overwhelmed by demands and perceives them as threats to their autonomy and self-control? Are there specific strategies that would be helpful when raising a demand-avoidant child or teen? Today, we’re going to be talking about Pathological D...
Ep. 183: Unlocking Potential: A Dyslexia Journey with Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey
April 30, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 19.7 MBWelcome to today's episode, where we turn the spotlight to dyslexia awareness and advocacy, featuring the remarkable journey of Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey. Rosalin's story is nothing short of inspiring as she navigates her own experience with dyslexia to become an advocate for change for dyslexic individuals across Africa and beyond. From struggling in academics to finding her passion in culinary school, Rosalin's personal journey highlights the importance of understanding and embracing ne...
Ep. 182: How to Support Emotionally Intense Children with Samantha Moe
April 23, 2024 07:00 - 37 minutes - 21.7 MBToday, we're digging into the complex and often challenging world of parenting emotionally intense children. I'm thrilled to introduce our special guest, Samantha Moe, a certified parent coach and speaker who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Samantha's work is nothing short of amazing, providing invaluable support and guidance to parents navigating the complexities of raising emotionally intense children. In this episode, Samantha sheds light on the intricacies of p...
Ep. 181: Youth Anxiety: How Parents Can Help with Dr. Elizabeth Karp
April 16, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 19.6 MBWelcome back to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. Today, we're diving into a crucial topic that affects families worldwide: childhood anxiety. Joining us is Dr. Elizabeth Karp, a licensed clinical child psychologist and adjunct lecturer at Stanford University School of Medicine. With her expertise in evidence-based interventions for ADHD, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder, Dr. Karp provides invaluable insights into supporting children and families facing these challenges. ...
Ep. 180: 6 Fundamental Habits for Better Sleep with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown
April 09, 2024 09:00 - 34 minutes - 20 MBWelcome back to another discussion about sleep! We've previously delved into why sleep is crucial for our well-being, and today, we're taking it a step further. In this episode, we'll explore practical strategies that you can implement at home to ensure that not only our children are getting good quality sleep, but the whole family. Joining me is Dr. Afolabi-Brown, a triple board-certified sleep medicine physician and pediatric pulmonologist, who will guide us through the science of sleep ...
Ep. 179: How to Empower Black Neurodivergent Learners with Jason B. Allen
April 02, 2024 09:00 - 43 minutes - 25.4 MBWelcome to today's episode where we are tackling the important topic of empowering black neurodivergent learners and connecting with their community. Our guest, Jason B. Allen, National Director of Partnerships for the National Parents Union, brings over 19 years of experience in education to the table. Through his work, Jason advocates for inclusive and supportive environments that uplift students, families, and communities. In our conversation, Jason sheds light on the stigma surrounding...
Ep. 178: Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond with Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC
March 26, 2024 12:00 - 33 minutes - 19.7 MBWelcome to a crucial conversation that strikes a chord with every parent of a middle schooler (myself included!), and even more so for those navigating the unique challenges of children who think and learn differently. Today, we're joined by the amazing Phyllis Fagell, whose focus and expertise are on guiding children through the tumultuous middle school years. Middle school isn't just a phase to endure; it's a pivotal time that sets the stage for future success. Phyllis shares invaluable ...
Ep. 177: How Understanding the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Better Support Teens
March 19, 2024 12:00 - 13 minutes - 8.43 MBAdolescence is a pivotal time in a young person’s life. The adolescent brain, while it has developed in size, is not done growing and changing. In this episode, I explore the complexities of neurodiversity between biology and experience in shaping the developmental journey of neurodivergent youth. It's time to challenge conventional narratives surrounding developmental conditions and embrace a more inclusive approach rooted in developmental diversity. Throughout this episode, we'll uncover...
Ep. 176: Does Your Child Need an Academic Success Playbook? with Jacqueline Olivier
March 12, 2024 12:00 - 34 minutes - 20.5 MBMany families struggle knowing what to do when their child or teen suddenly starts failing school and academics or lacks motivation to learn. These challenges can be difficult to navigate as a parent, especially for a parent of a neurodivergent child. Today’s guest has an incredible resource that turns this challenge into an opportunity for parents and families. Dr. Jacqueline Olivier is the founder of Blue Marble Learning Center and she has created an Academic Success Playbook. This isn’t...
Ep. 175: How to Support Students Who Struggle with Writing with Shanna Trombetta
March 05, 2024 13:00 - 32 minutes - 18.8 MBWhen it comes to writing, there is so much happening behind the scenes. It is so much more than sitting down, grabbing a pencil, and putting words on paper. In today's episode, we'll explore the challenges students face when it comes to writing. From motor skills to executive functioning, today’s guest explains the complexities of the writing process. Shanna Trombetta is an Educational Therapist and she joins the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast to help us better understand not...
Ep. 174: How to Empower Different Thinkers with Dr. Yael Rothman and Dr. Katia Fredriksen
February 27, 2024 13:00 - 33 minutes - 19.8 MBWelcome back to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning podcast where we are diving into a topic that is especially important for families raising children and teens who learn and think differently. Today's episode is particularly special as we explore empowering children and teens with ADHD and other learning differences by helping them understand their brains and embrace their unique gifts. I am joined by Drs. Fredriksen and Rothman, pediatric neuropsychologists from Maryland, who bring ...
Ep. 173: Why Treating Symptoms Isn’t Enough for Child Wellbeing with Hokehe Eko, MD MPH FAAP
February 20, 2024 13:00 - 34 minutes - 20.4 MBDid you know that most children with ADHD are given medication, offered some counseling, and nothing else? Today's episode is a game-changer, especially for parents navigating the challenges of ADHD because today’s guest wants to change this. Dr. Hokehe Eko joins us to discuss her unique approach, one that focuses on empowering children with ADHD without solely relying on medication. Dr. Eko believes it's time to shift our focus from merely treating symptoms to understanding the whole chil...
Ep. 172: How to Talk to Kids About Mistakes and Failure with Dr. Robyn Silverman
February 13, 2024 13:00 - 33 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this episode, we explore how children and teens who learn and think differently perceive mistakes and failure. Dr. Robyn Silverman, AKA the “Conversation Doc,” renowned child and teen development specialist and best-selling author, guides us through the complexities of navigating tough conversations about failure with young people. Drawing from her book, How to Talk to Kids About Anything, Dr. Robyn underscores the importance of reframing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning....
Ep. 171: Is it Shyness or Social Anxiety? with Dr. Fran Walfish
February 06, 2024 13:00 - 35 minutes - 20.9 MBWould you describe your child as passive, quiet around others, uncomfortable in social situations, a child that avoids eye contact, and maybe hesitates to try new things? Does your child excessively rehearse what they want to say or how they want to behave? Some parents may wonder if this is shyness or something more. Is it social anxiety? Today, we’re digging into the topic of both. Is it shyness or social anxiety and how do you know? And what can we do to help? Dr. Fran Walfish is an a...
Ep. 170: Understanding Selective Mutism with Dr. Danielle Cornacchio
January 30, 2024 13:00 - 43 minutes - 25.2 MBIf your child is afraid to speak around certain people, like adults or strangers, or in certain situations, like at school, they may be struggling with selective mutism. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by an inability to speak in certain settings and to certain people. It is commonly misunderstood as shyness or a child could even be misdiagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Disorder or Oppositional Defiance Disorder. But what exactly is selective mutism and how can we tell...
Ep. 169: The Science of Exercise and the Brain with Dr. John Ratey
January 23, 2024 13:00 - 35 minutes - 20.9 MBWe know that exercise does have a positive impact on the brain. We know that exercise can optimize brain function and prevent cognitive decline in adults. But what can it do for children and adolescents that learn and think differently? Today’s guest is Dr. John Ratey, an internationally recognized expert in neuropsychiatry. Dr. Ratey became interested in the science of exercise and the brain early on in his career and has seen first-hand the benefits not only to one’s body, but also behav...
Ep. 168: 5 Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Youth
January 16, 2024 13:00 - 8 minutes - 5.18 MBWelcome to the new year of Diverse Thinking Different Learning! We’re setting the stage for a great year of celebrating neurodiversity and recognizing it as a spectrum that encompasses a range of differences. Our goal is to highlight the strengths and unique qualities of neurodivergent individuals while also challenging stigmas and stereotypes. In this quick episode, you’ll learn five quick tips for supporting neurodivergent youth. We will focus on these topics and more throughout the year...
Ep. 167: From Surviving to Thriving: A Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs and Well-Being with Leslie Forde
January 09, 2024 13:00 - 39 minutes - 22.8 MBMany parents, particularly moms, feel like taking care of your health and well-being only comes after your family’s needs are met. That essentially means that there’s no time left for any form of self-care. But today’s guest discusses how we can take better care of ourselves and in doing so, take better care of the ones we love. Leslie Forde is the CEO and Founder of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs®. Her business provides evidence-based tools for moms to reclaim time from the never-done list for ...
Ep. 166: Educational Therapy, Distance Learning, and Social Justice with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh
January 02, 2024 13:00 - 54 minutes - 31.4 MBLet’s revisit one of our favorite Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast episodes with Dr. Bibi Pirayesh. Dr. Bibi Pirayesh is a Learning Specialist and an Educational Therapist who has been in private practice for over a decade. While the emphasis of Dr. Pirayesh’s work is on remediating learning disabilities in a one-on-one setting, she is also a sought after speaker and community advocate for children and families around learning rights. In this episode, we discuss how educationa...
Ep. 165: Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities with Dr. Daniel Franklin
December 26, 2023 13:00 - 34 minutes - 20.5 MBIt’s time to spend some time with family for the holidays and now is a great time to look back at some of the earliest episodes of Diverse Thinking Different Learning. Today, we’re revisiting our conversation with Dr. Daniel Franklin. What is a Language-Based Learning Disability and when should we as parents be concerned? Well, let’s ask an expert! Today my guest is Dr. Daniel Franklin, the founder and clinical director of the Los Angeles based Franklin Educational Services and the author ...
Ep. 164: 5 Keys to Productive IEPs with April Rehrig
December 19, 2023 13:00 - 37 minutes - 21.9 MBThe IEP process is notoriously daunting, overwhelming, and can be confusing to parents. However, parents have the right to be active participants in all aspects of an IEP. There’s more that parents can do to be a part of their child’s education and successfully advocate for the support they need in the classroom. Today’s guest is April Rehrig, the founder of Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting. April has a unique approach to special education reform that promotes team collaboration an...
Ep. 163: Raising Children with Mental Health Challenges with Jan Stewart
December 12, 2023 13:00 - 37 minutes - 21.7 MBIn her raw and emotional book Hold On Tight: A Parent’s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness, Jan Stewart shares her deeply personal experience as a mother of two children with wildly different needs. Through the challenges of finding the right diagnoses and treatments, Jan learned to insist on an integrated partnership approach, leading her to then support other parents facing similar struggles. She joins the podcast today to talk about this rollercoaster journey for her as a par...
Ep. 162: Can Play Therapy Help My Child? with Cathi Spooner, LCSW, RPT-S
December 05, 2023 13:00 - 39 minutes - 23 MBToday, we’re answering the question, “Can play therapy help my child?” But first, we need to understand what play therapy is and what it is not. Our guest, Cathi Spooner shares insights on helping children navigate complex emotions through play therapy. And there’s a lot to talk about! We’ve had several episodes discussing different treatment modalities and information about ways we can provide social and emotional support to our children and adolescents. Play therapy might be the right fi...
Ep. 161: The Intersection of Neurodivergence and Substance Use with Eric Rydzewski and Chris Wilson
November 28, 2023 13:00 - 34 minutes - 20.4 MBResearch shows that individuals with learning and thinking differences are at higher risk for substance abuse. It is also known that there is a connection between mental health problems, like depression and anxiety, and substance abuse. But now that we know that, what do we do about it? Today’s guests support neurodiverse youth and help with substance use and abuse concerns. Eric Rydzewski and Chris Wilson join me today from Aspen Growth Coaching to help guide us through some of the misinf...
Ep. 160: The Sleep-Deprived Teen with Lisa Lewis
November 21, 2023 13:00 - 33 minutes - 19.6 MBToday’s topic is no stranger to the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. We’re talking about sleep, but this time, we’re discussing the impact of sleep (and lack thereof) on teens. Lisa Lewis explains it all beautifully in her book The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive. And in our conversation today, she shares some interesting facts about the adolescent brain, how sleep deprivation impedes brain development, and ...
Ep. 159: The Benefits of Boarding for Diverse Learners with Sara Jackson
November 14, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 14.3 MBParents frequently find themselves searching for the perfect educational environment for their child. And when you have a child who thinks and learns differently, you may also look for an environment where your child has access to interventions that address their unique needs, a program that incorporates clinical support, helps your child develop social-emotional learning and adaptive functioning skills, and provides them with the support of a community of educators and peers. For some stude...
Ep. 158: Why I Homeschool with Wendy Zanders
November 07, 2023 12:00 - 27 minutes - 16.3 MBAlthough today’s guest is a declutter coach and has been featured as a guest on the podcast before, she’s here for a completely different reason today. Today, Wendy Zanders is here in her role as a mom who homeschools. This episode is a down-to-earth and realistic conversation about the popular topic of homeschooling. Wendy shares her journey, the ups and downs, the reasons behind her family’s decision, and the possibilities homeschooling has opened up for her children. If you are think...
Ep. 157: What Dyslexia Screening in Schools Means for Your Child with Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie
October 31, 2023 12:00 - 42 minutes - 24.7 MBWith a new dyslexia screening law coming into effect next year in the state of California, parents need to know what to expect and what the rights of their children are. To help educate us on what this screener is and what it means for our children, educational attorneys Vickie Brett and Amanda Selogie join the podcast again. Vickie and Amanda are both attorneys and founders of the Inclusive Education Project, which includes an IEP Learning Center and a podcast. As educational attorneys, t...
Ep. 156: To Test or Not to Test (ACT/SAT) in the Test-Optional Era with Annika Guy
October 24, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 17.4 MBIf you have a teen who is preparing for or thinking about applying to college, you are likely aware that some colleges and universities are test optional or even test blind when it comes to ACTs and SATs. But what does that mean? Should students with learning differences, test anxiety, or struggles with test-taking in general take these tests? Annika Guy is the Director of Independent Study/Homeschool and SAT/ACT programming at Hayutin Education and a valued ChildNEXUS member. And while th...
Ep. 155: Providing Support with Virtual Educational Therapy with Rachel Kapp
October 17, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 17.5 MBEducational therapy is oftentimes an unknown term for parents and families. Today’s guest has actually shared with us in a previous episode what it is and how it can benefit so many different students in Episode 10: Building Independence Through Educational Therapy. But what we haven’t talked about is what educational therapy looks like… virtually. Welcome back to Rachel Kapp, who is an educational therapist with an extensive background in the field of education. After working with so man...
Ep. 154: Why Self-Efficacy and Self-Advocacy are Important for Diverse Learners with Ashley Harding
October 10, 2023 12:00 - 36 minutes - 21.5 MBToday’s guest is Ashley Harding and we’re discussing the importance of students having a sense of belonging in their learning environment. Ashley is a valued member of the ChildNEXUS community and a compassionate advocate for diverse learners. In this episode, Ashley explains how impactful a sense of belonging is to a student. Knowing they hold a significant space somewhere, feeling a sense of connection and safety, and knowing that their educational needs are being met while also getting ...
Ep. 153: Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with Dr. Jesse Spiegel
October 03, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 18.3 MBOver the last few years, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. And we’ve talked about anxiety many times on the Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast. But one thing we haven’t discussed yet is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD. This is a topic that has been requested by listeners and I’m thrilled to have found today’s guest, Dr. Jesse Spiegel, an expert on OCD. Everyone has had the occasional concern about misplacing somethi...
Ep. 152: A Roadmap for Parenting Differently Wired Kids with Debbie Reber
September 26, 2023 12:00 - 39 minutes - 23 MBToday we are welcoming back parenting activist and previous podcast guest, Debbie Reber. Debbie and I have had the opportunity to speak on multiple occasions and her support for parents of differently wired kids is extraordinary. As the founder and CEO of Tilt Parenting, Debbie has provided resources to parents around the world and uses her own experiences as a parent of a neurodivergent child to help other families navigate their unique journeys. In our conversation today, we are talking ...
Ep. 151: Parenting with ADHD: Insights and Inspiration with Holly Blanc Moses
September 19, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 18.8 MBMany parents see themselves in their children. And when a child is evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD, some parents realize that they have had the same struggles. Research shows that as many as 1 in 5 people have ADHD and because we know that the heritability of ADHD is about 80%, the odds that many adults are struggling with undiagnosed ADHD are high. With this realization, many parents are receiving an ADHD diagnosis during adulthood and like today’s guest, their struggles make a lot of sen...
Ep. 150: Vision-Related Learning Difficulties with Dr. Juanita Collier, MS, OD, FCOVD
September 12, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 17.8 MBIn her book, The Hidden Link Between Vision and Learning, Wendy Beth Rosen cited a study by Ohio State University. That research study found that 69% of students with IEPs identified as having treatable vision problems, yet would pass a typical school screening. Most people only associate vision with eyesight, but today’s guest explains that there is so much more to the visual system and even a child with great eyesight could be struggling with vision-related learning difficulties. Today’s...
Ep. 149: Supporting Children and Teens’ Mental Health via Nutrition
September 05, 2023 12:00 - 12 minutes - 7.72 MBLately, we’ve been focusing on preparing students who think and learn differently for a transition back to school. But today’s topic is an interesting and often overlooked aspect of mental health - nutrition. Studies show that what we eat can significantly impact our mental wellbeing. The same is true for children and teens and we can help support their mental health through their diet. Show Notes: [1:34] - Emerging research is showing that our dietary choices play a role in our ment...
Ep. 148: How Sleep Affects Academic Performance and Mood
August 29, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutes - 14.8 MBAs we get started and accustomed to a new academic year for students, we need to take a moment to talk about sleep. How much sleep do children and adolescents actually need? What are signs that they are getting quality sleep or insufficient sleep? Many adults track their own sleep, but are you monitoring your child’s? When children and adolescents don’t get enough sleep it impacts their ability to focus, remember information, and regulate their emotions - all things that are critical to th...
Ep. 147: 5 Tips to Help Students Transition Back to School
August 22, 2023 12:00 - 12 minutes - 7.59 MBA new school year is upon us! This can be an exciting time but it can also be challenging for parents and their children especially for those who think and learn differently. This quick episode is designed to help ensure a smooth start for these students and their families. These five tips can help navigate this period successfully. It’s not an exhaustive list, just a few tips to get the ball rolling for a great new school year. Show Notes: [1:52] - Tip #1: Establish a predictable ro...
Ep. 146: How Parents and Educators Can Collaborate to Help Students Thrive with Shelley Lawrence
August 15, 2023 12:00 - 34 minutes - 20 MBFor many families, it is hard to hear that your child has been struggling in school. Some parents may already know or have a feeling their child is struggling. They have even received assessment results, only to feel worried about the negative stigma or sharing that information with their school. Today, we are re-airing a discussion about the importance of collaboration between parents, families, and educators. Today’s guest is Shelley Lawrence and she comes to us with two decades worth o...
Ep. 145: Advocating for Children with Special Needs with Heather Zakson
August 08, 2023 12:00 - 51 minutes - 30.1 MBAre you concerned about whether your child has made meaningful progress over the last year in school? Today’s guest is an incredible special education attorney who is passionate about advocating for children and adults. You can hear the passion in her voice throughout this entire episode and she brings to light a lot of concerns as we begin the transition to heading back to the brick and mortar classroom environment. Our guest, Heather Zakson, is a special education attorney. She answers ...
Ep. 144: Raising Differently Wired Kids with Joy and Confidence with Debbie Reber
August 01, 2023 12:00 - 35 minutes - 20.6 MBIf you have a child who thinks, learns, or experiences the world differently than others, this episode is for you. Parents of differently wired kids may face a negative stigma, uncertainty, and may make decisions from a place of fear, especially in regards to education. But today’s guest shares her experience and encourages parents to change their mindset and make decisions from a place of possibility. I am thrilled to welcome Debbie Reber as today’s guest on the Diverse Thinking Different...