Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities

In Episode 123 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie reconnects with Melanie Florsheim to revisit the foundational concepts of dyslexia, emphasizing that it is a neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to process written language—not a result of brain damage or reversed letters. Melanie explains that dyslexia primarily impacts reading, spelling, and writing due to difficulties in...

In Episode 122 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie chats with Dr. Michele Evard, a seasoned homeschool consultant and co-author of a book on designing and documenting homeschool education. Michele shares her journey from academia to homeschooling her three children, emphasizing the importance of individualized learning. She explains that homeschooling allows children to learn naturally and...

In Episode 121 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie interviews Andrea Malkin Brenner, a college transition expert, sociologist, and co-author of How to College. Drawing on her 20 years of experience as a professor at American University, Andrea shares how she developed courses and resources, including her “Talking College” card decks, to help students and families navigate the transition fr...

In Episode 120 of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie invites her husband Tim to share their unique experience as a married couple who both have ADHD. They reflect on the challenges and strengths of navigating life, work, and parenting together while managing their symptoms. Resources: Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact info for the podcast: lets...

In Episode 119 of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, host Laurie Peterson attends the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA) conference in Detroit, where she interviews three professionals working to support students in their academic transitions. Resources: Andrea Malkin Brenner: TalkingCollege.com National Test Prep Association: https://nationaltestprep.org/ Jim Wismer: https://myi...

In this episode, Laurie reconnects with Cindy Palmer from Threshold Coaches to discuss essential parenting strategies for supporting neurodivergent students, particularly those with ADHD, as they transition from high school to college. Resources: Threshold Coaches Website: https://www.thresholdcoaches.com/ Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact info for the podca...

This episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities focuses on the often-overlooked emotional impact of learning disabilities and ADHD on both children and adults. Laurie emphasizes the importance of validation, open communication, and self-advocacy for both children and adults navigating these challenges. Therapy, coaching, and workplace accommodations are suggested to help individuals build resilie...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie chats again with Cindy Palmer of Threshold Coaches, this time on the topic of the transition from high school to college for neurodiverse students. Cindy shares her top 10 tips for these students. Resources: Threshold Coaches Website: https://www.thresholdcoaches.com Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contac...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie chats with Dr. Casey Vaccaro to discuss autism, its symptoms, diagnosis, and its overlap with ADHD and learning disabilities. Dr. Vaccaro emphasizes the importance of early intervention, comprehensive evaluations, and support through educational accommodations and therapies like ABA. Addressing common myths, she reassures parents that wit...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie Peterson interviews inspiring guests at the Learning Disability Association annual conference. The episode highlights innovative programs and resources designed to support neurodiverse students, from college readiness initiatives to personalized learning environments. Resources: Beacon College Website: https://www.beaconcollege.edu/ Autho...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie continues her conversation with Jan Van Blarcum, focusing on the unique aspects of the Einstein School. Resources: Einstein School Website: https://theeinsteinschool.com Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact info for the podcast: letstalklearningdisabilities@gmail.com E-Diagnostic Learning Website: http...

In this episode of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie welcomes Jan Van Blarcum as a special guest for a two-part interview. Laurie and Jan have known each other for many years, their connection stemming from Jan's tutoring company and Laurie's work in testing students. They formed a friendship and now Jan runs a school in Plano called The Einstein School. Resources: Einstein School Website:...

In this Episode, Laurie focuses on SAT and ACT accommodations for students with learning disabilities. She discusses how many people are unaware that accommodations are available for these standardized tests and explains that the process can be overwhelming. She highlights that requirements frequently change, influenced by events such as the college admissions scandal, which led to stricter regula...

In this Episode, Laurie kicks off a brand new season of Let's Talk Learning Disabilities. Resources: Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact info for the podcast: letstalklearningdisabilities@gmail.com E-Diagnostic Learning Website: https://ediagnosticlearning.com Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eDiaglearning/ X: @diaglearning LinkedIn: https://www.link...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey conclude their interview Dr. Justin Chelette, an optometrist from Texas Vision Therapy, delving into the topic of visual processing and functional vision. Resources: Texas Vision Therapy Website: https://www.texasvisiontherapy.com College of Optometrists in Vision Development Website: https://www.covd.org Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodca...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey interview Dr. Justin Chelette, an optometrist from Texas Vision Therapy, to delve into the topic of visual processing and functional vision. Resources: Texas Vision Therapy Website: https://www.texasvisiontherapy.com College of Optometrists in Vision Development Website: https://www.covd.org Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Website: https://ltldpodcast.com Contact...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey interview Lindsay Hollmuller from Dallas Integrated Counseling as a continuation of their Intervention series. Lindsay sheds light on the common challenge of test anxiety and explains how a program called Test Edge can help individuals overcome this obstacle whether it is a result of a learning disability, or a standalone concern. Resources: Let's Talk Learning Di...

In this episode, Laurie chats with her stepdaughter, Sydney, about the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD, and emphasizes that once individuals with ADHD find their passion, they can excel. Sydney shares about her personal struggles with math due to inconsistent schooling and a learning gap, but also expresses pride in her ADHD, calling it her "superpower" and attributing her success in...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey discuss alternative treatments for ADHD, particularly focusing on neurofeedback. They welcome guest Betsy Ezell, Director of Neurofeedback at Heritage Counseling and Consulting. Betsy shares her background as a licensed clinician with a passion for both therapy and science, and explains how neurofeedback therapy can be an effective alternative treatment to help wi...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey chat with Pam Cusick and discuss the challenges and strategies surrounding neurodiversity in the workplace. Pam shares insights from a recent survey conducted by Rare Patient Voice, which gathers input from neurodivergent individuals regarding their workplace experiences. Resources: Rare Patient Voice Website: https://rarepatientvoice.com Let's Talk Learning Disab...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey welcomed Nadaya Cross, Director of Disability Services at Texas Woman's University. Nadaya shared her journey, starting as an interpreter before moving to Disability Services, where she advanced to director. She expressed her excitement about the progress in supporting students with disabilities, making the campus more inclusive and accessible. Resources: ​Texas W...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey introduce their special guest, Anna Popp, an educator advocate from Popp Educational Services and Advocacy. Anna shares her journey into advocacy, which was shaped by her experience as a parent of children with disabilities and her career in education and nonprofit work. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the rights of children with disabilities, a kno...

In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey unpack some really great thoughts on getting ready for school in the new year. They talk about reviewing your accommodation plan, and being communicative with teachers ahead of time. Laurie & Abbey also discuss what it looks like for students to advocate for their own needs as they get older and even enter college. Resources: Let's Talk Learning Disabilities Websi...

In this episode, Abbey and Laurie celebrate the milestone of reaching their 100th episode of their podcast, "Let's Talk Learning Disabilities." The podcast has grown beyond their expectations, receiving positive feedback from listeners who have found it a valuable resource. They dedicate this special episode to sharing some of the impactful feedback they've received over the years, highlighting th...

In this episode, Abbey and Laurie chat with Cindy Palmer from STEM Tutoring, who specializes in dyscalculia. Cindy shares her background, explaining her career shift from a high school biology teacher to a one-on-one therapist for adolescents. Resources: STEM Tutoring: https://www.tutoringstem.com Book - A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley: https://barbaraoakley.com/books/a-mind-for-numbers/ Let'...